bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-term Monitoring of a Brown Trout (Salmo Trutta) Population Reveals Kin-associated Migration Patterns and Contributions by Resident Trout to the Anadromous Run
Authors: Duval Eloïse , Skaala Øystein , Quintela María , Dahle Geir , Delaval Aurélien , Wennevik Vidar , Glover Kevin A. , Hansen Michael M.
Published: May 2021

Background: In species showing partial migration, as is the case for many salmonid fishes, it is important to assess how anthropogenic pressure experienced by migrating individuals affects the total population. We focused on brown trout (Salmo trutta) from the Guddal River in the Norwegian Hardanger Fjord system, which encompasses both resident and anadromous individuals. Aquaculture has led to increased anthropogenic pressure on brown trout during the marine phase in this region. Fish traps installed in the Guddal River allowed for sampling all ascending anadromous spawners and descending smolts. We analyzed microsatellite DNA markers based on biopsy samples of all individuals ascending from 2006-2016, along with all emigrating smolts in 2017. We investigated 1) if there was evidence for declines in census numbers and effective population size during that period, 2) if there was association between kinship and migration timing in smolts and anadromous adults, and 3) to what extent resident trout were parents of outmigrating smolts.Results: Census counts of anadromous spawners showed no evidence for a decline from 2006-2016, but were lower than in 2000-2005. Estimates of effective population size also showed no trends of declines during the study period. Sibship reconstruction of the 2017 smolt run showed significant association between kinship and migration timing, and a similar association was indicated in anadromous spawners. Parentage assignment of 2017 smolts based on anadromous parents from previous years, and assuming that unknown parents represented resident trout, showed that 70% of smolts had at least one resident parent and 24% had two resident parents.Conclusions: The results bear evidence of a population that after an initial decline has stabilized at a lower number of anadromous spawners. The significant association between kinship and migration timing in smolts suggests that specific episodes of elevated mortality in the sea could disproportionally affect some families and reduce overall effective population size. Finally, the results based on parentage assignment demonstrate a strong buffering effect of resident trout in case of elevated marine mortality affecting anadromous trout, but also highlight that increased mortality of anadromous trout, most of which are females, may lower overall production in the system.
Clinical, diagnostic, and treatment features of Body Packing in Brazil: drugs, cell phones and beyond
Authors: Guimarães Vinícius Henrique Almeida , Cassiano Carolina , de Queiroz Dylmadson Iago Brito , Elias Christian Tales , Lenza Roberto da Mata , Pastore Ricardo , Oliveira Carlo José Freire
Published: May 2021

Background: Body packing is the smuggling of drugs and other contents inside the human body and may represent a serious health risk. Despite studies from several countries, the clinical and surgical aspects of this emergency in Brazil have not been well-explored, especially when considering non-narcotic contents. Thus, the main objective of this study was to investigate cases of body packers treated by the surgical emergency service of a tertiary hospital in a central region of Brazil. We sought to highlight this medical emergency by considering both narcotic and non-narcotic contents smuggled by body packers. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed the medical records of body packers admitted from January 2015 to December 2019 at one of the main tertiary hospitals in central Brazil. Ten cases of body packing were observed. Results: Only 50% of the patients carried drugs, while surprisingly, 70% carried non-content, such as cell phones (40%), cell phone chargers (40%), Durepox adhesives (10%), small saws (10%), and pen-drives (10%). All the patients were male, inmates, and young adults, and body packing was carried out by oral ingestion. In 20% of the cases, there were no important clinical manifestations; in 60% of the cases, there were signs and symptoms of gastrointestinal obstruction; and in 30%, there was acute narcotic intoxication. Abdominal radiography was used for diagnosis in 80% of the cases, and endoscopy and tomography were used for the remaining 20%. In 90% of the cases, emergency laparotomy with gastrostomy was required. All the patients successfully recovered. Conclusions: There was a higher prevalence of body packing of non-narcotic content; however, clinical and radiological presentations were similar to those of narcotic content, except for the presentation of acute narcotic intoxication. Emergency surgery was the most utilized intervention for the body packers and proved to be effective for both content types. This study highlights the concerning high prevalence of body packing of cell phones and accessories in addition to drugs; therefore, health professionals, surgeons, and security agents must be aware of the involvement of body packing in the trafficking of non-narcotic contents in Brazil.
Investigation of cortical thickness and volume during spontaneous attacks of migraine without aura: a 3-Tesla MRI study
Authors: Amin Faisal Mohammad , De Icco Roberto , Al-Karagholi Mohammad MA , Raghava Jayachandra , Wolfram Frauke , Larsson Henrik BW , Ashina Messoud
Published: May 2021

