bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Rising Temperatures on the Biomass of Humid Old-Growth Forests of the World
Authors: Larjavaara Markku , Lu Xiancheng , Chen Xia , Vastaranta Mikko
Published: June 2021

Background: Understanding how warming temperatures are influencing biomasses in the world’s forests is necessary for quantifying future global C (carbon) budgets. A temperature-driven decrease in future C stocks could dangerously strengthen climate change. Empirical methods for studying the temperature response of forests have important limitations, and modelling is needed to provide another perspective. We modelled current and future AGB (old-growth above-ground biomass) in humid lowland areas of the world by dividing GPP (gross primary productivity) and a measure of energy needed to support a given about of biomass called here MCB (maintenance cost per unit biomass). Results: Based on the modelling, we predict a temperature-driven increase in both GPP and MCB, except in the tropics, where GPP will decrease. Their ratio, and therefore also ABG, is expected to decrease in all other regions except the boreal. The AGB is expected to decrease 41% in the tropics and 29% globally.Conclusions: The estimated drops in AGB are dramatic. However, we did not include the fertilisation effects of increasing CO2 (carbon dioxide) and N (nitrogen) that potentially mitigate the temperature-caused drop in AGB.
Antibiotic Prophylaxis for Prevention against Lyme Disease Following Tick Bite: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhou Guozhong , Xu Xin , Zhang Yu , Yue Peng , Luo Shiqi , Fan Yuxin , Chen Jingjing , Liu Meixiao , Dong Yan , Li Bingxue , Kong Jing , Wen Shiyuan , Liu Aihua , Bao Fukai
Published: June 2021

Background: In areas where Lyme disease is endemic, bites from ticks are common, but no vaccine is currently available against Lyme disease for humans. Therefore, the feasibility of using antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent Lyme disease after a tick bite is worth further exploration. Previous meta-analyses lack sufficient power to demonstrate the efficacy of about antibiotic prophylaxis for the prevention of Lyme disease following a tick bite. In this study, we explored more precise evidence and attempted to identify and update optimum treatment strategies.Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for studies until March 23, 2021. We included studies if the enrolled patients were randomly allocated to a treatment or control group within 72 h following a tick bite and had no clinical evidence of Lyme disease at enrolment. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) reporting guidelines were followed for data abstraction. Two authors (GZZ and XX) independently reviewed the abstracts and identified articles for detailed assessment. We used a random-effects model to calculate the pooled results and reported the 95% confidence interval (CI). Study quality was assessed using a modified Jadad scale, and publication bias was assessed using Egger’s test.We calculated the risk ratio (RR) for the rates of unfavorable events in patients who received intervention versus the control group. This study is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42021245002Results: Six studies (3,766 individuals) were included. The pooled rate of unfavorable events in persons receiving treatment and the control group were 0.4% (95%CI: 0.1–1.1%) and 2.2% (95%CI: 1.6–3.0%), respectively. The pooled RR was 0.38 (95%CI: 0.22–0.66). Subgroup analysis revealed that the pooled RR was 0.29 (95%CI: 0.14–0.60) in the single-use 200-mg doxycycline group; 0.28 (95%CI: 0.05–1.67) in a 10-day course group (Amoxicillin, Penicillin or tetracycline); and 0.73 (95%CI: 0.25–2.08) in a topical antibiotic treatment group (Azithromycin).Conclusions: The available evidence supports the use of antibiotics for the prevention of Lyme disease, and reveals advantages of using single-dose; however, further confirmation is needed.
Bacterial Microbiota and Antibiogram Profile in Children With Acute Tonsillitis. A Guide to Treatment.
Authors: Ughasoro Maduka , Akpeh James , Echendu Nneamaka , Mgbachi Nneka , Okpala Somkene , Amah Linda , Okolo Henrietta , Udem Ngozika
Published: June 2021

Purpose: Acute tonsillitis remains one of the common childhood diseases in developing countries. Prompt and appropriate treatment based on the knowledge of the causative microbiota and their antimicrobial susceptibility pattern will improve the treatment outcome and reduce time and resources spent on treatment. This study aimed to determine the pattern of microbiota isolates and their susceptibility pattern. Methods: The study was a combination of retrospective and cross-sectional method. The medical records of children treated for tonsillitis were retrieved, as well as children who presented with acute tonsillitis were recruited in the study. Interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data, as well as document information retrieved from their medical record: presenting symptoms, treatments received. Swab sample was taken for culture and antibiotic susceptibility test. Results: Out of the 72 swab cultures, most 29 (40.3%) yielded insignificant growth of gram positive cocci. A total of nine (9) different isolates were obtained from all the significant swab culture. Streptococcus species (13, 18.6%) and staphylococcus species (11, 15.3%) were the commonest isolates. Imipenem and levofloxacin revealed high level of susceptibility, while Ampicillin and Cefixine recorded high resistance rates. Conclusion: The proportion of the cultures that were positive of significant growth, the proportion of these positive isolates that were Streptococcus Spp. and varied sensitivity pattern obtained underpinned the important to advocate for culture isolates and susceptibility pattern guided treatment. This will not only an efficient approach to management of acute tonsillitis, but also a strong approach towards effective implementation of antibiotic stewardship.
Fertility Analysis of Bovine Semen by in Vitro Fertilization
Authors: Adona Paulo Roberto , de Souza Yara Lis , Miranda Moysés dos Santos , Rodrigues Izamara , Guemra Samuel , Ferreira Marcos Barbosa
Published: June 2021

