bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analisis Neraca Keseimbangan Air Baku Layanan PDAM Amuntai
Authors: Al-Qadar Al-Qadar - , Fakhrurrazi Fakhrurrazi
Published: June 2021

Abstrak

PDAM BNA Amuntai adalah unit penyedian air bersih  di Kabupaten Hulu Sungai Utara yang melayani penyediaan air bersih untuk keperluan masyarakat tiga kecamatan yaitu Amuntai Utara, Selatan dan Tengah. Laju angka pertumbuhan di tiga kecamatan ini membuat kebutuhan air bersih semakin bertambah setiap tahunnya. Pengadaan air bersih untuk masyarakat bertujuan agar lapisan masyarakat menjalani pola hidup sehat.Untuk mengetahui jumlah kebutuhan air bersih pada tahun tertentu, menggunakan analisis proyeksi penduduk dengan standar kebutuhan air bersih berdasarkan panduan Kementrian PU. Menghitung ketersedian air disungai Balangan (debit andalan) menggunakan analisis data klimatologi dan data bangkitan hujan menggunakan metode mock. Hasil analisis jumlah penduduk di tiga kecamatan layanan PDAM BNA Amuntai pada tahun 2049 berdasarkan hasil proyeksi penduduk sebanyak 154.972,2 jiwa. Dengan layanan 90% kebutuhan masyarakat terhadap air bersih layanan PDAM BNA Amuntai pada tahun 2049 sebanyak 771.843,38 m³/bulan. Hasil analisis debit andalan ketersedian air baku sebanyak 12.933.464,72 m³/bulan. Sehingga persentase kebutuhan air bersih sebesar 5,97%. terhadap ketersedian air baku di sungai.

Abstract

PDAM BNA Amuntai is a clean water supply unit in the North Hulu Sungai Regency that serves clean water for the needs of the community of three sub-districts, namely North, South and Central Amuntai. The rate of growth in these three sub-districts makes the need for clean water growing every year. The provision of clean water aims to ensure that the layers of society live a healthy lifestyle. Analysis of population projections with clean water requirements based on the Ministry of Public Works guidelines to calculate clean water needs. Calculating the availability of water in the Balangan river (mainstay discharge) using climatological data analysis and rainfall generation data using the mock method. The results of the analysis of the population in the three sub-districts of PDAM BNA Amuntai service in 2049 based on the projection of the population of 154,972.2 people. With 90% service, the community's need for clean water services at PDAM BNA Amuntai in 2049 is 771,843.38 m³/month. The results of the main discharge analysis of the availability of raw water were 12,933,464.72 m³/month. So the percentage of clean water needs is 5.97%. towards the availability of raw water in the river
ANALISIS PERAMALAN HARGA EMAS DI INDONESIA PADA MASA PANDEMI COVID-19 UNTUK INVESTASI
Authors: Dewi Dyah Makutaning , Nafi' Muhammad Zaky , Nasrudin Nasrudin
Published: June 2021

Pandemi Coronavirus Disease-2019 (Covid-19) merupakan kejadian yang tidak biasa. Adanya Covid-19 membuat masyarakat ragu dalam melakukan investasi. Hal ini dikarenakan kondisi perekonomian dunia tidak sedang dalam kondisi baik.  Investasi emas merupakan salah satu investasi yang cukup aman di masa pandemi Covid-19. Logam mulia tersebut banyak dipilih karena mayoritas masyarakat telah familiar terhadap emas serta mudah dijangkau. Selain itu, dikarenakan harga emas cenderung stabil dan jarang mengalami penurunan harga, justru saat ini mengalami peningkatan harga dalam waktu yang singkat. Salah satu cara untuk mengetahui gambaran harga emas di Indonesia agar masyarakat tertarik melakukan investasi logam mulia tersebut adalah melakukan peramalan dengan menggunakan metode ARIMA Box-Jenkins. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah memperoleh prediksi harga emas di Indonesia selama 30 hari ke depan. Hasil analisis menunjukkan bahwa didapatkan model ARIMA (1,1,1) sehingga dapat disimpulkan bahwa prediksi harga emas 30 hari ke depan terus mengalami peningkatan dengan persentase kesalahan training data sebesar 1,005 persen serta validasi ramalan dari testing data sebesar 3,93 persen.
Canlı Donör Karaciğer Naklinde Safra Yolu Varyasyonlarının Biliyer Komplikasyonlara Etkisi
Authors: AKTAŞ Hikmet
Published: June 2021

Canlı donör karaciğer nakillerinde, donör safra yollarının bölünmesi donör hepatektominin en kritik aşamalardan biridir. Bu çalışmada, merkezimizde sağ lobektomi uygulanan canlı donörlerin safra yolu varyasyonlarının belirlenmesi ve bu varyasyonların postoperatif alıcı safra komplikasyonları ile ilişkisi araştırılmıştır. Ocak 2016 ile Ocak 2018 arasında yapılan canlı donör hepatektomi olgularının verileri retrospektif olarak incelendi. Araştırmaya sağ lobektomi uygulanan donörler (229 olgu) ve minimum 2 yıl takip süresi olan alıcıları dahil edildi. Re-trasnplantasyon yapılan ve primer biliyer patoloji nedeniyle karaciğer nakli uygulanan alıcılar çalışma dışı bırakıldı. Huang sınıflamasına göre en sık tespit edilen tip A1 (%45) idi. Donörler, greft safra ağzı tek, çift ve üç adet olanlar şeklinde sırasıyla grup A,B ve C olmak üzere üç gruba ayrılarak postoperatif komplikasyonlar karşılaştırıldı. Group A, B ve C sırasıyla 123 (%53,7) , 94 (%41) ve 12 (%5,2) olgudan oluştu. 36 hastada safra komplikasyonu (darlık, kaçak) tespit edildi (%15,7). Gruplar arasında yapılan karşılaştırmada safra komplikasyonu açısından anlamlı fark tespit edilmedi (p>0.05). Pre-perioperatif safra yolu değerlendirmesinin etkin yapılması ve uygun cerrahi stratejinin belirlenmesi durumunda greft safra ağzı sayısının alıcı safra komplikasyonları açısından kötü prognostik etkisi yoktur.
Verso una nuova rilevanza penale dello sfruttamento di manodopera. Simbolismo ed effettività della risposta punitiva
Authors: Fiore Stefano
Published: June 2021

