bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Framework for Indoor Elements Classification via Inductive Learning on Floor Plan Graphs
Authors: Song Jaeyoung , Yu Kiyun
Published: January 2021

This paper presents a new framework to classify floor plan elements and represent them in a vector format. Unlike existing approaches using image-based learning frameworks as the first step to segment the image pixels, we first convert the input floor plan image into vector data and utilize graph neural network. Our framework consists of three steps. (1) image pre-processing and vectorization of the floor plan image. (2) region adjacency graph conversion. (3) graph neural network on converted floor plan graphs. Our approach is able to capture different types of indoor elements including basic elements such as walls, doors, and symbols as well as spatial elements such as rooms and corridors. In addition, the proposed method can also detect element shapes. Experimental results show that our framework can classify indoor elements with an F1 score of 95%, with scale and rotation invariance. Furthermore, we propose a new graph neural network model that takes the distance between nodes into account, which is a valuable feature of spatial network data.
Negativity of the Casimir Self-Entropy in Spherical Geometries
Authors: Li Yang , Milton Kimball , Parashar Prachi , Hong Lujan
Published: January 2021

It has been recognized for some time that even for perfect conductors, the interaction Casimir entropy, due to quantum/thermal fluctuations, can be negative. This result was not considered problematic because it was thought that the self-entropies of the bodies would cancel this negative interaction entropy, yielding a total entropy that was positive. In fact, this cancellation seems not to occur. The positive self entropy of a perfectly conducting sphere does indeed just cancel the negative interaction entropy of a system consisting of a perfectly conducting sphere and plate, but a model with weaker coupling in general possesses a regime where negative self-entropy appears. The physical meaning of this surprising result remains obscure. In this paper we re-examine these issues, using improved physical and mathematical techniques, partly based on the Abel-Plana formula, and present numerical results for arbitrary temperatures and couplings, which exhibit the same remarkable features.
Optimization of the Obtaining of Cellulose Nanocrystals from Agave Tequilana Weber Var. Azul Bagasse by Acid Hydrolysis
Authors: Gallardo-Sánchez Manuel Alberto , Diaz-Vidal Tania , Navarro-Hermosillo Alejandra Berenice , Figueroa Ochoa Edgar Benjamín , Ramirez Casillas Rogelio , Anzaldo Hernández José , Rosales-Rivera Luis Carlos , Soltero Martínez J. Felix Armando , García Enriquez Salvador , Macías-Balleza Emma Rebeca
Published: January 2021

A multilevel factorial design of 23 with 12 experiments was developed for the preparation of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) from Agave tequilana Weber var. Azul bagasse. The studied parameters were acid type (H2SO4 and HCl), acid concentration (60 and 65 wt% for H2SO4, 2 and 8N for HCl) temperature (40 and 60°C for H2SO4, 50 and 90°C for HCl), and hydrolysis time (40, 55 and 70 min for H2SO4, 30, 115 and 200 min for HCl). The obtained CNC were physical and chemically characterized using dynamic light scattering (DLS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and X-ray diffraction (XDR) techniques. The size and morphology of A. tequilana CNC strongly depend on the acid type and hydrolysis parameters. The shortest CNC were obtained with H2SO4 (65 wt%, 40 °C, and 70 min) had a length of 137 ± 68 nm, width 33 ± 7 nm, and height 9.1 nm, whereas the shortest CNC obtained with HCl (2 N, 50 °C and 30 min) had a length of 216 ± 73 nm, width 69 ± 17 nm, and height 8.9 nm. CNC prepared from H2SO4 resulted shorter and thinner than those obtained with HCl. The total sulfate groups content in CNC obtained with H2SO4 increase with time agree to CSG=aebt, and increases with temperature and acid concentration.
Valence generalization across non-recurring structures
Authors: Amd Micah
Published: January 2021

Semantically meaningless strings that are associated with affective attributes (US) can become emotionally valenced CS. Jurchiș et al (2020) recently demonstrated CS-US associations may influence evaluations towards previously-unseen letter strings if the latter share grammar construction rules with CS. We replicated those authors' findings in a modified extension (Experiment 1; N1 = 108), where happy/angry faces (US) were differentially associated with letter strings (CS) constructed using familiar (English) or non-familiar (Phoenician) alphabets. CS-US sequences were sandwiched by evaluations of strings that never appeared as CS, but shared grammar construction rules. However, post-hoc tests indicated valence effects were restricted to participants classified as 'high awareness' or those who had been exposed to longer stimulus durations, suggesting resource-intense deliberations were central during evaluations. Qualitative awareness checks additionally showcased many participants had attributed valences to recurring elements across conditioned and evaluated exemplars. These limitations were collectively addressed in Experiment 2 (N2 = 140), where participants viewed Phoenician (/English) CS during conditioning but viewed English (/Phoenician) strings during evaluations, meaning no strings nor elements recurred between phases. We found credible valence effects across English and Phoenician strings, with the latter observed across all awareness categories. Because participants were unable to consciously specify any evaluative strategies while evaluating Phoenician strings, we speculate grammar construction rules (organizing relations) may have been non-consciously acquired during conditioning.
New Generation of Hybrid Materials Based on Gelatin and Bioactive Glass Particles for Bone Tissue Engineering
Authors: Houaoui Amel , Szczodra Agata , Lallukka Mari , El-Guermah Lamia , Agniel Remy , Pauthe Emmanuel , Massera Jonathan , Boissiere Michel
Published: January 2021

