bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of poly-γ-glutamic acid and poly-γ-glutamic acid super absorbent polymer on the sandy loam soil hydro-physical properties
Authors: Guo Jianzhong , Shi Wenjuan , Li Jiake , Zhai Zhongmin
Published: January 2021

The main forms of poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA) applied in agriculture include agricultural γ-PGA and γ-PGA super absorbent polymer (SAP). Laboratory experiments were conducted with a check treatment CK (no γ-PGA added) and two different forms of γ-PGA added to sandy loam soil (T and TM stand for γ-PGA and γ-PGA SAP) at four different soil mass ratios (0.05% (1), 0.10% (2), 0.15% (3) and 0.20% (4)) to determine their effects on sandy loam soil hydro-physical properties. Both of them could reduce the cumulative infiltration of soil water. The total available water (TAW) which the soil water content (SWC) from field water capacity (FC) to permanent wilting point (PWP) after γ-PGA added into sandy loam soil had no significant different compared with CK, and the TAW was highest at the treatment of γ-PGA with 0.10% addition amount into sandy loam soil. However, the TAW of sandy loam soil increased dramatically with the γ-PGA SAP addition amount increasing. TM3 had the highest soil water absorption among the treatments with γ-PGA SAP. The T1 to T4 treatments with γ-PGA addition slightly prolonged retention time (RT) when SWC varied from FC to PWP compared with CK. For γ-PGA SAP addition treatments, the time for SWC varied from FC to PWP was 1.48 times (TM1), 1.88 times (TM2), 2.01 times (TM3) and 2.87 times (TM4) longer than that of CK, respectively. The results of this study will provide further information for the use of these materials in agricultural application.
Impact of salt intake reduction on CVD mortality in Costa Rica: A scenario modelling study
Authors: Vega-Solano Jaritza , Blanco-Metzler Adriana , Madriz-Morales Karol , Fernandes-Nilson Eduardo-Augusto , Labonté Marie Eve
Published: January 2021

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) represent the leading cause of death in Costa Rica and high blood pressure was associated with a mortality rate of 29% in 2018. The average household sodium intake in the country is also two times higher than the World Health Organization recommendation. The objective of this study was to estimate the impact of reducing salt intake on CVD mortality in Costa Rica using a scenario simulation model. The Preventable Risk Integrated ModEl (PRIME) was used to estimate the number of deaths that would be averted or delayed in the Costa Rican population by following the national and the international guidelines to reduce salt consumption, according to two scenarios: A) 46% reduction and B) 15% reduction, both at an energy intake of 2171 kcal. The scenarios estimated that between 4% and 13%, respectively, of deaths due to CVD would be prevented or postponed. The highest percentages of deaths prevented or postponed by type of CVD would be related to Coronary heart disease (39% and 38%, respectively), Hypertensive disease (32% and 33%, respectively), and Stroke (22% in both). The results demonstrate that reducing salt consumption could prevent or postpone an important number of deaths in Costa Rica. More support for existing policies and programs urges.
Drinking water supplemented with wood vinegar on growth performance, intestinal morphology, and gut microbial of broiler chickens
Authors: Hanchai Kornkamon , Trairatapiwan Tassanee , Lertpatarakomol Rachakris
Published: January 2021

Background and Aim: Wood vinegar is a product generated from the combustion and distillation of wood and other plant materials. It has been shown to suppress bacteria, resulting in healthier livestock and increased yields. This study aimed to determine the efficacy of drinking water supplemented with wood vinegar on growth performance, intestinal health, and gut microbial of broilers.

Materials and Methods: A total of 120 Ross 308 1-day-old male broiler chicks were randomly distributed in a completely randomized experimental design. The study consisted of three treatments containing four replicates, with 10 birds in each. Treatments were given 0.5% and 1.0% (V/V) wood vinegar supplemented in drinking water, while no supplementation was given to the control group. The animals were raised in an open-house system. All groups were provided with a commercial diet and drinking water ad libitum. Analysis of variance was conducted using the general linear model procedure to compare the levels of wood vinegar supplementation in drinking water on growth performance, intestinal morphology, and gut microbial.

Results: No significant differences (p>0.05) were found for body weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, and water consumption between groups during the starter (1-21 days old), grower (22-35 days old), and whole (1-35 days old) growth periods. Moreover, no significant differences in villi height and crypt depth (p>0.05) at 21 and 35 days of age were found. In addition, no significant difference in terms of lactic acid bacteria and Escherichia coli was found between the different treatments.

