bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Essential and Toxic Elements in Drinking Water: Water Treatment and Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Cybulski Jacek , Witczak Agata , Pokorska-Niewiada Kamila
Published: October 2021

Drinking water quality is a priority in most countries. Drinking water is the essential medium for food production, and while it must be free of harmful substances, it also must have a composition that is beneficial to health. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of water and wastewater treatment on reducing concentrations of zinc, nickel, iron, manganese, copper, lead, and arsenic. The analysis was performed with inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrophotometry (ICP-AES). The water treatment process reduced the concentrations of these compounds in water by a range of 48.5 to 97%. The concentrations of trace elements (>LOD) in drinking water were below maximum acceptable concentrations (MAC). Sewage treatment reduced the concentrations of trace elements by a range of 28.6 to 60.8%. Trace element concentrations in treated sewage were below MAC values in all the samples tested, and were from 1.15% (Pb) to 6.23% (As) MAC for toxic elements. Concentrations of both essential (Zn, Ni, Fe, Mn, Cu) and toxic (Pb, As) elements in drinking water were below the MACs. Water treatment had a significant (p<0.05) effect on decreasing concentrations of trace elements.
Design, Synthesis, Molecular Docking, ADME and Biological Evaluation Studies of Some New 1,3,4-oxadiazole Linked Benzimidazoles as Anticancer Agents and Aromatase Inhibitors
Authors: çevik ulviye acar , Celik Ismail , IŞIK Ayşen , Özkay Yusuf , Kaplancıklı Zafer Asım
Published: October 2021

In this study, due to the potential anticancer effects of the benzimidazole ring system, a series of benzimidazole-1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives were synthesized and characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and MS spectra analyses. In the in vitro anticancer assay, all the compounds tested anticancer activities using MTT-based assay against five cancer cell lines (MCF-7, A549, HeLa, C6, and HepG2). Among them, compound 5a exhibited the most potent activity with IC50 values of 5,165±0,211 μM and 5,995±0,264 μM against MCF-7 and HepG2 cell lines. Compound 5a was included in the BrdU test to determine the DNA synthesis inhibition effects for both cell types. Furthermore, compound 5c was also found to be more effective than doxorubicin on the HeLa cell line. The selectivity of anticancer activity was evaluated in NIH3T3 (mouse embryo fibroblast cell line) cell line. In vitro, enzymatic inhibition assays of aromatase enzyme were performed for compound 5a acting on the MCF-7 cell line. For compound 5a, in silico molecular docking against aromatase enzyme was performed to determine possible protein-ligand interactions and binding modes.
Tissue Fraction Correction and Visual Analysis Increase Diagnostic Sensitivity in Predicting Malignancy of Ground-Glass Nodules on [18F]-FDG PET/CT: A Bi-Centre Retrospective Study
Authors: Song Yun Hye , Moon Jung Won , Kim Yoo Na , Woo Ji Young , Son Hye Joo , Lee Suk Hyun , Hwang Hee Sung
Published: October 2021

Purpose: We investigated the role of [18F]-FDG positron-emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in evaluating ground-glass nodules (GGNs) by visual analysis and tissue fraction correction.Methods: A total of 40 pathologically confirmed ≥1-cm GGNs were evaluated visually and semi-quantitatively. [18F]-FDG uptake of GGN distinct from background lung activity was considered positive in visual analysis. In semi-quantitative analysis, we performed tissue fraction correction for the maximum standardised uptake value (SUVmax) of GGN.Results: Of 40 GGNs, 25 (62.5%) were adenocarcinomas, 9 (22.5%) were minimally invasive adenocarcinomas (MIAs), and 6 (15%) were adenocarcinomas in situ (AIS). On visual analysis, adenocarcinoma showed the highest positivity rate among the three pathology groups (88.0%, 44.4%, 16.7%, respectively). Both SUVmax and tissue fraction corrected SUVmax (SUVmaxTF) were in order of adenocarcinoma > MIA > AIS (p = 0.033 and 0.018, respectively). SUVmaxTF was significantly higher than SUVmax before correction (2.4 [1.9–3.0] vs. 1.3 [0.8–1.8], p < 0.001). When using a cut-off value of 2.5, the positivity rate of GGNs was significantly higher in SUVmaxTF than in SUVmax (50.0% vs. 5.0%, p < 0.001).Conclusions: Tissue fraction correction and visual analysis increased the diagnostic sensitivity of [18F]-FDG PET/CT in predicting malignancy of lung GGN.
Correlation of Initial Dose Option With Plasma Vancomycin Exposure and Safety in Older Chinese Patients: a Cohort Retrospective Study
Authors: Wu Cuifang , Zhou Yulu , Wang Shengfeng , Jia Sujie , Xie Yueliang , Deng Zhenzhen
Published: October 2021