Hybrid scaffolds based on bioactive glass (BAG) particles (<38µm), covalently linked to the gelatin (G*), using 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GPTMS), have been studied for bone bioengineering. In this study, two glass compositions (13-93 and 13-93B20 [where 20% of the SiO2 was replaced with B2O3]) were introduced in the gelatin matrix. The Cfactor (Gelatin/GPTMS molar ratio) was kept constant at 500. The hybrids obtained were found to be stable at 37°C, in solution; condition at which pure gelatin is liquid. All hybrids were characterized by in vitro dissolution in TRIS solution (for up to 4 weeks) and Simulated Body Fluid (SBF) (for up to 2 weeks). Samples processed with 13-93B20 exhibit a faster initial dissolution and significantly faster precipitation of a hydroxyapatite (HA) layer. The faster ion release and HA precipitation recorded from the G*/13-93B20 samples, is attributable to the higher reactivity of borosilicate compared to the silicate glass. MC3T3-E1 cells behavior, in direct contact with the hybrids, was investigated, showing that the cells were able to proliferate and spread on the developed biomaterials. Tailoring the glass composition allows to better control the material’s dissolution, biodegradability, and bioactivity. Bioactive (especially with 13-93B20 BAG), and biocompatible, the hybrids are promising for bone application.
Soy-enriched bread, a pilot study to determine its beneficial effects in menopause
Authors: Giustarini Daniela , Ricci Comasia , Ceccarelli Ilaria , Pieretti Stefano , Andre Paolo , Migliorini Silvia , Massai Lauretta , Minosi Paola , Casini Ilenia , Aloisi Anna Maria
Published: January 2021

Menopause is the last step in the reproductive history of a woman. The ovaries stop producing hormones and the body reacts by lowering its functions, including the neuronal one. Phytoestrogens are plant products with estrogen-like activity able to affect many body functions. The aim of the present experiment was to study the effects of 30 days of regular consumption of a soy-enriched bread containing a known amount of phytoestrogens (genistein and daidzein).
Women at climacteric, within 5 years or more than 5 years of menopause, were asked to include in their diet 200 g/day of a bread containing 40 mg of phytoestrogens. The effect on common menopausal symptoms and neurophysiological, hormonal and antioxidant parameters were determined before and after 30 days through questionnaires and experimental tests. Phytoestrogens were measured in the urine.
In all groups, there was a significant increase of phytoestrogens in the urine and a decrease of the classical symptoms of menopause as well as a significant improvement in attentional performance tests, the quality of life index and pain intensity.
Phytoestrogens present in the soy-enriched bread, are an important supplement in aging women due to their ability to induce estrogen-like effects without the potential side effects of estrogens.
Performance Evaluation of a Two-Parameters Monthly Rainfall-Runoff Model in The Southern Basin of Thailand
Authors: Ditthakit Pakorn , Pinthong Sirimon , Salaeh Nureehan , Binnui Fadilah , Khwanchum Laksanara
Published: January 2021

Accurate monthly runoff estimation is fundamental in water resources management, planning, and development, resulting in preventing and reducing water-related problems, such as flooding and drought. This article evaluates the performance of the monthly hydrological rainfall-runoff model, GR2M model, in Thailand's southern basins. The GR2M model requires only two parameters, and no prior research has been reported on its application in this region. The 37 runoff stations, which are distributively located in three sub-watersheds of Thailand's southern region, namely; Thale Sap Songkhla, Peninsular-East Coast, and Peninsular-West Coast, were selected as study cases. The available monthly hydrological data of runoff, rainfall, air temperature from the Royal Irrigation Department (RID) and the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) were collected and analyzed. Thornthwaite method was utilized for the determination of evapotranspiration. The model's performance was conducted using three statistical indices: Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE), Correlation Coefficient (r), and Overall Index (OPI). The model's calibration results for 37 runoff stations gave the average of NSE, r, and OPI of 0.637, 0.825, and 0.757, and those values for verification of 0.465, 0.750, and 0.639, respectively. It indicated a model's acceptable performance and could apply the GR2M model for determining monthly runoff variation in this region. The spatial distribution of X1 and X2 values was conducted by using IDW method. It was susceptible to the X1 value and X2 value of approximately more than 0.90 gave the higher model's performance.
Effects of Durum Wheat Cultivars with Different Degrees of FHB Susceptibility Grown Under Different Meteorological Conditions on the Contamination of Regulated, Modified and Emerging Mycotoxins
Authors: Scarpino Valentina , Blandino Massimo
Published: January 2021

