bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Brachial muscle injury resulting in acute compartment syndrome of the upper arm: a case report and literature review
Authors: Tan Lei , Xia Yongning , Su Zilong , Wen Qiangqiang , Zhang Jiting , Yu Tiecheng
Published: June 2021

Background

Acute compartment syndrome (ACS) is a potentially devastating condition. ACS is rare in the upper arm.

Case presentation

We report a case of acute compartment syndrome of the anterior compartment of the upper arm due to brachial muscle injury. The patient experienced abnormal progressive swelling and pain in his right upper arm, and passive pulling pain of the right wrist and right hand. It was highly suspected to be right upper arm compartment syndrome, and was confirmed by surgery. The patient transferred to the emergency operating room for fasciotomy that was performed under general anesthesia using the anterolateral approach. The brachial muscle was found to be heavily swollen and had the greatest tension. The brachial muscle fibers were split lengthwise, and a large amount of hematoma was cleared. The brachial muscles were injured and partly ruptured. After full decompression, a negative pressure drainage device was used to cover the wound in the first stage. Ten days after injury, the swelling of the affected limb subsided and the wound was sutured. The patient’s limbs completely recovered to normal. The shoulder and elbow joints could move freely and the patient resumed normal farming work ability.

Conclusion

Clinicians should fully recognize the fact that acute compartment syndrome can occur in the upper arm, rather than only the forearm and leg, and therefore avoid serious consequences caused by missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis.
Change in the postoperative intervertebral space height and its impact on clinical and radiological outcomes after ACDF surgery using a zero-profile device: a single-Centre retrospective study of 138 cases
Authors: Abudouaini Haimiti , Huang Chengyi , Liu Hao , Hong Ying , Wang Beiyu , Ding Chen , Meng Yang , Wu Tingkui
Published: June 2021

Background

The effects of postoperative intervertebral height (IH) changes on the clinical and radiological outcomes after anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF) surgery using a zero-profile device remain unclear.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed patients who had undergone ACDF using a zero-profile device from March 2012 to February 2016 at our institution. Based on the postoperative IH variation, the patients were divided into group A with postoperative IH 0 to 2 mm, group B with postoperative IH 2 to 4 mm, and group C with postoperative IH greater than 4 mm. Clinical efficacy was evaluated using JOA, VAS, and NDI scores in the groups. Imaging parameters including the IH, cervical lordosis, fusion rate, intervertebral foramen (IVF) diameter and complications such as subsidence, dysphagia, and ASD were also compared across the three groups.

Results

The average IH increased significantly from 6.72 mm preoperatively to 10.46 mm 1 week after surgery, and then gradually decreased to 7.48 mm at the final follow-up. The fusion rate was 61.90% in group A, 63.23% in group B, 53.57% in group C at 3 months, 73.81% in group A, 79.41% in group B, 67.86% in group C at 6 months, 90.48% in group A, 95.59% in group B, 92.86% in group C 1 year after surgery, and at the last follow-up, the fusion rate of three groups was all 100%. The IVF diameter was 6.52 ± 1.80 mm in group A, 9.55 ± 2.36 mm in group B, and 9.34 ± 1.62 mm in group C. ASD at the superior and inferior levels affected 11.90 and 16.67% patients in group A, 5.88 and 7.38% in group B, and 14.28 and 10.71% in group C. Regarding the 3 groups, the subsidence rates were 7.14, 4.41, and 14.29%, respectively.

Conclusions

No clear correlation was found between IH changes and clinical efficacy within a year of surgery. However, the IH may affect various complications after ACDF. If postoperative IH changes are maintained at 2 to 4 mm after a year, a satisfactory imaging parameters and relatively low complications may be achieved after ACDF surgery using a zero-profile device.
Complex conversations in a healthcare setting: experiences from an interprofessional workshop on clinician-patient communication skills
Authors: Stephens Edward , William Leeroy , Lim Lyn-Li , Allen Judy , Zappa Bernadette , Newnham Evan , Vivekananda Kitty
Published: June 2021

Background

Communication is pivotal to the effective care and treatment of patients in our health care systems. Despite this understanding, clinicians are not sufficiently educated to confidently conduct complex discussions with patients. Communication skills workshops have been shown to be an effective educational format to improve clinician skills. However, despite the increasing interprofessional focus within modern medicine, there have been few studies looking at interprofessional communication workshops.

Methods

A qualitative study was conducted to assess how an interprofessional communication skills workshop affected the communication skills of clinicians at a tertiary health service. Pre- and post-workshop surveys were undertaken by participants, followed by focus group interviews eight-weeks post workshop.

Results

Clinicians were able to incorporate learnt communication skills into their daily practice. This was associated with an improvement in confidence of clinicians in having complex discussions, in addition to a reduction in the burden of having complex discussions. Participants responded positively to the interdisciplinary format, reporting benefits from the learning experience that translated into daily practice.

Conclusion

Clinicians’ communication skills in conducting complex clinician-patient conversations can be improved by participation in interprofessional communication skills workshops. We identified that the interprofessional aspect of the workshops not only improved interprofessional understanding and relationships, but also developed increased self-awareness during complex discussions, and reduced the sense of burden felt by clinicians.
CircASXL1 knockdown represses the progression of colorectal cancer by downregulating GRIK3 expression by sponging miR-1205
Authors: Fang Guojiu , Wu Yibin , Zhang Xueli
Published: June 2021

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common aggressive tumor that poses a heavy burden to human health. An increasing number of studies have reported that circular RNA (circRNA) is involved in the progression of CRC. In this study, the special profiles of circASXL1 (circ_0001136) in CRC progression were revealed.

