bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Visualizing a Convergence of Three Mitochondrial Molecule mRNAs for Drp1/Mfn2/Ucp4 on Soma of Cerebellar Purkinje Cells by RNAscope
Authors: Liu Hui , Luo Tingting , Wu Feifei , Guo Baolin , Zhang Kunlong , Li Shujiao , Li Xiaodong , Wang Ruiqing , Chen Jinghao , Wang Lu , Yang Yanling , Wang Ya-Yun
Published: December 2021

We know little about how mitochondrial dynamics regulates in the Purkinje cells. To explore it, we first set up the Gad2-cre:ZsGreen-tdTomatofl/fl mice where Purkinje cells expressed tdTomato in the cerebellum. Secondly, double stainings verified tdTomato cells were Calbinin (CB)-positive Purkinje cells, but colocalized neither with astrocyte marker GFAP nor with microglia marker Iba1. Thirdly, application of RNAscope in situ hybridization with the identification of mRNAs of mitofusin 2 (Mfn2), calcium transporter (Mcu and Nclx) and uncoupling proteins (Ucp2 and Ucp4) were used onto Purkinje cells for specific spatial analysis. Our findings demonstrated that Mfn2 mRNAs expression was evident in Purkinje cells. And few expressions of Ucp4 mRNAs were presented in dendritic shafts of Purkinje cells. It should be noted that Mcu, Nclx, and Ucp2 mRNAs expression were only scattered on both soma and dendrites in Purkinje cells. The double RNAscope profiling of mitochondrial molecules showed Mfn1 mRNAs are presented only in the soma of the Purkinje cells. Double RNAscope showed none of Drp1 mRNAs were co-localized with Mcu mRNAs, as well as almost none of Ucp2 mRNAs were co-localized with Mfn2 mRNAs. All of these results showed the mitochondrial Drp1/Mfn2/Ucp4 convergence on the Purkinje cells. Finally, present research focuses on developing new and more specific molecules tuning the activity of the Purkinje cells activate or inactivate and opening therapeutic windows for Purkinje cells-related diseases. The molecular identification of potential drug targets, mechanism of action, and structural basis of their activity will crucially enable preclinical development.
Climate Change Impacts And Adaptation Barriers Among Smallholder Cassava Farmer
Authors: AYANLADE Ayansina , OLUWATIMILEHIN Isaac Ayo
Published: December 2021

Climate variability/change has varied impacts on crop yields in many Sub-Saharan African countries. Enhancing the adaptive capacity of rural farmers is a major challenge as climate change becomes threatened to agricultural activities in the region. In this study, the impacts of climate change on cassava crops were examined, and farmers’ perceptions of climate, change and their experienced adaptation methods were assessed. Historical climate data and social datasets were used; the adaptation option and barriers to the use of adaptation methods were obtained through questionnaires, semistructured interviews and focus group discussions. Correlation statistics and multiple regressions were utilized to show the impacts of climate on the yield of cassava. The results showed a high variation in climatic variables together with an obvious anomaly index with severity. Minimum and maximum temperatures correlated strongly and positively with the yield of cassava, with 0.86, 0.82 and 0.87, respectively, which were significant at p>0.05. The results of multiple regression showed that climate parameters accounted for 75% of the changes in yield. The results also showed a very strong relationship between crops and rainfall in the early growing season at the p<0.05 level of significance. The majority of the farmers perceived that lack of capital and financial, physical and human capital accounted for 70% of barriers to the implementation of climate change adaptation methods. The key findings here are that the cropping system has been impacted by climate change and that the adaptive capacity of rural farmers in the study area is generally low. The study concludes that although climate change is obvious, there is generally a need to enhance the adaptation options available to farmers in the region.
Endobronchial Ultrasound Features for Evaluation of Mediastinal and Hilar Lymph Nodes
Authors: Pang Lingling , Zou Shenchun , Liu Xueping , Fan Yingqi , Shi Ying , Yu Pengfei
Published: December 2021

Background. The aim of the study was to evaluate the utility of Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) features included elastography and B-mode features for differentiating malignant from benign lymph nodes(LNs). Methods. 84 patients with 151 enlarged mediastinal and hilar LNs underwent endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) were involved in the retrospective study from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2019. Scores of EBUS elastography, EBUS B-mode features and final pathological results were recorded. Receiver operating characteristics, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to evaluate the diagnostic yield of elastography and B-mode features for malignant LNs. Results. Total 84 patients of 151 LNs were enrolled in the single center retrospective study, which included 108 malignant nodes and 43 benign nodes obtained from 59/25 patients respectively. EBUS elastography score 4-5 differentiated malignant LNs from benign nodes with sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and diagnostic accuracy 85.05%, 77.27%, 90.10%, 71.0% and 82.23% respectively. EBUS B-mode features round shape, heterogenenous echogenicity and absence of CHS showed statistical diagnostic yield by multivariate logistic analysis. ROC analysis suggested the combined AUC for elastography, round shape, absence of CHS and hetergeneous echogenicity was 0.849. Conclusions. EBUS features are effective for differentiating between benign and malignant LNs. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Qingdao medical college affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital (NO. 2014-111).
The Unstable Restorer-of-Fertility Locus in Pepper (Capsicum Annuum. L) is Delimited to a Genomic Region Containing PPR Genes
Authors: Kang Moo Chan , Kang Hwa-Jeong , Jung So-Young , Lee Hae-Young , Kang Min-Young , Jo Yeong Deuk , Kang Byoung-Cheorl
Published: December 2021