The enhancement of Fusarium head blight (FHB) resistance is one of the best options to reduce mycotoxin contamination in wheat. This study has aimed to verify that the genotypes with high tolerance to deoxynivalenol could guarantee an overall minimization of the sanitary risk, by evaluating the contamination of regulated, modified and emerging mycotoxins on durum wheat cvs with different degrees of FHB susceptibility, grown under different meteorological condi-tions, in 8 growing seasons in North-West Italy. The years which were characterized by frequent and heavy rainfall in spring, were also those with the highest contamination of deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, moniliformin and enniatins. The most FHB resistant genotypes resulted in the lowest contamination of all the mycotoxins but showed the highest deoxyniva-lenol-3-glucoside/deoxynivalenol ratio and moniliformin/deoxynivalenol ratio. An inverse re-lationship between the amount of deoxynivalenol and the deoxyniva-lenol-3-glucoside/deoxynivalenol ratio was recorded for all the cvs and all the years. Converse-ly, the enniatins/deoxynivalenol ratio had a less intense relationship with cv tolerance to FHB. In conclusion, even though the more tolerant cvs, showed higher relative relationships between modified/emerging mycotoxins and native/target mycotoxins than the susceptible ones, they showed lower absolute levels of contamination of both emerging and modified mycotoxins.
“Clickase” Single-Chain Nanoparticles: Effect of Intra-Chain Distribution of Catalytic Sites on Catalytic Activity
Authors: Asenjo-Sanz Isabel , Claros Tatiana , González Edurne , Verde-Sesto Ester , Pomposo José A.
Published: January 2021

“Clickase” single-chain nanoparticles (Ck-SCNPs) are folded, enzyme-mimetic unimolecular polymeric nano-objects containing copper (Cu) ions able to catalyze the azide-alkyne Huisgen cycloaddition reaction in water and/or selected organic solvents, often in the presence of a reductant. Herein, we investigate the effect of morphology on catalytic activity of Ck-SCNPs synthesized by means of two different routes. An amphiphilic random copolymer composed of oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methyl methacrylate (OEGMA) and 2-acetoacetoxy ethyl methacrylate (AEMA) units was used as precursor of these Ck-SCNPs. Folding was promoted through metal complexation between Cu(II) ions and beta-ketoester-containing AEMA moieties. The first route resulted in Ck-SCNPs1 containing Cu ions homogeneously distributed within each nanoparticle, whereas the second one promoted intra-chain clustering of Cu ions inside Ck-SCNPs2. A model fluorogenic “click” reaction between 9-(azidomethyl)anthracene and phenylacetylene, which was catalyzed either by Ck-SCNPs1 or Ck-SCNPs2, was used to unravel the effect of morphology on catalytic activity. This work paves the way to improve the catalytic activity of metallo-folded SCNPs through control of the intra-chain distribution of catalytic sites.
Unlocking the Patterns of the Tunisian Durum Wheat Landraces Genetic Structure Based on Phenotypic Characterization in Relation to Farmer’s Vernacular Name
Authors: Robbana Cyrine , Kehel Zakaria , Ammar Karim , Guzmán Carlos , Naceur M’Barek Ben , Amri Ahmed
Published: January 2021

During the 1970s, Tunisian durum wheat landraces were replaced progressively by modern cultivars. These landraces are nowadays maintained by smallholder farmers in some ecological niches and are threatened gradually by extinction resulting on the narrowing of the genetic diversity. This study aims to investigate patterns of phenotypic variability using twelve quantitative traits in a panel of 189 durum wheat landraces and seven checks, based on farmer’s population name attribution and genetic structure. Our results showed high phenotypic variability among and within landraces and checks for the majority of the studied traits. The principal components analysis showed similar grouping using farmers name attribution and genetic structure using K = 6, which confirmed the identification of a new gene pool in the oases of Tunisia, represented by the sub-population Jenah Zarzoura and the robustness and high relationships between phenotypic and genome-wide genetic structure using DArTseq method. These findings will enhance the conservation efforts of these landraces and their use in breeding efforts at national and international levels to adapt to dry conditions.
Plant Nitric Oxide Signaling under Drought Stress
Authors: Lau Su-Ee , Hamdan Mohd Fadhli , Pua Teen-Lee , Saidi Noor Baity , Tan Boon Chin
Published: January 2021

Water deficit caused by drought is a significant threat to crop growth and production. Nitric oxide (NO), a water- and lipid-soluble free radical, plays an important role in cytoprotection. Apart from a few studies supporting the role of NO in drought responses, little is known about this pivotal molecular amendment in the regulation of abiotic stress signaling. In this review, we highlight the knowledge gaps in NO roles under drought stress and the technical challenges underlying NO detection and measurements, and we provide recommendations regarding potential avenues for future investigation. The modulation of NO production to alleviate abiotic stress disturbances in higher plants highlights the potential of genetic manipulation to influence NO metabolism as a tool with which plant fitness can be improved under adverse growth conditions.
Digital Twins in Livestock Farming
Authors: Neethirajan Suresh , Kemp Bas
Published: January 2021

