bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La trypanosomose cameline à Trypanosoma evansi (Steel 1885), Balbiani 1888, en République islamique de Mauritanie : Résultats d'enquêtes dans le Trarza
Authors: Jacquiet Philippe , Dia Mamadou Lamine , Cheikh D. , Thiam A.
Published: February 2021

Une première enquête sur la trypanosomose cameline à Trypanosoma evansi a été réalisée dans la région du Trarza (sud-ouest mauritanien). Deux cent dix-huit frottis sanguins ont été réalisés ainsi que 160 analyses sérologiques selon un test d'immunofluorescence indirecte. Les jeunes chamelons de moins d'un an semblaient épargnés par l'infection à Trypanosoma evansi, alors que chez les chamelles laitières, des taux d'infection globaux de 7,3 % (frottis sanguins) et 24,5 % (sérologie) ont été trouvés. Le mode de conduite du troupeau semble être un facteur de risque important : ce sont les troupeaux qui fréquentent, même temporairement, les zones boisées de la vallée du fleuve Sénégal ou des collections d'eau permanentes (lac de R'kiz) qui présentent les plus forts taux d'infection. Des recommandations aux éleveurs sont proposées, notamment pour les troupeaux de chamelles laitières du sud du pays.
Les chimiorécepteurs des ailes chez la glossine (Diptera : Glossinidae). Approche structurale et électrophysiologique chez Glossina fuscipes fuscipes
Authors: Deportes I. , Geoffroy B. , Cuisance Dominique , Den Otter C.J. , Carlson D.A. , Ravallec M.
Published: February 2021

De récentes études montrent qu'il existe des sensilles sur le bord antérieur des ailes de la mouche tsé-tsé Glossina fuscipes fuscipes Newstead, 1910. L'aspect externe de ces soies laisse à penser qu'elles ont un rôle chimiorécepteur gustatif, probablement associé à une fonction tactile. L'utilisation de deux techniques modernes d'investigation, la microscopie électronique à transmission et l'électrophysiologie, confirme cette hypothèse. Ces méthodes mettent en évidence au moins quatre cellules nerveuses associées à chaque sensille. Trois de ces cellules possèdent un rôle gustatif alors qu'une seule présente un rôle mécanorécepteur. Les dendrites gustatives répondent à des stimuli très variés (excréments de mouches tsé-tsé, liquide de Ringer, phéromones sexuelles).
Etude de la pharmacocinétique et de la liaison aux protéines plasmatiques de la sulfaméthoxypyridazine chez le dromadaire (Camelus dromedarius)
Authors: Abdennebi E.H. , Bousfiha A. , Ben Goumi M. , Oukessou Mohamed
Published: February 2021

La pharmacocinétique de la sulfaméthoxypyridazine (SMPD) a été étudiée chez le dromadaire après administrations intraveineuse et orale. Les résultats obtenus, après injection intraveineuse, indiquent que la cinétique de cet antibactérien suit un modèle à deux compartiments. Le volume de distribution (Vss) de 0,47 l/kg suggère que la SMPD est essentiellement diffusée dans le compartiment vasculaire et les tissus hautement vascularisés. La demi-vie d'élimination [t1/2(ß)] et la clearance plasmatique (CL) ont des valeurs moyennes respectives de 9,5 h et 0,037 l/kg.h. Quant à l'administration orale, la concentration maximale du produit n'a été atteinte qu'après un délai de 17 h et la biodisponibilité absolue a été de l'ordre de 57 % Enfin, l'étude de la liaison de la SMPD aux protéines plasmatiques du dromadaire a montré que la fixation variait de 47 à 72 % et qu'elle dépendait de la concentration du médicament. La constante de dissociation à l'équilibre (Kd) a été de 196 µg/ml et la capacité maximale de fixation a été de l'ordre de 335 µg/ml.
The Cost of Panai' as the Marriage Requirement for the Migrant Bugis Tribe under Adat Law
Authors: Laksana Dhelima Putri , Rato Dominikus , Zulaikha Emi
Published: February 2021

This research aims to examine the legal phenomena of the application of the panai money, the cost imposed for the migrant Bugis customary law community in Sukabumi Village, Mayangan District, Probolinggo City, East Java. In other words, Panai' money is such customary money which must be handed over in Bugis tribal marriages. The data analysis method used is descriptive qualitative. Data collection techniques using literature study, observation, interviews, and documentation. The results of this study indicate that the submission of panai money has become a tradition that originated from an ancestor that is still valid today. Due to the high panai money, however, many of the Bugis people who wander no longer use panai money, as it takes into account the weakness of their customary values, as well as the many other cultures that influence, but there are still people who still defend it because of their strong customary values ​​which they still hold even though in the migrant area. Because panai money ’is a tradition that has long been a benchmark for Bugis people, this tradition still strongly considers moral sanctions, and the avoidance of this money is responded by some people to decide to elope.

