bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Change in Postprandial Level of Remnant Cholesterol After a Daily Breakfast in Chinese Patients With Hypertension
Authors: Xu Jin , Qu Peiliu , Du Xiao , Xiang Qunyan , Guo Liling , Zhu Liyuan , Tan Yangrong , Fu Yan , Wen Tie , Liu Ling
Published: February 2021

Background: Hypertension(HBP) is usually accompanied by hypertriglyceridemia that represents the increased triglyceride-rich lipoproteins(TRLs) and their cholesterol content(i.e. remnant cholesterol, RC). According to the European Atherosclerosis Society(EAS), high RC(HRC) is defined as fasting RC ≥ 0.8mmol/L or/and postprandial RC ≥ 0.9mmol/L. However, little was known about postprandial change in RC level after a daily meal in Chinese patients with HBP. Methods: One hundred and thirty-five subjects, including 90 hypertensive patients(HBP group) and 45 non-HBP controls(CON group), were recruited in this study. Serum levels of blood lipids, including calculated RC, were explored at 0, 2, and 4 h after a daily breakfast. Receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curve analysis was used to determine the cut-off point of postprandial HRC.Results: TG and RC levels increased significantly after a daily meal in two groups(P<0.05). However, postprandial RC level was significantly higher in HBP group( P<0.05). ROC curve analysis showed that the optimal cut-off point for RC after a daily meal to predict HRC in corresponding to fasting RC 0.8 mmol/L was 0.91 mmol/L, which was very close to that recommended by the EAS, i.e. 0.9mmol/L. Fasting HRC was found in 31.1% hypertensive patients but not in the controls. According to the postprandial cut-off point, postprandial HRC was found in about half of hypertensive patients and about one third of controls. Conclusion: Postprandial RC level increased significantly after a daily meal and hypertensive patients had higher percentage of HRC. More importantly, the detection of postprandial lipids is helpful to find HRC.
Effect of ABO Blood Groups, Age and Gender on Coagulation Assays in Patients With Acute Deep Vein Thrombosis
Authors: Chen Zeliang , Deng Jinhua , Hu Qingna , Cao Jing , Wu Lishan , Tan Xuerui , Yu Min
Published: February 2021

Background: Genetic polymorphisms, age, gender and body weight are major determinants of warfarin dose requirements. Our previous study showed that patients with non-O blood groups required higher doses of warfarin than those with O blood groups. However, the underling mechanism was not well known.Objectives: The study aimed to investigate the influence of ABO blood group, age and gender on the values of coagulation tests in patients with acute deep vein thrombosis in Chinese Han population.Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in the First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College in Southern China. Two hundreds and 35 patients with confirmed diagnosis of acute deep vein thrombosis were included. Coagulation tests were determined.Results: Of 235 patients with acute deep vein thrombosis of lower extremities, 70 patients had blood group A (29.79%), 71 patients had blood group B (30.21%), 30 patients had blood group AB (12.77%), and 64 patients had blood group O (27.23%). The study showed no difference about coagulation tests among the patients with different blood groups. Coagulation tests were not affected by age and gender.Conclusion: Our study showed that ABO blood group, age and gender had no effects on coagulation tests in patients with acute deep vein thrombosis
Assessing biotic and abiotic interactions of micro-organisms in Amazonia through co-occurrence networks and DNA metabarcoding
Authors: Ritter Camila DUARTE Duarte , Forster Dominik , Azevedo Josue A. R. , Antonelli Alexandre , Nilsson R. Henrik , Trujillo Martha E. , Dunthorn Micah
Published: February 2021

Species may co-occur due to responses to similar environmental conditions, biological associations, or simply because of coincident geographical distributions. Disentangling patterns of co-occurrence and potential biotic and abiotic interactions is crucial to understand ecosystem function. Here we used DNA metabarcoding data from litter and mineral soils collected from a longitudinal transect in Amazonia to explore patterns of co-occurrence. We compared data from different Amazonian habitat types, each with a characteristic biota and environmental conditions. These included non-flooded rainforests (terra-firme), forests seasonally flooded by fertile white waters (várzeas) or by unfertile black waters (igapós), and open areas associated with white sand soil (campinas). We ran co-occurrence network analyses based on null models and Spearman correlation for all samples and for each habitat separately. We found that one third of all operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were bacteria and two thirds were eukaryotes. The resulting networks were nevertheless mostly composed of bacteria, with fewer fungi, protists, and metazoans. Considering the functional traits of the OTUs, there is a combination of metabolism modes including respiration and fermentation for bacteria, and a high frequency of saprotrophic fungi (those that feed on dead organic matter), indicating a high turnover of organic material. The organic carbon and base saturation indices were important in the co-occurrences in Amazonian networks, whereas several other soil properties were important for the co-exclusion. Different habitats had similar network properties with some variation in terms of modularity, probably associated with flooding pulse. We show that Amazonian micro-organism communities form highly interconnected co-occurrence and co-exclusion networks, which highlights the importance of complex biotic and abiotic interactions in explaining the outstanding biodiversity of the region.
Combined transcriptional, translational and cell surface targeted gene therapy of HER2-positive breast cancer stem cells in three-dimentional cell culture
Authors: Moradian Cobra , Rahbarizadeh Fatemeh
Published: February 2021

