bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinicopathologic Relevance of Claudin 18.2 Expression in Gastric Cancer: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ungureanu Bogdan Silviu , Lungulescu Cristian-Virgil , Pirici Daniel , Turcu-Stiolica Adina , Gheonea Dan Ionut , Sacerdotianu Victor Mihai , Liliac Ilona Mihaela , Moraru Emil , Bende Felix , Saftoiu Adrian
Published: March 2021

An increasing number of tumor markers have been discovered to have potential efficacy as diagnostic and prognostic tools in gastric cancer. We aimed to assess putative correlations between claudin 18.2 expression and pathological or prognosis features in patients with gastric cancer. MEDLINE, Web of Science, EBSCO, and ClinicalTrials.gov were used to search for relevant studies from their inception to 30 October 2020. Finally, a total of six articles were included in this meta-analysis. Review Manager 5 software was applied to examine the heterogeneity among the studies and to calculate the odds ratio with 95% CI by selecting corresponding models, in evaluating the strength of the relationship. Publication bias test was also conducted. No bias and no significant correlations were found between CLDN 18.2 and TNM stages, Lauren classification, HER2, grading, or overall survival. This meta-analysis expounded that the relationship with CLDN 18.2 and pathological features depends on the percentage of staining of tumor cells for which CLDN 18.2 is considered positive. Our pooled outcomes suggest that targeted therapy for CLDN 18.2 could be effective if certain criteria were established.
Political Polarization During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Jungkunz Sebastian
Published: March 2021

Affective polarization has increased substantially in the United States and countries of Europe over the last decades and the ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic have the potential to drastically reinforce such polarization. I investigate the degree and dynamic of affective polarization during the COVID-19 pandemic through a two-wave panel survey with a vignette experiment in Germany fielded in April/May and July/August 2020. I 1) compare the findings to a previous study from 2017, and 2) assess how economic distress due to the crisis changes perceptions of other partisans. Results show that the public today experiences slightly stronger polarization between AfD voters and supporters of other parties. Yet, higher economic distress decreases the negative sentiment of voters of other parties towards AfD supporters. I argue that experiencing economic distress increases the awareness of political debate and the responsiveness to government decisions. Thus, in times of broad cross-party consensus, this can translate into public opinion so that it makes people less hostile towards other partisans.
Burnout and Its Relationship With Depressive Symptoms in Medical Staff During the COVID-19 Epidemic in China
Authors: Huo Lijuan , Zhou Yongjie , Li Shen , Ning Yuping , Zeng Lingyun , Liu Zhengkui , Qian Wei , Yang Jiezhi , Zhou Xin , Liu Tiebang , Zhang Xiang Yang
Published: March 2021

Objective

The large-scale epidemic of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has triggered unprecedented physical and psychological stress on health professionals. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of burnout syndrome, and the relationship between burnout and depressive symptoms among frontline medical staff during the COVID-19 epidemic in China.

Methods

A total of 606 frontline medical staff were recruited from 133 cities in China using a cross-sectional survey. The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) was used to assess the level of burnout. Depressive symptoms were assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire Depression (PHQ-9).

Results

During the COVID-19 pandemic, 36.5% of the medical staff experienced burnout. Personal and work-related factors were independently associated with burnout, including age (OR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.52–0.89, p = 0.004), family income (OR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.53–0.99, p = 0.045), having physical diseases (OR = 2.16, 95% CI: 1.42–3.28, p < 0.001), daily working hours (OR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.03–1.77, p = 0.033), and profession of nurse (OR = 2.14, 95% CI: 1.12–4.10, p = 0.022). The correlation coefficients between the scores of each burnout subscale and the scores of depressive symptoms were 0.57 for emotional exhaustion, 0.37 for cynicism, and −0.41 for professional efficacy (all p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the prevalence rate of burnout is extremely high among medical staff during the COVID-19 pandemic, which is associated with other psychological disorders, such as depression. Psychological intervention for medical staff is urgently needed. Young and less experienced medical staff, especially nurses, should receive more attention when providing psychological assistance.
The Development of Relational Reasoning in South Korean Elementary and Middle-School Students: A Cross-Sectional Investigation
Authors: Chae Soo Eun , Alexander Patricia A.
Published: March 2021

Relational reasoning is a higher-order executive function that involves the ability to perceive meaningful patterns within a body of seemingly unrelated information. In this study, the ability of 749 fourth (Mage= 10), sixth (Mage= 12), eighth (Mage= 14), and tenth graders (Mage= 16) to identify meaningful relational patterns was investigated. This general cognitive ability was assessed by means of the Test of Relational Reasoning-Junior (TORRjr), a 32-item measure organized into four 8-item scales that assess analogical, anomalous, antinomous, and antithetical reasoning. Students’ performance on the TORRjr was analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis, measurement invariance test, and non-parametric median-based analyses. The confirmatory factor analysis supported that the higher-order factor model was the best fit for the TORRjr data for the Korean students. The measurement was determined to be invariant by gender but variant across grade levels. The non-parametric analysis resulted in an asymptotic (a constant increasing up to grade 6 and then a level off witnessed from grades 8 to 10) development pattern in overall relational reasoning across the grades. In comparison to analogy and anomaly, antinomy and antithesis scores were more fully developed by grade 8 and that level of performance was maintained at grade 10. The TORRjr appeared to be a viable measure for the Korean samples up to approximately 15 years of age. The significance of these findings for research and instructional practice are discussed.
Designing Immersive Virtual Environments for Human Behavior Research
Authors: Neo Jun Rong Jeffrey , Won Andrea Stevenson , Shepley Mardelle McCuskey
Published: March 2021

