bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Local Economic Development in the Context of the Institutional Efficiency of Local Governments
Authors: Marks-Bielska Renata , Wojarska Magdalena , Lizińska Wiesława , Babuchowska Karolina
Published: June 2020

Institutional efficiency of local governments can be defined as permanent readiness to shape economic and social partnerships with both entrepreneurs and local residents, as well as a capacity to provide prompt and competent responses to expectations of business people willing to start or already conducting business in a given municipality. Evaluation of efficiency pertains to the ability of a local government to express its goals, to agree about these goals with the local community and to be efficient in making decisions. The results of international studies demonstrate that in the long run the quality of institutions determines the wealth of individual countries. Socio-economic development depends not only on the economic base and financial support opportunities but also on factors that involve institutions. Bearing above in mind the main purpose of this article was to diagnose the type, direction and extent of interactions between the level of development and institutional efficiency of local governments in Poland. To reach it, the research team used both secondary data (from public statistics) and original data (acquired through a survey study comprising 1,120 representatives of local authorities). The level of efficiency of local governments was assessed with a synthetic measure of efficiency (EFF), whereas development was measured with a synthetic development index (DEV). The results show that the local governments were in a rather unfavorable situation in terms of both efficiency and development. In both cases, the average value of the synthetic measure applied reached a value equal to 30% of the highest possible score. Research proved that there was a correlation relationship between EFF and DEV measures (r = 0.365). In addition, it turned out that the power of impact of development processes resulting in some improvement of efficiency is more intensive than the effect of efficient functioning of municipalities on the development processes that occur within them.
The Effect of Systemic Corticosteroid Use on the pH and Viscosity of Saliva
Authors: Mohiti Azra , Ebrahimzadeh Ardakani Mohammad , Amooei Mitra
Published: June 2020

Background: Systemic corticosteroid use is undeniable for many patients, and many require long-term use of such drugs. Corticosteroids have adverse and irreversible effects on all organs of the body. One of these complications that have not been studied fully is the drug effect on salivary gland function and the quantity and quality of saliva. Some of the many properties of saliva affected by these drugs are saliva pH and viscosity changes and, therefore, its effect on oral health. Methods: This study was performed on 90 cumulative saliva samples containing three groups of corticosteroid users, including more than 15 mg/day, corticosteroid users less than 15 mg/day, and healthy and non-drug users. Each group contained 30 samples. The unstimulated cumulative saliva of volunteers was collected by spitting method for 5 minutes, and the pH of the samples were measured by digital pH meter, and the viscosity of the samples was calculated based on the comparison of the amount of movement of saliva in the capillary tube in millimeter per second with the control fluids. Statistical analysis was performed by Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS V. 18) software and the analysis of variances (ANOVA), Tukey’s multiple comparisons, or their nonparametric equivalents tests were used. Results: The viscosity of saliva in patients with corticosteroid > 15 mg/day was higher than the healthy subjects (P = 0.028). Also, salivary pH in patients taking corticosteroid < 15mg/day was lower than healthy ones (P = 0.017). There was no significant relationship between gender with pH and salivary viscosity (P = 0.933). Conclusions: Long-term consumption of corticosteroids reduces the pH of saliva and increases its viscosity. Therefore Corticosteroids can cause quantitative and qualitative changes in saliva. It also can affect oral and dental health. Hence, the oral health of people taking corticosteroids should be more noticed.
Medicínská antropologie jako součást antropologického diskurzu
Authors: Soukup Václav
Published: June 2020

Předmětem studie je teoretická analýza medicínské antropologie jako svébytné subdisciplíny a tematické oblasti antropologických výzkumů. Cílem studie je zmapovat nosné trendy v medicínské antropologii a postihnout její biokulturní charakter. Zvláštní pozornost je věnována vztahu medicínské antropologie a antropologie smrti v kontextu umírání a postoje k lidské smrti. Studie analyzuje výzkumný potenciál medicínské antropologie jak z mezikulturní, tak evoluční perspektivy s důrazem na proměny lidského těla v období neolitické revoluce.
Jak normativní je právní komparatistika?
Authors: Kischel Uwe
Published: June 2020

Diskuse ohledně metod právní komparatistiky neutuchá ani po několika dekádách. Zatímco tradiční funkcionální srovnávání převládá v praxi, postrádají mnozí představitelé nauky „teoretickou“ stránku této metody. Tento spor se promítá do otázky o tom, jaký je význam právních norem ve srovnávacím právu. Hermeneutické řešení, jež má značný význam pro praxi, reaguje nejen na tuto otázku, ale na celou diskusi ohledně srovnávacích metod svým kontextuálním přístupem. Zachovává si základní myšlenku funkcionální metody, ale předchází s ní spojeným problémům. Hermeneutický přístup ve své podstatě vyžaduje, aby komparatista nacházel svoji cestu do cizího právního systému prostřednictvím jeho pomalého a opatrného osvojování, a to jak po jeho normativní, tak nenormativní stránce. Účinným nástrojem v tomto procesu je typizované přiřazování právních řádů do příslušných kontextů včetně základních znalostí o nich. Právní komparatistika je totiž jak normativní, tak nenormativní; pouze právní norma v jejím kontextu může vést k relevantnímu výsledku.
Shear Bond Strength of Orthodontic Brackets to Zirconium Oxide Infrastructure Treated with Er:YAG, Nd:YAG, and KTP Lasers: An Experimental Study
Authors: ULGEY Melih , ÇOBAN BÜYÜKBAYRAKTAR Zeynep , GORLER Oguzhan , HUBBEZOĞLU İhsan
Published: June 2020