Purpose
Breast Cancer Stem Cells (BCSCs) resist conventional treatments and cause tumor recurrence. Almost 25% of breast cancers overexpress human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2). Here we developed a novel multi-targeted nanosystem to specifically eradicate HER2-positive BCSCs.
Methods
Plasmids containing CXCR1 promoter, PE38 toxin and 5′UTR of the basic fibroblast growth factor-2 (bFGF 5'UTR) were constructed. Polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers functionalized with an anti-HER2 VHH were used for plasmid delivery. Stem proportion of MCF-10A and MDA-MB-231/HER2+ (a cellular model of HER2 overexpression, developed in our lab) were evaluated by mammosphere formation assay. Hanging drop technique was used to produce spheroids. The uptake, gene expression and killing efficacy of the multi-targeted nanosystem were evaluated in both monolayer and spheroid culture.
Results
MDA-MB-231/HER2+ had more than 3 times higher ability to form mammosphere compared to MCF-10A, representing higher stem proportion in MDA-MB-231/HER2+. In hanging drop culture, MDA-MB-231/HER+ generated compact well-rounded spheroids, while MCF-10A failed to form compact cellular masses. The multi-targeted nanosystem showed much better uptake, higher PE38 expression and subsequent cell death in MDA-MB-231/HER2+ compared to MCF-10A. However efficacy of our targeted toxin gene therapy were lower in MDA-MB-231/HER2+ spheroid than those in monolayer.
Conclusions
Our novel multi-targeted nanosystem resulted in synergistic cytotoxic effects in HER2-positive BCSCs. This results demonstrate the necessity to use a combinatorial tumor targeting approach, to restrict the expression of a killer gene to target cells. Lower efficacy of our targeted gene therapy in spheroid models vs. monolayer culture suggest that, anticancer therapy assessments using spheroid might be more predictive of clinical efficacy than conventional monolayer culture.
Clinical Value of Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter Assessment in Prognosis of Comatose Patients with Supratentorial Lesions
Authors: Zhu Sha , Cheng Chao , Zhao Dianjiang , Zhao Yuanli , Liu Xianzeng , Zhang Jun
Published: February 2021

Background and objectiveOptic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) and ONSD/ eyeball transverse diameter (ETD) ratio have been proved to be related to intracranial pressure. This study aimed to evaluate ONSD and ONSD/ETD ratio in comatose patients with supratentorial lesions and determine the relationship of these two indexes with the prognosis of these patients.MethodsA total of 54 comatose patients with supratentorial lesion and 50 cases of normal controls were retrospectively included in this study. ONSD and ETD was messured on un-enhanced computed tomography(CT). The difference of ONSD, ONSD/ETD ratio between the two groups was compared. The prognosis of comatose patients were scored unsing Glasgow outcome scale (COS) at 3-month follow-up and classified into good (score ≥ 3) and poor (score < 3) prognosis. The differences of ONSD and ONSD/ETD ratio between good and poor prognosis of comatose patients were compared statistically.ResultONSD and ONSD / EDT in the comatose group were 6.30 ± 0.60 mm and 0.27 ± 0.03, respectively, both were significantly greater than that in normal controls (5.10 ± 0.47 mm, t = 11.426, P < 0.0001 ; 0.22 ± 0.02, t = 11.468, P < 0.0001 ; respectively). ONSD in poor prognosis was siginificantly greater than that in good prognosis (6.40 ± 0.56 mm vs. 6.03 ± 0.61 mm, t = 2.197, P = 0.032). ONSD / EDT raito in poor grognosis was significantly higher than that in good gronosis (0.28 ± 0.02 vs 0.26 ± 0.03, t = 2.622, P = 0.011). The area under the responder operating charateristic curve to predict prognosis of comatose patients were 0.650 ( 95% CI: 0.486–0.815, P = 0.078) for ONSD and 0.711( 95% CI: 0.548–0.874, P = 0.014) for ONSD/ETD ratio, respectively.ConclusionsONSD and ONSD / EDT raito increased in comatose patients. ONSD / EDT raito may be more valuable than ONSD in evaluation for prognosis of comatose patients with Supratentorial lesions.
WITHDRAWN: Ethiopia’s Antibiotic Footprint: Estimate of National Antibiotic Consumption Using 2018 Data
Authors: Gutema Girma , Ali Seid , Engidawork Ephrem , Kaba Mirgissa , Toverud Else-Lydia
Published: February 2021