The use of cytoplasmic-genic male sterility (CGMS) systems greatly increases the efficiency of hybrid seed production. Although marker development and candidate gene isolation have been performed for the Restorer-of-fertility (Rf) gene in pepper (Capsicum annuum L.), the broad use of CGMS systems has been hampered by the instability of fertility restoration among pepper accessions, especially sweet peppers, due to the widespread presence of the Unstable Restorer-of-fertility (Rfu) locus. Therefore, to investigate the genetic factors controlling unstable fertility restoration in sweet peppers, we developed a segregation population from a cross between a male-sterile line and an Rfu-containing line to examine the inheritance of Rfu. Individuals with unstable restoration vs. sterility segregated at a 3:1 ratio, indicating that a single dominant gene controls unstable fertility restoration. Genetic mapping delimited the Rfu locus to a 479 kb genomic region on chromosome 6 flanked by two markers, which is close to but different from the previously identified Rf-containing region. The Rfu-containing region harbors a pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) gene, along with 13 other candidate genes. In addition, this region is syntenic to the genomic region containing the largest number of Rf-like PPR genes in tomato. Therefore, the dynamic evolution of PPR genes might be responsible for both the restoration and instability of fertility in pepper. During genetic mapping, we developed various molecular markers, including one that co-segregated with Rfu. These markers showed higher accuracy for genotyping than previously developed markers, pointing to their possible use in marker-assisted breeding of sweet peppers.
Development of Analytical Seismic Fragility Functions For The Common Buildings In Iran
Authors: Karimzadeh Zarrin , Ghafory-Ashtiany Mohsen , Kalantari Afshin , Shokuhirad Sahar
Published: December 2021

One of the main components for the development of regional seismic risk models is the fragility functions for common building types. Due to the differences between the national design codes, construction practices, and construction materials, it is necessary to develop specific fragility functions for the common building types which are constructed in each region. One of the existing challenges is the lack of classified, reliable, and cogent local seismic fragility functions for common buildings in Iran. For this reason, the present study is devoted to filling this essential gap. Therefore, at the first step, a comprehensive study was performed on the existing building types in the country. Finally, the Iranian common buildings are classified into 35 categories regarding material, lateral-load-resisting system, age, height, and code level. Also, by conducting comprehensive studies on all previously performed researches in the country, structural and dynamic parameters have been collected for buildings in each class. This information was used to compute a large set of backbone curves for Iranian buildings taxonomy. In the next steps, a large set of ground motion records were selected. Then non-linear time-history analyses were performed on the generic backbone curve for each type of building, and the structural responses were used to derive fragility functions for building classes. Then nearly three hundred appropriate fragility functions were generated for Iranian common buildings considering both record-to-record and building-to-building response variability using cloud analysis. Based on the existing empirical data from past earthquakes in the country, the validation of the resulting fragility functions was carried out. The resulted fragility functions can be utilized in seismic risk assessment studies in the country.
Reintroduction of Decomposed Straw To Maize Fields Resulted In Soil Microbial Community Change And Increased Corn Production
Authors: Zhou Yang , Xu Weihui , Chen Wenjing , Hu Yunlong , Wang Zhigang
Published: December 2021

Purpose Returning decomposed straw to crop fields could address many agricultural shortcomings. In this study, the soil microbial community, soil nutrients, soil enzyme activities and maize yield were investigated after returning decomposed straw to the field. Methods To investigate the effects of returning decomposed straw to field on soil microorganisms and maize growth, field experiments were carried out to measure soil nutrient content, soil enzyme activity and maize yield, and the soil microbial community structure was measured by 16SRNA and ITS amplicon sequencing technology.Results The results showed that the contents of total nitrogen (TN), nitrate nitrogen (NN), total phosphorus (TP), available phosphorus (AP) and pH were significantly increased, and the contents of ammonium nitrogen (AN) and available kalium were decreased in both the rotary tillage (SR) and mulching (SM) treatments. The bacterial and fungal community structures in bulk and rhizosphere soils were clearly changed under SR and SM. The relative abundances of bacterial genera related to soil denitrification, such as Skermanella, Blastococcus, Geodermatophilus and Asanoa, were significantly increased. The relative abundances of Conexibacter, Streptomyces and Trichoderma, which bacteria that has shown to inhibit plant diseases, were increased. In addition, the relative abundances of growth-promoting bacteria, such as Arthrobacter and Mesorhizobium, were also significantly increased. Moreover, adding decomposed straw back to the field promoted the absorption of nutrients by maize, and resulted in higher yield of maize.Conclusions Our findings suggest positive responses of soil microbial community structure and maize growth to decomposition straw returning.
Co-Administration of a Plasmid Encoding CD40 or CD63 Enhances the Immune Responses to a DNA Vaccine Against Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus in a Mouse Model
Authors: Dongze Leng , Yamada Shinji , Chiba Yusuke , Yoneyama Syuji , Sakai Yusuke , Hikono Hirokazu , Murakami Kenji
Published: December 2021

