bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic Significance of Tumor-infiltrating Lymphocytes in Premenopausal, Luminal Breast Cancer Treated with Adjuvant Endocrine Therapy
Authors: Zhang Jing , Abubakar Mustapha , Yuan pei , Koka Hela , Guo Lei , Li Xin , Yang Xiaohong R. , Ying Jianming , Lyu Ning
Published: October 2020

BackgroundTumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) have strong prognostic values in triple-negative and HER2-enriched breast cancer, but their prognostic roles in luminal breast cancer (LBC) are less clear. Here, we assessed the overall TILs levels and CD8+ T-cells in relation to the prognosis of LBC patients from China.Methods A total of 596 patients with LBC who were premenopausal and treated with adjuvant endocrine therapy were included. Among them, 160 cases were evaluated for CD8 by immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. Whole-section hematoxilyn and eosin and IHC staining were visually assessed for stromal TILs (sTILs), stromal CD8+ T-cells (sCD8) and intratumoral CD8+ T-cells (iCD8). Multivariable Cox proportional hazards model were used to test the associations between TILs and disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) with the adjustment of clinicopathologic characteristics and treatment. ResultsHigh sTILs (≥10%) were associated with high histologic grade (p<0.001), luminal B/HER2- (p<0.001), luminal B/HER2+ subtype (p=0.002), and high Ki67 expression (≥25%; p=0.014). Similar associations were observed for sCD8 but not for iCD8. While sTILs and sCD8 were not associated with either DFS or OS, the presence of iCD8 (≥1%) was associated with better DFS in both univariate (HR=0.51, 95%CI 0.26-0.96, p=0.042) and multivariate (HR=0.48, 95%CI 0.25-0.92, p=0.027) analyses. Similar but less significant associations were found for iCD8 and OS (adjusted HR=0.35, 95%CI 0.11-1.10, p=0.073).Conclusions Among Chinese premenopausal patients with LBC, iCD8 demonstrated suggestive associations with favorable outcomes. In contrast, although sTILs and sCD8 were associated with more aggressive tumor features, they did not appear to be associated with clinical outcomes.
Identification of Candidate Biomarkers Related to Diagnosis and Prognosis of Thyroid Cancer via Transcriptomic Profile Analysis
Authors: Li Qiang , Jiang Sheng , Feng Tienan , Zhu Tengteng , Qian Biyun
Published: October 2020

BackgroundThe detection rate of thyroid cancer (TC) has been continuously improved due to the development of detection technology. Compared with other cancers, the gene profile plays a more prominent role in the diagnosis and treatment of TC. MethodsFour datasets from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) was used to perform transcriptomic profile analysis. The overlapping differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were analyzed by R package “limma” and “RobustRankAggreg”. Then the hub genes, which had a higher degree, were identified by the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Gene expression analysis between the TC and normal data, the disease-free survival (DFS) analysis of TC patients from Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) database, function analysis, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were performed to verify the importance of the hub genes.ResultsA total of 80 DEGs (34 upregulated and 46 downregulated) were identified. Then FN1, TIMP1, ITGA2, and KIT were considered hub genes, which had a high degree of connectivity in the PPI network. GEPIA identified that FN1, TIMP1, and ITGA2 were upregulated, and KIT was downregulated. Upregulations of FN1 expression (P=0.024) and ITGA2 expression (P=0.029) and downregulation of KIT expression (P=0.012) increased risks of decreased DFS for patients. IHC showed that the expression of FN1, TIMP1, and ITGA2 protein were upregulated, while the expression of KIT protein was downregulated in the TC clinical specimens. Besides, five hub genes were enriched in the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and ECM-receptor interaction.ConclusionsIn summary, these hub genes were potential biomarkers of diagnosis and prognosis of TC.
A New Rapid Diagnostic System with Ambient Mass Spectrometry and Machine Learning for Colorectal Liver Metastasis
Authors: Kiritani Sho , Yoshimura Kentaro , Arita Junichi , Kokudo Takashi , Hakoda Hiroyuki , Tanimoto Meguri , Ishizawa Takeaki , Akamatsu Nobuhisa , Kaneko Junichi , Takeda Sen , Hasegawa Kiyoshi
Published: October 2020

Background: Probe electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (PESI-MS) can rapidly visualize mass spectra of small, surgically obtained tissue samples, and is a promising novel diagnostic tool when combined with machine learning which discriminates malignant spectrum patterns from others. The present study was performed to evaluate the utility of this device for rapid diagnosis of colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM).Methods: A prospectively planned study using retrospectively obtained tissues was performed. In total, 103 CRLM samples and 80 non-cancer liver tissues cut from surgically extracted specimens were analyzed using PESI-MS. Mass spectra obtained by PESI-MS were classified into cancer or non-cancer groups by using logistic regression, a kind of machine learning. Next, to identify the exact molecules responsible for the difference between CRLM and non-cancerous tissues, we performed liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-MS (LC-ESI-MS), which visualizes sample molecular composition in more detail.Results: This diagnostic system distinguished CRLM from non-cancer liver parenchyma with an accuracy rate of 99.5%. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve reached 0.9999. LC-ESI-MS analysis showed higher ion intensities of phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine in CRLM than in non-cancer liver parenchyma (P<0.01, respectively). The proportion of phospholipids categorized as monounsaturated fatty acids was higher in CRLM (37.2%) than in non-cancer liver parenchyma (10.7%; P<0.01).Conclusion: The combination of PESI-MS and machine learning distinguished CRLM from non-cancer tissue with high accuracy. Phospholipids categorized as monounsaturated fatty acids contributed to the difference between CRLM and normal parenchyma and might also be a useful diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for CRLM.
Application of 3D Modeling and Fusion Technology of Medical Image Data in Image Teaching
Authors: Yuan Quan , Chen Xiaomei , Zhai Jian , Chen Yadi , Liu Qingxiang , Tan Zhongxiao , Chen Gao , Zhuang Kangle , xu xi , qiang di , shao xuefei
Published: October 2020