Keywords: Migrant Bugis Tribe, Marriage Law, Adat Law.
Legal Consequences of Refugees’ Visa Misuse to Obtain Indonesian Citizenship
Authors: Esafrin Aninda Novedia , - Antikowati , Arundhati Gautama Budi
Published: February 2021

This paper aims to examine problems regarding the possible abuse by refugees inconsistent with Indonesia’s laws and regulations. In the context, the government can make efforts to deal with refugees who enter Indonesia illegally and the government can formulate new laws and regulations that can discuss problems caused by refugee actions in more detail, clearly and in detail, starting from the arrest process to the sanctions process that is obtained. Because until now Indonesia has not had this policy. Those refugees' status then serves the purpose to get a decent living in a recipient country such as Australia. Misuse of visas is widely used by refugees because Indonesia implements a visa-free system of visits to 169 countries in the world. Visa-Free Visit Policy based on President Regulation Number 125 of 2016 concerning Visa-Free Visit. In this regard, the country needs to anticipate the increasing number of visa misuse for refugees entry to Indonesian territory by sending them to immigration detention centers as a form of sanctions imposed before returning to their country and making deportation the last step in resolving the visa misuse problem committed by refugees.

KEYWORDS: misuse of visa in Indonesia, immigration detention, refugee deportation.
Fair Use Doctrine in Photocopying Books for Educational Purposes: A Study of Copyright Acts in Indonesia and the United States
Authors: Nurmaya Nadiya , Handono Mardi , Puspaningrum Galuh
Published: February 2021

Globalization has offered a multitude of opportunities and challenges, mainly when it deals with copyright. The scope of copyright has been broad, encompassing various aspects of life, especially in literature and education. This study aims to analyze Indonesia's copyright issues, particularly regarding the reproduction of books deemed to have lesser protection for authors, dealing with the fair use doctrine. This doctrine considers that work is allowed to a limited extent for use by other parties without the creator or copyright holder's permission to keep it fair. This fair use doctrine permits limited and fair use of literary works for specific purposes without royalty payments and the author's consent. Given the author's more protection, this study then displays a comparative analysis of the U.S. framework on the Copyright Act portrayed into two main discussions. First, this study will discuss photocopying for educational purposes from the lens of Indonesia's Copyright Act. Second, this study considers the possible adjustment to adopt the so-called future concept of restrictions for educational purposes from the U.S. States Copyright Act 1976.

KEYWORDS: Fair Use Doctrine, Copyright Act, Copyright for Educational Purposes.
Reformulating Political Party Court Procedures in Parties' Dispute Settlement
Authors: Saputra Happy Agung , Soetijono Iwan Rachmad , Effendi Shofi Munawwir
Published: February 2021

This paper aims to revisit the procedures for internal dispute resolution of political parties through political party courts. Reformulation is the stage of law enforcement in abstracto by the legislature or is limited to the formulation of provisions and substances that will be regulated in law in accordance with the situation and conditions, both present and future. The political party court is an important institution in the law enforcement process that has a mixed-function, namely as a regulator, administrator, and even adjudicator with a quasi-judicial nature. Internal dispute resolution brought to the political party court is to ensure the freedom of political parties, as well as to limit government interference which can lock in the freedom and role of political parties as one of the institutions needed to exercise people's sovereignty. Thus, it is urgent to have the idea of ​​reformulating the procedural arrangements of the political party court which are in accordance with the principles of justice and can be accounted for. This is an answer to the problems of political party disputes so that these dispute cases can be accommodated through strict and perfect regulations.KEYWORDS: Reformulation, Political Party Court, Dispute Resolution, Political Parties.
Curcuma lithophila and C. rufostriata (Zingiberaceae), two new species from Thailand, and additional notes on C. papilionacea
Authors:   Division of Biological Science, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Kho Hong, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90110, Thailand, Soonthornkalump Sutthinut , Puangpairote Tidarat ,   Division of Biological Science, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Kho Hong, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90110, Thailand, Niwesrat Sira ,   31/360 Moo 17, Bueng Kham Phroi, Lumlukka, Pathumthani 12150, Thailand, Škorničková Jana ,   Singapore Botanic Gardens, National Parks Board, 1 Cluny Rd., 259569 Singapore
Published: February 2021

Curcuma lithophila and C. rufostriata, two new species from Curcuma subgen. Hitcheniopsis, are described and illustrated. They are compared with their morphologically closest species, Curcuma rhabdota, C. papilionacea and C. sparganiifolia. Notes on distribution, ecology, etymology, uses and IUCN provisional assessments are provided. Further notes on the distribution of the recently described C. papilionacea and an improved IUCN conservation assessment are reported from additional collections.
Automated Tire Pressure Control System for Multi-Purpose Wheeled Vehicles
Authors: Boikov V. P. , Guskov V. V. , Pavarekha A. S.
Published: February 2021

The cross-country capability of multi-purpose wheeled vehicles is one of the most important operational properties of these technical objects. In many ways, it is determined by their traction characteristics. There are a number of ways to improve traction and coupling properties of multipurpose wheeled vehicles, the main ones are the use of various kinds of traction control systems, blocking of  interaxle and interwheel differentials, the use of ballast and several others. Recently, one of the ways to improve the traction properties and cross-country ability of vehicles on soils with weak load-bearing capacity is a regulation of air pressure in the tires of the driving wheels of multi-purpose wheeled vehicles. The paper describes the process of interaction of the wheel mover with the ground surface when the air pressure in the tire changes. The influence of air pressure on the traction properties of wheeled vehicles is established. The system of automatic control of air pressure in tires of mobile cars depending on road conditions is offered. The use of the proposed regulation principle will significantly increase the cross-country ability of multi-purpose wheeled vehicles in heavy traffic conditions, eliminating the subjective factor in the person of the vehicle operator.
Ways to Improve Road Safety Audit in the Republic of Kazakhstan
Authors: Ibrayev K. , Kapskiy D. , Bogdanovic S.
Published: February 2021