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficiency of using in vitro fertilization to validate semen fertility for artificial insemination. Cryopreserved semen from ten bulls (five Nelore and five Brangus bulls) was evaluated using in vitro production of embryos (IVPE) and via fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI). There was variation (p < 0.05) in the IVPE (20.9 to 53.7% of blastocyst production) and in the FTAI (42.0 to 56.0% of pregnant cows) results among the Nelore bulls evaluated. According to the results there was a positive correlation (rs = 0.8378; p = 0.0001) between the rate of blastocyst production (using IVPE) and the rate of pregnancy (using FTAI) using Nelore bull semen. Variation was also found between the Brangus bulls (p < 0.05), in the rates of blastocyst production (36.5 to 47.0%) and pregnancy (45.6 to 52.2%) via FTAI. There was also a positive correlation (rs = 0.8786; p = 0.0001) between the rates of blastocyst production (IVPE) and pregnancy (FTAI) when using Brangus bull semen. According to the results, IVPE may be used in addition to conventional semen analysis to evaluate and validate the semen fertility of bulls for artificial insemination programs.
Isopod Parasite, Nerocila Depressa (Edwards, 1840) Infestation in Thryssa Stenosoma (Wongratana, 1983) as New Host, and First Record from Narmada Estuary, West Coast of India
Authors: SAHOO AMIYA , Bhakta D. , Meena D. K. , Sadhukhan D. , Das T. , Kamble S. P. , Majhi D. , Samanta S. , Das Basanta K.
Published: June 2021

The study reported Thryssa stenosoma, as new host for isopod Nerocila depressa, infestation. Furthermore, the report is of first to record Nerocila depressa from the Narmada, the largest estuary of west coast of India. Thryssa stenosoma forms a commercially important fish species at Bhadbhut, a part of the Narmada estuary. The prevalence of isopod infestation was 17.39% with mean intensity 2.8 in T. stenosoma, indicating the low, at the present ecological conditions. Looking at the future proposed developmental river valley projects at Bhadbhut estuarine zone, our present information would form baseline to the parasitic diseases in estuarine fishes in Narmada estuary, India.
Microbiome of Infected Cysts, Feces and Saliva in Patients with Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease: Case Reports
Authors: Suwabe Tatsuya , Morita Hidetoshi , Khasnobish Anushka , Araoka Hideki , Hoshino Junichi
Published: June 2021

Background: Cyst infection is a frequent and serious complication of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). It is often difficult to treat and can be fatal, but much is still unknown about this type of infection. Hematogenous spread via bacterial translocation in the intestine is considered to be the main cause, so intestinal flora may be involved. However, the exact role of the intestinal flora in cyst infection in ADPKD is unknown.Case presentation: We report a 66-year-old woman and a 56-year-old man with ADPKD who had severe hepatic cyst infection. We analyzed the microbiome of infected cyst content, feces, and saliva in these two patients. The microbiome of patient 1 showed various bacteria in an infected cyst, whereas that of patient 2 showed only one bacterium. In both patients, the composition of the microbiome of the cyst content was quite different from those of feces and saliva, and the main bacteria in the infected cyst content represented a small proportion of those in feces and saliva.Conclusions: Cyst infection in ADPKD can be caused by a single bacterium or multiple bacteria, and cyst content culture or blood culture may identify only some of the causative bacteria. The association between bacteria in cysts and those in feces or saliva remains uncertain, and further research on this topic is needed.
Anisotropic Analysis of Springback in FRF Process With Variable Cross Section Using Hill and Barlat Criteria
Authors: Panahizadeh Valiollah , Asl Yaghoub Dadgar , Saeedi Farzad , Afshin Sulmaz
Published: June 2021

The Flexible Roll Forming (FRF) process with the ability to produce parts with variable width and depth was formed to be used in industries such as automotive, construction, and similar industries. One of the disadvantages of this process is the spring-back defect, which prevents the desired profile from being achieved. In this paper, experimental and numerical analysis of the spring-back phenomenon using Hill, Barlat, and Von Mises yield criteria. Also, the effect of bending angle, material, and sheet thickness parameters on this defect was investigated. The process for the three types of 1050 aluminum, low carbon steel, and 430 stainless steel was simulated using the VUMAT subroutine of Abaqus software. In these simulations, for each material, three thicknesses of 0.4, 0.7 and 1 mm with bending angles of 25 and 45 degrees were considered. Experimental experiments were performed using the FRF machine. Validation of numerical simulation results was performed by comparing experimental results. The results showed that the Barlat criterion has a more accurate prediction of spring-back than the other two criteria. The results also showed that the spring-back ratio of sheets with a thickness of 0.4 mm compared to 1 mm for low carbon, aluminum, and stainless steel are 1.5, 2.5, and 3.2, respectively.
WITHDRAWN: Optimization of Siderophore Production by Bacillus Subtilis DR2 and its Effect on Growth of Coriandrum Sativum
Authors: Kumari Sonali , Kiran Shilpi , Kumari Sushma , KUMAR PANKAJ , Singh Abha
Published: June 2021