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to
investigate the shear bond strength of orthodontic brackets to zirconium oxide
infrastructures treated with erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG),
neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) and potassium titanyl
phosphate (KTP) laser modalities in in vitro settings. Materials and Methods: A total of 40 zirconium oxide
infrastructures were prepared with CAD/CAM technology in accordance with ISO
11405 standard. The specimens were divided into 4 groups as following: Er:YAG,
Nd:YAG, KTP, and control groups (n=10). Prior to the application of cementation
of orthodontic brackets, the surfaces of the zirconium oxide infrastructures
were irradiated using selected laser modailites. Shear bond strength tests were
performed on each specimen by using a universal testing machine. Results: The shear bond strength value
of Er:YAG laser group was significantly higher than those of all other groups (p<0.05);
although the bonding strength of Nd:YAG laser was higher than that of the KTP
laser, this difference was not reached statistical significance (p>0.05).
The bonding strength values of Nd:YAG laser group were significantly higher than
that of the control group (p<0.05); and the the bonding strength values of
KTP laser group were significantly higher than that of control group
(p<0.05). Conclusion: The bond
strength between the orthodontic brackets and zirconium oxide infrastructures
was improved upon using all the laser modalities in the present study, among
which, application of the Er:YAG laser was the most successful.
Frequency and Localization of Overhanging Restorations
Authors: TEKBAŞ ATAY Meltem , BÜYÜKGÖZE DİNDAR Mediha , ÖZYURT Esra , ÇİLİNGİR Aylin , ERDEMİR Uğur
Published: June 2020

Objectives:
The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the
frequency and localization of the overhanging restorations by observing
patients’ routinely taken panoramic radiographs.

Materials and Methods: The
panoramic radiographs of 4,960 patients who applied to a dental clinic in
University between 2015 and 2016 and had one or more previous restorations were
retrospectively examined. The study group included 243 patients (133 females
and 110 males) with a mean age of 39.7 ± 12.5 years. Superposed interdental
areas were not evaluated. Frequency distributions and percentages were
calculated for the categorical data as to the surface of the maxillary-mandibular
premolar and molar teeth, also the presence or absence of root canal treatment.
Chi-square tests were used to compare data relating to the localization and
frequency of overhanging restorations.

Results:
In the radiological evaluation of 243 patients, a total of 280 overhanging
restorations were detected. Root canal treatment was present in 45.4% of the
teeth with an overhanging restoration. The frequency of overhanging
restorations in the maxilla was significantly higher (60.4%) than that of the mandible
(39.6%), (p<0.05). The frequency
of overhanging restorations in molar teeth (82.9%) was significantly higher
than that of premolar teeth (p<0.05).
Of all the overhanging restorations, 90.4% were in Class II cavities and 9.6%
were in mesio-occluso-distal (MOD) cavities. More than half (57.3%) of the
overhanging margins in the Class II restorations were distal; 42.7% were mesial
surfaces (p<0.05). The most
frequent restorations with overhanging were found in the maxillary molars
(49.6%) and the least frequent were in the premolar teeth of the mandible (6.4%).
 

Conclusions:
The restorations with overhanging margins determined most often at the
disto-occlusal margins of the maxillary molars. The frequency of overhanging
restorations was higher in areas that are difficult to reach during treatment.
Relationship between Gender, Teaching Experience, Subject Taught, and Teacher’s Attitude and Knowledge toward Dental Trauma in Children
Authors: ANGGONO Jessica , BUDİARDJO Sarworini Bagio , FAUZİAH Eva
Published: June 2020

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to
analyze the relationship between gender, teaching experience, and subject
taught by the primary school teacher and the attitude as well as  knowledge of the teacher about dental trauma
in the Indonesian population. Materials
and Methods: Ninety teachers from 14 public elementary
schools in Central Jakarta were randomly chosen to fill in a questionnaire. The
data were analyzed using the Kendall rank correlation. Results: A significant relationship (weak negative linear
correlation) between teaching experience and teacher’s attitude (p<0.05) was
observed. No significant correlation between attitude and knowledge and the other
variables were noted. Conclusions: A
significant relationship between teaching experience and the teacher’s attitude
toward dental trauma in children was observed. In general, the attitude toward
dental trauma in children was positive whereas, knowledge about dental trauma
was insufficient among the teachers.
The Editor’s recommendation of this issue’s article to readers
Authors: BULDUR Burak
Published: June 2020

I am pleased to inform you that I have chosen this article by Anggono et al.1 as Editor’s Choice for second issue of 2020.

Dental trauma is one of the most important problems among children in dental practice. Traumatic dental injuries are commonly seen at schools. Thus, teachers must be able to make emergency dental procedures. Within this rationale, assessing teacher’s attitude and knowledge about dental trauma in children is critical.