Background: The option of initial vancomycin dose for older patients is still controversy.Methods: Vancomycin trough concentrations in older patients who received vancomycin initial dose of ≥1.5g/day or dosing recommended by package insert (≤1g/day) were compared. The relationship between independent covariate variables and trough concentration were identified, and changes in renal function and vancomycin-related nephrotoxicity was evaluated.Results: About 187 vancomycin trough samples were obtained from 97 older patients (56.7% males, median age of 70 (IQR=8) years). Significant difference was observed in vancomycin trough concentration between the two groups (17.22±7.52 vs. 13.78±6.90 mg/L; p=0.037). The proportion of VCM trough concentration within the therapeutic target concentration was 55% in group A and 48% in group B. Subsequent dose adjustment should be taken in 54 (65.9 %) patients in group A and 9 (60%) patients in group B to reach the target trough levels. SCr after medication, baseline eGFR, eGFR after medication and death had a significant effect on VCM trough concentrations in group A. The incidence of AKI was 8.5% in group A and 20.0% in group B, logistic regression model showed positive correlation between vancomycin trough level and the incidence of AKI. Conclusion: Compared with the recommended dose by package insert, the daily dosing recommendation of ≥1.5g/d for older patients result in a higher incidence of target trough concentration. Yet, the incidence of nephrotoxicity has not increase significantly. Prospective studies with large sample size are needed to define the optimal vancomycin dose in older patients.
Career empowerment Variables and Academic Staff Research Productivity in a Public University: Does Collaboration and Institutional Culture Mediate the Nexus?
Authors: Ameh Eyiene , Owan Valentine Joseph , Anam Ekpenyonganwan Godwin
Published: October 2021

This study estimated the direct and indirect contributions of two career empowerment variables – mentorship and institutional support to the research productivity of academic staff at a public university in Cross River State. Two mediator variables – collaboration and institutional culture were introduced to determine their roles in the nexus between the predictors and the outcome variables. The quantitative research method, following the correlational research design, was adopted for the study. A census approach was used in enumerating the entire population of 327 academic staff (from Lecturer II to Professors) for the study. “Career Empowerment and Research Productivity Questionnaire (CERPQ)” was used for data collection, after validation by experts and passing the reliability test. A total of 327 copies of the CERPQ were administered but 303 were retrieved. Structural Equation Modelling and mediation-based analysis were performed based on the hypothesised models. Amongst others, it was discovered that mentorship has a non-significant negative contribution to the research productivity of academic staff; mentorship only promotes research productivity among academic staff, if it is followed by a good institutional culture and collaboration habits. Institutional support has a non-significant positive contribution to the research productivity of academic staff. The joint mediation of collaboration and institutional culture was proven to be significant on the nexus between mentorship versus research productivity, and between institutional support versus research productivity of academic staff in the public university. Collaboration is the most important factor that boosts directly the research productivity of academic staff and that can also mediate the contributions of other variables to the research productivity of academic staff. It was recommended, among others, that academic staff in universities should work very hard to build a strong network and linkages with other scholars at the institutional, regional, national and international levels. This will enable them to maximise fully the benefits associated with research collaboration and boost research productivity.
Identification, documentation and utilization of wild green leafy vegetables from tribal region of Nashik District
Authors: SP Chavan , AS Jondhale
Published: October 2021

From many years ago the tribal peoples commonly used numbers of wild leafy vegetables all over the world. Peth and Surgana are well known tribal region from Nashik district. The tribal community from that region was partially or fully dependent on the wild green leafy vegetables to complete their nutritional need. In present study from selected tribal region of Nashik district, a total 61 traditionally used wild green leafy vegetables was identified. Among 61 species, with respect to families Amaranthaceae, Fabaceae and Asteraceae were found to be largest family of wild leafy vegetables with 22 species. Presently because of modernization in agricultural practices, negligence of uncultivated plants, less awareness, illiteracy and sudden environmental changes the naturally grown wild leafy vegetables source was limited. So present study was focused on the identification and conservation of these species for future need.
Urban Seismic Risk Analysis Using Empirical Fragility Curves for Kerend-e-Gharb After Mw 7.3, 2017 Iran Earthquake
Authors: Biglari Mahnoosh , Formisano Antonio
Published: October 2021

This study provides the seismic risk map of the small mountain city of Kerend-e-gharb. This innovative study evaluates the existing methods and formulations with the effects of a devastating earthquake using empirical fragility curves. A seismic vulnerability map is developed at the urban block-scale at a Geographic Information System for a variety of steel, reinforced concrete, confined masonry, unreinforced masonry, and adobe residential buildings. The estimated seismic damages are validated by comparing them with the surveyed building damages in the Sarpol-e-zahab earthquake. Moreover, the damages to the population, including the probability of homelessness, death, severe injuries that need immediate hospital treatment, moderate injuries that require hospital treatment, and light injuries without hospitalization, are assessed. This research also investigated the economic losses and estimation of debris. Finally, the mean damage index map is presented. The mean damage index map is modified due to renovation and retrofitting at higher damage levels, and it is increased at moderate damage levels that have not been structurally improved. The results of this study can be used in seismic crisis management planning in natural hazards to achieve a sustainable city.
A simulation to identify the optimal area to survey in the early stage of invasion by Solenopsis invicta
Authors: Hisamoto Shumpei , Goka Koichi , Sakamoto Yoshiko
Published: October 2021