Under scarce iron conditions, several bacteria, fungi and plants, secrete ferric iron-specific ligands, generically termed as siderophores that are able to bind with insoluble ferric ion thereby making them available to the host organisms. Siderophore producing bacteria was isolated from the rhizospheric soil of Eragrostis cynosuroides by CAS agar screening and CAS-shuttle assay method. Among five positive isolates, DR2 produced a relatively high level of siderophore (69.81 SU%) and was identified as catecholate type. Further, it was identified as Bacillus subtilis DR2 (KP455653) based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Media optimization revealed that the strain B. subtilis DR2 showed maximum siderophore yield (80.60 SU%) under optimized condition of 72 h incubation at 35 °C in succinate media at pH 8, supplemented with sucrose as carbon and NaNO3 as nitrogen sources. It was further tested as seed inoculants under pot culture conditions and was found to be very efficient in seed germination and growth promotion of Coriandrum sativum. Thus, the present study signifies that B. subtilis DR2 may be a promising candidate with potential of plant growth promotion to be used as biofertilizer for various crops.
Dyeing of Chitin Nanofibers With Reactive Dyes and Preparation of Their Sheets and Fiber Reinforced Materials
Authors: Kishimoto Mizuki , Izawa Hironori , Saimoto Hiroyuki , Ifuku Shinsuke
Published: June 2021

Blue, red and yellow chitin nanofibers were obtained using reactive dyes. Since the chitin nanofibers and the dye are covalently bonded, they are resistant to hot water and detergents. Since the dyed chitin nanofibers can be mixed at an arbitrary ratio, purple, orange, and green nanofibers corresponding to the mixed colors could be obtained. The dyed chitin nanofibers were evaluated by the reflection spectrum and the color space (L*a*b*). From the viewpoint of reaction yield and color properties, the appropriate ratio of the reactive dye to chitin was 5% at the maximum. The morphology of chitin nanofibers was maintained even after the introduction of the reactive dye. A resin reinforced with dyed chitin nanofibers was prepared. By combining with nanofibers, it is possible to give color and improve mechanical strength to resin while maintaining the transparency of the resin to some extent.
Exploring Factors Associated with Pregnant Womxn’s Experiences of Material Hardship during COVID-19
Authors: Johnson Laura
Published: June 2021

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the financial insecurity of women and their families globally. Some studies have explored the impact of financial strain among pregnant women, in particular, during the pandemic. However, less is known about the factors associated with pregnant women’s experiences of material hardship. Methods: This study examined the factors associated with pregnant women’s experiences of material hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic using data collected from 183 pregnant womxn who participated in an online Qualtrics panel survey during January 2021. In addition to socio-demographic characteristics, individuals were asked about their finances and predictors of financial well-being, mental health symptoms, and intimate partner violence experiences. Ordinary least squares regression was used to calculate unadjusted and adjusted estimates. Study findings showed that the majority of womxn in the sample experienced at least one form of material hardship in the past year. Results: Economic self-sufficiency, financial strain, posttraumatic stress disorder, and economic abuse were all significantly associated with material hardship. Conclusions: Overall, findings are consistent with other studies that have documented the association between financial hardship and mental health symptoms among pregnant womxn during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, a unique contribution of this study is that it highlights the significant, positive association between economic abuse, a unique form of intimate partner violence, and material hardship among pregnant womxn during the pandemic. These findings suggest the need for policy and practice interventions that help to ameliorate the financial insecurity experienced by some pregnant womxn, as well as respond to associated bidirectional vulnerabilities (e.g., mental health symptoms, experiences of intimate partner violence).
The Diagnostic Value of Preoperative Hematology Makers in the Classification and Molecular Subtypes of Newly Diagnosed High-Grade Gliomas
Authors: Jia Xin , Zhai Yixuan , Yang Fengdong , Wang Yiming , Wei Shuxin , Wei Xinting
Published: June 2021

Purpose: The purpose of our study is to explore the diagnostic value of the single and combined hematological maker for the classification and isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH)-1/2 mutations (IDH) molecular subtypes of high-grade gliomas (HGGs).Methods: A total of 354 newly diagnosed HGGs patients were included in this study. Firstly, we compared the levels of hematology indicators in the classification and molecular subtypes of HGGs. Next, the correlation between the levels of hematology indicators with basic clinical features was analyzed. Finally, the diagnostic value of the single and combined hematology indicator for identifying the classification and molecular subtypes from HGGs was performed.Results: The level of fibrinogen (FIB) was higher in higher grade gliomas and glioblastoma multiforme IDH wild type (GBM IDH-wt). Nutrition-related indicators such as serum albumin (ALB), albumin/globulin ratio (AGR), and prognostic nutrition index (PNI) were negatively correlated with age, whereas FIB was positively associated with age. Compared with women, men with GBM had significantly higher AGR and lower serum globulin (GLOB). We found that the best single and combined indicator for identifying GBM and GBM IDH-wt from HGGs were FIB [0.595 (0.519-0.672) and 0.615 (0.546-0.684)] and age+FIB [0.712 (0.642-0.783) and 0.726 (0.662-0.791)], respectively.Conclusions: Preoperative hematological indicators have high diagnostic value for GBM and GBM IDH-wt from HGGs, especially FIB combined age.
Magnitude and Associated Factors of Depression Among People With Hypertension in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A Hospital Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Asmare Yonatan , Ali Ahmed , Belachew Ayele
Published: June 2021

