bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Climate Change and Mass Extinction Risk in an Endemic-Rich Late Devonian Fauna
Authors: Pier Jaleigh Q. , Brisson Sarah K. , Beard J. Andrew , Hren Michael T , Bush Andrew M
Published: June 2021

The fossil record can illuminate factors that contribute to extinction risk during times of global environmental disturbance; for example, inferred thermal tolerance is an important predictor of extinction during several mass extinctions that corresponded with climate change1,2. Additionally, members of geographically isolated biotas may face higher risk because they have less opportunity to migrate to suitable climate refugia during environmental disturbances. Here, we investigate how these two types of risk intersect in the well-preserved brachiopod fauna of the Appalachian Foreland Basin during the two pulses of the Frasnian-Famennian mass extinction (Late Devonian, ~372 Ma3,4). The selectivity of extinction supports climate change (cooling) as the primary kill mechanism in this fauna, with warm-adapted taxa going extinct preferentially. Overall, the extinction was mild relative to other regions, despite the many endemic species. However, taxa that were vulnerable to climate change went extinct more rapidly, during the first extinction pulse, such that the second pulse was insignificant. These results suggest that vulnerable taxa in geographically isolated biotas face heightened extinction risk at the initiation of environmental stress, but that other regions may “catch up” if environmental stress repeats or intensifies.
Experimental Study On The Explosion Characteristics of Hydrogen-methane Premixed Gas in Complex Pipe Networks
Authors: Jia Jinzhang , Chen Yinuo , Che Guangbo , Zhu Jinchao , Wang Fengxiao , Jia Peng
Published: June 2021

To explore the overpressure evolution laws and flame propagation characteristics in complex pipe networks after the addition of hydrogen to methane, we experimentally studied the explosive pressure wave and flame wave propagation laws for three different premixed gas mixtures with hydrogen-methane concentrations of 0, 10% and 20% when the equivalence ratio was 1. Experimental results indicate that the maximum explosion overpressure of the premixed gas increases with increasing distance from the explosion source, and it shows a gradually decreasing trend. In the complex pipe network, an overpressure zone is formed in the B-E-H and D-E sections of the network. The flame temperature is superimposed with the superimposition of the pressure, showing a trend of first increasing, then decreasing, then increasing, and finally decreasing in the complex pipe network. The flame arrival time increases with increasing distance, and the maximum flame speed shows a decreasing trend. The peak overpressure and maximum flame velocity of the premixed gas under a hydrogen volume fraction of 20% are 1.266 MPa and 168. The experimental research results could provide important theoretical guidelines for the prevention and control of fuel gas explosions in urban pipe networks.
Prognostic Value of CAD-RADS Classification by Coronary CTA in Patients With Suspected CAD
Authors: Huang Zengfa , Zhang Shutong , Hu Yun , Xiao Jianwei , Li Zuoqin , Yang Yang , Sun Ruihong , Wang Zheng , Li Xiang , Xie Yuanliang , Wang Xiang
Published: June 2021

Background: The study sought to compare Coronary Artery Disease Reporting and Data System (CAD-RADS) classification with traditional coronary artery disease (CAD) classifications and Duke Prognostic CAD Index for predicting the risk of all-cause mortality in patients with suspected CAD.Methods: 9625 consecutive suspected CAD patients were assessed by coronary CTA for CAD-RADS classification, traditional CAD classifications and Duke Prognostic CAD Index. Kaplan-Meier and multivariable Cox models were used to estimate all-cause mortality. Discriminatory ability of classifications was assessed using receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves and the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test.Results: A total of 540 patients died from all causes with a median follow-up of 4.3 ±2.1 years. Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed the cumulative events increased significantly associated with CAD-RADS, three traditional CAD classifications and Duke Prognostic CAD Index. In multivariate Cox regressions, the risk for the all-cause death increased from HR 0.861 (95% CI: 0.420 to 1.764) for CAD-RADS 1 to HR 2.761 (95% CI: 1.961 to 3.887) for CAD-RADS 4B&5, using CAD-RADS 0 as the reference group. The relative HR s for all-cause death increased proportionally with the grades of the three traditional CAD classifications and Duke Prognostic CAD Index. The ROC curve for prediction of all cause death was 0.7927 for CAD-RADS, which was non-inferior to the traditional CAD classifications and Duke Prognostic CAD Index.Conclusions: CAD-RADS classification provided important prognostic information for patients with suspected CAD with noninvasive evaluation, which was non-inferior than Duke Prognostic CAD Index and traditional stenosis-based grading schemes.
Kinematic, Workspace and Force Analysis of a five-DOF Hybrid Manipulator R(2RPR)R/SP+RR
Authors: Xu Yundou , Yang Fan , Mei Youen , Zhang Dongsheng , Zhou Yulin , Zhao Yongsheng
Published: June 2021