What are strategies for the design of immersive virtual environments (IVEs) to understand environments’ influence on behaviors? To answer this question, we conducted a systematic review to assess peer-reviewed publications and conference proceedings on experimental and proof-of-concept studies that described the design, manipulation, and setup of the IVEs to examine behaviors influenced by the environment. Eighteen articles met the inclusion criteria. Our review identified key categories and proposed strategies in the following areas for consideration when deciding on the level of detail that should be included when prototyping IVEs for human behavior research: 1) the appropriate level of detail (primarily visual) in the environment: important commonly found environmental accessories, realistic textures, computational costs associated with increased details, and minimizing unnecessary details, 2) context: contextual element, cues, and animation social interactions, 3) social cues: including computer-controlled agent-avatars when necessary and animating social interactions, 4) self-avatars, navigation concerns, and changes in participants’ head directions, and 5) nonvisual sensory information: haptic feedback, audio, and olfactory cues.
Análisis de inóculos microbianos para la optimización de la producción de biogás a partir de fangos residuales
Authors: Sandoval Trávez Andrés Mauricio , Santacruz Flores Fernando René , Chuquer Sola David Sebastián , Astorga García Diana
Published: March 2021

La necesidad de manejo adecuado de desechos en camales de parroquias rurales y su posible utilización como fuente de energía renovable, que además detenga el deterioro ambiental, condujo a la búsqueda de tecnologías microbianas. Residuos como vísceras, sangre y heces son ricos en sustratos esenciales para producir biocombustible. Con el objeto de confeccionar inóculos microbianos que optimicen la producción de biogás a partir de fangos residuales de desechos de camal de una parroquia rural del Distrito Metropolitano de Quito, se analizaron cantidad y calidad de biogás producido por consorcios intactos y cepas microbianas aisladas a partir de nueve estratos de 15 cm de espesor acumulados en el gradiente vertical de un colector de residuos de camal de 135 cm de profundidad. Dos de siete cepas productoras de biogás del total de 36 cepas microbianas aisladas y un consorcio intacto produjeron metano en concentraciones mayores al 87% tras 28 días de incubación. Al evaluar los inóculos metanogénicos generados con todas las combinaciones posibles entre estas dos cepas y el consorcio, uno de los inóculos fabricados registró no sólo la más alta producción de biogás, sino un 95,17% de pureza en términos de concentración de metano. Por tanto, la generación de inóculos metanogénicos a partir de cepas y consorcios eficaces puede conducir a la optimización de procesos de biodigestión con vías al aprovechamiento energético de residuos de camal.
Efeito modulador da interface EMG-FES na abertura de mão em indivíduos após AVC
Authors: Fumagali Giovanna Luise Cabrera , Krueger Eddy
Published: March 2021

Objetivo. A eletromiografia (EMG) capta ativação do motoneurônio e aciona a estimulação elétrica funcional (FES) promove contração muscular que mimetiza ativação muscular e promove neuroplasticidade. A interface EMG-FES é a interação de ambos os dispositivos, seu uso no presente estudo tem como objetivo verificar seu efeito modulador na abertura da mão em participantes pós–acidente vascular cerebral (AVC). Método. Foram realizadas 4 avaliações: (1) antes da intervenção, (2) após 8 sessões, (3) após 16 sessões e (4) acompanhamento após 15 dias da última intervenção. Foram feitas EMG de superfície nos músculos: (i) extensores de dedos, (ii) extensor do indicador, (iii) abdutor do polegar e (iv) flexor dos dedos. Foram realizadas 8 ou 16 sessões de ~30 minutos de duração de aplicação da interface EMG-FES nos músculos extensores de dedos.  Resultados. Foram contatados 431 e selecionados 4 participantes para o protocolo. Em dois dos participantes foram realizadas 8 sessões e nos outros dois, 16. A EMG registrou aumento do sinal e a taxa de disparo neural dos músculos avaliados na segunda e terceira avaliação, respectivamente. Nas avaliações seguintes houve diminuição dos valores, exceto nos músculos flexores dos dedos. Conclusão. A interface EMG-FES indicou que funciona para aumentar a ativação muscular e a taxa de disparo neural. Na avaliação de acompanhamento houve regressão dos valores, indicando melhora apenas a curto prazo. Para otimização da aplicação da interface EMG-FES sugere-se associá-la à exercícios resistidos e/ou terapia espelho.
Distribution of genotypes polymorphisms of genes markers of systemic inflammatory response among patients with STEMI
Authors: Sid’ E.V. , Soloviov O.V.
Published: March 2021