Background:The burden of depression is higher among people with chronic illnesses like hypertension and this comorbid condition leads to poor adherence to treatment and failure of compliance to lifestyle modifications, which in turn, increases risk of cardiovascular complications and mortalities. Low income countries, Ethiopia included, suffer from paucity of information describing the burden of hypertension comorbid with depression, which demands studies to narrow this knowledge gap, such as this one.Methods:Institution based cross-sectional study was conducted in three randomly selected public hospitals in Addis Ababa. Through a systematic random sampling method, a total of 416 known hypertensive patients with follow up in hypertension clinics with in the study period enrolled in the study. Data were collected through structured questionnaire administered by trained interviewer, which latter cleaned, edited and entered in to epi-data version 3.1. Descriptive and bi-variable and binary logistic regression analysis were done using the statistical software, SPSS version 25. Depression was assessed through Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADs).ResultsThe prevalence of depression among hypertensive patients was found to be 37.8%. The binary logistic regression model revealed that, female sex [AOR = 5.37, 95% CI (3.089–9.35)], being married [AOR = 0.25, 95% CI (0.08–0.78)], presence of chronic comorbid illnesses [AOR = 3.03, 95% CI (1.78–5.16)], uncontrolled blood pressure [AOR = 2.80, 95% CI (1.65–4.75)], duration of hypertension of 5–10 years [AOR = 3.17, 95% CI (1.61–6.23)] and more than 10 years [AOR = 5.81, 95% CI (2.90-11.65)], family history of depression [AOR = 4.53, 95% CI (2.37–8.66)] and current alcohol consumption [AOR = 1.77, 95% CI (1.02–3.07)] were significantly associated with depression among hypertensive patients.ConclusionHigher proportion of depression was observed among hypertensive patients, and socio-demographic, clinical and behavioral characteristics were found to significantly influence the likelihood of occurrence. Health care providers should consider mental health status of hypertensive patients, and counsel for these factors.
Eupafolin Induces Apoptosis and Autophagy of Breast Cancer Cells Through PI3K/AKT, MAPKs and NF-κB Signaling Pathways
Authors: Wei Jiahui , Ding Yu , Liu Xinmiao , Liu Qing , Lu Yiran , He Song , Yuan Bao , Zhang Jiabao
Published: June 2021

Eupafolin is a flavonoid that can be extracted from common sage. Previous studies have reported that Eupafolin has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties. However, no studies have investigated the role of Eupafolin in breast cancer. Herein, we investigated the effect of Eupafolin on two human breast cancer cell lines, as well as its potential mechanism of action. Next, the data showed that proliferation, migration and invasion ability of breast cancer cells that were treated with Eupafolin was significantly reduced, while the apoptosis rate was significantly increased. In addition, Eupafolin treatment caused breast cancer cell proliferation to be blocked in the S phase. Moreover, Eupafolin significantly induced autophagy in breast cancer cells, with an increase in the expression of LC3B-II/I. PI3K/AKT, MAPKs and NF-κB pathways were significantly inhibited by Eupafolin treatment. Additionally, 3-MA (a blocker of autophagosome formation) significantly reduced Eupafolin-induced activation of LC3B-II/I in breast cancer cells. Furthermore, Eupafolin displayed good in vitro anti-angiogenic activity. Additionally, anti-breast cancer activity of Eupafolin was found to be partially mediated by Cav-1. Moreover, Eupafolin treatment significantly weakened carcinogenesis of MCF-7 cells in nude mice. Therefore, this data provides novel directions on the use of Eupafolin for treatment of breast cancer.
27 Al(d,alpha) and 27 Al(d,p) Nuclear Reaction Cross Sections at Ed<2MeV Measured at Three Backward Scattering Angles Related to NRA
Authors: Salimi M. , Kakuee O. , Masoudi S. F. , kheiri H. R. , Briand E. , Ganem J-J. , Vickridge I.
Published: June 2021