In the present study, the over-constrained hybrid manipulator R(2RPR)R/SP + RR is considered as the research objective. In this paper, kinematics of the hybrid manipulator, including the forward and inverse position, are analyzed. Then, the workspace is checked based on the inverse position solution to evaluate whether the workspace of the hybrid manipulator meets the requirements, and the actual workspace of the hybrid robot is analyzed. After that, the force analysis of the over-constrained parallel mechanism is carried out, and an ADAMS-ANSYS rigid-flexible hybrid body model is established to verify the simulation. Based on the obtained results from the force analysis, the manipulator structure is design. Then, the structure optimization is carried out to improve the robot stiffness. Finally, calibration and workspace verification experiments are performed on the prototype, cutting experiment of an S-shaped aluminum alloy workpiece is completed, and the experiment verifies the processing ability of the prototype and proves that the prototype has good application prospects.
Identification of Sigma Factor 54-Regulated Small Non-Coding RNAs by Employing Genome-Wide and Transcriptome-Based Methods in Rhizobium Strains
Authors: Rajendran Kasthuri , Kumar Vikram , Raja Ilamathi , Kumariah Manoharan , Tennyson Jebasingh
Published: June 2021

Rhizobium-legume symbiosis is considered as the major contributor of biological nitrogen fixation. In the present study, we have identified sigma factor 54-regulated sRNAs from the genome of five Rhizobium strains and integrated with the free-living and symbiotic specific transcriptome data to identify the novel putative sRNAs that are over expressed during the regulation of nitrogen fixation. A total of 1059 sRNAs were predicted from each genome of the select set of Rhizobium strains and 1,375 sRNAs were predicted from the transcriptome data of Bradyrhizobium japonicum. Target mRNA analysis revealed the functional role of putative novel sRNAs from different free-living and symbiotic strains. Those novel sRNAs were inferred to target several nodulation and nitrogen fixation genes including nodC, nodJ, nodY, nodJ, nodM, nodW, nodZ, nifD, nifN, nifQ, fixK, fixL, Fdx, nolB, and several cytochrome proteins. Further, sRNAs of Bradyrhizobium japonicum which targeted the regulatory genes of nitrogen fixation were experimentally confirmed with semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Predicted target mRNAs were functionally classified based on the COG analysis and GO annotations. Studies on this sigma factor 54-regulated sRNA identification could be a better method to relate the role of sRNAs in nitrogen metabolism during free-living and symbiotic association with legumes.
Sex Differences and Olfactory Bulb Alterations Contribute to Limbic Circuit Dysfunction and Behavioral Disturbances in Pilocarpine Model of Epilepsy
Authors: Matovu Daniel , Cavalheiro Esper A
Published: June 2021

The olfactory bulb at the sensory and circuit level transmits information to the limbic and cortical systems for behavioral outputs, and disruption of such circuits induces behavioral disturbances in rodents. Previously, data from our laboratory showed the occurrence of behavioral disturbances in Wistar rats submitted to the pilocarpine model of epilepsy (PME) and that these alterations were sex related. Here we deepen our findings that sex-linked differences are present in PME and that male epileptic rats exhibit profound recurrent seizure patterns, namely seizure duration, severity, and distribution along the light/dark cycle different from that observed in epileptic female rats. Further, using isotropic fractionator we observed significant alterations in the number of neuronal and non-neuronal cells of the olfactory bulb, amygdala, and hippocampus following 3 months of spontaneous recurrent seizures in epileptic male and female rats. Altogether, our study suggests that neuronal and non-neuronal cell death in olfactory bulb may interfere with sex-related differential recurrent seizure patterns, limbic circuit dysfunction, and behavioral disturbances in PME. Lastly, the pilocarpine epilepsy model provides an evidence-based tool to study mechanisms of behavioral disturbances in epileptogenesis that may provide future therapeutic insights in our quest to improve the life of people with epilepsy.
Time Impacts of Treating Pervious Concrete with NaHCO3
Authors: Almeida Nara , Haselbach Liv
Published: June 2021

Magnesium chloride deicers applications onto pervious concrete pavements can deteriorate the material, and studies investigate treatments to increase the concrete resistance to MgCl2 attacks. In this paper, pervious concrete specimens are subjected to a treatment with NaHCO3 solution, which seems to accelerate concrete carbonation and might hamper chemical reactions between MgCl2 deicer and hydroxides in cement mortar. All specimens had their compressive strength tested and the time frames before and after treatment varied. Results show that at least 2 months should be given post curing before treatment to not harm the concrete, and longer post treatment periods may be beneficial.
A VEGFR2 Antagonist Inhibits Cell Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion by Blocking the PI3K-Akt and MAPK Signaling Pathways in Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Liu Chunhao , Liu Zhao , Zhao Hao , Cao Yue , Lin Yansong , Li Xiaoyi
Published: June 2021