Conclusion: Drinking water supplemented with wood vinegar was not found to have an effect on the growth performance and gut microbial of broiler chickens in the present study. However, the supplementation of wood vinegar in drinking water could improve intestinal morphology.
Study of Energy Efficiency Benchmarking Parameter based on Real Traffic and Energy Data of a high-speed Traction Lift in Hong Kong
Authors: Ng Melvyn Long Ho , So Albert Ting Pat
Published: January 2021

A holistic normalization method (So et al 2005, Lam et al 2006) was developed, which can simultaneously assess both drive efficiency and traffic control performance on a real-time basis of a lift system, termed  measured in the unit, J/kg/m. Since 2012, it has been adopted by the HKSAR Government as an emerging good engineering practice in the Technical Guidelines of the Building Energy Code. A study of the parameter based on pure simulations using artificial traffic patterns and simple energy patterns was conducted (So et al 2018), recommending that a value of 40 J/kg/m could indicate an efficient system. In this article, the study is conducted again based on real passenger demand and real energy profiles on a bank of seven lifts serving a super-high-rise luxurious office building in Hong Kong, with a conclusion that the previous recommendation is still valid, supported by real data. The study includes variation by simulation in traffic control algorithms and the number of lifts of the bank to study the "undersizing effect" with the same passenger demands throughout a typical weekday, from morning to evening.
Osteoarthritis, COVID-19 Social Isolation-Impacts, and Counter Solutions
Authors: Marks Ray
Published: January 2021

Background to the Issue
Many older adults, including those already suffering from chronically painful disabling osteoarthritis of one or more joints remain more susceptible than healthy age and gender matched adults to the COVID-19 corona virus.

Aims
This report sought to examine what has been published in 2020 on this health condition from the perspective of the variable of widely imposed social isolation strategies designed to mitigate the spread of this highly infectious disease, and to especially keep older community dwelling adults ‘safe’ from infection.

Methods
Reviewed were all articles published in 2020 in PUBMED from January 1-December 24, 2020 on osteoarthritis and COVID-19 isolation impacts, plus relevant past osteoarthritis and isolation literature among older adults. The focus was on ascertaining how social isolation and distancing strategies might impact current community-dwelling adults diagnosed with osteoarthritis and whether more should be done specifically to mitigate any potentially preventable ‘socially’ induced negative health impact among this group, in spite of the laudable goals of this public health strategy.

Results
Older adults with osteoarthritis living in the community who are asked to self-isolate, may incur more osteoarthritis pain and disability than would otherwise be encountered if actions taken to counter this possibility are not forthcoming. Advocated over and above basic care approaches are several psychosocial strategies including the role of mobilizing various forms of social support.

Conclusion
Data indicate a need for concerted thoughtful and immediate attention to offset isolation, fear, and anxiety and depression effects as part of a carefully devised integrated plan of management to reduce excess osteoarthritis disability, as well as excess COVID-19 risk among otherwise free living older adults already compromised by osteoarthritis.
UV rays Decrease Foliar pH in Cress (Lepidium Sativum) and Modify NIR Spectrum
Authors: Masoero Giorgio , Cugnetto Alberto , Sarasso Giuseppe , D’Amore Giovanni , Giovannetti Giusto , Nuti Marco
Published: January 2021

An experiment on watercress (Lepidium sativum) 42 d days after sowing was set up to evaluate the effect of UVAB radiation on foliar pH and on NIR tomoscopy. The effect of 8 h of UV exposure (about 500 µWcm-2) was clear, causing a reduction in the foliar pH of 6.0%, compared to the contemporary control group (5.22 vs. 5.56). When the treated leaves were returned to white light, their pH rose by 1.7% (5.31), reaching the same level as leaves grown outdoors (5.33). On the basis of the NIR spectra, the leaves of the plants grown outdoors were recognized 100%, that is, more than the control leaves (87%) and the plants treated with UV on the day of measurement (81%). However, the effect of the UV marking on the leaves is not permanent as, after the UV treatment, the leaves returned to white light were classified at 61%, which is a greater value than the 37% of overlapping between the two groups. The foliar pH was highly correlated with the NIR spectra, with R2 0.43. These results corroborate the hypothesis of the influence of the solar cycle on the variation of the pH of leaves in plants, which we believe may have played a major role in past agricultural pandemics. These results call for the introduction of the pH test for the evaluation of resistance to pathogens. From the environmental point of view, the foliar pH could be enlisted as an in vivo long-time indicator of the response of plants to climate changes.
Art among archeologists. Selected examples
Authors: Kaczor Maciej , Pyżewicz Katarzyna , Wielgus Barbara
Published: January 2021

This article presents selected aspects of potential intersections of archeology and art, the potential resulting from it, and also threats. We presented our interpretation of the perception of this issue, which is from the archaeologist’s perspective. We referred to specific examples that refer both to our experience resulting from more than a year of cooperation between the Faculty of Archeology of the Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań and the Faculty of Art Education and Curatorial Studies of the University of Arts in Poznań, as well as the external sources. An attempt was made to answer the question – how archaeologists can use the knowledge and experience of artists. We focused on the example of museology and the popularization of archaeological knowledge, how to make it more attractive, and to facilitate public reception. At the same time, we presented our observations on the examples of the use of archeology by artists as inspiration.
Kwestia pierwotności funkcji estetycznej muzyki w świetle znalezisk archeologicznych
Authors: Podlipniak Piotr
Published: January 2021