Methods

The expression of circASXL1, microRNA-1205 (miR-1205), and glutamate ionotropic receptor kainate type subunit 3 (GRIK3) mRNA was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The protein expression was determined by Western blot or immunohistochemistry. Cell colony-forming ability was investigated by colony formation assay. Cell cycle and apoptosis were demonstrated using cell-cycle and cell-apoptosis analysis assays, respectively. Cell migration and invasion were detected by wound-healing and transwell migration and invasion assays, respectively. The binding sites between miR-1205 and circASXL1 or GRIK3 were predicted by circBank or miRDB online database, and identified by dual-luciferase reporter assay. The impact of circASXL1 on tumor formation in vivo was investigated by in vivo tumor formation assay.

Results

CircASXL1 and GRIK3 expression were apparently upregulated, and miR-1205 expression was downregulated in CRC tissues and cells relative to control groups. CircASXL1 knockdown inhibited cell colony-forming ability, migration and invasion, whereas induced cell arrest at G0/G1 phase and cell apoptosis in CRC cells; however, these effects were attenuated by miR-1205 inhibitor. Additionally, circASXL1 acted as a sponge for miR-1205, and miR-1205 was associated with GRIK3. Furthermore, circASXL1 silencing hindered tumor formation by upregulating miR-1205 and downregulating GRIK3 expression.

Conclusion

CircASXL1 acted an oncogenic role in CRC malignant progression via inducing GRIK3 through sponging miR-1205. Our findings provide a theoretical basis for studying circASXL1-directed therapy for CRC.
The downregulation of NCXs is positively correlated with the prognosis of stage II–IV colon cancer
Authors: Xia Zhixiu , Wang Changliang , Zhang Hong
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Colon cancer (CC) is a very common gastrointestinal tumor that is prone to invasion and metastasis in the late stage. This study aims to observe the expression of Na+/Ca2+ exchangers (NCXs) and analyze the correlation between NCXs and the prognosis of CC.

Methods

Specimens of 111 stage II–IV CC patients were collected. We used western blotting, qPCR, and immunohistochemical staining to observe the distributions and expression levels of NCX isoforms (NCX1, NCX2, and NCX3) in CC and distal normal tissues. Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess prognostic factors for patients.

Results

The expression of NCXs in most tumor specimens was lower than that in normal tissues. The NCX expression levels in tumor tissues from the primary tumor, local lymph node metastasis sites, and distant liver metastasis sites were increasingly significantly lower than those in normal tissues. The results of the Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed that the downregulation of any NCX isoform was closely related to the worse prognosis of advanced CC.

Conclusion

NCXs can be used as independent prognostic factors for CC. Our research results are expected to provide new targets for the treatment of CC.
Study on the safety and effectiveness of drug-coated balloons in patients with acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Hao Xiaojiao , Huang Damin , Wang Zhaoxia , Zhang Jinchun , Liu Hongqiang , Lu Yingmin
Published: June 2021

Background

Drug-coated balloon (DCB) is a new technology that has emerged in recent years and has been proven to be effective and safe in the treatment of in-stent restenosis. The purpose of this article is to observe the safety and effectiveness of drug-coated balloons in patients with acute myocardial infarction.

Method

We selected 80 patients admitted to the hospital for STEMI from January 2018 to December 2019. The subjects were randomly divided into a Yinyi (Liaoning) Biotech Bingo Drug Coated Balloon treatment group (balloon group, n  = 38) and a drug-eluting stent (DES) treatment group (stent group, n  = 42). Patients were followed up to understand the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) at 1 month, 6 months and 1 year after surgery. Coronary angiography was rechecked 1 year after surgery to understand the late lumen loss (LLL) in the two groups.

Result

During the one-year follow-up, the LLL of the target lesion in the balloon group was -0.12±0.46 mm, while the target lesion in the stent group was 0.14±0.37 mm ( P  <0.05). Within 1 year, the incidence of MACE in the balloon group was 11%, while the incidence of MACE in the stent group was 12%. There was no significant difference between the two groups.

Conclusion

When PCI is used for STEMI, only DCB therapy is safe and effective, and has shown good clinical effects during a one-year follow-up period.
Maintenance of the human memory T cell repertoire by subset and tissue site
Authors: Miron Michelle , Meng Wenzhao , Rosenfeld Aaron M. , Dvorkin Shirit , Poon Maya Meimei Li , Lam Nora , Kumar Brahma V. , Louzoun Yoram , Luning Prak Eline T. , Farber Donna L.
Published: June 2021

Background

Immune-mediated protection is mediated by T cells expressing pathogen-specific T cell antigen receptors (TCR) that are maintained at diverse sites of infection as tissue-resident memory T cells (TRM) or that disseminate as circulating effector-memory (TEM), central memory (TCM), or terminal effector (TEMRA) subsets in blood and tissues. The relationship between circulating and tissue resident T cell subsets in humans remains elusive, and is important for promoting site-specific protective immunity.