This article revealed that the attitude toward dental trauma in children was positive whereas, knowledge about dental trauma was insufficient among the teachers.

Happy readings in the second issue of 2020!
Do street status and centrality matter for post-socialist memory policy? The experience of Ukrainian cities
Authors: Gnatiuk Oleksiy , Glybovets Victoria
Published: June 2020

Naming and renaming of urban space often is sensitive in terms of the street location and status and implies categorization of streets according to the perceived importance of a street name. Thus, different locations in the city have different symbolic significance, and the urban toponymy could be read as a spatial projection of the societal axiological system. This article represents an attempt to study the importance of location (centrality vs. peripherality) and status (significance) of the urban public spaces in the 36 largest Ukrainian cities in terms of symbolical value and memory policy. The findings indicate that both investigated factors constitute an important tool of identity shaping and historical memory policy, but their influence and manifestation may vary considerably depending on specific historical, cultural and (geo)political conditions. Therefore, although the central parts of cities and the main urban arteries have tangibly larger symbolic significance, the toponymy of less presentable urban areas may be no less eloquent in the critical toponymy studies.
How seniors live from an economic, health, social and emotional point of view? Multidimensional review of the quality of life of seniors in Europe
Authors: Káčerová Marcela
Published: June 2020

Quality of life is an extraordinarily multidimensional term. It includes both objective and subjective factors. This article reviews the quality of life of an extremely sensitive group – people over the age of 65, based on data from the pan-European SHARE survey (Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe). The survey revealed the disparities in the quality of life of seniors regarding material, health, social and emotional dimensions in 16 European countries. According to the European survey of the evaluation of the quality of life of seniors, those living in Western and Northern European countries are more satisfied with the quality of their life. Generally, it has become apparent that quality of life is interlinked with the institutional framework of the country, family support and individual approaches. Countries in Southern and Eastern Europe have lower values in individual dimensions as well as in the aggregate quality of life index.
A new guidebook analysis method for the study of tourist-historic cities: The case of the Maghreb
Authors: Kałaska Maciej , Jędrusik Maciej , Wites Tomasz
Published: June 2020

This paper proposes a new guidebook analysis method for the study of tourist–historic cities, which are well recognized in the Maghreb; hence, six cities from this region were selected for the research sample (Algiers and Constantine in Algeria, Marrakesh and Tangier in Morocco, and Sousse and Tunis in Tunisia). The main purpose of this research paper is to indicate the advantages and disadvantages of this original method.
Virtue of temperance (self-restraint) as the foundation of moral culture in Orthodox pedagogy
Authors: Kameneva Ol'ga Leonidovna
Published: June 2020

The subject of this research is the traditional moral value and virtue – temperance (self-restraint), which is examined in this research as the foundation of moral culture in Orthodox pedagogy. This topic is relevant in the modern era of post-modernism, where perceptions of good and evil are being diluted, forming a  eudaimonic type of culture (from the Greek: εὐδαιμονία [eu̯dai̯moníaː] meaning happiness), striving for indulgence and consumption. Its fruits are often the extreme forms of excess and various types of addictions, which destroy the health and lives of young generation. Eudaimonic type of culture is counterpoised by soteriological (from the Greek: σωτηρία sōtēria meaning salvation), based on the idea of salvation of human soul, dominant of eternal moral values and virtues, and their priority over material values. The novelty of this research consists in the practically oriented nature of lessons, aimed at growing in virtues of children and their parents, as well as determination of diagnostic tools and levels of achievement of the virtue of temperance among the course participants. Based on the monitoring of the program (October – November of 2019, with participation of 65 school students and 17 parents), a conclusion is made on the high level of correlation between temperance of the Sunday school students and their parents, and direct impact of parental example upon formation of moral culture in a child.
Peculiarities of life path perception by older people experienced gerontological abuse
Authors: Bozhenkova Kseniya Alekseevna
Published: June 2020

This work is aimed at determination of peculiarities of life path perception by older people who have experienced gerontological abuse. One of the methods of studying personality lies in consideration of the uniqueness of a life path. Therefore, within the framework of this research the author examines the following indicators of event-meaningful structure of a life path: productivity of reproduction of life events; efficiency of reproduction of the events of various level of subjective significance; average time of retrospection and anticipation; frequency of occurrence of different types of life events.. For identification of the peculiarities of life path perception was used the method of “Psychological autobiography” of E. Y. Korzhova, questionnaire of P. V. Puchkov aimed at detection of gerontological abuse. The study involved 277 respondents: 204 persons who have experienced gerontological abuse, and 73 persons without such experience. The specificities of subjective picture of a life path among older people who have gone through gerontological abuse are defined by narrowness of meaningful experiences in reproducing images of the life path, weak differentiation of events, retrospection of events into the past, close mind with regards to building the future. Prevalence of the types of life events associated with personality and psychological changes and transformations of social environment, which psychological content suggests that emotional states, as the important indicator for satisfaction of needs, can become the regulators of behavior of older people who experienced gerontological abuse, unlike older people with no such experience, whose personality and psychological events are related with realization of particular goals.
Coverage-dependent bias creates the appearance of binary splicing in single cells
Authors: Buen Abad Najar Carlos F , Yosef Nir , Lareau Liana F
Published: June 2020