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) causes substantial economic losses in the livestock industry worldwide. Plasmids encoding the BVDV E2 protein are potential DNA vaccines against BVDV, but their immunogenicity has been insufficient. Here, we investigated the adjuvant effect of CD40 and CD63 on the immune responses to a BVDV E2 DNA vaccine in a mouse model. We constructed pUMVC4a-based plasmids encoding the BVDV E2 protein (pE2), mouse CD40 (pCD40), or mouse CD63 (pCD63). Protein expression by each plasmid was confirmed through Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence staining of cultured cell lines. BALB/c mice were immunized intradermally twice with pE2 in combination with, or without, pCD40 or pCD63, with 3 weeks between the two doses. pE2 with pCD40 induced significantly higher neutralizing antibody titers against BVDV than pE2 alone. Furthermore, pE2 with pCD40 or pCD63 induced significantly increased lymphocyte proliferation and IFN-γ production in response to BVDV ex vivo, compared with E2 alone. These results suggest that a plasmid encoding CD40 or CD63 can be used as an adjuvant to enhance immune responses to DNA vaccines against BVDV.
Mutations in the GNAS Gene Prevent the Cell Invasion by Activating the MEG3/Wnt/β-catenin Axia in Growth Hormone-secreting Pituitary Adenoma
Authors: Tang Chao , Zhong Chunyu , Zhu Junhao , Yuan Feng , Yang Jin , Cai Xiangming , Xu Yong , Ma Chiyuan
Published: December 2021

Approximately 30–40% of growth hormone-secreting pituitary adenoma (GHPA) harbor somatic mutations in the GNAS (α subunit of the stimulatory G protein) gene. However, the latent functional role of the mutations and relative molecular mechanism in GHPA remain unknown. The GNAS gene mutations were detected in GHPAs using a standard PCR-sequencing procedure. The mutation-associated MEG3 expression was measured by RT-qPCR. MEG3 was manipulated in GH3 cells using a lentiviral expression system. Alterations in mRNA profiles in the MEG3-overexpressed cells were analyzed by RNA-seq. The cell invasion ability was measured using a Transwell assay, and the EMT-associated proteins were quantified by immunofluorescence and western blot. Finally, a tumor cell xenograft mouse model was applied to verify the effect of MEG3 on tumor growth and invasiveness. The percentage of invasive tumors was significantly declined in GNAS-mutated GHPA tumors with the GNAS mutations compared to those tumors with the wild-type of GNAS. Consistently, the GH3 cell invasion capacity was decreased by expressing the mutant GNAS. MEG3 is uniquely expressed at high levels in GHPA harboring the mutated GNAS gene. Accordingly, the upregulation of MEG3 resulted in inhibiting cell invasion; and vice versa, the downregulation of MEG3 led to enhancing cell invasion. Mechanistically, the high level of MEG3 in mutated GNAS cells prevented the cell invasion via inactivation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, which was further validated in vivo. The GNAS mutations inhibit the invasiveness of GHPA cells via inactivation of the MEG3/Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
COVID-19 and Cognitive Impairment: A Cross-Sectional Clinic Based Study
Authors: Siddig Amira , Ahmed Khabab Abbasher Hussien Mohamed , Abdelrahman Ahmed , Abbasher AlHussien , Abbasher Abubaker Alsedig , Abbasher Mohammed , Hussien Abbasher
Published: December 2021

Background: Patients with dementia are more prone to acquire COVID-19 infection. Patients with COVID-19 showed a tendency to develop cognitive impairment. Objectives: We aimed to study the clinical manifestations of COVID-19 infection among adult Sudanese demented patients and the prevalence of cognitive impairment among adult Sudanese non demented patients. Methodology: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study which took place in Sudan, Khartoum state in the period (September-December 2021) in a private neurology/psychiatry clinic. 135 adult Sudanese patients were included in this study and were divided into two groups. The first group consists of 100 patients with a known history of dementia that got infected recently with COVID-19, while the second group consists of 35 patients who developed some sort of cognitive impairment after recovering from COVID-19 infection. Regarding the second group, cognitive functions were assessed by senior consultant neurologist and senior consultant psychiatrist using a well validated neuropsychological measure. Results: Out of 100 patients in the first group, females were 60 and males were 40. Age distribution is between 63 -98. The common presenting symptoms of COVID-19 among this group were: Cough and fever (90 patients), diarrhea and vomiting (5 patients), breathlessness (4 patients), coughing of blood (5 patients), convulsions (1 patient), paraplegia (1 patient) and hemiplegia (1 patient). Regarding the second group, Age distribution varied from 30 to 80 years. Cognitive functions impairment was noticed as follows: Memory recall (22%), memory recognition (23%), memory encoding (24%), processing speed (16%), executive functioning (19%), phonemic fluency (17%) and category fluency (17%). Conclusion: Patients with dementia are more susceptible to develop COVID-19 infection. Patients with COVID-19 Infection are at risk of developing some sort of cognitive impairment after recovery.
Polymethylmethacrylate-augmented Cannulated Pedicle Screw Fixation for High-energy Vertebral Compression Fracture with Osteoporosis
Authors: Liu Yao-yao , Xiao Jun , Yin Xiang , Liu Ming-Yong , Wang Zhong , He Lei , Liu Peng , Dai Fei
Published: December 2021