Bony flutes dated back to around 43,000 years old are the clearest examples of musical instruments ever found. There are also other archeological artifacts related to the possible musical activity of Homo sapiens and Homo neanderthalensis, which are the subject of numerous controversies. Bearing in mind that singing is the simplest form of musical activity that does not need any tools, the beginning of music must have been much older than the first musical instruments. Due to the fact that the sonic results of prehistorical hominins’ musical activity have not been preserved, the question of the artistic nature of hominins’ music requires the ethological knowledge as well as archeological findings. One of the widely discussed ethological hypotheses concerning human proclivity to behave artistically is the idea of artification, which has been proposed by Ellen Dissanayake. This idea suggests that the source of the human proclivity for art is the species-specific predisposition of Homo sapiens to transform the mundane non-artistic phenomena into art. However, while in the case of visual arts, the archeological discoveries of prehistorical paintings are by themselves the proof of such transformation in order to recognize the aesthetic function of our ancestors’ sound expressions the interpretation of the archeological discoveries of musical instruments in a broader context seems to be indispensable. The main aim of this article is to indicate that communication that has led to social consolidation has been the primordial function of music. Only together with the accelerating cultural evolution that occurred at the end of the middle Paleolithic period, musical activity was transformed from a simple communicative tool into an aesthetic phenomenon. It is proposed that this transformation could have been possible thanks to the appearance of the proclivityto artification.
Czy archeologia potrzebuje sztuki? Jak teoretyczne spojrzenie otwiera nowe możliwości współpracy. Sztuka jako użytkowanie
Authors: Ryczek Justyna
Published: January 2021

In the following paper, a question was asked if archaeology needs art, precisely – in what way is this art needed? The author determines the value of the artistic act since we want to participate in this experiencing and even co-create this experience. Another issue is what we have from the contact with the art. The art is treated as continuously changing which imposes the transformations in the definition. The answer points out the proper understanding of the art functions, which is as using. It is significant when indicating various connections and transfers between art and other academic disciplines. It helps to notice mutual connections and relations, also with archaeology.
Między wyjątkowością a wstydem. Świadomość językowa mieszkańców powiatu ostrowskiego
Authors: Osowski Błażej
Published: January 2021

W artykule zajęto się zagadnieniami związanymi ze świadomością językową. Celem tekstu jest przedstawienie, co mieszkańcy powiatu ostrowskiego sądzą o gwarach. Materiał pozyskano za pomocą ankiety internetowej. Analiza porusza kilka kwestii: występowanie gwar w okolicach Ostrowa Wielkopolskiego, zauważane cechy gwar, skojarzenia wywołane przez słowo „gwara” (potoczny stereotyp gwary), geografia gwar w świadomości ankietowanych, stosunek do gwary, pokoleniowe występowanie gwary.
Materiały do osiągnięć leksykografii słowiańskiej
Authors: Kobus Justyna , Рябець Людмила
Published: January 2021

Materiały do dialektologii.
Сполучуваність у межах ад’єктивно-субстантивного комплексу: матеріали пам’яток XVI–XVIII ст. і записи автора із Наддністрянщини
Authors: Дидик-Меуш Ганна
Published: January 2021

Стаття присвячена аналізу ад’єктивно-субстантивних словосполучень перехідного типу в українських текстах XVI–XVIII століть. На шкалі комбінаторної семантики ці слвоосполучення розміщуються між вільними словосполученнями та ідіомами. Обов’язково слід вивчити АСС перехідного типу. Під час опису системних зв’язків у мові важливо визначити не лише стабільність системи, чіткість та ясність системи, а також суперечності, невідповідності та неоднозначності явищ. Складені АСС можна розділити на дві групи: композиційні та декомпозиційні. Композиційну групу можна далі поділити на композиційно вільні vs мовно невільні словосполучення та на композиційно невільні vs мовно вільні словосполучення. Останні поділяються на номінаційні, етикетні, кліше, традиційні епітети та стереотипні.
Landscape dynamics at borderlands: analysing land use changes from Southern Slovenia
Authors: Ribeiro Daniela , Visković Nika Razpotnik , Čarni Andraž
Published: January 2021

This study presents the results of an in-depth study on landscape changes over the last two centuries in the region of Bela krajina, south-eastern Slovenia. Since this region is situated along the Slovenian–Croatian border, immigration and emigration are permanent fixtures in the region. Due to historical reasons, population structure and land use changes occurred. With regard to these processes, two case studies were selected: settlements of Adlešiči and Bojanci. Adlešiči is a village mainly inhabited by farmers of catholic religion. Bojanci was colonized by Orthodox Uskoki, i.e. refugees from Ottoman Empire who become Habsburg soldiers who lived a military life and had different attitude towards land cultivation. Landscapes in these two settlements have its own distinctive patterns contrasting to each other in the land use, showing historically distinctive cultural landscapes. The study aimed to interpret the development of cultural landscapes in these settlements by analysing the land use changes and identifying the factors that influenced it. Even though these sites have different management regimes, they are both affected by difficult karst terrain and isolation. The results confirmed the land abandonment and overgrowth of agricultural land in both case studies, however, at different rates.
Long-term results following electrical stimulation of the peroneal nerve using the ActiGait® system in 33 patients with central drop foot
Authors: Martin Daniel , Patriciu Andrei , Schulz Anne-Kathrin , Schackert Gabriele
Published: January 2021

Objective

Direct electrical stimulation of the peroneal nerve, using the implantable ActiGait® system, enables a therapy of the centrally caused drop foot, to improve the gait of the patients. In this paper, we present long-term results at 36-month follow-up post implantation.