Efforts to eradicate invasive alien species commonly use simulations to calculate the cost-effectiveness of surveys. Although eradication of Solenopsis invicta in the early stages of an invasion is important, few simulations are available to calculate the cost-effectiveness of surveys when a single colony has been detected. In the case of S. invicta, it is difficult to determine from the status of the detected colony whether new queens have dispersed, so it is necessary to consider dispersal as a probabilistic event and calculate its probability. We therefore first constructed a mathematical model in which we used Bayesian statistics to estimate the probability of dispersal as a function of the results of the survey. This mathematical model revealed that the efficacy of the survey and the associated cost differed greatly between cases depending on whether dispersal was or was not confirmed. Next, we developed a simulation that incorporated this mathematical model to inform the determination of the survey area when a single colony had been detected. The simulation showed how ecological parameters and geographical information could be used to identify an efficacious survey area, even in heterogeneous landscapes such as international ports where invasions occur sporadically. Finally, we used this simulation to assess the efficacy of a survey in the case of an S. invicta outbreak at the Port of Tokyo, Japan. The results suggested that the survey covered a sufficiently wide area but that it could have been designed in a more efficacious manner.
Oral Versus Intravenous Antibiotics for Pediatric Osteoarticular Infection: When and to Whom?
Authors: Alcobendas Rosa , Nuñez Esmeralda , Martin Laura , Hernández María Belén , Saavedra-Lozano Jesús , Udaondo Clara , Murias Sara , Remesal Agustin , Calvo Cristina
Published: October 2021

Background

Osteoarticular infections are typically treated initially with intravenous antibiotics. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether an exclusive oral treatment in selected children may be appropriate.
Methods

The Spanish Network of Osteoarticular Infections is a nationwide multicenter registry comprising 37 hospitals in Spain. The registry prospectively includes clinical characteristics and outcome of children with OAI. One of the hospitals from RioPed offers oral treatment to children meeting certain criteria. Patients were classified into two groups. Group 1: management with initial intravenous antibiotic therapy. Group 2: patients exclusively treated with oral antibiotics. A comparison between the two groups was performed.
Results

We compared 893 children who initially received intravenous antibiotics (Group 1) with 64 children who received exclusively oral therapy (Group 2). Patients from Group 2 were younger (33.9 vs 20.3 months; p=0.001), had a lower percentage of Staphylococcus aureus (23.3% vs 3.1%, p <0.001), a higher proportion of Kingella kingae (12.1% vs 28.1%; p = 0.001), higher ESR/CRP ratio (1.4 IQR 0.6-3.6 vs 3.3 IQR 1.7-5.7, p <0.001) and showed lower rate of fever (63% vs 48.8%; p=0.024). Complications were not found in Group 2.
Conclusion

An exclusively oral administration could be a safe option in selected patients with OAI. Low-risk criteria are proposed: good general condition, no underlying disease, 6 months-3 years of age, appropriate oral tolerance, CRP ≤80 mg/L, ESR/CRP ratio ≥ 0.67, no skin injury, no recent surgery, no cervical spondylodiscitis and no local complications at onset.
A Review on Potentials of Artificial Intelligence Approaches to Forecasting COVID-19 Spreading
Authors: Jamshidi Mohammad (Behdad) , Roshani Sobhan , Talla Jakub , Lalbakhsh Ali , Peroutka Zdeněk , Roshani Saeed , Sabet Asal , Dehghani Mojgan , Lotfi Saeedeh , Hadjilooei Farimah , Lalbakhsh Pedram
Published: October 2021

COVID-19 is by now one of the deadliest public health issues that as per the last announcement of the World Health Organization up to January 21, 2021, has infected more than 108,904,983 people and claimed more than 2,398,339 lives worldwide. Although different vaccines have proved and distributed one after another, several new mutated viruses have been detected, such as the new COVID-19 variant detected in the UK. Since new variants can spread so faster than the previous one and many other strains may come, it is necessary to focus on the effective methods that are able to predict the spreading trends quickly. Regarding the considerable progress in Artificial Intelligence (AI), utilizing AI-based techniques with a concentration on Deep Learning (DL) and Machine Learning (ML), which can forecast complex trends like epidemiological issues, are proposed to conquer the problems existing in statistical or conventional techniques. In this respect, the present paper reviews the recent peer-reviewed published articles and preprint reports about solutions that could efficiently address COVID-19 spread with a focus on the state-of-the-art and AI-based methods. The results revealed that methods under discussion in this paper have had significant potentials to predict epidemic diseases like COVID-19 as well as its mutations; however, there are still weaknesses and drawbacks that fall in the domain of future research and scientific endeavors.
Baited video, but not diver video, detects a greater contrast in the abundance of legal-size target species between no-take and fished zones
Authors: Haberstroh Anna Julia , McLean Dianne , Holmes Thomas H. , Langlois Tim
Published: October 2021

Inherent differences between baited remote video versus diver-operated video survey methodologies may influence their ability to detect effects of fishing. Here the ability of no-take zones (NTZs) to provide protection for legal-sized fish from targeted species within the Ningaloo Marine Park (NMP) was assessed using both baited remote underwater stereo-video (stereo-BRUV) and diver operated stereo-video (stereo-DOV). The relative abundance of legal-sized individuals of three recreationally targeted fish species, spangled emperor Lethrinus nebulosus, chinaman cod Epinephelus rivulatus and goldspotted trevally Carangoides fulvoguttatus, were examined using both methodologies inside and outside six NTZs across the NMP. Stereo-BRUVs found positive effects of protection on the relative abundance of legal-size C. fulvoguttatus and L. nebulosus in NTZs. Stereo-DOVs, however, did not detect any differences in relative abundances and sizes of these species between areas opened and closed to fishing. These contrasting results suggest that choice of sampling methodology can influence interpretations of the ability of NTZs to provide adequate levels of protection for target species. Thus it is suggested to further investigate the ability of stereo-BRUVs and stereo-DOVs to observe differences in the abundance of targeted species inside and outside of NTZs for the long-term monitoring of the NMP.
Reliability and validity of digital health metrics for assessing arm and hand sensorimotor impairments in persons with autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay
Authors: Kanzler Christoph M. , Lessard Isabelle , Gassert Roger , Brais Bernard , Gagnon Cynthia , Lambercy Olivier
Published: October 2021

Autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay (ARSACS) is the second most frequent recessive ataxia and commonly features reduced upper limb coordination. Sensitive outcome measures of upper limb coordination are essential to track disease progression and the effect of interventions. However, available clinical assessments are insufficient to capture behavioral variability and detailed aspects of motor control. While digital health metrics extracted from technology-aided assessments promise more fine-grained outcome measures, these have not been validated in ARSACS. Thus, the aim was to document the metrological properties of metrics from a technology-aided assessment of arm and hand function in ARSACS, and ensure that those can be used as insightful endpoints. We relied on the Virtual Peg Insertion Test (VPIT) and used a previously established core set of 10 digital health metrics describing upper limb movement and grip force patterns during a pick-and-place task. We evaluated reliability, measurement error, and learning effects in 23 participants with ARSACS performing three repeated assessment sessions. In addition, we documented concurrent validity in 57 participants with ARSACS performing one session. Eight metrics had excellent test-retest reliability (intra-class-correlation-coefficient 0.89±0.08), five low measurement error (smallest real difference 25.4±5.7), and none strong learning effects (systematic change η -0.11±2.5). Significant correlations (ρ 0.39±0.13) with clinical scales describing gross and fine dexterity and lower limb coordination were observed. This establishes eight digital health metrics as valid and robust endpoints for cross-sectional studies and five metrics as potentially sensitive endpoints for longitudinal studies in ARSACS, thereby promising novel insights into upper limb sensorimotor control.
Effect of Ellagic Acid, Cilostazol and Their Combination on Amikacin Induced Nephrotoxicity in Rats
Authors: Saeed Zeinab Mahmoud , Khattab Monira Ismail , Khorshid Nadia Esmat , Salem Amal Elsayed
Published: October 2021

Amikacin(AK) has the largest spectrum of aminoglycosides. However, its use is limited due to nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity. Ellagic acid (EA) is a plant phenolic structure. it has antioxidant, anticarcinogenic and antimutagenic properities. Cilostazol (CTZ) is a PDE Ш inhibitor, it is a potent vasodilator and antiplatelet drug. This study aimed to determine if EA and cilostazol have a protective effect against nephrotoxicity caused AK. Forty nine rats were divided into seven equal groups: control normal; AK 400mg/kg; EA 10 mg/kg; CTZ 10mg/kg; AK 400mg/kg plus EA 10mg/kg; AK 400mg/kg plus CTZ 10mg/kg; AK 400mg/kg plus EA 10mg/kg and CTZ 10mg/kg. For seven days, Drugs were given orally one hour before intramuscular injection of AK. After twenty-four hours from the last dosage, samples of blood were obtained to determine blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels in serum, kidneys were extracted and longitudinally divided into two parts, part for measuring the following parameters: malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH), interleukin 6 (IL6), superoxide dismutase (SOD), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα), nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) and Bcl-2 associated x protein (Bax), the other part was placed in formaldehyde solution and examined under light microscopy for routine histopathologic examination. The results of the present study proved that EA, CTZ and their combination protected rats against AK - induced nephrotoxicity; This effect might be a result of the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties of these compounds.
Groundwater Quality Assessment Using Water Quality Index and Multivariate Statistical Analysis Case Study: East Matrouh, Northwestern Coast, Egypt.
Authors: ali rasha , Zaghlool Ehab , Isawi Heba , Soliman Elsayed , Khalil Mostafa , El-Aassar Abdelhameed , Said Moustafa
Published: October 2021

The groundwater quality deterioration is a global phenomenon due to the effect of contaminated surface water. This study covers the investigation of groundwater quality using the contamination indices, statistical analysis, and hydrochemical facies. Thirty-one water samples that representing the water resources in the study area were collected and analyzed for chemical compositions. There are two aquifers; Pleistocene and Miocene. From the obtained data, the electric conductivity (EC) values ranged from 8520 to 19410 μS/cm in Pleistocene aquifer. While in Miocene aquifer, it ranged from 4290 to 7920 μS/cm. The wide variation is due to interaction with aquifer rocks. The hydrochemical facies evolution diagram (HFE-D) indicated that the majority of samples belong to an intrusion phase; the Na-Cl facies represents the state of the aquifer and the remaining sample is scattered in the field of freshening. The dominance of average cations is about Na+ > Mg2+ > Ca2+ > K+, where the anion dominance average is in the imperative of Cl− > SO42− > HCO3-. Multivariate statistical techniques, such as cluster analysis (CA) and factor analysis (FA) showed contamination with heavy metal and fecal due to the influence of the sewage treatment plant. The spatial distribution of heavy metal pollution index (HPI), Ecological risk index (ERI) and pollution index of groundwater (PIG), in the southeastern portion of the research, revealed high values near the center and particularly in the northwest portion of the study region. It demonstrated that water in the northeast of the study area is likely to be influenced by heavy metal leaching from the water treatment plant.
miR-500a-3p/CDK6 Axis Suppresses Aerobic Glycolysis in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Liu Yu , Tang wentao , Ren Li , Liu Tianyu , Meng Yang , Wei Ye , Chen Yijiao , Ji Meiling , Chen Guosong , Chang Wenju , Xu Jianmin
Published: October 2021