Background: High-energy vertebral compression fractures (HVCFs) with osteoporosis puts forward higher requirement for the stability of pedicle screw internal fixation system. However, few studies have concentrated on the clinical outcomes of cannulated pedicle screw to augment fixation with polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) under this condition. This study aims to investigate the mid-term efficacy of bone cement-injectable cannulated pedicle screw (CICPS) in HVCFs with osteoporosis.Methods: Eighteen patients with HVCFs (T < -2.5) were underwent spinal fixation by CICPS from 2012 to 2017. The operation time, blood loss, and hospitalization time were recorded. Pain and functional recovery were evaluated by Visual Analog Scale VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), respectively. X-ray films were taken to evaluate the loss of vertebral height, kyphosis angle, pedicle screw loosening, and bony fusion. Surgical related complications were also recorded.Results: The average follow-up time was 18.5 ± 8.7 months (range, 6-54 months). VAS and ODI scores indicated significant improvements in postoperative pain and activity function (P < 0.05). Comparing the last follow-up with the postoperative imaging findings, the loss of vertebral height and kyphosis angle was 3.4 ± 1.2 mm and 7.8 ± 3.8°, respectively. The rate of bone graft fusion was 100% while no case was involved in screw loosening or extraction. 1 case of superficial infection, 2 cases of PMMA leakage, and 1 case of cerebrospinal fluid leakage were found.Conclusions: CICPS fixation using PMMA augmentation may be suggested as a feasible surgical technique in osteoporotic patients with HVCFs.
Noise Assisted Image Encryption and Decryption using 2-D Chaotic System
Authors: Biswas Namrata , Mohamed I. Raja
Published: December 2021

In this paper, a new two-dimensional (2-D) chaos-based color image encryption and decryption scheme is proposed in which the noise signal is selected randomly to set the initial values for a chaotic system which also enhances the security of the system. The 256-bit hash value of noise is transformed into one-time initial values for the state variables of this proposed chaotic system. XOR operation is further carried out to diffuse the pixels. Finally, statistical and security analyses are performed for understanding the effectiveness of the proposed system. Experimental results confirm that the proposed chaos-based cryptosystem is efficient and suitable for information (image) transmission in a highly secured way.
Traumatic Dental Injuries: A Survey of Knowledge and Attitudes Among Family Physicians in Turkey
Authors: GOK Adem , ATAS Osman
Published: December 2021

Background/Aim: Individuals exposed to trauma are most often brought or directed to the nearest healthcare facility by their relatives. In Turkey, most widely available healthcare services are provided by family physicians at primary care Family Health Centers and patients expect receiving treatment for TDI from medical doctors when they do not immediate access to a dentist. The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge and attitude about traumatic dental injuries among family physicians working at family health centersin Turkey. Material and methods: A total of 110 family physicians participated in the study. Participants were family physicians who attended a meeting organized by Elazığ Provincial Directorate of Health. A self-administered questionnaire consisting of 16 multiple choice questions assessing both demographic data, knowledge and attitude about traumatic dental injuries was distributed to family physicians during the meeting.Results: The results obtained from 86 fully responded questionnaire forms, %75 of family physicians didn't receive any education on TDI. 86% of Family physicians feel that they don't have adequate knowledge about TDI. 53.5% of the family physicians reported that they have come across patients with TDI at least once at their practice. 39.5% of the physicians did not know the importance of extra-oral time. Sterile sponge was selected as the best transport media for avulsed tooth by 22.6% of the participants. Regarding physicians’ attitude, 75% think that education should be provided in medical schools about TDI.Conclusions: This study revealed that the majority of family physicians lack the knowledge needed to manage avulsion and crown fracture cases. Hence, educational programs are necessary during and after medical training for family physicians to provide proper management for traumatic dental injuries.
Röntgenbelastung und Röntgenuntersuchungen bei Frühgeborenen und kranken Neugeborenen
Authors:   , Weiß Deliah
Published: December 2021

Im Bereich der Neonatologie kommen die Patient*innen oft multimorbide zu Welt oder sind für bestimmte Komplikationen gefährdet, die sich aus ihrer Unreife ergeben. Dabei spielen sowohl bei reifen kranken Neugeborenen und erst recht bei Frühgeborenen Erkrankungen der Atemwege eine Hauptrolle. Nach wie vor ist das konventionelle Röntgen in diesem Bereich der Medizin ein wichtiges Instrument. Die diagnostische Strahlenexposition bietet jedoch immer wieder Raum zur Diskussion. Die Patient*innen sind nur wenige Tage alt und besitzen somit über eine hohe Proliferationsrate und ein Maß an undifferenzierten Zellen, sie erhalten in Summe teilweise viele Aufnahmen und haben auf der anderen Seite eine hohe Lebenserwartung, wenn sie die Neugeborenenzeit ohne Komplikationen überleben. Haupteffekte ionisierender Strahlen sind für die Früh- und kranken Neugeborenen Malignome, vor allem die Leukämien. Es soll herausgefunden werden, inwieweit die Strahlenbelastung ein gesundheitliches Risiko für die Früh- und Neugeborenen darstellt.
ABCES Jurídicos: una estrategia de divulgación del derecho
Authors: Mira González Clara María , Tamayo Múnera Sandra Janeth
Published: December 2021