Method

A total of 33 patients, 27 stroke and six multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, suffering from spastic drop foot were implanted in our center and assessed in terms of gait endurance, speed, risk of fall, and life quality at baseline and 36 months following implantation.

Results

The six min gait endurance test increased significantly from 202 ± 41 m without walking aids to 380 ± 30 m (p=0.038), while using the implant. Moreover, the time in the gait speed measured over 20 m decreased from 31.8 ± 10.2 s without to 18.5 ± 4.6 s by using the ActiGait® system (p=0.039). Similarly, gait steadiness, measured by the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test improved by 36.6%, with patients demonstrating a reduced time from 18.6 ± 5.5 to 11.2 ±  3.8 s (p=0.041) upon implant activation. Most importantly, 31 of 33 patients reported remarkable improvements of their quality of life following direct electrical nerve stimulation.

Conclusion

Our findings confirm previously published efficacy data at 12 months after implantation and underline the long-lasting effect of the ActiGait® system.
TRIM25 contributes to the malignancy of acute myeloid leukemia and is negatively regulated by microRNA-137
Authors: Wang Sheng , Zhang Bang Shuo , Yang Yi , Li Ying , Lv Jing Long , Cheng Yu
Published: January 2021

Background

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a ubiquitous malignancy that occurs in the hematological system. Tripartite motif-containing 25 (TRIM25) has been found to be involved in various carcinomas comprising AML. However, the function and underlying causative role of TRIM25 in AML are still obscure.

Methods and materials

Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used for assaying TRIM25 and miR-137 expression in AML samples and cells. CCK-8 assay, Calcein-acetoxymethylester/propidium iodide staining, and Transwell assay were adopted to assay cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. Dual-luciferase reporter experiment was used for analyzing the interaction of TRIM25 with miR-137. Western blot was used for assaying protein expression levels.

Results

This study confirmed that TRIM25 expression was upregulated in AML samples and cell lines, whereas miR-137 expression was downregulated. Overexpression of TRIM25 significantly contributed to AML cell’s proliferation, invasion, and migration, whereas knockdown exerted the opposite effect. In addition, TRIM25 was a downstream target of miR-137 in AML cells and negatively modulated by miR-137.

Conclusion

TRIM25 was targeted and regulated by miR-137, exerted a carcinogenic function in AML, and could be used as a latent biomarker and a treatment target for AML.
Counting Stirling permutations by number of pushes
Authors: Mansour Toufik , Shattuck Mark
Published: January 2021

Let 𝒯(

k

)

n
denote the set of k-Stirling permutations having n distinct letters. Here, we consider the number of steps required (i.e., pushes) to rearrange the letters of a member of 𝒯(

k

)

n
so that they occur in non-decreasing order. We find recurrences for the joint distribution on 𝒯(

k

)

n
for the statistics recording the number of levels (i.e., occurrences of equal adjacent letters) and pushes. When k = 2, an explicit formula for the ordinary generating function of this distribution is also found. In order to do so, we determine the LU-decomposition of a certain infinite matrix having polynomial entries which enables one to compute explicitly the inverse matrix.
AMPA and NMDA Receptor Trafficking at Cocaine-Generated Synapses
Authors: Wang Yao Q. , Huang Yanhua H. , Balakrishnan Saju , Liu Lidong , Wang Yu Tian , Nestler Eric J. , Schlüter Oliver M. , Dong Yan
Published: January 2021

Cocaine experience generates AMPA receptor (AMPAR)-silent synapses in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), which are thought to be new synaptic contacts enriched in GluN2B-containing NMDA receptors (NMDARs). After drug withdrawal, some of these synapses mature by recruiting AMPARs, strengthening the newly established synaptic transmission. Silent synapse generation and maturation are two consecutive cellular steps through which NAc circuits are profoundly remodeled to promote cue-induced cocaine seeking after drug withdrawal. However, the basic cellular processes that mediate these two critical steps remains underexplored. Using a combination of electrophysiology, viral-mediated gene transfer, and confocal imaging in male rats as well as knock-in (KI) mice of both sexes, our current study characterized the dynamic roles played by AMPARs and NMDARs in generation and maturation of silent synapses on NAc medium spiny neurons after cocaine self-administration and withdrawal. We report that cocaine-induced generation of silent synapses not only required synaptic insertion of GluN2B-containing NMDARs, but also, counterintuitively, involved insertion of AMPARs, which subsequently internalized, resulting in the AMPAR-silent state on withdrawal day 1. Furthermore, GluN2B NMDARs functioned to maintain these cocaine-generated synapses in the AMPAR-silent state during drug withdrawal, until they were replaced by nonGluN2B NMDARs, a switch that allowed AMPAR recruitment and maturation of silent synapses. These results reveal dynamic interactions between AMPARs and NMDARs during the generation and maturation of silent synapses after cocaine experience and provide a mechanistic basis through which new synaptic contacts and possibly new neural network patterns created by these synapses can be manipulated for therapeutic benefit.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTStudies over the past decade reveal a critical role of AMPA receptor-silent, NMDA receptor-containing synapses in forming cocaine-related memories that drive cocaine relapse. However, it remains incompletely understood how AMPA and NMDA receptors traffic at these synapses during their generation and maturation. The current study characterizes a two-step AMPA receptor trafficking cascade that contributes to the generation of silent synapses in response to cocaine experience, and a two-step NMDA receptor trafficking cascade that contributes to the maturation of these synapses after cocaine withdrawal. These results depict a highly regulated cellular procedure through which nascent glutamatergic synapses are generated in the adult brain after drug experience and provide significant insight into the roles of glutamate receptors in synapse formation and maturation.
When a storm showers the blood clots: a case of thyroid storm with systemic thromboembolism
Authors: Maung Aye Chan , Cheong May Anne , Chua Ying Ying , Gardner Daphne Su-Lyn
Published: January 2021

