bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and Validation of a Six-lncRNA Prognostic Signature in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Zeng Huihui , Nai Ai tao , Ma Feng , BASHIR SHOAIB , Li Yin , Xu Meng
Published: September 2021

Background: Gastric cancer (GC) has been a leading cause of cancer-related mortality for many years. It is thought that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) can play a significant role in GC. This study aimed to construct a powerful six-lncRNA signature as a prognostic biomarker for GC patients.Methods: Based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), the expression profiles of lncRNAs and the corresponding clinical data of GC patients were obtained. Cox regression and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression model were used to identify the prognostic lncRNA signature. A total of 337 patients were included in the combined dataset (N = 337), which was divided into a training dataset (N= 169) and a test dataset (N = 168). The reliability of the lncRNA prognostic signature was validated in three datasets.Results: A six-lncRNA prognostic signature was constructed to predict the overall survival (OS) of GC patients. The signature had better discriminability than clinical characteristics. The prognostic risk score was as follows: (expression level of RP11-284F21.7×-0.243981) + (expression level of RP11-432J22.2×-0.502378) + (expression level of RP4-584D14.5×-0.447878) + (expression level of AC093850.2×0.261822) + (expression level of AP000695.6 ×0.654318) + (expression level of AC098973.2× 0.406603). In addition, the signature was confirmed to be a significant predictor for predicting the OS. The nomogram model precisely predicted the OS of GC. Enrichment analysis indicated that the signature was mainly enriched for extracellular matrix-related functions and tumor signaling pathways. The target genes IGFBP7, VCAN, and COL1A1 had prognostic value in GC. AC098973.2 and RP11-284F21.7 was verified for the first time in GC tissues and cell lines.Conclusions: The six-lncRNA prognostic signature could predict the OS and has high clinical application value in GC.
Effect of Hemoglobin on the Prognosis of Patients with Advanced Cancer in Palliative Care Settings
Authors: liao xinghe , Bao Cihang , Liu Minghui , Chen Menglei , Gu Xiaoli , Zhang Zhe , Zhang Jin , Zhang Chenyue , Zhao Weiwei , Cheng Wenwu
Published: September 2021

Background: Hemoglobin is a prognostic factor for many cancer patients. However, its effect on the prognosis of patients with advanced cancer receiving palliative treatment is still unclear.Objective: The aim of this study was to assess whether hemoglobin can be used as a prognostic indicator for patients with advanced cancer receiving palliative treatment.Methods: From July 2013 to October 2015, 368 consecutive patients were treated in the palliative treatment center of the Shanghai Cancer Center of Fudan University. The data for 105 patients were extended in the follow-up. The cut-off value selected for hemoglobin was 100 g/L.Results: The median survival time of patients with low hemoglobin was shorter than that of patients with high hemoglobin (41 days vs. 84 days). In the follow-up readmission cohort (n = 105), the median survival time for patients with high hemoglobin (HHb → HHb) was 3.44 times longer than that of patients with low hemoglobin (HHb → LHb). Thus, both low hemoglobin and decreased hemoglobin were identified as independent prognostic factors for poor prognosis.Conclusions: In palliative treatment, hemoglobin can be used as a stratification factor to determine the prognosis of advanced cancer patients.
Effectiveness of case management interventions in reducing common and potentially preventable complications associated with Parkinson’s disease:A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Halteren Angelika D. van , Daalen Jules M. Janssen , Ypinga Jan H.L. , Bloem Bastiaan R. , Meinders Marjan J. , Munneke Marten , Darweesh Sirwan K.L.
Published: September 2021

Objective

We sought to systematically examine the effectiveness of case management interventions on common and potentially preventable complications associated with Parkinson’s disease, both in persons with Parkinson’s disease and in persons with other chronic health conditions. We specifically focused on falls, depression, anxiety, hallucinations, urinary tract infections and swallowing impairments.
Background

There is no systematic insight in the effect of case management on common complications associated with Parkinson’s disease. This is an important knowledge gap given that people living with Parkinson's have identified care coordination as one of their highest priorities. Furthermore, it remains unclear whether the putative beneficial effects of case management would vary by key patient characteristics, such as their age, gender or disease characteristics. Such insights would contribute to a shift from “one size fits all” healthcare resource allocation to personalized medicine.
Methods

Using predefined inclusion criteria, we identified studies published up till February 2021 from PubMed and Embase databases. For each study, data were extracted independently by two researchers. Narrative analysis, and when possible also meta-analysis and random-effects analyses were undertaken.
Results

23 randomized controlled trials and four non-randomized studies reported data on the effect of case management on feelings of anxiety (8 studies) or symptoms of depression (26 studies). Only one study was conducted in people with Parkinson’s disease. No study were identified that reported on how case management affected falls, hallucinations, urinary tract infections or swallowing impairments. Across meta-analyses, we observed a statistically significant effect of case management on reducing anxiety (Standardized Mean Difference [SMD] = − 0.47; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.69, -0.32) and depression (SMD = − 0.48; CI: -0.71, -0.25). We found a large heterogeneity in effect estimates across studies, but this was not explained by patient population or intervention characteristics.
Conclusions