Single-cell RNA sequencing provides powerful insight into the factors that determine each cell’s unique identity. Previous studies led to the surprising observation that alternative splicing among single cells is highly variable and follows a bimodal pattern: a given cell consistently produces either one or the other isoform for a particular splicing choice, with few cells producing both isoforms. Here, we show that this pattern arises almost entirely from technical limitations. We analyze alternative splicing in human and mouse single-cell RNA-seq datasets, and model them with a probabilistic simulator. Our simulations show that low gene expression and low capture efficiency distort the observed distribution of isoforms. This gives the appearance of binary splicing outcomes, even when the underlying reality is consistent with more than one isoform per cell. We show that accounting for the true amount of information recovered can produce biologically meaningful measurements of splicing in single cells.
Inhibition stabilization is a widespread property of cortical networks
Authors: Sanzeni Alessandro , Akitake Bradley , Goldbach Hannah C , Leedy Caitlin E , Brunel Nicolas , Histed Mark H
Published: June 2020

Many cortical network models use recurrent coupling strong enough to require inhibition for stabilization. Yet it has been experimentally unclear whether inhibition-stabilized network (ISN) models describe cortical function well across areas and states. Here, we test several ISN predictions, including the counterintuitive (paradoxical) suppression of inhibitory firing in response to optogenetic inhibitory stimulation. We find clear evidence for ISN operation in mouse visual, somatosensory, and motor cortex. Simple two-population ISN models describe the data well and let us quantify coupling strength. Although some models predict a non-ISN to ISN transition with increasingly strong sensory stimuli, we find ISN effects without sensory stimulation and even during light anesthesia. Additionally, average paradoxical effects result only with transgenic, not viral, opsin expression in parvalbumin (PV)-positive neurons; theory and expression data show this is consistent with ISN operation. Taken together, these results show strong coupling and inhibition stabilization are common features of the cortex.
CARD14E138A signalling in keratinocytes induces TNF-dependent skin and systemic inflammation
Authors: Manils Joan , Webb Louise V , Howes Ashleigh , Janzen Julia , Boeing Stefan , Bowcock Anne M , Ley Steven C
Published: June 2020

To investigate how the CARD14E138A psoriasis-associated mutation induces skin inflammation, a knock-in mouse strain was generated that allows tamoxifen-induced expression of the homologous Card14E138A mutation from the endogenous mouse Card14 locus. Heterozygous expression of CARD14E138A rapidly induced skin acanthosis, immune cell infiltration and expression of psoriasis-associated pro-inflammatory genes. Homozygous expression of CARD14E138A induced more extensive skin inflammation and a severe systemic disease involving infiltration of myeloid cells in multiple organs, temperature reduction, weight loss and organ failure. This severe phenotype resembled acute exacerbations of generalised pustular psoriasis (GPP), a rare form of psoriasis that can be caused by CARD14 mutations in patients. CARD14E138A-induced skin inflammation and systemic disease were independent of adaptive immune cells, ameliorated by blocking TNF and induced by CARD14E138A signalling only in keratinocytes. These results suggest that anti-inflammatory therapies specifically targeting keratinocytes, rather than systemic biologicals, might be effective for GPP treatment early in disease progression.
The role of Rif1 in telomere length regulation is separable from its role in origin firing
Authors: Shubin Calla B , Greider Carol W
Published: June 2020

To examine the established link between DNA replication and telomere length, we tested whether firing of telomeric origins would cause telomere lengthening. We found that RIF1 mutants that block Protein Phosphatase 1 (PP1) binding activated telomeric origins but did not elongate telomeres. In a second approach, we found overexpression of ∆N-Dbf4 and Cdc7 increased DDK activity and activated telomeric origins, yet telomere length was unchanged. We tested a third mechanism to activate origins using the sld3-A mcm5-bob1 mutant that de-regulates the pre-replication complex, and again saw no change in telomere length. Finally, we tested whether mutations in RIF1 that cause telomere elongation would affect origin firing. We found that neither rif1-∆1322 nor rif1HOOK affected firing of telomeric origins. We conclude that telomeric origin firing does not cause telomere elongation, and the role of Rif1 in regulating origin firing is separable from its role in regulating telomere length.
Knocking, Unsettling, Ceding
Authors: Gannaway Jessica
Published: June 2020

This paper explores a reflexive decolonizing framework, arising from a teachers` first four years of teaching practice in an Indigenous community in the North of what is commonly known as Australia[A1]. The paper seeks to frame a connection between the already-established field of teacher self-reflection, and a need for decolonizing ways of knowing in education, to respect and recenter othered knowledge systems. Autoethnography and open-ended interviews are implemented with Indigenous elders, to explore the self-reflection that a non-Indigenous teacher must embrace to begin to decolonize their practice. Drawing on theories of whiteness (Moreton-Robinson, 2000), othering (Staszak, 2009) and the Cultural Interface in settler-Indigenous discursive spaces (Nakata, 2007), this work documents an extended process of teacher self-reflection. Reflecting on Karen Martin’s (2008) work Please Knock Before You Enter, and in response to Laenui’s Processes of Decolonisation (2000), starting points are proposed from which teachers can think deeply about their practice concerning ongoing coloniality. The epistemological underpinnings of teachers’ practice are explored as the place where decolonizing work must occur across all educational spaces.
An expert study on hierarchy comparison methods applied to biological taxonomies curation
Authors: Sancho-Chavarria Lilliana , Beck Fabian , Mata-Montero Erick
Published: June 2020