Backgroundwe combined anatomy with imaging, transformed the 2D information of various imaging techniques into 3D information, and form the assessment system of real medical imaging cases in order to make up for the deficiencies in the current teaching of the medical imaging technology students. MethodsA total of 460 medical imaging students were selected and randomly divided into two groups. The research group received the teaching of the fusion of the original CT and MR data 3D model and the original image combined with 3D anatomical image. Statistical analysis Academic self-efficacy scale and Self-directed learning ability scale was adopted by self-directed learning evaluation scale between two groups.ResultsCompare the theoretical scores and case analysis scores of the two groups. The scores of the study and control groups were significantly higher than those of the control group.Before the experiment, no significant difference was detected in the self-efficacy of learning ability and learning behavior between the two groups , while after the experiment, these differences between the two groups were statistically significan. Moreover, the learning ability self-efficacy and learning behavior of the two groups of students after the experiment was significantly higher than that before the experiment. The self-efficacy of the learning behavior of the control group was higher after the experiment than that before the experiment, albeit the difference was not statistically significant . ConclusionsThe modern, information-based and humanized experimental teaching mode will be constantly improved under the support of PACS system in order to optimize the medical imaging teaching activities for the development of modern medical education.
An Experimental Intraradicular Biofilm Model in the Pig for Evaluating Irrigation Techniques.
Authors: Tanaka Toshinori , Yahata Yoshio , Handa Keisuke , Venkataiah Suresh V. , Njuguna Mary M. , Kahehira Masafumi , Hasegawa Tatsuya , Noiri Yuichiro , Saito Masahiro
Published: October 2020

Background: We established an in vivo intraradicular biofilm model of apical periodontitis in pigs in which we compared the efficacy of different irrigant activation techniques for biofilm removal.Methods: Twenty roots from the deciduous mandibular second premolar of 5 male pigs were used. After pulpectomy, canals were left open for 2 weeks and then sealed for 4 weeks to enable the development of an intracanal biofilm. The intraradicular biofilms was evaluated using SEM and bacterial 16S rRNA gene-sequencing. To investigate the efficacy of biofilm removal, root canal irrigations were performed using conventional needle, passive ultrasonic, subsonic, or laser-activated irrigation. Real-time PCR was conducted to quantitate the remaining biofilm components. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA followed by a Tukey kramer post-hoc test with α=0.05.Results: The pulp exposure model was effective in inducing apical periodontitis and SEM analysis revealed a multi-layer biofilm formation inside the root canal. 16S rRNA sequence analysis identified Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Fusobacteria as the predominant bacterial phyla components, which is similar to the microbiome profile seen in humans. None of the tested irrigation techniques completely eradicated the biofilm components from the root canal, but the subsonic and laser-activated irrigation methods produced the lowest bacterial counts (p<0.05).Conclusions: An experimental intraradicular biofilm model has been successfully established in pigs. Within the limitations of the study, subsonic or laser-activated irrigation demonstrated the best biofilm removal results in the pig system.
Exosomes Derived From Heat Stroke Cases Carry miRNAs Associated With Inflammation and Coagulation Cascade
Authors: Li Yue , Wen Qiang , Chen Huaisheng , Wu Xinhui , Liu Bin , Li Hui , Su Lei , Tong Huasheng
Published: October 2020

Background: The pathological mechanism of HS is associated with the dysbalanced inflammation and coagulation cascade. The cells-derived circulating extracellular vesicles (EVs) as a novel pathway mediating intercellular communication were evidenced to be associated with immune response and inflammation in critical inflammatory syndromes such as sepsis. Despite previous studies demonstrating that these vesicles contain genetic material related to their biological function, their molecular cargo during heat stroke is relatively unknown. In this study, we evaluated the presence of microRNAs (miRNAs) and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) related to inflammatory response and coagulation cascade in exosomes of patients with heat stroke. Methods: Blood samples were collected from 3 patients with heat stroke at ICU admission. Three healthy volunteers were used as control subjects. Exosomes were isolated by ultracentrifugation, their miRNA content was profiled by next generation sequencing and mRNA content was evaluated by qRT-PCR array. Results: As compared with healthy volunteers, exosomes from patients with heat stroke had significant changes in 202 exosomal miRNAs (154 miRNAs upregulated and 48 downregulated). The most upregulated miRNAs included miR-511-3p, miR-122-5p, miR-155-3p, miR-1290 and let7-5p whileas the most downregulated ones included miR-150-3p, 146a-5p and 151a-3p. The GO enrichment by the miRNAs of patients with heat stroke compared with control subjects were related mostly to inflammatory response including T cell activation, B cell receptor signaling, DC chemotaxis and leukocyte migration, and platelet activation and blood coagulation. KEGG pathway analysis determined those identified miRNAs were mainly enriched to the signal transduction pathways namely, T cell receptor signaling pathway, Ras signaling pathway, Chemokine signaling pathway, Platelet activation, and Leukocyte transendothelial migration. These pathways were mainly related to inflammation and hemostasis. Multiple targeted mRNAs associated with the inflammatory response, blood coagulation and platelet activation were further verified in serum exosomes.Conclusions: Exosomes from patients with heat stroke convey miRNAs and mRNAs related to pathogenic pathways, including inflammatory response and coagulation cascade. Exosomes may represent a novel mechanism for intercellular communication during heat stroke.
The Role of Endothelial Dysfunction in Development of Acute Kidney Injury in Patients With Acute Decompensated Heart Failure
Authors: Lin Shu-Min , Chang Chih-Hsiang , Lin Ting-Yu , Huang Allen Chung-Cheng , Lin Chiung-Hung , Chen Yung-Chang , Chu Pao-Hsien
Published: October 2020