BackgroundStructural imaging has revealed changes in cortical thickness in migraine patients compared to healthy controls is reported, but presence of dynamic cortical and subcortical changes during migraine attack versus inter-ictal phase is unknown. The aim of the present study was to investigate possible changes in cortical thickness during spontaneous migraine attacks. We hypothesized that pain-related cortical area would be affected during the attack compared to an inter-ictal phase.MethodsTwenty-five patients with migraine without aura underwent three-dimensional T1-weighted imaging on a 3-Tesla MRI scanner during spontaneous and untreated migraine attacks. Subsequently, 20 patients were scanned in the inter-ictal phase, while 5 patients did not show up for the inter-ictal scan. Four patients were excluded from the analysis because of bilateral migraine pain and another one patient was excluded due to technical error in the imaging. Longitudinal image processing was done using FreeSurger. Repeated measures ANOVA was used for statistical analysis and to control for multiple comparison the level of significance was set at p =0.025. ResultsIn a total of 15 patients, we found reduced cortical thickness of the prefrontal ( p =0.023), pericalcarine ( p =0.024), and temporal pole ( p =0.017) cortices during the attack compared to the inter-ictal phase. Cortical volume was reduced in prefrontal ( p =0.018) and pericalcarine ( p =0.017) cortices. Hippocampus volume was increased during attack ( p =0.007). We found no correlations between the pain side or any other clinical parameters and the reduced cortical size. ConclusionSpontaneous migraine attacks are accompanied by transient reduced cortical thickness and volume in pain-related areas. The findings constitute a fingerprint of acute pain in migraine patients, which can be used as a possible biomarker to predict antimigraine treatment effect in future studies. Trial registrationThe study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02202486).
Ají Amarillo Chilli-Assisted Phytosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles and Their H2O2 Sensing Ability
Authors: Kumar Brajesh , Smita Kumari , Debut Alexis , Cumbal Luis
Published: May 2021

Scope of green chemistry in nanobiotechnology is generating research interest in the development of an ecofriendly synthesis of nanoparticles and their wide range of applications in engineering and biomedical field. In the present study, we report a simple and ecofriendly phytosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Ají amarillo chilli (Capsicum baccatum L.) fruit, where phytoconstituents of C. baccatum behaves as a reducing as well as a stabilizing agent. The phyotsynthesized AgNPs were characterized through various spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. The produced AgNPs showed surface plasmon resonance (SPR) at λmax = 458 nm and stable for 10 days, confirmed by UV-vis spectroscopy. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) explained that produced AgNPs were almost spherical in shape with average size of 10-30 nm along with small aggregation. Aggregation of AgNPs was indicated in the dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis. The results also demonstrate that as-synthesized AgNPs are low-cost and rapid alternative as optical chemical sensors and showed >50% H2O2 quenching/ sensing activity for 15 mins at room temperature.
Surface Modiﬁcation of AlN Powders By N-Vinylpyrrolidone Copolymers For Anti-Hydrolysis
Authors: Xie Jianjun , Wang Yu , Wang Shun , Yu Guangcheng , Wang Tun , Zhang Lei , Shi Ying
Published: May 2021

By simply reacting raw aluminum nitride (AlN) powders with water-soluble N-vinylpyrrolidone (NVP) copolymers in absolute ethanol at a certain temperature to prepared hydrolysis-resistant AlN powders. The surface chemical structure and phase composition of the AlN powder has been investigated by using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), the surface morphology and element distribution of AlN were observed by the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and the pH change of modified AlN powders was measured at different temperatures by soaked in deionized water to directly characterize the hydrolysis resistance. It was found that the surface of AlN was successfully coated and wrapped by seven kinds of N-vinylpyrrolidone polymers and effectively improved the hydrolysis resistance to varying degrees, among which N-vinylpyrrolidone-maleic anhydride copolymer and N-vinylpyrrolidone-itaconic acid copolymer have the best anti-hydrolysis effect which can maintain the properties of AlN unchanged after being soaked in water at 25°C for 24 hours.
Evaluation of New Properties of Calcined Magnetite Doped with Zinc and Lanthanum Nanoparticles Prepared in Oxygen and Nitrogen Atmospheres
Authors: Zayed Mohamed A. , Mubarak Mahmoud F. , Abdel-maksoud Gehad M.
Published: May 2021