Backgrounds

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the cancers with the highest mortality rate and understanding the mechanism behind its progression is the key to improve patients’ prognosis. The role of miR-500a-3p has been demonstrated to be involved in the progression of several human cancers but its role in CRC is unclear. The aim of this study was to disclose the function of miR-500a-3p in CRC progression.
Methods

The expression of miR-500a-3p and Cyclin-dependent kinases 6 (CDK6) in 134 CRC tissues were tested respectively. The effects on cell proliferation by miR-500a-3p were explored in vitro and in vivo. The glycolysis of CRC cells was determined by Mass Spectrometry and Seahorse XF 96 Extracellular Flux Analyzer. Dual-luciferase reporter assay were performed to validate the relationship between miR-500a-3p and CDK6.
Results

miR-500a-3p was abnormally down-regulated in CRC tissues and cell lines and was negatively associated with malignancies and worse prognosis. miR-500a-3p mimics impeded CRC cells proliferation in vitro and in vivo. miR-500a-3p inhibited glucose consumption, lactate and ATP production, down-regulated the expression of hexokinase2 (HK2). Bioinformatics database prediction combined with western blot and luciferase assay confirmed that CDK6 is the direct target of miR-500a-3p. CDK6 overexpression was able to rescue the inhibitory function of miR-500a-3p on the proliferation and glycolysis in CRC cells.
Conclusions

The results of this study reveal a potential tumor suppressor role of miR-500a-3p by inhibiting proliferation and aerobic glycolysis through targeting CDK6 in CRC, which may provide new insights into novel prognostic biomarker and therapeutic targets for CRC.
Analyzing asymmetric effects of cryptocurrency demand on environmental sustainability
Authors: Erdogan Sinan , Ahmed Maruf Yakubu , Sarkodie Samuel Asumadu
Published: October 2021

When Bitcoin (BTC), the first pioneering cryptocurrency was released in 2009, it was considered as an apolitical currency. Besides, the possible effect of BTC and other cryptocurrencies on either financial markets or transactions has been widely discussed. However, the environmental effects of cryptocurrency demand have been ignored. Here, this study examines the nexus between cryptocurrencies and environmental degradation by employing standard and asymmetric causality methods. The Toda-Yamamoto and bootstrap-augmented Toda-Yamamoto test results reveal Bitcoin and Ethereum (ETH) excluding Ripple (XRP) have causal effects on environmental degradation. The Fourier-augmented Toda-Yamamoto test results show causal effects running from Bitcoin and Ripple to environmental degradation, whereas no causal effect runs from Ethereum to environmental degradation. The asymmetric causality shows causal effects from the positive shock of Bitcoin demand, negative shocks of Ripple and Ethereum demands to positive shocks of environmental degradation. Further discussions and policy implications are provided in the relevant sections of this study.
MiR-155-5p modulates inflammatory phenotype of activated oral lichen-planus-associated-fibroblasts by targeting SOCS1
Authors: Cheng Juehua , Zhang Yuyao , Liu Kefan , Wang Yanting , Xu Juanyong , Fan Yuan
Published: October 2021

Micro (MiR)-155-5p plays a vital role in inflammation and immune responses, but the function in oral lichen planus (OLP) remains unclear. Recent research has revealed that OLP associated-fibroblasts (OLP AFs) contribute to the inflammatory process with activated phenotype. This study was carried out to assess the role of miR-155-5p in the pro-inflammatory process of activated OLP AFs. Normal mucosal fibroblasts (NFs) and OLP AFs were isolated from oral mucosa of healthy controls and OLP patients respectively. We detected the expression of miR-155-5p and FAP-α in NFs and OLP AFs by real-time RT-PCR and calculated their correlation. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect cytokine production. Immunohistochemistry and western blotting assay were used to detect suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) expression. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was conducted to explore the interaction between miR-155-5p and SOCS1. MiR-155-5p and FAP-α were significantly increased in OLP AFs, and positively correlated. The expression of SOCS1 is decreased in the epithelial layer of OLP tissues and OLP AFs. Overexpression of miR-155-5p augmented interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) release. The knockdown of miR-155-5p in OLP AFs decreased IL-6 and IL-8 release. Furthermore, miR-155-5p inhibits SOCS1 expression by directly targeting its 3′-UTR in NFs and OLP AFs. SOCS1 silencing augmented IL-6 and IL-8 production in NFs. Here, we suggest that miR-155-5p regulates the secretion of IL-6 and IL-8 by downregulating the expression of SOCS1 in activated OLP AFs. Our results provide novel insights into the pathogenesis of OLP and a new target for OLP future therapy.
The Influence of the Internet on the Socialization of Students
Authors:   Banzarov Buryat State University, Tatyana S. Bazarova , Galina N. Fomitskaya ,   Banzarov Buryat State University
Published: October 2021