La recrudescenza dei fenomeni di "caporalato" nel nostro paese, certamente collegata ai flussi di migranti clandestini che offrono un ricco serbatoio dal quale attingere nuove e particolarmente vulnerabili vittime dello sfruttamento, non ha trovato nella legislazione penale vigente adeguati strumenti di contrasto. La rilevanza penale dei fatti riconducibili al c.d. caporalato, quando non viene collocata in fattispecie "comuni" (come la violenza privata o l'estorsione), si distribuisce tra le poco efficaci ipotesi contravvenzionali previste all'art. 18 del d.lgs. 10 settembre 2003, n. 276 ed il delitto di riduzione o mantenimento in schiavitù, normalmente sovradimensionato sia sul piano strutturale, che su quello del correlativo impegno probatorio. L'elevato valore dei beni in gioco (libertà, autodeterminazione, dignità personale) legittima certamente un intervento penale appropriato, da inserire in un sistema di tutela integrato dei diritti dei lavoratori e offre un adeguato e condiviso fondamento alla proposta, variamente avanzata, di introdurre una fattispecie incriminatrice

. Le proposte di legge analizzate, al di là di alcune disomogeneità nei contenuti, manifestano come tratto comune qualificante un articolato sistema sanzionatorio, che combinando ed integrando diverse misure, appare correttamente "mirato" sulla peculiarità del fenomeno criminale.
Safety and Efficacy of Selective Intra-arterial Thrombolysis for Central Retinal Artery Occlusion
Authors: Ko Sang Jun , Shin In Choel , Kim Dae Won , Choi Si Sung , Yang Yun Sik
Published: June 2021

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of selective intra-arterial thrombolysis in patients with central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO).Methods: Medical records for 44 eyes of 44 patients diagnosed with acute non-arteritic CRAO and thrombolysis between October 2010 and February 2019 were analyzed retrospectively. Based on visual acuity, fundoscopic findings, and fluorescein angiography, the patients were classified into three stages: incomplete, subtotal, and total. The perfusion state using the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), arm to retina time, and arteriovenous passage times, after 1 month, 6 months, and at the final visit after the procedure, were compared with baseline readings.Results: Improvement of visual acuity was confirmed in 31 out of 44 patients (70.45%). The mean BCVA of 44 patients changed from 1.65 ± 0.78 logarithmic minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) at the first visit to 1.18 ± 0.91 logMAR at the last visit (p = 0.114). The BCVA according to CRAO stage was 0.08 ± 0.11 logMAR for the incomplete stage at the first visit, 0.06 ± 0.05 logMAR (p = 0.933) 1 month after the procedure, and 0.05 ± 0.07 logMAR (p = 0.933) at the last visit. In the subtotal stage, the results were 1.81 ± 0.54 logMAR at the first visit, 1.63 ± 0.76 logMAR (p = 0.035) 1 month after the procedure, and 1.36 ± 0.85 logMAR (p = 0.014) at the last visit. For the total stage of BCVA, the result at the first visit was 2.36 ± 0.25 logMAR, and it was 2.30 ± 0.30 logMAR (p = 0.510) 1 month after the procedure, and 2.42 ± 0.30 logMAR (p = 0.642) at the last visit. Reperfusion was observed in 40 patients out of the 44 (90.91%).Conclusions: Selective intra-arterial thrombolysis can be helpful in patients with subtotal CRAO in terms of visual improvement and retinal arterial reperfusion.
Evaluation of Macular and Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness in Children with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus without Retinopathy
Authors: Mohd-Ilham Ismail , Tai Evelyn Li Min , Suhaimi Hussain , Shatriah Ismail
Published: June 2021

Purpose: There are limited data from Asian countries regarding retinal thickness in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). This study aimed to compare the macular and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) parameters between diabetic children without retinopathy and non-diabetic healthy children. We also evaluated the factors associated with RNFL thickness in children with T1DM.Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among children with T1DM and healthy children aged 7 to 17 years old in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia from 2017 to 2019. Children with retinal disease or glaucoma were excluded. Macular and RNFL thicknesses were measured using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. Demographic information, duration of diabetes, blood pressure, body mass index, visual acuity, and retinal examination findings were documented. Glycosylated hemoglobin levels, renal function, and blood lipid levels were also collected.Results: Forty-one children with T1DM and 80 age- and sex-matched children were enrolled. Both sexes were affected. Mean duration of diabetes mellitus was 3.66 years. The mean glycated hemoglobin levels in the T1DM group was 9.99%. The mean macular and RNFL thicknesses in children with T1DM were 277.56 (15.82) µm and 98.85 (12.05) µm, respectively. Children with T1DM had a significantly thinner average macula, superior outer macula, nasal outer macula, mean RNFL, and inferior RNFL thickness compared to controls (p < 0.05). There was a significant association between nephropathy and the mean RNFL thickness.Conclusions: Children with T1DM had significantly decreased mean macular and RNFL thicknesses. Nephropathy is associated with an increased RNFL thickness.
Methodology and Rationale for Ophthalmic Examinations in the Seventh and Eighth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (2017–2021)
Authors: Song Su Jeong , Choi Kyung Seek , Han Jong Chul , Jee Donghyun , Jeoung Jin Wook , Jo Young Joon , Kim Jae Yong , Kim Ko Eun , Kim Seong Taeck , Lee Ji Woong , Lee Tae Eun , Lim Dong Hui , Kim Chan Yun , Kim Hyun Woong , Park Sang Woo , Park Ki Ho , Park Sang Jun , Sagong Min , Shin Jae Pil , Yoo Chungkwon , Kim Yoonjung , Oh Kyungwon , Park Kyu Hyung
Published: June 2021