Among people with chronic health conditions, case management has beneficial effects on symptoms of depression and feelings of anxiety, which are two common complications of Parkinson’s disease. However, these findings were based almost exclusively on interventions in people with other diseases. Future studies should assess the utility of case management for preventing complications in people with Parkinson’s disease, with a particular focus on the optimal content, frequency, and intensity of case management.
Molecular Docking Studies on the Anti-Fungal Activity of Allium Sativum (Garlic) Against Mucormycosis (Black Fungus) by BIOVIA Discovery Studio Visualizer 21.1.0.0
Authors: Sharma Shaweta , Sharma Akhil , Gupta Utsav
Published: September 2021

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic is a major concern. However, its association and rising cases of mucormycosis, also known as black fungus make the scenario even more troublesome. In addition, no specific medication against mucormycosis/black fungus makes things even worse.Objective: Garlic phytoconstituents have shown remarkable antifungal properties against various fungal species in various studies. Thus, the objective of the study was to check the potency of garlic phytoconstituents against the 1,3-beta-glucan synthase fungal protein using in-silico methods.Method: Auto Dock was used to evaluate selected garlic phytochemical molecules against 1,3-beta-glucan synthase fungal protein, and Discovery studio visualizer was used to create 3D and 2D interaction photos.Results: Five out of 9 phytoconstituents were found to form conventional hydrogen bonds, and only alliin formed the highest number of hydrogen bonds. However, the binding energy and inhibition constant of all nine phytoconstituents were determined. Interestingly, Z-ajoene showed the lowest binding energy of -5.07 kcal/mol and inhibition constant of 192.57µM.Conclusion: The results of our investigation suggested that garlic phytochemicals can have a good impact against black fungi, pertaining to the significant binding energies of phytoconstituents during blind docking. Specifically, Z-ajoene could be a good alternate against black fungi. However, detailed research is required to explore the antifungal activity of garlic against mucormycosis.
Social Media Research on "Laminate Veneer": During Covid 19-Pandemic
Authors: DEMIREKIN Zeynep , BUYUKCAVUS Esra
Published: September 2021

Objective: The difficulty of asking questions to each other during the appointment process with their doctor, the long waiting times of the patients in the waiting rooms in the clinics, and the fact that it is easier to get medical information on the internet due to the ongoing COVID-19 virus infection. Porcelain laminate veneers (PLVs) have been frequently used to restore anterior teeth for nearly three decades, thanks to their aesthetic appeal, durability and biocompatibility.Methods: YouTube™ was searched by a researcher of this study using the keyword 'laminate veneer' on April 17, 2021. The most frequently used terms in this regard are 'laminate veneer' and 'laminate veneer restoration'. Analyzes were made on the Instagram application, along with YouTube.Results: Thirty-three videos were determined on YouTube™ on the topic of laminate veneer. The mean number of the views was 46277.84 ± 128674.71, with the minimum view as ten and maximum as 682478. The videos had a mean duration of 5:48 ± 4:64 with a range of 0:24–14:55. The mean number of "likes" for each video was 198 ± 424, and the mean number of "dislikes" was 17 ± 48. The most-liked video received 1700 "likes." The most-disliked video received 236"dislikes." The mean number of comments was 13.65 ± 31.58. The interaction rate was 1.67 ± 5.18, and the viewing rate was 2939.11 ± 6076.75Conclusion: YouTube™ and Instagram still cannot be accepted as a completely confident resource of knowledge for patients who want to learn about oral aesthetic rehabilitation treatment with laminate veneers
Research an Online Monitoring Method of Propulsion Shafting Alignment Adapting to Hull Deformation
Authors: Cheng Jianwei , Shi Liang , Zhang Yuanchao , Bu Wenjun
Published: September 2021

Hull deformations are caused by factors such as loading status, wave load, diving depth of underwater vehicles, etc. This causes a change in the shafting alignment state of the ship's propulsion shafting.This affects the alignment state of the ship propulsion shafting. It is very important for engineering significance to research an online monitoring method of propulsion shafting alignment that adapts to the influence of hull deformation. Based on Euler's rigid body attitude theory, this paper constructs a spatial attitude relationship model of the main and driven shafts of the ship's propulsion shafting. By converting to a fixed earth coordinate system, their absolute position-posture can be obtained. Using laser displacement sensor measurement technology, an online monitoring method of propulsion shafting alignment that adapts to the influence of hull deformation is established, which was verified by experiments. This method is suitable for situations where both the main shaft and the driven shaft may have rigid body posture changes. It can provide shafting alignment control compensation for the influence of hull deformation under different working conditions. This will greatly reduce the operating noise of the shaft system and the mechanical operation failure caused by the misalignment of the ship's propulsion shafting.
Experience and Perspectives of Infection Prevention Staff of the COVID-19 Response in Australian Hospitals
Authors: Baswa Alisha , Stewardson Andrew , Ayton Darshini , Russo Phillip , Doyle Joseph
Published: September 2021