Thyroid storm is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication of excessive thyroid hormone action. It is associated with a hypercoagulable state and reported to increase the risk of thromboembolism. However, the role of anticoagulation in thyroid storm still remains controversial and inconclusive. A 22-year-old male with no significant past medical history presented with acute severe generalised abdominal pain. He was found to be profoundly thyrotoxic on arrival at our institution and subsequently diagnosed with thyroid storm secondary to newly diagnosed Graves’ disease. Extensive thromboses of the splanchnic, iliac, femoral veins and pulmonary arteries were subsequently demonstrated on CT scan. He had prolonged bowel ileus as a sequela of mesenteric ischaemia requiring total parenteral nutrition and non-oral forms of anti-thyroid drugs for management of hyperthyroidism. He was in sinus rhythm throughout his inpatient stay, and there was no personal history of prothrombotic conditions. His thrombophilia screen was normal. He eventually required jejunectomy due to jejunal ischaemia from extensive involvement of portal and mesenteric veins. He underwent radioiodine ablation for definitive treatment. He is currently hypothyroid and receiving thyroxine replacement. Thyroid storms are hypercoagulable states and can be associated with extensive thromboembolism even in the absence of atrial fibrillation. To our knowledge, this is the first report of severe extensive thromboembolism complicated by severe mesenteric ischaemia and bowel ileus in the setting of a thyroid storm. Routine prophylactic anticoagulation should be considered in those presenting with thyroid storms.

Learning points:

Prolonged use of rectal propylthiouracil (PTU) for managing hyperthyroidism was effective in a patient who cannot take oral anti-thyroid drugs.

Hyperthyroidism is a hypercoagulable state due to an imbalance between coagulation and fibrinolytic factors.

Thyroid storm can be associated with extensive thromboembolism even in the absence of atrial fibrillation; routine prophylactic anticoagulation should be considered in the setting of thyroid storms.
Diazoxide-responsive hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia in tyrosinaemia type 1
Authors: Sotiridou Ellada , Hoermann Henrike , Aftab Sommayya , Dastamani Antonia , Thimm Eva , Doodson Louise , Batzios Spyros , Kummer Sebastian , Shah Pratik
Published: January 2021

Tyrosinaemia type 1 (TT1) is a rare inherited disorder of amino acid metabolism typically presenting with liver failure and renal tubular dysfunction. We describe three individuals with TT1 and transient hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia (HH). Two siblings with TT1 and acute liver dysfunction were diagnosed with hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia in the neonatal period. Both siblings were successfully treated with diazoxide/chlorthiazide and treatment was gradually weaned and stopped after 8 and 6 months of age respectively. The third patient presented with a neonatal liver failure with mild cholestasis, coagulopathy, fundus haemorrhages, vitamin A and E deficiency and hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia. He maintained euglycaemia on high dose diazoxide (5–12 mg/kg/day) but developed pulmonary hypertension at 12 weeks of age. After discontinuation of diazoxide, he continued maintaining his blood glucose (BG) within the normal range. Although histological abnormalities of the pancreas including beta-cell hyperplasia are well documented, the exact mechanism of excessive insulin secretion in TT1 is not well understood. It may be related to the accumulation of toxic metabolites in the target organs including pancreas. Therefore, in patients with TT1 and persistent hypoglycaemia beyond the recovery of the acute liver failure, it is important to exclude hyperinsulinism which is usually transient and can be successfully treated with diazoxide and chlorothiazide. Further studies are required to determine which factors contribute to excessive insulin secretion in patients with TT1.

Learning points:

Every child with TT1 should be monitored for signs and symptoms of hypoglycaemia and screened for HH at the time of real hypoglycaemia.

If hypoglycaemic episodes persist even after improvement of liver function, hyperinsulinism should be suspected.

Treatment with diazoxide is effective, however, children need to be monitored closely for possible side effects.