Background: Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR2)-mediated signaling cascades are involved in proliferation, migration, survival, and permeability changes in vascular endothelial cells. It was thought that VEGFR2 antagonists exerted their antitumor effects by inhibiting angiogenesis in tumor tissues. However, some recent studies have found that they have significant direct antitumor effects in some tumors. The aim of this study was to explore the antitumor effects and mechanisms of VEGFR2 antagonists in thyroid cancer (TC).Methods: The antitumor efficacy of a VEGFR2 antagonist (apatinib) in TC cells was evaluated through a series of in vitro experiments, and xenograft models were used to test its in vivo antitumor activity. The antitumor mechanisms of the VEGFR2 antagonist were explored using western blotting and immunohistochemistry.Results: Compared with that in the normal human thyroid cell line HTori3, the expression of VEGFR2 in TC cell lines (including IHH4, BCPAP, TPC-1, C643, K1, and 8305C) was significantly increased, especially in the C643 and 8305C cell lines. VEGFR2 antagonist inhibited the proliferation of C643 and 8305C cells in a dose-dependent manner, significantly reduced the invasion and migration of these cells, induced G0/G1 phase arrest and promoted cancer cell apoptosis. Additionally, the antiproliferative effect of the VEGFR2 antagonist was significantly reduced after KDR gene knockdown. In vivo experiments showed that tumor growth in nude mice was significantly inhibited in response to apatinib. The western blot and immunohistochemistry results showed that the VEGFR2 antagonist significantly reduced the expression and phosphorylation of VEGFR2 and further inhibited the phosphorylation of the downstream molecules Akt and ERK1/2.Conclusions: The VEGFR2 antagonist inhibited cell proliferation, invasion and migration in TC by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt and MAPK signaling pathways and exerted direct antitumor effects. Thus, directly targeting VEGFR2 can be an effective strategy for TC expressing VEGFR2.
Seedling size and nutrient availability in the fall determine nitrogen resorption and storage compound allocation in Quercus variabilis
Authors: Wang Jiaxi , Uscola Mercedes , Li Guolei
Published: June 2021

Aims
Soil fertility and resorption of leaf compounds in the fall can influence resource buildup in plants. However, whether intraspecific differences in seedling size can affect nutrient reserve buildup is unknown. This study examined the effects of seedling size and fall fertilization on the uptake and resorption of nitrogen (N), as well as the allocation of non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) and N in cultivated Quercus variabilis Blume.
Methods
After the formation of terminal buds (T1), seedlings were stratified into small (shoot height < 30 cm) and large seedlings. During the hardening period, seedlings were treated with three different rates of 15N-enriched fertilizer (0, 12, or 24 mg N seedling− 1) and monitored until leaf fall (T2).
Results
Small seedlings had lower N resorption efficiency and resorbed proportionally less N than large seedlings. Fall fertilization notably improved N and NSC reserves, without reducing N resorption efficiency. Large seedlings allocated proportionally less N to leaves than small seedlings although both sizes seedlings absorbed similar amounts of N from fall fertilization. The priority perennial organ for NSC allocation was roots, while N allocation was dependent on the phenological growth stage of the seedling. Roots were prioritized during the rapid growth phase, while stems were prioritized during the hardening period.
Conclusions
Under same fertilizer regime during the growth phase, large seedlings tends to have lower N concentration and have higher resorption efficiency compare to small seedlings, fall fertilization can increase N storage in large seedlings and NSC levels in both seedling sizes, without affecting growth.
The Strong Correlation Between ADAM33 Expression and Airway Inflammation in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Candidate for Biomarker and Treatment of COPD
Authors: Fachri Muhammad , Hatta Mochammad , Massi Muhammad Nasrum , Santoso Arif , Wikanningtyas Tri Ariguntar , Dwiyanti Ressy , Junita Ade Rifka , Primaguna Muhammad Reza , Sabir Muhammad
Published: June 2021

Background: Airway inflammation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an amplified response of the normal immune system that occurs as a result of chronic irritation by toxic substances, such as cigarette smoke. This leads to the characteristic pathological changes in the inflammatory cells of COPD patients. ADAM33 has been reported to be involved in the pathogenesis of COPD in East Asia by affecting airway inflammation and other immune responses. The aim of this study was to determine the potential role of ADAM33 (mRNA and soluble levels) as a biomarker of inflammation in COPD patients. Methods: This is a case control study using consecutive sampling. The COPD case and control (non-COPD) groups comprised 37 and 29 patients, respectively. We used univariate analysis to assess differences in the parameters between the groups and bivariate analysis to non-parametrically compare these parameters between the two groups. Results: We observed significantly higher mRNA levels of ADAM33 in the COPD patients (10.39 ± 1.76) as compared to that in the non-COPD individuals (6.93 ± 0.39; p < 0.001). The levels of soluble ADAM33 were also significantly higher in the COPD patients (2.188 ± 1.142 ng/ml) compared to the non-COPD individuals (0.487 ± 0.105 ng/ml; p < 0.001).Conclusion: The mRNA and soluble ADAM33 levels were significantly different in COPD patients compared to those in the parameter-matched non-COPD individuals. Thus, ADAM33 is a potential biomarker and treatment for inflammation in COPD patients.
Theobroma Grandiflorum Breeding Optimization Based on Repeatability, Stability and Adaptability Information
Authors: Chaves Saulo Fabrício da Silva , Alves Rafael Moysés , Alves Rodrigo Silva , Sebbenn Alexandre , de Resende Marcos Deon Vilela , Dias Luiz Antônio dos Santos
Published: June 2021

