bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clostridioides Difficile Toxin B (tcdB) Peptide Mimotope Antibody-capture Enzyme Immunoassay in the Detection of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Magat Edrienne Myenna , Balanag Gregg Austine , Cariño Ana Maria , Fellizar Allan , Sy-Ortin Teresa , Albano Pia Marie , Gueva Leonardo Jr Acosta
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND: The role of certain gut microbes in the development of colorectal cancer has recently been understood. In our previous work, we have reported the reactivity of serum collected from CRC patients to peptide mimotopes of bacterial antigens associated with the development of CRC, hence, their potential in its detection. Here, we evaluate the diagnostic parameters of an anti- Clostridioides difficile toxin B (tcdB) peptide mimotope IgG and IgA antibody-capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in the detection of CRC.METHODS: Prediction of the immunogenic epitopes of tcdB was made using the in silico B-cell epitope mapping tools available at the Immune Epitope Database and Analysis Resources (IEDB). Synthetic peptide analogs of the predicted epitopes which were used in the immunoassays were synthesized and purchased from Genscript (New Jersey, USA). Presence of anti-peptide IgG and IgA from serum collected from patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer were detected by a peptide antibody-capture indirect ELISA protocol developed in this study. Diagnostic parameters were computed. RESULTS: The amino acid position 1465 to 1474 of the reported sequence of tcdB (PDB Accession No. AGG91641.1) was predicted to be immunogenic. The peptide antibody-capture ELISA developed in this study gave diagnostic specificities of 94.9% and 97.4%, positive predictive values (PPV) of 86.6% and 93.3%, and likelihood ratios of 6.5 and 14.0 for IgG and IgA, respectively. Our results show the potential of the immunoassay designed in ruling in possibility of CRC during diagnosis.
Identification of the Bcl-2 and Bax Homologs From the Tick Rhipicephalus Haemaphysaloides and Their Function in the Degeneration of Tick Salivary Glands
Authors: Hu Shanming , Wang Yanan , Xu Zhengmao , Zhou Yongzhi , Cao Jie , Zhang Houshuang , Zhou Jinlin
Published: January 2021

BackgroundThe salivary gland of female ticks degenerates rapidly by apoptosis and autophagy after feeding. Bcl-2 family proteins play an important role in the apoptosis pathways but the functions of these proteins in ticks are unclear. We studied Bcl-2 and Bax homologs from the tick Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides and determined their functions in the degeneration of the salivary glands.MethodsThe full-length cDNA of the RhBcl-2 and RhBax genes were obtained by transcriptome analysis and RhBcl-2 and RhBax were expressed in E. coli. Two molecules containing conserved BH (Bcl-2 family homology) domains were identified and named RhBcl-2 and RhBax. After protein purification and mouse immunizations, specific polyclonal antibodies (PcAb) were created in response to the recombinant protein. Reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and western blot were used to detect the existence of RhBcl-2 and RhBax in ticks. TUNEL assays were used to determine the apoptosis level in the salivary glands at different feeding times after gene silencing. The interactions between RhBcl-2 and RhBax were identified by co-transfection and GST pull-down assays. The RT-qPCR assay demonstrated that the transcription of RhBax genes increased significantly during the engorged periods of the tick developmental stages (engorged larval, nymph, and adult female ticks). ResultsTranscriptional levels of RhBcl-2 and RhBax in the salivary glands increased more significantly than other tissues post engorgement. RhBcl-2 treatment significantly restrained tick feeding. In contrast, RhBax interference had no effect on tick feeding. TUNEL staining showed that apoptosis levels were significantly reduced after interfering with RhBcl-2 expression. Co-transfection and GST pull-down assays showed that RhBcl-2 and RhBax could combine with each other, but failed to combine without the BH3 domain. Conclusions﻿This study identified the roles of RhBcl-2 and RhBax in tick salivary gland degeneration and clarifies their interactions.
Prevalence of High HDL-cholesterol and Its Associated Factors Among Childbearing Age Tunisian Women: a Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Cherifa Fatma Ben , Ati Jalila El , Doggui Radhouene , Ati-Hellal Myriam El
Published: January 2021