The aim of the present research is the preparation of magnetite nanoparticles doped with Zn and La of the general formula ZnLa(x)Fe(3-x)O4 where x =0.0, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25 and 0.3; which were prepared via co-precipitation method, separated and calcined at 800oC under oxygen and nitrogen atmospheres. The stoichiometric ratios of the elements in the given general formula had been proved and confirmed by elemental analyses using XRF. Various techniqueshave been used to analyze the prepared nanoparticles. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the formation of one single phase of nanoparticles components with average crystalline size ranged from 6 to 9 nm at oxygen atmosphere and from 6 to 8 at nitrogen atmosphere.These size values had been calculated by Debye-Scherrer equation. The optical properties carried out by Cary Eclipse fluorescence spectrophotometer.The morphology of the prepared magnetite nanoparticles was studied using field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM). Optical properties were demonstrated by UV–visible–NIR spectrophotometer. The high absorbance values of Zn La(x)Fe(3-x)O4 were found to 80-97 and 80-99 % in the visible wavelength range of 400-800 nm for the prepared samples in presence of O2 and N2 gas at room temperature, respectively. These proved the lower values of energy band gap in both conditions. The lowering of energy band gap of 1.89 eV for nanoparticles prepared in O2 gas and 1.78 eV for prepared in N2 gas in most samples may be attributed to incorporation of Zn cation. These results are confirmed by photo luminscence spectra (PL) measurements of the prepared samples. Magnetic properties of the given samples obtained from vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM);showed that most of these samples exhibited almost superparamagnetic behavior. These magnetic values (32.87 and 24.79 emu/g) infer super saturation magnetization of the given samples prepared in O2 and N2 gas at room temperature, respectively. Examination of the magnetic properties revealed decrease in saturation magnetization with increasing La ion concentrations incorporation up to x = 0.3. The evaluated magnetic and optical properties of the novel prepared ZnLa(x)Fe(3-x)O4nano-materials revealed their possible use in different industrial fields like bio-applications, in electronic components, cosmetics, antibacterial agents, and in solar cells. The antibacterial activity study of the prepared NPs revealed them highly efficient against different kinds of bacteria that increase with increase of La % doped in their entity.
Twofold symmetry of c-axis resistivity in topological kagome superconductor CsV3Sb5 with in-plane rotating magnetic field
Authors: Xiang Ying , Li Qing , Li Yongkai , Xie Wei , Yang Huan , Wang Zhiwei , Yao Yugui , Wen Hai-Hu
Published: May 2021

In transition metal compounds, due to the interplay of charge, spin, lattice and orbital degrees of freedom, many intertwined orders exist with close energies. One of the commonly observed states is the so-called nematic electron state, which breaks the in-plane rotational symmetry. This nematic state appears in cuprates, iron based superconductor, etc. Nematicity may coexist, affect, cooperate or compete with other orders. Here we show the anisotropic in-plane electronic state and superconductivity in a recently discovered kagome metal CsV3Sb5 by measuring c-axis resistivity with the in-plane rotation of magnetic field. We observe a twofold symmetry of superconductivity in the superconducting state and a unique in-plane nematic electronic state in normal state when rotating the in-plane magnetic field. Interestingly these two orders are orthogonal to each other in terms of the field direction of the minimum resistivity. Our results shed new light in understanding non-trivial physical properties of CsV3Sb5.
Size Conservation Emerges Spontaneously in Biomolecular Condensates Formed by Scaffolds and Surfactant Clients
Authors: Sanchez-Burgos Ignacio , Joseph Jerelle A. , Collepardo-Guevara Rosana , Espinosa Jorge R.
Published: May 2021