Objective: Cardiorenal syndrome type I (CRS I) is defined as the development of acute kidney injury (AKI) following acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). Note that the clinical significance of endothelial markers in ADHF-associated AKI has yet to be clarified. This study investigated the biological processes linking ADHF and AKI to determine whether plasma markers of endothelial injury and activation could serve as predictors for AKI in patients with ADHF. Methods: The study prospectively recruited 125 consecutive patients admitted to a coronary critical unit due to ADHF. Patients with and without AKI were compared in terms of plasma levels of soluble thrombomodulin (sTM), angiopoietin (Ang)-1 and 2, and baseline characteristics. Results: Among the study population, 14 (11.2%) patients developed CRS within 7 days after admission. The hemoglobin levels (11.4 ± 2.1 vs. 13.3 ± 2.2 g/dL, p =0.003) and baseline eGFR (65.7 ± 34.5 vs. 85.5 ± 35.0 mL/minute/1.73m2, p = 0.048) of patients with CRS were lower than those of patients without CRS. Patients with CRS also presented elevated plasma levels of BNP (1,797.2 ± 1,649.1 vs. 687.8 ± 976.6 pg/mL, p = 0.008), Ang-2 (7,524.7 ± 8,485.5 vs. 3,325.3 ± 4,7409 pg/mL, p = 0.006), and sTM (7,763.8 ± 3,803.7 vs. 4,661.3 ± 1,896.8 ng/mL, p < 0.001) compared to patients without CRS. Areas under the ROC curves (AUROC) revealed that Ang-2 and TM plasma levels had significantly discriminative powers pertaining to the development of CRS (0.704, 95% CI 0.55-0.859, p =0.013; and 0.789, 95% CI 0.675-0.903, p <0.001, respectively). Conclusion: These biomarkers suggest a novel avenue for kidney injury in the context of ADHF and indicate that baseline biomarker profiles could potential be used to identify individuals at risk of developing AKI.
Biochemical and Cellular Biomarkers in Brown Trout (Salmo trutta f. fario) in Response to the Antidepressants Citalopram and Venlafaxine
Authors: Ziegler Michael , Eckstein Helene , Ottmann Shannon , Reinelt Lukas , Stepinski Sabine , Köhler Heinz-R. , Triebskorn Rita
Published: October 2020

Background: During the last decades, a worldwide increase in the number of cases of depression accompanied by rising prescription rates of antidepressants was recorded. In Germany, the two most prescribed antidepressants are the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) citalopram and the serotonin and noradrenalin reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) venlafaxine, taking about 30 % of the market share. Both antidepressants are found frequently in surface waters and have the potential of adversely affecting aquatic organisms. Most studies dealing with antidepressants address apical endpoints and behaviour, however, only few studies investigate biochemical biomarkers and histopathological alterations. We conducted citalopram and venlafaxine exposure experiments with brown trout eggs in the eyed ova stage for five months, as well as with juvenile brown trout for four weeks. Exposure concentrations ranged from environmentally relevant 1 µg/L up to 1 mg/L. In this study, we investigated the effects of the antidepressants on b-esterase activity (neurotoxicity), stress protein level (proteotoxicity) and superoxide dismutase activity (oxidative stress). Additionally, we assessed the health status of the liver by means of histopathological analyses.Results: We were able to show that both antidepressants did neither induce proteotoxic nor neurotoxic effects in brown trout. But for the antidepressant venlafaxine, the biochemical biomarker for oxidative stress (superoxide dismutase activity) was significantly increased in larvae exposed to at least 10 µg/L venlafaxine at 7°C. With regard to liver histopathology, fish exposed to higher citalopram concentrations were in a worse health condition than control fish irrespective of their life stage. Also the energy storage of fish exposed to 1 mg/L citalopram was reduced. Conclusion: Thus, we here report citalopram-dependent histopathological alterations in brown trout liver, and the induction of oxidative stress by venlafaxine.
Noise Reduction in an Intensive Care Unit: Implementation of Quiet Time and Noise-Reduction Strategies
Authors: Gupta Poonam , Shaji Mincy , Amer Aisha , Joseph Sherin , Louis Ivy , George Jacinth , Zubi Mohammad Al , McDonald Ian , Jesus Darlene Jean Costelo De , Hassan Mawahib El
Published: October 2020