Los estudiantes de la Facultad de Derecho de la Universidad CES que cursan el consultorio jurídico, presentan de manera semestral, los boletines ABCES.
Estos boletines consisten en la revisión minuciosa de un tema jurídico de los que habitualmente son competencia del Consultorio Jurídico, con el objeto de presentarlo a la comunidad en general y con ello empoderarla y clarificar el uso de mecanismos y figuras jurídicas.
MEGA-EMPREENDIMENTOS URBANOS E INJUSTIÇAS AMBIENTAIS: ALGUMAS REFLEXÕES A PROPÓSITO DO PROJETO NOVO RECIFE, RECIFE/PE
Authors: MAHMOOD Sofia Barbosa , SANTOS Otávio Augusto Alves dos
Published: December 2021

Este trabalho procura debater o caráter socioambientalmente injusto de mega-empreendimentos privados ligados ao mercado imobiliário, observando-se as especificidades da urbanização na cidade do Recife e as recentes nuances de sua dinâmica socioespacial, marcada pela consolidação do empreendedorismo como modelo de planejamento. Isso é feito a partir de uma análise crítica do Projeto Novo Recife, empreendimento imobiliário de luxo que ainda está em apreciação judicial, mas que tem proporcionado um amplo ambiente de debates na cidade em função de suas irregularidades e prováveis impactos socioambientais.
UMA ANÁLISE DA ABORDAGEM TERRITORIAL NO ENSINO DE GEOGRAFIA, NA EDUCAÇÃO BÁSICA NO CENTRO DE ENSINO MÉDIO SANTA RITA DE CÁSSIA, PALMAS-TO
Authors: TAVARES Silvaldo Quirino , BISPO Marcileia Oliveia
Published: December 2021

Este trabalho realiza algumas reflexões sobre a abordagem e compreensão do território no Ensino de Geografia na Educação Básica. O principal objetivo da pesquisa foi identificar como o Centro de Ensino Médio Santa Rita de Cássia, de Palmas -TO está apresentando o tema em questão e qual noção os alunos das séries finais do Ensino Básico estão tendo de território. A partir daí, identificar as principais dificuldades e propor sugestões. As considerações aqui presentes, têm como base pesquisas bibliográficas sobre o tema e a realização de um estudo de caso na escola, no ano de 2015. Conclui-se que o ensino do referido conceito geográfico na Educação Básica necessita ser revisto e aprofundado. O território precisa ser ensinado na escola em uma dimensão mais ampla do seu significado e das relações sociais em que está presente.
INTERACCIONES ESPACIALES Y TOPOLOGÍA EMPRESARIAL: LA CIRCULACIÓN DE MATERIAS PRIMAS E INSUMOS INDUSTRIALES EN TANDIL, BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA
Authors: DI NUCCI Josefina
Published: December 2021

La industria, una de sus ramas o una empresa en particular produce una lógica territorial cuya manifestación visible es una topología; es decir, puntos y áreas que las empresas seleccionan y que conforman su base material de existencia para la producción, circulación y consumo. Estos son los fijos necesarios para realizar su actividad, es decir, su división del trabajo. Estudiamos ese aspecto visible de las empresas a partir de un análisis de las interacciones espaciales de Tandil con diferentes núcleos urbanos como resultado de la circulación de flujos materiales para la producción, en particular la compra de las materias primas y los insumos industriales. Esto nos permite ver la división territorial del trabajo de la actividad industrial de Tandil y de sus firmas, considerando que cada división territorial del trabajo se asocia a un momento del proceso de urbanización y del período de la historia que estamos viviendo.
A ORIGEM E A CONSTITUIÇÃO ATUAL DOS CENTROS COMERCIAIS DE CAMPINA GRANDE – PB
Authors: BATISTA Péricles Alves
Published: December 2021

O presente artigo tem por objetivo analisar a reestruturação do comércio de Campina Grande - Paraíba, localizada no Nordeste brasileiro. O texto aborda a respeito da origem e a constituição dos centros comerciais da área central da cidade, sobretudo, a partir das mudanças ocorridas no setor terciário. Com a recente ascensão desse setor na economia urbana, alguns pequenos centros de comércio emergiram e vem alterando o espaço urbano local. Como metodologia, utilizou-se pesquisa documental em arquivos de jornais para a obtenção de informações desses empreendimentos na última década. Isso nos leva a afirmar que o processo de descentralização pelo qual a área central passa, apresenta uma continuidade cada vez mais evidente, mas, contraditoriamente, ao mesmo tempo, reforça a centralidade do centro de Campina Grande. Sendo assim, observou-se um processo descentralização do comércio local para além da área central, impulsionadas pela expansão da cidade na direção Leste, em consonância com a localização de novos empreendimentos comerciais, a exemplo do shopping center.
Internety się palą. O wybranych semiotyzacjach pożaru katedry Notre Dame
Authors: Jankowska Małgorzata
Published: December 2021

The aim of the article is to analyse some online reactions to the Notre Dame fire, especially the content of social media. The fire has often been interpreted through biblical symbolism as a sign of God’s presence, a warning or even a punishment. At the same time, various information bubbles have used the opportunity to discuss some basic global issues, e.g. climate change, comparing the burning cathedral to the burning Siberian and Amazonian forests. There are also some examples of the pure netlore which can be seen as an element of the process of carnivalization – a way out from the apocalyptic narratives of any kind.
Kulturowy wymiar designu – między estetyzacją a odpowiedzialnością
Authors: Głutkowska-Polniak Alicja
Published: December 2021