This report provides a detailed description of the methodology for ophthalmic examinations according to the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) VII and VIII (from 2017 to 2021). The KNHANES is a nationwide survey which has been performed since 1998 in representatives of whole Korean population. During the KNHANES VII and VIII, in addition to the ophthalmic questionnaire, intraocular pressure measurement, visual field test, auto refractometry, axial length and optical coherence tomography measurements were included. This new survey will provide not only provide normative and pathologic ophthalmic data including intraocular pressure, refractive error, axial length, visual field and precise measurement of anterior segment, macula and optic nerve with optical coherence tomography, but also a more accurate diagnosis for major adult blindness diseases, including age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and other ocular diseases, for the national Korean population.
Arctic terns from circumpolar breeding colonies share common migratory routes
Authors: Wong JB , Lisovski S , Alisauskas RT , English W , Giroux MA , Harrison AL , Kellett D , Lecomte N , Maftei M , Nagy-MacArthur A , Ronconi RA , Smith PA , Mallory ML , Auger-Méthé M
Published: June 2021

The Arctic tern is an iconic seabird, famous for its annual migrations between the Arctic and the Antarctic. Its wide geographical range has impeded knowledge of potential population bottlenecks during its annual bi-hemispheric movements. Although Arctic terns breed in the Pacific, Atlantic, and Arctic coasts of North America, few tracking studies have been conducted on North American Arctic terns, and none in Canada, which represents a significant proportion of their circumpolar breeding range. Using light-level geolocators, we tracked 53 Arctic terns from 5 breeding colonies across a wide latitudinal and longitudinal range within North America. We compared the routes taken by birds in our study and migration timing to those previously tracked from Greenland, Iceland, The Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Maine (USA), and S. Alaska (USA). Most Arctic terns tracked globally used one of 3 southbound migration routes: (1) Atlantic West Africa; (2) Atlantic Brazil; and (3) Pacific coastal, and one of 2 northbound migration routes: (1) Mid-ocean Atlantic and (2) Mid-ocean Pacific. Some other trans-equatorial seabirds also used these migration routes, suggesting that Arctic tern routes may be important for other species. The migration timing for southbound and northbound migrations was generally different between tracked tern colonies worldwide but generally fell within a 1-2 mo window. Our research suggests that conservation management of Arctic terns during their migration should dynamically adapt with the times of the year that terns use parts of their route. Future identification of common multi-species seabird flyways could aid the international negotiations required to conserve pelagic seabirds such as Arctic terns.
EFFICIENCY ANALYSIS OF AODV, DSDV, DSR ROUTING PROTOCOLS
Authors: G Prof.Ranjitha , J R Sathwik , Priya J Shakthi , G Sushmitha
Published: June 2021

MANET stands for Mobile Ad-Hoc Network,
they consist of mobile nodes that offer a routable
networking environment in the link layer. The nodes are
connected wirelessly in a self-healing, self-configured
network that have no fixed infrastructure or centralized
management. Routing in MANET’s is a very inconvenient
process as wireless links in this network are highly prone
to error and go down frequently because of the mobility of
nodes. Therefore, it is a highly researched topic around the
world, and to overcome such difficulty many routing
protocols have been suggested around the world to
improve its efficiency. Some protocols used in this paper
are Ad-hoc On-demand Distance Vector (AODV),
Destination Sequenced Distance Vector (DSDV), and
Dynamic Source Routing. This paper hopes to summarize
all the recent work done on MANET Routing protocols
and the network simulator tool.
A SURVEY ON CARDIAC DISEASES DETECTION USING DEEP LEARNING ON ECG SIGNALS
Authors: Pawar Snehal , Joshi Sakshi , Helude Nikita , Shelar Kalyani , Kadale Nilam
Published: June 2021

A SURVEY ON CARDIAC DISEASES
DETECTION USING DEEP LEARNING ON ECG
SIGNALS
Accelerating Adaptation in the Global South
Authors: Loboguerrero Ana Maria , Gordon Christopher , Stringer Lindsay , Mukherjee Mahua , Valentini Riccardo , Mkuhlani Siyabusa , Marchant Rob
Published: June 2021

This session will explore how to promote action-orientated adaptation research in the Global South at the scale needed. Action-orientated research for adaptation is research that is iterative, transdisciplinary and co-produced, creating enhanced long-term understanding and mutually beneficial knowledge that is usable in practice. In this session, we will hear about the panel’s experience applying action-orientated research and explore what are the enabling factors that allow action-orientated research to happen and the findings be used. There will be a critique of the challenges in conducting this research and panelists will speak to what approaches have worked for them, or not. There will be insights into what are the multi- and trans-disciplinary enabling conditions that would allow others to more widely adopt this research approach that listens, communicates and responds to the needs of communities.
Conference Closing Remarks
Authors: Gilbert Alyssa , Topping Nigel , Buizza Roberto
Published: June 2021