The cultivation of Theobroma grandiflorum in the Brazilian Amazon is mainly conducted by family farmers who use a range of different management straegies. Thus, breeding programs of the species must address the challenge of developing cultivars that are adapted to and stable in a variety of cultivation environments. In this context, this study aimed to estimate the optimum number of harvests for genetic selection of T. grandiflorum progenies and identify the most promising ones in terms of productivity, stability, and adaptability. The trials were implemented in three environments, using a randomized complete block design, with 25 full-sib progenies, five replications, and three plants per plot. The traits mean number of fruits/plant, mean fruit production/plant, and rate of infection with witches’ broom (Moniliophthora perniciosa) were evaluated over 11 harvests. The Restricted Maximum Likelihood/Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (REML/BLUP) mixed model method was used to estimate genetic parameters and predict genetic values, which were then applied to assess stability and adaptability. The results show that there is genetic variability among the studied T. grandiflorum progenies and that accurate genetic selection aiming at recombination is effective after three harvests, for recombination, or eleven harvests for identification of recommended progenies. Six progenies were selected that met the requirements for productivity, stability, and adaptability to different cultivation environments. These results can be used to optimize and advance T. grandiflorum breeding programs.
Triptolide Inhibits the Biological Processes of HUVEC and HepG2 Cells via the Serine Palmitoyltransferase Long Chain Base Subunit 2/sphingosine-1-phosphate Signaling Pathway
Authors: tan qinyou , zhu shengnan , zhu mingfei , huang lingyue , xu siyuan , luo yuqin , xiao juan , su huazhen , huang shaoyuan , jia lulu
Published: June 2021

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma is a cancer that has a high incidence in men, and its incidence is increasing year by year. Studies show that angiogenesis plays an important role in the formation of tumors, not only providing nutrients to tumor cells, but also closely related to tumor growth and metastasis. So, how to find new anti-vascular and anti-tumor targets for the pathogenesis of liver cancer is a key issue that needs to be resolved.Methods: After treating Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and HepG2 cells with different concentrations of triptolide (TP), the relationship between TP's anti-vascular and anti-tumor activities and sphingolipids was investigated respectively. Then, the three-dimensional co-culture model was used to explore the correlation between HUVEC and HepG2 cells, and to find the relationship between it and sphingolipids.Results: This study explored the effects of TP on the proliferation, migration, adhesion and tube formation of HUVEC cells, as well as the effects on the proliferation, migration and invasion of HepG2 cells. And through the PCR Array assay to screen the changes of related sphingolipid genes, it was found that serine palmitoyltransferase long chain base subunit 2 (SPTLC2) was most likely to be related to the effect of TP. In further transfection experiments, it was found that down-regulation of SPTLC2 can inhibit the proliferation, migration, adhesion and tube formation of HUVEC cells, and down-regulation of SPTLC2 can also inhibit the proliferation, migration and invasion of HepG2 cells. The up-regulation of SPTLC2 has opposite effects in these two cell lines. In the three-dimensional co-culture model of HUVEC and HepG2 cells, it was found for the first time that HUVEC cells can promote the biological process of HepG2 cells. It was found through enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and western blot experiments that it may be achieved through the sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P)/S1P receptors (S1PRs) pathway. Finally, we found that the promotion effect of HUVEC cells on HepG2 cells was significantly inhibited after HUVEC cells were treated with TP.Conclusions: These data confirmed that the level of SPTLC2 may be related to the anti-vascular and anti-tumor effects of TP. The data also showed that there was a correlation between the viability of HepG2 cells and HUVEC cells, which may be related to the expression of S1P/S1PRS. Ultimately, these data may help discover new anti-tumor targets.
Clinical and Genetic Features of Maturity-onset Diabetes of the Young in Pediatric Patients: a 12-year Monocentric Experience
Authors: Passanisi Stefano , Salzano Giuseppina , Bombaci Bruno , Lombardo Fortunato
Published: June 2021

Background. A retrospective observational study was conducted to assess the prevalence of maturity onset diabetes of the young (MODY) in a large paediatric population of Southern Italy. Clinical and genetic features of the identified MODY patients were also described. Methods. Genetic testing was performed in children and adolescents newly diagnosed with diabetes who presented autoantibody negativity and fasting C-peptide levels ≥ 0.8 ng/mL. Patients with a low insulin daily dose and optimal glycaemic control after two years from diabetes onset were also investigated for monogenic diabetes, regardless of their autoimmunity status and/or C-peptide levels.Results. A prevalence of 6.5% of MODY was found. In particular, glucokinase-MODY was the most common type of MODY. The mean age at diagnosis was 9.1 years. Clinical presentation and biochemical data were heterogeneous also among patients belonging to the same MODY group. No clear criteria to screen patients eligible for diagnostic investigations were identified. Conclusions. Our findings highlight that a more detailed clinical evaluation of patients diagnosed with diabetes along with easier and less expensive approachability to genetic testing may allow diagnosing an increasing number of MODY cases. A correct, prompt diagnosis is crucial to choose the most appropriate treatment and offer adequate genetic counselling.
Androgen Receptor Coregulator Long Non Coding RNA CTBP1-AS Is Associated With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Kashmiri Women
Authors: Amin Shajrul , Nabi Mudasar , Andrabi Syed Mudasir , Rasool Shayaq Ul Abeer , Ashraf Sairish , Majid Imarn
Published: June 2021