The processes involving resistance development against antibiotics have historically been part of the Darwinian evolution. But in the backdrop of this evolutionary reality, the increasing use of antibiotics in modern medicine, particularly in post-penicillin discovery era, has intensified the selection pressures with an acute gear up rather than as part of the so slow and natural evolutionary process that selects for enhanced fitness for survival. Two major recommendations were made in the past years to tackle this challenge: 1) incentivizing the pharmaceutical industry to invest more on research and development endeavors, so that they come up with new and novel antibiotics; 2) implementing antimicrobial stewardship programs in healthcare systems. In the current study, the third and the emerging approach — the idea of antibiotic footprint — was employed as a communication tool that targets individual consumers of antibiotics to tackle the problems of their misuse and overuse. A total of 698.2 tons of antibiotics were used in Ethiopia in 2018, and the per capita consumption of antibiotics was 5.8 grams per person. Penicillins with extended spectrum (J01CA) and beta-lactamase-resistant penicillins (J01CF) were the most commonly utilized classes of antibiotics which accounted for, respectively, 38.3% and 20.8% of all antibiotics used in the country’s public health sector. Hubs in Addis Ababa (14%) and Hawassa (12%) topped the overall antibiotic consumptions in the country. Contrarily, hubs in Gambella and Semera received relatively smaller quantities of antibiotics, with totals of 4.8 tons (0.9%) and 10.2 tons (1.9%), respectively.
The Neuroprotective Effects of Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 via the Hippo/YAP Signaling Pathway is Mediated by the PI3K/AKT Pathway Following Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Gong Pian , Zou Yichun , Zhang Wei , Tian Qi , Han Shoumeng , Xu Zhou , Chen Qianxue , li mingchang
Published: February 2021

Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) exhibits neuroprotective properties, such as vasodilatory and anti-inflammatory effects following ischemic stroke. However, the specific molecular mechanisms of action of IGF-1 following ischemic stroke remain elusive. We wanted to explore whether IGF-1 regulates Hippo/YAP signaling pathway, potentially via activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway to exert its neuroprotective effects following ischemic stroke. In the in vitro study, we used oxygen–glucose deprivation to injure cultured PC12 and SH-5YSY cells, and cortical primary neurons. Cell viability was measured using CCK-8 assay. For the in vivo analyses, Sprague–Dawley rats were subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion; neurological function was assessed using the neurological deficit score; infarct volume was measured using triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining, and neuronal death and apoptosis was evaluated by TUNEL staining, H&E staining and Nissl staining. Western blot was used to measure the levels of YAP/TAZ, PI3K and phosphorylated AKT (p-AKT) both in vitro and in vivo. We found that IGF-1 induced activation of YAP/TAZ, which resulted in improved cell viability in vitro, and decreased neurological deficits, neuronal death and apoptosis, and cerebral infarct volume in vivo. Notably, the neuroprotective effects of IGF-1 were reversed by an inhibitor of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, LY294002, which not only reduced expressions of PI3K and p-AKT, but also down-regulated expression of YAP/TAZ, leading to aggravation of neurological dysfunction. These findings indicate that neuroprotective effect of IGF-1 is partly realized by up-regulation of YAP/TAZ, which is mediated by activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway following cerebral ischemic stroke.
The Preliminary Study on Bare Spots Under Populus Euphratica Canopy
Authors: Waili Yizaitiguli , Kuerban Mireadili , Xu Zhonglin , Yang Jianjun , Xu Xiaolong , Li Yanan
Published: February 2021

Land degradation and desertification are the great concern of arid and semiarid areas. In Euphrates poplar forest, there exists large number of bare spots which have been considered as representative of desertification. In this study, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) technology was used to determine the spatial distribution and extract the bare spots area and morphological characteristics of Populus euphratica stands. Besides, the physical and chemical properties between soils inside and outside of these spots were compared. We found that: (1) the UAV method could be reliably used to extract the area of bare spots and the morphological characteristics of Populus euphratica stands;(2) with Pearson correlation coefficients of 0.673 and 0.894, there were a strong correlation relationship between bare spots area and canopy area in both measured and estimated data rather than other morphological characteristics;(3) electrical conductivity, pH, soil water content, total nitrogen, total phosphorus and soil organic matter has great differences between soils inside and outside of bare spots. These results not only could contribute to further understanding of spatial distribution of bare spots, but also helps to the sustainable management of Populus euphratica forest in arid regions.
Evaluates the physicochemical characteristics and change in the concentration of arsenic species in groundwater, release from 2nd aquifer of coal mining area, its drain outlet and different sites of reservoir: Application of multivariate techniques
Authors: Unar Asif Ali , Kazi Tasneem G , Memon Shahabuddin
Published: February 2021

For energy production activity the ground water of 2nd aquifer (AQ2) of block 2 of Thar coal field is drained out in a reservoir/Gorano dam. In present study the physico-chemical and toxic elemental levels in ground water samples of 2nd aquifer (AQ2) of Thar coalfield at the depth of 100–120 m was carried out. The further sampling of water was carried out from drain outlet (DW) and four sampling sites of reservoir (S1, S2, S3 and S4). The sediment samples of water reservoir were collected from four sites and analyzed for toxic elements. The large data set of water quality of AQ2, DW and four samples sites at different spots of reservoir, carried out during 2019 for 17 parameters in triplicate of each composite samples were further analyzed by multivariate statistical techniques involving cluster (CA) and principal component analysis (PCA). The all water samples were analyzed for physicochemical parameters including cations and anions. The resulted data of cations (sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, cadmium, lead, total arsenic and iron), anions (chloride, fluoride, nitrate, sulphate and bicarbonate) and physicochemical parameters were descript in terms of basic statistical parameters, PCA and CA. The chemical correlations among different parameters were observed by PCA, which were employed to categorize the water samples by CA. The positive correlation of fluoride (F−) and total arsenic with sodium and bicarbonate indicated that the GW (AQ2), DW and water samples of reservoir with high conductivity and salinity stabilized the toxic elements in the water samples of different origin. Results showed that all collected water samples have high values of sodium absorption ratio. The water quality assessment indicated that the high levels of physicochemical parameters and toxic elements in ground and reservoir water have concern in and make it unsuitable for drinking and domestic purposes.
Comparative QTL analysis and candidate genes identification of seed size, shape and weight in soybean (Glycine max L.)
Authors: Elattar Mahmoud A , Karikari Benjamin , Li Shuguang , Song Shiyu , Cao Yongce , Aslam Muhammed , Hina Aiman , Abou-Elwafa Salah Fatouh , Zhao Tuanjie
Published: February 2021