Methods

We analyzed the TCR repertoire of the major memory CD4+and CD8+T cell subsets (TEM, TCM, TEMRA, and TRM) isolated from blood and/or lymphoid organs (spleen, lymph nodes, bone marrow) and lungs of nine organ donors, and blood of three living individuals spanning five decades of life. High-throughput sequencing of the variable (V) portion of individual TCR genes for each subset, tissue, and individual were analyzed for clonal diversity, expansion and overlap between lineage, T cell subsets, and anatomic sites. TCR repertoires were further analyzed forTRBVgene usage and CDR3 edit distance.

Results

Across blood, lymphoid organs, and lungs, human memory, and effector CD8+T cells exhibit greater clonal expansion and distinctTRBVusage compared to CD4+T cell subsets. Extensive sharing of clones between tissues was observed for CD8+T cells; large clones specific to TEMRA cells were present in all sites, while TEM cells contained clones shared between sites and with TRM. For CD4+T cells, TEM clones exhibited the most sharing between sites, followed by TRM, while TCM clones were diverse with minimal sharing between sites and subsets. Within sites, TRM clones exhibited tissue-specific expansions, and maintained clonal diversity with age, compared to age-associated clonal expansions in circulating memory subsets. Edit distance analysis revealed tissue-specific biases in clonal similarity.

Conclusions

Our results show that the human memory T cell repertoire comprises clones which persist across sites and subsets, along with clones that are more restricted to certain subsets and/or tissue sites. We also provide evidence that the tissue plays a key role in maintaining memory T cells over age, bolstering the rationale for site-specific targeting of memory reservoirs in vaccines and immunotherapies.
Performance of waist-to-height ratio as a screening tool for identifying cardiometabolic risk in children: a meta-analysis
Authors: Jiang Yuan , Dou Yalan , Chen Hongyan , Zhang Yi , Chen Xiaotian , Wang Yin , Rodrigues Myanca , Yan Weili
Published: June 2021

Objective

To provide the latest evidence of performance and robustness of waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) in discriminating clusters of cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRs) and promote WHtR in routine primary health care practice in children, a meta-analysis was used.

Methods

Searches was performed in eight databases from inception to July 03, 2020. Inclusion criteria were: (1) observational study, (2) children and adolescents, (3) provided WHtR measurements, (4) had CMRs as outcomes, and (5) diagnostic studies. Exclusion criteria were: (1) non-original articles, (2) unable to extract 2 × 2 contingency tables, (3) not in English or Chinese language, (4) populations comprising clinical patients, or (5) duplicate articles. WHtR cutoff points, 2 × 2 contingency tables were extracted from published reports. Outcomes included: CMR clusters of at least three CMRs (CMR3), two (CMR2), one (CMR1), and CMR components. Bivariate mixed-effects models were performed to estimate the summarised area under the curves (AUSROC) with 95%CIs and related indexes. We conducted subgroup analyses by sex and East Asian ethnicity.

Results

Fifty-three observational studies were included. The AUSROC reached 0.91 (95%CI: 0.88–0.93), 0.85 (95%CI: 0.81, 0.88) and 0.75 (95%CI: 0.71, 0.79) for CMR3, CMR2, and CMR1, respectively. The pooled sensitivity and specificity for CMR3reached 0.84 and exceeded 0.75 for CMR2. For CMR1, the sensitivity achieved 0.55 with 0.84 for specificity. We had similar findings for our subgroup and sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions

WHtR shows good and robust performance in identifying CMRs clustering across racial populations, suggesting its promising utility in public health practice globally.
Antiviral effects of ergosterol peroxide in a pig model of porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV) infection involves modulation of apoptosis and tight junction in the small intestine
Authors: Duan Cong , Wang Junchi , Liu Yi , Zhang Jialu , Si Jianyong , Hao Zhihui , Wang Jiufeng
Published: June 2021

Porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV) is a newly discovered swine enteropathogenic coronavirus with worldwide distribution. However, efficient strategies to prevent or treat the infection remain elusive. Our in vitro study revealed that ergosterol peroxide (EP) from the mushroom Cryptoporus volvatus has efficient anti-PDCoV properties. The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential of EP as a treatment for PDCoV in vivo and elucidate the possible mechanisms. Seven-day-old piglets were infected with PDCoV by oral administration in the presence or absence of EP. Piglets infected with PDCoV were most affected, whereas administration of EP reduced diarrhea incidence, alleviated intestinal lesion, and decreased viral load in feces and tissues. EP reduced PDCoV-induced apoptosis and enhanced tight junction protein expressions in the small intestine, maintaining the integrity of the intestinal barrier. EP showed immunomodulatory effect by suppressing PDCoV-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines and the activation of IκBα and NF-κB p65, and upregulating IFN-I expression. Knockdown of p38 inhibited PDCoV replication and alleviated PDCoV-induced apoptosis, implying that EP inhibited PDCoV replication and alleviated PDCoV-induced apoptosis via p38/MAPK signaling pathway. Collectively, ergosterol peroxide can protect piglets from PDCoV, revealing the potential of EP for development as a promising strategy for treating and controlling the infection of PDCoV.
Milo Rau in Africa
Authors: Defraeye Piet
Published: June 2021