Background: The protective role of high HDL-C against cardiovascular risk has been questioned recently. Due to the increasing trend of CVD in Tunisia, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of high HDL-C and its associated factors in childbearing age Tunisian women. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among a subsample of 1689 women, aged 20 to 49 y in the Great Tunis region. Data on socio-demographic and lifestyle factors were collected by a questionnaire. Overall adiposity was assessed by BMI. All biological variables were assayed in blood samples coated with EDTA by enzymatic methods. Stata software (2015) was used for data management and statistical analysis. Results: High HDL-C values were recorded in 26.6% of selected women. After adjustment for all socio-demographic and lifestyle factors, age, hypertension and smoking were negatively associated with high HDL-C levels while family history of cancer was positively associated with high HDL-C in women. Conclusions: Additional investigation on the relationship between high HDL-C and cancer risk should be performed due to controversial results.
Fibrolipomatous Hamartoma of the Median Nerve of the Hand: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Yu Yang , Yang Yazhu , Ge Jinghua , Wang Chen , Wang Tao , Fan Zhaoxiang , Xue Wenyu , Xu Hao , Shi Qi
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Fibrolipomatous Hamartoma (FLH) is a rare tumor-like disease, mainly occurs in benign tumors of the peripheral nerves of the upper limbs, which characterized by the overgrowth of neuronal fat and fibrous tissue.Case presentation: A patient had numbness of fingers in the left hand for more than 5 years. Three years ago, the superficial sensation at the metacarpophalangeal joint of the hypothenar of the left hand was weakened. Two years later, the distal ulnar side of the index finger and the distal radial side of the middle finger were secondary to weakened superficial sensation and megalodactyly symptoms of the middle finger and index finger of the left hand were developed. Physical examination showed a mass on the left palm side. MRI showed an abnormal subcutaneous fusiform signal at the palmar side of the left wrist: T1W1 isointensity, T2W1 inhomogeneous slightly hyperintense signal. The clinical features, radiologic presentations, treatment choice, and pathologic characteristic were illustrated. During the operation, the appearance of the nerve was hypertrophic and variant, without obvious masses, the proliferated fibrous tissues were showed a fusiform change, and the nerve fibers were degenerated and atrophied. Immunohistochemical results showed S-100 (+), NSE (focus +), EMA (portion +), GFAP (-), ERG (blood vessel +), SMA (blood vessel +), Ki-67 (1%+), NF (small region +). The patient's finger numbness symptom improved obviously and the condition was stable when paying a return visit 3 months after the operation. Conclusions：The clinical symptoms of FLH of median nerve mainly include gradually enlarged painless mass, macrodactyly, pain, numbness, paresthesia and carpal tunnel syndrome. The diagnosis mainly depends on ultrasonic examination and MRI. The pathological sections of FLH sometimes show perineurioma-like changes, which need to be identified by clinical and MRI features. The treatment methods include prophylactic carpal tunnel release (CTR) and nerve transplantation after the whole nerve resection. CTR, has been proven to be helpful for many patients suffering from carpal tunnel symptoms and can relieve most of the symptoms, is the main method. However, the pathogeny needs to be further explored.
Downlink multiple access interference cancellation for NOMA based on single-channel blind separation under imperfect CSI
Authors: Li Jiong , Fan Menlan
Published: January 2021

Successive interference cancellation (SIC) is one of the most common multiple access interference cancellation techniques in the downlink of the non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) system. However, this interference cancellation method has two disadvantages. One is that interference cancellation performance depends on perfect channel state information (CSI). Due to the influence of factors such as channel estimation errors, time-varying channel transmission, and feedback channel transmission delay, it is difficult for the receiver to obtain accurate channel state information. Second, when the power allocated by the base station to different users is close, the multiple access interference cancellation performance is poor. Based on the blind signal separation theory, this paper proposes a multiple access interference cancellation method based on single-channel signal separation, which solves the above two problems in the downlink signal reception of the NOMA system. The simulation results show the effectiveness of the algorithm proposed in this paper.
Longitudinal changes in the inferior cerebellar peduncle and lower limb motor recovery following subcortical infarction
Authors: Liu Gang , Guo Yaomin , Dang Chao , Peng Kangqiang , Tan Shuangquan , Xie Chuanmiao , Xing Shihui , Zeng Jinsheng
Published: January 2021

BackgroundThe cerebellum receives afferent signals from spinocerebellar pathways regulating lower limb movements. However, the longitudinal changes in the spinocerebellar pathway in the early stage of unilateral supratentorial stroke and their potential clinical significance have received little attention. MethodsDiffusion tensor imaging and Fugl-Meyer assessment of lower limb were performed 1, 4, and 12 weeks after onset in 33 patients with acute subcortical infarction involving the supratentorial areas, and in 33 normal subjects. We evaluated group differences in diffusion metrics in the bilateral inferior cerebellar peduncle (ICP) and analyzed the correlation between ICP diffusion metrics and changes to the Fugl-Meyer scores of the affected lower limb within 12 weeks after stroke. ResultsSignificantly decreased fractional anisotropy and increased mean diffusivity were found in the contralesional ICP at week 12 post stroke relative to controls (all P < 0.01) and those at week 1 (all P < 0.05). There were significant fractional anisotropy decreases in the ipsilesional ICP at week 4 (P = 0.008) and week 12 (P = 0.004) relative to controls. Both fractional anisotropy (rs = 0.374, P = 0.038) and mean diffusivity (rs = -0.499, P = 0.004) changes in the contralesional ICP correlated with changes in Fugl-Meyer scores of the affected lower limbs in all patients.ConclusionBilateral ICP degeneration occur in the early phase of supratentorial stroke and contralesional ICP degeneration may hinder recovery of the affected lower limb. ICP could serve as a potential therapeutic target for improving lower limb function after supratentorial stroke.
Improvement of cardiomyopathy after ketogenic diet in a patient with Leigh syndrome caused by MTND5 mutation
Authors: Wesół-Kucharska Dorota , Greczan Milena , Witulska Katarzyna , Piekutowska-Abramczuk Dorota , Ciara Elżbieta , Kowalski Paweł , Rokicki Dariusz
Published: January 2021