Background: Excessive noise is a significant problem for patients in intensive care units (ICUs) and is associated with significant psychological effects and the potential to affect patient outcomes. The noise level in our coronary care intensive unit of a cardiac hospital was found to be approximately 80 dB, which exceeded the international recommended level of 35 dB. We sought to review the causes of this excess noise and the effects of an implementation of quiet time and a noise-reduction bundle in the ICU.Methods: A quality improvement initiative was undertaken to solve the noise issue. A multi-disciplinary team was formed and a number of changes were tested. We used a model for improvement, and the changes were tested using small Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles. Two blocks of quiet time (3-4 pm and 2-4 am) were designated as quiet times during which the lights were dimmed, noise-reduction strategies in the form of a bundle were implemented, and procedures were minimized. In addition, educational material and information were disseminated to physicians, nurses, physical therapists, and other potential individuals who might be affected by the changes that were implemented. Quantitative baseline data was collected using sound meter readings three times a day. Qualitative feedback was collected through staff and patient surveys.Results: During quiet hours, the noise level averaged 22 dB—a decrease from 85 dB. One-hundred patients were surveyed and asked for their feedback concerning quiet time: approximately 97% of them were satisfied with the results.Conclusions: It is possible to reduce noise levels in ICUs by implementing simple and effective measures. This reduction has a significant effect on patient satisfaction, and, in addition, promotes healing.
Neuroprotective Effects of Adlay Hull Extract Against β-amyloid-induced Neurotoxicity and Lipopolysaccharide-induced Inflammatory Response
Authors: Tsay Jia-Zer Gregory , Lin Yu-Ta , Hsu Chia-Hong , Tang Feng-Yao , Kuo Yueh-Hsiung , Chao Che-Yi
Published: October 2020

Background: Nowadays, as technology and medical treatment improvements contribute to extending the lives of human beings, it also causes many diseases like noninfectious chronic and neurodegenerative with an aging population. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases. It almost always occurs in older adults whose age is above 65 years old. AD is clinically characterized by a progressive loss of cognitive abilities. Pathologically, it is defined by the appearance of senile plaques-extracellular insoluble, congophilic protein aggregates composed of amyloid β (Aβ), resulting in oxidative stress, mitochondrial disorders, synaptic atrophy, leading to function degradation of the brain. The scientific name of adlay is Coix lacryma-jobi L., which is an annual botanical.Methods: This research uses the adlay hull, as a test sample in the experiment. The 95% ethanol extract of adlay hull (AHEE) was partitioned by ethyl acetate (AHEAE), n-butanol (AHBUE) and water (AHWE) subsequently, and the test of extracts by LPSinduce a RAW264.7 inflammatory response and Aβ25-35-induces dPC12 cells which cause neurotoxicity as an experimental model, respectively. Investigate the inflammatory and anti-apoptosis related protein expression.Results: The results shown that the AHEE, AHEAE and AHWE exert antiinflammatory effects, AHWE also have anti-apoptosis effects. Through mouse macrophages inflammatory protein expression experiments, as well as inhibition of iNOS expression, resulted in inhibited nitrite production. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of AHWE against the Aβ25-35-induced neurotoxicity in dPC12 cells and explored the underlying mechanism. The results showed that pretreatment with AHWE significantly attenuated cell death and the elevated Bax/Bcl-2 ratio evoked by Aβ25-35. Moreover, AHWE significantly inhibited Aβ25-35 and enhanced the protein levels of Akt in dPC12 cells. These observations unambiguously suggested that the protective effect of AHWE against Aβ25-35-induced apoptosis in dPC12 cells was associated with the enhancement of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.Conclusion: The results showed that adlay hull extracts have the anti-oxidant, antiinflammatory, anti-apoptotic and neuroprotective property. These results suggest that adlay hull extracts may have a preventive therapeutic potential in the management of AD.
Integrating Metabolomic Data With Machine Learning Approach for Discovery of Q-markers From Jinqi Jiangtang Preparation Against Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Yang Lele , Xue Yan , Wei Jinchao , Dai Qi , Li Peng
Published: October 2020

Background: Jinqi Jiangtang (JQJT) has been widely used in clinical practice to prevent and treat type 2 diabetes. However, little was known about its quality markers (Q-markers) associated with anti-diabetes bioactivity. In this study, a strategy combining mass spectrometry-based untargeted metabolomics with backpropagation artificial neural network (BP-ANN)-based machine learning approach was proposed to screen Q-markers from JQJT preparation. Methods: This strategy mainly involved chemical profiling of herbal medicines, statistic processing of metabolomic datasets, detection of different anti-diabetes activities and establishing of BP-ANN model. The chemical features of seventy-eight batches of JQJT extracts were first profiled using an untargeted UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap metabolomic approach. The obtained chemical features associated with different anti-diabetes activities based on three modes of action were normalized, ranked, and then pre-selected by using ReliefF feature selection, respectively. BP-ANN model was then established and optimized to screen Q-markers based on mean impact value (MIV).Results: Optimized BP-ANN architecture was established with high accuracy of R > 0.9983 and relative low error of MSE < 0.0014, which showed better performance than that of PLSR calibration model (R2 < 0.5). Meanwhile, the BP-ANN model was subsequently applied to further screen potential bioactive components from the pre-selected chemical features by calculating their MIVs. Using this machine learning model, 15 potential Q-markers with bioactivity were discovered from JQJT. The tested anti-diabetes bioactivities of 78 batches of JQJT could be accurately predicted.Conclusions: The proposed artificial intelligence approach is suitable for quick and easy discovery of Q-markers with bioactivity from herbal medicines.
Spatiotemporal Modeling of Nutrient Retention in a Tropical Semi-Arid Basin
Authors: Raji Saheed A. , Odunuga Shakirudeen , Fasona Mayowa
Published: October 2020