Please join us for the closing session of the first Climate Exp0 with Alyssa Gilbert, conference co-chair and chair of the COP26 Universities Network, and special guests.
Decarbonising electricity systems
Authors: Higgins Charlotte , Schaefer Christian , Araneda Juan Carlos , Bell Keith , Marais Ronald
Published: June 2021

This session will compare experiences of power sector decarbonisation opportunities and challenges from industry leaders around the world.
Transtorno de ansiedade em adolescentes vestibulandos: aproximações
Authors: Costa Waldeciria , Ferrari Wesley Natan
Published: June 2021

A ansiedade hoje é considerada um dos principais transtornos mentais que acomete a população. Especialmente na adolescência existem alguns fatores que podem desencadear ou potencializar quadros de ansiedade, como nos períodos em que esses jovens se preparam para o vestibular. Frente a essa problemática, o presente artigo apresenta o estudo realizado no âmbito de um projeto de iniciação científica que tem como objetivo principal levantar o que tem sido produzido sobre a prevalência de ansiedade e fatores de risco em estudantes candidatos ao vestibular, focando inicialmente o que foi produzido sobre estudantes da cidade de Maringá -PR. Por meio de uma revisão bibliográfica acerca da realidade de estudantes vestibulandos pesquisou-se no acervo da biblioteca central da Universidade Estadual de Maringá, nos bancos de dados BVS-PSI, SciELO, PePSIC, Google Acadêmico e em outros materiais como livros físicos, buscando-se contribuir com uma síntese do que vem sendo produzido. A revisão de literatura realizada abrangeu os conceitos de ansiedade e adolescência; os diversos fatores que podem desencadear ansiedade nos vestibulandos e; a importância de considerar a problemática da ansiedade em vestibulandos relacionando-a com a organização do sistema educacional. Verificou-se a quase inexistência de estudos referentes a estudantes de Maringá e poucos referentes à saúde mental dos vestibulandos de forma geral, indicando a necessidade de mais investigações sobre a temática.
Transplantation of Human Gingiva-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Ameliorates Neurotic Erectile Dysfunction in a Rat Model
Authors: Wu Juekun , Chen Zehong , Zhong Fuyan , Yang Wende , Ouyang Xi , Ma Xiaolei , Zheng Songguo , Wei Hongbo
Published: June 2021

Cavernous nerve injury (CNI) is the main cause of erectile dysfunction (ED) following pelvic surgery. Our previous studies have demonstrated that transplantation of different sources of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) was able to alleviate ED induced by CNI in rat models. However, little is known about the therapeutic effects of human gingiva-derived MSCs (hGMSCs) in CNI ED rats. Herein, we injected the hGMSCs around the bilateral major pelvic ganglia (MPG) in a rat model of CNI and evaluated their efficacy. The results showed that treatment of hGMSCs could significantly promote the recovery of erectile function, enhance smooth muscle and endothelial content, restore neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) expression, and attenuate cell apoptosis in penile tissue. Moreover, penile fibrosis was significantly alleviated after hGMSC administration. In addition, potential mechanism exploration indicated that hGMSCs might exert its functions via skewed macrophage polarity from M1 toward M2 anti-inflammatory phenotype. In conclusion, this study found that transplantation of hGMSCs significantly improved CNI-related ED, which might provide new clues to evaluate their pre-clinical application.
Development of miRNA-Based Approaches to Explore the Interruption of Mosquito-Borne Disease Transmission
Authors: Xu Tie-Long , Sun Ya-Wen , Feng Xin-Yu , Zhou Xiao-Nong , Zheng Bin
Published: June 2021

MicroRNA (miRNA or miR)-based approaches to interrupt the transmission of mosquito-borne diseases have been explored since 2005. A review of these studies and areas in which to proceed is needed. In this review, significant progress is reviewed at the level of individual miRNAs, and miRNA diversification and relevant confounders are described in detail. Current miRNA studies in mosquitoes include four steps, namely, identifying miRNAs, validating miRNA-pathogen interactions, exploring action mechanisms, and performing preapplication investigations. Notably, regarding the Plasmodium parasite, mosquito miRNAs generally bind to mosquito immunity- or development-related mRNAs, indirectly regulating Plasmodium infection; However, regarding arboviruses, mosquito miRNAs can bind to the viral genome, directly modifying viral replication. Thus, during explorations of miRNA-based approaches, researchers need select an ideal miRNA for investigation based on the mosquito species, tissue, and mosquito-borne pathogen of interest. Additionally, strategies for miRNA-based approaches differ for arboviruses and protozoan parasites.
Genetic Characterisation of Colistin Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae Clinical Isolates From North India
Authors: Singh Sanjay , Pathak Ashutosh , Rahman Mohibur , Singh Avinash , Nag Soumyabrata , Sahu Chinmoy , Prasad Kashi Nath
Published: June 2021

Background

Increasing use of colistin has led to the world-wide emergence of mobile colistin resistant gene (mcr). The present study aimed to identify and characterise mcr and other drug-resistant genes in colistin resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae clinical isolates.

Methods

Twenty-two colistin resistant K. pneumoniae were analysed for mcr and other drug-resistant genes, efflux pumps, and virulence genes, and for their biofilm forming ability. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) were performed for all mcr-1 positive isolates. S1-PFGE and Southern hybridisation were performed for localisation of mcr-1 and blaNDM.