BackgroundMitochondrial diseases (MDs) are heterogeneous group of disorders caused by inborn defects in the mitochondrial respiratory chain (MRC) and malfunctions of cellular oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). MDs are caused by mutations both in mitochondrial and nuclear DNA. Leigh syndrome (LS) is a neurodegenerative MD with specific clinical and neuroradiological features. There is a broad clinical spectrum of MDs, including organ-specific and multiorgan presentations with symptoms occurring at any age. High energy requiring organs are most frequently involved and cardiac involvement is common. At present there is no specific treatment for MD. Ketogenic diet (KD) has been proposed as a treatment option for patients with MD with seizures or myopathy. It is suggested that KD itself may trigger cardiological complications after long-term therapy, but according to an animal model study, KD could be considered as a therapeutic option for some mitochondrial cardiomyopathies.MethodHere we present a retrospective case report on a male infant diagnosed with LS (m.12706T > C in MTND5) with severe progressive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, with significant cardiological improvement after KD implementation .ResultsThe ketogenic diet was introduced in a male infant with clinical, biochemical and radiological features of Leigh syndrome, confirmed by next-generation sequencing (NGS) (known pathogenic variant in mtDNA), suffering from severe progressive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and heart failure with no significant improvement on cardiological treatment, mitochondrial cocktail therapy and mechanical ventilation. The follow-up after KD initiation have shown significant clinical improvement in cardiovascular efficiency and echocardiographic parameters with no adverse effect observed so far.ConclusionScreening for cardiomyopathy is a standard of care (SoC) in the management of patients with mitochondrial disease. Although there are reports suggesting the efficacy and safety of KD in patients with mitochondrial disease, more studies are needed to understand the pathophysiology of mitochondrial diseases and to determine which patients are likely to benefit from this therapy.
25-hydroxyvitamin D upregulates L6 muscle cell differentiation induced by mononuclear cells via the Notch signaling pathway
Authors: Domingues-Faria Carla , Rougé Stéphanie , Patrac Véronique , Salles Jérôme , Walrand Stéphane , Vasson Marie-Paule , Goncalves-Mendes Nicolas
Published: January 2021

During muscle regeneration, myoblasts engage in cross-talk with immune cells to achieve optimal proliferation and differentiation. In this process, cytokines secreted by immune cells are described to modulate the kinetic of muscle differentiation. Taking into account that immune and muscle cells are both targets of vitamin D, we investigated in vitro the impact of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) on the transcriptional response of muscle cells in presence of mononuclear cells. To address this objective, an in vitro model of co-culture using L6 myogenic cell line and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) isolated from rat was used and compared to L6 cultured alone. Cells were treated with 25(OH)D (125 nM) during the 6 days of differentiation. Gene expression of 25(OH)D metabolism actors, muscle differentiation and metabolism markers, and of Notch signaling pathway effectors were studied in L6 cells by qPCR. In mono-cultured L6 cells, a 25(OH)D treatment induced a 3-fold increase (p < 0.05) in VDR mRNA expression at 24 h while no change in mRNA expression of the muscle differentiation markers i.e. Myog, Myh2 and Des was observed. In the presence of PBMCs, the mRNA expression of these markers was enhanced (27.5 times for myogenin, p < 0.05) resulting in an overexpression of the Notch pathway effectors (Dll: 6.8-fold and Hes1: x3.8-fold, p < 0.05). The 25(OH)D counteracted these effects of the PBMCs on L6 gene expression with the exception of the interleukin 6 transcript and protein. In the present study, our in vitro approach demonstrates the importance of immune cells in stimulating muscle cell differentiation. Taken as a whole, the data show that 25(OH)D attenuates in vitro the Notch pathway-dependent effects of immune cells on muscle cell differentiation and energy metabolism.
Methane hydrates achieve both thick oceans and thick lithospheres in Enceladus and Mimas
Authors: Nishitani Ryusuke , Kimura Jun , Tani Atsushi , Sasaki Sho
Published: January 2021

The difference between the inactive surface of Mimas and the active surface of Enceladus is puzzling. We investigate the conditions under which both have a thick subsurface ocean and the thermal lithosphere of Mimas is thicker than that of Enceladus by using a one-dimensional simulation of thermal evolution. We adopt the initial core temperature, initial methane concentration, and tidal heating rate as free parameters in the calculation. The initial methane concentration and tidal heating rate greatly affect the current ocean thickness, although the initial core temperature does not affect the thickness. Methane hydrate forms at the base of the icy shell if the initial methane concentration is not 0. The methane hydrate layer plays an insulative role in an icy shell. When the initial methane concentration is 1000 , ∼2 GW is needed to achieve more than 50 km of the subsurface ocean on Mimas and ∼7.5 GW is needed to achieve more than 25 km of the subsurface ocean on Enceladus. These values are smaller than those needed when the initial methane concentration is 0 . The existence of the methane hydrate layer promotes the survival of the subsurface ocean because it insulates internal heat. In addition, it is found that the surface heat flux is depressed if the methane hydrate layer exists, which is consistent with the unrelaxed craters in Mimas. Methane hydrate may explain the thick oceans in Mimas and Enceladus and the inactive shell of Mimas.
TITLE: Utility of self-rated adherence for monitoring dietary and physical activity compliance and assessment of participant feedback of the Healthy Diet and Lifestyle Study pilot.
Authors: O’Reilly Holly , Panizza Chloe , Lim Unhee , Yonemori Kim M , Wilkens Lynne R , Shvetsov Yurii B , Harvie Michelle N , Shepherd John , Zhu Fengqing Maggie , Marchand Loïc Le , Boushey Carol J , Cassel Kevin D
Published: January 2021