There are two types of internationally recognized engineering approaches to addressing road safety issues – proactive and reactive. Predicted or proactive approach includes prevention of accidents and taking corrective measures before accidents can occur. One example of this approach is road safety audit, which is a relatively new tool in developing countries. The paper has analyzed approaches to road safety audit outlined in guidelines of the United Kingdom, Ireland, USA, Australia, Canada, as well as in guidelines of Asian Development Bank for the countries of Central Asian Regional Economic Cooperation. All reviewed documents are characterized by a similar approach to the basic definitions, to selection of audit team and requirements for team members, to the main stages of road safety audit. All reviewed guidelines emphasize that audit is not a means of project works evaluation, verification of compliance with standards, a means of projects ranking or evaluation. Approach to road safety audit, outlined in recommendations developed in the Republic of Kazakhstan has also been analyzed. It has been established that the document does not meet approaches adopted in developed countries. Conditions of the Republic of Kazakhstan require development of a new document based on analysis of the best international experience. Currently, the Republic of Kazakhstan has embarked on a gradual introduction of “road forgiving mistakes” approach to the design and operation of roads. This fact should also be considered when revising road safety audit manual.
Improving the Energy Performance of Traction Electric Drive Vehicles in Solving Electric Braking
Authors: Herasymenko V. , Shpika N. , Smyrnyi M. , Khuruzha D.
Published: February 2021

The effectiveness of the electric braking system largely depends on how the braking is carried out, whether the braking characteristics that it forms are acceptable for a given vehicle, how simple and reliable the technical solutions embedded in the system are, and where the braking energy is used. With electric braking, it is possible not only to extinguish the electrical energy on the braking resistor, but also to send it back to the storage device and again use it in traction mode. This paper analyzes the most common methods of electric braking used in electric braking systems for traction electric drives that are in operation on vehicles. As the main criterion for evaluating the method of electric braking, its energy indicators are selected. The results of scientific research of the proposed new method of electric braking, which provides better energy performance and new technical solutions for its implementation, are considered. When implementing this method, DC motors are operated by sequential excitation generators. The current in the field windings is regulated by a DC-DC-converter. Energy in the power circuit is accumulated in storage devices and used in traction mode. When the storage devices are filled, the energy in the power circuit is extinguished by the braking resistor, and the energy from the output of the DC-DC-converter is used for own needs. In this case, braking characteristics are formed as in generators of independent excitation. To increase the braking efficiency at low speeds, it is necessary to smoothly regulate the resistance of the braking resistors by shunting them with transistor switches.
Choosing Method for Qualitative and Quantitative Risk Analysis for Energy Enterprises
Authors: Tymul E. I.
Published: February 2021

The reform of the energy sector in the Republic of Belarus, which in the last few years has moved to the stage of active implementation, will bring significant changes in the management of energy enterprises. The introduction of risk management for energy enterprises will become a necessary stage, which is justified by the transition of the energy sector to market relations. In this regard, it is necessary to consider the main issues of risk assessment for energy enterprises. The paper proposes a method for qualitative and quantitative analysis of all the risks that an energy enterprise may face in the process of energy generation. The approaches of various authors to the algorithm of qualitative risk analysis have been considered in the paper. This has made it possible to clarify the main tasks that need to be solved when conducting a qualitative risk analysis. The paper also presents an analysis of methods for quantitative risk analysis. The most commonly used methods include scenario analysis and mathematical statistics, analogy and analytical methods, methods for assessing losses, expert assessments and the theory of statistical games. Each of these methods has its own advantages and disadvantages. The performed analysis of quantitative risks has permitted to substantiate the choice of methods applicable to the energy sector, taking into account the specificity of activity type. The paper has studied various scales for estimating the probability and possible losses from risks. A comparative analysis of these scales is presented and the choice of a scale for energy enterprises is justified in the paper. Attention has been paid to the problem of probability classification pertaining to occurrence of risk events. The methodology for determining the value of possible losses when performing  a risk event has been considered in detail. Potential losses are classified into the following groups: interruptions in the technological process, consequences for people, environmental consequences. Possible financial losses, as well as losses from the position of the law and reputation, have been considered separately. A critical review of risk management methods has been performed in the paper. The paper has identified the most promising methods of risk management for energy enterprises
The Rotary Cell Culture System increases NTRK3 expression and promotes neuronal differentiation and migratory ability of neural stem cells cultured on collagen sponge
Authors: Cui Yi , Yin Yanyun , Zhao Yannan , Han Jin , Xu Bai , Zou Yunlong , Chen Bing , Xiao Zhifeng , Song Hongwei , Shi Ya , Xue Weiwei , Ma Xu , Dai Jianwu
Published: February 2021