The Sokoto-Rima basin defines the natural and socioeconomic lifeblood of northwestern Nigeria. Its agrarian nature is an indication of significant dependence on the supply of ecosystem services from its various rivers, streams, and wetlands. However, nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) constitute a great portion of chemical fertilizers used to enhance crop yields and poor management of these portend great threats for water quality. The overarching objective of this study was to examine the extent of spatial variation of nutrient dynamics in the Sokoto-Rima basin between 1992 and 2015 using the nutrient delivery ratio (NDR) model of InVEST (Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Service and Tradeoffs) software. Landcover, precipitation, digital elevation, and biophysical variables were the principal datasets employed as software input. The result of the study showed that the surficial N load is almost 15-fold of P in the Sokoto-Rima basin. Over the period of study, cultivated areas and rivers were spatially detected as nutrient sources and sinks respectively. The subsurface nutrient load is dominated by P while the amount of N load is insignificant. The trend of nutrient export is linearly defined: with 0.87% and 1.7% increase in N and P export respectively during 1992-2015. N and P exports vary spatially with a north-south increase-decrease index. Critical length and threshold are highly sensitive to changes in the parameterization of the NDR model. Thus, synergistic cultivation practices such as agroforestry should be extended to existing crop cultivation complexes to curtail nutrient enrichment in the Sokoto-Rima basin and ensure environmental sustainability.
A Novel Epitope-Blocking ELISA for Specific and Sensitive Detection of Antibodies Against H5-Subtype Influenza Virus Hemagglutinin
Authors: Sączyńska Violetta , Florys-Jankowska Katarzyna , Porębska Anna , Cecuda-Adamczewska Violetta
Published: October 2020

Background: H5-subtype highly pathogenic (HP) avian influenza viruses (AIVs) cause high mortality in domestic birds and sporadic infections in humans with a frequently fatal outcome, while H5N1 viruses have pandemic potential. Due to veterinary and public health significance, these HPAIVs, as well as low pathogenicity (LP) H5-subtype AIVs having a propensity to mutate into HP viruses, are under epidemiologic surveillance and must be reported to the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE). Our previous work provided a unique panel of 6 different monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against H5 hemagglutinin (HA), which meets the demand for high-specificity tools for monitoring AIV infection and vaccination in poultry. In this study, we selected one of these mAbs to develop an epitope-blocking (EB) ELISA for detecting H5 subtype-specific antibodies in chicken sera (H5 EB-ELISA).Methods: In the H5 EB-ELISA, H5 HA protein produced in a baculovirus-expression vector system was employed as a coating antigen, and the G-7-27-18 mAb was employed as a blocking antibody. The performance characteristics of the assay were evaluated by testing 358 sera from nonimmunized chickens and chickens immunized with AIVs of the H1–H16 subtypes or recombinant H5 HA antigen to obtain the reference and experimental antisera, respectively. The samples were classified as anti-H5 HA positive or negative based on the results of the hemagglutination inhibition (HI) assay, the gold standard in subtype-specific serodiagnosis.Results: The H5 EB-ELISA correctly discriminated between the anti-H5 HA negative sera, including those against the non-H5 subtype AIVs, and sera positive for antibodies against the various-origin H5 HAs. Preliminary validation showed 100% analytical and 97.6% diagnostic specificities of the assay and 98.0% and 99.1% diagnostic sensitivities when applied to detect the anti-H5 HA antibodies in the reference and experimental antisera, respectively.Conclusions: The H5 EB-ELISA performed well in terms of diagnostic estimates. Thus, further optimization and validation work using a larger set of chicken sera and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis are warranted. Moreover, the present assay provides a valuable basis for developing multispecies screening tests for birds or diagnostic tests for humans.
A novel long non-coding RNA, Nostrill, regulates iNOS gene transcription and neurotoxicity in microglia.
Authors: Mathy Nicholas W. , Burleigh Olivia , Kochvar Andrew , Whiteford Erin R. , Behrens Matthew , Marta Patrick , Tian Cong , Gong Ai-Yu , Drescher Kristen , Steyger Peter , Chen Xian-Ming , Shibata Annemarie
Published: October 2020