Digital twin technology is already improving efficiencies and reducing costs across multiple industries and sectors. As the earliest adopters, space technology and manufacturing sectors have made the most sophisticated gains with automobile and natural resource extraction industries following close behind with recent investments in digital twin technology. The application of digital twins within the livestock farming sector is the next frontier. The possibilities that this technology may fuel are nearly endless as digital twins can be used to improve large-scale precision livestock farming practices, machinery and equipment usage, and the health and well-being of a wide variety of farm animals. Currently, many pioneers of digital twins in livestock farming are already applying sophisticated AI technology to monitor both animals and environment around the clock, which leads to a better understanding of animal behavior and distress, disease control and prevention, and smarter business decisions for the farmer. Mental and emotional states of animals can be monitored using recognition technology that examines facial features such as ear postures and eye white regions. Used with modeling, simulation and augmented reality technologies, digital twins can help farmers build more energy-efficient housing structures, predict heat cycles for breeding, discourage negative behaviors of livestock, and potentially much more. As with all disruptive technological advances, the implementation of digital twin technology will demand a thorough cost and benefit analysis by individual farms. Digital twin application will need to overcome challenges and accept limitations that arise. However, regardless of these issues, the potential of digital twins promises to revolutionize livestock farming in the future.
Low-Power Audio Keyword Spotting using Tsetlin Machines
Authors: Lei Jie , Rahman Tousif , Shafik Rishad , Yakovlev Alex , Yakovlev Alex , Granmo Ole-Christoffer , Kawsar Fahim , Mathur and
Published: January 2021

The emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) driven Keyword Spotting (KWS) technologies has revolutionized human to machine interaction. Yet, the challenge of end-to-end energy efficiency, memory footprint and system complexity of current Neural Network (NN) powered AI-KWS pipelines has remained ever present. This paper evaluates KWS utilizing a learning automata powered machine learning algorithm called the Tsetlin Machine (TM). Through significant reduction in parameter requirements and choosing logic over arithmetic based processing, the TM offers new opportunities for low-power KWS while maintaining high learning efficacy. In this paper we explore a TM based keyword spotting (KWS) pipeline to demonstrate low complexity with faster rate of convergence compared to NNs. Further, we investigate the scalability with increasing keywords and explore the potential for enabling low-power on-chip KWS.
A Novel Therapeutic Target, BACH1, Regulates Cancer Metabolism
Authors: Lee Jiyoung , Padilla Joselyn
Published: January 2021

BTB domain and CNC homology 1 (BACH1) is a highly expressed transcription factor in tumors including breast and lung, relative to their non-tumor tissues. BACH1 is known to regulate multiple physiological processes including heme homeostasis, oxidative stress response, senescence, cell cycle, and mitosis. In a tumor, BACH1 promotes invasion and metastasis of cancer cells, and the expression of BACH1 presents a poor outcome for cancer patients including breast cancer patients. Recent studies identified novel functional roles of BACH1 in the regulation of metabolic pathways in cancer cells. BACH1 inhibits mitochondrial metabolism through transcriptional suppression of mitochondrial membrane genes. In addition, BACH1 suppresses activity of pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH), a key enzyme that converts pyruvate to acetyl-CoA for the citric acid (TCA) cycle through transcriptional activation of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDK). Moreover, BACH1 increases glucose uptake and lactate secretion in aerobic glycolysis through the expression of metabolic enzymes involved such as hexokinase 2 (HK2) and glyceraldehyde 3- phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH). Pharmacological or genetic inhibition of BACH1 could reprogramme metabolic pathways, subsequently rendering metabolic vulnerability of cancer cells. Furthermore, inhibition of BACH1 decreased antioxidant-induced glycolysis rates as well as reduced migration and invasion of cancer cells, suggesting BACH1 as a potentially useful cancer therapeutic target.
The Alignment between Agricultural Policy and the SDGs: Zero Hunger and Responsible Production and Consumption in Ecuador
Authors: Requelme Narcisa
Published: January 2021

This study reviews how policy and agricultural laws relate to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2 and 12, sustainability and rural development, in Ecuador. Policy aligns itself with goals 2 in terms of increased productivity and income (target 2,3) to interna-tional markets (targets 2b y 2c), rural infrastructure, research, agricultural extension and technological development (target 2a), agrobiodiversity and traditional knowledge (target 25). It is related with SDG 12 to sustainable production and consumption targets 12.1, 12.2 and 12a). Laws highlight public procurement, research, seeds, and efficient resource management through sustainable practices. It is concluded that policy is aligned with SDGs 2 and 12 but is necessary to establish others that surpass the emphasis on produc-tivity towards export markets that leave AFC production and achieve a transition to sus-tainable production and consumption. The study of laws indicates that it is necessary to strengthen local governance for food sovereignty, including the peasant sectors within the framework of existing laws with participation in spaces of debate and formulation of ac-tions.
A Systematic Review of Literature on Representation of Racial and Ethnic Minority Groups in Clinical Nutrition Interventions
Authors: Dhillon Jaapna , Jacobs Ashley , Ortiz Sigry , Diaz Rios Karina
Published: January 2021

There is a disproportionate increase in the incidence of diet-related cardiometabolic disorders in racial and ethnic minority groups. This systematic review examines the extent to which diet-induced changes in health outcomes have been discussed by race or ethnicity in randomized controlled trials recruiting both minority and non-Hispanic White groups. Databases i.e. PubMed, Cochrane library and Web of Science were searched up to November 2019. Studies that discussed effects of defined dietary interventions on health outcomes by racial or ethnic minority group vs. non-Hispanic Whites (n=29) were included in the review. Most studies were conducted in Black vs. White people testing effects of energy restriction, macronutrient modification, sodium reduction, or variations of the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet on cardiometabolic outcomes. There was limited focus on other minority groups. Evidence suggests greater blood pressure reduction for Black people compared to Whites particularly on DASH (or similar) diets. Overall, there was limited consideration for group-specific eating patterns and diet acceptability in most studies. Adequately powered studies are needed for accurate interpretation of race by diet effects. With emerging precision nutrition initiatives, it is imperative to ensure adequate representation of racial and ethnic subgroups for addressing nutrition-related health disparities.
Special Issue on COVID-19 and Historical Pandemics
Authors: Shinoda Sumio , Karaki Hideaki , Hayashi Haruo
Published: January 2021