One of the important problems of modern medicine is the continuous increase of cardiovascular disease. An urgent problem at the present stage is the treatment of patients with acute forms of coronary heart disease, since vascular accidents are the leading causative factors of mortality from cardiovascular disease. Recently, an increasing number of studies have determined the role of genetic markers for predicting the adverse course of various cardiovascular diseases, including acute myocardial infarction. The distribution of genes markers of systemic inflammatory responses was determined in patients with STEMI. There are riteria for inclusion in the study: male and female patients from 46 to 75 years old; for postmenopausal women, more than 1 year; the presence of STEMI in the first 12 hours of the onset of the disease; informed consent of the patient to participate in the study. DNA was isolated from leukocytes from whole blood using the Express DNA Blood Kit (Litech). In the process of DNA extraction, the recommendations given in the kit instructions were followed. SNP polymorphisms of C-reactive protein genes were determined G-3014>A, tumor necrosis factor-α G-308>A, interleukin-10 G-1082>A by real-time polymerase chain reaction using a Rotor-Gene 6000 thermocycler (Corbett Research, Australia). The structure of the primers from the standard SNP-express-PB sets (Litech) was used. It was determined, that in patients with STEMI, an increase in the proportion of homozygotes (GG) and a decrease in heterozygotes (GA) of the genotypes of the G-3014>A polymorphism of the C-reactive protein gene are determined in comparison with the Hardy–Weinberg distribution. Polymorphism G-308>A of the tumor necrosis factor-α gene among patients with STEMI had a significant discrepancy with Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium, with an increase in the proportion of homozygotes (GG) and a decrease in heterozygotes (GA) and homozygotes (AA). The distribution of G-1082>A polymorphism of the interleukin-10 gene was characterized by an increase in the proportion of homozygotes (GG) and a decrease in heterozygotes (GA) in patients with STEMI compared to the Hardy–Weinberg distribution.
The Independent Sunnah in Legislation among Mohadith?ns and Modernists: an analytical study
Authors: Sarmini Dr. Mohamad Anas
Published: March 2021

This study discusses the issue of the independent Sunnah in legislation from a specific aspect, which is the position of the muhdithin and the position of the modernists towards it. The first trend which includes the majority of hadith and Usul scholars who approves the authority of the independent Sunnah in legislation, and approves that the Prophet possesses the authority of clarification and legislation. The second trend which includes the majority of the Muslim modernist distinguishes between the description of prophethood and the Messangerhood. They confine revelation to the Messenger not to the prophet. They consider prophethood is only a field for the application of revelation. They claim that the independent Sunnah is part of those prophetic applications. This claim ends with stating its Historicism and denying its legislative status. The study discusses these opinions and it concludes that the opinion of Hadith scholars is based on strong evidences. The study clarifies the flaws of the modernist trend that deprives the Sunnah from one of its important legislative aspects without sufficient evidence.
CRITICAL REFLECTION ON PATHOLOGICAL PORTRAYAL OF HOLY PROPHET (PBUH) WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO D. B. MACDONALD
Authors: Ramzan Dr. Muhammad Tariq , Khagga Dr. Muhammad Feroz-ud-Din Shah
Published: March 2021

Nineteenth century in the western theological literary circles, has been proved to be the age of shifting over the academic paradigms from theological debates to introducing Muslim studies particularly. In this perspective, one of the prolific and legendary orientalists Duncan Black MacDonald (d.1943 A.D.) played a pivotal role in transmitting and establishing chairs for Arabic and Islamic learnings at Hartford Seminary. He himself portrayed the image of Islam through his writings and lectures. He authored several books on different matters belonging from the Western thought, ideology, culture and perspective to the Muslim rituals and creeds. His major writings regarding Islam and its fundamental belief focusing Muslim cultural, social, religious and historical foundations got widespread recognition in the western academia. While delivering his famous series of lectures “Development of Muslim Theology, Jurisprudence and Constitutional Theory”; “Religious Attitude and Life in Islam” and “Aspects of Islam” have a remarkable impression of presenting the image of Islam in an absurd way. In particular, he proclaimed Prophet of Islam as a pathological case. In the first phase of the article, D.B. MacDonald’s life sketch has been penned down, while in the second part of the article, his portrayal of Prophet of Islam (PBUH) as a sick person has been described while in the last part of the article, this assertion has been critically reviewed.
The Tradition of Protecting Non-Muslim Places of Worship in Muslim Society: Modern Applications
Authors: Naveed Hafiz Muhammad , Mahmood Dr. Muhammad Riaz
Published: March 2021

Pakistan is such a unique Islamic state which has great significance in regard of the application of Islamic Ideology and observance of human rights. The Muslims are in majority in this state of extraordinary political and geo-starategic importance whereas the Christians, the Hindus, the Sikh, the Buddhist, the Bahais and the Parsees are some of the remarkable religious minorities living here. These religious minorities are a symbol of the socio-religious diversity of Pakistan. In this prospect, the protection of the rights of the religious minorities is extremely necessary. The worship places of these minorities exist almost all over Pakistan. It is a matter of great satisfaction that Islam lays great emphasis on the sanctity of these worship places. Moreover, the Muslims have been taking extraordinary steps to protect these places. They have always been encouraging to build and promote such places. Even after having such a glorious background, the entire world generally and Pakistan especially is facing the gigantic dangers of socio-religious prejudices and intolerance. In this scenario, the worship places of the religious minorities are facing serious threats like terror attacks and disgrace. It is necessary to have an impartial analysis of the Islamic teachings, the attitude of the Muslim rulers and the contemporary challenges regarded to the security and development of these places. A comprehensive understanding and a lasting solution of these challenges should be sorted for a peaceful co-existence in Pakistan. This research article has been presented to comprehend different aspects of the protection of the worship places of the religious minorities of Pakistan.
Religion-Friendly Postmodernism: An Analysis of Westphal’s Ideas
Authors: Shahzad Dr. Qaisar
Published: March 2021