Objective: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common reproductive, endocrine and metabolic disorders in premenopausal women. Even though the pathophysiology of PCOS is complex and obscure, the disorder is prominently considered as the syndrome of hyperandrogenism. C-Terminal binding protein 1 antisense (CTBP1-AS) acts as a novel Androgen Receptor regulating long noncoding RNA (lncRNA). Therefore, the present study was aimed to establish the possible association of androgen receptor regulating long noncoding RNA CTBP1-AS with PCOS.Methods: A total of 178 subjects including 105 PCOS cases and 73 age-matched healthy controls were recruited for the study. The anthropometric, hormonal and biochemical parameters of all subjects were analysed. Total RNA was isolated from peripheral venous blood and expression analysis was done by quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR). The correlation analysis was performed to evaluate the association between and various clinical parameters and lncRNA CTBP1-AS expression.Results and conclusion: the mean expression level of CTBP1-AS was found to be significantly higher in the PCOS women than in the healthy controls (-lnCTBP1-AS, 4.23 ± 1.68 versus 1.24 ± 0.29 p<0.001). Further, subjects with higher expression level of CTBP1-AS had significantly higher risk of PCOS compared to subjects with low levels of CTBP1-AS expression (actual OR = 11.36, 95% C.I. = 5.59-23.08, P = < 0.001). The area under ROC curve (AUC) was 0.987 (SE 0.006 and 95% C.I. 0.976–0.99). However, lncRNA CTBP1-AS was found to have no association with different clinical characteristics in PCOS. In conclusion, androgen receptor coregulating lncRNA CTBP1-AS is associated with PCOS women and high expression of CTBP1-AS is a risk factor for PCOS in Kashmiri women
Perceptions of and Adaptations to Climate Change, Determinants and Barriers Among Pastoralists in Inner Mongolia, Arid and Semi-Arid Region of China
Authors: Wang Qi , Liu Huamin , Liu Xuhua , Xu Zhichao , Wen Lu , Liu Dongwei , Liang Cunzhu , Zhuo Yi , Wang Lixin
Published: June 2021

Climate change is going to be one that presents major challenges facing pastoral system, especially in arid and semi-arid region. How pastoralists perceive and adapt has become increasingly important part in providing foundation for households and governments to develop adaptation policies. This article aims to investigate the pastoralists' perceptions on climatic change variability and impacts, in addition, to explore the pastoralists' adaptation strategies and determinants using a Multivariate Probit Model, as well as barriers and needs in the adaptive process. We collected questionnaires from the pastoral areas across four districts in Inner Mongolia. The findings revealed that pastoralists' perception of the inter-annual temperature variation is relatively coincide with actual meteorological data. This study found that 11 adaptation strategies have been commonly used by pastoralists, moreover, household production capital, risk-buffering capacity, and social network influenced the pastoralists' adaptations. However, barriers remain for pastoralists, such as inadequate capital and labor, lack of water, limited access to credit, technological knowledge, and timely weather information. Further, our findings indicated that pastoralists need hazard relief fund, improved pasture facilities, technical knowledge training, active weather-based information, integrated pest and disease management and off-farm employment opportunities. This combination of our findings potentially provides some support for developing appropriate and long-term specific policies to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change.
Prioritizing Cancer lncRNA Modulators via Integrated lncRNA-mRNA Network and Somatic Mutation Data
Authors: Zhou Dianshuang , Li Xin , Shang Shipeng , Zhi Hui , Wang Peng , Gao Yue , Ning Shangwei
Published: June 2021

Background: Long noncoding RNAs (LncRNAs) represent a large category of functional RNA molecules that play a significant role in human cancers. lncRNAs can be genes modulators to affect the biological process of multiple cancers.Methods: Here, we developed a computational framework that uses lncRNA-mRNA network and mutations in individual genes of 9 cancers from TCGA to prioritize cancer lncRNA modulators. Our method screened risky cancer lncRNA regulators based on integrated multiple lncRNA functional networks and 3 calculation methods in network. Results: Validation analyses revealed that our method was more effective than prioritization based on a single lncRNA network. This method showed high predictive performance and the highest ROC score was 0.836 in breast cancer. It’s worth noting that we found that 5 lncRNAs scores were abnormally high and these lncRNAs appeared in 9 cancers. By consulting the literatures, these 5 lncRNAs were experimentally supported lncRNAs. Analyses of prioritizing lncRNAs reveal that these lncRNAs are enriched in various cancer-related biological processes and pathways.Conclusions: Together, these results demonstrated the ability of this method identifying candidate lncRNA molecules and improved insights into the pathogenesis of cancer.
SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617.2 Delta variant emergence and vaccine breakthrough
Authors: Mlcochova Petra , Kemp Steven , Dhar Mahesh Shanker , Papa Guido , Meng Bo , Mishra Swapnil , Whittaker Charlie , Mellan Thomas , Ferreira Isabella , Datir Rawlings , Collier Dami A. , Singh Sujeet , Pandey Rajesh , Marwal Robin , Datta Meena , Sengupta Shantanu , Ponnusamy Kalaiarasan , Radhakrishnan V.S. , Abdullahi Adam , Goonawardne Niluka , Brown Jonathan , Charles Oscar , Chattopadhyay Partha , Devi Priti , Caputo Daniela , Peacock Tom , Wattal Chand , Goel Neeraj , Vaishya Raju , Agarwal Meenakshi ,   The Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG),   CITIID-NIHR BioResource COVID-19 Collaboration, Antranik Mavousian, Lee o Hyeon , Barcla Wendy S. , Bhatt Samir , Flaxman Seth , James Leo , Rakshit Partha , Agrawal Anurag ,   Ravindra K. Gupta1
Published: June 2021

The SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant was first identified in the state of Maharashtra in late 2020 and has spread throughout India, displacing the B.1.1.7 (Alpha) variant and other pre-existing lineages. Mathematical modelling indicates that the growth advantage is most likely explained by a combination of increased transmissibility and immune evasion. Indeed in vitro, the delta variant is less sensitive to neutralising antibodies in sera from recovered individuals, with higher replication efficiency as compared to the Alpha variant. In an analysis of vaccine breakthrough in over 100 healthcare workers across three centres in India, the Delta variant not only dominates vaccine-breakthrough infections with higher respiratory viral loads compared to non-delta infections (Ct value of 16.5 versus 19), but also generates greater transmission between HCW as compared to B.1.1.7 or B.1.617.1 (p=0.02). In vitro, the Delta variant shows 8 fold approximately reduced sensitivity to vaccine-elicited antibodies compared to wild type Wuhan-1 bearing D614G. Serum neutralising titres against the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant were significantly lower in participants vaccinated with ChadOx-1 as compared to BNT162b2 (GMT 3372 versus 654, p<0001). These combined epidemiological and in vitro data indicate that the dominance of the Delta variant in India has been most likely driven by a combination of evasion of neutralising antibodies in previously infected individuals and increased virus infectivity. Whilst severe disease in fully vaccinated HCW was rare, breakthrough transmission clusters in hospitals associated with the Delta variant are concerning and indicate that infection control measures need continue in the post-vaccination era.
Evaluation of mortality in ICU-hospitalized COVID-19 patients by using REMS, APACHE-II, CCI, and SOFA
Authors: Kodik Meltem Songür , Öztürk Esin , Uz İlhan , Özçete Enver , Inci Özlem , Ersel Murat
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Our study aimed to analyse the effectiveness of four scoring models in predicting mortality of intensive care unit (ICU) hospitalized COVID-19 patients. The models used in this regard were: Rapid Emergency Medicine Score (REMS), Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE-II), and the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA).Materials and Methods: A single-centre and retrospective analysis was carried out by considering definitive or probable COVID-19 patients hospitalized our hospital’s ICU unit. Patients who were admitted to our hospital’s ED between 11.03.2020 – 31.12.2020, and transferred directly to ICU from the ED due to being diagnosed with COVID-19 were included in our study. 411 patients above 18 years old were found appropriate for the study.Results: Among the patients, the mean age was 69 and 61.6% were male. Laboratory values such as creatinine, potassium(K), white blood cells(WBC), hematocrit(HTC), pH, and physiological findings such as mean arterial pressure, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, FiO2 were found statistically significant (p<0.05). Besides, comorbidities were observed in 368(89.5%) patients, and malignancy and dementia were statistically associated with death (p<0.001 and 0.019, respectively). All four of the scoring systems (REMS, CCI, APACHE-II, and SOFA) were statistically an indicator of in-hospital mortality (p<0.001). However, when ROC analysis was used to compare the discriminatory power of the scoring systems, no meaningful difference was detected (p>0.05).Conclusion: We investigated that REMS, CCI, APACHE-II, and SOFA were effective in determining the in-hospital mortality of critically ill COVID-19 patients; however, no remarkable superiority existed between each other. These models may be guiding for ED physicians in terms of risk classification.
Research progress on the injury mechanism and detection method of disinfectant-injured Escherichia coli in the drinking water system
Authors: Feng Cui-min , Zhu Na , Jin Ji-yue , Li Ying , Xu Zhen , Wei Tong , Yu Rui
Published: June 2021

Sublethally injured bacteria can still develop into normal bacteria under favorable growth conditions, and their pathogenicity poses a great threat to human health. In the drinking water system, some bacteria cause sublethal injury under the action of disinfectants, that is, disinfectant-injured bacteria. Hence, the detection of disinfectant-injured bacteria and the elucidation of injury mechanisms are of great significance for ensuring the microbial safety of drinking water systems. This article takes the indicator bacteria Escherichia coli as the research object, reviews and summarizes the sublethal injury conditions, damage mechanism, and detection methods of disinfectant-injured bacteria in drinking water, and puts forward a prospect for the future research directions of drinking water disinfection and disinfectant-injured bacteria.
Current report on the prevalence of free-living amoebae (FLA) in natural hot springs: a systematic review
Authors: Fabros Mary Rachael Leigh , Diesta Xyleen Rianne Shae , Oronan John Anthony , Verdejo Kim Sofia , Garcia Joe-Anna Sheilla Marie , Sophia Romey Ma. , Milanez Giovanni De Jesus
Published: June 2021

The occurrence of potentially pathogenic free-living amoebae (FLA) in natural hot springs is considered a public health concern. FLAs are known to cause serious health outcomes to a wide spectrum of mammalian hosts. The present study aimed to provide the distribution of isolated cases of FLAs in hot springs through a systematic review process of available published articles online. Relevant studies are published between January 2010 and January 2020 involving the isolation of Naegleria spp., Acanthamoeba spp., Balamuthia spp., Sappinia spp., and Vermamoeba spp. in natural hot springs in the United States, South America, North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Articles were identified through a search of PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Out of 94 articles screened, a total of 20 articles are included in the study with consideration of established inclusion and exclusion criteria. The most common FLAs isolated in hot springs are Acanthamoeba spp. (134; 48.5%) and Naegleria spp. (127; 46.0%). Other FLAs isolated in hot springs include Balamuthia spp. (2; 0.7%) and Vermamoeba spp. (13; 4.7%). FLA in hot springs used for recreational and medical purposes is a potential source of infection. It is recommended that strict surveillance and maintenance of hot springs be implemented to prevent potential future infection.
The effect of mobile camera selection on the capacity to predict water turbidity
Authors: Villamil Jorge , Victorino Jorge , Gómez Francisco
Published: June 2021