Dissecting the genetic mechanism underlying seed size, shape and weight is essential to these traits for enhancing soybean cultivars. High-density genetic maps of two recombinant inbred line populations, LM6 and ZM6, evaluated in multiple environments to identify candidate genes behind seed-related traits major and stable QTLs. A total of 239 and 43 M-QTL were mapped by composite interval mapping and mixed-model based composite interval mapping approaches, respectively, from which 22 common QTLs including four major and novel QTLs. CIM and MCIM approaches identified 180 and 18 novel M-QTLs, respectively. Moreover, 18 QTLs showed significant AE effects, and 40 pairwise of the identified QTLs exhibited digenic epistatic effects. Seed flatness index QTLs (34 QTLs) were identified and reported for the first time. Seven QTL clusters underlying the inheritance of seed size, shape and weight on genomic regions of chromosomes 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 17 and 19 were identified. Gene annotations, gene ontology (GO) enrichment and RNA-seq analyses identified 47 candidate genes for seed-related traits within the genomic regions of those 7 QTL clusters. These genes are highly expressed in seed-related tissues and nodules, that might be deemed as potential candidate genes regulating the above traits in soybean. This study provides detailed information for the genetic bases of the studied traits and candidate genes that could be efficiently implemented by soybean breeders for fine mapping and gene cloning as well as for MAS targeted at improving these traits individually or concurrently.
Validation of HIV Risk Screening Tool to Identify Infected Adults and Adolescents >14 years at Community Level
Authors: Yirdaw Kesetebirhan Delele , Mandala Justin
Published: February 2021

Background There are a number of risk factors being used to identify undiagnosed HIV infected adults. As the number of undiagnosed people gets lesser and lesser, it is important to know if existing risk factors and risk assessment tools are valid for use. In this study, we validate existing HIV risk assessment tools and see if they are worth using for HIV case finding among adults who remain undiagnosed. Methods The Tanzania and Zambia Population-Based HIV Impact Assessment (PHIA) household surveys were conducted during 2016. We used adult interview and HIV datasets to assess validity of different HIV risk assessment tools. We first included 12 risk factors (being divorced, separated or widowed (DSW); having an HIV+ spouse; having one of the following within 12 months of the survey: paid work, slept away from home for at least a month, had multiple sexual partners, paid for sex, had sexually transmitted infection (STI), being a tuberculosis (TB) suspect, being very sick for at least 3 months; had ever sold sex; diagnosed with cervical cancer; and had TB disease into a risk assessment tool and assessed its validity by comparing it against HIV test result. Sensitivity, specificity and predictive value of the tool were assessed against the HIV test result. A receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis was conducted to determine a suitable cut-off score in order to have a tool with better sensitivity, specificity, and PPV. ROC comparison statistics was used to statistically test equality between AUC (area under the curve) of the different scores. ROC comparison statistics was also used to determine which risk assessment tool was better compared to the tool that contained all risk factors. Results Of 14,820 study participants, 57.8% were men, and had a median age of 30 (IQR: 21-24). HIV prevalence was 2.3% (95% confidence interval (CI): 2.0-2.6). For the tool containing all risk factors, HIV prevalence was 1.0% when none of the risk factors were positive (Score 0) compared to 3.2% when at least one factor (Score ≥1) was present and 8.0% when ≥4 risk factors were present. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were 82.3% (78.6%-85.9%), 41.9% (41.1%-42.7%), 3.2% (2.8%-3.6%), and 99.0% (98.8%-99.3%), respectively. The use of a tool containing conventional risk factors (all except those related with working and sleeping away) was found to have higher AUC compared to the use of all risk factors (p value <0.001), with corresponding sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of 63.5% (58.9%-68.1%), 66.2% (65.5%-67.0%), 4.2% (3.6%-4.8%), and 98.7% (98.5%-98.9%), respectively. Conclusion Use of a screening tool containing conventional risk factors improved HIV testing yield compared to doing universal testing. Prioritizing people who fulfil multiple risk factors should be explored further to improve HIV testing yield.
Comparative health risk assessment of nitrate in drinking groundwater resources of urban and rural region(Isfahan, Iran), Using GIS
Authors: Aghapour Saba , Bina Bijan , Tarrahi Mohammad Javad , Amiri Fahimeh , Ebrahimi Afshin
Published: February 2021