When it comes to design, are aesthetic and ethical values oppositional to each other as they have been considered to be, or are they compatible and complementary? Design theorists and critics often distance themselves from aesthetic assumptions, focusing on ethical foundations and values based on duties towards another person (designer for the user) or responsibility. Alicja Głutkowska-Polniak However, aesthetic values are clearly inscribed in the field of design. Firstly, because design is related to the appearance (aestheticization of reality) – form, harmony, and proportion between elements – but also to manipulation or simulation (aestheticization of design). In design as a cultural area, values interpenetrate and, at the same time, are ethical, social and aesthetic in their form and contexts; the aesthetic values especially permeate everything. They are not isolated in any separate order but rather they combine with other types of values.
In vitro effect of salinity and pH on Fusarium sp., the causal agent of sweet-potato root rot
Authors:   National Research and Development Institute for Plant Protection, Barbu Lavinia Diana Nicoleta , Boiu Secoia Oana Alina
Published: December 2021

Fusarium root rot in a common pathogen of sweet potato, with a wide range of host plants. In the current study six new isolates of Fusarium sp., collected from infected sweet potato plants, along with a reference strain of Fusarium oxysporum, had their growth behavior studied in various pH and saline conditions. In vitro studies showed that salinity higher than 6% NaCl in the PDA substrate significantly reduces the fungal growth. At 12% NaCl, four of seven strains revealed complete mycelia inhibition. However, for the other two isolates, and for the reference strain, 12% salinity only reduced the growth with 77.4%. Regarding the fungal growth at different pH values, it was noticed that tested fusaria were not perturbed at up to 8.5 alkalinity. However, at a pH of 4.5, the growth rate was reduced, although the growth differences were diminished during prolonged incubation time. Considering the in vitro results, saline water should be tested as preventive immersion treatment on the sweet potato sprouts, before their planting, in order to reduce the incidence of Fusarium infection.
Screening of cultivation media for LDPE biodegradation by Penicillium verrucosum CNM-FP-02
Authors:   Institute of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Chisinau, Moldova, Postolachi Olga , Rastimesina Inna , Josan Valentina , Mamaliga Vera , Cotoman Alina , Stati Dumitru ,   Institute of Electronic Engineering and Nanotechnologies D.Ghitu, Chisinau, Moldova, Gutul Tatiana
Published: December 2021

The paper’s aim was to select the optimal mineral medium for LDPE biodegradation by the strain Penicillium verrucosum CNM-FP-02. It was selected 5 mineral salt media (MSM), which differed in salt content and N/P ratio. After 40 days of submerged cultivation, the following parameters were determined: catalase activity and pH of cultural media, biomass accumulation, rate of LDPE degradation, optical microscopy and the tensile testing of polyethylene. It was observed that catalase activity on all media, except MSM 4, was higher in the presence of LDPE. The addition of polyethylene to the growth media stimulated the fungal biomass accumulation by 19.3-93.1% (4 media out of 5 tested). The percentage of degradation of LDPE films was different, depending on the culture medium, from 0.41% to 0.92%. The most active LDPE films were degraded on medium MSM 2. Visualization of plastic strips under an optical microscope revealed the immobilization of the microorganism and the damage on the polyethylene surface. The tensile test showed increased elasticity of the plastic in the variants treated with fungal strain. In conclusion, in order to stimulate the biodegradation of LDPE by the strain P. verrucosum CNM-FP-02, the medium MSM 2 (N/P ratio 1:1) was selected.
A study regarding the parameters that influence the growth rate of Salix alba
Authors:   Dunarea de Jos University of Galati, Murariu Gabriel , Enescu Raluca ,   Marin Dracea National Institute of Research and Development in Forestry, Vasile Diana , Dinca Lucian , Mocanu George Danut , Munteanu Dan ,   Dunarea de Jos University of Galati
Published: December 2021

The inventory and evaluation of growth rates for afforested surfaces is extremely important in estimating production levels and in determining the wood quantities that can be harvested. The present research was realized in southeast Romania, on a surface that contains 375h of afforested fields. The monitored surfaces are situated in Hanu-Conachi Independenta Forest, at a relatively low altitude. The study took into account only the surfaces afforested with willow (Salix alba) and extended between 2010 and 2015. The afforested surfaces’ consistency and age were evaluated based on direct observations and measurements. The used numerical analysis on different optimization methods was selected from amongst the most used series from the specialty literature. Our results have shown that evaluations of estimated production growth rates can vary significantly when different statistical analyses and numeric methods are used. By using numerical optimizing models, computer simulations can offer precise estimations regarding growth rates, and consequently, for the efficiency of a given forest inventory. Common numerical interpolation methods or the usage of neuronal networks do not always lead to consistent results. Specific numeric methods are preferable for a better evaluation of growth rates and current inventory. In addition, investments in computer simulation methods and software should be encouraged in order to reach a permanent inventory, improve the efficiency of exploitation operations, and sustain environmental protection.
The effect of toxic metal As on the Matricaria Chamomilla L. medicinal plant
Authors:   National Research and Development Institute for Industrial Ecology, Serban Ecaterina Anca , Vasile Gabriela Geanina , Gheorghe Stefania , Stoica Catalina , Catrina Gina Alina , Dinu Cristina
Published: December 2021