The article is devoted to an urgent pedagogical problem – the influence of the Internet on the socialization of student youth in modern conditions, which determined the purpose and objectives of the article: to characterize the role of the Internet in the formation of values and attitudes of student youth, the development of Internet-dependent behavior. To achieve the goal, the following research methods were used: literature analysis on the problem under study, express survey and testing, comparative analysis of the results. This problem is considered taking into account the increasing importance of electronic resources in the context of digitalization of modern society. The characteristics of the main concepts of the problem under study are given: socialization, student youth, the Internet, etc. The approaches to defining the place of the Internet as the main means of communication and information for young people are reflected. The authors present the results of a comprehensive monitoring study conducted in recent years among the students of the Dorzhi Banzarov Buryat State University. On the basis of the primary data of the study the actual characteristics of the problem under study are highlighted: the goals and reasons for visiting the Internet (communication in social networks, information search, entertainment, studies), the respondents’ evaluation of the impact of the Internet as more positive than negative. The study of the value orientations of modern student youth showed that the respondents choose the main traditional values: family, health, love, self-development. Thus, the peculiarities of the influence of the Internet on the socialization of student youth are presented as follows: the main purpose of visiting the Internet is to communicate in social networks; young people are quite aware of the role of Internet influence; the main life values of the young generation retain a traditional character; a significant proportion of respondents have formed and stable Internet addictive behavior. The analysis of the results obtained shows that the use of the Internet as the main means of communication and information does not, in general, have a negative impact on the formation of values and attitudes of student youth, but contributes to the development of Internet-dependent behavior. Keywords: socialization, student youth, the Internet, value orientations, Internet-dependent behavior
Field Validation of a Remote Sensing Technique for Early Nitrogen Application Decisions in Wheat
Authors: Flowers Michael , Weisz Randall , Heiniger Ronnie , Tarleton Barry , Meijer Alan
Published: October 2021

Studies have shown that winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) tiller density at growth stage 25 (GS 25) can be used to determine when a GS‐25 N application is needed. However, determining GS‐25 tiller density is difficult and time consuming. Color infrared aerial photographs have been successfully used to predict GS‐25 tiller density. The objective of this study was to validate a previously reported remote sensing technique to predict GS‐25 tiller density based on near‐infrared (NIR) digital counts and within‐field tiller density references across a wide range of environments. The NIR remote sensing technique was evaluated through linear regression and quadrant plot analysis to determine the accuracy of GS‐25 tiller density predictions and GS‐25 N application decisions based on a critical GS‐25 tiller density threshold. The impact of different wheat varieties, soil colors, and weed populations were also evaluated through covariate analysis using 10 site‐years of data. At three site‐years, a randomized complete block design with three varieties and either two or three seeding rates was used. At these site‐years, variety had a significant influence on spectral measurements. Seven additional site‐years had a single variety and seeding rate. The NIR remote sensing technique was found to account for 76% of the variation between predicted and measured GS‐25 tiller density across 10 site‐years of data. Accurate GS‐25 N application decisions were made 85.5% of the time by the NIR remote sensing technique across a wide range of environments including six soil types, six wheat varieties, and two systems.
eBook Technology Facilitating University Education During COVID-19: Japanese Experience
Authors: Majumdar Rwitajit , Flanagan Brendan , Ogata Hiroaki
Published: October 2021

UNESCO reported that 90% of students are affected in some way by COVID-19 pandemic. Like many countries, Japan too imposed emergency remote teaching and learning at both school and university level. In this study, we focus on a national university in Japan, and investigate how teaching and learning were facilitated during this pandemic period using an ebook platform, BookRoll, which was linked as an external tool to the university’s learning management system. Such an endeavor also reinforced the Japanese national thrust regarding explorations of e-book-based technologies and using Artificial Intelligence in education. Teachers could upload reading materials for instance their course notes and associate an audio of their lecture. While students who registered in their course accessed the learning materials, the system collected their interaction logs in a learning record store. Across the spring semesters from April - July 2020, BookRoll system collected nearly 1.5 million reading interaction logs from more than 6300 students across 243 courses in 6 domains. The analysis highlighted that during emergency remote teaching and learning BookRoll maintained a weekly average traffic above 1,900 learners creating more than 78,000 reading logs and teachers perceived it as useful for orchestrating their course.
Advancing Knowledge Creation in Education Through Tripartite Partnerships
Authors: Friesen Sharon , Brown Barbara
Published: October 2021

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the work of one tripartite partnership with stakeholders to improve and strengthen novice teachers’ pedagogical designs using design based professional learning guided by the principles of knowledge building/knowledge creation. The tripartite partnership involved 450 novice teachers from an urban school division, a practitioner-research university team, and the provincial government. Drawing upon one case, this paper analyzes the ways in which the design-based professional learning mirrored the knowledge building/knowledge creation processes highlighting the ways in which teachers worked in collaborative, collective, and connected ways to progressively improve pedagogical designs for collective knowledge building. Computer supported, networked digital technologies provided a community to develop an audit trail to keep track of progressive improvements and refinements to their pedagogical designs and to support, enable, and enhance knowledge building discourse. Design-based professional learning informed by the 12 principles of knowledge building/knowledge creation provided novice teachers with a process to work collectively as a community, progressively improving and refining their pedagogical designs, identifying the role of their pedagogical designs in their students’ work, and engaging with other teachers in their respective schools.
Hepatobiliary continuum: non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, cholelithiasis ... what else?
Authors: Bueverov A. O.
Published: October 2021