The cross-sections of deuteron-induced nuclear reactions suitable for ion beam analysis, measured in different laboratories, are often significantly different. In the present work, differential cross-sections of 27 Al(d,p) and 27 Al(d,α) reactions were measured, and the cross sections benchmarked with thick target spectra obtained from pure aluminium for the first time in two independent laboratories. The 27 Al(d,p) and (d,alpha) differential cross-sections were measured between 1.4 and 2 MeV at scattering angles of 165°, 150°, and 135° in the VDGT laboratory in Tehran (Iran), and the same measurements for detector angle of 150° were repeated from scratch, including target making, with independent equipment on the SAFIR platform at INSP in Paris (France). The results of these two measurements at 150° are in good agreement, and for the first time a fitted function is proposed to describe the Al-cross sections for which no suitable theoretical expression exists. The obtained differential cross-sections were validated through benchmarking, by fitting with SIMNRA deuteron-induced particle spectra obtained from a high purity bulk Al target at both labs for deuteron incident energies between 1.6 and 2 MeV. The thick target spectra are well-reproduced. The evaluated and benchmarked cross sections have been uploaded to the ion beam analysis nuclear data library database (www-nds.iaea.org/ibandl/).
Tandem mass spectrometry-based identification of protein profiles in the cerebrospinal fluid of Alzheimer’s dementia patients
Authors: Misra Anamika , Chakrabarti Sankha Shubhra , Gambhir Indrajeet Singh , Baghel Meghraj Singh , Patil Yugendra Ramchandra
Published: June 2021

Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia and about two thirds cases are diagnosed late due to a long asymptomatic phase. There exists the need for newer biomarkers which can add accuracy to AD diagnosis, detect AD at an early stage, as also lend new pathogenic insights into AD. Recent AD biomarker discovery has focused on proteomic approaches, especially in the cerebrospinal fluid. Methods: We used a bottom-up proteomic approach. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from 6 patients with AD and 6 controls were digested with trypsin and analyzed by using LC-MS/MS (tandem mass spectrometry). The peptide data from CSF samples of both AD and control groups was then subjected to bioinformatics analysis with STRING version 11.0. Protein-protein interaction networks were constructed, and enrichment analysis performed.Results: Significant up-regulation of 13 proteins in the CSF was observed in AD cases in comparison to controls, while 30 proteins were down-regulated. APOE and LGALS3BP were the upregulated proteins involved in closed network and the downregulated proteins were F2, PENK, IGF2, APOH, SAA1, AHSG, SPP1 and CD44. APOE, APOH, F2 and PENK shared common involvement in multiple biological processes as evident on enrichment. Regulation of insulin like growth factor involving IGF2, F2, APOE and AHSG and glycosaminoglycan binding involving APOE, APOH, F2, SAA1, and CD44 were major pathways of interest determined on bioinformatic analysis.Conclusion: Our study identified novel tentative biomarkers of AD which included F2, PENK and SAA1, as well as reinforced earlier described biomarkers such as APOE and AHSG. These findings need to be validated in larger sample sizes to evaluate their utility as true biomarkers. Further, the pathways of interest- insulin like growth factor regulation and glycosaminoglycan binding need to be studied further in the context of AD.
Projections and management of the COVID-19 emergency in India
Authors: Michael Edwin , Newcomb Ken
Published: June 2021

The unfolding COVID-19 emergency in India not only points to the explosive speed with which SARS-CoV-2 can spread in populations if unchecked, but also to the gross misreading of the status of the pandemic when decisions to reopen the economy were made in March this year. In this modelling analysis, we isolate the population and policy-related factors underlying the current viral resurgence, and project the growth and magnitude of the health impact and demand for hospital care that may arise if immediate measures to contain the pandemic are not implemented. We indicate that only by re-introducing some measure of social mitigation alongside a swift ramping up of vaccinations will the country be able to contain and ultimately end the pandemic safely. Our results together with the scale of the virus resurgence reported in India also highlight the need for national decision-making that is driven primarily by scientific analysis and data.
The Impact of SARS-COV-2 Variants on Vaccine Efficacy Amongst Healthcare Workers During India’s Second Wave
Authors: Khawaja Tasveer , Jaswaney Rahul , Arora Nirav , Arora Shilpkumar , Gupta Anjan
Published: June 2021

Despite a growing sense of normalcy in many Western nations, another wave of the COVID-19 pandemic has spread rapidly through the Indian subcontinent.To improve our understanding of the crisis in India and the impact it is having on healthcare workers, we administered an electronic poll to healthcare workers in India.A total of 199 healthcare workers responded to the survey, the majority of whom were physicians. Of all respondents, 177 had received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. Of those vaccinated, 14 respondents (7.9%) received the Covaxin® (Bharat Biotech) vaccine, while the remaining 163 respondents (92.1%) received the Covishield® (Oxford-AstraZeneca) vaccine. Of the 177 respondents who received a dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, 76 (43%) acquired COVID-19 after vaccination, of which 88% had symptomatic infections. The protection offered by vaccination against new strains of SARS-CoV2 is a central question to which there remains an unclear answer.No external sources of funding were used.
A Novel 2D Graphene Oxide Modified α-AgVO3 Nanorods: Design, Fabrication and Enhanced Visible-Light Photocatalytic Performance
Authors: Xing Yan , WU Jian , MIN Xin , LI Xingao
Published: June 2021