Background: We examined the utility of self-rated adherence to dietary and physical activity (PA) prescriptions as a method to monitor intervention compliance and facilitate goal setting during the Healthy Diet and Lifestyle Study (HDLS). In addition, we assessed participants’ feedback of HDLS. HDLS, is a randomized pilot intervention that compared the effect of intermittent energy restriction combined with a Mediterranean diet (IER+MED) to a Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, with matching PA regimens, for reducing visceral adipose tissue area (VAT).Methods: Analyses included the 59 (98%) participants who completed at least one week of HDLS. Dietary and PA adherence scores were collected 8 times across 12-weeks, using a 0-10 scale (0=Not at all, 4=Somewhat, and 10=Following the plan very well). Adherence scores for each participant were averaged and assigned to high and low adherence categories using the group median (7.3 for diet, 7.1 for PA). Mean changes in VAT and weight from baseline to 12 weeks are reported by adherence level, overall and by randomization arm. Participants’ feedback at completion and 6 months post intervention were examined.Results: Mean ± SE, dietary adherence was 6.0 ± 0.2 and 8.2 ± 0.1, for the low and high adherence groups, respectively. For PA adherence, mean scores were 5.9 ± 0.2 and 8.5 ± 0.2, respectively. Compared to participants with low dietary adherence, those with high adherence lost significantly more VAT (22.9 ± 3.7 cm2 vs. 11.7 ± 3.9 cm2 [95% CI, -22.1 to -0.3]) and weight at Week 12 (5.4 ± 0.8 kg vs. 3.5 ± 0.6 kg [95% CI, -3.8 to -0.0]). For PA, compared to participants with low adherence, those with high adherence lost significantly more VAT (22.3 ± 3.7 cm2 vs. 11.6 ± 3.6 cm2 [95% CI, -20.7 to -0.8]). Participants’ qualitative feedback of HDLS was positive and the most common response, on how to improve the study, was to provide cooking classes.Conclusions: Results support the use of self-rated adherence as an effective method to monitor dietary and PA compliance and facilitate participant goal setting. Study strategies were found to be effective with promoting compliance to intervention prescriptions. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03639350. Registered 21st August 2018- Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03639350
A new method for the conservation of ancient colored paintings on ramie textiles
Authors: Liu Jiaojiao , Li Yuhu , Hu Daodao , Xing Huiping , Cao Xiaolian , Cao Jing , Jia Zhihui
Published: January 2021

Textiles are valuable cultural heritage items that are susceptible to several degradation processes due to their sensitive nature, such as the case of ancient ma colored-paintings. Therefore, it is important to take measures to protect the precious ma artifacts. Generally, ″ma″ includes ramie, hemp, flax, oil flax, kenaf, jute, and so on. In this paper, an examination and analysis of a painted ma textile were the first step in proposing an appropriate conservation treatment. Standard fiber and light microscopy were used to identify the fiber type of the painted ma textile. Moreover, custom-made reinforcement materials and technology were introduced with the principles of compatibility, durability and reversibility. The properties of tensile strength, aging resistance and color alteration of the new material to be added were studied before and after dry heat aging, wet heat aging and UV light aging. After systematic examination and evaluation of the painted ma textile and reinforcement materials, the optimal conservation treatment was established, and exhibition method was established. Our work presents a new method for the conservation of ancient Chinese painted ramie textiles that would promote the protection of these valuable artifacts.
Characterization of 17th century papers from Valvasor's collection of the Zagreb Archdiocese
Authors: Dragojević Andreja , Gregor-Svetec Diana , Tomažič Jedert Vodopivec , Lozo Branka
Published: January 2021

Valvasor's library is a unique example of a 17th-century personal library, which includes over 7,300 prints and 1530 books. Today, it is part of the Metropolitan Library of the Archdiocese of Zagreb, kept in the Croatian State Archives. In this study, 17th-century papers from Valvasor's collection (VC) of unknown origin and composition were analysed. To determine the compositions of those papers, a dual approach was used, combining the results of analyses of two sets of samples. For the first set of samples, composed of 144 papers from VC, which are cultural heritage materials, only non-destructive analyses of paper properties were performed. Surface imaging, measurements of thickness, and determinations of optical properties (brightness, yellowness, opacity, and gloss) were carried out. According to the optical properties, papers from VC could be characterized as yellowish and opaque, without gloss. The second set of samples was composed of 10 historical paper (HP) samples collected from archival materials dating from the 16th to 19th centuries; non-destructive analyses of the paper composition were also performed. Initially, spot tests were performed to determine water absorbency and to identify the presence of lignin and starch in the paper samples. SEM-EDS and XRF were applied for the identification of inorganic elements. FTIR analyses were used to identify the chemical structures of the paper components. Microscopic analyses were performed in two ways: the paper surface was imaged with a digital microscope, and the morphological characteristics of the fibres were studied using an optical microscope. The dominant fibres present were flax and hemp, with a smaller proportion of cotton. Additionally, thick and thin light brown fibres resembling straw were detected. The presence of calcium-containing components, gelatine and alum could be confirmed with SEM-EDS, XFR and FTIR analysis. Comparing the results of analyses performed on two sets of samples enabled us to predict the composition of 17th-century papers from VC.
Intraoperative [18F]FDG  flexible autoradiography for tumour margin assessment in breast-conserving surgery – a first-in-human multicentre feasibility study
Authors: Jurrius Patriek A.G.T. , Grootendorst Maarten R , Krotewicz Marika , Cariati Massimiliano , Kothari Ashutosh , Patani Neill , Karcz Paulina Patrycja , Nagadowska Monika , Vyas Kunal N , Purushotham Arnie , Turska-d'Amico Maria
Published: January 2021