COVID-2019 was first identified in Wuhan, China, at the end of 2019, and from there it spread worldwide. Due to this worldwide distribution of COVID-19 cases, the WHO declared a COVID-19 pandemic. The pathogen of COVID-19, a novel corona virus, resembles SARS-CoV, the pathogen of SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome, a pandemic in 2003), so the International Committee on Taxonomy Virology named it SARS-CoV-2. However, COVID-19 is a different disease from SARS, and should be controlled to the extent possible with the effective vaccines and therapeutic medicines.

Although one year has passed since the first appearance of the disease, the number of COVID-19 cases continues to increase, and the pandemic is now in its third large wave. It is thought that it will be difficult to eradicate the disease completely, because SARS-CoV-2 is possible to invade and live in various host animals in addition to humans.

During this pandemic, the JDR has put together the special issue “COVID-19 and Historical Pandemics.” Because there have been many pandemics that have transformed society in various ways, the special issue includes historical pandemics in addition to COVID-19. The manuscripts in this issue include various subjects related to COVID-19, including methods of analyzing the pandemic, suggestions for countermeasures against it, methods of prevention and epidemiological reviews, among others.

The WHO has released a large volume of pandemic information on an ongoing basis, including its “COVID-19 Weekly Epidemiological Update.” In the weekly edition of December 27, it reported the cumulative number of cases and percentages of the global total from around the world: the Americas 34,403,371 (43%), Europe 25,271 (31%), Africa 1,831,227 (2%), and the Western Pacific 1.059,751 (1%). It is notable that 74% of cumulative global total number of cases have been reported in the Americas and Europe, where most developed countries are included, whereas the numbers in Africa, which includes many developing countries, and the Western Pacific region, which includes Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Malaysia in addition to Japan and China, are 2% and 1%, respectively. This indicates that the COVID-19 pandemic is a different from previous epidemics caused by other infectious diseases.

As the pandemic spreads, the JDR plans to edit Part 2 of this COVID-19 special issue.
A Study of Issues Related to the Operation of Evacuation Shelters in a Corona-Endemic Society – Through the Guidelines and Training of Shiga Prefecture in Japan
Authors: Takaoka Seiko , Kawata Yasuhito , Kai Tatsuro ,   Disaster Reduction and Human Renovation Institution DRI-West6F, 1-5-2 Wakinohama Kaigandori, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 651-0073, Japan,   Senri Critical Care Medical Center, Saiseikai Senri Hospital, Osaka Japan
Published: January 2021

In Japan, in a society where the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is widespread, when a disaster occurs and a large number of people need to be relocated to evacuation centers, clusters of coronavirus disease may emerge; therefore, countermeasures are necessary. The purpose of this paper is to clarify the issues involved and the measures required to manage evacuation centers in the event of a disaster during the coronavirus disease pandemic. One of the researchers cooperated as an advisor in the preparation of the guidelines for the operation of evacuation centers and countermeasures against the coronavirus disease infection in the Shiga Prefecture and has participated as a lecturer in the evacuation center operation drills for the officials of the cities and towns in the prefecture since the planning stage. During the drills, hygiene products and equipment were set up; the participants were divided into two groups representing evacuees and staff and exchanged their opinions on various issues. As a result of the drills, it became clear that it is important to prepare for outbreaks of infectious diseases. Preparations include stockpiling supplies, training staff members in charge, and disseminating information to staff and residents. The importance of prioritizing the allocation of living spaces, while giving due consideration to human rights and collaborating with medical experts was also emphasized.
Characteristic Features of Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic: Attention to the Management and Control in Egypt
Authors: El-Subbagh Nourhan H. , Rabie Rana , Mahfouz Aya A. , Aboelsuod Khaled M. , Elshabrawy Mohamed Y. , Abdelaleem Haneen M. , Elhammady Basant E. , Abosaleh Weam , Salama Lamiaa A. , Badreldeen Sara , Yasser Mohamed , Elgaml Abdelaziz ,   Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Horus University New Damietta 34518, Egypt,   Gastroenterology Surgical Center, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt,   Oncology Center, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt,   Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Horus University, New Damietta, Egypt,   Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
Published: January 2021

In the late of 2019, unfamiliar cases of pneumonia were announced in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China that resulted in high mortality rates of 2%. Shortly, these cases were reported to be brought about by a novel type of coronaviruses named as novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The disease caused by this novel virus is designated as coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). Instantly afterwards, this disease exhibited an extreme spreading rate and the infection has geographically shifted to affect the whole world including the Middle East countries involving Egypt. Thus, it is not surprising that a lot of reports and literature have been directed to provide information and describe the clinical features of this pandemic. In this report, we describe in details the characteristic features of COVID-19 pandemic with attention to the management and control in Egypt. Characters of the virus, mode of transmission, pathogenesis, clinical symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention are fully described.
Epidemiology of the Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and Several Remarkable Pandemics
Authors: Shinoda Sumio ,   Collaborative Research Center of Okayama University for Infectious Diseases in India, Okayama University 1-1-1 Tsushima-Naka, Kita, Okayama, Okayama 700-8530, Japan
Published: January 2021