Background: Recently, neural stem cell (NSC) therapy has shown promise for the treatment of many neurological diseases. Enhancing the quality of implanted cells and improving therapeutic efficacy are currently research hotspots. In this study, we attempted to evaluate whether the combination of 3D cell culturing with the RCCS is the optimal method to improve the neural differentiation ability of NSCs and produce appropriate cells for treating neurological diseases.Methods: We performed mRNA and miRNA sequencing to characterize NSCs cultured on a collagen sponge in the RCCS. The luciferase assay and Western blot revealed a direct regulatory role between let-7i-5p and neurotrophic receptor tyrosine kinase 3 (NTRK3). The neural differentiation markers Tuj1 and Map2 were detected by immunofluorescence staining, and the migratory ability of NSCs was detected both in vitro and in spinal cord injury animals. Results: NTRK3 expression was elevated in NSCs cultured on collagen sponge in the RCCS. Furthermore, increased NTRK3 expression was regulated by the downregulation of let-7i-5p. Compared with traditionally cultured NSCs, the NSCs cultured on collagen sponge in the RCCS exhibited better neuronal differentiation and migratory ability, especially in the presence of NT-3.Conclusions: As the biological properties and quality of transplanted cells are critical for therapeutic success, the RCCS combined with collagen sponge shows promise for clinical applications in the future.
VTwins: Identifying Robust Associations from High-dimensional Data of Limited Samples
Authors: Meng Qingren , Zhou Qian , Ma Qin , Yu Jun , Chen Jun , Kang Yu
Published: February 2021

Robust associations are strong indicators for causalities but challenging for identification from high-dimensional datasets. In examples of metagenomic research where microbiota is highly complex and variable, low concordance between studies in identifying disease-causative microbes has become the main obstacle in the field. Here, we develop a simple method—Virtual Twins (VTwins)—for inferring robust associations, imitating the twins in genetic research. From the original groups, paired samples of distinct phenotypes but matched taxonomical profiles are selected to reconstruct a “Twin” cohort, where statistical significance is often achieved. In direct comparison to current methods by revisiting the largest meta-analysis metagenomic dataset, VTwins can 10-fold reduce the sample-size for recalling disease-associated microbes robustly across-datasets and constructing machine-learning models of the same accuracy level as pooled samples in predicting disease status. In practice, VTwins is straightforward, powerful, and versatile in handling highly variable and high-dimensional datasets, suggesting potentials in mining causalities in the Big-data Era.
Green Nanotechnology of MGF-AuNPs for Immunomodulatory Intervention in Prostate Cancer Therapy
Authors: Khoobchandani Menka , Khan Aslam , Katti Kavita , Thipe Velaphi , Al-Yasiri Amal , MohanDoss Darsha , Nicholl Michael , Lugão Ademar , Katti Kattesh
Published: February 2021

Men with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) face poor prognosis and increased risk of treatment-incurred adverse effects resulting in one of the highest mortalities among patient population globally. Immune cells act as double-edged sword depending on the tumor microenvironment, which leads to increased infiltration of pro-tumor (M2) macrophages. Development of new immunomodulatory therapeutic agents capable of targeting the tumor microenvironment, and hence orchestrating the differentiation of pro-tumor M2 macrophages to anti-tumor M1, would substantially improve treatment outcomes of CRPC patients. We report, herein, Mangiferin functionalized gold nanoparticles (MGF-AuNPs) and its immunomodulatory characteristics in treating prostate cancer. We provide evidence of immunomodulatory intervention of MGF-AuNPs in prostate cancers through observations of enhanced levels of anti-tumor cytokines (IL-12 and TNF-α) with concomitant reductions in the levels of pro-tumor cytokines (IL-10 and IL-6). In the treated groups, IL-12 was elevated to ten-fold while TNF-α was elevated to about fifty-fold; while IL-10 and IL-6 were reduced by two-fold. Ability of MGF-AuNPs to target splenic macrophages is invoked via targeting of NF-kB signaling pathway. Finally, therapeutic efficacy of MGF-AuNPs, in treating prostate cancer in vivo in tumor bearing mice, is described taking into consideration various immunomodulatory interventions triggered by this green nanotechnology-based nanomedicine agent.
WITHDRAWN: Power Generation by Water Transpiration from Microporous Alumina
Authors: Kaur Manpreet , Ishii Satoshi , Nozaki Ryusuke , Nagao Tadaaki
Published: February 2021

Hydropower generation has been the most developed sustainable energy source that is based on the electromagnetic transduction of the gravitational potential energy but is only realized through elaborate construction of water dam and not yet suitable for small-scale energy harvesters. Here, we report that wetting and evaporation of water from a small block of porous alumina can generate electrical current in the direction of water transpiration. This induced current in microporous alumina is associated with the mass transport of water accompanying the accumulated charge near the negatively charged surface of the alumina pore. Without any pre-treatment or additives, once water evaporation commences, a 3×3 cm2 piece of alumina generates an open-circuit voltage of up to 0.27 V. Possible influence on power generation of the water-insulator interface and naturally available protons in water are discussed with respect to experimental results. Total output of this novel microporous ceramic electric generator can be scaled up and could be used for stand-alone energy harvesters or power generators in self-powered off-grid agricultural/ industrial sensors.
An Unprecedented Chalcogenide-cluster-based Semiconducting Nanotube Array with Oriented Photoconductive Behavior
Authors: Tang Jiaqi , Wang Xiang , Zhang Jiaxu , Wang Jing , Yin Wan-Jian , Li Dongsheng , Wu Tao
Published: February 2021