Introduction In women undergoing breast-conserving surgery (BCS) 20-25% require a re-operation as a result of incomplete tumour resection. An intra-operative technique to assess tumour margins accurately would be a major advantage. A novel method for intraoperative margin assessment was developed by applying a thin flexible scintillating film to specimens - flexible autoradiography (FAR) imaging. A single arm, multi-centre study was conducted to evaluate the feasibility of intraoperative [18F]FDG FAR for the assessment of tumour margins in BCS.Methods Eighty-eight patients with invasive breast cancer undergoing BCS received ≤300 MBq of [18F]FDG 60-180 minutes pre-operatively. Following surgical excision, intraoperative FAR imaging was performed using the LightPath® Imaging System. The first 16 patients were familiarisation patients, the remaining 72 patients were entered into the main study. FAR images were analysed post-operatively by three independent readers. Areas of increased signal intensity were marked, mean normalised radiances and tumour-to-tissue background (TBR) determined, agreement between histopathological margin status and FAR assessed and radiation dose to operating theatre staff measured. Subgroup analyses were performed for various covariates, with thresholds set based on ROC curves.Results Data analysis was performed on 66 patients. Intraoperative margin assessment using FAR was completed on 385 margins with 46.2% sensitivity, 81.7% specificity, 8.1% PPV, 97.7% NPV and an overall accuracy of 80.5%, detecting both invasive carcinoma and DCIS. A subgroup analysis based on [18F]FDG activity present at time of imaging revealed an increased sensitivity (71.4%), PPV (9.3%) and NPV (98.4%) in the high-activity cohort with mean tumour radiance and TBR of 126.7 ± 45.7 photons/s/cm2/sr/MBq and 2.1 ± 0.5, respectively. Staff radiation exposure was low (38.2 ± 38.1 µSv). Conclusion [18F]FDG FAR is a feasible and safe technique for intraoperative tumour margin assessment. Further improvements in diagnostic performance require optimising the method for scintillator positioning and/or the use of targeted radiopharmaceuticals.
GLOBAL TRENDS OF CRYPTOCURRENCY MARKET FORMATION AND REGULATION
Authors: Blinov A.
Published: January 2021

The article describes current trends in the global financial market development as well as the formation of fundamentally new, innovative financial resources within the peering economy, such as cryptocurrencies. Its capitalization reached almost 1/100 of global gross domestic product. The purpose of the study is to analyze both the status of cryptocurrencies in different countries, including the United States of America, Japan, People’s Republic of China, and the European Union and the peculiarities of the cryptocurrency circulation development, as well as the money functions they are able to perform. The author has formulated the dilemma of this market regulation at the national and global levels. One should consider that the long-term role of crypto units depends upon the resolution of such a dilemma. And there is no unified approach of states and international organizations to the status and prospects of cryptocurrency regulation in our days. This creates a unique field of opportunities for further development of such instruments as the big economic and market movements undulate in big swings that were due to a sequence of actions and reactions by policymakers, investors, business owners, and workers. Given that state control over the emission of fiat money in the world can only be ensured to the extent that they control the banking system, the study provides an analysis of the legal status of such financial engineering products as cryptocurrencies. The author also accents on the three-tier blockchain technology. Finally, the domestic component is thoroughly analyzed, i.e. the regulation field of such instruments in Ukraine. The draft Concept of State Regulation of Cryptocurrency Transactions is also explained.
Keywords: cryptocurrency; blockchain; status of crypto units; financial regulation; functions of money.
Photosynthetic Light Response of Floricane Leaves of Erect Blackberry Cultivars from Fruit Development into the Postharvest Period
Authors: Lykins Sydney , Scammon Katlynn , Lawrence Brian T. , Melgar Juan Carlos
Published: January 2021

The photosynthetic light response of commercial blackberry cultivars (Rubus L. subgenus Rubus Watson) is largely unexplored, although they are frequently grown in full sun. In this experiment, light response curves of floricane leaves from the cultivars Natchez, Apache, Navaho, and Von were examined throughout the following production stages: before shiny black fruit were present (before harvest, BH), during peak production of fruit (peak harvest, PH), and when most fruit had fallen from plants or any remaining were dull black (after harvest, AH). Each cultivar was evaluated between an irradiance of 2000 and 0 μmol·m–2·s–1. The estimated maximum photosynthetic rate (photosynthetic capacity, PNmax) was greater BH than AH across all cultivars, whereas ‘Natchez’ had a greater PNmax BH and PH compared with the other cultivars. During AH, all cultivars had a similar PNmax. The BH response curves declined under the highest irradiance measured, whereas the PH and AH response curves remained stable at similarly high irradiance. Of the four cultivars, Apache, Navaho, and Von appeared to be more photosynthetically limited than Natchez under increasing irradiance. Based on the cultivar-specific performance observed, blackberry response to light is a relevant trait that breeding programs should consider for improving cultivar adaptability to local and regional conditions.
Hidden symmetries, the Bianchi classification and geodesics of the quantum geometric ground-state manifolds
Authors: Liska Diego , Gritsev Vladimir
Published: January 2021