COVID-19 is a newly discovered infectious disease caused by the novel coronavirus. The COVID-19 pandemic started at the end of December 2019 in Wuhan, China and spread rapidly across the world, especially in North and South America or Europe. The number of infected cases in the developed countries in North America and Europe or South America is extremely high, whereas its number in the developing countries of Africa or Southeast Asia is not so high; therefore, the COVID-19 is different from the usual infectious disease outbreaks. This article introduces the epidemiology of COVID-19, comparing with other historical infectious disease outbreaks.
EL DELITO DE TRÁFICO ILÍCITO DE MIGRANTES DESDE EL PRINCIPIO DE PROPORCIONALIDAD: UN ANÁLISIS COMPARADO DE LOS CASOS CHILENO, ESPAÑOL Y ECUATORIANO
Authors:   Universidad de Talca, Calahorrano Latorre Edison
Published: January 2021

El presente trabajo analiza el tipo penal de tráfico ilícito de migrantes desde sus elementos, con la finalidad de establecer diferencias con el delito de trata de personas y verificar si se justifica su inclusión en el catálogo penal, a partir de someterlo al test de proporcionalidad, por lo que se toman como referentes las tipificaciones constantes en los Códigos Penales de Chile, España y Ecuador. A partir de los principios y subprincipios del test de proporcionalidad se argumenta que no todos los casos de tráfico ilícito de migrantes deben, necesariamente, estar inscritos en la protección del ius puniendi estatal, para lo cual se recurre a las funciones del Derecho Penal en el estado constitucional de derecho, el principio de proporcionalidad y la necesidad de combatir y sancionar la criminalidad organizada.
Social Determinants of Overweight and Obesity Among Children in the United States
Authors: Yusuf Zenab I. , Dongarwar Deepa , Yusuf Rafeek A , Bell Meishon , Harris Toi , Salihu Hamisu M.
Published: January 2021

Background: Childhood obesity is one of the foremost threats to population health in the United States (U.S.) leading to the emergence of co-morbidities and increased healthcare cost. We explore the influence of selected social determinants of health (SDOH) on overweight and obesity among U.S. children.

Methods: We utilized the National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH) 2016-17 dataset for this analysis. Overweight was defined as Body Mass Index (BMI) ? 85 th to<95 th , while obesity was defined as BMI ?95 th percentile for age and sex. Based on the literature and pathway plausibility, we examined several SDOH variables as predictors of childhood overweight or obesity in the US. Survey log-binomial regression models were built to generate prevalence ratio (PR) estimates to capture the associations between SDOH and overweight or obesity.

Results: About 30.6 million children were surveyed of which 9.5 million (31.0%) were either overweight or obese. The likelihood of obesity was elevated among non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic children (PR = 1.53; 95% CI = 1.01-2.31) and (PR = 1.50; 95% CI = 1.18-1.90) respectively. Overweight was more frequent in younger children, children of single parents, and children who lived in a neighborhood with no amenities. Parental attainment of college education, health insurance coverage, female gender, and language spoken in home other than Spanish were protective against overweight or obesity.

Conclusions and Global Health Implications: SDOH represent markers of overweight or obesity in children. We recommend the development of innovative interventions using SDOH risk and protective pathways as guide to address the current epidemic of childhood overweight and obesity.

Key words: • Social determinants • Obesity • Overweight • SDOH • Children • United States

 

Copyright © 2020 Yusuf et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Anti-echinococcal effect of verapamil involving the regulation of the calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase Ⅱ response in vitro and in a murine infection model
Authors: Gao Hai-Jun , Sun Xu-Dong , Luo Yan-Ping , Pang Hua-Sheng , Ma Xing-Ming , Zhang Ting , Jing Tao , Hu Wei , Shen Yu-Juan , Cao Jian-Ping
Published: January 2021