This paper purports to analyze the religion-friendly postmodernism proposed by Merold Westphal. It begins by reviewing the current positions on the question of the relationship between post-modernism and religion and attempts to locate Westphal’s position in the intellectual map. It is submitted that there exists a spectrum of positions on the said question that stretches from anti-religious post-modernisms to religious rejections of post-modernism. Having briefly discussed important reasons for choosing Westphal for discussion, the paper proceeds to analyze his understanding of the nature of post-modernism, and his project of the ‘religious appropriation of post-modernism.’ It discusses in detail the question whether, being inimical to all ‘meta’ narrative and being anti-metaphysical, post-modernism is incompatible with religious beliefs, and whether the post-modern hermeneutic theory leaves any room for deriving objective meaning from religious texts. Westphal’s appropriation project is then discussed at length in its two hermeneutical prongs of ‘fininitude’ and ‘suspicion’ derived by him respectively from the beliefs of human ‘createdness’ and ‘fallenness.’ In conclusion it is shown how Westphal’s work attempts to represent a middle position between the two extremes discussed in the beginning of the paper.
Correlation Between Preoperative Vein Distensibility With Radiocephalic Arteriovenous Fistula Maturation in Patients With End Stage Renal Disease
Authors: Hapsari Putie , Djajakusumah Teguh Marfen , Fauzie Zacky , Ulurrosyad Muhammad Faiz
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Patients with end stage renal disease require hemodialysis. Radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula is the main choice of vascular access in patients who undergo hemodialysis procedure. Physiological vein distensibility is an important aspect in forming a mature arteriovenous fistula. This study aims to analyze the correlation between preoperative distensibility and arteriovenous fistula maturation.

Method: Data are collected from end stage renal disease patients in Hasan Sadikin Hospital and RA Habibie Hospitals that will go through radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula procedure during the period of October 2018 to February 2019. Vein distension procedure is performed before the operation and maturation is evaluated four to six weeks after the operation. The comparison of preoperative venous distensibility in two different groups of arteriovenous fistula maturation category is analyzed using chi square test model.

Result: This study found that preoperative venous distensibility value affects arteriovenous fistula maturation with a statistical significance (p-value = 0.007), yielding a contingency coefficient of 0.553, and a very strong relation value of 0.782.

Conclusion: Preoperative vein distensibility of more than 30% is predictive of successful arteriovenous maturation.
Effect of Venoplasty on Arteriovenous Fistula Dysfunction on Quick of Blood Values of Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Wuwu Zainuddin , Tjandra Djony Edward , Sumangkut Richard , Langi Fima L. F. G.
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) is the gold standard in the management of AVF dysfunction. On the other hand, the management of stenosis with PTA induces an acceleration of neointimal hyperplasia with the occurrence of restenosis. The aim of this study was to assess the increase of quick of blood (Qb) hemodialysis (HD) patients after venoplasty with AVF dysfunction and its patency within 3 months post procedure, and examine the factors associated with venoplasty failure to maintain optimal Qb. Method: This study used a quasi-experimental design, in which all subjects received the treatment under study without a control group, due to ethical issues; because venoplasty is the standard protocol for AVF dysfunction in the place of this study. Qb measurements were made before and after HD, and 3 months thereafter, to evaluate AVF patency. Result: There were 25 cases that included 23 patients with 2 patients had to be re- venoplasty. An increase in Qb averaged 221.3−196.7 mL / min or about 25 mL / min in the 3-month period after venoplasty with significant results (p = 0.044). The location of stenosis in juxta anastomosis has a 14 times greater chance of venoplasty failure (p = 0.037) than stenosis in the area of draining vein or central vein. Diabetes Mellitus (DM) increased the odds of venoplasty failure 12 times greater (p = 0.038) than cases without this comorbid.. Conclusion: This study proves the increase in Qb of hemodialysis patients after venoplasty for AVF dysfunction, and it was found that the location of juxta anastomosis stenosis and the presence of DM are the two main factors that have the potential to increase the chance of venoplasty failure.
THE EFFECT OF SNS USERS’ MOTIVATION ON INTERACTION AND PERFORMANCE
Authors: Kim D. , Bahadur H. , Kim S. , Ali J. , Zhang G. , Joshi G.P.
Published: March 2021

This research examines that proposed social, emotional and functional motivations influence users to interact with other users on SNS, share various information, establish networks and improve communication with acquaintances. It allows users to easily grasp the structure of the content and provide a conveniently accessible and stable interface. Moreover, in the relationship between SNS user interaction and user performance, it was found that only user-to-system interaction has a significant impact on user performance. Such research results provide a theoretical background on how SNS users interact with motivation factors. These research findings provide other researchers with insights for future studies and can be critically utilized by practitioners to increase performance by considering SNS use motivation and users' interaction.
Febrile reaction after hematopoietic stem cell infusion is more frequent if no steroid premedicaton is given which results in more frequent use of antibiotics in early post-transplant phase
Authors: Romić Lucija , Duraković Nadira , Vrhovac Radovan , Desnica Lana , Perić Zinaida
Published: March 2021