Background Hospital infection prevention and control (IPC) staff have played a key role in adapting and implementing jurisdictional COVID-19 policy during the current pandemic. We aimed to describe the experiences of IPC staff in Australian hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic to inform future pandemic preparedness plans.Methods A cross-sectional study involving an online survey distributed to IPC practitioners employed in Australian hospitals. Survey content was informed by in-depth interviews, and addressed work conditions, redeployed workforce, personal protective equipment, communication, and guidelines. Participants were recruited through the mailing lists of Australasian College of Infection Prevention and Control and the Australasian Society of Infectious Diseases.Results We received fully or partially completed responses from 160 participants, including 38 (24%) and 122 (76%) with nursing and medical backgrounds, respectively. Respondents reported access to sufficient information about PPE (75%, 114/152), PPE was of sufficient quantity (77%, 117/152) and was of sufficient quality (70%, 106/152). Barriers to infection prevention guideline implementation included frequently changing guidelines (57%, 84/148), timing of updates (65%, 96/148) and contradictory sources of information (64%, 95/148). Respondents described a need for better communication channels from government authorities to hospital IPC teams. All respondents described an increase in workload leading to difficulty completing work (63%, 97/154) and feeling burnt out (48% 74/154)Conclusions These data identify avoidable barriers to implementation of COVID-19 infection prevention guidance in Australian hospitals. These findings can inform future national preparedness strategies.
Low incidence of surgical pathology in infants with bilious vomiting
Authors: Cummins David Andrew , Kuschel Carl
Published: September 2021

Background: Bilious vomiting in the neonate is an important presenting sign of intestinal obstruction. We conducted a review of the presentation and management of term neonates admitted with bilious vomiting (BV) to determine the incidence of a surgical pathology in our population.  Design: Retrospective cohort study using a prospectively maintained database.  Participants: All term infants admitted to NICU with BV at the Royal Women’s Hospital Melbourne during a 5-calendar year period.  Results: All 153 babies had at least one imaging study. 128 (83.7%) had plain abdominal radiographs. 127 (83%) underwent upper gastrointestinal contrast scan (UGI) and 103 (67.3%) had both. 6 (3.9%) UGI studies were abnormal, with 3 babies (1.9%) subsequently having surgical pathology (2 volvulus, 1 Hirschsprung disease). Only 6 (3.9%) babies in our cohort had a surgical pathology identified (4 Hirschsprung disease, 2 malrotation). Babies with surgical pathology were more likely to present later (median 40 hours versus 23 hours). Abdominal distension was highly sensitive for surgical pathology.  Conclusion: The incidence of surgical pathology in this cohort was low compared to other studies. It is more likely in infants presenting with BV after 24 hours.
Advanced Hybrid Machine Learning Algorithms for Multistep Lake Water Level Forecasting
Authors: Fijani Elham , Khosravi Khabat , Barzegar Rahim , Quilty John , Adamowski Jan , Kheyrollah-Pour Homa
Published: September 2021

Random Tree (RT) and Iterative Classifier Optimizer (ICO) based on Alternating Model Tree (AMT) regressor machine learning (ML) algorithms coupled with Bagging (BA) or Additive Regression (AR) hybrid algorithms were applied to forecasting multistep ahead (up to three months) Lake Superior and Lake Michigan water level (WL). Partial autocorrelation (PACF) of each lake’s WL time series estimated the most important lag times — up to five months in both lakes — as potential inputs. The WL time series data was partitioned into training (from 1918 to 1988) and testing (from 1989 to 2018) for model building and evaluation, respectively. Developed algorithms were validated through statistically and visually based metric using testing data. Although both hybrid ensemble algorithms improved individual ML algorithms’ performance, the BA algorithm outperformed the AR algorithm. As a novel model in forecasting problems, the ICO algorithm was shown to have great potential in generating robust multistep lake WL forecasts.
Lunar regolith and substructure at Chang’E-5 landing site in the northern Oceanus Procellarum
Authors: Song Hanjie , Sun Hui , Yu Gang , Liu Yang , Li Juan , Xu Menglong , Zheng Yikang , Li Chao , Pang Yong , Wang Guoxin , Zhao Ping , Zou Yongliao
Published: September 2021

The Lunar Regolith Penetrating Radar (LRPR) on the Chang’E-5 (CE-5) lander was deployed to investigate structures of the regolith. The migration and ridge detection methods were used to process the radar data, and the results indicate a 4.5 m regolith thickness that contains four units at the landing site, which is characterized by different internal reflections that point to their various compositions, mainly comprise protolith and admixed ejecta from the Harpalus, Copernicus, and Aristarchus. High-resolution processing for the LRPR data indicates a few rocks or slates with depth from ~ 0.2 m to over 1 m in the subsurface at the landing site, which was validated by the force analysis during the drilling of the regolith into ~ 1 m depth. The processing procedure proposed in this study is capable of producing reliable and precise images of the lunar regolith substructure, which provides important geological context on the returned drilling samples.
Microsurgical Repair of Severed Thoracic Spinal Cord and Clinical Outcome: Technical Case Report
Authors: Kaliaperumal Chandrasekaran
Published: September 2021