Biomolecular condensates are liquid-like membraneless compartments that contribute to the spatiotemporal organization of proteins, RNA, and other biomolecules inside cells. Some membraneless compartments, such as nucleoli, are dispersed as different condensates that do not grow beyond a certain size, or do not present coalescence over time. In this work, using a minimal protein model, we show that phase separation of binary mixtures of scaffolds and low-valency clients that can act as surfactants—i.e., that significantly reduce the droplet surface tension—can yield either a single drop or multiple droplets that conserve their sizes on long timescales (herein ‘multidroplet size-conserved’), depending on the scaffold to client ratio. Our simulations demonstrate that protein connectivity and condensate surface tension regulate the balance between these two scenarios. Multidroplet size-conserved behavior spontaneously arises at increasing surfactant-to-scaffold concentrations, when the interfacial penalty for creating small liquid droplets is sufficiently reduced by the surfactant proteins that are preferentially located at the interface. In contrast, low surfactant-to-scaffold concentrations enable continuous growth and fusion of droplets without restrictions. Overall, our work proposes one potential thermodynamic mechanism to help rationalize how size-conserved coexisting condensates can persist inside cells—shedding light on the roles of general biomolecular features such as protein connectivity, binding affinity, and droplet composition in this process.
Diastolic dysfunction contributes to impaired cardiorespiratory fitness in patients with lung cancer and reduced lung function following chest radiation
Authors: Thomas Georgia , Canada Justin , Weiss Elisabeth , Trankle Cory , Carbone Salvatore , Garten Ryan , Evans Ronald , VanTassell Benjamin , Abbate Antonio , Billingsley Hayley
Published: May 2021

Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is a robust and independent predictor of cardiovascular health and overall mortality. Patients with lung cancer often have chronic lung disease, contributing to impaired CRF. Radiation to the heart during treatment of lung cancer may further reduce CRF. The determinants of reduced CRF in this population are not well understood. In this study, we sought to determine whether cardiac diastolic function, as assessed by Doppler echocardiography and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP) levels, correlate with CRF as measured by peak oxygen consumption (VO 2 ), in patients with reduced lung function who received chest irradiation for lung cancer. We found that Doppler-derived measures of diastolic function and serum levels of NTproBNP inversely correlate with peak VO 2. In a multivariate regression model, NTproBNP was the strongest independent variable associated with peak VO 2 . These results suggest that diastolic dysfunction may further contribute to reduced CRF in patients with lung cancer who have received radiotherapy and have reduced lung function.
Exploring the Effects of Genre-based Portfolio Assessment on EFL Writing With Focus on Learner Engagement
Authors: Pourdana Natasha
Published: May 2021

With controversial implications in language learning context, there is not enough evidence for learners’ engagement in genre-based portfolio assessment (PA) and its impacts on their writing improvement. To fill the gap, this case study examined 46 EFL undergraduate students’ performance on descriptive and narrative writing tasks. In 12-week PA design, feedback points were collected from teacher formative assessment of the students’ descriptive and narrative writing, with reference to the genre-specific indicators in West Virginia Department of Education descriptive writing rubric and Smarter Balanced narrative writing rubric, respectively. Statistical results reported the significant impact of PA on improving components of word choice and grammar, development and organization of ideas in student descriptive writing, with no sign of improvement in their performance on descriptive writing post-test. Statistics also supported the positive impact of PA on improving the components of elaboration of narrative, language and vocabulary, organization and convention in student narrative writing, and their performance on narrative writing post-test. The qualitative data on students’ engagement in PA was collected from their reflective journals. After inductive content analysis, the students’ self-reports were schematized, and their level of engagement was rendered in terms of their approval of usefulness and novelty of PA, frequent mismatch between student self-assessment and teacher written feedback both in quality and quantity, ‘sensitivity’ or focus of teacher feedback to some writing features over others, applicability of teacher feedback to revision process, and overall perception of writing improvement. The paper provided teaching implications for EFL practitioners and suggestions for future research.
Relationship of Footwear Comfort, Selected Size, and Lower Leg Overuse Injuries Among Infantry Soldiers
Authors: Nesterovica Darja , Vaivads Normunds , Stepens Ainars
Published: May 2021