Silver vanadates are promising visible-light-responded photocatalysts with suitable bandgap for solar absorption. However, the easy recombination of photogenerated carriers limits their performance. To overcome this obstacle, a novel 2D graphene oxide (GO) modified α-AgVO3 nanorods (GO/α-AgVO3) photocatalyst was designed herein to improve the separation of photocarriers. The GO/α-AgVO3 was fabricated through a facile in-suit coprecipitation method at room temperature. It was found that the as-prepared 0.5 wt.% GO/α-AgVO3 exhibited the most excellent performance for Rhodamine B (RhB) decomposition, with an apparent reaction rate constant 18 times higher than that of pure α-AgVO3 under visible-light irradiation. In light of the first-principles calculations and the heterojunction analysis, the mechanism underpinned the enhanced photocatalytic performance was proposed. The enhanced photocatalytic performance was ascribed to the appropriate bandgap of α-AgVO3 nanorods for visible light response and efficient separation of photocarriers through GO nanosheets. This work demonstrates the feasibility of overcoming the easy recombination of photogenerated carriers and provides a valuable GO/α-AgVO3 photocatalyst for pollutant degradation.
A Method for Quantifying Cervical Sagittal Morphology Using the Cervical Sagittal Triangle Area Coefficient
Authors: Guo Yingjun , Wang Han , Liu Hao , Wang Beiyu , Ding Chen , Meng Yang , Yang Yi
Published: June 2021

Background: A series of methods, which use angle to quantitatively evaluate cervical sagittal morphology cannot objectively reflect the advantages and disadvantages in some cases. In this study, we try to use the area methods to supplement it in above cases. Methods: The Cobb angle, range of motion (ROM) of C2-7, and antero-posterior diameter of atlas (C1-APD) were measured at neutral, flexion, and extension X-ray radiographs of the cervical spine in all 191 patients. Patients were divided into Group A and Group B according to whether their cervical sagittal morphology can be objectively quantified with Cobb angle. Pearson correlation analysis was used to compare the consistency of the results, paired t-test was used to compare the dispersion coefficient, receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic value.Results: The C5 vertebra was used as the vertex to construct the cervical sagittal triangle, and according to the different selection of the other two points, the triangle was further divided into four types. The Area Coefficient (AC) was defined as "B". In Group A, whose cervical sagittal morphology could be objectively quantified with Cobb angle, the AC showed greatly consistency, while in Group B, it was less consistent. AC results have stronger predictive value for clinical symptoms in Group B. The dispersion coefficients of the results measured by the four area methods are significantly smaller than the Cobb angle. The results of quantifying cervical ROM by area methods were also in good agreement with Cobb angle. Conclusion: Compared with Cobb angle, AC has better objectivity, stability, and clinical significance.
Indigenous Research Methodologies in Water Management: Learning From Australia and New Zealand for Application on Kamilaroi Country
Authors: Moggridge Bradley J , Thompson Ross M. , Radoll Peter
Published: June 2021

Indigenous Research Methodologies (IRMs) for considering cultural values of water are a missing component of water management in Australia. On this dry, flat and ancient continent Traditional Knowledge has been passed on from generation to generation for millennia. The profound knowledge of surface and groundwater has been critical to ensuring the survival of Indigenous peoples in a dry landscape, through finding, re-finding and protecting water. Indigenous Research Methodologies can provide a basis for the exploration of this knowledge in a way that that is culturally appropriate, and which generates a culturally safe space for Indigenous researchers and communities. The development of IRMs has occurred slowly in Australia over the past decades with the intention of shifting the research paradigm away from studying Indigenous peoples through non-Indigenous research methodologies, to partnering in developing methods appropriate to Indigenous knowledge systems. Indigenous Research Methodologies are rooted in Indigenous epistemologies and ontologies and represent a radical departure from more positivist forms of research (Wilson 2001). This allows the Indigenous researcher to derive the terms, questions and priorities of what is being researched, how the community is engaged, and how the research is delivered. Here, a brief overview is provided of Indigenous engagement in water management in Australia and Aotearoa or New Zealand, with reference to local case studies. These more general models are used as the basis for developing an IRM appropriate to the Kamilaroi people in the Gwydir Wetlands of northern NSW, Australia.
Over-expression of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor type 3 in human endometrial cancer.
Authors: Mamoor Shahan
Published: June 2021

Gynecologic cancers including cancers of the endometrium are a clinical problem (1-4). We mined published microarray data (5, 6) to discover genes associated with endometrial cancers by comparing transcriptomes of the normal endometrium and endometrial tumors from humans. We identified inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor type 3, encoded by ITPR3, as among the most differentially expressed genes, transcriptome-wide, in cancers of the endometrium. ITPR3 was expressed at significantly higher levels in endometrial tumor tissues as compared to the endometrium. Importantly, in human endometrial cancer, primary tumor expression of ITPR3 was correlated with overall survival in white patients with low mutational burden. ITPR3 may be a molecule of interest in understanding the etiology or progression of human endometrial cancer.
Association between Adiponectin and Insulin Resistance among Sudanese Males with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Almakey Eman Ahamed , Makeen Ahmed Mohamed , Saeed Osman Khalafalla , Mohamedahmed Khalid Abdelsamea
Published: June 2021