This report describes a case of successful repair of severed thoracic spine in a young man who presented with a penetrating stab injury to spine resulting in Brown-Séquard syndrome. Surgical technique and post-operative management is discussed.A 34-year-old fit and well healthy man was admitted with a history of stab injury to the thoracic spine at thoracic T2/3 level with ASIA impairment score (AIS) score D with an incomplete spinal cord affecting his left lower limb with complete paralysis and right lower limb paresis with impaired sensation below T6 level to L5. Neuroimaging confirmed a penetrating knife injury traversing the T2/3 level causing hemi-section of the spinal cord confirmed intraoperatively. He underwent an urgent exploratory surgery of his spine and a T2/3 laminectomy was performed to aid removal of the knife. The dura was noted to be contused and severed spinal cord was noted to be severed with associated cord oedema. A microsurgical repair of the severed cord was performed with duroplasty followed by intense neuro-rehabilitation. On a three month follow up his AIS score is E with lower limb power is 5/5 bilaterally and he is able to mobilise independently up to 8-10 steps without any supportive aid and with crutches he is independently functional and mobile.This is the first documented case of microsurgical repair of severed thoracic spinal cord secondary to traumatic knife injury. In the management of such scenario, apart from the removal of foreign body, repair of the cord with duroplasty should be carefully considered. The role of spinal neuroplasticity in healing following timely repair of the spinal cord along with intense rehabilitation remains the key. This had resulted in a good clinical and functional outcome with in a 12 month period.
Accelerated Alcoholic Fermentation of Intact Grapes by Saccharomyces Cerevisiae in Symbiosis with Microbial Community Inhabiting Grape-skin
Authors: Watanabe Daisuke , Hashimoto Wataru
Published: September 2021

Saccharomyces cerevisiae, an essential player in alcoholic fermentation during winemaking, is rarely found in intact grapes. Here, we addressed symbiotic interactions between S. cerevisiae and grape-skin residents upon spontaneous wine fermentation. When glucose was used as a carbon source, the yeast-like fungus Aureobasidium pullulans, a major grape-skin resident, had no effect on alcoholic fermentation by S. cerevisiae. In contrast, when intact grape berries as a sole carbon source, coculture of S. cerevisiae and A. pullulans accelerated alcoholic fermentation. Thus, grape-inhabiting microorganisms may increase carbon availability by degrading and/or incorporating grape-skin materials, such as cell wall and cuticles. A. pullulans exhibited broad spectrum assimilation of plant-derived carbon sources, including ω-hydroxy fatty acids, arising from degradation of cutin. In fact, yeast-type cutinase was produced from A. pullulans EXF-150 strain. The degradation and utilization of grape-skin materials by fungal microbiota may account for their colonization on grape-skin and symbiotic interactions with S. cerevisiae.
Role of nanosilicab to boost the activities of metabolites in Triticum aestivum facing drought stress
Authors: Akhtar Nosheen , Ilyas Noshin
Published: September 2021

Drought stress is a threat to agriculture which is decreasing the yield of crops and creating a considerable loss. This research focused on the part played by silicon dioxide nanoparticles (SiO2 NPs), biofertilizers, and nanosilicab on Triticum aestivum under control and drought stress. Nanosilicab enhanced the germination percentage, germination index, and germination vigor index by 23.07%, 14.49% and, 93.10% under control and 14.42%, 10.52%, and 46.15% under drought. In the pot experiment, the soil was treated with 150 mg/kg SiO2 NPs, 1% biofertilizer and, 1% nanosilicab before sowing. Nanosilicab increased shoot length and root length by 9.39%, 10.76%, 22.41%, 18.76%, 30.58%, and, 21.56% under control and drought stress conditions. It also increased photosynthetic pigments, osmolytes content, relative water content, membrane stability index, phenol, and flavonoid content. The increase in antioxidant activity was significantly high by the application of nanosilicab i.e. the augmentation in catalase, peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase was 68.65%, 83.69% and, 85.99% respectively. It also increased the indole acetic acid and cytokinin to 22.28% and 14.79% in comparison to control. The improvement in hundred grain weight and grains per spike by the use of nanosilicab was 36.25%, 38.76%, 27.47%, and 22.59% as compared to control. The positive interaction of nanosilicab with the roots of plants in the rhizosphere improved the growth of plants significantly and a potential candidate for application on crops. The novelty of this study lies in the formulation of nanosilicab and its role in drought amelioration.
An aberrant mediastinal mediobasal segmental pulmonary artery in a patient with lung cancer undergoing right lower lobectomy: a case report
Authors: Komori Kazuyuki , Hashimoto Hiroshi , Yoshikawa Kotaro , Kameda Koji , Taguchi Shinichi , Ozeki Yuichi
Published: September 2021

Background

A mediastinal mediobasal segmental pulmonary artery (A7) from the right main pulmonary artery is extremely rare.
Case presentation:

We have reported a case of a 71-year-old woman with aberrant A7 who underwent right lower lobectomy for lung cancer (cT1bN0M0, stage IA2). Preoperative three-dimensional computed tomography (CT) angiography revealed an aberrant mediastinal A7 from the right main pulmonary artery. Right lower lobectomy and mediastinal lymph node dissection were performed. Intraoperatively, A7 was observed between the superior and inferior pulmonary veins, and at the front of the lower bronchus near the anterior hilum. The artery was carefully dissected from the caudal side after dissection of the inferior pulmonary vein. Then, the lung parenchyma, which was within the fissure due to poor lobulation between the middle and lower lobes, was safely divided.
Conclusions