The interesting physical and chemical properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have prompted the search for diverse inorganic nanotubes with different compositions to expand the number of available nanotechnology applications. Among these materials, novel crystalline inorganic nanotubes with well-defined structures and uniform sizes are extremely suitable for understanding structure–activity relationships. However, their preparation comes with large synthetic challenges owing to their inherent complexity. Herein, we report the first example of a crystalline nanotube array based on a supertetrahedral chalcogenide cluster, K3[K(Cu2Ge3Se9)(H2O)] (1). To the best of our knowledge, this nanotube array possesses the largest diameter of crystalline inorganic nanotubes reported to date and exhibits an excellent structure-dependent electric conductivity and an oriented photoconductive behavior. This work represents a significant breakthrough both in terms of the structure of cluster-based metal chalcogenides and in the conductivity of crystalline nanotube arrays (i.e. an enhancement of ~ 4 orders of magnitude).
A Study on How Using an Interactive Multimedia E-Book Improves Teachers’ Ability to Teach Evidence-Based Medicine, Depending on Their Seniority
Authors: Liao Yu-Hsuan , Tang Kuo-Shu , Chen Chih-Jen , Huang Ying-Hsien , Tiao Mao-Meng
Published: February 2021

Background

Teaching evidence-based medicine (EBM) is not an easy task. The role of the electronic book (e-book) is a useful supplement to traditional methods for improving skills. Our aim is to use an e-book or PowerPoint to evaluate instructors’ teaching effects.
Methods

Our study group was introduced to learning evidence-based medicine (EBM) using an interactive e-book available on the Internet, while the control group used a PowerPoint presentation. We adopted the Modified Fresno test to assess EBM skills before and after their learning. EBM teaching sessions via e-book or PowerPoint were 20–30 minutes long, followed by students’ feedback. We adopted the Mann-Whitney U tests to compare teachers’ evaluation of their EBM skills and the students’ assessment of the teachers’ instruction.
Results

We found no difference of EBM skills between the two groups prior to their experimental learning. Physicians in the study group ranked higher in “Choose a case to explain which kind of research design is used for the study type of the question and explain your choice” (P = 0.011) and “How are the important results expressed in the articles found” (P = 0.023), which was assessed by the Modified Fresno test. Teaching effect was better in the e-book group than in the control group for the items, “I am satisfied with this lesson,” “The teaching was of high quality,” “This was a good teaching method,” and “It aroused my interest in EBM.” No difference was observed between the two groups in the physicians with more than 10 years’ experience.
Conclusions

The use of interactive e-books in clinical teaching can enhance teachers’ EBM skills and teaching and is thus clinically useful.
Structural Relationship Model of Type D Personality and Depression with the Mediating Role of Cognitive Distortions and Family Functioning: A Multi-Group Analysis
Authors: Gogheri Tayebeh , Samavi Abdolwahab , Najarpourian Samaneh
Published: February 2021

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders with symptoms of chronic abdominal pain and changes in bowel movements. Although the cause of this disorder is not known, psychological factors have been reported among the most important causes of IBS. This research was conducted to test and compare the structural relationship model of type D personality and depression with the mediating role of cognitive distortions and family functioning in patients with IBS and healthy people. Furthermore, we compared the mediational model across levels of grouping variable (IBS and healthy groups). The research method was descriptive correlational and the sample included 236 healthy citizens aged 20–60 years old (130 females and 100 males) whom selected by stratified random sampling method and 236 citizens with IBS aged 20–60 years old (177 females and 59 males), which selected by purposeful sampling method. The research participants answered the Beck Depression Inventory-short form (BDI-13), Type D Personality Scale (DS-14), Interpersonal Cognitive Distortion Scale (ICDS), Family Functioning Assessment Device (FAD), and IBS Symptom Index questionnaire based on ROME III criterion. The obtained data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). The results revealed that the model proposed in this research has an acceptable fit in both groups. Also, according to the results, cognitive distortion and family functioning play a mediating role in the relationship between type D personality and depression. In the case of comparing the mediational model across levels of grouping variable (IBS and healthy groups), we concluded that all paths are not different across the two models. In general, the results of this work can be specifically applied by counselors and psychotherapists.
Evaluation of FAO-56 Procedures for Estimating Reference Evapotranspiration Using Missing Climatic Data for a Brazilian Tropical Savanna
Authors: Júnior Luiz Cláudio Galvão Valle , Vourlitis George Louis , Curado Leone Francisco Amorim , Palácios Rafael da Silva , Nogueira José de Souza , Lobo Francisco de Almeida , Rodrigues Thiago Rangel
Published: February 2021