Background
Adiponectin is associated with improved systemic insulin sensitivity and profound positive effects in adipose tissue, such as increasing mitochondrial density in adipocytes, reducing adipocyte size, and effective esterification of free fatty acids on lipid storage The factor performs forward transcriptional regulation. Diabetes and its complications are considered to be one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide.
Objectives
The aim of this study was to correlate serum levels of adiponectin with insulin resistance in Sudanese males' type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Methodology:
A case-control community-based study carried out among 126 patients with T2DM as cases group (mean ages 45.2 ± 5.4 years); and 126 normal healthy individuals as controls group (mean ages 44.7 ± 5.4 years as) in Aldaraga Diabetic Center, Wad Medani, Gezira State, Sudan. About Five mL of fasting venous blood was obtained from all participants. HbA1c, FPG, FPI, serum Adiponectin, and (HOMA)-IR were analyzed. SPSS (v 20.0) was used for data analysis.
Results
The mean of serum adiponectin in the cases group (3.03 ± 0.90µg/ml) was lower than the control group (6.02 ± 4.24µg/ml) giving highly significant differences -between them (P = value ≤ 0.000). HbA1c and Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance index (HOMA-IR) differed significantly between the two groups (P-value ≤ 0.000). Serum adiponectin concentrations correlated significantly negative with HOMA IR (r = -0.149, P-value = 0.002).
Conclusion
We concluded that low plasma adiponectin level was predictive of future development of Insulin resistance in Sudanese males.
The Messenger Matters:
Religious Leaders and Overcoming COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy
Authors: Viskupic Filip , Wiltse David
Published: June 2021

Experts agree that vaccination is the most effective way to bring the COVID-19 pandemic under control. Nevertheless, vaccination rates have slowed nationwide and large segments of the population report an unwillingness to get vaccinated. We conducted an online survey experiment to investigate if endorsement from various types of leaders can encourage the unvaccinated population to receive the vaccine. We surveyed 709 unvaccinated registered voters in South Dakota in April, 2021 and presented them with identical messages endorsing vaccination from a political, religious, or medical leader. Our results show that messaging from a religious leader has a positive and statistically significant effect on interest in getting vaccinated, while messages from a political or medical leader have no statistically significant effect. These results strongly suggest that religious leaders are more effective messengers than other potential messengers and that public health officials would be well served to coordinate their efforts with leaders in faith communities.
Translation of a circulating microRNA signature of melanoma into a solid tissue assay to improve diagnostic accuracy and precision.
Authors: Laar Ryan Van , King Samuel , McCoy Richard , Saad Mirette , Fereday Sian , Winship Ingrid , Uzzell Catherine , Landgren Anthony
Published: June 2021

Background: Successful treatment of cutaneous melanoma depends on early and accurate diagnosis of clinically suspicious melanocytic skin lesions. Multiple international studies have described the challenge of providing accurate and reproducible histopathological assessments of melanocytic lesions, highlighting the need for new diagnostic tools including disease-specific biomarkers. Previously, a 38-microRNA signature (“MEL38”) was identified in melanoma patient plasma and validated as a novel biomarker. In this study, MEL38 expression in solid tissue biopsies representing the benign naevi to metastatic melanoma spectrum is examined. Methods: Nanostring digital gene expression assessment of the MEL38 signature was performed on 308 formalin fixed paraffin embedded biopsies of naevi, melanoma in-situ and invasive melanoma. Genomic data were interrogated using hierarchical clustering, univariate, and multivariate statistical approaches. Classification scores computed from the MEL38 signature were analysed for their association with demographic data and histopathology results, including MPATH-DX class, AJCC disease stage and tissue subtype. Results: The MEL38 score can stratify higher-risk melanomas (MPATH-Dx Class V or more advanced) from lower-risk skin lesions (Class I-IV) with an area-under-the curve of 0.97 (P<0.001). The genomic score ranges from 0 to 10 and is positively correlated with melanoma progression, with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.85 with stage 0 to IV disease. Using an optimised classification threshold of ≥2.7 accurately identifies higher-risk melanomas, associated with poorer outcomes and more intensive suggested clinical actions with 89% sensitivity and 94% specificity. Multivariate analysis showed the score to be a significant predictor of malignancy, independent of technical and clinical covariates. Application of the MEL38 signature to spitz naevi reveal an intra-subtype profile, with elements of the profile in common to both naevi and melanoma. Conclusion: Melanoma-specific circulating microRNAs maintain their association with malignancy when measured in the hypothesized tissue of origin. The MEL38 signature is an accurate and reproducible metric of melanoma status, based on changes in microRNA expression that occur as the disease develops and spreads. Inclusion of the MEL38 score into routine practice would provide physicians with previously unavailable, personalised genomic information about their patient’s skin lesions. Combining molecular biomarker data with conventional histopathology data may improve diagnostic accuracy, healthcare resource utilisation, and patient outcomes.
Actual Problems of Methodology and Organization of Teaching Russian as a Foreign languages During the Pandenic
Authors:   Transbaikal State University, Yulia V. Biktimirova
Published: June 2021