Thoracic surgeons need to evaluate CT angiography or enhanced multidetector CT carefully at preoperative conferences and always keep this anomaly in mind.
Efficacy of a polyherbal formulation in the treatment of SARS CoV-2 disease: An open labelled feasibility study
Authors: Kanchibhotla Divya , Harsora Prateek , Subramanian Saumya , reddy Ravi , Venkatesh Hari
Published: September 2021

Background: The ongoing pandemic caused by human coronavirus SARS CoV-2 has led to millions of death across the globe. Not only the virus is highly infectious, it is also mutates very easily. Currently there are no approved drugs for the therapeutic cure of COVID-19. The world is in search for an alternative that has antiviral properties directed against virus. Objective: The present study investigates an Ayurvedic polyherbal formulation of 13 herbs, named NOQ19, targeted against various viral proteins of COVID-19. Methodology: The study is a single arm, single centric, open label study of 161 RT-PCR positive COVID-19 patients. The enrolled participants were given the ayurvedic intervention, 2 tablets, thrice daily, to be consumed along with the standard care. Follow up COVID-19 RT- PCR was done on Day 5, Day 10 and Day 14 or until the patient turned negative. The time required for turning RT-PCR negative or become asymptomatic was noted. Results: Subjective analysis demonstrated that 98% of patients turned asymptomatic within 5 days of NOQ19 intake. Also 74% of the subjects turned RT-PCR Negative on Day 5 after taking NOQ19 along with the standard care provided. Also, none of the participant reported any adverse effect or side effect to the medication.Conclusion: NOQ19 Ayurvedic polyherbal formulation is an effective as well as safe alternative and adjunct treatment for the symptomatic management of COVID-19.
Influence of biochar and microorganisms co-application on the remediation and maize productivity in cadmium-contaminated soil.
Authors: Haider Fasih Ullah , Farooq Muhammad , Naveed Muhammad , Cheema Sardar Alam , Ain Noor ul , Salim Muhammad Arslan , Mustafa Adnan , Liqun Cai
Published: September 2021

The synergistic effects of biochar and microorganisms on the adsorption of Cd and on cereal plant physiology remained unclear. Therefore, this experiment was performed to evaluate the combined effects of biochar pyrolyzed from (maize-straw (BC1), cow-manure (BC2), and poultry-manure (BC3), and microorganisms including (T. harzianum L. and B. subtilis L.), to evaluate, how incorporation of biochar positively influences microorganisms growth and nutrients uptake in plant, and how it mitigates under various Cd-stress levels (0, 10, and 30ppm). Cd2 (30 ppm) had the highest reduction in the intercellular CO2, SPAD value, transpiration rate, water use efficiency, stomatal conductance, and photosynthesis rate, which were 22.36, 34.50, 40.45, 20.66, 29.07, and 22.41% respectively lower than control Cd0 (0 ppm). Sole application BC, resulted in enhanced intercellular CO2, SPAD value, transpiration rate, water use efficiency, stomatal conductance, and photosynthesis rate were recorded in BC2, which were 7.27, 20.54, 23.80, 5.96, 13.37, and 13.50% respectively greater as compared to control and decreased the Cd-concentration in root and shoot of maize by 34.07 and 32.53%, respectively as compared to control. Similarly, among sole microorganism’s inoculation, minimized the Cd-concentration in shoot, root, and soil by 23.77, 20.15, and 10.35% respectively than control. These results suggested that integrated application of cow manure biochar BC2 and inoculation of microorganisms MI3 as soil amendments had synergistic effects in improving the adsorption of nutrients and decreasing the Cd-uptake in maize, and enhancing the physiology of plant grown in Cd-polluted soils as opposed to using either biochar or inoculating microorganisms alone.
Taking care of business and doing overtime: Teaching research methods in public affairs curricula pre-pandemic and during COVID-19
Authors: Brennan John F. , Prentice Christopher R. , Kinzer Kirsten L. , Brudney Jeffrey L.
Published: September 2021

In this research, we sought to better understand important trends and developments in the teaching of quantitative and research methods courses in graduate public affairs programs. We were specifically interested in the following areas related to the teaching of quantitative and research methods: the impact of new technologies on curriculum delivery; the content of courses related to statistical analysis and research design; and the importance of numeracy, ethics, and data visualization. We surveyed quantitative and research methods instructors in graduate public affairs programs using the same survey instrument at two intervals eight years apart and analyzed results from each period side-by-side. Findings indicate some stark differences in the content and delivery of these courses. Given the timing of the second survey – Spring 2021 – findings are considered within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fungal Infections Masquerading as Gastrointestinal Tract Malignancies – A Series of Three Cases
Authors: Chaturvedi Rachana Amit , Baste Balaji D , Karegar Manjusha M , Gupte Prajakta A , Joshi Amita S
Published: September 2021

Fungal infections of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) are not rare, but get missed due to their misleading clinical features. Here we report three GIT fungal infections at different locations with varied symptoms. We received surgical resection specimens with the clinical suspicion of malignancy for all. The first was a case of Aspergillosis, at an uncommon site, esophageal, in a 60year diabetic male with a suspicion of carcinoma in view of presence of dysphagia and a stricture on CT. The second was a 60-year male, a case of stomach Zygomycosis with no definite immunosuppression, who presented with an intra-operative suspicion of malignancy, and showed fungal angio-invasion and ischemic perforation. Third was a 32year immunocompetent male, a case of GI histoplasmosis with an uncommon presentation, showing obstructive symptoms due to an ileocaecal mass with a clinical suspicion of TB/malignancy. Thus, a high index of suspicion for fungal a etiology in GIT is essential, because misdiagnosis can lead to a radical surgery. Timely treatment with appropriate antifungal therapy is crucial as high mortality is associated with certain fungi.
Cognitive Anthropology, Roy Wallis and Cyber Believers: The Application of the Taxonomy Concept to Three Orthodox Websites
Authors: Stojanović Đorđe ,   PhD Candidate at Department of Ethnology and Anthropology, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Belgrade
Published: September 2021