Results

Nineteen colistin resistant K. pneumoniae harboured mcr-1 and 3 had mgrB disruption. All isolates harboured blaOXA-48-type and ESBL genes; eight strains (five with mcr-1 and three with mgrB disruption) co-harboured blaNDM. Efflux pumps genes AcrAB and mdtK were detected in all 22 and tol-C in 21 isolates. Virulence-related genes entB and irp-1 were detected in all 22, mrkD in 20, and fimH-1 in 18 isolates; 11 isolates were strong biofilm producers. PFGE clustered mcr-1 positive isolates into eight groups based on ≥90% similarity; MLST revealed diverse sequence types, predominant being ST-15 (n = 4) and ST-16 (n = 4). Both mcr-1 and blaNDM were localised on plasmid and chromosome; mcr-1 was present on IncFII type and blaNDM on IncFIB and IncA/C type plasmids.

Conclusions

Colistin resistance in K. pneumoniae was predominantly mediated by mcr-1. Co-existence of colistin, carbapenem, and other drug-resistant genes along with efflux pumps indicates towards enormous genomic plasticity in K. pneumoniae with ability to emerge as super-spreader of drug-resistance.
Hepatitis Delta Virus (HDV) and Delta-Like Agents: Insights Into Their Origin
Authors: Netter Hans J. , Barrios Marilou H. , Littlejohn Margaret , Yuen Lilly K. W.
Published: June 2021

Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) is a human pathogen, and the only known species in the genus Deltavirus. HDV is a satellite virus and depends on the hepatitis B virus (HBV) for packaging, release, and transmission. Extracellular HDV virions contain the genomic HDV RNA, a single-stranded negative-sense and covalently closed circular RNA molecule, which is associated with the HDV-encoded delta antigen forming a ribonucleoprotein complex, and enveloped by the HBV surface antigens. Replication occurs in the nucleus and is mediated by host enzymes and assisted by cis-acting ribozymes allowing the formation of monomer length molecules which are ligated by host ligases to form unbranched rod-like circles. Recently, meta-transcriptomic studies investigating various vertebrate and invertebrate samples identified RNA species with similarities to HDV RNA. The delta-like agents may be representatives of novel subviral agents or satellite viruses which share with HDV, the self-complementarity of the circular RNA genome, the ability to encode a protein, and the presence of ribozyme sequences. The widespread distribution of delta-like agents across different taxa with considerable phylogenetic distances may be instrumental in comprehending their evolutionary history by elucidating the transition from transcriptome to cellular circular RNAs to infectious subviral agents.
Impact of Dietary Protein Content on Soil Bacterial and Fungal Communities in a Rice–Crab Co-culture System
Authors: Li Yingdong , Li Lisong , Yu Yilin , Hu Qingbiao , Li Xiaodong
Published: June 2021

Although co-culture of paddy fields with aquatic animals is lucrative, the ecological impacts of high-protein content entering the agricultural soil via animal pellet feed and feces have not been well studied. Moreover, the effects of dietary protein on soils and soil microbes remain unclear. To elucidate this, we examined soil bacterial and fungal community composition and temporal changes in paddy fields subjected to different protein-content diets via 16S/18S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing analysis with a high-throughput next-generation sequencer. MiSeq sequencing revealed that protein content significantly impacted fungal community structure. High-protein diets reduced bacterial community diversity and relative abundance in both July and October. The phylum-level bacterial taxonomic composition was not affected by diet treatment, while in fungi, a major phylum-level shift was evident. Hierarchically clustered analysis showed that high-protein diets significantly reduced the relative abundance of Brevundimonas in both July and October. Saprotrophic macrofungal diversity was negatively related to dietary protein content. Considering microbial community structure and environmental factors, ca. 15% protein content is appropriate for the rice-crab co-culture system that we studied.
A Modified Two-Way Active Avoidance Test for Combined Contextual and Auditory Instrumental Conditioning
Authors: Salah Houssein , Abdel Rassoul Ronza , Medlej Yasser , Asdikian Rita , Hajjar Helene , Dagher Sarah , Darwich Mouhamad , Fakih Christina , Obeid Makram
Published: June 2021

Available two-way active avoidance paradigms do not provide contextual testing, likely due to challenges in performing repetitive trials of context exposure. To incorporate contextual conditioning in the two-way shuttle box, we contextually modified one of the chambers of a standard two-chamber rat shuttle box with visual cues consisting of objects and black and white stripe patterns. During the 5 training days, electrical foot shocks were delivered every 10 s in the contextually modified chamber but were signaled by a tone in the plain chamber. Shuttling between chambers prevented an incoming foot shock (avoidance) or aborted an ongoing one (escape). During contextual retention testing, rats were allowed to freely roam in the box. During auditory retention testing, visual cues were removed, and tone-signaled shocks were delivered in both chambers. Avoidance gradually replaced escape or freezing behaviors reaching 80% on the last training day in both chambers. Rats spent twice more time in the plain chamber during contextual retention testing and had 90% avoidance rates during auditory retention testing. Our modified test successfully assesses both auditory and contextual two-way active avoidance. By efficiently expanding its array of outcomes, our novel test will complement standard two-way active avoidance in mechanistic studies and will improve its applications in translational research.
Analysis of Long Noncoding RNAs in Aila-Induced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Inhibition
Authors: Chen Lin , Wu Cui , Wang Heming , Chen Sinuo , Ma Danhui , Tao Ye , Wang Xingye , Luan Yanhe , Wang Tiedong , Shi Yan , Song Guangqi , Zhao Yicheng , Dong Xijun , Wang Bingmei
Published: June 2021