Since the Brazilian Cerrado has been heavily impacted by agricultural activities over the last four to five decades, reference evapotranspiration (ETo) plays a big role in water resources management for irrigation agriculture. The Penman-Monteith (PM) is one of the most accepted models for ETo estimation, but it requires many inputs that are not commonly available. Therefore, assessing the FAO guidelines to compute ETo when meteorological data are missing could lead to a better understanding of how climatic variables are related to water requirements and atmospheric demands for a grass-mixed savanna region and which variable impacts the estimates the most. ETo was computed from April 2010 to August 2019. We tested twelve different scenarios considering radiation, relative humidity, and/or wind speed as missing climatic data using guidelines given by FAO. When wind speed and/or relative humidity data were the only missing data, the PM method showed the lowest errors in the ETo estimates and correlation coefficient (r) and Willmott’s index of agreement (d) values close to 1.0. When radiation data were missing, computed ETo was overestimated compared to the benchmark. FAO procedures to estimate net radiation presented good results during the wet season; however, during the dry season, their results were overestimated, especially because the method could not estimate negative Rn. Therefore, we can infer that radiation data have the largest impact on ETo for our study area and regions with similar conditions and FAO guidelines are not suitable when radiation data are missing.
Placental Chorionic Plate-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Ameliorate Severe Acute Pancreatitis by Regulating Macrophages Polarization via Secreting TSG-6
Authors: Huang Qilin , Cheng Xiumei , Luo Chen , Yang Shuxu , Li Shuai , Wang Bing , Yuan Xiaohui , Yang Yi , Wen Yi , Liu Ruohong , Tang Lijun , Sun Hongyu
Published: February 2021

BackgroundMesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) hold promising potential to treat systemic inflammatory diseases including severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). In our previous study, placental chorionic plate-derived MSCs (CP-MSCs) were found to possess superior immunoregulatory capability. However, the therapeutic efficacy of CP-MSCs on SAP and their underlying mechanism remain unclear.MethodsThe survival and colonization of exogenous CP-MSCs were observed by bioluminescence imaging and CM-Dil labeling in rodent animal models of SAP. The therapeutic efficacy of CP-MSCs on SAP rats was evaluated by pathology scores, the levels of pancreatitis biomarkers as well as the levels of inflammatory factors in pancreas and serum. The potential protective mechanism of CP-MSCs in SAP rats was explored by selectively depleting M1 or M2 phenotype macrophages and knocking down the expression of TSG-6.ResultsExogenous CP-MSCs could survive and colonize in the injured tissue of SAP such as lung, pancreas, intestine and liver. Meanwhile, we found that CP-MSCs alleviated pancreatic injury and systemic inflammation by inducing macrophages to polarize from M1 to M2 in SAP rats. Furthermore, our data suggested that CP-MSCs induced M2 polarization of macrophages by secreting TSG-6, and TSG-6 played a vital role in alleviating pancreatic injury and systemic inflammation in SAP rats. Notably, we found that a high inflammation environment could stimulate CP-MSCs to secrete TSG-6.ConclusionExogenous CP-MSCs tended to colonize in the injured tissue, and reduced pancreatic injury and systemic inflammation in SAP rats through inducing M2 polarization of macrophages by secreting TSG-6. Our study provides a new treatment strategy for SAP, and initially explains the potential protective mechanism of CP-MSCs on SAP rats.
Clinical Implications of Procalcitonin in Kawasaki Disease: A Useful Candidate For Differentiating From Sepsis and Evaluating IVIG Responsiveness
Authors: Niu Man Man , Jiang Qi , Ruan Jin Wei , Liu Hui Hui , Chen Wei Xia , Qiu Zhen , Fan Guo Zhen , Li Rui Xue , Wei Wei , Hu Peng
Published: February 2021

Objective Kawasaki disease (KD) is a common childhood vasculitis absent of the specific laboratory definitions, besides a significant elevation in several inflammatory mediators, such as procalcitonin (PCT). However, whether PCT can serve as a useful candidate for differentiating KD from sepsis, and even for predicting incomplete KD, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) nonrespondsiveness and coronary artery abnormalities (CAAs) remains unclear.Methods 254 Chinese KD children were enrolled and divided into 6 subgroups, including complete KD, incomplete KD, IVIG-responsive KD, IVIG-nonresponsive KD, KD with CAAs and KD without CAAs. Blood samples were collected from all subjects within 24-h pre- and 48-h post-IVIG infusion, respectively. PCT, C-reactive protein, sedimentation rate and blood cell counts were detected. In addition, both 261 sepsis children and 251 healthy children sex- and age-matched with KD children were enrolled in the same period.Results (1) PCT experienced the highest increase in sepsis patients before antibiotic therapy, followed by acute KD patients and the healthy controls. (2) The proportion of KD patients with a PCT concentration below 0.25 ng/ml was 11 folds higher than that of sepsis patients. (3) PCT had a sensitivity of 91.7% and a specificity of 30.3% at a cut-off value of >0.15 ng/ml to predict IVIG nonresponsiveness, and the proportion of IVIG-nonresponders with a PCT concentration of 0.25-0.50 ng/ml was 2 folds higher than that of IVIG-responders. Conclusions The PCT concentrations below 0.25 ng/ml may be useful for discriminating KD from sepsis, and moreover, the PCT concentrations of 0.25-0.50 ng/ml may be helpful in predicting IVIG nonresponsiveness.
Resveratrol Improves the Iron Deficiency Adaptation of Malus Baccata Seedlings by Regulating Iron Absorption, Phytohormone Content, and ROS Migration
Authors: Zheng Xiaodong , Chen Huifang , Su Qiufang , Wang Caihong , Sha Guangli , Ma Changqing , Sun Zhijuan , Yang Xueqing , Li Xiangyang , Tian Yike
Published: February 2021