Comparison of hierarchies aims at identifying differences and similarities between two or more hierarchical structures. In the biological taxonomy domain, comparison is indispensable for the reconciliation of alternative versions of a taxonomic classification. Biological taxonomies are knowledge structures that may include large amounts of nodes (taxa), which are typically maintained manually. We present the results of a user study with taxonomy experts that evaluates four well-known methods for the comparison of two hierarchies, namely, edge drawing, matrix representation, animation and agglomeration. Each of these methods is evaluated with respect to seven typical biological taxonomy curation tasks. To this end, we designed an interactive software environment through which expert taxonomists performed exercises representative of the considered tasks. We evaluated participants’ effectiveness and level of satisfaction from both quantitative and qualitative perspectives. Overall quantitative results evidence that participants were less effective with agglomeration whereas they were more satisfied with edge drawing. Qualitative findings reveal a greater preference among participants for the edge drawing method. In addition, from the qualitative analysis, we obtained insights that contribute to explain the differences between the methods and provide directions for future research.
Using Bumble Bee Watch to investigate the accuracy and perception of bumble bee (Bombus spp.) identification by community scientists
Authors: MacPhail Victoria J. , Gibson Shelby D. , Hatfield Richard , Colla Sheila R.
Published: June 2020

Community science programs provide an opportunity to gather scientific data to inform conservation policy and management. This study examines the accuracy of community science identifications submitted to the North American Bumble Bee Watch program on a per species level and as compared to each species’ conservation status, as well as users (members of the public) and experts (those with expertise in the field of bumble bee biology) perceived ease of species identification. Photos of bumble bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Bombus) are submitted to the program by users and verified (species name corrected or assigned as necessary) by an expert. Over 22,000 records from over 4,900 users were used in the analyses. Accuracy was measured in two ways: percent agreement (percent of all records submitted correctly by users) and veracity (percent of all verified records submitted correctly by the users). Users generally perceived it harder to identify species than experts. User perceptions were not significantly different from the observed percent agreement or veracity, while expert perceptions were significantly different (overly optimistic) from the observed percent agreement but not the veracity. We compared user submitted names to final expert verified names and found that, for all species combined, the average percent agreement was 53.20% while the average veracity was 55.86%. There was a wide range in percent agreement values per species, although sample size and the role of chance did affect some species agreements. As the conservation status of species increased to higher levels of extinction risk, species were increasingly more likely to have a lower percent agreement but higher levels of veracity than species of least concern. For each species name submitted, the number of different species verified by experts varied from 1 to 32. Future research may investigate which factors relate to success in user identification through community science. These findings could play a role in informing the design of community science programs in the future, including for use in long-term and national-level monitoring of wild pollinators.
Integrative analysis of competitive endogenous RNA network reveals the regulatory role of non-coding RNAs in high-glucose-induced human retinal endothelial cells
Authors: Cao Nan-Jue , Liu He-Nan , Dong Feng , Wang Wei , Sun Wei , Wang Gang
Published: June 2020

Background

Increasing evidence has suggested that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) play critical roles in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy (DR), but their underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine latent key genes and to structure a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory network to discover the potential molecular mechanisms governing the effects of high glucose on human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs).

Methods

We obtained microarray data for long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) and mRNA of high-glucose-induced HREC samples from NCBI GEO datasets. The ceRNA network was screened using intersecting prediction results from miRcode, TargetScan, miRTarBase and miRDB. The protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes and hub genes were obtained using the cytoHubba app. The ClusterProfiler package was applied for performing Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis. The expression of key RNAs was verified using the qRT-PCR method. A key ceRNA subnetwork was constructed based on the criticality of the genes and its binding sites were verified by luciferase reporter assay. The viability and apoptosis of HRECs were tested using the transfection of the miR-449c inhibitor.

Results

A total of 3,328 lncRNAs and 2,017 mRNAs were screened for differentially expressed (DE) profiles. The newly constructed ceRNA network was composed of 410 lncRNAs, 35 miRNAs and 122 mRNAs. The 10 hub genes were identified through the PPI network. GO and KEGG analysis revealed that DE mRNAs were mainly related to the positive regulation of the mRNA catabolic process, cell polarity, and the G1/S transition of mitotic and cell cycle signaling pathways. QRT-PCR was used to verify RNAs and the most important genes were screened out. A key ceRNA subnetwork OIP5-AS1/miR-449c/MYC was established. The binding site was verified by luciferase reporter assay. The expression levels of OIP5-AS1 and MYC increased after miR-449c inhibitor transfection, miR-449c decreased, HRECs activity increased, and apoptosis decreased, compared with the control group.