Background Microglia are resident immunocompetent and phagocytic cells in the CNS. Pro-inflammatory microglia, stimulated by environmental microbial signals such as bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), viral RNAs, or inflammatory cytokines, are neurotoxic and associated with pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative diseases. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) are emerging as important tissue-specific regulators directing cell differentiation and functional states and may help direct proinflammatory responses of microglia. Methods Microglial gene expression array analyses and qRT-PCR was used to identify a novel intergenic long-noncoding RNA that was upregulated in LPS-stimulated microglial cell lines, LPS-stimulated primary microglia, and LPS-injected mouse cortical tissue. Silencing and overexpression studies, RNA immunoprecipitation, chromatin immunoprecipitation, chromatin RNA immunoprecipitation assays, and qRT-PCR were used to study the function of this long-noncoding RNA in microglia. In vitro cytotoxicity assays were used to examine the effects of silencing the novel long-noncoding RNA in LPS-stimulated microglia on neurotoxicity. Results We report here that the previously uncharacterized intergenic lncRNA we termed Nostrill is induced by LPS stimulation in both BV2 cells and primary murine microglia, as well as in cortical tissue of LPS-injected mice. Induction of Nostrill is NF-κB dependent and silencing of Nostrill decreased inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression and nitric oxide production in BV2 and primary microglial cells. Overexpression of Nostrill increased iNOS expression and nitric oxide production. RNA immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated that Nostrill is physically associated with NF-κB subunit p65 following LPS stimulation. Silencing of Nostrill significantly reduced NF-κB p65 and RNA polymerase II recruitment to the iNOS promoter and decreased H3K4me3 activating histone modifications at iNOS gene loci. In vitro studies demonstrate that silencing of Nostrill in microglia reduced LPS-stimulated microglia neurotoxicity. Conclusions Our data indicate a new regulatory role of NF-κB-induced Nostrill and suggest that Nostrill acts as a co-activator of transcription of iNOS resulting in the production of nitric oxide in microglia through modulation of epigenetic chromatin remodeling. Nostrill may be a target for reducing the neurotoxicity associated with iNOS-mediated inflammatory processes in microglia during neurodegeneration.
How close are we to self-provisioning? A look at the livelihood strategies of rural households in the Southern Andean region of Colombia
Authors: Hernández-Núñez Héctor Eduardo , García Gustavo Adolfo Gutiérrez , Gutiérrez-Montes Isabel , Salazar Juan Carlos Suárez , Andrade Hernán J. , Núñez Angie Paola Bernal , Casanoves Fernando , Flora Cornelia Butler
Published: October 2020

Production for self-provisioning contributes to food security in rural territories; however, studies have indicated that this capacity is limited. We analyze the impact of livelihood strategies on self-provisioning conditions in 162 rural households in the department of Huila, Colombia. Different topics were examined: a. source of the food; b. composition of home gardens; c. push and pull factors towards self-provisioning; d. capacity of rural households to access food in the face of COVID-19. Results indicated that rural households are 75% dependent on grocery stores for access their food. Only 51% of households have a home garden, with limited species diversity. Capacity for self-provisioning varies according to the livelihood strategies and capital endowment of the household; those with a greater diversity of agricultural activities have better capacity to provide for self-provisioning. We conclude that resilience of rural households is minimal to face atypical events such as the pandemic generated by COVID-19.
Social and emotional loneliness among college students during the COVID-19 pandemic: the predictive role of coping behaviours, social support, and personal resilience
Authors: Labrague Leodoro J. , Santos Janet Alexis A. De los , Falguera Charlie
Published: October 2020

Background: The mandatory lockdown imposed by the government to curb the transmission of coronavirus disease or COVID-19 has significantly disrupted social activities among student nurses, making them vulnerable to loneliness and social isolation. Objective: To determine the relative influence of coping behaviours, personal resilience, and social support on student nurses’ emotional and social loneliness during the pandemic.Methods: A cross-sectional research design was utilised to gather data from 261 student nurses from the Central Philippines using the Loneliness Scale, the Brief Resilience Scale, the Coping Behaviour Questionnaire, and the Perceived Social Support Questionnaire through an online survey. Results: The majority or 89.27% (n = 233) of student nurses experienced moderate to severe levels of loneliness during the lockdown. Age (younger age) (β = -0.168, p = 0.005) and social support (β = -0.176, p = 0.014) predicted emotional resilience, while gender (being female) (β = 0.109, p = 0.045), personal resilience (β = -0.214, p < 0.001), and coping behaviours (β = -0.455, p < 0.001) predicted social loneliness.Conclusions: Loneliness among student nurses was high during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Personal resilience, coping behaviours, and social support were identified as protective factors against loneliness. Empirically tested interventions and strategies directed towards increasing personal resilience, social support, and coping behaviours may help decrease emotional and social loneliness caused by the mandatory lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Housing conditions in the regions of east Russia: basic parameters and correlations
Authors:   Institute of Natural Resources, Ecology and Cryology, SB RAS, Gurova О.
Published: October 2020

Housing conditions are one of the main (among others) indicators of the population’s well-being. The author examines the situation in the housing sector of the regions of the Far East, as well as the Baikal region. The East of Russia as a geostrategic region stands out in federal programs and strategies for the development of regions, but the level and living conditions here differ both geographically and not for the better from the western part of the country. The relevance of the study is determined by the fact that the significance of the housing problems – providing all people in need with comfortable and high-quality housing – remains high for modern society. The population of the Far Eastern regions is steadily declining. This fact, together with a not sufficiently high quality of life, speaks of the need to address this problem as a strategic task. The methodology of economic and statistical analysis based on Rosstat data characterizing the main indicators of housing conditions of the population (provision of housing, commissioning of housing, dilapidated and emergency housing stock) in order to analyze the state and territorial differences in the housing sector in the east of the country is used in the article. The source of information is the data from regional state statistical organizations using the ranking method and the correlation method. The need to take into account regional specifics in the development of housing policy is emphasized. Low provision of housing, the presence of a significant share of dilapidated housing and the level of improvement that does not meet modern requirements have little effect on the pace of housing construction due to insufficient income of the population. This explains the absence of a strong correlation between the amount of housing being commissioned and the provision of the population with it. The study of the living conditions of the population of the eastern regions of Russia can be continued in the field of further correlation and regression analysis in order to study the relationship between phenomena and processes
Modern views on promising areas for the deployment of ferrous metallurgy enterprises in Siberia
Authors:   Irkutsk national research technical University, Rogov V.
Published: October 2020