Background : Groundwater contaminant such as nitrate (NO 3 - ) is one of the environmental factors that can affect human health . Methemoglobinemia of infants, thyroid disorders, and probably some carcinogenic effects, are health concerns associated with dietary nitrate. Isfahan province has a dry and semi-arid desert climate that the main source of various applications in this province is groundwater resources. This study evaluated spatial analysis of the concentration of NO 3 - in groundwater resources and its possible health risk to residents.
Results : It was indicated that nitrate concentrations in the rural and urban areas were in the range of 0.4–137 mg/L NO 3 − with the mean of 33.72 mg/L NO 3 − , and 2.9-209 mg/L NO 3 - with the mean of 38.87 mg/L, respectively. As well, 226 samples (25%), and 104 (24%) ones were detected above the Iran and World Health Organization guidelines 50 mg/L as NO 3 − . While the highest levels of NO 3 − which were located in the west and central groundwater resources of the province were in the agricultural and residential areas. The HQ for Infants, in 32% of samples, urban 136 and rural 297 samples were higher than 1 (HQ>1). Also, in urban area HQ was more than 1 in 8, 5, 1, and 3 samples in children, teens, male and female, respectively.
Conclusions : Infants were the most vulnerable compared with the other groups. Therefore, in some areas, there are potential risks of methemoglobinemia, especially for infants. So, it is critical to adopt specific strategies to reduce the nitrate concentration in the studied groundwater.
Investigations of hydraulic transient flows in pressurized pipeline based on 1D traditional and 3D weakly compressible models
Authors: Wu Guohong , Duan Xiangyu , Zhu Jianghui , Li Xiaoqin , Tang Xuelin , Gao Hui
Published: February 2021

Transient flow characteristics and dissipation mechanism in pressurized pipeline were investigated based on 1D friction models and 3D turbulence models, where the pressure–density model was combined into the 3D continuity equation allowing for the elasticity of the fluid and the pipes. The applicability of 3D realizable k–ε and 3D SST (shear stress transport) k–ω turbulence models was verified with comparison to 1D traditional water hammer models and the experimental data for fast closing of the valve in the reservoir–pipe–valve system. The valve closure rule was instantaneously carried out using the grid slip CFD (computational fluid dynamics) technique. The SST k–ω turbulence model has the highest accuracy in predicting the pressure attenuation of transient flows. The 3D detailed flow field confirms that the asymmetric flows induced by the change of valve opening within approximately three-fourths of the pipe inner diameter before the valve are captured. In the pressure wave cycles, the unsteady inertia, axial pressure gradient, viscous shear stress and turbulent shear stress mainly influence the velocity variations. During the pressure wave propagation, the viscous and turbulent dissipation are critical in the pressure attenuation in the wall region; the viscous dissipation is mainly concentrated in the viscous sublayer, while the turbulent dissipation increases to the maximum values at y+ = 13–23.
Derivation of instantaneous unit hydrographs using linear reservoir models
Authors: Monajemi Parjang , Khaleghi Setareh , Maleki Shahrzad
Published: February 2021

In this research, a new conceptual model for producing instantaneous unit hydrographs (IUHs) is introduced by a linear combination of the Nash model, which assumes that the discharge from a reservoir is a linear function of its storage, and a model called inter-connected linear reservoir model (ICLRM), which assumes that the discharge from a reservoir is a linear function of the difference of its storage and its adjacent downstream reservoir. By employing these assumptions, a system of first-order linear differential equations with three degrees of freedom (storage coefficient, number of reservoirs, and weighting coefficient) is obtained as the governing equation for the proposed model. This model may be considered as the general form of the two models and is therefore capable of simulating IUHs laying between these two models. To show the capabilities of the model, linear and curvilinear soil conservation service (SCS) hydrographs are simulated using dimensionless hydrographs obtained by this model. Moreover, several real hydrographs were simulated by the proposed model and compared with hydrographs obtained by Nash, ICLRM, and SCS models. The results show that the model yields more accurate results compared to other studied models and may be considered as a new model for simulating IUHs.
Recycling of rural abandoned constructed wetlands: mariculture wastewater treatment
Authors: Xin Yu , Liu Lin , Wei Lili , Huang Xu , Liu Chaoxiang
Published: February 2021

This study aimed to investigate the behavioral shifts of constructed wetland (CW) when the treated water was changed from domestic wastewater to mariculture wastewater. The results showed that the average removal efficiencies of ammonium nitrogen (), total nitrogen and chemical oxygen demand (COD) were 29.54, 46.07 and 57.15% in mariculture wastewater, respectively, which were significantly lower than those in domestic wastewater (71.35, 66.34 and 74.98%, respectively). While there was no significant difference in the removal efficiency of nitrate and phosphate (P > 0.05) between the two systems. Based on the analysis of bacterial community and adsorption properties, the results further indicated that the removal mechanism of between both systems was mainly due to substrate adsorption: the maximum adsorption capacity of on the substrate in mariculture wastewater was 5,432 mg kg−1, whereas that in domestic wastewater was 18,033 mg kg−1. In terms of bacterial communities, the dominant bacteria at the family level were Victivallaceae (18.63%) in domestic wastewater and Porphyromonadaceae (18.37%) in mariculture wastewater, which showed the significant alteration to the bacterial community. In conclusion, this study showed that conventional CW could be used for treating wastewater from land-based marine aquaculture, while the operating conditions needed to be optimized in the process of application.
The response of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon degradation in coking wastewater treatment after bioaugmentation with biosurfactant-producing bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa S5
Authors: Zang Tingting , Wu Haizhen , Zhang Yuxiu , Wei Chaohai
Published: February 2021

The polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) that accumulate during the coking wastewater treatment process are hazardous for the surrounding environment. High molecular weight (HMW) PAHs account for more than 85% of the total PAHs in coking wastewater and sludge, respectively. The degradation of total PAHs increased by 18.97% due to the increased bioavailability of PAHs, after the biosurfactant-producing bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa S5 was added. The toxicity of total PAHs to humans was reduced by 26.66% after inoculation with S5. The results suggest biosurfactant-producing bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa S5 not only increase the biodegradation of PAHs significantly, but also have a better effect on reducing the human toxicity of PAHs. Kinetic analyses show that PAHs biodegradation fits to first-order kinetics. The degradation rate constant (k) value decreases as the number of PAH rings increases, indicating that HMW PAHs are more difficult to be biodegraded than low molecular weight (LMW) PAHs. The results indicate the bioaugmentation with the biosurfactant-producing strain has significant potential and utility in remediation of PAHs-polluted sites.
Development of a reverse transcription (RT) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method for the detection of human norovirus in bivalve molluscs
Authors: Lekshmi Manjusha , Kumar Sanath H. , Rajendran Kooloth Valappil , Nayak Binaya Bhusan
Published: February 2021

Noroviruses are significant seafood-borne pathogens, commonly associated with the consumption of filter feeding bivalve molluscs. Here, we report the development of a reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method using primers based on the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase gene of norovirus genogroup II (NoV GII). Samples of bivalves were processed for the concentration of virus and extraction of RNA, followed by reverse transcription PCR. A total of 50 molluscan shellfish samples were analyzed, of which 16 samples yielded positive amplifications of norovirus nucleic acid. The PCR method described here, involving a single set of primers, is useful for rapid screening of shellfish for NoV GII.
Application of Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 magnetic nanoparticles for diclofenac adsorption: isotherm, kinetic and thermodynamic investigation
Authors: Mohammadi Zahrasadat , Kelishami Ahmad Rahbar , Ashrafi Amir
Published: February 2021

Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 magnetic nanoparticles were synthesized to obtain a new efficient adsorbent for diclofenac sodium (DF) removal. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (EDS), scanning electron microscope (SEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) were applied to characterize the prepared adsorbent. These analyses revealed that adsorbent was successfully prepared with average particle diameter of about 50 nm and a BET surface area of 168.09 m2/g. The saturation magnetization value of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) was found to be 24.90 emu/g, thus, adsorbent was efficiently separated from the solution by a facile and rapid magnetic separation process. The effect of adsorption time, amount of adsorbent, initial pH of the solution, initial diclofenac concentration and temperature on the removal of DF were evaluated. Also, the adsorption data were best fitted to the pseudo-first-order kinetic model and Langmuir isotherm model. The thermodynamics studies suggested spontaneous and exothermic adsorption. The maximum diclofenac adsorption amount of the synthesized nanoadsorbent was 52.91 mg/g, which is higher than many recently studied adsorbents.
Safety practices in the Chemistry Laboratories of higher secondary schools of Samtse District: A case Study in Bhutan
Authors: Limboo Aita Raj , Waiba Phurba Sonam
Published: February 2021

Teaching and learning of chemistry involves scientific tests and experiments that take place in laboratories. It involves using hazardous chemicals and equipment posing risks and health hazards to the users. Hence, the users should be thoroughly versed with laboratory safety practices. Therefore, an attempt to understand the safety practices in chemistry laboratories in schools have been examined in this study. The data were collected administering a mixed method. Both descriptive and inferential statistical tools were used to analyse quantitative data while qualitative data were analysed thematically. Congruency of the eight predetermined themes was established by triangulating the quantitative and qualitative data using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 21. The results indicated that the schools had good safety practices with adequate laboratory facilities and safety skills. The schools were also aware of emergency planning and chemical storage and labeling. However, schools lacked properly trained safety practitioners. It was also observed that chemicals and waste materials were disposed of without treatment. Further, it was also observed that there were shortages of safety gloves and goggles fume hood and pipette fillers. The study recommends school administrators, chemistry teachers, and laboratory assistants to procure unavailable items required for the safe conduct of chemistry laboratory activities. The study further recommends the Ministry of Education (MoE) to provide training to chemistry teachers and laboratory assistants on the safe handling of hazardous materials and on first aid techniques to address accidents
История и культура калмыцкого народа в трудах членов Петровского общества исследователей Астраханского края в последней четверти XIX – начале XX в.
Authors:   Gorodovikov Kalmyk State University (11, Pushkin St., Elista 358000, Russian Federation), Tsyuryumov Alexander V. , Timofeeva Elena G. , Kurapov Andrey A. , Lebedev Sergey V. ,   Astrakhan State University (20A, Tatishchev St., Astrakhan 414056, Russian Federation)
Published: February 2021