We study the Killing vectors of the quantum ground-state manifold of a parameter-dependent Hamiltonian. We find that the manifold may have symmetries that are not visible at the level of the Hamiltonian and that different quantum phases of matter exhibit different symmetries. We propose a Bianchi-based classification of the various ground-state manifolds using the Lie algebra of the Killing vector fields. Moreover, we explain how to exploit these symmetries to find geodesics and explore their behaviour when crossing critical lines. We briefly discuss the relation between geodesics, energy fluctuations and adiabatic preparation protocols. Our primary example is the anisotropic transverse-field Ising model. We also analyze the Ising limit and find analytic solutions to the geodesic equations for both cases.
Retracted: A review on biodesalination using halophytic microalgae: opportunities and challenges
Authors: Maru Muluwork , Sahle-Demissie Endalkachew , Zewge Feleke
Published: January 2021

AQUA: Water Infratructure, Ecosystems and Society issues a formal retraction in relation to the above article by Muluwork Maru, et al. The publisher issues this retraction due to concerns over the originality of the authors’ work.
Stormwater quality assessment and management for the town of Jasper in Alberta, Canada
Authors: Sofijanic Ana , Hulley Michael , Loock Daniela , Filion Yves
Published: January 2021

Stormwater pollutants can have deleterious impacts on the aquatic life of receiving water bodies. This paper presents the findings of a stormwater quality monitoring program performed in the town of Jasper in Alberta, Canada. This is one of the very few studies done on a small urban settlement to identify key pollutants of concern, characterize stormwater and identify unique pollutant sources in the town. A total of 14 stormwater quality parameters were found to be of high concern to aquatic life. The most prominent pollutants were total suspended solids (TSS), metals and phosphorus which compared well with studies conducted in large urban settlements. Tourist influx contributed to high metal and petroleum hydrocarbon loads during the peak season due to high vehicular activity. Elk were found to reside in the town during summer and their fecal droppings resulted in elevated fecal coliform concentrations. It was found that winter road salting was responsible for excessive chloride concentrations observed during the spring melt. TSS concentrations were statistically correlated with various metals as well as phosphorus using Spearman's rank correlation. It was found that the current street sweeping schedule in the town coincided with lower TSS and metal loads in stormwater.
Parameter optimization and uncertainty assessment for rainfall frequency modeling using an adaptive Metropolis–Hastings algorithm
Authors: Liu Xingpo , Xia Chengfei , Tang Yifan , Tu Jiayang , Wang Huimin
Published: January 2021

A new parameter optimization and uncertainty assessment procedure using the Bayesian inference with an adaptive Metropolis–Hastings (AM-H) algorithm is presented for extreme rainfall frequency modeling. An efficient Markov chain Monte Carlo sampler is adopted to explore the posterior distribution of parameters and calculate their uncertainty intervals associated with the magnitude of estimated rainfall depth quantiles. Also, the efficiency of AM-H and conventional maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) in parameter estimation and uncertainty quantification are compared. And the procedure was implemented and discussed for the case of Chaohu city, China. Results of our work reveal that: (i) the adaptive Bayesian method, especially for return level associated to large return period, shows better estimated effect when compared with MLE; it should be noted that the implementation of MLE often produces overy optimistic results in the case of Chaohu city; (ii) AM-H algorithm is more reliable than MLE in terms of uncertainty quantification, and yields relatively narrow credible intervals for the quantile estimates to be instrumental in risk assessment of urban storm drainage planning.
Física en las Ciencias de la Salud: una necesidad apremiante
Authors: Wilches-Visbal Jorge Homero
Published: January 2021

La ciencia es una actividad creativa de la mente humana cuyo propósito es la búsqueda de patrones en el universo mediante la observación y no una mera colección de hechos e invención de teorías. Los patrones desvendados estimulan la concreción de modelos que son representaciones pictórica que explican los fenómenos observados.
Enfermedades prevalentes de la infancia detectadas en atención odontológica y prácticas clave AIEPI
Authors: Díaz-Cardenas Shyrley , Perez-Puello Sthefanie del Carmen , Ramos-Martínez Ketty del Rosario
Published: January 2021

En el presente estudio se asociaron Enfermedades Prevalentes en la Infancia (EPI), detectadas en atención odontológica, con variables sociodemográficas y prácticas claves AIEPI (Atención Integral a Enfermedades Prevalentes de la Infancia) en binomios madres-niños, menores de 5 años, afrodescendientes de Cartagena-Colombia. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal en madres de 23.400 niños menores de 5 años. La muestra fue de 548 binomios seleccionados por muestreo probabilístico aleatorio durante atención odontológica en Jornada de Salud. Se aplicó instrumento de investigaciones operativas en AIEPI (cuestionario); se estimaron EPI ocurridas en los últimos 7 días y prácticas claves AIEPI realizadas frente a estas. Se reportaron frecuencias, proporciones, regresión de Poisson con varianza robusta para asociar EPI con variables sociodemográficas y prácticas claves AIEPI. Las EPI detectadas desde la atención odontológica fueron principalmente resfriado, caries dental y diarrea; la práctica clave AIEPI más realizada fue lactancia materna exclusiva (80,4%). Hubo asociación entre la aparición de EPI y no contar con servicios de salud público (RP =1,16; p=0,023), no cepillar los dientes de los niños después de tomar biberón o mamar y antes de dormir (RP=1,08; p=0,022 y RP= 0,90; p=0,006 respectivamente).
Wokół ewolucji i kreacji - wstępna analiza ankiet nauczycieli i studentów
Authors: Tomczyk Jacek , Bugajak Grzegorz
Published: January 2021