Piet Defraeye explores Milo Rau’s work in Central Africa, focusing on 2011’s Hate Radio and 2015’s The Congo Tribunal. Defraeye suggests that while Rau’s interest in Central Africa is not based on any personal connection, it began before the founding of his company, the International Institute of Political Murder (iipm), and has been something of a through line for the director. In analyzing both projects, Defraeye traces their development and provides the historical and cultural context of the events presented. In the case of Hate Radio, this involves looking at performances of the piece around Europe and on-site in a radio studio in Kigali and explaining the role of radio in the Rwandan genocide of 1994. With The Congo Tribunal, Defraeye identifies several of the many global ramifications of what is often referred to as the African World War and summarizes the three cases that made up the three-day imagined trial in Bukavu, Congo, which, along with the follow-up presentation in Berlin and a wide range of ancillary materials, was the centerpiece of the project. Defraeye contextualizes The Congo Tribunal within both Rau’s oeuvre and the larger ecosystem of Central African activism, identifying Rau’s utopian goals as well as the criticisms leveled against him.
Operative temperature analysis of the honey bee Apis mellifera
Authors: Stupski Stanley D. , Schilder Rudolf J.
Published: June 2021

A key challenge for linking experiments of organisms performed in a laboratory environment to their performance in more complex environments is to determine thermal differences between a laboratory and the energetically complex terrestrial ecosystem. Studies performed in the laboratory do not account for many factors that contribute to the realized temperature of an organism in its natural environment. This can lead to modelling approaches that use experimentally derived data to erroneously link the air temperature in a laboratory to air temperatures in energetically heterogenous ecosystems. Traditional solutions to this classic problem assume that animals in an isotropic, isothermal chamber behave either as pure heterothermic ectotherms (body temperature=chamber temperature) or homeothermic endotherms (body temperature is entirely independent of chamber temperature). This approach may not be appropriate for endothermic insects which exist as an intermediate between strongly thermoregulating endotherms and purely thermoconforming species. Here, we use a heat budget modelling approach for the honey bee Apis mellifera to demonstrate that the unique physiology of endothermic insects may challenge many assumptions of traditional biophysical modelling approaches. We then demonstrate under modelled field-realistic scenarios that an experiment performed in a laboratory has the potential to both overestimate and underestimate the temperature of foraging bees when only air temperature is considered.
ОСОБЕННОСТИ ПРИМЕНЕНИЯ ДИСТАНЦИОННЫХ ОБРАЗОВАТЕЛЬНЫХ ТЕХНОЛОГИЙ И МАТЕРИАЛОВ НА УЧЕБНЫХ ЗАНЯТИЯХ ПО ГЕОГРАФИИ
Authors: Semenov Vasiliy A.
Published: June 2021

В статье обобщён авторский опыт применения дистанционных технологий и материалов на занятиях по дисциплине «география» во время карантинных ограничений весны 2020 г.

Цель. Данное исследование – ретрансляция методико-педагогического опыта во внешнюю среду. Предмет статьи – использование дистанционных технологий на уроках географии.

Методология проведения работы. Основу исследования образует квинтэссенция теоретических и эмпирических методов, а также анализ и синтез имеющихся информационных источников по тематике статьи.

Результаты. Отмечены позитивные и негативные стороны дистанционных форм обучения, их правовые основы. Детализирована методика использования мессенджера ZOOM, представлен материал по использованию программ, сайтов и средств интернета в образовании на удалённом доступе. Отдельно затронута проблема применения электронных библиотечных систем и электронной почты в образовательном процессе на дистанте. Обращено внимание на инклюзивные формы образования и деятельностный поход в рамках дистанта. Делается вывод о необходимости смешанного обучения, так как одни лишь дистанционные формы не обеспечивают всей полноты и эффективности учебного процесса, необходимо личное очное общение педагога с учащимися.

Область применения результатов. Информация, изложенная в статье, может быть использована педагогами и обучающимися в рамках среднего общего и профессионального образования.
A Flight of Tokarczuk Translators: Remarks on Collaboration and Cooperation
Authors: Siwek Karolina
Published: June 2021

Olga Tokarczuk’s texts became eagerly translated even before she was honoured with the Nobel Prize. As a result, many literary translators have dealt and continue to deal with her texts. This paper will be an attempt to investigate reasons for co-working between translators, to analyse how these relations are oriented and what the benefits of such relations are. The research is based on the outcomes of Sharon O’Brien and Marcel Thelen concerning collaboration and cooperation between translators and on research material recorded at conference: Translating the Future Finale: A Flight of Tokarczuk Translators. O’Brien’s and Thelen’s conclusions are expanded with subcategories which gives a better perspective on the motivation for collaboration and cooperation between Tokarczuk’s translators. Co-working gives translators a sense of support, which is reflected in the quality of the translated text.
Blood serum amino acids profile in patients with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Jakubowska-Solarska Beata , Nieśpiałowska Magdalena
Published: June 2021

Multiple sclerosis is the most common demyelinating disease of the central nervous system, affecting mostly young people. There were many risk factors for MS identified, however a direct cause of the disease is still unknown. Pathological changes in the SM lead to the myelin sheath damage around axons, what prevents proper transmission of nerve impulses in the central nervous system. The aim of this study was analyzing and comparing the amino acids profile in the blood serum of MS patients to control group of healthy individuals and evaluating the relationship between them. Significant (p<0.05) differences in the level of glutamate, aspartate and taurine in the blood serum of MS patients were revealed. A positive glutamate and aspartate level correlation in the serum has been demonstrated. Gender is significant only in the case of glutamate level in blood serum. The studies highlight the important role of neurotransmitters in MS and are the initial step in proteomic research.
Examination of salivary proteins as biomarkers of pathological conditions. Literature review
Authors: Szyszkowska Anna , Jakiel Joanna , Szczerba Joanna , Rahnama Mansur
Published: June 2021