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has the highest morbidity and mortality among all carcinomas. However, it is difficult to diagnose in the early stage, and current therapeutic efficacy is not ideal. Although numerous studies have revealed that Ailanthone (Aila), a natural product, can inhibit multiple cancers by reducing cell proliferation and invasion and inducing apoptosis, the mechanism by which Aila represses NSCLC progression in a time-dependent manner remains unclear. In this study, we observed that most long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) were either notably up- or downregulated in NSCLC cells after treatment with Aila. Moreover, alterations in lncRNA expression induced by Aila were crucial for the initiation and metastasis of NSCLC. Furthermore, in our research, expression of DUXAP8 was significantly downregulated in NSCLC cells after treatment with Aila and regulated expression levels of EGR1. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that Aila is a potent natural suppressor of NSCLC by modulating expression of DUXAP8 and EGR1.
Evidence on Efficacy and Safety of Chinese Medicines Combined Western Medicines Treatment for Breast Cancer With Endocrine Therapy
Authors: Li Lu , Wang Rongyun , Zhang Aolin , Wang Ling , Ge Qianwen , Liu Yuan , Chen Tianhui , Wang Chi Chiu , Leung Ping Chung , Sun Qiuhua , Fan Xiaohui
Published: June 2021

Background

Breast cancer, a malignant disorder, occurs in epithelial tissue of the breast glands and ducts. Endocrine therapy is commonly applied as an important adjuvant treatment for breast cancer, but it usually induces a variety of side effects. Chinese Medicines (CM) has therapeutic effect on reducing adverse effects of the endocrine therapy in many clinical studies. But strong evidence is still limited on the efficacy and safety of CM combined western medicines (CM-WM) for breast cancer.

Objective

To study the efficacy and safety of CM-WM as an adjuvant treatment for reducing side effects induced by endocrine therapy in breast cancer patients.

Method

We searched relevant clinical studies in PubMed and the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases up to February 28, 2021 and only Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) were included. There were no limitations on the languages. We extracted data from the included RCTs, assessed study quality, conducted meta-analyses by RevMan 5.4 and compared the pooled Risk Ratios (RR) or Mean Difference (MD) with 95% CIs.

Results

In total 28 trials involving 1,926 participants were included. Six RCTs compared CM-WM with CM placebo-WM, while 22 RCTs compared CM-WM with WM alone. No study compared CM-WM with no treatment. Meta-analysis showed that CM-WM treatment significantly improved quality of life (MD = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.11–1.35, P = 0.02) when compared with CM placebo-WM treatment. When compared with WM treatment alone, CM-WM treatment significantly improved bone mineral density (MD = 0.24, 95% CI = 0.13–0.35, P <0.0001), TCM syndrome score (MD = −5.39, 95% CI = −8.81 to −1.97, P = 0.0002), Kupperman Scale (MD = 0.24, 95% CI = −2.76 to −1.94, P <0.0001), Karnofsky Performance Scale (MD = 3.76, 95% CI = 1.64–5.88, P = 0.0005), quality of life (MD = 3.01, 95% CI = 1.00–5.02, P = 0.003), and pain relief (MD = 2.10, 95% CI = 0.72–3.48, P <0.0001). Compared with WM, CM-WM significantly decreased incidence of TCM symptoms (nausea, vomiting, fatigue, etc.) (RR = 1.60, 95% CI = 1.40–1.84, P <0.0001). For safety, serum calcium, estradiol, ALP, and blood CD3, CD4 and CD8 counts were not significantly difference between two treatments (P >0.05). Serious side effects or reactions were not reported in all included studies.

Conclusion

The adjunctive use of CM reduced the endocrine therapy associated adverse events, including bone mineral density loss, perimenopausal symptoms, poor quality of life, pain and impaired immune function. But large-scale and high quality RCTs are needed to support the application of CM-WM therapy.
Development and Validation of a Prognostic Nomogram for Hypopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Tian Shu , Li Qin , Li Ruichen , Chen Xinyu , Tao Zhonghua , Gong Hongli , Wang Xiaoshen , Hu Xichun
Published: June 2021

Hypopharyngeal squamous-cell carcinoma (HSCC) is a relatively rare head and neck cancer, with great variation in patient outcomes. This study aimed to develop a prognostic nomogram for patients with HSCC. From the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, we retrieved the clinical data of 2198 patients diagnosed with HSCC between 2010 and 2016. The patients were randomly assigned at a 4:1 ratio to the training set or the validation set. An external validation was performed by a set of 233 patients with locally advanced HSCC treated at our center. A Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to assess the relationship between each variable and overall survival (OS). Cox multivariate regression analysis was performed, and the results were used to develop a prognostic nomogram. The calibration curve and concordance index (C-index) were used to evaluate the accuracy of the prognostic nomogram. With a median overall follow-up time of 41 months (interquartile range: 20 to 61), the median OS for the entire cohort of SEER database was 24 months. The 3-year and 5-year OS rates were 41.3% and 32.5%, respectively. The Cox multivariate regression analysis of the training set showed that age, marital status, race, T stage, N stage, M stage, TNM stage, local treatment, and chemotherapy were correlated with OS. The nomogram showed a superior C-index over TNM stage (training set: 0.718 vs 0.627; validation set: 0.708 vs 0.598; external validation set: 0.709 vs 0.597), and the calibration curve showed a high level of concordance between the predicted OS and the actual OS. The nomogram provides a relatively accurate and applicable prediction of the survival outcome of patients with HSCC.
Root Morphology and Rhizosphere Characteristics Are Related to Salt Tolerance of Suaeda salsa and Beta vulgaris L.
Authors: Wang Shoule , Zhao Zhenyong , Ge Shaoqing , Peng Bin , Zhang Ke , Hu Mingfang , Mai Wenxuan , Tian Changyan
Published: June 2021