Background: Echinococcosis caused by the larvae of cestodes of the genus Echinococcus is a parasitic zoonosis that poses a serious threat to the health of humans and animals globally. Albendazole is the drug of choice for the treatment of echinococcosis, but it is difficult to meet clinical goals with this chemotherapy due to its low cure rate and the assocaiated side effects after long-time use. Hence, novel anti-parasitic targets and effective treatment alternatives are urgently needed. A previous study showed that verapamil can suppress the growth of Echinococcus granulosus larvae; however, the mechanism of this effect remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to gain insight into the anti-echinococcal effect of verapamil on Echinococcus with a particular focus on the regulatory effect of verapamil on calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase Ⅱ (Ca2+/CaM-CamKⅡ) in infected mice.Methods: The anti-echinococcal effects of verapamil on E. granulosus protoscoleces (PSC) in vitro and E. multilocularis metacestodes in infected mice were assessed. The morphological alterations in Echinococcus spp. induced by verapamil were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the changes in calcium content in both the parasite and mouse serum and liver were measured by SEM-energy dispersive spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and Alizarin red staining. Additionally, the changes in the protein and mRNA levels of CaM and CamKⅡ in infected mice, and in the mRNA levels of CamKⅡ in E. granulosus PSC were evaluated after treatment with verapamil by immunohistochemistry and/or real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.Results: In vitro, E. granulosus PSC could be killed by verapamil at a concentration of 0.5 μg/mL or higher within 8 days. Under these conditions, the ultrastructure of PSC was damaged, and this damage was accompanied obvious calcium loss and downregulation of CamKⅡ mRNA expression. In vivo, the weight and the calcium content of E. multilocularis metacestodes from mice were reduced after treatment with 40 mg/kg verapamil, and an elevation of the calcium content in the sera and livers of infected mice was observed. In addition, downregulation of CaM and CamKⅡ protein and mRNA expression in the livers of mice infected with E. multilocularis metacestodes was found after treatment with verapamil.Conclusions: Verapamil exerted a parasiticidal effect against Echinococcus both in vitro and in vivo through downregulating the expression of Ca2+/CaM-CamKⅡ, which were over-activated by parasitic infection. The results suggested that Ca2+/CaM-CamKⅡ may be a novel drug-target, and verapamil was shown to be a potential anti-echinococcal drug for controlling echinococcosis in the future.
SCUBE3 serves as an independent poor prognostic factor in breast cancer
Authors: Huo Qin , He Xi , Li Zhenwei , Yang Fan , He Shengnan , Shao Ling , Hu Ye , Chen Siqi , Xie Ni
Published: January 2021

Background: Accumulating evidences indicate that the signal peptide-CUB-EGF-like domain-containing protein 3 (SCUBE3) plays a key role in the development and progression of many human cancers. However, the underlying mechanism and prognosis value of SCUBE3 in breast cancer are still unclear. Methods: The clinical data of 137 patients with breast cancer who underwent surgical resection in Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province were retrospectively analyzed. We first conducted a comprehensive study on the expression pattern of SCUBE3 using the Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) and UALCAN databases. In addition, the expression of SCUBE3 in breast tumor tissues was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. The protein-protein interaction analysis and functional enrichment analysis of SCUBE3 were analyzed using the STRING and Enrichr databases. Moreover, tissue microarray (TMA) was used to analyze the relationship between SCUBE3 expression levels and clinical-pathological parameters, such as histological type, grade, the status of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER2). We further supplemented and identified the above results using the UALCAN and bc-GenExMiner v4.4 databases from TCGA data. The correlation between the expression of SCUBE3 and survival was calculated by multivariate Cox regression analysis to investigate whether SCUBE3 expression may be an independent prognostic factor of breast cancer. Results: We found that the expression level of SCUBE3 was significantly upregulated in breast cancer tissue compared with adjacent normal tissues. The results showed that the distribution of breast cancer patients in the high expression group and the low expression group was significantly different in ER, PR, HER2, E-cadherin, and survival state (p < 0.05), but there was no significant difference in age, histologic grade, histologic type, tumor size, lymph node metastasis, TMN stage, subtypes, or recurrence (p > 0.05). In addition, the high expression of SCUBE3 was associated with relatively poor prognosis of ER- (p = 0.012), PR- (p = 0.029), HER2+ (p = 0.007). The multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the hazard ratio (HR) was 2.80 (95 % CI: 1.20-6.51, p = 0.0168) in individuals with high SCUBE3 expression, and HR was increased by 1.86 (95 % CI: 1.06-3.25, p = 0.0300) for per 1-point increase of SCUBE3 expression.Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that the high expression of SCUBE3 indicates poor prognosis in breast cancer. SCUBE3 expression may serve as a potential diagnostic indicator of breast cancer.
Epicardial adipose tissue volume and coronary calcification among people living with diabetes: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Cosson Emmanuel , Nguyen Minh Tuan , Rezgani Imen , Tatulashvili Sopio , Sal Meriem , Berkane Narimane , Allard Lucie , Brillet Pierre-Yves , Bihan Hélène
Published: January 2021

Background: Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) has anatomic and functional proximity to the heart and is considered a novel diagnostic marker and therapeutic target in cardiometabolic diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether EAT volume was associated with coronary artery calcification (CAC) in people living with diabetes, independently of confounding factors.Methods: We included all consecutive patients with diabetes whose EAT volume and CAC score were measured using computed tomography between January 1, 2019 and September 30, 2020 in the Department of Diabetology-Endocrinology-Nutrition at Avicenne Hospital, France. Determinants of EAT volume and a CAC score ≥ 100 Agatston units (AU) were evaluated. Results: The study population comprised 409 patients (218 men). Mean (± standard deviation) age was 57±12 years, and 318, 56 and 35 had type 2 (T2D), type 1 (T1D), or another type of diabetes, respectively. Mean body mass index (BMI) was 29±6 kg/m², mean AET volume 93±38 cm3. EAT volume was positively correlated with age, BMI, pack-year smoking history and triglyceridaemia, but negatively correlated with HDL-cholesterol level. Furthermore, it was lower in people with retinopathy, but higher in men, in Caucasian people, in patients on antihypertensive and lipid-lowering medication, in people with nephropathy, and finally in individuals with a CAC ≥ 100 AU (CAC < 100 vs CAC ≥ 100: 89±35 vs 109±41 cm3, respectively, p<0.05). In addition to EAT volume, other determinants of CAC ≥ 100 AU (n=89, 22%) were age, T2D, ethnicity, antihypertensive and lipid-lowering medication, cumulative tobacco consumption, retinopathy, macular edema and macrovascular disease. Multivariable analysis considering all these determinants as well as gender and BMI showed that EAT volume was independently associated with CAC ≥ 100 AU (per 10 cm3 increase: OR 1.11 [1.02-1.20]). Conclusions: EAT volume was independently associated with CAC. As it may play a role in coronary atherosclerosis in patients with diabetes, reducing EAT volume through physical exercise, improved diet and pharmaceutical interventions may improve future cardiovascular risk outcomes in this population.
The rice cytosolic pentatricopeptide repeat protein OsPPR2-1 regulates OsGLK1 to control tapetal plastid development and programmed cell death
Authors: Zheng Shaoyan , Dong Jingfang , Lu Jingqin , Li Jing , Jiang Dagang , Ye Simiao , Bu Wenli , Liu Zhenlan , Zhou Hai , Zhuang Chuxiong
Published: January 2021