Recently, cameras of mobile have phones emerged as an alternative for quantifying water turbidity. Most of these studies lack a strategy to determine the water turbidity for new samples, focusing mainly on one particular device. Nevertheless, widespread use of these approaches requires a predictive capacity on out-of-the-sample images acquired in devices of different capabilities. We studied the influence of mobile device camera sensors on the predictive performance of water turbidity for non-previously observed turbid images. For this, a reference database with turbid images acquired for different mobile devices was constructed. A machine learning method based on image quality measures and linear classifiers (least squares and LASSO) was proposed to perform predictions on each mobile device. Relative accuracy and precision were evaluated. Results suggest that these approaches may provide accurate predictions reaching most than 80% of relative accuracy with high test-retest reliability (> 0.99). Nevertheless, our results also indicate that the predictive performance levels dropped in low capacity quality sensors. Therefore, despite the high performance that can be reached using these approaches, widespread use on multiple mobile devices may require further development of low-quality sensors and a better understanding of their operative ranges.
Organy administracji publicznej w znaczeniu funkcjonalnym w jurysdykcyjnym postępowaniu administracyjnym – próba klasyfikacji
Authors: Szremski Jakub
Published: June 2021

Oprócz organów administracji publicznej w znaczeniu ustrojowym, do wydawania decyzji w indywidualnych sprawach umocowane ustawowo są również organy administracji publicznej w znaczeniu funkcjonalnym. Ustawodawca przyznaje kompetencję do wydawania decyzji podmiotom o różnym charakterze prawnym – zarówno państwowym, jak i prywatnym. Organy administracji publicznej w znaczeniu funkcjonalnym można jednak uporządkować wedle kryterium „bliskości związania” ze strukturą państwa. Tym samym mogą to być podmioty od państwowych, przez quasi-publiczne, aż po prywatnoprawne. Można zatem wyróżnić trzy grupy „organów funkcjonalnych”. Po pierwsze, o charakterze publicznoprawnym – należące do szeroko rozumianego aparatu państwowego. Po drugie, o charakterze quasi-publicznym – niemające charakteru ani w pełni publicznego, ani prywatnego (o charakterze mieszanym). Po trzecie, podmioty o charakterze prywatnoprawnym.
Changes from AFDC to TANF in the welfare reform
Authors:   College of Business Administration, Northern Border University, Arar, Saudi Arabia, Alshrari Abdullah
Published: June 2021

This study seeks to present a conceptual framework on the importance of the federal government increase the funds for child care programs. United States Congress passed an act: “Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC)” and was signed by President Bill Clinton and in 1997, the Aid to Families with Dependent Children Act become the “Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Act (TANF). In 1996, the grants were no dependent on state spending on welfare and were earmarked to provide time-limited benefits to a border range of low-income families. The AFDC was replaced by TANF. TANF changes the time limit to five years for receiving cash assistant and required most recipients to work. AFDC was a program that entitled. So that any family meets the federal and the state requirement should receive cash assistance. TANF is funded by the federal government and individual states, TANF provides support to low-income families with children. Also, one biological parent must be absent. TANF replaced the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) program which began in 1935 in order to support widows and orphans. The purpose of welfare reform is to increase state flexibility, keeping the children in their homes and parents depending on themselves rather than the government. The federal government should increase the funds for the child care program. This study has reached an understanding of the necessity of reconsidering the rules of Welfare care programs.
Actividad antihelmíntica in vivo de terpenos y aceites esenciales en pequeños rumiantes
Authors: Torres-Fajardo Rafael Arturo , Higuera-Piedrahita Rosa Isabel
Published: June 2021

Los terpenos y aceites esenciales (AcEs) poseen un amplio espectro de actividades biológicas que pueden ser exploradas en las ciencias veterinarias. En este sentido, su uso ha sido propuesto como una estrategia para enfrentar las crecientes poblaciones de nematodos gastrointestinales (NGI) resistentes a los antihelmínticos (AH) tradicionales. En la presente revisión analizamos 11 manuscritos científicos que, mediante la utilización del enfoque in vivo, evaluaron el potencial AH de plantas ricas en terpenos (PRT) o AcEs en pequeños rumiantes. La especie ovina fue utilizada en el 81% de los trabajos. Brasil es el país que lidera esta línea de investigación seguido de los Estados Unidos de América y la República de Benín. Todos los manuscritos analizados utilizaron la prueba de reducción del conteo fecal de huevos de NGI, mientras que cinco manuscritos emplearon la metodología del test —o prueba— controlado(a). La actividad de las PRT y los AcEs sobre la excreción de huevos de NGI en las heces fue variable, reportándose valores que oscilaron desde un efecto nulo hasta un 97%. Dos trabajos reportaron una reducción en el tamaño de los NGI machos adultos y en la fecundidad de las hembras tras la administración de AcEs. Resulta necesario generar más trabajos que se dirijan a entender las interacciones entre las plantas, sus metabolitos secundarios y los rumiantes que las consumen. Comprender dichas interacciones nos permitirá utilizar estos productos naturales como elementos que ayuden a mejorar la nutrición y la sanidad de ovinos y caprinos en diferentes sistemas productivos.
National Policy on China One Belt-One Road (OBOR) Initiative Towards Indonesia as Global Maritime Nexus
Authors: Setiawan Riko Ratna , Kamil Muhammad
Published: June 2021