The pathophysiological mechanism of hyperinsulinism in children with TT1 is not elucidated yet and further studies are required to determine which factors contribute to excessive insulin secretion in patients with TT1.
Peripheral blood mononuclear cells preferentially activate 11-oxygenated androgens
Authors: Schiffer Lina , Bossey Alicia , Kempegowda Punith , Taylor Angela E , Akerman Ildem , Scheel-Toellner Dagmar , Storbeck Karl-Heinz , Arlt Wiebke
Published: January 2021

Objective

Androgens are important modulators of immune cell function. The local generation of active androgens from circulating precursors is an important mediator of androgen action in peripheral target cells or tissues. We aimed to characterize the activation of classic and 11-oxygenated androgens in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).

Methods

PBMCs were isolated from healthy male donors and incubated ex vivo with precursors and active androgens of the classic and 11-oxygenated androgen pathways. Steroids were quantified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The expression of genes encoding steroid-metabolizing enzymes was assessed by quantitative PCR.

Results

PBMCs generated eight-fold higher amounts of the active 11-oxygenated androgen 11-ketotestosterone than the classic androgen testosterone from their respective precursors. We identified the enzyme AKR1C3 as the major reductive 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in PBMCs responsible for both conversions and found that within the PBMC compartment natural killer cells are the major site of AKRC13 expression and activity. Steroid 5α-reductase type 1 catalyzed the 5α-reduction of classic but not 11-oxygenated androgens in PBMCs. Lag time prior to the separation of cellular components from whole blood increased serum 11-ketotestosterone concentrations in a time-dependent fashion, with significant increases detected from two hours after blood collection.

Conclusions

11-Oxygenated androgens are the preferred substrates for androgen activation by AKR1C3 in PBMCs, primarily conveyed by natural killer cell AKR1C3 activity, yielding 11-ketotestosterone the major active androgen in PBMCs. Androgen metabolism by PBMCs can affect the results of serum 11-ketotestosterone measurements, if samples are not separated in a timely fashion.

Significance statement

We show that human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) preferentially activate 11-ketotestosterone rather than testosterone when incubated with precursors of both the classic and the adrenal-derived 11-oxygenated androgen biosynthesis pathways. We demonstrate that this activity is catalyzed by the enzyme AKR1C3, which we found to primarily reside in natural killer cells, major contributors to the anti-viral immune defense. This potentially links intracrine 11-oxygenated androgen generation to the previously observed decreased NK cell cytotoxicity and increased infection risk in primary adrenal insufficiency. In addition, we show that PBMCs continue to generate 11-ketotestosterone if the cellular component of whole blood samples is not removed in a timely fashion, which could affect measurements of this active androgen in routine clinical biochemistry.
REPRODUCTIVE TOXICOLOGY: The male mammary gland: a novel target of endocrine-disrupting chemicals
Authors: Szabo Gillian K , Vandenberg Laura N
Published: January 2021

In the past several decades, the incidence of two male breast diseases, gynecomastia and male breast cancer, have increased in human populations. Whereas male breast cancer remains a rare disease, gynecomastia, a condition that arises due to abnormal development and growth of the male breast epithelium, is fairly common. In this review, we present the male mouse mammary gland as a potential model to understand human male breast diseases. Even though the male mouse typically lacks nipples, the male retains a small mammary rudiment with epithelium that is highly sensitive to estrogenic chemicals during the perinatal and peripubertal periods. In just the last few years, our understanding of the biology of the male mouse mammary gland has expanded. Researchers have characterized the complexity and size of the male mammary epithelium across the life course. Studies have documented that the male mouse mammary gland has left-right asymmetric morphologies, as well as asymmetries in the responsiveness of the left and right glands to estrogens. Recent studies have also revealed that the effect of xenoestrogens on the male mammary gland can differ based on the timing of evaluation (prior to puberty, in puberty, and in adulthood) and the administered dose. Based on the available evidence, we argue that there is a strong case that estrogenic chemicals promote the growth of the male mouse epithelium, consistent with human gynecomastia. We also argue that these outcomes should be characterized as adverse effects and should be considered in regulatory decision-making.
Plant species as influenced by soil relations in a mangrove ecosystem of lower IMO river estuary, Niger Delta, Nigeria
Authors: Ita Richard , FO Ogbemudia , O Kekere , ED Udo
Published: January 2021