The paper presents the results of the research which was carried out as part of the project: Current controversies about human origins. Between anthropology and the Bible. This project focuses on the supposed conflict between natural sciences and some branches of the humanities (notably philosophy and theology) with regard to the origin of man. The research was aimed at finding out whether such a conflict really exits. For one thing, we cannot exclude the possibility that these would-be controversies have no factual ground and that their significance is inflated by American popular literature. If, on the other hand, we assume that the conflict is real, it should be worthwhile examining its sources. Such an approach may prove helpful in systematising the highly emotional debates about the origin of man. One of the ways of tackling the issue was the questionnaire which was distributed among students, teachers and university professors. Our respondents represented three disciplines: theology, philosophy and the natural sciences, the paper will present selected results of the questionnaire which was addressed to a group of school teachers, whereas the responses of the students are given less attention in order to emphasise the teachers’ point of view, the teachers of religion and the natural sciences (biology, chemistry and physics) and the students of theology, philosophy and the natural sciences (specialising in biology and environment protection) were asked to fill in the form consisting of eleven questions, these questions concerned the following issues: the existence of the conflict between evolutionism and creationism, the definitions of creation and evolution, the existence of the spiritual element in man, ways of interpreting the Bible (esp. the first chapters of the Book of Genesis). Out of 1000 questionnaires sent out, we received 449, which should be considered a satisfactory number, given the fact that it was the first time this type of research was carried out in Poland.
Koncepcja bioregionalizmu w ekologii głębokiej
Authors: Nowak Maria E.
Published: January 2021

The article analyses the notion of the environment, showing the concept of bio-regions and presenting the main principles of advanced Ecology. In addition, it explores bio-regions in the light of advanced Biology.
Hepatotoxic Effect of Lafoensia pacari A. St. Hil. (Lythraceae) on a Diet-Induced Obese Mice Model
Authors: Ribeiro Natália Gonçalves , dos Santos Fabio Ribeiro , Oliveira Janaína Ribeiro , Machado Amanda Souto , de Faria Lelis Deborah , de Paula Alfredo Maurício Batista , Guimaráes André Luis Sena , Farias Lucyana Conceiçáo , Santos Sérgio Henrique Sousa
Published: January 2021

Background:

Brazilian flora is rich in plants with medicinal properties, which though
popular, has contributed to the development of a range of phytotherapic products that use plants to
treat and cure diseases. However, studies that use Brazilian plants in the treatment of metabolic disorders
are still scarce in the literature.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of hepatotoxicity Lafoensia pacari on
the metabolism of mice with obesity induced by a high-fat diet and to verify the phytochemical difference
between the Lafoensia pacari bark of the trunk, leaves, and branches.

Methods:

The plant material was collected from April to May in the municipality of Bonito de Minas,
MG, Brazil. Qualitative tests for the presence of secondary metabolite classes were performed
for leaves, branches and bark of the trunk. Through histological analysis, we evaluated hepatocytes
and cell lesions in the liver.

Results:

The comparative phytochemical analysis of the plant did not reveal alterations between
the different plant parts. The phytochemical test showed that is preferable to use the leaves to make
the extract to be applied, aiming to reduce the plant aggression. After treatment, greater changes
were observed in the animals that received the high-fat diet and the hydroethanolic extract; the levels
of AST, ALT, albumin and creatinine that were increased, thus demonstrating a possible toxicity.
There were no significant differences in body weight. In the histological analysis, the animals
without plant treatment displayed decreased liver weight and reduction in the inflammatory infiltrate.

Conclusion:

We conclude that Lafoensia pacari should be better evaluated for oral consumption
and may cause liver damage.
Metabolomics: A Powerful Tool to Study the Complexity of Wheat Metabolome
Authors: Razzaq Ali , Guul Wajiha , Khan Muhammad Sarwar , Saleem Fozia
Published: January 2021

Wheat is a widely cultivated cereal, consumed by nearly 80% of the total population in
the world. Although wheat is growing on 215 million hectares annually, its production is still inadequate
to meet the future demand of feeding the 10 billion human population. Global food security
is the biggest challenge as climate change is threatening crop production. There is a need to fast--
track the wheat breeding by devising modern biotechnological tools. Climate-smart wheat having
greater stress resilience, better adaptability and improved agronomic traits are vital to guarantee
food security. Substantial understanding and knowledge of vital biochemical pathways and regulatory
networks is required for achieving stress resilience in wheat. Metabolomics has emerged as a
fascinating technology to speed up the crop improvement programs by deciphering unique
metabolic pathways for abiotic/biotic stress tolerance. State-of-the-art metabolomics tools such as
nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and advanced mass spectrometry (MS) has opened new horizons
for detailed analysis of wheat metabolome. The identification of unique metabolic pathways
offers various types of stress tolerance and helps to screen the elite wheat cultivars. In this review,
we summarize the applications of metabolomics to probe the stress-responsive metabolites and
stress-inducive regulatory pathways that govern abiotic/biotic stress tolerance in wheat and highlight
the significance of metabolic profiling to characterize wheat agronomics traits. Furthermore,
we also describe the potential of metabolomics-assisted speed breeding for wheat improvement and
propose future directions.
Abstinence from Chronic Methylphenidate Exposure Modifies Cannabinoid
Receptor 1 Levels in the Brain in a Dose-dependent Manner
Authors: Connor Carly , Hamilton John , Robison Lisa , Hadjiargyrou Michael , Komatsu David , Thanos Panayotis
Published: January 2021

Introduction:

Methylphenidate (MP) is a widely used psychostimulant prescribed for Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder and is also used illicitly by healthy individuals. Chronic exposure to MP has been
shown to affect physiology, behavior measures, and neurochemistry.