The leading metallurgical company in Siberia is the United West Siberian metallurgical combine. The evolutionary development of the metallurgical complex in Siberia means strengthening the raw material base and developing the production of direct iron reduction products for the needs of large enterprises and mini-metallurgical enterprises that are being created in Eastern Siberia in the future. The main resource object of the West Siberian combine in the near future may be the iron ore birthplace of the Kodaro-Udokan ore district. At the next stage, the development of resources of the Beloretsk-Insko-Kharlovsky ore district is promising. The third stage is to develop the resources of the Bakchar Deposit of oolite ores as a project of national significance. The priority is to involve complex iron ores containing rare metals and rare earth elements in the turnover. The use of titanomagnetite ores, although promising, is limited by the possibilities of implementing titanium dioxide. In the Irkutsk region, the creation of metallurgical enterprises may be associated with the joint development of the Beloziminsky group of tantalum-niobium and rare earth deposits and adjacent manifestations of magnetite. In the south of the Transbaikal Region appropriate resuscitation of the Petrovsk-Zabaikalsky metallurgical plant, based on the resources of Berezovsky and other fields, is rational, including resources of the Lake group of deposits of the Republic of Buryatia
Demographics and personnel – key problems of the Far East and Transbaikalia /
Authors:   Transbaikal State University, Tomskikh A.
Published: October 2020

The article analyzes demographic problems and closely related issues of personnel shortage, which are critically important for the accelerated socio-economic development of the Far East and Transbaikal region in particular. Today, as in the past decades, there is no clear understanding of the solution of these issues in the country, moreover, there is no reliable assessment base that allows to understand the depth of the problems, their localization at the regional and municipal levels and the factors involved in the development of effective management decisions at all levels of government. Therefore, in order to develop a state policy for accelerated socio-economic development of the regions of the Far East, it is necessary to determine priorities that will be appropriately evaluated by the population through its natural movement and migration behaviour. After all, the stabilization of the population of the Far East, and its growth in the future (taking into account the tasks of the Decree of the President of the Russian Federation), is a task that should be solved primarily as a geopolitical one. Current mechanisms in the form of state programs: “Far Eastern hectare”, “Personnel support for the economy of the Far East”, “Development of the education system”, “Promotion of the Far East for work and life”, “Far Eastern mortgage” – do not work as effectively as intended. It is necessary to review the approaches to reformatting the region’s economy as a “new industrialization”, with the experience of the Stolypin reforms of the tsarist government and the Soviet era in the 70s of the twentieth century, but on other innovative principles. China demonstrates this quite well, including the Northern provinces. Their experience of reforms, for example in education, indicates a need to change the control system, expressed in the subordination of the majority of vocational schools at the provincial level, which enabled more productive to go to the formula “school- market and the government” and solve those huge human resource challenges faced by a growing economy
Forces generating crystallization differentiation, and the evolution of the melt composition on the example of plagioclase
Authors:   Sobolev Institute of Geology and  Mineralogy SB RAS, Kirdyashkin А. , Kirdyashkin A. ,   Sobolev Institute of Geology and  Mineralogy SB RAS
Published: October 2020

Crystallization differentiation processes in the melt volume are investigated for albite-anorthite continuous solid solution series. It has shown that crystallization differentiation occurs in the isothermal melt volume due to hydrodynamic instability of the melt/solid particles system. The time of particle settling in a 10 cm thick melt layer is estimated for different particle sizes. In terrestrial conditions, the existence of large melt volumes with long lifetime is possible in the case of a long-lived heat source of high thermal power. This source is a mantle thermochemical plume with a mushroom-shaped head. The particle settling time is estimated for the melt layer thickness, i. e. plume head thickness equal to 10 km. A calculation technique is presented for composition of the melt remaining after settling of plagioclase particles. The results of calculations of changes in the melt composition due to crystallization differentiation at a temperature T = 1410 °C and a pressure P = 6,3 kbar are presented. For a melt whose composition corresponds to N 47,5 (weight percentage of anorthite is 47,5 %), the oxide content in the settled plagioclase, the composition of the melt in its intercrystalline spaces, and the residual melt composition are calculated. At constant temperature, the crystallization differentiation of the melt whose composition corresponds to plagioclase leads to the compositional changes in the initial melt. Calculations of the melt composition have shown that the melt is depleted in anorthite component owing to settling of plagioclase particles. The composition of plagioclase therewith shifts to the liquidus line, reaching its limit on this line
. Influence of crystallization differentiation on the composition of the residual melt for plagioclase under different p-t conditions
Authors:   Sobolev Institute of Geology and  Mineralogy SB RAS, Kirdyashkin A. , Kirdyashkin A. ,   Sobolev Institute of Geology and  Mineralogy SB RAS
Published: October 2020