Saliva is universally available biofluid, easy to collect. Comprehensive analysis and identification of the proteomic content of human saliva may contribute to the understanding of oral pathophysiology and provide a foundation for the recognition of potential biomarkers of human disease. These features make it an ideal biological material for the early detection of many diseases of different origin, and enable non-invasive diagnostics. The presence of protein markers in saliva was found with usage of capillary electrophoresis and mass spectrometry.
Fetuin-A in patients with metabolic syndrome
Authors: Dąbrowska Anna Maria , Tarach Jerzy S. , Wojtysiak-Duma Beata , Malecha-Jędraszek Arleta , Toruń-Jurkowska Anna , Kudlicki Janusz , Donica Helena
Published: June 2021

Metabolic syndrome is a common disorder the prevalence of which is estimated to be about 20% in Polish adult population. Abdominal obesity and insulin resistance are important pathogenetic factors. Metabolic syndrome plays a role as a risk factor for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Fetuin-A is a multifunctional plasma glycoprotein. It is a physiological inhibitor of insulin receptor tyrosine kinase and thus associated with insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome and an increased risk for type 2 diabetes. The study was conducted in 62 patients with metabolic syndrome (34F and 28M) aged 35-83. In 47 persons type 2 diabetes was a component of metabolic syndrome, 62% of diabetics had coronary artery disease as a macrovascular complication. Determinations of biochemical parameters and anthropometric measurements were performed in the studied group. We analysed a relationship between serum fetuin-A concentration and components of metabolic syndrome and total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HbA1C, BMI as well. Diabetics had lower fetuin-A concentrations than patients without diabetes (0.550 g/l vs 0.600 g/l). Fetuin-A levels in patients with diabetes and coronary artery disease were significantly lower (0.535 g/l) than in those without macrovascular complications (0.590 g/l) (Z=1.969; p=0.048). Furthermore the correlation between fetuin-A serum
concentration and fasting plasma glucose, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides levels were observed. Patients with higher fasting glucose had lower fetuin-A levels. However, fetuin-A concentration was positive correlated with LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides levels. No association between fetuin-A and waist circumference, blood pressure, HDL-cholesterol, HbA1C and BMI were found. In summary, serum fetuin-A level has a correlation with some components of metabolic syndrome. We concluded that fetuin-A could be used not only as a marker, but also plays some role in pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes and higher risk of cardiovascular disease.
Involvement of biofilm-like in tracellular bacterial communities of uropathogenic Escherichia coli in pathogenesis of urinary tract infections – a mini review
Authors: Nowicka Sylwia , Zdziebło Magdalena , Juda Marek , Kosikowska Urszula , Malm Anna
Published: June 2021

This paper presents a precisely defined question about the role of the biofilm-like intracellular bacterial communities in pathogenesis of the urinary tract infections. According to the recent literature, uropathogenic Escherichia coli is one of the leading etiologic agents of the urinary tract infections. Although E. coli is regarded as an extracellular pathogen, some experiments have revealed a multi-step infection cycle, which involves adhesion, invasion, proliferation within invaded urothelial cell in the form of biofilm-like intracellular bacterial communities and dispersal, leading to infection of next neighbouring cells. Therefore, the prevention and treatment of the urinary tract infections must include intracellular stage of infection.
Diurnal Variation of Ambient NH3 in Relation with Agricultural Activities and Meteorological Factors at a Rural Site in North India
Authors: Sudesh Sudesh , Kulshrestha U. C.
Published: June 2021

Ammonia is a chemically active gas which accelerates particulate matter formation by combining with nitrate (NO3−) and sulphate (SO42-) in acid cloud droplets, thereby reducing air quality. Since pre-industrial times, NH3 emissions have more than doubled globally, owing to increase in agricultural activities and fertilizer usage. In this study, ambient NH3 monitoring was done during selected periods on event basis in summer season (kharif crop) at a rural site of Jhajjar district of Haryana. Collected gaseous NH3 samples in absorbing solution (1.4ml H2SO4 in 1 litre water) at a flow rate of 1 LPM were prepared with the indo phenol-blue method and analyzed using spectrophotometer at 630nm. Here, we present the day-night variation in ambient NH3 concentrations emitted from various agricultural activities such as synthetic fertilizers, animal manure, biological N-fixation, the crop residue in the field after harvest, biomass burning, etcin relation with meteorological parameters. Its emission was recorded as 1 to 45; 63 to 190; 98 to 187 and 56 to 249 µg m-3 during sowing, fertilizer addition, grain filling and biomass burning respectively.Concentration during the sowing period i.e. 1 to 45 µg m-3can be considered as baseline values.Concentration of ambient NH3 reached itsmaxima at night and minima duringmidday.NH3 concentration was observed to be high during night time which might be due to reduced dispersion as the atmospheric conditions are stable at night. Concentration of NH3 is majorly influenced by wind speed and wind direction & its dependence on these meteorological parameters suggested a local source influence indicating that the nearbyagricultural fields might be the major NH3contributors at the observational site.This study suggests that the knowledge of NH3 levels measured at various stages can help in implementing N efficient management system and emissions can be reduced by minimizing the Nitrogen (N) input during different stages. These measurements are also helpful in making fertilizer policy, and guidelines for farmers.
Spatio-Temporal Variation of Atmospheric Gaseous and Particulate Reactive Nitrogen over Northern India
Authors: Mishra Manisha , Kulshrestha Umesh C
Published: June 2021