IntroductionHigh rates of musculoskeletal injuries such as plantar fasciitis and stress fractures have been observed among physically active military personnel. During service time, infantry soldiers use issued boots daily that should be a proper fit and provide comfort to effectively prevent injuries and decrease lower extremity pain. This study compares the subjective infantry boot size with optimal size and investigates perceived boot comfort for different boot parts among soldiers with and without a history of lower leg, ankle, and foot overuse injury. Materials/MethodsDuring the cross-sectional study, 227 (males, n=213; females, n=14) active-duty infantry soldiers at a mean age of 29.5 years old, and with an average service time of 7.2 years were assessed for a history of overuse injury, footprint length, appropriate shoe size, and footwear comfort. Males with a history of overuse injury (n=32) and non-injured age-matched controls (n=34) were selected for detailed testing and establishing the possible relationship between footwear comfort and lower leg overuse injury.Results No relationship was found between footwear comfort and history of lower leg overuse injury. N=38 (57.6%) of study subjects were wearing an inappropriate shoe size daily. Inappropriate shoe size usage affected footwear comfort ratings significantly.ConclusionsStudy results showed that improper boot size was significantly related to comfort ratings but was not associated with a history of lower leg overuse injury.
Integrating Protein Interaction Networks and Somatic Mutation Data to Detect Driver Modules in Pan-Cancer
Authors: Wu Hao , Chen Zhong-Li , Wu Ying-Fu , Zhang Hong-Ming , Liu Quan-Zhong
Published: May 2021

Background: With the constant update of large-scale sequencing data and the continuous improvement of cancer genomics data such as the cancer genome atlas ICGC and TCGA, it gains increasing importance how to detect the functional high-frequency mutation gene set in cells that causes cancer within the eld of medicine.Methods: In this study, to solve the issue of mutated gene heterogeneity and improve the accuracy of driver modules, we propose a new recognition method of driver modules, named ECSWalk, based on the human protein interaction networks and pan-cancer somatic mutation data. This study rstly utilizes high mutual exclusivity and high coverage between mutation genes and topological structure similarity of the nodes in complex networks to calculate interaction weights between genes. Secondly, the method of random walk with restart is utilized to construct a weighted directed network, and the strong connectivity principle of the directed graph is utilized to create the initial candidate modules with a certain number of genes. Finally, the large modules in the candidate modules are reasonably split using the way of the induced subgraph, and the small modules are expanded using a greedy strategy to obtain the optimal driver modules.Results: This method is applied to the analysis of TCGA pan-cancer data, and the experimental results show that ECSWalk can detect driver modules more effectively and accurately, and can identify new candidate gene sets with higher biological relevance and statistical significance than MEXCOWalk and HotNet2.Conclusions: ECSWalk is of theoretical guidance and practical value for cancer diagnosis, treatment and drug targets.
Doxorubicin Loaded-UiO-66-NH2 Coated With Poly(N-Vinylcaprolactam) For Controlled Release of Doxorubicin Against A549 Lung Cancer
Authors: Rakhshani Navid , Nemati nahid Hassanzadeh , Saadatabadi Ahmad Ramazani , Sadrnezhaad S.K.
Published: May 2021

The use of nano metal-organic frameworks (NMOFs) has been developed for drug delivery systems due to their high porosity and large specific surface area. In this work, UiO-66-NH2 NMOFs were synthesized via the microwave heating method and doxorubicin (DOX) molecules were incorporated into the UiO-66-NH2 NMOFs. Then, poly(N-Vinylcaprolactam) (PNVCL) synthesized by the free radical polymerization was coated on the NMOFs surface to fabricate the pH/temperature-sensitive carrier against A549 lung cancer cells death in vitro. The synthesized nanocarriers were characterized using FTIR, XRD, SEM, FESEM, TGA, and BET analysis. The average particle sizes of UiO-66-NH2 MOF and PNVCL coated-UiO-66-NH2 /DOX MOF nanoparticles were found to be 175 nm and 235 nm, respectively. TGA analysis showed that the PNVCL percentage coated on the UiO-66-NH2 NMOFs surface was about 17.5 %, and 27.3% for NMOFs incubated in 1% and 2% PNVCL solutions, respectively. The BET surface area of UiO-66-NH2 NMOFs, UiO-66-NH2 NMOFs/DOX 100 μg mL-1, and PNVCL 1% coated-NMOFs/DOX was found to be 1052, 121, and 87 m2g-1, respectively. The DOX release data of UiO-66-NH2 and PNVCL coated- UiO-66-NH2/DOX were evaluated under pH values of 5.5, 7.4, and temperatures of 25 °C, 37°C. The anticancer activity of synthesized NMOFs was investigated against lung cancer cells (A549) in vitro. The maximum cytotoxicity of A549 cancer cells was found to be 76% using PNVCL 1% coated-UiO-66-NH2/DOX 100 μg mL-1 NMOFs.
DeepNEU: a machine learning platform for simulating Cytokine Storm and Coagulopathy that complicate severe COVID-19 to enable targeted drug repurposing
Authors: Esmail Sally , Danter Wayne R
Published: May 2021