Background: There is no consensus as to the need for steroid
premedication before fresh product hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) infusion. In
case of febrile reaction post-HSC infusion, on-call staff frequently prescribe
antibiotics empirically. Considering the recent data on the value of microbiota
and its influence on GVHD incidence, we analysed the frequency of febrile
reactions and the use of antibiotic after HSC infusion in 149 consecutive
patients. Methods: In the time period between 1/2018 and 10/2019, 149
patients were subject to transplantation in our institution. Per institutional standard
operating procedure (SOP), all the patients received premedication before
hematopoietic stem cell infusion consisting of 20 mg chloropyramine-chlorid iv,
and in case of ABO incompatible graft 1 mg/kg methylprednisolone iv.
Retrospective data was collected by using patient charts. Survival probability
was calculated by applying Kaplan-Meier method. Results: Fifty-two patients received steroids, 12 patients
(23%) developing fever after graft infusion, 46 patients received no steroids,
26 of them (57%) developed fever (p<0.001). There was no difference in the
number of patients having positive blood cultures. Nine (17%) and 16 (35%)
patients received IV antibiotics in the “steroid” and no-steroid” group,
respectively (p<0.05). There was no difference in survival between “steroid”
and “no-steroid” group. Conclusions:
Even
with no difference in the frequency of febrile episodes caused by systemic
infection, a significantly more patients not receiving steroid premedication
develop fever and are treated with IV antibiotics, which could potentially have
further implications on transplantation outcomes due to its influence on microbiota
early post-transplant.
Bacteriemia caused by Actinomyces sp. (Microbacterium hydrocarbonoxydans) in a ten-year-old boy with carious dental
Authors: Štivić Finka , Tomić Paradžik Maja , Drenjančević Domagoj , Bogdan Maja , Vučković Marko , Abram Maja
Published: March 2021

Cilj :
Prikaz slučaja bakterijemije, uzrokovane bakterijom Actinomyces sp., kod
desetogodišnjeg dječaka s karioznim zubalom. Prikaz bolesnika:
Prikazali smo dječaka koji je višekratno hospitaliziran zbog ponavljajućih
febriliteta i povišenih upalnih parametara. Tijekom pregleda uočeni su povećani
limfni čvorovi smješteni uz stražnji rub sternokleidomastoideusa, palpatorno
bezbolni i pomični. Unatrag mjesec dana, višekratno je dobivao peroralne
antibiotike radi tonzilofaringitisa praćenog povišenom temperaturom. U uzorcima
krvi za hemokulturu porasli su gram pozitivni štapići koji su, Api-Coryne
sustavom za identifikaciju, identificirani kao Arcanobacterium haemolyticum. Zbog rijetkosti takvog izolata, soj
smo poslali na dodatnu identifikaciju 16S rDNA metodom sekvencioniranja genoma
kojom se izolira Actinomyces sp., a Microbacterium
hydrocarbonoxydans naknadnom identifikacijom pomoću MALDI-TOF metode. Daljnjom hematološkom obradom pacijenta
dokazan je Hodgkinov limfom. Zaključak: Obzirom da API
sustavi identifikacije mogu biti nepouzdani, rijetke i neuobičajene izolate kod
sistemskih infekcija i(li) bakterijemija potrebno je identificirati pouzdanijim
i modernijim sustavima ili molekularnim metodama. Dostupnost molekularnih
metoda i masene spektrometrije u rutinskoj laboratorijskoj dijagnostici
omogućit će točniju i češću identifikaciju ovakvih izolata. Ako, kod sistemske
aktinomikoze i(li) bakterijemije uzrokovane vrstama roda Actinomyces, nema dobrog odgovora na ciljanu terapiju, trebalo bi
posumnjati na malignu bolest u pozadini.
Precise Transit and Radial-velocity Characterization of a Resonant Pair: The Warm Jupiter TOI-216c and Eccentric Warm Neptune TOI-216b
Authors: Dawson Rebekah I. , Huang Chelsea X. , Brahm Rafael , Collins Karen A. , Hobson Melissa J. , Jordán Andrés , Dong Jiayin , Korth Judith , Trifonov Trifon , Abe Lyu , Agabi Abdelkrim , Bruni Ivan , Butler R. Paul , Barbieri Mauro , Collins Kevin I. , Conti Dennis M. , Crane Jeffrey D. , Crouzet Nicolas , Dransfield Georgina , Evans Phil , Espinoza Néstor , Gan Tianjun , Guillot Tristan , Henning Thomas , Lissauer Jack J. , Jensen Eric L. N. , Sainte Wenceslas Marie , Mékarnia Djamel , Myers Gordon , Nandakumar Sangeetha , Relles Howard M. , Sarkis Paula , Torres Pascal , Shectman Stephen , Schmider François-Xavier , Shporer Avi , Stockdale Chris , Teske Johanna , Triaud Amaury H. M. J. , Wang Sharon Xuesong , Ziegler Carl , Ricker G. , Vanderspek R. , Latham David W. , Seager S. , Winn J. , Jenkins Jon M. , Bouma L. G. , Burt Jennifer A. , Charbonneau David , Levine Alan M. , McDermott Scott , McLean Brian , Rose Mark E. , Vanderburg Andrew , Wohler Bill
Published: March 2021