Conclusion

We successfully built the key ceRNA subnetwork, OIP5-AS1/miR-449c/MYC, by applying the GEO database for data analysis and mining. The results from the ceRNA network allow us to better understand the effect of ncRNAs on HRECs under hyperglycemic conditions and the pathogenesis of DR.
Gait characteristics in individuals with Parkinson’s disease during 1-minute treadmill walking
Authors: Noh Byungjoo , Youm Changhong , Lee Myeounggon , Cheon Sang-Myung
Published: June 2020

Background

No previous study has examined the age-dependent characteristics of gait in individuals between 50 and 79 years simultaneously in healthy individuals and individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) over continuous gait cycles. This study aimed to investigate age-related differences in gait characteristics on individuals age ranged 50–79 years, including individuals with PD, during a 1-minute treadmill walking session. Additionally, we aimed to investigate the differences associated with spatiotemporal gait parameters and PD compared in age-matched individuals.

Methods

This study included 26 individuals with PD and 90 participants age ranged 50–79 years. The treadmill walking test at a self-preferred speed was performed for 1 min. The embedded inertial measurement unit sensor in the left and right outsoles-based system was used to collect gait characteristics based on tri-axial acceleration and tri-axial angular velocities.

Results

Participants aged >60 years had a decreased gait speed and shortened stride and step, which may demonstrate a distinct shift in aging (all p < 0.005). Individuals with PD showed more of a decrease in variables with a loss of consistency, including gait asymmetry (GA), phase coordination index (PCI) and coefficient of variation (CV) of all variables, than age-matched individuals (all p < 0.001). Gait speed, stride and step length, stance phase, variability, GA and PCI were the variables that highly depended on age and PD.

Discussion

Older adults could be considered those older than 60 years of age when gait alterations begin, such as a decreased gait speed as well as shortened stride and step length. On the other hand, a loss of consistency in spatiotemporal parameters and a higher GA and PCI could be used to identify individuals with PD. Thus, the CV of all spatiotemporal parameters, GA and PCI during walking could play an important role and be useful in identifying individuals with PD.

Conclusion

This study provided the notable aging pattern characteristics of gait in individuals >50 years, including individuals with PD. Increasing age after 60 years is associated with deterioration in spatiotemporal parameters of gait during continuous 1-minute treadmill walking. Additionally, GA, PCI and the CV of all variables could be used to identify PD which would be placed after 70 years of age. It may be useful to determine the decline of gait performance in general and among individuals with PD.
On-farm Demonstration of Improved of Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.) Highlands of Southwestern, Ethiopia
Authors: Hailemariam Mesfin , Assen Mohammed
Published: June 2020

Participatory pre-extension demonstration was taken in Dedo and Bedele woreda, in Jimma and Buno Bedele zone in two kebeles each in 2018 main cropping season. Data were collected 100 plants from the demonstration plots. From this study, the performance of three improved fababean and one local variety collected from the areas serves as a check were tested in 11 farmers demonstration plots in two districts of southwestern Ethiopia. From the agronomic traits includes: Days to flowering, days to maturity, plant height (cm), harvest index (%), 1000 seed weight and yield and yield Mean grain yield of the tested varieties ranged from 2200 Kg/ha for local variety, to 4370 Kg/ha for Dosha with overall mean value of 3450 Kg/ha. In addition, the highest agronomic performance was recorded for most agronomic traits. In terms of thousand seed weight, the variety Tumsa (805.80 g) score the highest next to Gora (896.60 g).The farmers preference selection and three development agents, 8 men and 5 women farmers evaluated the trial using plant earliness, biomass, seed size, number of branches per plant, plant height and the disease reaction are used as a criteria to select promising varieties Tumsa (23.00), Dosha (16.94) and Gora (16.83) scored up to three highest values, respectively. The lowest (8.96) was scored for the local variety. From agronomic data at two districts in participation of farmers, Dosha, Gora, Tumsa and local variety fababean varieties were given superior in grain yield respectively. The study also showed that Dosha superior in other agronomic traits except thousand seed weight and harvest index. From the farmer’s preference Tumsa, Dosha, Gora and local variety ranks up to fourth. Therefore, all the three improved varieties with their agronomic packages selected by farmers are recommended for Dedo and Bedele districts Southwestern Ethiopia and similar highland agro ecology.
Detection of Multi-Drug Resistant Tuberculosis Using the Genotype MTBDR DNA Strip Assay and Lowenstein Jensen Proportion Method
Authors: Amuda Bosede Oyewumi , Oduyebo O. O. , Abutu Philip
Published: June 2020

Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant public health issue in low-middle income countries. Accurate and timely diagnosis is key to effective management. Diagnosing Multi Drug Resistance Tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is mostly done with phenotypic Lowenstein Jenson (LJ) proportion method with long turn around which delays treatment. The genotypic MTBDR plus was introduced by World Health Organisation (W.H.O) for the same purpose hence, this study aims to detect MDR-TB using both two methods. Sputum samples were collected from cases of pulmonary TB diagnosed with Genexpert and Ziehl Neelsen stain. Positive samples were subjected to MTBDR plus and the LJ proportion method with the LJ method considered gold standard. Chi square analysis was used to evaluate the Sensitivity, Specificity, Positive Predictive value (PPV), Negative Predictive value (NPV), of the MTBDR plus method compared to the LJ Proportion method. Kappa values were also estimated as a measure of agreement between the two methods. In evaluating the performance of MTBDR plus compared to the LJ proportion method, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV for the detection of rifampicin and isoniazid  was  93.7%, 90.2%, 92.5% ,91.7% and 88.5%, 95.5%,92.0% and 93.3% respectively, while evaluation MDR-TB was 74.5%, 94.4%,  88.4% and 86.6% with a Kappa value of 0.85,0.84 and 0.71 for Isoniazid, Rifampicin and MDR-TB which indicate almost perfect agreement for both rifampicin and isoniazid and substantial agreement for Multi Drug Resistance (MDR). Compared to LJ proportion method, MTBDRplus performed well in the detection of drug resistance to rifampicin, isoniazid and MDR-TB, hence, is a rapid and efficient tool for the diagnosis and initiation of treatment for MDR-TB.
Fitting Linear and Non Linear Growth Models for Selected Plantations in Omo Forest Reserve Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Adedeji E. T. , Akinbowale A. S. , Akinbode O. A.
Published: June 2020

This study was conducted to assess the suitability of forest models in Tectona grandis, Pinus caribaea and Nauclea diderrichii stands at Omo forest reserve, Ijebu East, Ogun State, Southwestern Nigeria. Temporary sample plots of equal size (25 m x 25 m) were laid while complete enumeration were carried out in each sampled plot and tree growth variables such as diameter at breast height (dbh), diameter at the top (dt), diameter at the middle (dm) and diameter at the base (db) as well as total height of all trees were measured. Simple linear models and six non linear models were developed and assessed for the selected plantation. The linear model developed _ R-squared ranged from 77% to 93%. The least R- square was obtained in Tectona grandis plantation and the highest was obtained in 93% Pinus caribaea. All the models have high F values ranging from 234.71 to 2965.40. In Tectona grandis plantation, Logistic power model, gave a good fit in describing the relationship between diameter at breast height and volume with AICC values of -2368.92, 0.22 each. The Sigmond models that gave a good fit in describing the relationship between the diameter at breast height and volume in Pinus caribaea were Weibull model (-719.19, 0.09) while Gompertz relation is the best for Nauclea diderrichii, respectively. The various models generated in the study are highly recommended for use in estimating the growth characteristics of the plantation in the future.
Genetic Divergence in Corn Genotypes for High and Low Phosphorus in Pará, Brazil
Authors: Santos Weder Ferreira dos , Maciel Lucas Carneiro , Júnior Benício Lourenço Duarte , Peluzio Joênes Mucci , Sodré Layanni Ferreira , Júnior Osvaldo José Ferreira , Oliveira Magno de , Silva Rafael Marcelino da , Barbosa Adriano Silveira
Published: June 2020

Aims: The objective of this study was to estimate the genetic divergence between ten corn genotypes in the 2017/18 crop, under high and low phosphorus.

Study Design: The experimental design used in each test was randomized blocks, the treatments were: ten genotypes in two levels of phosphorus and three replications.

Place and Duration of Study: Sítio Vitória, municipality of Santa Maria das Barreiras, state of Pará, Brazil, in the 2017/18 crop.

Methodology: The experimental plot consisted of four lines five meters long, spaced with 0.90 m between the lines, with approximately 55,000 plants per hectare in the harvest. The genotypes used: 2B655, AG 1051, AG 8088, AL BANDEIRANTE, ANHEMBI, BR 206, BRS 3046, CATIVERDE, ORION e PR 27D28. The following agronomic characteristics were evaluated: plant height, ear height, ear diameter, ear length, number of grains per row, yield per plant and grain yield. Genetic divergence was estimated from Mahalanobis distances and genotypes were grouped by Tocher optimization methods.

Results: Genetic dissimilarity measurements, at each dose of phosphorus, showed a high magnitude (D2= 9.72 to 1484.87). Cluster analysis separated the genotypes into four groups at low phosphorus and two groups at high phosphorus. The characteristics that most contributed to genetic divergence, in the two levels of phosphorus, were yield per plant and grain yield.

Conclusion: There was a higher genetic divergence between genotypes AG 1051 and BANDEIRANTE in the low phosphorus assay and between the genotypes ANHEMBI and AL BANDEIRANTE in the high phosphorus assay. With this, these crosses are promising to obtain lineages in both tests.
Changes in the Pulmonary Functions of Individuals with Sickle Cell Disease: A Scoping Review
Authors: Ikenna Uchenwoke Chigozie , Stephen Ede Sunday
Published: June 2020

Background: Individuals with sickle cell disease (ISCD) are often subject to various changes in crucial health profiles with a consequent need for reduced physical activities, which could be as a result of their declining pulmonary functions. Few studies have systematically attempted to examine the changes in the pulmonary function of ISCD comprehensively.

Objective: The purpose of this review is to explore the changes in pulmonary functions of ISCD.

Methods: A scoping review comprising 36 studies was conducted to identify and examine the literature related to changes in the pulmonary functions of ISCD, and to compare how they correlate with their health profile.