COVID-19 is a disease that results from infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The disease is often complicated by cytokine storm and/or a coagulopathy These two complications appear to be responsible for much of the increased mortality seen in severe COVID-19. While available treatment options including systemic corticosteroids and heparin have been beneficial in some ventilator dependent patients, mortality rates remain excessive. Several clinical trials using previously approved drugs and drug combinations are urgently underway to improve the current situation. The primary purpose of this project was to evaluate the DeepNEU stem-cell simulation platform by creating and validating computer simulations of artificial lung cells infected with SARS-CoV-2 to enable rapid identification of therapeutic targets and drug repurposing for specifically treating both the cytokine storm and coagulopathy associated with severe COVID-19. The data generated from this project confirm that (1) COVID-19 can be simulated in human alveolar type lung cells infected with SARS-CoV-2, (2) these simulated lung cells can develop features of the cytokine storm and coagulopathy that often complicate severe COVID-19, (3) the unsupervised machine learning system performed well in all COVID-19 simulations based on available published wet lab data and (4) the platform successfully identified potentially effective double drug combinations for both COVID-19 associated cytokine storm and coagulopathy for urgent clinical study. We conclude that while DeepNEU (v5.0) requires further validation, it is very likely that the most important application of this machine learning platform will be to improve our preparedness for serious future viral outbreaks and their life-threatening complications.
Statins to mitigate cardiotoxicity in cancer patients treated with anthracyclines and/or trastuzumab: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Obasi Mary , Abovich Arielle , Vo Jacqueline , Gao Yawen , Papatheodorou Stefania , Nohria Anju , Asnani Aarti , Partridge Ann
Published: May 2021

Purpose: Cardiotoxicity affects 5-16% of cancer patients who receive anthracyclines and/or trastuzumab. Limited research has examined interventions to mitigate cardiotoxicity. We examined the role of statins in mitigating cardiotoxicity by performing a systematic review and meta-analysis of published studies. Methods: A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Cochrane Central. A random-effect model was used to assess summary relative risks (RR), weighted mean differences (WMD), and corresponding 95% confidence intervals. Testing for heterogeneity between the studies was performed using Cochran’s Q test and the I 2 test. Results: Two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with a total of 117 patients and four observational cohort studies with a total of 813 patients contributed to the analysis. Pooled results indicate significant mitigation of cardiotoxicity after anthracycline and/or trastuzumab exposure among statin users in cohort studies [RR=0.46, 95% CI (0.27-0.78), p=0.004, =0.0%] and a non-significant decrease in cardiotoxicity risk among statin users in RCTs [RR=0.49, 95% CI (0.17-1.45), p=0.20, =5.6%]. Those who used statins were also significantly more likely to maintain left ventricular ejection fraction compared to baseline after anthracycline and/or trastuzumab therapy in both cohort studies [weighted mean difference (WMD)=6.14%, 95% CI (2.75-9.52), p<0.001, =74.7%] and RCTs [WMD=6.25%, 95% CI (0.82-11.68, p=0.024, =80.9%]. We were unable to explore publication bias due to the small number of studies. Conclusions: This meta-analysis suggests that there is an association between statin use and decreased risk of cardiotoxicity after anthracycline and/or trastuzumab exposure. Larger well-conducted RCTs are needed to determine whether statins decrease risk of cardiotoxicity from anthracyclines and/or trastuzumab.Trial Registration Number and Date of Registration: PROSPERO: CRD42020140352 on 7/6/2020.
Title: Identification of new GLUT2-selective inhibitors through in silico ligand screening and validation in eukaryotic expression systems
Authors: Schmidl Sina , Ursu Oleg , Iancu Cristina V. , Oreb Mislav , Oprea Tudor , Choe Jun-yong
Published: May 2021