Introduction. The article investigates the ethnographic component in activities of the regional scientific society — Peter the Great Society for the Study of Astrakhan Region widely known in Russia, including due to works on the history and culture of the Kalmyk people. Goals. The study aims to delineate the image of the scientific society that became known nationwide and gave ‘food and arguments’ for public thought, which determined its significance in the Lower Volga Region’s multinational space in the mid-to-late 19th and 20th centuries. Materials and Methods. The article analyzes scientific works, collected documents from Astrakhan archives and museums to review results of diverse efforts undertaken by the Society’s members on collecting sources, interpreting them, translating the knowledge gained into public discourse. The main research methods are those of synchrony and diachrony, classification and evaluation, statistical and comparative ones. Results. The Astrakhan scientific society grew to become a most authoritative one in Russia thanks to research works of its members, facilitated the awakening of public conscience, motivated the population to start exploring their region, interacted with various social and cultural groups, administrative structures to solve urgent problems of social development. One of the brightest research areas of the Society was that dealing with the past of the Kalmyks that inhabited Astrakhan Governorate. The paper analyzes certain features of studies in the history and culture of the Kalmyks conducted by members of the Society, reveals the role and significance of their works in the formation of professional ethnography in Astrakhan Oblast, and introduces new sources into scientific circulation.
Живопись и графика П. И. Емчегировой 1930–1950-х гг. (по материалам музейных и частных коллекций)
Authors:   Kalmyk Scientific Center of the RAS (8, Ilishkin St., Elista 358000, Russian Federation), Batyreva Svetlana G.
Published: February 2021

Goals. The article aims at examining visual arts of pre-war Kalmykia and the deportation period (1943‒1957) through the example of P. I. Emchegirova (1907–1992) ― first ethnic Kalmyk female painter ― and her works. The artistic path remains understudied and is of special interest due to a unique nature of art pieces. Studies of the cultural heritage are complicated by the absence of documents and archival sources completely lost during the Siberian deportation. Materials and Methods. The work analyzes paintings, drawings and pieces of applied art created by P. I. Emchegirova virtually for over half a century and stored at the Palmov National Museum of Kalmykia, State Vladimir Suzdal Museum Reserve, and in family archives. The analysis of artistic images created by P. I. Emchegirova involves methods of art history, cultural studies, and ethnology. Results. The paper introduces data on previously unknown works of the visual artist that significantly extend the thematic range developed by Kalmyks painters in the 1930s–1950s, reveal ethnic specifics in P. I. Emchegirova’s activities, and deepen the understanding of local arts as an integral part to 20th-century Kalmykia’s history and culture. The study also attempts at historical and cultural reconstructions to somewhat restore lost fine arts, which may classify the former as an interdisciplinary research. There are also some data on the painter’s heritage from 1957 onwards.
Лексико-семантический анализ лексемы балтырған (с использованием материалов корпуса башкирского языка)
Authors:   Institute of History, Language and Literature, Ufa Federal Research Centre of the RAS (71, Oktyabrya Ave., Ufa 450054, Russian Federation), Ishmukhametova Anita Sh.
Published: February 2021

Identification of names of plant curatives and substances in folk and fiction texts shows close interactions between man and the world, attitudes of people towards nature. Research in phytonyms and medicinal plant names proper is most essential for the understanding of a nation’s cultural heritage. The paper examines the lexeme балтырған in Bashkir discourse. Materials. The analyzed materials include linguistic dictionaries, folklore and fiction texts of the Machine Fund of the Bashkir Language, and etymological dictionaries of Altaic languages. Goals. The study aims at a comparative investigation of the lexeme балтырған ‘hogweed’. Results. The term proves a widespread phytonym in Bashkir discourse, which is attested by that it denotes a wide range of plant species in Bashkir and has parallels in other Turkic and Mongolic languages. The lexeme is included in academic, explanatory, dialectal, phrasal, and mythological dictionaries of the Bashkir language. The comparative analysis shows that baltyrγan ‘hogweed’ usually denotes a plant of the order Apiales, a medicinal herb. Baltyrγan~ baltirγana contains the initial bal / baltïr / baldïr with the meaning ‘green, young, fresh’.
Средства создания эпического образа синьцзян-ойратской версии «Джангара»
Authors:   Kalmyk Scientific Center of the RAS (8, Ilishkin St., Elista 358000, Russian Federation), Seleeva Tsagana B.
Published: February 2021

Introduction. The study of stylistic features inherent to national epic narratives is one of the most relevant areas of modern folklore research. Of particular research interest ― in terms of identifying distinctive and typological features of the artistic style ― is the epic of Jangar and its ethnic versions (Xinjiang Oirat and Kalmyk ones). The poetic language of the epic is rich and diverse in the use of various means of depiction. The style of the heroic epic is characterized by epic formulas-comparisons that perform important ideological and stylistic functions, add figurative expressiveness to the poetic style of the epic. Goals. The study aims to identify and highlight the stereotypical and original features in the style of the Xinjiang Oirat version of the Jangar, consider the essence of artistic expression of epic images, their portrait characteristics, actions based on comparisons with specific phenomena and objects of the surrounding world. Results. The study reveals that the method of comparison in the epic poetics of the Xinjiang Oirat version is dominant and quite stable. One of the important features of comparisons is that the expressiveness of epic images and their individual elements are based on objects of the animal and vegetable worlds, phenomena of the surrounding reality, familiar and close to the worldview of a nomad/pastoralist. These comparisons are derived from a simple parallelism ― the character and appearance, actions and deeds of the hero are compared to phenomena of nature and the animal world, correlate with the national worldview of the Mongolic peoples. Subject comparisons are related to elements of the nomadic way of life, which can be used to reconstruct the environment in which the creators of the epic lived, their life and occupations. Comparisons very often take a hyperbolic tone, which gives an emotional and expressive color to epic images. The comparative-typological analysis comparisons traced in the Xinjiang Oirat and Kalmyk versions makes it possible to conclude that there are evident typological correspondences within the national epic system and the epic community as a whole. Semantics of epic images of the Xinjiang Oirat version is constructed on archetypal symbols and concepts of the Mongolian epic community.
Armonía y vida plena, nociones que orientan el modo de vida Tseltal
Authors: Antonio Miguel Nancy Beatriz , Parra Vázquez Manuel Roberto , Ramos Maza María Teresa , Herrera Hernández Obeimar Balente
Published: February 2021