Results: Most common changes cited were demographic factors (26 papers), followed by haematological indices (18 papers) followed by pulmonary complications (16 papers), and anthropometric values (13 papers), with the most common themes overall being age while FEV1, FVC, and FEV1/FVC where the most outcome measures examined.

Conclusion: With current advances in medicine, the life expectancy of ISCD is on the increase. We conclude that an evidence-based therapy for pulmonary functions maintenance will be a valid and valuable care for ISCD. Further research must be done, mainly to focus on each health profile holistically.
Effect of Agronomic Biofortification of Sulphur and Boron on the Growth and Yield of Mustard (Brassica campestris L.) Crop
Authors: Awal M. A. , Rashid M. H. O. , Rahman M. M.
Published: June 2020

Background and Objective: Sulphur and boron are found as most critical nutrient elements for the better growth and yield of mustard crop however no such concrete information for their uses in field production of this crop is yet to be reported. Therefore, an experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of agronomic biofortification of sulphur and boron nutrients on the growth and yield of mustard crop.

Study Design: The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replicates.

Place of Study: The experiment was carried out in the Crop Botany Field Laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh.

Methodology: Three doses of sulphur (S) viz. 0, 20 and 40 kg ha-1 and three doses of boron (B) viz. 0, 0.5 and 1.0 kg ha-1 and their possible combinations were used as basal doses. Field data were collected from periodic destructive samplings on the plant height, number of leaves and branches per plant, total dry matter accumulation and finally yield components and yield.

Results: Sulphur and boron fertilizations significantly influence the plant height, production of branches and leaves per plant, dry matter accumulation and yield attributes and yield of mustard crop. The mustard crop fertilized with 40 kg S ha-1 in combination with 1 B kg ha-1 produced taller plant, higher number of branches and leaves in each plant and higher amount of dry matter per plant while these plant traits were found as minimum when the growing the mustard crops in control plots i.e. the plants received neither sulphur nor boron. Application of sulphur @ 40 kg ha-1 along with boron @ 1 kg ha-1 produced the highest seed yield (2.73 t ha-1) whereas the lowest seed yield (1.08 t ha-1) was found where no sulphur and boron were applied.

Conclusion: The result conclude that combine application of sulphur and boron @ 40 and 1 kg per hectare, respectively was found to be most effective dose in enhancing growth and yield of mustard crop.
Selection of ISSR Primers to Study the Genetic Diversity of Myrciaria floribunda O. Berg
Authors: Filho Luiz Sergio Costa Duarte , Ribeiro Danielson Ramos , Silva Allison Vieira da
Published: June 2020

The species Myrciaria floridunda O. Berg, popularly known as cambuí, belongs to the Myrtaceae family. Cambui is a native, non-endemic species that occur in diverse environments in Central America and South America. They are slow-growing plants with a shrub or sub-shrub habit. The fruits, the product of interest of the species, are small, spherical berries orange or red in colorturning to wine colorwhen they are ripe. The exploitation of the species is still mostly extractivist, carried out by traditional local families who, in times of fruiting of the species, leverage their income by selling fruits at fairs. The fruits can be eaten fresh, in the form of jellies, liquor or wine. To study the genetic diversity of the species using ISSR-type molecular markers, it is necessary to first isolate DNA in sufficient quality and quantity. Here, leaves for DNA extraction were collected from the active germplasm bank of the Federal University of Alagoas, Brazil. The DNA of the species was extracted using CTAB detergent methodology with modifications adapted to the species. Twelve ISSR primers were tested on DNA from two cambui genotypes. Of the twelve primers, eight were selected due to their polymorphism index above 50%, namely: UFAL-2, UFAL-3, UFAL-5, UFAL-6, UFAL-7, UFAL-8, UFAL-9 and UFAL-10.
Effect of Organic Source of Nitrogen on Growth, Yield and Economics of Baby Corn
Authors: Kharche P. P. , Bhondave T. S. , Sawant A. C.
Published: June 2020

The experiment was conducted during rabi season of 2016-17 at Agronomy Organic Farm, College of Agriculture, Pune and experiment layout was randomized block design with twelve treatments and three replications. The treatments consisted of 6 different organic manures, i.e. FYM, vermicompost, poultry manure, seed cake, castor seed cake and cotton seed cake and their combinations. Growth characters like plant height (176.67 cm), leaf area plant-1 (87.33dm2), dry matter plant-1 (452.13 g), days to silk initiation (77.33) were significantly the very best recorded in 100% RDN through poultry manure. The yield and yield attributing characters that are cob yield, green fodder yield, number of baby cobs plant-1, length (with husk and without husk), weight (with husk and without husk) and girth (with husk and without husk) of baby corn were maximum with the applying of 100% RDN through poultry manure. Among various treatments maximum gross (3, 41,667 Rs. ha-1) and net monetary returns (2, 55,397 Rs. ha-1) were obtained by application of 100% RDN through poultry manure. The utmost benefit-cost ratio (3.96) was recorded with the applying of 100% RDN through poultry manure, whereas, minimum B: C ratio (1.50) was registered in absolute control.