Resveratrol (Res), a phytoalexin, has been widely reported to participate in plant resistance to fungal infections. However, little information is available on its role in abiotic stress, especially in iron deficiency stress. Malus baccata is widely used as apple rootstock in China, but it is sensitive to iron deficiency. In this study, we investigated the role of exogenous Res in M. baccata seedings under iron deficiency stress. Results showed that applying 100 µmol exogenous Res could alleviate iron deficiency stress. The seedlings treated with Res had a lower etiolation rate and higher chlorophyll content and photosynthetic rate compared with the apple seedlings without Res treatment. Exogenous Res increased the iron content in the roots and leaves by inducing the expression of MbAHA genes and improving the H+-ATPase activity. As a result, the rhizosphere pH decreased, iron solubility increased, the expression of MbFRO2 and MbIRT1 was induced, and the ferric-chelated reductase activity was enhanced to absorb large amounts of Fe2+ into the root cells under iron deficiency conditions. Moreover, exogenous Res application increased the contents of IAA, ABA, and GA3 and decreased the contents of DHZR and BL for responding to iron deficiency stress indirectly. In addition, Res functioned as an antioxidant that strengthened the activities of antioxidant enzymes and thus eliminated reactive oxygen species production induced by iron deficiency stress. These findings are expected to enhance the application and examination of the physiological role of Res under iron deficiency stress in apples.
COVID-19 and Lockdown in India: Evaluation using Analysis of Covariance
Authors: Tak Amit , Das Bhaskar , Gahlot Saurabh
Published: February 2021

Background: The lockdown in India has entered into its ninth month to curb the Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic. The objective of the present study is to evaluate impact of different phases of lockdown on evolution of new cases of infection and deaths due to COVID-19.Methods: In this retrospective longitudinal study, the Indian data on new cases of infection and deaths due to COVID-19 were retrieved from John Hopkins University dashboard. The cases from 25 March to 31 October 2020 were analyzed using analysis of covariance for four phases of lockdown and five phases of unlockdown.Results: The coefficients of regression for new cases did not differ significantly for initial four phases of lockdown and unlock-1, while from unlock-2 the coefficients showed significant decrease till unlock-5. While death cases showed no significant differences between coefficients of regression for initial four phases of lockdown and unlock, but coefficient of unlock-5 was significantly lower than unlock-4. Conclusion: The trends of coefficients of regression of new cases and deaths reveals positive effects of lockdown in flattening the epidemic curve. Though the pandemic is on downslope, till the availability of vaccines, non-pharmaceutical measures such as social distancing, wearing of masks need to be implemented.
Absolute Counts of Peripheral Lymphocyte Subsets as Potential Immune Impairment Markers in Patients With Breast Cancer
Authors: Liu Aqing , Xia Ying , Li Wentao , Zhang Guan , Liu Yunhe , Ye Songshan , Zhao Zhijie-ruo , Yang Yanjie , Yu Jianchun , Jia Yingjie , Guo Yongtie , Liu Xu , Chen Huayu
Published: February 2021

Purpose This study was to evaluate clinic value of absolute counts of lymphocyte subsets (ACL) as potential blood biomarkers in progression and prognosis in breast cancer (BC) patients.Methods A total of 237 BC patients and 55 age-matched female normal healthy donors (normal cantrals, NCs) were enrolled in this study. The absolute counts (AC) and percentages of CD3+, CD3+CD4+, CD3+CD8+, B and NK cells were determined by flow cytometry. The clinicopathological parameters influencing disease progression were determined by binary logistic regression. The progression-free survival (PFS) was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed using log-rank test and proportional hazard regression models, respectively.Results Compared with NCs, the ACL in BC patients decreased significantly, while the percentages of lymphocytes showed no change. Of them, AC of CD3+CD4+ cells was closely related to clinical stages. The ACL, especially CD3+CD4+ cells, were affected by different treatments. Analysis of logistic regression showed that the cut-off value of CD3+CD4+ cells ≥ 451 cells/μL was the favorable prognostic factor. Multivariate analysis of prognostic factors of PFS showed CD3+CD4+ and CD3+CD8+ cells were independent factors for predicting PFS.Conclusions The AC of CD3+, CD3+CD4+, CD3+CD8+, B, and NK cells in BC patients were impaired obviously and can be as potential susceptive indications to evaluate the patient's immune states. The higher level of AC of CD3+CD4+ and CD3+CD8+ cells contributed to longer PFS and favorable outcome, and could help to adopt appropriate treatment strategies in clinic.
Development of Deep Learning Models for Predicting in-Hospital Mortality using an Administrative Claims Database
Authors: Matsui Hiroki , Yamana Hayato , Fushimi Kiyohide , Yasunaga Hideo
Published: February 2021