Most pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) proteins localize to plastids or mitochondria, where they participate in RNA metabolism and post-transcriptionally regulate organelle gene expression. However, whether PPR proteins regulate the expression of nucleus-encoded genes remains unclear. Here, we uncovered a function for the rice (Oryza. sativa L.) PPR protein OsPPR2-1 (Os02g0110400) in pollen development and showed that, in contrast to most other PPR proteins, OPPR2-1 resides in the cytoplasm. Downregulating OsPPR2-1 expression led to abnormal plastid development in tapetal cells, prolonged programmed cell death (PCD), prolonged tapetum degradation, and significantly reduced pollen fertility. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the expression of OsGOLDEN-LIKE 1 (OsGLK1), encoding a transcription factor that regulates plastid development and maintenance, was significantly higher in plants with downregulated OsPPR2-1 expression compared to the wild type. Moreover, OsPPR2-1 bound to the OsGLK1 mRNA in RNA immunoprecipitation and RNA-electrophoretic mobility shift assays. An in vitro cleavage assay showed that OsPPR2-1 could degrade the OsGLK1 mRNA. Notably, knockdown of OsGLK1 partially restored pollen fertility in OsPPR2-1-knockdown plants and OsGLK1-overexpressing plants showed abnormal tapetum and plastid development, similar to the OsPPR2-1-knockdown plants. Together, our findings demonstrate that OsPPR2-1 regulates OsGLK1 expression, thereby controlling plastid development and PCD in the tapetum.
Selective Terminal Functionalization of Linear Alkanes
Authors: Marek Ilan , Bruffaerts Jeffrey , Buhnik-Rosenblau Keren , Cohen Anthony , Kesten Inbar , Cormier Morgan , Zhang Yuanfei , Ho Guo-Ming , Massad Itai , Edri Nurit , Halfon-Verner Hila , Glaser Fabian , Horev Guy , Kashi Yechezkel
Published: January 2021

Selective undirected functionalization of strong primary C-H bonds of linear alkanes, that do not possess directing groups, historically stands as one of the most challenging transformation in chemistry. In this Article, we report a two-step sequential strategy involving a biocatalytic dehydrogenation / remote hydrofunctionalization, as a unified and versatile approach to selectively convert linear alkanes into a large array of valuable functionalized aliphatic derivatives. The dehydrogenation is carried out by a mutant strain of Rhodococcus and the produced alkenes are subsequently engaged in a remote functionalization through a metal-catalyzed hydrometalation/migration sequence that subsequently react with a large variety of electrophiles. The judicious implementation of this combined biocatalytic and organometallic approach enabled us to develop a high-yielding protocol to site-selectively functionalize unreactive primary C–H bonds.
Paleoproteomics Reveals the Species Sources of Ancient Hair Textiles and Supports Historicity of Wool Manufacture in the Bronze Age Along the Silk Road
Authors: Wang Zhongyuan , Yang Hailiang , Zhai Yujie , Song Shanshan , Zhou Lian , Yang Hui , Zheng Hailing , Zhou Yang , Hu Zhiwen , Peng Zhiqin , Wang Bing
Published: January 2021

The Xinjiang region is a crossroad between the West and East on the Silk Road, where many exquisite hair textile relics in the Bronze Age were unearthed, therefore, it attracts the attention of scholars around the world. However, the limitation of information acquisition ability is still the main bottleneck to recognize the scientific value of ancient hair textile relics. In this study, paleoproteomics method was proposed to analyse the hair textile relics from Xiaohe and Shanpula cemetery in the Xinjiang region. To establish the databases of biomarkers and morphological features, five modern hair samples from representative animals (grey fox, raccoon dog, American mink, cape hare, and lamb) were selected and examined. Through searching the databases, the ancient hair textile samples from Xiaohe and Shanpula cemetery were all identified as wool. Ultimately, this work demonstrated the evidences supporting the existence of prosperous sheep husbandry, wool manufacture and cultural exchange along the Silk Road in the Bronze Age. The paleoproteomics, in combination with other methods, obtained more reliable and profound information from hair textile relics than ever before, and it goes without saying that they have bright prospects of being widely used in hair textile archaeology.