En este artículo se analiza la forma en que las categorías vivas jun pajal oÂ´tanil (un solo corazón) y lequil cuxlejal (vida plena) orientan el proceso de cambio cultural entre las familias tseltales vinculadas a la Misión Jesuita de Bachajón. Se analizó como estudio de caso la experiencia del â€œhogar tseltal sustentableâ€ construido por un grupo de mujeres campesinas de Pinabetal, municipio de Chilón, Chiapas. Se revisó la información documental y se realizaron entrevistas, grupos focales y talleres. La robustez del sistema de cargos comunitarios y el engrandecimiento de las capacidades locales fueron los pilares para construir procesos autónomos de cambio, que permitieron mejorar las condiciones de vida y de trabajo de las familias tseltales. Se concluye que con fundamento en las raíces culturales del pueblo tseltal, familias campesinas se apropian de innovaciones a través de un proceso de control cultural.
Factores relacionados con la intención emprendedora de universitarios en agroindustrias en Puebla, México
Authors: Morales Jiménez Juan , Jaramillo Villanueva José Luis , Varela Chilchoa María Elisabeth , Salvador Ferrer Carmen María
Published: February 2021

La importancia de conocer la intención de emprender en jóvenes universitarios radica en la posibilidad de generar programas públicos y privados de apoyo en regiones rurales, para facilitar su inserción en el mercado laboral de los egresados a nivel superior. El objetivo de la presente investigación fue conocer la relación entre distintas variables del perfil psicológico; autoeficacia emprendedora, propensión al riesgo, y proactividad, con la intención emprendedora. La metodología empleada fue descriptivo transversal, se empleó el análisis factorial para extraer los factores para la propensión al riesgo, la proactividad y la autoeficacia; correlacionados con la intención emprendedora. Se aplicó una encuesta estructurada a 102 jóvenes universitarios de último año de la licenciatura en agroindustrias de la Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla. Los resultados indican relación inversa entre la variable â€œpiensa en emprenderâ€ con percepción de la posibilidad de hacerlo. La situación está condicionada por la información del contexto en el que el universitario piensa emprender; existe una relación positiva y significativa entre la intención emprendedora y la propensión al riesgo, en la que se potencia el experimentar. En el mismo sentido se da con la proactividad, particularmente destaca la creatividad y perseverancia.
Impacto de la variabilidad climática en la agricultura de temporal en el estado de Tlaxcala, México
Authors: Bernal Morales Rogelio , Velasco Hernández María de los Ãngeles , Morales Acoltzi Tomás , Hernández Vázquez Maricela , Orozco Flores Saturnino , Jiménez López José
Published: February 2021

El incremento de la población implicará tener que aumentar la producción de alimentos a escala mundial, lo que ejercerá más presión sobre los recursos naturales, especialmente el agua, debido a que la agricultura de riego utiliza 78% del agua extraída. Además, no siempre está disponible, debido a la variabilidad que presenta la precipitación -cantidad y distribución, por lo que será imprescindible un buen manejo del recurso hídrico, que permita su máximo aprovechamiento, para garantizar la seguridad alimentaria. Se evaluó el posible impacto de la variabilidad natural o cambio climático en el periodo de crecimiento de los principales cultivos de temporal como el maíz, cebada y el trigo, en el estado de Tlaxcala. Para ello, se analizaron las variables de precipitación, temperatura máxima y temperatura mínima. Para identificar el periodo de crecimiento de los cultivos de temporal se utilizó un método objetivo y sistemático, aplicando la descomposición de una función discreta en sus armónicos. Los resultados mostraron una disminución en el periodo de crecimiento en cinco estaciones, mientras que en cinco de ellas se presenta un aumento y en las dos restantes tienen la misma duración. Este impacto diferenciado permitirá planificar las actividades agrícolas de temporal y se hará una mejor selección de cultivos â€“variedadesâ€“ para cada zona.
THE INTERTWINED RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE NAFS (CARNAL SOUL), AQL (REASONING) QALB (HEART)
Authors: Gulam Hyder
Published: February 2021

In a human being, each of nafs (carnal soul) aql (reasoning) and qalb (heart) have an important role to play in the development and make-up of a person. This paper will exploreIn detail the meaning of each of these key terms. This paper will then critically analyse the multifaceted relationship between these key terms, and what is the purpose of these terms with reference to the human being. These three terms have a distinct purpose, and are only but part of the constellation that make up the purpose of the human being and their soul. It is argued, that when harmoniously combined they form a greater unified purpose, in an effective and efficient relationship these terms lead to the sincere worship of God.