When the internet appeared, both scientists and non-scientists discussed whether it was liberating the media and whether it was going to be transformed into a safe zone for the expression of free opinion. The answer to this question might be found within the cognitive anthropology concept of taxonomies. The etic taxonomy classification of religions (both in the online and/or offline worlds) has existed for a very long time. Still, the question of emic taxonomy remains. In other words, do cyber believers themselves perceive the internet as a place where they can express religious ideas that they could not do in their offline religious communities and connect with people who share the same/similar worldview? The goal of this paper is to answer the question of whether the scientific taxonomy and folk taxonomy (one of the religious cyber influencers chosen as a sample) converge or whether they differ and, in case they differ, whether the internet gives them the opportunity for free expression and making communities. Roy Wallis has been chosen as an example of scientific taxonomy, since his main criterion for classification is precisely the relationship of religious groups towards society (in this case, the mainstream discourse of both Serbian society and the Serbian Orthodox Church).
The Omniscient Spring – the Whispering Water: Man and potajnica
Authors: Novaković Bojan ,   Museums and Galleries of Nikšić, Montenegro
Published: September 2021

Potajnice (intermittent/rhythmic springs) are a rare hydrographic phenomenon exclusively present in karst areas. They appear as a result of the rising and emptying of the siphon in the underground karst reservoir, while the phases when the water flows over and drains down most frequently last for several minutes or several hours. They are often accompanied by a distinct noise (rumbling, sizzling, bursting) which adds to the mysteriousness of this phenomenon. Up to this point in time, around one hundred of these flows have been detected worldwide and, when it comes to Europe, they are most frequent in the Balkan Peninsula, primarily in the range of the Dinarides. The subject of this paper is the human perception of this unusual hydrological phenomenon and reaction to it, which has brought about the birth of many interesting ceremonies and beliefs. In areas with predominantly Orthodox and Islamic traditions, the water from these springs is often regarded as healing and miraculous, which is not the case in the northwestern areas closer to Central Europe. Nevertheless, the entire area is eager to provide a logical explanation for this phenomenon. In the more distant past, some of these places had been subject to Christianisation through construction of churches in their vicinity and provision of a Christian interpretation of local beliefs and tales. Man interpreted the functioning of these flows in two ways – either as the existence of a supernatural being in the underground canal, which occasionally presents a barrier to the water flow, or as activities of a higher power which infallibly judges the moral righteousness of human beings and thereupon decides to either let the water flow or stops its flow. The ancient human tendency to tame the supernatural has enticed man to look for a way to predict the flow intervals which, under certain circumstances, could ensure or confirm social power for an individual or group. At some point, the monks took over the perennial monitoring of the flow rhythm of one such source in order to harmonise their prayers for the appearance of the “healingˮ water. The relation between man and the potajnica has always been ambivalent; therefore, one river, which for centuries was called Sveto vrelo (the Holy Spring), also has an alternative name – Đavolje vrelo (the Devil's Spring). Also, men tend to cross significant distances to reach water from one spring, but avoid drinking water from others precisely due to the identical disappearance of the flow. Nevertheless, these springs represent unrivalled points where the richness of the spirit and tradition of the population visiting them is embedded, and, more generally, the relationship between man, as the human being, and this enigmatic force of nature.
The Conceptual Foundations of Vojin Matić's Paleopsychology in the Context of Serbian Ethnology
Authors: Teodorski Marko ,   Institute for Literature and Arts, Belgrade
Published: September 2021

Vojin Matić was a leading figure in Serbian post-war psychoanalysis, particularly in the 1950s and 1960s. Paleopsychology, looked upon extremely favorably, even in a revolutionary way, by the Serbian psychoanalysts of the time, was the last and indisputably most problematic part of his oeuvre. The absence of necessary anthropological methodology, the uncritical adoption of discredited and rejected concepts (such as matriarchy), the promotion of 19th-century unilineal evolutionism viewing prehistory as the childhood of mankind – these are just some of the problems of Matić's paleopsychological oeuvre. Nevertheless, this did not prevent him from leaving an indelible imprint on the thinking of numerous generations which would go on to position Serbian psychoanalysis on the international stage. Although untenable by contemporary anthropological standards, Matić's paleopsychology is interwoven with the Serbian psychoanalysis of the 1970s and 1980s, exerting a decisive influence on its application in the humanities, from Vladeta Jerotić's psychoanalytical culturology to Zoran Gluščević's literary criticism. Matić, in turn, actively adopted some outdated positions from the Serbian ethnology of the time. By providing this broader theoretical, historical and academic context, the paper seeks to shed light not only on the occurrence of this scientifically questionable theory, but also on its (surprisingy "uncritical") acceptance outside the anthropological community. The paper therefore presents, in turn: 1) the tenets of Matić's paleopsychology, with emphasis on the features it shared with contemporary anthropology; 2) the biographical and disciplinary/historical background of paleopsycholgy in the works of world psychoanalysts and anthropologists, and in the practices of Serbian ethnology; it is pointed out that Matić's paleopsychology merely provided a psychoanalytic perspective to conventional Serbian ethnology; 3) a reading of Matić's paleopsychological system as a "strong" paranoid theory, that is to say, a theory which, through specific mechanisms os associativity and anticipation, absorbs every ethnographic, anthropological and archaeological fact, thus metastasizing into a self-contained and hermetic system (something that Matić himself noted as a possible structure of his own thinking).
Tito and Children in Political Folklore 1980: Wishes for Tito's Speedy Recovery
Authors: Lazarević Radak Sanja ,   Institute for Political Studies, Belgrade
Published: September 2021