Crystallization differentiation processes in the melt volume for albite-anorthite solid solution series have been studied. For the albite-anorthite system, the change in the melt composition due to crystallization differentiation is calculated for pressure values P = 6,3 kbar and 1 bar and temperature T = 1410 °C, 1350 and 1300 °C. A calculation technique is presented for composition of the melt remaining after settling of plagioclase particles. The residual melt compositions have been calculated for different initial melt compositions and different P-T parameters. The change in composition due to crystallization differentiation of the melt is the difference in the percentage composition for each oxide on the liquidus line and the initial melt composition. The dimensionless ratios (similarity criteria) for the initial melt composition and the change of the oxide content , , , have been obtained. The change of each oxide percentage is calculated in weight percents and in the dimensionless form (as values of above-mentioned similarity criteria). The initial melt is depleted in different components. The depletion is due to settling of plagioclase particles and melt volume reduction. The latter is the sum of the solid particles and the melt volumes in the intercrystalline spaces of the settled particles’ layer. It is shown that the processes of crystallization differentiation are the sum total of hydrodynamic (geodynamic) and petrological processes. These processes can be studied using the methods of similarity theory. The compositional change in the melt due to crystallization differentiation can be represented in the form of an analytical relationship between the petrological similarity criteria
Ação antrópica na incidência dos focos de calor na Microrregião de Paragominas, Estado do Pará, Norte do Brasil
Authors: Araújo Lucas Oliveira , Cunha Neto Ernandes Macedo da , Melo Marcio Roberto da Silva , Santos Núbia de Fátima Alves dos , Borges Luciana da Silva
Published: October 2020

O fogo é um instrumento do desflorestamento, devido seu emprego na conversão de vegetação em pastagens e agricultura, sendo difícil monitorá-lo, devido à grande dimensão do Estado do Pará. O sensoriamento remoto e o geoprocessamento são alternativas que favorecem esse monitoramento. Assim, objetivou-se avaliar a dinâmica dos focos de calor na Microrregião de Paragominas, Estado do Pará, Norte do Brasil, sob a ótica do desmatamento e agricultura. Utilizou-se vetores dos focos de calor, desmatamento e agricultura, sendo analisados em escala multitemporal, entre os anos de 2002 e 2018. No período de 2002 a 2006 houve um incremento de 128,75% dos focos de calor e redução de 75,71% do desmatamento. Entre 2006 e 2010 os focos de calor e áreas desmatadas reduziram. De 2010 a 2014 os focos de calor cresceram, enquanto o desmatamento reduziu. De 2014 a 2018 os focos reduziram em aproximadamente 92%. Houve grande crescimento da agricultura entre 2002-2018. O alto desmatamento e focos de calor entre 2000 e 2008, deve-se a exploração madeireira, principal renda da microrregião na época. As políticas de combate ao desmatamento, aliadas à moratória da soja foram essenciais para contê-lo. Os focos concentraram-se nos assentamentos, agricultura, desmatamento e rodovias. Não houve concentração em terras indígenas. Os fatores antrópicos influenciam na dinâmica espaço-temporal dos focos de calor, uma vez que convertem a floresta densa em áreas de vegetação pouco densa, aumentando a absorção de calor pelo solo. Deve-se intensificar políticas públicas para conscientizar os agricultores familiares sobre o uso do fogo, bem como fomentar técnicas alternativas e garantir assistência técnica.
Diversidad funcional: amor, sexualidad y adicciones
Authors: Ramírez Ramírez Juan Ricardo
Published: October 2020

El objetivo del presente artículo es comprender las experiencias amorosas y las manifestaciones de la sexualidad en personas con diversidad funcional y trastorno por consumo de sustancias, por medio de un análisis de casos de 2 hombres mayores de edad. Se aplicó un estudio fenomenológico, desarrollando entrevistas semiestructuradas individuales a cada participante. Teóricamente, se presenta una reflexión sobre temas asociados a la diversidad funcional, considerando varios aportes. Las categorías emergentes fueron: amor; sexualidad; consumo de sustancias psicoactivas; y percepción propia, de los otros y de la vida. Los resultados permiten distinguir que la adicción se convierte en una situación más incapacitante que la misma diversidad funcional, afectando de manera significativa las experiencias amorosas y sexuales de los entrevistados.
Relación entre el consumo de sustancias psicoactivas y la violencia filioparental en adolescentes
Authors: Ávila-Navarrete Viviana Carmenza , León-Catachunga Yamile , Gutiérrez-Tamayo Carlos Andrés
Published: October 2020

El presente trabajo ofrece una reflexión sobre algunos aspectos relacionados con las prácticas de violencia filioparental ejercida por hijos e hijas adolescentes y el consumo de sustancias psicoactivas. Se parte de una exhaustiva revisión documental, identificando los factores que pueden desatar actos de agresión hacia los padres, madres o familiares ascendentes, priorizando en el consumo de sustancias psicoactivas como vehículo que fija unas formas particulares de conflicto en la relación padres e hijos. Se concluye que la violencia filioparental y el consumo de sustancias psicoactivas son fenómenos conexos, que en reiteradas ocasiones permanecen ocultos y se hacen manifiestos tan solo cuando se pone en riesgo la dinámica y la estructura del sistema familiar. La investigación cobra relevancia de cara a los diferentes retos que deben afrontar los profesionales de la psicología y otras ciencias de la salud, en el marco de la intervención sobre las relaciones de poder y control que involucran a las familias del siglo XXI.