One Belt-One Road Initiative is a huge project that is still a subject of discussion in the world. The project initiated by the Chinese state invites cooperation with various countries in the world in order to reactivate the maritime silk route, including Indonesia. There are 5 pillars of OBOR which are strengthening connectivity, improving infrastructure, promoting trade and scurity, increasing monetary circulation and increasing public understanding of maritime cooperation. There are some indonesian political experts argue that this cooperation will be dominated by China in all five pillars, which in the end will only make Indonesia “an instrument", not an actor. This is what the authors will discuss in this research. The purpose of this research is to see how the national policy prospects on OBOR regulations. This research is analyzed using descriptive qualitative methods by taking data from various relevant sources to the discussion topic. This research has a result that there are several national policies that can be implemented by Indonesia to strengthen its position as an actor in OBOR, where Indonesia should to provide escort to their national interests in the OBOR project.
In Silico Studies Comparing the Adjuvant Therapies Approved for Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Sathish Kumar Jayaprakash
Published: June 2021

One of the most common neurodegenerative disorders is Parkinson's disease. The occurrence of Parkinson's disease includes loss of dopaminergic function and loss of motor function. It is characterized by non- motor as well as motor features. The medicine sector has been primarily focusing on developing adjunctive therapy for the treatment of Parkinson's disease in order to improve the efficacy of the drugs and to improve the quality of treatment. This study aims in silico screening of the drugs available for adjunctive therapy of Parkinson’s disease. The pharmacokinetic parameters, potential adverse effects, toxicity studies, biological activity and the structure activity relationships of the drugs were analyzed and summarized. The drugs chosen as  adjunctive therapy in the treatment of Parkinson's disease have reported high chances of adverse drug events and require precautions before administration. Although, they are therapeutically effective it is necessary to investigate other available therapies and then conclude their efficacy.

Keywords: Adjunct therapy, in silico, Parkinson’s disease, pharmacokinetic study, toxicity profile.
Formulation and Evaluation of Immediate Release Tablet Dosage Form of Linagliptin and Metformin Hydrochloride
Authors: Jat Rakesh Kumar , Chatterjee Sukanta
Published: June 2021

The aim of the current study work was to formulate and assess a fixed dose mixture tablet of instant release oral solid dosage form comprising two anti-diabetic drugs (linagliptin and metformin hydrochloride) for managing of diabetes mellitus type 2.The innovator drug product (Jentadueto Tablet) was evaluated for the various evaluation parameters, which have been taken into consideration during the drug product development. Pre-formulation evaluation was accomplished to safeguard better parameters of formulated drug product. On the result of pre-formulation evaluation and innovator drug product characterization, the model drug product was recognized in various steps. The established formulation was augmented for different excipients. The instant release film covered tablet of linagliptin and metformin HCl was expressed and augmented at laboratory scale. The individual steps (procedures) were improved for the same and the scale-up contemplation have been engaged into account certify the product performance at pilot plant-up to commercial scale-up.

Keywords: anti-diabetic, linagliptin, metformin
Investigation of Airborne Particulate Matter in the Atmosphere of the Black Sea Coastal Zone Based on the Measured and Satellite Data
Authors: Varenik А. V. ,   Marine Hydrophysical Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, Sevastopol, Russian Federation, Kalinskaya D. V. ,   Marine Hydrophysical Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, Sevastopol, Russian Federation, Myslina М. А. ,   Marine Hydrophysical Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, Sevastopol, Russian Federation
Published: June 2021

Purpose. One of the most pressing problems of large cities is air pollution resulting from presence of various large and fine particles in the air. These micro-particles can be transported by the air currents over considerable distances, as well as coagulate various substances also present in the atmosphere. The purpose of the work is to study the content of particulate matter of 2.5 and 10 microns (PM2.5 and PM10) in the atmosphere of Sevastopol, as well as the processes affecting their concentration. Methods and Results. During the period from February to June, 2020, the scientists of Marine Hydrophysical Institute (MHI), RAS measured mass concentration of PM2.5 and PM10 in Sevastopol using the “Atmas” dust analyzer. A total of 180 measurements of the micro-particle concentrations in the air of Sevastopol were done, and 60 values of the PM2.5 and PM10 daily average concentrations were obtained. To analyze the preferred aerosol type for the dates with high content of suspended particles in the air, the CALIPSO satellite data were used. It is shown that the smoke recorded in the Sevastopol atmosphere on 19.02.2020 could lead to increase of the PM10 particles concentration. A day before the increased concentrations of suspended particles were revealed in the Sevastopol atmospheric air, the CALYPSO satellite data on aerosol typing over the Black Sea had shown predominance of the smoke aerosol in the atmosphere over the region under study. Conclusions. The results of the investigation show that in the atmosphere of Sevastopol, the cases when the PM2.5 and PM10 particles contents exceeded the maximum permissible daily average concentration by up to 3.4 times were detected. It was found that the main cause of air pollution with micro-particles in Sevastopol was the transfer both of the air masses from the deserts in the African continent and Asia, and the burning biomass aerosol (smoke). Air pollution with the PM10 particles caused by the local source, namely soil exсavation in immediate proximity to the air sampling point, was less significant.