Background: To develop and validate deep learning–based prediction models for in-hospital mortality of acute-care patients. Methods: The main model was developed using only administrative claims data (age, sex, diagnoses, and procedures on the day of admission). We also constructed disease-specific models for acute myocardial infarction, heart failure, stroke, or pneumonia using common severity indices for these diseases. Using the Japanese Diagnosis Procedure Combination data from July 2010 to March 2017, we identified 46,665,933 inpatients and divided them into derivation and validation cohorts in a ratio of 95:5. The main model was developed using a 9-layer deep neural network with four hidden dense layers that had 1000 nodes and were fully connected to adjacent layers. We evaluated model discrimination ability by an area under the receiver operating characteristics curve and calibration ability by calibration plot. Results: Among the eligible patients, 2,005,035 (4.3%) died. Discrimination and calibration of the models were satisfactory. The AUC of the main model in the validation cohort was 0.954 (95% confidential interval 0.9537–0.9547). The main model had higher discrimination ability than the disease-specific models. Conclusions: Our deep learning-based model using diagnoses and procedures produced valid predictions of in-house mortality.
Treatment Patterns and Appropriateness of Antipsychotic Prescriptions in Patients with Schizophrenia
Authors: Gamón Verónica , Hurtado Isabel , Salazar-Fraile José , Sanfélix-Gimeno Gabriel
Published: February 2021

Schizophrenia is a chronic mental condition presenting a wide range of symptoms. Although this mental disorder has a low prevalence in comparison to other mental conditions, it has a negative impact on social and occupational functioning. This study is aimed to assess the inappropriateness of antipsychotic medication among schizophrenic patients and describe current patterns in the treatment of schizophrenia. A retrospective cohort study was conducted including all patients over the age of 15 with an active diagnosis of schizophrenia and treated with antipsychotics between 2008 and 2013 in the Valencia region. 19,718 patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia and treated with antipsychotic medication were identified. The main outcome was inappropriateness of the pharmacotherapeutic management, including polypharmacy use: 30.4% of patients received antipsychotic polypharmacy (6.8% were prescribed 3 or more antipsychotics); overdosage: a total of 318 individuals (1.6%) exceeded the maximum daily doses; and use of concomitant psychotropics without an associated diagnosis: 21.5% of patients received psychotropic drugs concomitantly without associated psychiatric diagnoses. Overall, females and those who had a comorbid condition, such as anxiety or depression, were less likely to receive antipsychotic polypharmacy. In contrast, concomitant treatment with other psychoactive drugs, such as antiparkinson drugs, anxiolytics and hypnotics and more visits to mental health hospital increased the risk of polypharmacy use. In conclusion, a high level of inappropriateness has been detected among antipsychotic prescriptions. Practitioners should follow guidelines recommendations whenever possible in order to obtain the maximum benefit of antipsychotic medications without an increased risk of adverse effects in patients.
Characterization of Potential Larval Habitats and Spatial Distribution of Anopheles Species Larvae During the Dry Season in Mutare City, Zimbabwe: a Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Makuwaza Aramu , Mundagowa Paddington Tinashe , Gowera Tapiwa , Mudare Nobert , Lubinda Mukuma , Mukuzunga Munyaradzi , Mharakurwa Sungano
Published: February 2021

Background: Malaria is traditionally known to be concentrated in rural areas but the disease is increasingly becoming a major public health problem for urban settlements in Africa. National malaria reports show that Mutare City had the greatest endemic malaria burden among all urban settlements in Zimbabwe. To prevent malaria outbreaks, it is essential to monitor malaria vectors in populous urban centers to establish the foci of the vectors while they are still small. This study sought to identify, describe, quantify, geocode mosquito potential larval habitats and their spatial distribution within the city. Methods: Mutare City was divided into four regions and the study was conducted from June to November 2019. Larval sampling of 223 potential habitats was done and the collected larvae were reared until they became adult mosquitoes before being morphologically identified using the keys developed by Gillies and Coetzee. Data were entered and analyzed using Epi Info version 7.2.1.0 statistical package.Results: Anopheline speciation showed that the city was infested with Anopheles funestus (4.9%), An. arabiensis (0.3%), An. pretoriensis (91.3%) An. coustani (0.5%), An. rufipes (2.8%), and An. maculipalpis (0.2%). Overall, An. funestus group was the predominant with An. arabiensis complex less common. The species composition of An. funestus group varied significantly among the sampling habitats. Results showed most mosquito breeding habitats were due to human activities such as agriculture, earth mining, and leaking piped water valves. The digging of shallow wells for domestic use in the high-density areas also contributed to the increase in mosquito breeding habitats.Conclusion: The most significant malaria vectors in the city were An. funestus ss and An. arabiensis. The proliferation of larval habitat hotspots in Mutare City was being fueled by human activities related to earning a living and housing construction. Effective interventions for enhanced larval source management could use a multi-sectoral approach involving all the urban stakeholders. Considering the rapid expansion of the city, more investment is needed to target the most productive habitats by fixing leaking water pipes and frequent application of larvicides with greater residual activity to treat permanent habitats particularly before the rainy season.