The present study reports spatio-temporal distribution pattern of major gaseous (NH3 and NO2) and particulate water soluble total nitrogen (pWSTN) in the ambient air to explore the seasonal variation, major interactions and dominating sources. Considering the major hotspot of atmospheric reactive nitrogen (N) emission, three sites in Indo-Gangetic plain (IGP) were selected based on different local source parameters. Results have shown that gas phase reactive N contribute up to 90% of total analyzed reactive N, where NH3 imparted highest at all the three sites. Prayagraj, a fast growing urban site, has shown highest concentrations of NH3 (72.0 μg m−3), followed by Madhupur rural site (57.7 μg m−3) and Delhi, an urban megacity site (35.8 μg m−3). As compared to previous studies conducted at different sites of IGP, NH3 concentrations were reported to be the highest at the former two sites. However, unlike NH3, NO2 levels were recorded lower at Madhupur (3.1 μg m−3) and Prayagraj (9.4 μg m−3) sites as compared to Delhi (13.4 μg m−3). Similarly, pWSTN concentrations were in the order of Madhupur (6.6 μg m−3) < Prayagraj (10.0 μg m−3) < Delhi (10.1 μg m−3). A strong correlation of NO2 with pWSTN at urban sites has shown the crucial role of NO2 in the formation of nitrogenous aerosols. Significant spatial variation can be attributed to varying local emission sources ranging from microbial emission from improper sewage treatment and open waste dumping at Prayagraj, agricultural activities at Madhupur and vehicular exhausts at Delhi site.
Influence of Integrated Approach of Azotobacter and Nitrogen Fertilizer on Various Morpho-Physiological and Biochemical Parameters of Brassica Oleracea L. var. capitata
Authors: Saffeullah Peer , Nabi Neelofer , Umar Shahid
Published: June 2021

This study was formulated to evaluate the impact of bacterization with Azotobacter of two cabbage genotypes (Pusa Early golden acre and Pusa drum head) under field conditions. The study was performed in herbal garden of Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi. The plants were treated with graded treatments (60,120,180 kg N ha-1) of N alone and in combination with seedling inoculation withAzotobacter. The plants were sampled and tested for various morpho-physiological and biochemical parameters. Chlorophyll content, NR activity, protein content, sugar content and phenol content was found to be significantly higher in plants treated with N in combination in Azotobacter. Thus, the use of Azotobacteras a supplement or biofertilizer in integrated nutrient management systems was highly recommended to minimize the application rates of synthetic fertilizers and attain the goal of sustainable agriculture.
Obedience to collaboration: compliance, adherence and concordance
Authors: Rae Bernadette
Published: June 2021

A literature review was conducted to ascertain the historical and current use of the terms ‘compliance,’ ‘adherence’ and ‘concordance’ in relation to prescribing. Although there is agreement that compliance is not appropriate in the context of patient behaviour, it is still used. The implications for clinician-patient relationship and engagement are considered. The competencies that guide prescribing practitioners in the United Kingdom embrace concepts of adherence and concordance but do not mention ‘compliance’. Caution is given against changing vocabulary only.
Prolonged Detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in An Asymptomatic Individual in Thailand: A Case Study
Authors: Kewcharoenwong Chidchamai , Khamduang Woottichai , Kwunchoo Sirintra , Chantawiang Kesinee , Pinta Piyapong , Promarat Sarik , Punchaburi Bunleng , Pornprasert Sakorn
Published: June 2021

Clinical characteristics of patients hospitalized with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have been reported in Thailand, but there is still no asymptomatic case with prolonged persistence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA has been described. Here, we report, for the first time, the detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA from nasopharyngeal and throat swab specimens for at least 110 days in a 30-year-old Thai female with no clinical symptoms. The COVID-19 IgG antibody was also observed in her blood sample. However, her husband was negative for both SARS-CoV-2 RNA and IgM/IgG antibody, implying no transmission of SARS-CoV-2 to her husband throughout the 110 days. As far as we know, this is the very first asymptomatic case to show the longest prolonged persistence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA from nasopharyngeal and throat swab specimens in Thailand. In most cases of COVID-19 infection, molecular monitoring for SARS-CoV-2 may be discontinued, and asymptomatic cases may be underestimated. Thus, the information in this report could be combined with additional data sources to raise public health awareness with regard to clinical management.