In the era of globalization, Russian universities face an acute problem of participating in a single global educational space and exporting educational services for training specialists from different countries Russian language training for foreign specialists who are fluent in Russian and are able to teach Russian abroad is of particular importance and relevance in this regard. The article is devoted to educational products provided by the graduating Department of Russian as a foreign language of the Transbaikal state University in the conditions of competition of Russian universities for a foreign student during the pandemic. The relevance of the problem is confirmed by numerous scientific studies, which analyze both the presence of exports of Russian educational services, and the place and specifics of hotel universities in the export of educational services. The aim of the study is to analyze the educational services of the Transbaikal state University, provided by educational programs producing the Russian as a Foreign Language department, as well as the prospects for the development of educational programs during the pandemic. Analysis of the educational programs of the Transbaikal State University, exported issuing Department RCTS showed that the educational product is a coherent and consistent system of educational programs, which allows to education of foreign citizens at all stages of study at the University. The author notes the strategies for the development of the educational activities of the Department of the Russian Academy of Sciences, which are aimed at improving the competitiveness and quality of the educational product in the international market of educational services in the post-pandemic period. In order to achieve the goal and solve the problems, methods of analysis and observation were used, which allowed to determine the direction and prospects of the development of international educational programs in the city, to identify new challenges for the effective export of educational services and how to solve them. Keywords: international market for educational services, foreign students, international university activities, Russian as a foreign language, export of educational services, the department of Russian language as a foreign language
Use of Online Test Pad Platform as a Tool of Online Testing in Distant Foreign Language Lessons
Authors:   Transbaikal State University, Victoria M. Eremina , Elena I. Kholmogorova ,   Transbaikal State University, Dmitry O. Eremin ,   Transbaikal State University
Published: June 2021

The need for using distance learning technologies is one of the main features of modern situation in education, which results from the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The relevance of the research is caused by the need for studying distance learning resources in teaching foreign languages. In case of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, use of online technologies has become a part of the university lecturers’ work process, including foreign languages teachers. This study aims to examine and analyze pros and cons of online testing, as well as the results of Online Test Pad application, which was used as a tool in online testing. The methods we applied involved the study of theoretical works on the problems of distance learning and testing, as well as some empirical methods including observation and analysis of online testing results. The article gives examples of online assignments used in teaching English. Further research is needed to better understand Online Test Pad potential in university teaching of foreign languages. Keywords: distance learning, Online Test Pad platform, foreign language, advantage and disadvantages of online testing, online assignments
Organizational and Pedagogical Support of Intercultural Educational Space of the School
Authors:   Secondary Comprehensive School № 49, Ruslan V. Nikonov
Published: June 2021

The purpose of the article is to broadcast the scientific and pedagogical experience of designing and implementing a model of the intercultural educational space of a modern school. The work was based on the provisions of synergistic, competent and systemic-activity approaches, the concept of the state program for the development of education for 2018–2025. The author describes his own, developed and tested in practice methods, techniques, criteria for organizational and pedagogical support of the intercultural educational space, analyzes the monitoring results and indicators achieved (reflected in the summary table), justifies the effectiveness of the implementation and implementation of the project. The scientific novelty of the study consists in a comprehensive description of the model of the intercultural educational space of MBOU “Secondary School No. 49 with in-depth study of the English language”, a scientific analysis of the achieved performance indicators. Based on the obtained results of the design and implementation of the described model, the author justifies the prospects and effectiveness of introducing the content, operational-activity and evaluation-criterion components of the intercultural educational space of the language school into the educational environment as a whole. Methods of observation and self-observation, expert assessment, generalization and dissemination of mass and advanced pedagogical experience were used to achieve the proper level of scientific knowledge and evidence. The article is structured according to the principle of deduction, which allows you to highlight the results of the study at the general and empirical levels in the scientific range relevant to the author. Keywords: intercultural educational space, organizational and pedagogical support, multiculturalism, integration, language school
To the Question of the Relevance of Updating School Environmental Education
Authors:   Institute of Education Development Strategy of the Russian Academy of Education, Maria S. Sabrekova
Published: June 2021

The article is devoted to the analysis of the scientific and philosophical thought development, which served as a challenge to the renewal of the content of environmental education at the beginning of the XXI century. The analysis of the stages of domestic environmental education development, its content from the point of view of reflection in it of relations between society and nature is carried out. A new stage in the environmental education development in the 21st century is associated with the spread of ideas of sustainable development, which determine the transformation of all spheres of human culture. The article provides examples of tasks that currently exist in the educational literature for one of the primary school subjects, and a variant of their change from the standpoint of environmental education in the interests of sustainable development is proposed. The modern literature on the methodology of teaching the subject “The World Around” in primary school is considered from the point of view of the representation of the content of environmental education in it. The author comes to the conclusion about the insufficiency of the natural science orientation of environmental education for the formation of students’ ideas about the environmental imperative – a key category for understanding the conditions for harmonizing nature, society and the world of things. Based on the analysis performed, a conclusion was made about the relevance of updating the content of school environmental education. It is substantiated that this will contribute to the achievement of its planned result – the formation of a modern ecological culture among students. Keywords: general education, environmental education, educational content, environmental imperative, environmental culture