The relationship between metabolic non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and gallstone disease (GSD) is complex and seemingly interrelated. There is no doubt that there is an increased risk of cholelithiasis in patients with NAFLD, which is primarily associated with general pathogenetic mechanisms. These include central and peripheral insulin resistance, changes in the expression of transcription factors (hepatic X-receptor, farnesoid X-receptor (FXR) and membrane bile acid receptors (TGR5)). At the same time, the effect of gallstone disease on the course of NAFLD is assumed, although the pathogenetic factors of this association are still insufficient. There are accumulating data on an increased risk of other pathologies of the biliary tract in patients with NAFLD, in particular, of gallbladder polyps and tumors of the biliary tract. Recently there have been convincing data on the role of cholecystectomy in the progression of NAFLD, which may be due to disruption of endocrine balance and signaling function of  bile acids, as well as the  development of  bacterial overgrowth in  the  small intestine. General therapeutic approaches to the treatment of interrelated hepatobiliary pathology may include new generation insulinsensitizers, FXR agonists, and ursodeoxycholic acid. The link between NAFLD and the pathology of the biliary tract is complex and multifaceted, and its further study opens up prospects for the development of new methods of treatment.
Cause-and-effect relationship between thyroid and liver diseases
Authors: Bueverov A. O. , Bogomolov P. O. , Nechayeva O. A. , Zilov A. V.
Published: October 2021

Thyroid gland (TG) and the liver are in a complex relationship in both physiological and pathological conditions. Thyroid hormones accelerate metabolic processes, intensify the synthesis of proteins and vitamins, play an important role in the development and differentiation of all cells, including hepatocytes. In addition to the central role in the deiodination of thyroid hormones with the formation of their more active and inactivated forms, the liver also carries out their transport. Dysfunction of TG can lead to changes in liver function, and in liver diseases, abnormalities in the metabolism of thyroid hormones can occur. Most often, liver pathology in diseases of TG is manifested by an increase in the serum activity of enzymes of cytolysis and/or cholestasis. Changes in liver function tests are often observed in patients with thyrotoxicosis. They are based on oxidative stress or cholestasis. The increased activity of osteoblasts in hyperthyroidism leads to an increase in the bone fraction of alkaline phosphatase, which must be taken into account in the differential diagnosis. Hepatotoxicity of thyreostatic drugs is relatively common, ranging from minimal hepatocellular damage to fulminant liver failure. In the case of hypothyroidism, the pathophysiological mechanisms are mainly represented by lipid metabolism disorders leading to fatty degeneration. It should be remembered that severe hypothyroidism can be manifested by hyperammonemia and edematous-ascitic syndrome, requiring differential diagnosis with liver failure. Treatment of liver pathology in TG diseases includes normalization of thyroid status, and in cases of drug hepatitis – temporary withdrawal of a potentially hepatotoxic drug. The data on the association of hypothyroidism and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in the aspect of developing new therapies are very interesting.
Postcholecystectomy syndrome, dynamics of ideas, diagnostics, treatment
Authors: Minushkin O. N.
Published: October 2021

This article provides an overview of the data on postcholecystectomy syndrome (PCES). The entire period of study of this frequent complication (up to 40%) can be divided into 2 periods: surgical and therapeutic. Surgical complications of cholecystectomy accounted for 10% and were studied by surgeons. This study led to the correction of surgical treatment, formulated the examination program and reduced and minimized surgical complications. The second part of the complications is made up of functional disorders of the sphincter of Oddi, which today are the leading ones and, apparently, remain so. The article gives an idea of PCES as a dynamic disorder of the sphincter of Oddi, gives the last definition of PCES given by the IV Roman Concensus, suggests an algorithm for diagnosis and treatment. As a clinical illustration, the authors present their own data on the diagnosis and treatment of 60 patients with PCES, which confirmed the point of view proposed by the international gastroenterological community. The authors separated two types of postcholecystectomy syndrome: one with a predominance of sphincter of Oddi (SO) spasm and another with a predominance of sphincter of Oddi hypotension. The drug of choice in the spastic type is the selective antispasmodic gimecromone, in which case a dose is of the essence. In case of a hypotonic type of postcholecystectomy syndrome, motor regulators to increase the SO tone should be used. The therapy should be stepwise with an assessment of the effect and correction of the next step of treatment. This treatment option for patients with postcholecystectomy syndrome we see today as the leading one. The features of treatment associated with the developing syndrome of bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and chronic biliary insufficiency (CBI), which require constant monitoring (diagnosis) and permanent treatment, are considered.
Propiedades morfométricas, fisicoquímicas y actividad antiproliferativa de maíces pigmentados de Guerrero
Authors: Maldonado-Astudillo Yanik I. , Gutiérrez González Ana Alicia , Flores Rogel Yoko Lizette , Arámbula Villa Gerónimo , Flores Casamayor Verónica , Jiménez-Hernández Javier , Ramírez Mónica , Álvarez Fitz Patricia , Salazar López Ricardo
Published: October 2021