The paper presents an experimental laboratory study of the bioaccumulation of the toxic metal arsenic in the medicinal plant chamomile (Matricaria Chamomilla L.). The study makes a comparison regarding the bioaccumulation capacity of the chamomile plant in which arsenic is found as a unique contaminant, as well as in mixtures of 2, 3, or 4 toxic metals (Cd, Ni and Pb) on a natural soil enriched with metals, compared to the chamomile plant developed on an unpolluted substrate. The tests followed the effects of soil pollution with metals on the germination and development of chamomile. The experimental results indicated that arsenic does not bioaccumulate in the chamomile plant, remaining in the soil. The experiment that was an exception is the one with arsenic as the only contaminant (E1) in which at 90 days, the arsenic content in the chamomile plant was 3.58 mg/kg arsenic, the value that is within normal limits, below the phytotoxic value of 5 mg/kg, but was higher than that determined in the plant from the control test experiment (<0.75 mg/kg). The bioaccumulation factor (BCF) after 90 days, in all experiments, either by a combination of metals or a single contaminant had values lower than 1, indicating that the plant does not accumulate arsenic. The total chlorophyll from the results obtained indicates that the toxicity in the E1 experiment is higher than in the metal mixture.
Evaluation of Nigerian Medicinal Plants Extract on Human P-glycoprotein and
Cytochrome P450 Enzyme Induction: Implications for Herb-drug Interaction
Authors: Amaeze Ogochukwu , Marques Emily S. , Wei Wei , Lazzaro Sarah , Johnson Nathaniel , Varma Manthena V.S. , Slitt Angela
Published: December 2021

Background:

Herbal medicine represents a significant component of disease prevention and therapy in
most African countries. Herb-drug interactions (HDI) can arise from the co-administration of herbal and orthodox
medicines.

Objective:

This study assessed the potential for HDI of V. amygdalina, O. gratissimum, M. oleifera, A. indica, and P.
nitida extracts using in vitro assays. Little is known about these medicinal plants' potential for drug interaction despite their extensive use in Nigeria for several disease conditions.

Method:

The medicinal plant crude extracts were evaluated for Cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzyme induction using
cryopreserved human hepatocytes. Enzyme activity was determined by quantifying probe substrate metabolism and
metabolite formation using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry. The extracts were evaluated for the potential to inhibit P-glycoprotein (P-gp) activity using human embryonic kidney membrane vesicles
over-expressing human P-gp. The herbal extracts in vivo drug interaction potential was predicted based on the USFDA drug interaction guidance.

Result:

O. gratissimum and P. nitida methanol extracts induced CYP1A2 enzyme activity by greater than 3-fold. P.
nitida methanol extracts showed over 2-fold induction of CYP1A2 mRNA expression. O. gratissimum methanol
extract induced CYP2B6 mRNA expression over 2-fold. P. nitida and A. indica methanol extracts showed potent
inhibition of P-gp activity (IC50: 3.8 and 5.4 µg/mL), respectively, while V. amygdalina and M. oleifera methanol
extracts showed moderate P-gp inhibition (IC50: 12.1 and 37.2 µg/mL, respectively).

Conclusion:

Our studies suggested that the medicinal plants’ extracts can modulate CYP enzymes and P-gp activity
with the potential to cause herb-drug interaction in vivo.
Applications and Challenges of Machine Learning Methods in Alzheimer's
Disease Multi-Source Data Analysis
Authors: Li Xiong , Qiu Yangping , Zhou Juan , Xie Ziruo
Published: December 2021

Background:

Recent development in neuroimaging and genetic testing technologies have made it possible to measure pathological features associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) in vivo. Mining potential molecular markers of AD from high-dimensional, multi-modal neuroimaging and omics data will provide a new basis for early diagnosis and intervention in AD. In order to discover the real pathogenic mutation and even understand the pathogenic mechanism of AD, lots of machine learning methods have been designed and successfully applied to the analysis and processing of large-scale AD biomedical data.

Objective:

To introduce and summarize the applications and challenges of machine learning methods in Alzheimer's disease multi-source data analysis.

Methods:

The literature selected in the review is obtained from Google Scholar, PubMed, and Web of Science. The keywords of literature retrieval include Alzheimer's disease, bioinformatics, image genetics, genome-wide association research, molecular interaction network, multi-omics data integration, and so on.

Conclusion:

This study comprehensively introduces machine learning-based processing techniques for AD neuroimaging data and then shows the progress of computational analysis methods in omics data, such as the genome, proteome, and so on. Subsequently, machine learning methods for AD imaging analysis are also summarized. Finally, we elaborate on the current emerging technology of multi-modal neuroimaging, multi-omics data joint analysis, and present some outstanding issues and future research directions.
Inhibition of the Citrus Bacterial Pathogen Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri through Aloysia gratissima Essential Oil and Flourensia spp. Extracts and Prenylflavonoids
Authors: Castillo Miguel Ángel , Reyes María Guadalupe , Torres Elsa Mónica Farfán , Uriburu María Laura
Published: December 2021

Background:

Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri is a gram-negative bacterium that affects
citrus crops, causing a disease known as citrus canker. Although essential oils and other compounds
isolated from plants represent a natural alternative to treat this disease, they have the disadvantage
of having low solubility in the media in which the bioassays to determine antimicrobial activity
are performed. This has led several researchers to evaluate the solubility of plant essential
oils in alternative solvents.