TOI-216 hosts a pair of warm, large exoplanets discovered by the TESS mission. These planets were found to be in or near the 2:1 resonance, and both of them exhibit transit timing variations (TTVs). Precise characterization of the planets’ masses and radii, orbital properties, and resonant behavior can test theories for the origins of planets orbiting close to their stars. Previous characterization of the system using the first six sectors of TESS data suffered from a degeneracy between planet mass and orbital eccentricity. Radial-velocity measurements using HARPS, FEROS, and the Planet Finder Spectrograph break that degeneracy, and an expanded TTV baseline from TESS and an ongoing ground-based transit observing campaign increase the precision of the mass and eccentricity measurements. We determine that TOI-216c is a warm Jupiter, TOI-216b is an eccentric warm Neptune, and that they librate in 2:1 resonance with a moderate libration amplitude of

deg, a small but significant free eccentricity of

for TOI-216b, and a small but significant mutual inclination of 1.°2–3.°9 (95% confidence interval). The libration amplitude, free eccentricity, and mutual inclination imply a disturbance of TOI-216b before or after resonance capture, perhaps by an undetected third planet.
Gamma-Ray Absorption by the Cosmic Lyman Continuum from Star-forming Galaxies
Authors: Malkan Matthew A. , Scully Sean T. , Stecker Floyd W.
Published: March 2021

Motivated by the discovery of the ultra-strong emission-line starburst galaxies (EELGs) known as “green pea galaxies,” in this work we consider their contribution to the intergalactic flux of ionizing UV at high redshifts. Most galaxies that have been observed show a precipitous drop in the flux blueward of their Lyman limit. However, recent observations of EELGs have discovered that many more Lyman continuum photons escape from them into intergalactic space than previously suspected. We calculate their contribution to the extragalactic background light. We also calculate the effect of these photons on the absorption of high-energy γ-rays. For the more distant γ-ray sources, particularly at z ≥ 3, an intergalactic opacity above a few GeV is significantly higher than previous estimates which ignored the Lyman continuum photons. We calculate the results of this increased opacity on observed γ-ray spectra, which produce a high-energy turnover starting at lower energies than previously thought, and a gradual spectral steepening that may also be observable.
The Evolution of the Luminosity Function for Luminous Compact Blue Galaxies to z = 1
Authors: Hunt L. R. , Pisano D. J. , Crawford S. M. , Bershady M. A. , Wirth G. D.
Published: March 2021

Luminous compact blue galaxies (LCBGs) are compact, star-forming galaxies that are rarely observed in the local universe but abundant at z = 1. This increase in LCBG number density over cosmic lookback time roughly follows the increase in the star formation rate density of the universe over the same period. We use publicly available data in the COSMOS field to study the evolution of the largest homogeneous sample of LCBGs to date by deriving their luminosity function in four redshift bins over the range 0.1 ≤ z ≤ 1. We find that over this redshift range, the characteristic luminosity (M*) increases by ∼0.2 mag, and the number density increases by a factor of 4. While LCBGs make up only about 18% of galaxies more luminous than M

B
= −18.5 at z ∼ 0.2, they constitute roughly 54% at z ∼ 0.9. The strong evolution in number density indicates that LCBGs are an important population of galaxies to study in order to better understand the decrease in the star formation rate density of the universe since z ∼ 1.
Radial Profiles of Non-thermal Emission from Supernova Remnant RX J1713.7-3946
Authors: Tang Yunyong , Liu Siming
Published: March 2021

Supernova remnant RX J1713.7-3946 has exhibited the largest surface brightness and a detailed spectral and shell-type morphology, and is one of the brightest TeV sources. The recent H.E.S.S. observation of RX J1713.7-3946 revealed a broken power-law GeV–TeV gamma-ray and a more extended gamma-ray spatial radial profile than in the X-ray band. Based on the diffusion shock acceleration model, we solve spherically symmetric hydrodynamic equations and particle transport equations, and investigate the multi-band non-thermal emission of RX J1713.7-3946 and radial profiles of its surface brightness for two selected zones in the leptonic scenario for gamma-ray emission. We found (1) the diffusion coefficient has a weak energy dependence, and the Kolmogorov type is favored; (2) the magnetic field strength can vary linearly or nonlinearly with radius for different surrounding environments because of possible turbulence in the shock downstream region, and compressional amplification is likely to exist at the shock front; (3) the non-thermal photons from radio to X-ray bands are dominated by synchrotron emission from relativistic electrons if the GeV–TeV gamma-rays are produced by inverse Compton scattering from these electrons interacting with the background photons; then the X-ray and gamma-ray radial profiles can be reproduced except for the more extended gamma-ray emission.
Tomography of the Unique Ongoing Jet in the Planetary Nebula NGC 2392
Authors: Guerrero M. A. , Cazzoli S. , Rechy-García J. S. , Ramos-Larios G. , Montoro-Molina B. , Gómez-González V. M. A. , Toalá J. A. , Fang X.
Published: March 2021