Halophytes are capable of resisting salinity, and their root system is the part in direct contact with the saline soil environment. The aim of this study was to compare the responses of root morphology and rhizosphere characteristics to salinity between a halophyte, Suaeda salsa (suaeda), and a glycophyte, Beta vulgaris L. (sugar beet). The soil salt content was set to four levels (0.7, 1.2, 1.7, and 2.7%) by NaCl-treated plants. We investigated the soil pH, EC, nutrients and soil, plant ion (Na+, Cl−, K+, and Mg2+) concentration to evaluate the rhizospheric processes, and salt tolerance of suaeda by the root mat method. The highest biomass was in the 1.2% salt level for suaeda and in the 0.7% salt level for sugar beet. The root length and root surface area of suaeda showed similar trends to biomass, but the root diameter decreased by 11.5–17.9% with higher salinity. The Na+, Cl−, and K+ accumulations in the shoot of suaeda displayed higher than that in sugar beet, while the Mg2+ accumulation was lower in suaeda than that in sugar beet. High salinity resulted in increased pH and EC values in the rhizosphere for suaeda, but lower values of these parameters for sugar beet. Under high salinity, the Olsen phosphorus content was 0.50 g·kg−1 and 0.99 g·kg−1 higher in the rhizosphere than in the non-rhizosphere for suaeda and sugar beet. We concluded that the two species [halophyte, Suaeda salsa (suaeda), and a glycophyte, B. vulgaris L. (sugar beet)] showed diverse approaches for nutrient absorption under salinity stress. Suaeda altered its root morphology (smaller root diameter and longer roots) under salt stress to increase the root surface area, while sugar beet activated rhizospheric processes to take up more nutrients.
Hydromorphologic Control of Streambed Fine Particle Standing Stocks Influences In-stream Aerobic Respiration
Authors: Meredith Warren , Drummond Jennifer , Bernal Susana , Tobella Marta , Ribot Miquel , Schumer Rina , Sabater Francesc , Martí Eugènia
Published: June 2021

Fine particulate organic matter (FPOM) accumulated in streambeds is a major component of organic matter budgets in headwater streams and greatly affects productivity and metabolism of stream communities. The spatiotemporal distribution of benthic FPOM in the stream, as well as its quantity and quality, depend on inputs from different source types. These can be natural such as soils, streambanks and riparian vegetation, or anthropogenic such as effluents from wastewater treatment plants (WWTP). In addition, stream flow is a key driver of FPOM dynamics, which influences the balance between its transport and accumulation in the streambed. Yet, the link between FPOM dynamics and its effects on stream metabolism is still largely unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of stream channel hydromorphology on water transport and streambed accumulation of fine particulate matter (FPM) (mineral and organic fractions), FPOM (organic fraction) and its quality (characterized by %OM, %C, %N and the C:N molar ratio). In addition, we quantified the metabolic activity associated with FPM at the habitat scale, and its potential contribution to whole-reach ecosystem respiration using the resazurin-resorufin bioreactive tracer as a proxy for aerobic respiration. We also characterized water transport and metabolic activity with combined additions of hydrological and bioreactive tracers at the reach scale. The study was conducted in the Cànoves stream (Catalonia, NE Spain) downstream of a WWTP that contains three reaches that were hydromorphologically modified using bioengineering techniques. Slower local velocities at the habitat scale increased accumulation of FPM, but did not influence the spatial variability of its quality. Instead, FPM quality declined further downstream from the WWTP. Accumulation of FPM did not increase metabolic activity, but higher %OM of FPM and lower C:N ratios favored the microbial metabolic activity efficiency (normalized by the gram of FPM). Reach-scale metabolic activity was higher in reaches with higher water exchange rate and longer relative travel times, highlighting hydromorphology as an important driver of microbial metabolic activity at the reach-scale. This demonstrates that the interplay of hydrologic exchange and residence time in streambed sediments associated with the microbial metabolic activity of FPOM can ultimately influence reach-scale metabolic activity.
Kinetic Parameters of Nitrate Absorption by Adult Coffee Trees
Authors: Avellaneda Bohórquez César Augusto , Martinez Herminia Emilia Prieto , Santos Ricardo Henrique Silva
Published: June 2021

Nitrogen, the most demanded nutrient by coffee plants, has a rate of recovery from the soil of about 50%. Because of that high doses of nitrogenous fertilizers are used to reach high production, and consequently high amounts of N are lost to the environment. Knowing the kinetic parameters of nitrate (NO3-) absorption over the fruit development cycle is important as a mean of achieve more adjusted fertilizer doses and better recovery rates for the N applied as fertilizers. This study aimed determining the kinetic parameters of NO3- absorption in different development stages of fruits from adult coffee plants. The kinetic parameters Vmax and Km were determined in a low production year, at the pinhead (PH), rapid expansion (RE), grain filling (GF), and maturation (MT) stages. One month before each kinetics assay, lateral roots of eight plants were excavated and wrapped into non-woven fabrics grow cylinders filled in with vermiculite to produce absorbent roots. On the assay day, the roots were washed and immersed into a container with 1 L of 90 μmol L−1 NO3- solution. Sampling began one and a half hours after that, and was taken every hour over 7 h. Data on NO3- depletion were used to calculate the absorption kinetic parameters Vmax and Km. In a low production year the Vmax ranged from 0.14 to 0.72 μmol g−1 h−1 in a root fresh matter basis and Km from 6.47 to 50.31 μmol L−1. The Vmax values were highest at the PH and MT stages; the lowest absorption rate was recorded at GF and Km was lowest at RE. As at the RE stage of fruits Vmax shows a positive correlation with grain production, adequate nitrogen availability must be ensured before this phase to not to affect coming coffee production.
Melatonin Regulates Differentiation of Sheep Brown Adipocyte Precursor Cells Via AMP-Activated Protein Kinase
Authors: Gao Xu-Yang , Deng Bu-Hao , Li Xin-Rui , Wang Yu , Zhang Jian-Xin , Hao Xiao-Yan , Zhao Jun-Xing
Published: June 2021