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the solubility of the essential oil from Aloysia
gratissima as well as that of low-polarity extracts and pure compounds of the genus Flourensia in
diluted agar/Tween 80 solutions to test and improve their antimicrobial activity against Xanthomonas
axonopodis pv. citri.

Methods:

Antimicrobial activity against Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri was determined by
bioautography, agar diffusion, and microdilution methods.

Results:

The A. gratissima oil showed increased activity in the agar (0.15% m/v)/Tween80 (0.5%
v/v) 1:1 mixture, with MIC values ranging from 75 to 100 μL/mL, while Flourensia spp. extracts
were more soluble in agar solution (0.15% m/v). The pure compounds tested presented MIC values
ranging from 50 to 150 μg/mL.

Conclusion:

The proven antimicrobial activity of both Aloysia gratissima essential oil and Flourensia
spp. extracts and pure compounds allows proposing these natural products as potential antimicrobial
agents in the control of citrus canker.
The Use of Plant Fibers for Oligosaccharide Production with Libraries Constructed by Combinatorial Enzyme Technology
Authors: Wong Dominic W.S.
Published: December 2021

:

Combinatorial chemistry involves the chemical or biological synthesis of libraries of the
diverse structural population of a template molecule and the screening for the variants expressing
desirable target properties. The approach has been a focus of research activity in modern drug discovery
and biotechnology for accelerating the discovery and development of novel therapeutic and
bioactive compounds. This review describes the application of combinatorial chemistry in enzyme
technology as a novel technique and invention developed in our laboratory to construct oligosaccharide
libraries in the conversion of plant fibers. The theory, mechanism, development, and
application of this combinatorial enzyme approach are presented for the first time. The potential
food and non-food uses of oligosaccharides are described. Citrus pectin and wheat insoluble fiber
have been used as substrates for combinatorial enzyme reactions. Generation of libraries of structural
variants of pectic oligosaccharides (oligoGalA) and feruloyl oligosaccharides (FOS) demonstrates
the feasibility and usefulness of the technique in the transformation of plant biomass to value-
added products.
Deficit financing approaches and the Nigerian sector’s output
Authors: Chinemerem Osuji Casmir , Andrew E.O Erhijakpor , Bruno Oshiobugie Omolegie
Published: December 2021

This study examined the effect of deficit financing on Sectorial Output in Nigeria from 1986–2020. The independent variable in the study is deficit financing measured by domestic debt, foreign debt, budget deficit, and Foreign exchange reserve while the dependent variable in the study is Sectorial Output measured by Manufacturing Sector and Services Sector Output.  Accordingly, the two models support the ARDL Methodology since they reported mixed integration. The study found that domestic debt has a positive significant effect on Sectorial Output in Nigeria. More so, Foreign Debt has a negative insignificant effect on Manufacturing Sector Output. However, it has a significant effect on the Services Sector Output in Nigeria. Again, the study found that Budget Deficit exerted a positive significant effect on Manufacturing Sector Output. However, it exerted a negative insignificant effect on Services Sector Output. While Foreign Reserve exerted a negative insignificant effect on Manufacturing Sector Output, Foreign Reserve had mixed effects on Services Sector Output; such effect tends to be statistically significant only in the short run. Lastly, the both inflation rate and the interest rate have a mixed effect on Sectorial Output.
Rhetorical expressions in headlines of Kannada newspapers
Authors: Gajendra P. , Alquhali Sami A. M. , Al Maaytah Shahab Ahmad , Alkoli Mohammed
Published: December 2021

Use of Rhetorical Expression in both written and spoken, is a technique that an author or speaker uses to grab the attention of listener or reader. Rhetorical Expressions make headlines or articulations sensational, eye-catching and attractive through the meaning which inheritance in them and they convey the intention or message of the author or speaker to the listener or reader without any intervening time or space or instantly. Rhetorical devices such as figurative like Personification, Simile, Metaphor, Metonymy, Euphemism, Antithesis, Irony, Pun, and so on, can be used to evoke an emotional response in the audience, but that is not their primary purpose. So, the present paper focuses on Rhetorical Expressions which have been used in the headlines of Kannada Newspapers, namely Mysore Mitra and Andolana which are state newspapers. Data for the present article have been collected from the above-mentioned newspapers (Dated Nov. 20th, 2018 to Dec. 20th, 2018). 186 Rhetorical expressions have been traced out while collecting and analyzing the data.
Virtual exchange program building: an assessment-based approach
Authors: Ruther Nancy L. , Jeffress Alexa K. , Shi Lu , Rabke Sarah
Published: December 2021

Virtual Exchange (VE) provides a strategic approach for higher education institutions to internationalize. This study investigated how a USA Community College (US-CC) system and their partners started and grew their internationalization program through VE with teacher training, assessment, and support from a nonprofit bridge organization. Data were collected on program growth over three years, 2017-20, totaling 13 modules, 29 faculty, and 14 campuses. Cumulatively, students completed 341 pre-module and 202 post-module surveys which assessed the community colleges’ student learning goals: intercultural competence and awareness of the wider world, confidence in finding success in the global workforce, and ability to deploy 21st century skills (e.g. technology and teamwork). Quantitative and qualitative results provided concrete and nuanced evidence of program effectiveness and suggested positive impact. Our findings have two main implications: (1) positive student impact can help grow and sustain VE and other international programming; and (2) teacher training informed by and adapted with student assessment can help institutionalize VE programs.