Introducción: Guerrero se caracteriza por su amplia variedad de maíces pigmentados, sin embargo, no existen alternativas de aprovechamiento para generar un valor agregado y un impacto positivo en la economía de los productores.
Método: en este estudio se evaluaron las propiedades morfométricas (peso de cien granos, peso hectolítrico, dureza, partes de los granos), fisicoquímicas (color, análisis bromatológico, contenido de fenoles y antocianinas, patrón de rayos X, propiedades térmicas y de pasta, y la actividad antirradicalaria), así como la actividad antiproliferativa (línea celular MDA-MB-231) de maíces pigmentados (rojo, negro, morado y blanco).
Resultados: las propiedades fisicoquímicas de los maíces variaron en función de su pigmentación. Los maíces mostraron características morfométricas adecuadas para la industria de la masa y la tortilla. La viscosidad máxima se observó en el almidón de maíz morado (4790 cp). El mayor valor de ΔHgel se observó para el maíz negro (7.88 J g-1). Con excepción del maíz morado, los maíces analizados mostraron un contenido de proteína elevado (8.08-8.71 %). El mayor contenido de fenoles totales (14.7-11.7 mgEAG g-1 extracto), antocianinas monoméricas (528 - 154 μg EC3G g-1 extracto) y actividad ante los radicales DPPH (CI50 < 200 µg mL-1) y ABTS (CI50 < 236 µg mL-1 fueron mostrados por los maíces morados. El extracto del maíz negro mostró la mayor actividad antiproliferativa (CI50 = 938 µg mL-1) en la línea celular MDA-MB-231.
Discusión o conclusión: independientemente del color, los maíces analizados presentan características que son útiles para la industria del almidón y de la masa y la tortilla. Los maíces pigmentados, principalmente el negro y el morado, son una opción promisoria para la obtención de compuestos bioactivos para el establecimiento de estrategias novedosas de prevención y terapia de enfermedades asociadas con el estrés oxidativo.
Approaches for unsupervised identification of data-driven models for flow forecasting in urban drainage systems
Authors: Jóhannesson Ari , Vezzaro Luca , Mikkelsen Peter Steen , Löwe Roland
Published: October 2021

In this work, an unsupervised model selection procedure for identifying data-driven forecast models for urban drainage systems is proposed and evaluated. Specifically, we consider the case of predicting inflows to wastewater treatment plants for activating wet weather operation (aeration tank settling, ATS) using Box–Jenkins models. The model selection procedure considers different model structures and different objective functions. The hyperparameter search space is constrained based on the time of concentration in the catchment. Objective function criteria that minimize one-step-ahead as well as multi-step prediction errors are considered. Finally, we consider two criteria for unsupervised selection of the best-performing model. These measure the agreement of observed and predicted hydrographs (persistence index), as well as the binary exceedance of critical flow thresholds (critical success index (CSI)). Our work shows that forecast models can be developed in an unsupervised manner, and ATS activation is correctly forecasted in 60–90% of the events. The selected model structures reflect the physical behaviour of the catchment. Models should not be selected on operational criteria like the CSI due to a risk of overfitting. The degree to which rainfall input improves forecasts depends on the specific catchment, and the objective function criterion that should be used for coefficient estimation depends on the application context.
Effects of pH on phosphorus form transformation in lake sediments
Authors: Zhao Shengnan , Shi Xiaohong , Sun Biao , Liu Yu , Tian Zhiqiang , Huotari Jussi
Published: October 2021

The pH value of lake water varies with the lake environment, which has an effect on the form of phosphorus in sediment, and then the release of sediment phosphorus. The form of phosphorus in sediments was analyzed using field sampling. The environmental conditions with pH values of 4.0, 7.0 and 10.0 were simulated indoors to estimate the effects of pH on phosphorus release from sediments and the content change of various forms of phosphorus was studied. The results showed that in Wuliangsuhai Lake, Ca-P accounted for 54.3%, which was the largest portion of the TP. Phosphorus release was favored under acidic and alkaline conditions, and the alkaline condition was more favorable. The proportion of Fe/Mn-P and Fe/Al-P in the TP decreased with an increase in the pH, while the proportion of Ca-P in the TP increased with an increase in the pH. Under the alkaline condition (pH = 10), Ca-P in the sediment increased significantly, with an increase of 22.5%. However, Fe/Mn-P and Fe/Al-P decreased significantly, with drops of 37.3% and 44.9%, respectively. Under the acidic condition (pH = 4), Fe/Mn-P and Fe/Al-P in the sediment increased significantly, and the increases were 63.1% and 37.1%, respectively. However, Ca-P decreased significantly, with a drop of 39.2%. In general, low pH promoted the release of Ca-P, and a high pH promoted the release of Fe/Mn-P and Fe/Al-P. Wuliangsuhai Lake water is characterized by weak alkaline characteristics throughout the year, and biological available phosphorus accounts for 13.3%–20.9% of the TP, with Fe/Mn-P being the dominant form. This study revealed that the risk of phosphorus release from sediments to the overlying water was greater under alkaline conditions.