In 1980 Tito's health deteriorated. The citizens of Yugoslavia followed the news about the course of his illness with apprehension and anticipation. From January to May 1980, citizens sent more than four hundred thousand messages wishing Tito a speedy recovery. Among the most numerous were children. Starting from the assumption of the closeness between political socialization, folklore and political culture in Yugoslav society, in this paper I analyze some of the basic motives present in the messages that children sent to Tito. Insight into the messages that the editors of the publication "Tito. Messages, wishes - the children of Yugoslavia" call a "vow", and in the sense of the promise that children will preserve the achievements of Yugoslav socialism, it enables the reconstruction of Yugoslav political myths and Tito's representation within children's political culture. The reconstruction of the narrative enables the recognition of the following motives: Tito as a hero and a fighter against all evil; 2. Tito as a solar deity; 3. Tito as an (imaginary) friend and protector of all the children of the world. For the purposes of this paper, wishes for a speedy recovery are understood as a folklore genre, and some of the specifics of Yugoslav children's political folklore.
NOVEL APPROACH FOR BEST SIGNAL PROCESSING AND NETWORK STRUCTURE TO IMPROVE CLOUD ERP RELIABILITY AND HIGH SPEED
Authors:   Research Scholar, KL University, Green Fields, Vaddeswaram, Andhra Pradesh, India., Gaverineni Siva Ratna Kiran R. , Madaka Kodanda Rama Sastry Jammal ,   Professor, KL University, Green Fields, Vaddeswaram, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Published: September 2021

If the companies face difficulties in using ERP systems because of its complicated integrating and customising functions, the company can consider some other software for processing their data. On the other hand, those who are using ERP system should make precise settings for providing accurate data and timely service. An error-free network structure must be maintained by cloud ERP systems for providing enhanced service. Based on the network structure and best optimization methods, it must focus on nodes, clusters, LANs, and WANs. The novel data pre-processing consists of three core areas, and they are Pattern Recognition, Data Clustering, and Signal Processing. In this paper, Dynamic cluster formation and pattern recognition are given special weightage. For offering high-speed data transactions with data shrinking, Hybrid dynamic clustering algorithm is explained. As there is a shortage of electricity, the priority is given to energy savings by WSN (Wireless Sensor Network). The consumption of energy has decreased by permitting few cluster heads in the network, also known as nodes for communicating with the base station. A simple, effective, and computationally efficient optimization approach known as Particle swarm optimization (PSO) is utilized. With the usage of fitness function every particle poss the fitness value and even their speed it controlled using velocity. These values have been utilized by WSN for rectifying the issues like optimal deployment, clustering, node selection, and data aggregation. Efforts have been made to reduce the energy consumption occurs by the nodes and for extending the life of the network by proposing a PSO-based technique which selects the best nodes as cluster heads and a reselect mechanism for extending the network lifetime.
Economic activity vs generation of local budgets’ revenues: Regional disparities in COVID-19 instability
Authors: Storonyanska Iryna , Melnyk Mariana , Benovska Lilia , Sytnyk Natalia , Zakhidna Oksana
Published: September 2021

In the last two years, Ukraine and the world have been living in economic instability caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has fundamentally changed the trends in global and domestic economies, public and local finance. This study aims to estimate the trends of economic development of Ukrainian regions in the coronavirus crisis and their impact on the local budgets’ tax revenues generation. Main findings show the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on the development of Ukrainian regions is territorially differentiated. It is determined that in quarantine restrictions, the regions were developing under the impact of behavioral and institutional factors. Although a range of enterprises terminated their activities and there was a decline in income from business activities in 2020, the tax revenues of local budgets increased. The growth of tax revenues was accompanied by decreasing interbudgetary transfers and growing expenditures on containing the spread of pandemics and supporting healthcare. Reduced transfers to local budgets from the public budget affected the funding of investment programs of regional development. The abovementioned effects of falling business activity and consumer expenditures of the population along with falling investment can be considered the delayed effects of economic activity curtailment in the short-term period. An intensive increase of public investment that stipulates projects co-funding from budget funds and resources of businesses and establishment of cooperation between public, regional, and local levels of government should become among the primary steps to overcome the negative trends.
Od 2D do DIBH, przegląd technik radioterapeutycznych stosowanych w napromienianiu nowotworów piersi From 2D to DIBH, review of radiotherapeutic techniques related to irradiation of breast cancer
Authors: Charmacińska Magdalena , Styś Sara , Bąk Olga , Kijeska Weronika , Skrobała Agnieszka
Published: September 2021