This study investigated the soil variables influencing plant species in a mangrove ecosystem of Lower Imo River Estuary, Niger Delta, Nigeria. A twenty (20) 10m×10m quadrat spaced at 25 m intervals along established transect was used in sampling the vegetation and soils. The quantified vegetation parameters were density, frequency, height, basal area and crown cover. Soil samples were obtained at two rooting depths (0–15cm and 15–30cm) and variables determined were pH, electrical conductivity, exchange acidity, total nitrogen, organic carbon, available phosphorus, cations (Ca, Mg, Na and K), ECEC, base saturation and particle sizes (sand, silt and clay). An aggregate of 11 species belonging to 9 families were found. The dominant species was Rhizophora mangle with density of 120.41±29.30 stems/ha. Rhizophora mangle and Nypa fruticans were the most frequent species (100 %). Rhizophora mangle was the tallest (11.50±1.52 m) as well as the species with the widest crown cover (10.68±1.06m2/ha) while Elaeis guineensis had the largest basal area (1.79±0.09 m2/ha). Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) showed that the abundance and distribution of plant species were swayed by the interplay of various soil factors in the mangrove. This delineated the first tier (Na, pH, Mg, K, base saturation, sand, silt, clay and ECEC) and the second tier (Ca, exchangeable acidity, total nitrogen, electrical conductivity and organic carbon) soil variables controlling plants’ distributional patterns. Rhizophora mangle and Acrostichum aureum were influenced by Na while Nypa fruticans and Avicennia africana were influenced by K and pH, respectively. On the other hand, Fimbristylis ferruginea, Uapaca staudtii and Paspalum vaginatum were influenced by Mg, sand and clay correspondingly while M. ciliata, C. nucifera, E. guineensis and Dracaena arborea showed affinities to base saturation and ECEC. Hence, this study lends credence to species adaptation and diversity, habitat quality as well as providing baseline information on conservation and future management of this ecosystem.
Cage culture of Oreochromis Mossambicus (Tilapia) in back water of river Godavari, Nanded, Maharashtra India
Authors: Balkhande Jayvardhan V
Published: January 2021

Cage culture practice is an important technology for culture of finfish and non fin fish organisms. It is gaining importance day by day. This was a first attempt to check the suitability of cage culture in back water of Godavari. This water remains present up to March and April; hence this experiment was carried out from October 2012 to April 2013 (180 days) at Dhangar Takli on the bank of river Godavari. Results showed that Oreochromis mossambicus fish was useful fish for cage culture practice in this area. Although, the Monosex culture of Oreochromis mossambicus may be more applicable because this fish is prolific breeder. If we alter the breeding of fish then this will may help to increase the growth of the fish. Oreochromis mossambicus commonly called as freshwater pomfret. People of this area consume this fish is in high quantity; hence for high production this cage culture method may be helpful.
Seasonal occurrence, abundance and flight activities of anisopterous dragonflies
Authors: Nu Yin Yin , Bu Si Si Hla
Published: January 2021

The dragonflies were studied as indicators for healthy environment and good atmosphere based on the seasonal occurrence, abundance and flight activities aspects at National Kandawgyi Gardens (NKGs) from June 2008 to September 2011. The 30 species of dragonflies are distributed among three families. Dragonflies belonging to order Odonata are a well- known group of insects that are widely distributed all over the world and many people appreciate their striking colours and acrobatic flights. They are widely distributed in variable habitats such as ponds, lakes, streams, rivers and canals of all sizes. Since NKGs is diverse habitat, such as a lake, ponds, freshwater swamp, peat swamp, etc., different habitats are suitable for feeding, mating, perching and reproduction of many dragonfly species. The present research pursued to support the combination of conservation measures to ensure the continued survival of dragonflies and NKGs not only attracts human but a variety of living assets, including the dragonflies.
Assessment the role of village extension worker in North Kordofan Rural Development Project (NKRDP), Sudan
Authors: Hamad Mohammed AA , Adam Mekki Abdalla , El Door Sheikh Eldein Farah
Published: January 2021

This study was conducted in North Kordofan State. The study covers both Um Ruwaba and Bara localities (NKRDP area). The main objective is to investigate the role of village extension worker (VEW) on increasing the awareness of the communities towards IPM techniques that used to improve production and minimize hazard in the environment in the project area. The study based on primary and secondary data. The primary date was collected from field through constructed questionnaires filled with participant farmers and VEWs by direct interviews. Stratified random sampling technique was used to select 142 participants as sample size. NKRDP was the main sources of the secondary data as well as the institutional sources (MOA and PPD), references and previous studies. The study used SPSS for descriptive statistics and Chi-Squire test was used to test the role of VEWs services. The results showed the allocation and presence of VEW at the project villages. The results have also highlighted the different extension methods used by VEW, such as home and field visits, meetings, FFS, leaflets, and Poster and extension campaign. The results have showed positive role of VEW as sources of pesticides instated of the village traders. Results also indicated the increasing in farmer’s awareness towards the importance and use of seed dressing. The study had also shown an increase in the awareness of the farmers in the IPM of the watermelon bugs campaigns by 90% and the participation for the reason to control the pest by 76%. Results of Chi-squire test revealed significant differences between parameters measured. Finally, the study recommended the establishment of an extension system that can be developed for an effective integrated pest management.
Research on innovating featured management model of libraries in art colleges in the information age
Authors: Mu Jianmei
Published: January 2021

This thesis aims to make innovative research on special management models of libraries in art colleges in the information age. It mainly focuses on how the application of the Internet has advanced the construction of libraries under the information age, especially how the special management concepts and models of libraries in art colleges have taken on new features and improvement after the reform. Based on a functional analysis of the given information, the author makes an attempt to research and explore an innovative management model and a more effective way of construction and service of featured document resources. It demonstrates the new changes and strategies of library management in art colleges in the information era by means of experience summarization. In the meantime, a summary of experience in library management takes shape through the research on systematizing and theorizing the construction and service of featured resources in libraries of art colleges and practical situations. It is hoped that this thesis will provide valuable empirical references for researches on the improvement of construction and service on featured resources in libraries of art colleges.
Effect of honeybee pollination on seed and fruit yield of agricultural crops in Ethiopia
Authors: Bareke Tura , Addi Admassu
Published: January 2021