Methods:

The present study examined its effect on the endocannabinoid system. Adolescent rats had daily oral
access to either water (control), low dose MP (4/10 mg/kg), or high dose MP (30/60 mg/kg). After 13 weeks of
exposure, half of the rats in each group were euthanized, with the remaining rats underwent a four-week- long
abstinence period. Cannabinoid receptor 1 binding (CB1) was measured with in vitro autoradiography using
[3H] SR141716A.

Results:

Rats who underwent a 4-week abstinence period after exposure to chronic HD MP showed increased
CB1 binding in several cortical and basal ganglia regions of the brain compared to rats with no abstinence period.
In contrast to this, rats who underwent a 4-week abstinence period after exposure to chronic LD MP
showed lower CB1 binding mainly in the basal ganglia regions and the hindlimb region of the somatosensory
cortex compared to rats with no abstinence period. Following 4 weeks of drug abstinence, rats who were previously
given HD MP showed higher [3H] SR141716A binding in many of the cortical and basal ganglia regions
examined than rats given LD MP. These results highlight the biphasic effects of MP treatment on cannabinoid
receptor levels. Abstinence from HD MP seemed to increase CB1 receptor levels, while abstinence from LD
MP seemed to decrease CB1 levels.

Conclusion:

Given the prolific expression of cannabinoid receptors throughout the brain, many types of behaviors
may be affected as a result of MP abstinence. Further research will be needed to help identify these behavioral
changes.
Diagnosing Alzheimer’s Disease Based on Multiclass MRI Scans using
Transfer Learning Techniques
Authors: Prakash Deekshitha , Madusanka Nuwan , Bhattacharjee Subrata , Kim Cho-Hee , Park Hyeon-Gyun , Choi Heung-Kook
Published: January 2021

Aims:

To prevent Alzheimer’s disease (AD) from progressing to dementia, early prediction
and classification of AD are important and they play a crucial role in medical image analysis.

Background:

In this study, we employed a transfer learning technique to classify magnetic resonance
(MR) images using a pre-trained convolutional neural network (CNN).

Objective:

To address the early diagnosis of AD, we employed a computer-assisted technique, specifically
the deep learning (DL) model, to detect AD.

Methods:

In particular, we classified Alzheimer’s disease (AD), mild cognitive impairment (MCI),
and normal control (NC) subjects using whole slide two-dimensional (2D) images. To illustrate
this approach, we made use of state-of-the-art CNN base models, i.e., the residual networks Res-
Net-101, ResNet-50, and ResNet-18, and compared their effectiveness in identifying AD. To evaluate
this approach, an AD Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) dataset was utilized. We also showed
uniqueness by using MR images selected only from the central slice containing left and right hippocampus
regions to evaluate the models.

Results:

All three models used randomly split data in the ratio of 70:30 for training and testing.
Among the three, ResNet-101 showed 98.37% accuracy, better than the other two ResNet models,
and performed well in multiclass classification. The promising results emphasize the benefit of using
transfer learning, specifically when the dataset is low.

Conclusion:

From this study, we know that transfer learning helps to overcome DL problems mainly
when the data available is insufficient to train a model from scratch. This approach is highly advantageous
in medical image analysis to diagnose diseases like AD.
Patents Related to Pathogenic Human Coronaviruses
Authors: dos Santos Michelli , Ferreira André V.F. , da Silva Jonatas O. , Nogueira Laís M. , Machado Juliana M. , Francisco Mariana F.C. , da Paz Mariana C. , Giunchetti Rodolfo C. , Galdino Alexsandro S.
Published: January 2021

Background:

Coronaviruses have caused outbreaks of respiratory disease
since the beginning of the 21st century, representing a significant threat to public health.
Together, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), the respiratory
syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), and, more recently, the novel coronavirus
(SARS-CoV-2) have caused a large number of deaths around the world. Thus, investments
in research and the development of strategies aimed at diagnosing, treating, and
preventing these infections are urgently needed.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to analyze the patents that address pathogenic
coronaviruses in Google Patents databases in the last year (2019-2020).

Method :

The search strategy was carried out in April 2020, based on the keywords
“SARS”, “SARS-CoV”, “MERS”, “MERS-CoV”, “SARS-CoV-2” and “COVID-19. Out
of the patents examined, 25 were selected for a short description in this study.

Results:

A total of 191 patents were analyzed, 149 of which were related to SARS-CoV,
and 29 and 12 were related to MERS-CoV and SARS- CoV2, respectively. The patents
addressed the issues of diagnosis, therapeutic agents, prevention and control, along with
other applications.

Conclusion:

Several promising strategies have been documented in intellectual property
databases favoring the need for further studies on the pathogenesis and optimization of
the diagnosis and therapeutic treatment for these emerging infections.