In sheep industry, hypothermia caused by insufficient brown adipose tissue (BAT) deposits is one of the major causes of lamb deaths. Enhancing the formation and function of BAT in neonatal lamb increases thermogenesis and hence reduces economic losses. The aim of the present study was to explore the effect and mechanism of melatonin on sheep brown adipocyte formation and function. Sheep brown adipocyte precursor cells (SBACs) isolated from perirenal BAT were treated with melatonin (1 and 10 nM). The SBACs subjected to melatonin exhibited a decreased proliferation ability, accompanied by down-regulated proliferating cell nuclear antigen, cyclin D1, and CDK4 protein contents in a melatonin dose-dependent manner. Melatonin promoted brown adipocyte formation and induced the expression of brown adipogenic markers, including uncoupling protein 1 and PR domain-containing 16 during differentiation of SBAC. Moreover, the AMP-activated protein kinase α1 (AMPKα1) activity was positively correlated with brown adipocyte formation potential. Importantly, melatonin effectively activated AMPKα1. Furthermore, promotional effects of melatonin were abolished by AMPKα1 knockout, suggesting the involvement of AMPKα1 in this process. Collectively, these results suggested that melatonin enhanced brown adipocyte formation in SBACs in vitro through activation of AMPKα1.
Earthworm Abundance Changes Depending on Soil Management Practices in Slovenian Vineyards
Authors: Vršič Stanko , Breznik Marko , Pulko Borut , Rodrigo-Comino Jesús
Published: June 2021

Earthworms are key indicators of soil quality and health in vineyards, but research that considers different soil management systems, especially in Slovenian viticultural areas is scarce. In this investigation, the impact of different soil management practices such as permanent green cover, the use of herbicides in row and inter-row areas, use of straw mulch, and shallow soil tillage compared to meadow control for earthworm abundance, were assessed. The biomass and abundance of earthworms (m2) and distribution in various soil layers were quantified for three years. Monitoring and a survey covering 22 May 2014 to 5 October 2016 in seven different sampling dates, along with a soil profile at the depth from 0 to 60 cm, were carried out. Our results showed that the lowest mean abundance and biomass of earthworms in all sampling periods were registered along the herbicide strip (within the rows). The highest abundance was found in the straw mulch and permanent green cover treatments (higher than in the control). On the plots where the herbicide was applied to the complete inter-row area, the abundance of the earthworm community decreased from the beginning to the end of the monitoring period. In contrast, shallow tillage showed a similar trend of declining earthworm abundance, which could indicate a deterioration of soil biodiversity conditions. We concluded that different soil management practices greatly affect the soil’s environmental conditions (temperature and humidity), especially in the upper soil layer (up to 15 cm deep), which affects the abundance of the earthworm community. Our results demonstrated that these practices need to be adapted to the climate and weather conditions, and also to human impacts.
Resistance to Three Distinct Begomovirus Species in the Agronomical Superior Tropical Pumpkin Line AVPU1426 Developed at the World Vegetable Center
Authors: Dhillon Narinder , Srimat Supornpun , Laenoi Suwannee , Bhunchoth Anjana , Phuangrat Bencharong , Warin Nuchnard , Deeto Rungnapa , Chatchawankanphanich Orawan , Jom Kriskamol , Sae-tan Sudathip , Jang Suk-Woo , Noh Hyungjun , Schafleitner Roland , Chan Yuan-Li , Picó Belén , Sáez Cristina , Kenyon Lawrence
Published: June 2021

The Squash Leaf Curl China Virus (SLCCNV) and Tomato Leaf Curl New Delhi Virus (ToLCNDV) are species of Begomovirus (whitefly-vectored Geminiviridae) and cause serious damage to the cucurbit crops of the genus Cucurbita in the areas of South and Southeast Asia, across Asia, the Middle East and the Mediterranean, respectively. Cucurbita moschata’s inbred line AVPU1426, developed at the World Vegetable Center (WorldVeg) from a Bangladeshi landrace through pedigree selection, was observed to be resistant to both begomoviruses in field tests conducted at the WorldVeg Research and Training Station, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen, Thailand, which is a hotspot for these viruses. When AVPU1426 was tested for reaction to inoculation by viruliferous whiteflies with Squash Leaf Curl Philippines Virus (Taiwan strain) (SLCPV-TW) in the screen net-house at WorldVeg headquarters in Taiwan, it showed good resistance, though SLCPV-TW DNA-A could be detected in all inoculated plants, indicating that it did not show immunity to this virus. The objective of this study was to validate the resistance to SLCCNV and ToLCNDV in AVPU1426 by using whitefly-mediated inoculations to determine the mode of inheritance of the resistance. The results showed that AVPU1426 was resistant to SLCCNV and ToLCNDV. Upon crossing AVPU1426 with a susceptible check variety, Waltham Butternut, the resistance to both begomoviruses was observed to be conferred by a single recessive gene. This open-pollinated pumpkin line AVPU1426 bears flat round, mottled green immature fruits with yellow flesh in mature fruit. The fruit yield of AVPU1426 (20.74 t/ha−1) was comparable to ‘Rajah’ (18.61 t/ha−1), a recently released commercial F1 hybrid of East-West Seed (EWS). The fruit of AVPU1426 were estimated to have a good average β-carotene content (1.57 mg/100 g fresh weight). This line is a good source to breed pumpkins resistant to the three begomoviruses.