Jets (fast collimated outflows) are claimed to be the main shaping agent of the most asymmetric planetary nebulae (PNs), as they impinge on the circumstellar material at late stages of the asymptotic giant branch phase. The first jet detected in a PN was that of NGC 2392, yet there is no available image because of its low surface brightness contrast with the bright nebular emission. Here we take advantage of the tomographic capabilities of Gran Telescopio de Canarias Multi-Espectrógrafo en GTC de Alta Resolución para Astronomía high-dispersion integral field spectroscopic observations of the jet in NGC 2392 to gain unprecedented details of its morphology and kinematics. The jet of NGC 2392 is found to emanate from the central star, break through the walls of the inner shell of this iconic PN and extend outside the nebula’s outermost regions with an S-shaped morphology suggestive of precession. At odds with the fossil jets found in mature PNs, the jet in NGC 2392 is currently being collimated and launched. The high nebular excitation of NGC 2392, which implies an He++/He ionization fraction too high to be attributed to the known effective temperature of the star, has been proposed in the past to hint at the presence of a hot white dwarf companion. In conjunction with the hard X-ray emission from the central star, the present-day jet collimation would support the presence of such a double-degenerate system where one component undergoes accretion from a remnant circumbinary disk of the common envelope phase.
DNA barcode reference libraries: Achievements of the DNAqua-Net Working Group 1
Authors: Ekrem Torbjørn , Čiampor Jr Fedor
Published: March 2021

The three main aims for the DNAqua-Net working group 1 (WG1) have been i) to identify gaps in the barcode reference libraries of European aquatic species, ii) to fill these gaps in collaboration with ongoing initiatives, and iii) to facilitate knowledge transfer and initiate work on barcode reference libraries in regions where such activity was low (Leese et al. 2016). WG1 currently has 129 members from 39 countries spanning four continents, with a majority of members from Europe.

In our presentation we show the achievements of WG1 during the lifetime of the DNAqua-Net COST action (CA15219; 2016-2021), and discuss some of the highlights obtained through collaborative work and joint dissemination. Specifically, we emphasize the outcomes presented in two peer-reviewed scientific publications that focus on standards for building DNA barcode reference libraries, and gaps in reference databases for European aquatic organisms currently used in national biomonitoring programs (Rimet et al. 2021, Weigand et al. 2019). However, major achievements were also obtained in four workshops (Braga, Pécs, Limassol & Bratislava) and through the activities of 16 short-term scientific missions (STSMs).
Conservation genetics of the vulnerable stone crayfish using DNA barcoding and microsatellites
Authors: Lovrenčić Leona , Bonassin Lena , Grandjean Frederic , Austin Chris , Maguire Ivana
Published: March 2021

The stone crayfish Austropotamobius torrentium is a native European freshwater species with significant population declines caused by anthropogenic pressure onto its habitats, climate change and spreading of non-native invasive crayfish and their pathogens. Large-scale DNA barcoding based on sequencing a short fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene revealed this species represents a highly divergent taxon whose evolutionary heritage is preserved in genetically divergent mtDNA phylogroups, with majority of them having restricted distribution ranges. Guarding in mind vanishing populations trends and potential loss of genetic diversity, effective conservation planning and monitoring are needed for ensuring the persistence and long-term survival of this endangered species. Since genetic data are often critical for defining populations for conservation and management purposes, along with DNA barcoding, we employed microsatellites to examine samples of more than 400 individuals from 17 populations across its entire distribution range in Croatia, known as the stone crayfish diversity hot spot. Microsatellite analyses revealed high level of genetic diversity and differentiation among studied populations that grouped according to their geographical position and mtDNA phylogroup. Almost all sampled populations represent a distinct genetic cluster, showing high level of differentiation and reflecting long periods of isolation. Results of genetic characterisation enabled selection of suitable donor populations for future restocking and reintroduction programs. Combination of DNA barcoding and microsatellites provided good insight into genetic diversity and population structure as well as enabled sound conservation programs for this threatened species in Croatia.
Why are so many Northern European aquatic invertebrates missing in red-listing and how can we improve assessments for those?
Authors: Leidenberger Sonja , Muhammаd Iqram , Bourlat Sarah J.
Published: March 2021

The biodiversity crisis is advancing rapidly. One tool to measure extinction risk is the Red List of Threatened Species which follows the IUCN evaluation criteria (International Union for Conservation of Nature). Many aquatic invertebrates in Northern Europe are completely missing a red listing process and are evaluated as Data Deficient (DD) or Not Evaluated (NE). In our project, we focus on marine crustaceans and freshwater molluscs (Bivalvia). A systematic survey of more than 440 crustacean and 44 molluscan species in 12 Northern European countries shows that while many freshwater bivalve molluscs and marine crustaceans have existing molecular barcodes as well as digital occurrence records in databases (e.g. in GBIF, the Global Biodiversity Information Facility), there exists no evaluation process or regular monitoring for those species and their population status. With such a high level of non-evaluation of species status, species action plans (for single species or multi-taxon approaches) are far away from reality.

In general, traditional monitoring methods based on observational surveys are known to be inefficient, costly and time consuming. e-DNA allows us to detect species with a high level of sensitivity as long as those assays are well validated. Molecular occurrence records can be used to detect rare species and to collect population information. In our Swedish project, we are metabarcoding sediment and plankton samples using metazoan and taxon-specific primers to detect threatened aquatic species. During 2019 and 2020, we collected samples at 15 localities in two marine protected areas for marine crustaceans and at 15 different localities for freshwater molluscs at the Swedish west coast. At each location plankton, sediment and traditional aquatic monitoring samples were taken. The idea is to compare how the methods perform in finding rare species, which could improve the data for those groups so they can be evaluated in the next round of red listing (2025) in Sweden. During the entire project, there is an on-going dialogue with stakeholders and experts from the Swedish Species Information Centre, responsible for the red listing process in the country.
Assessment of aquatic genotoxicity of the Lake Sevan basin, Armenia using natural bioindicators
Authors: Sargsyan Anzhela , Simonyan Anna , Hovhannisyan Galina , Gabrielyan Bardukh , Aroutiounian Rouben
Published: March 2021