Nowotwór piersi jest to nowotwór złośliwy powstający z komórek gruczołu piersiowego, który rozwija się miejscowo w piersi oraz daje przerzuty do węzłów chłonnych i narządów wewnętrznych (płuc, wątroby, kości i mózgu). Ponad 23% zachorowań na nowotwory kobiet w Polsce, jak i na świecie stanowią nowotwory piersi. Na przestrzeni ostatnich lat techniki napromieniania nowotworów piersi ulegają ciągłemu rozwojowi. Celem pracy było poglądowe przedstawienie technik radioterapeutycznych stosowanych w napromienianiu nowotworów piersi, od dwuwymiarowej 2D techniki statycznej poprzez techniki dynamiczne (IMRT technika z modulacją intensywnością dawki (ang. intensity modulated radiation therapy), VMAT technika obrotowa z modulacją intensywności dawki (ang. volumetric modulated arc therapy), aż do techniki DIBH techniki napromieniania na głębokim wstrzymanym wdechu (ang. deep inspiration breath hold). W pracy skupiono się na przedstawieniu realizacji omawianych technik i opisie jak dana technika wpływa na rozkład dawki w planowanej objętości do napromieniania PTV (ang. Planning Target Volume) oraz na dawki w narządach krytycznych w radioterapii nowotworów piersi.
Cationic Clitoria ternatea Seed Peptide as a Potential Novel Bioactive Molecule
Authors: Sreekala S. , Muraleedharan Usha Devi
Published: September 2021

Background:

While several biologics have been reported from different parts of Clitoria
ternatea, a herbaceous climber of the family Fabaceae, specific production of cationic peptides
other than cyclotides (<3.7 kDa) has barely been investigated, or their bioactive potential been
looked into.

Objective:

The study aims to uncover potential bioactivities and characteristics of novel cationic
peptides from C. ternatea seeds.

Methods:

C. ternatea seed cationic peptide purified by simple and cost-effective procedures was
analyzed by electrophoresis and mass spectrometry. Antimicrobial efficacy was evaluated against
bacterial and fungal pathogens. Antioxidant potential was quantified by in vitro antioxidant assays.
Physicochemical characterization and Tandem mass spectrometry were performed.

Results:

An 8.5 kDa cationic peptide purified from C. ternatea seeds was active against Candida
albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, Aeromonas hydrophila and Escherichia coli at a minimum inhibitory
concentration in the range of 8-32 μg/ml. This activity was totally uncompromised at pH 5-8
or after 1 h of heat treatment at 70-80ºC, but was sensitive to protease treatment. Concentration-dependent
free-radical scavenging activity and ferric-reducing capacity demonstrated the antioxidant
potential of the peptide. Tandem MS analysis of trypsin-digested peptide based on shotgun proteomics
detected matching peptide sequences with one or two cysteine residues but had low sequence
coverage (≤17%) to known sequences in the C. ternatea protein database. Taken together,
the distinct characteristics of this novel 8.5 kDa peptide clearly distinguish it from known cyclotides
of C. ternatea.

Conclusions:

Insights have been obtained into the functional characteristics of what appears to be
a novel cationic peptide from C. ternatea seeds, exhibiting significant antimicrobial and antioxidant
activities.
Fagonia arabica L.: A Review of its Phytochemistry, Pharmacology and
Traditional Uses
Authors: Hussain Abdullah Ijaz , Rathore Hassaan Anwer , Iftikhar Neelam , Chatha Shahzad Ali Shahid , Ahmad Tanveer , Ali Qasim
Published: September 2021

Background:

Fagonia arabica, belonging to family Zygophyllaceae, is a medicinal
plant widely distributed in the desert areas of the world, including Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, India
and South Africa. The present review aims to explore the published information on the traditional
uses, ethnobotanical knowledge, phytochemistry and various biological activities like antioxidant,
antimicrobial, thrombolytic activities and anticoagulant effects of Fagonia arabica with critical
analysis on the gaps and future perspectives.

Method:

A literature survey was performed by searching the digital libraries and the scientific databases
including Scopus, Google Scholar, SciFinder, ACS, Web of Science and published books.

Results:

Fagonia arabica plant has been reported to have a wide range of traditional uses in sore
mouth, smallpox, hematological, neurological, endocrinological, inflammatory, cooling agent in
stomatitis, vertigo and endothermic reaction in the body. Several bioactive constituents, including
glycosides, flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, alkaloids and trace elements, were recorded from
Fagonia arabica plant. The isolation and identification of two flavonoid glycosides (kaempferol-7-
O-rhamnoside and acacetin-7-O-rhamnoside) were also reported. Fagonia arabica has been studied
for its wide range of biological activities, which include antioxidant, antimicrobial, cardioprotective
and anticoagulant.

Conclusion:

It is apparent from the literature that Fagonia arabica plant possesses a wide range of
medicinal and pharmacological uses and has been studied for its various pharmacological activities
and medicinal applications. Critical analysis reveals that the plant has huge potential for pharmaceutical
and pharmacological applications.