Keywords: Asymptomatic individual, COVID-19, Prolonged detection, SARS-CoV-2
Effect of Sucrose on Microtuber Induction and Inulin Accumulation in Jerusalem Artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.)
Authors: Homsuwan Nalinee , Mapiyaphun Kajorn , Ngampanya Budsaraporn
Published: June 2021

The effect of sucrose concentrations and photoperiod applying on microtuber induction and inulin accumulation of Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) have conducted under in vitro condition. Numbers, lengths and weights of microtubers induced from the single node explants with 0.50 cm above stem node- and stem node- cutting was not significant difference. Concentration of sucrose (51.70, 60, 80, 100 and 108.20 g/l) containing in microtuber induction medium (MST) and photoperiod applying (10.30/13.70, 12/12, 16/8, 20/4 and 21.60/2.40 h light/dark) significant effected to numbers of microtubers (P ≤ 0.05). The optimized sucrose concentration and photoperiod applying for highest numbers of microtubers was 100 g/l and 20/4 h light/dark, respectively. The significant difference of inulin content (P ≤ 0.05) in microtuber induced from various conditions was determined. The microtubers induced on MST medium supplemented with 80 g/l sucrose under 16/8 h light/dark accumulated highest inulin content (324.84 ± 40.78 mg/ g dry weight) when compared with others. Data suggested that sucrose and light duration played role in microtuber induction and inulin accumulation of Jerusalem artichoke.

Keywords: Inulin, Jerusalem artichoke, Microtuber, Photoperiod, Sucrose
Diversity of fruit bats (Pteropodidae) and their ectoparasites in Batuputih Nature Tourism Park, Sulawesi, Indonesia
Authors: NANGOY MEIS , RANSALELEH TILTJE , LENGKONG HANDRY , Koneri Roni , LATINNE ALICE , KYES RANDALL C.
Published: June 2021

Abstract. Nangoy M, Ransaleleh T, Lengkong H, Koneri R, Latinne A, Kyes RC. 2021. Diversity of fruit bats (Pteropodidae) and their ectoparasites in Batuputih Nature Tourism Park, Sulawesi, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 22: 3075-3082. Bats play an important role in the ecosystem as pollinators, seed dispersers, and predators, therefore, this study aims to identify the diversity of fruit bat species and ectoparasites at Batuputih Nature Tourism Park, Sulawesi, Indonesia. The study was conducted from May to July 2019, and carried out in three different habitats, namely primary and secondary forest, as well as agricultural land. Besides, the bats were caught using a mist net while the ectoparasites were collected and identified using morphological criteria. A total of 253 bats were sampled representing 10 species (all belonging to the family Pteropodidae) namely Cynopterus brachyotis (24.90%), C. luzoniensis (9.88%), Dobsonia exoleta (1.19%), Macroglossus minimus (3.16%), Nictymene cephalotes (4.75%), N. minutus (0.79%), Rousettus amplexicaudatus (17%), R. celebensis (20.95%), Thoopterus nigrescens (17%), and Thoopterus sp. (0.4%). Cynopterus brachyotis was the most abundant species (n = 63). Meanwhile, a total of 479 ectoparasites were collected and identified as belonging to three families, namely Nycteribiidae, Streblidae, and Spinturnicidae. Nycteribiidae (genus Leptocyclopodia) was the most abundant ectoparasite taxa (n= 475) while the highest mean abundance and intensity were observed for the genus Thoopterus and Rousettus. This study provides important baseline data for future reference in monitoring bat population status and conservation efforts in the region. Given the close relationship between the local people and bats (e.g. hunting and consumption), more work is needed to address the potential pathogen risks from zoonotic transmission, both from bats and the respective ectoparasites.
Genetic diversity among 24 clones of robusta coffee in Lampung based on RAPD markers
Authors: Ramadiana Sri , Hapsoro Dwi , Evizal Rusdi , Setiawan Kukuh , Karyanto Agus , Yusnita Yusnita
Published: June 2021

Abstract. Ramadiana S, Hapsoro D, Evizal R, Setiawan K, Karyanto A, Yusnita. 2021. Genetic diversity among 24 clones of robusta coffee in Lampung based on RAPD markers. Biodiversitas 22: 3122-3129. This study aimed to estimate the genetic diversity among 24 clones of Robusta coffee from Lampung, Indonesia, by use of RAPD markers. The clones consisted of 18 local and 6 BP clones. These BP clones were developed from a breeding program of The Indonesian Coffee and Cocoa Research Institute. Genomic DNAs extracted from these clones were subjected to polymerase chain reaction and the amplified products were run using gel electrophoresis. Eleven random primers produced clear, reproducible, scorable bands. Fifty-four of 86 bands showed polymorphism and were used to construct a dendrogram based on UPGMA Jaccard's Similarity Coefficients. The genetic base of the population was narrow (average genetic similarity 68.4%), ranging from 26-93%. The genetic similarity of the local clones was higher than that of BP clones. The clones were clustered into five groups. Group 1 contained one clone (BP 534), while each of Group II-V contained more than one clone. The average genetic similarity of BP 534 to each clone of Group II-V was 41%. The genetic similarity of clones in Group II, III, IV, and V were 55.5%, 43.0%, 81.1%, and 80.1%, respectively. This research should be very useful for selecting parents in a breeding program to produce better clones of Robusta coffee.
Reproduction performance, morphometric and structure population of Kuntu buffalo (Bubalis bubalis Merr) in Kampar District, Riau, Indonesia
Authors: Yendraliza Yendraliza , RODIALLAH MUHAMAD , Zumarni Zumarni , ELFAWATI ELFAWATI , HIDAYATI HIDAYATI , KUSNADI KUSNADI
Published: June 2021