Water pollution can cause genomic instability, thereby threatening aquatic wildlife and human health․ For a correct assessment of the impact of the mixture of pollutants, chemical analysis of environmental contaminants should be simultaneously applied with genotoxicity assays. The сomet assay is a sensitive, versatile and extensively used method for genotoxicity assessment in a water environment and was successfully applied in aquatic wild species, including fish and crayfish. Earlier we investigated the genotoxicity of waters of the Lake Sevan basin (Simonyan et al. 2016, Simonyan et al. 2019)․ Lake Sevan is the largest lake of the Caucasus Region, situated in the Republic of Armenia, in the Gegharkunik Province. Water pollution in the lake is a result of both anthropogenic and natural pressures. A combination of comet assay (Tice et al. 2000) and chemical analysis was applied for evaluation of water genotoxicity using gibel carp Carassius auratus gibelio and crayfish Astacus leptodactylus as sentinel organisms. Fish and water samples were collected from the south–southwest of the village Shorzha (40028′33″N and 45014′22″E), Peninsula of Lake Sevan (40033′46″N and 45001′37″E), the estuaries of the Rivers Gavaraget (40025′12″N and 45009′53″E) and Dzknaget (40036′55″N and 44058′13″E). Сrayfish and water samples were collected from the estuary of the River Masrik (40013′25″N and 45038′21″E) and near the villages of Artanish (40027′19″N and 45025′12″E) and Tsapatakh (40024′34″N and 45028′22″E). According to the chemical analysis of waters, the south–southwest of the village Shorzha and the estuary of the River Masrik were chosen as reference sites․ The content of contaminants in water was analyzed according to the standard methods in the Environmental Impact Monitoring Center, Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Armenia. The obtained results showed that the levels of DNA damage were significantly higher in both species in polluted areas than in reference sites. A significant positive correlation between DNA damage in C. auratus gibelio and contents of Al, Fe, Cu and Mn in water was shown. DNA damage in A. leptodactylus correlated with Al, Fe, Cu and Mo. C. auratus gibelio and A. leptodactylus were found to be sensitive mostly to the same pollutants, which indicate that these metals may be of primary concern as contaminants of the studied aquatic environment. Thus, the current study indicates that C. auratus gibelio and A. leptodactylus are sensitive bioindicators for monitoring of water pollution in the Lake Sevan basin.
Preliminary results of sediments eDNA metabarcoding along arctic fjord
Authors: Mazurkiewicz Mikołaj , Pawłowska Joanna , Pawlowski Jan , Włodarska-Kowalczuk Maria
Published: March 2021

Ecosystems of arctic fjords are exposed to various natural and human-induced stressors that shape the taxonomic structure and functioning. Glacial activity and meltwater inflows together with advection of sea water masses from shelves form variety of environmental gradients that have been shown to influence marine biota. Some of these stressors like sedimentation of inorganic matter, instabilities of bottom sediments or food supply have been recognized as drivers of benthic species richness and diversity with use of traditional (morphology based) methods (Węsławski et al. 2011, Włodarska-Kowalczuk et al. 2005, Włodarska-Kowalczuk et al. 2012). In this study we aimed to use eDNA metabarcoding based methods to discriminate ecological diversity of benthic Eukaryota along environmental gradient (fjord mouth – glacier) at 6 stations in Hornsund fjord (Svalbard). At each station we collected 9 surface sediment samples. To cover a wide diversity of eukaryotic taxa we sequenced mitochondrial COI and nuclear 18S VIV2 genes to. Computational pipeline (SLIM, Dufresne et al. 2019) was used to de-multiplexed sequences, cluster them into ASVs and then taxonomically assigned. For the COI marker we distinguished 4486 unique ASVs, which in majority (95%) remained unassigned but constituted 51% of all sequences. Among sequences with assigned taxonomy 98% of them belonged to Opisthokonta clade, which consisted of 12 phyla in majority Annelida (80% of seqences) followed by Nemertea (13%) and Echinodermata (6%). In case of 18S marker we obtained 1309 unique ASVs, almost 70% of them were taxonomically assigned, constituting almost 97% of all sequences. Seven clades were assessed with dominance of Opistokonta (44%) followed by Stramenopiles (29%) and Rhizaria (18%) of all sequences. Among Opistokonta we noted 17 phyla, which were dominated by Annelida (54% of sequences) with significant share of Arthropoda (20%), Nematoda (10%) and Nemertea (8%). Analysis of alpha diversity expressed as number of unique ASV and Shannon-Wiener index showed different results for COI and 18S markers. For the first marker we did no notice any trend along fjord except much lower indices at the station nearest to the glacier, while for the second marker we observed a decline of both indices from fjord mouth towards glacier, however when data were limited only to benthic metazoans (e.g. excluding Calanoida or Chaetognatha) the trend was not that evident. Our results show that eDNA metabarcoding based methods may be successfully used for diversity assessments of arctic benthic fauna. Among the two markers we used 18S V1V2 allowed to assign higher number of taxa, however high proportion of sequences belonged to non-benthic and unicellular organism. Nevertheless, using 18S V1V2 data we observer similar biodiversity pattern along fjord (desceasing biodiversity with decreasing distance to glacier) that is known from traditional, morphological studies.