Pollination is a critical link in the functioning of ecosystems, and it improves the yield of crops. Insect pollination is an essential input in the production of crops grown worldwide. Of the approximately 300 commercial crops about 84% are insect pollinated. Honeybees are responsible for 70-80% of insect pollination. This indicated how much honeybees are the most efficient insect pollinators of cultivated crops and wild flora in agricultural systems. The main reason is that honeybees are abundant and widespread everywhere. They have well developed mechanism of communication to exploit their environment. The value of additional yields obtained by pollination service rendered by honeybees is 15-20 times more than the value of all hive products put together. Studies conducted in Ethiopia have also proven the role of honeybee pollination in improving the yield and quality of some crops such as Malus sylvestris (apple), Allium cepa (red onion), Guizotia abyssinica (niger) and Vicia faba (faba bean). The yield increment was varied from 33.5-84% among the above crops due to honeybee pollination. However, unwise pesticide applications become the main problem for some crops in Ethiopia. This is due to, low level understanding of the value of pollination on the yield of agricultural crops. Therefore, attention should be given for the legal protection of honeybees and other insect pollinators; especially, protecting the honeybees from pesticide poisoning, developing pollinators’ conservation policy, the idea of crop pollination should be included in national crop production strategic plan and awareness creation should be given to the society about the value of crop pollination.
A National assessment of aichi biodiversity target 12 – an international conservation initiative
Authors: Dhami Kirandeep K
Published: January 2021

The Aichi Biodiversity targets are a set of twenty targets for the Convention of Biological Diversity (CBD) that were developed with the intention to help each participating country to measure the progress made in preventing the loss of biological diversity. These targets provide a 10-year period for taking action by the countries. These targets setup in 2010 are expected to be achieved within 2020 by all the 193 countries signatory to CBD. Aichi Biodiversity Target 12 is considered to be one of the most important targets, which is directly or indirectly linked to all of the other 19 CBD Targets. Aichi-12 sets up the goal for each country to prevent the extinction of known threatened species and improve the conservation status of those species that are on decline. This target calls for establishment of conservation plans for species that face a high risk to extinction. Hence, it is of urgent need to understand the extinction risk posed to each of the threatened species in the country and the factors that are responsible for the population decline in species. Therefore, it is important for taking initiatives to remove/reduce those factors posing risk to the survival of species. This study presents a brief overview of the status and progress made by India towards achievement of Aichi-12.
Economic Valuation of Lippia adoensis, implication for Access and Benefit Sharing agreement in Sidama and WestArsi Zones, SNNPR and Oromia Regions, Ethiopia
Authors: Seifu Amare , Bekele Tesfaye , Misganawand Manaye , Ayenew Ashenafi
Published: January 2021

Biodiversity has major economic value. Most of these values are often not captured by the market. Hence, the potential of biodiversity is often underestimated. Such an underestimation is considered as one of the factors for rapid depletion of biodiversity and loss of habitats and species. Valuation of bio-resources would facilitate in identifying the real value of genetic resources and obtaining a reasonably better share of the overall benefits of genetic materials to the local communities, who are involved in its management. Accordingly, the Economic Valuation of Lippia adoensis was conducted implication for ABS. The result of this study identified the direct and indirect use values of Lippia adoensis. Majority of the respondents (98.33%) were willing to pay for use values of Lippia adoensis. Moreover, (80.8%) of the respondents were willingness to pay for Conservation of Lippia adoensis. Furthermore, 95(79.2%) of the respondents were willingness to pay for non-use value of Lippia adoensis in the study areas. The cumulative estimates of willingness to pay for use of values Lippia adoensis were 30,437.50 birr with an average annual willingness to pay of 253.64±275.63 birr for Lippia adoensis. The maximum willingness to pay was 1000 birr while the minimum WTP was 125 birr with range 875 birr. The value of R2 for linear function (model) was 0.541, semi log R2=0.452 and double log R2=0.291.From the given result the linear regression function (R2=0.541) the one with the best performance. The R2=0.541or 54.1%, this means that the dependent variable can be explained by the independent variable. In this study, household size (Sig.0.000), income level (Sig.0.000), number of Lippia adoensis (Sig.0.044) and distance of the market (Sig. 0.051) of the respondents made a unique and statistically significant, contribution to the prediction of willingness to pay for Lippia adoensis. Of the nine variables, household size of the responders makes the largest unique contribution (beta=0.490), followed by income level of the respondents (beta -0.396). Therefore, because of its prospect for the production of many preservative, spices, aromatherapy, medicine and pharmaceuticals industry, bio prospecting companies require to access the genetic resources following the Ethiopian legislation of Access and Benefit Sharing.