Abstract. Yendraliza, Rodiallah M, Zumarni, Elfawati, Hidayati, Kusnadi. 2021. Reproduction performance, morphometric and structure population of Kuntu buffalo (Bubalis bubalis Merr) in Kampar District, Riau, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 22: 3370-3377. Kuntu buffalo is one of the germplasm of Riau Province. This study aimed was to determine reproduction performance, potential output, population dynamics, and morphometrics of Kuntu buffalo in Kampar Kiri, Indonesia. The research was conducted in July-October 2019 with materials used in the study were 2.746 buffalo and 1.117 buffalo breeders. The research method used was a survey. The respondents from five locations were determined using a purposive sampling technique. The age at first mating of buffalo 42 ± 0.7 months, the S/C 2.6 ± 1.5 times, calving interval 15.3 ± 2.3 months and calving rate 55.59%. The reproductive efficiency of Kuntu buffalo 96.22%, a natural increase of 55.59%, the net replacements rates (male and female) were 289.60% and 446.59%, respectively and potential output of 39.24% was obtained. The population dynamics of the Kuntu buffalo from 2014 to 2019 experienced a growth of 48% with prediction of the population in 2023 is 7.277 heads. The average body size of male and female Kuntu buffalo is small. The conclusion of Kuntu buffalo reproduction is still efficient with the availability of substitute livestock exceeding the need of livestock and the natural increase of Kuntu buffalo population is very high.
Teaching Women Writers in a "Great Books" Program
Authors: White Micheline
Published: June 2021

Abstract: This piece discusses the integration of women writers into a "Great Books" curriculum at a public university in Canada. I consider how the relations among my students, me, and the texts of early modern women have changed over the past twenty years as those texts have become part of the canon. I argue that the availability of high-quality teaching editions and my university's Learning Management System (LMS) have transformed both my students' encounters with female authored texts as well as the kinds of academic labor that I need to undertake to facilitate undergraduate learning. Where I once spent a good deal of time establishing frameworks within which women's writing had value, I now provide much more specialized guidance often helping students grapple with the material idiosyncrasies of early modern texts. Today, my students view women's writing as integral to the curriculum and are far more eager to embark on in-depth research projects. At the same time, these positive developments have often obscured the ways in which patriarchy shaped women's reading and writing, and I have had to underscore the conditions that restricted women's textual agency. My students and I reflect on the implications of teaching women's texts as "great books" and about the kinds of changes we need to make to make the curriculum more racially diverse.
Late Quaternary subsidence records from the Datça graben and Cnidus ancient city (SW Turkey): sea-level changes versus tectonics
Authors: Özsayın Erman , Üner Serkan , Kahraman Burcu
Published: June 2021

The Datça graben in southwestern Anatolia is a WNW-trending seismically active depression, with tectonic activity since Pliocene time. This tectonic activity is controlled by normal faults, which have effected ancient settlements. The Cnidus city (old and modern) –an ancient mercantile centre during the Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine periods– is one of the places that has recorded this activity. The ancient harbour walls of Cnidus, lying 2.2-4.0m below sea level, contain important traces about sea-level changes and tectonics over the past 2.6kyr. Palaeostress analysis along boundary faults in the Datça graben yields an almost N–S oriented pure tensional regime, compatible with earthquake focal mechanism solutions located around the Datça Peninsula. Additionally, an almost E−W trending surface rupture related to a historical earthquake in modern Cnidus, which shows normal fault characteristics, gives further support to the ongoing extension along the Kızlan, Karaköy and Cnidus fault zones. Previous studies on late Quaternary sea-level changes around the Datça Peninsula suggest that 2.6kyr ago sea level was 1.0-1.25m lower than today. From the present-day depth of the Old Cnidus harbour remains and regional sea-level records, it can be inferred that tectonics has played a significant role. Our calculations show that the Datça graben is subsiding at rates of 0.36-0.46mm/yr in the central part and 1.05-1.15mm/yr in the southern part. These values match those found in other areas around the Datça Peninsula.
Bubble optics: Leonardo’s cross revisited—Part 1, numerical methods
Authors: Selmke Markus , Lock James A.
Published: June 2021

Around 1508, Leonardo DaVinci observed a curious image of the sun
formed by a floating bubble. Now, some 500 years later, we give a full
picture of the surprisingly rich phenomenology of the light pattern
formed below surface bubbles. Under shallow illumination, and for
shallow depths of water, the caustic deviates from the symmetrical
astroid shape obtained for larger depths and/or near-vertical
illumination. Whereas the astroid caustic involves refraction through
the outer meniscus only, more complex ray paths explain the
asymmetric, multicomponent (composite) light pattern.
Compact, self-aligned focusing schlieren system
Authors: Bathel Brett F. , Weisberger Joshua M.
Published: June 2021

A novel, to the best of our knowledge, compact, self-aligned focusing schlieren system is presented that eliminates the need for a separate source grid and cutoff grid. A single grid element serves both to generate a projected source grid onto a retroreflective background and act as the cutoff grid for the reflected light. This is made possible by manipulating the polarization of light through the system. The use of only a single grid element eliminates the need to create a cutoff grid that is perfectly matched and scaled to the source grid, and removes the need to align the source and cutoff grids to each other. The sensitivity to density objects is adjustable with the use of a polarizing prism. Images obtained with this system show operation similar to existing focusing schlieren systems, but with much reduced complexity and setup time. Images taken with acrylic windows placed normal to the optical axis further demonstrate the system’s utility for wind tunnel measurements.