Glucose is an essential energy source for cells. In humans, its passive diffusion through the cell membrane is facilitated by members of the glucose transporter family (GLUT, SLC2 gene family). GLUT2 transports both glucose and fructose with low affinity and plays a critical role in glucose sensing mechanisms. Alterations in the function or expression of GLUT2 are involved in the Fanconi-Bickel syndrome, diabetes, and cancer. Distinguishing GLUT2 transport in tissues where other GLUTs coexist is challenging due to the low affinity of GLUT2 for glucose and fructose and the scarcity of GLUT-specific modulators. By combining in silico ligand screening of an inward-facing conformation model of GLUT2 and glucose uptake assays in a hexose transporter-deficient yeast strain, in which the GLUT1-5 can be expressed individually, we identified eleven new GLUT2 inhibitors (IC50 ranging from 0.61 to 19.3 µM). Among them, nine were GLUT2-selective, one inhibited GLUT1-4 (pan-Class I GLUT inhibitor), and another inhibited GLUT5 only. All these inhibitors dock to the substrate cavity periphery, close to the large cytosolic loop connecting the two transporter halves, outside the substrate-binding site. The GLUT2 inhibitors described here have various applications; GLUT2-specific inhibitors can serve as tools to examine the pathophysiological role of GLUT2 relative to other GLUTs, the pan-Class I GLUT inhibitor can block glucose entry in cancer cells, and the GLUT2/GLUT5 inhibitor can reduce the intestinal absorption of fructose to combat the harmful effects of a high-fructose diet.
Self-replication of a quantum artificial organism driven by single-photon pulses
Authors: Valente Daniel
Published: May 2021

Artificial organisms are computer programs that self-replicate, mutate, compete and evolve. How do these lifelike information-processing behaviours could arise in diverse far-from-equilibrium physical systems remains an open question. Here, I devise a toy model where the onset of self-replication of a quantum artificial organism (a chain of lambda systems) is owing to single-photon pulses added to a zero-temperature environment. The model results in a replication probability that is proportional to the absorbed work from the photon, in agreement with the theory of dissipative adaptation. Unexpectedly, spontaneous mutations are unavoidable in this model, due to rare but finite absorption of off-resonant photons. These results hint at self-replication as a possible link between dissipative adaptation and open-ended evolution.
Impact of Three Soil Textures on the Fungal Community Structure in Rhizosphere Soils of Malus hupehensis Rehd. Seedlings
Authors: Wang Haiyan , Chen Ran , Sheng Yuefan , Jiang Weitao , Zhang Rong , Chen Xuesen , Shen Xiang , Yin Chengmiao , Mao Zhiquan
Published: May 2021

The relationship between soil texture and the degree of apple replant disease (ARD) was analyzed from the perspective of the microbial community structure and diversity within the rhizosphere soil of Malus hupehensis Rehd. seedlings. Three different textured soils were taken from different apple orchards in Laizhou, Yantai. The soils were divided into two parts, one was kept in replanted conditions, and the other was fumigated with methyl bromide to act as a high standard control. The strength of ARD occurrence was examined by measuring fresh and dry weight suppression (%) of the M. hupehensis seedlings. Differences in the fungal community structure (especially in Fusarium) among the three soil texture types were analyzed using high-throughput sequencing. The results showed that replanted loam clay soil had the highest fungal diversity, followed by sandy loam soil and finally loam soil. The richness of fungi between soil textures, however, was not significantly different. At the genus level, the relative abundance of Fusarium was 1.96%, 0.78%, and 10.89% in replanted sandy loam, replanted loam soil, and replanted loam clay soil, respectively. Moreover, the gene copy number of Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium solani, and the inhibition rate of fresh weight of M. hupehensis seedlings were the same in the three soil textures. The plant height, photosynthesis (net) (Pn), and stomatal conductance (gS) of the M. hupehensis seedlings were significantly less in the replanted soil compared with the control treatments, with the overall difference being greatest in replanted loam clay soil, followed by replanted sandy loam and then replanted loam soil.
Suitability of an Algal Biofuel Species, Scenedesmus acutus, as a Fertilizer for Growth of Conventional and Genetically Modified Lettuce
Authors: Chan Neng-Iong , Rittmann Bruce E. , Elser James
Published: May 2021

Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are important elements for global food production, but these nutrients cause pollution in water bodies without proper management. Furthermore, P is a finite resource with geologic reserves that are geographically restricted. Thus, sustainable use of P in agriculture has been the subject of much research over the past decade. This study jointly examines two examples of potential sustainability measures to address nutrient challenges: improved crop varieties and use of recycled fertilizers. We tested the effectiveness of dried biomass of a freshwater alga (Scenedesmus acutus) as a fertilizer with conventional lettuce [Lactuca sativa cv. Conquistador; WT (wild-type)] and genetically modified lettuce of the same variety that was transformed for improved nutrient-use efficiency [(type I Arabidopsis Vacuolar Pyrophosphatase (AVP1)]. In greenhouse conditions, we measured yield, soil nutrient content and losses, and soil P fractions after application of dried S. acutus biomass at different rates, with and without supplemental additions of conventional fertilizer. Yield was higher with commercial fertilizer compared with algal fertilizer, and AVP1 lettuce consistently produced better yield than the conventional lettuce with both fertilizer types, although the effect was stronger with the algal treatments. Soil P was mostly sequestered in the pools of NaHCO3-extractable organic P, NaOH-extractable organic P, and HCl-extractable P, which are poorly available. Although the algal fertilizer was ineffective in supporting short-term growth, the P was retained in the soils, which may improve soil fertility in the long term.
Biomass Carbon and Nitrogen Content of Wild Fruit Species in Southwest Serbia
Authors: Hadrović Sabahudin , Jovanović Filip , Braunović Sonja , Eremija Saša , Miletić Zoran , Stajić Snežana , Golić Igor
Published: May 2021

To select woody fruit species for biomass cropping, a study of the carbon and nitrogen content of the bark and wood of five wild fruit species in Southwest Serbia was conducted. Compared with common hazel, wild cherry, walnut, and european pear, the european crab apple has a high potential for carbon and nitrogen storage, representing a promising fruit species for biomass production.
Development of waffle with fat filling using unconventional vegetable raw materials
Authors: Haponceva Oksana , Cherevychna Nataliia , Balashcova Oxana , Nikolaenko-Lomakina Alla , Ashtaieva Nataliia , Popova Tetiana , Skyrda Olena , Kolesnyk Viktoria
Published: May 2021

The object of research: technology for the production of waffles of increased consumer value with a fat filling using non-traditional plant raw materials.

Investigated problem: the problem of the production of new waffles is solved by using a mixture of vegetable-butter and coconut oil, dry skim milk, carob powder, apple powder, cinnamon and ascorbic acid.

Main scientific results: The use of non-traditional raw materials in the fatty filling of waffles increases the organoleptic properties of the products. Waffles have a pleasant taste and aroma due to the content of carob powder, apple powder and cinnamon in the filling. Due to the introduction of unconventional raw materials and herbal additives into the formulations of new products, the amount of total sugars was reduced. The mass fraction of fat also decreased due to the replacement of confectionery fat for waffle fillings with a vegetable-butter mixture and coconut oil. The moisture content of new samples of waffles and waffle sheets is within the established norms. It was found that the finished waffles meet the requirements of the state standard for physical and chemical indicators. The developed score helped to establish that the quality level of the developed waffles is 0.97.

The area of practical use of the research results: food industry enterprises specializing in the production of confectionery.

An innovative technological product: the technology for the production of waffles with a fat filling using non-traditional plant raw materials makes it possible to obtain a new confectionery product of increased consumer value with a balanced composition and high organoleptic properties.

Scope of application of the innovative technological product: confectionery production of dietary products
Analysis of functional potential of communication technologies in modern educational practices
Authors: Trynyak Maya , Tykhonovych Viktoriia , Skіnder Natalііa , Torіanіk Іryna , Teterina Tetiana
Published: May 2021

The object of research is communication technologies. It is devoted to the analysis of their functional potential in educational practices. On the basis of the author's integrated methodology, communication, its structure, varieties, functional range and constructive potential are considered. The role of dialogue and discourse as a form of reflection is highlighted. It turns out the importance of hermeneutics for educational activities. It is necessary that taking into account the peculiarities of modern communication is of fundamental importance for increasing the effectiveness of educational and educational practices.

Investigated problem. The communicative philosophy proposes landmarks different from the classical philosophy of consciousness. They provide for the recognition of the phenomenon of communication as fundamental to human existence. Here communication is seen as the last foundation of consciousness, cognition and social life. This question was developed by a number of researchers earlier, but the problem remains relevant. This is due to the need to substantiate the universal foundations of human understanding. Also, the aim of research is to find new ways to harmonize relations between people.

Main scientific results. The scientific novelty of the research lies in the creation of an integrated post-non-classical model of modern communication. The features of the complex of modern communication technologies are investigated. On the basis of the author's methodological program, the functional potential of modern communication technologies in educational and upbringing practices was discovered.

The scope of practical application of the research results. The proposed methodological program is used in the development of strategies for the education of a communicative culture, in the teaching of special courses in modern communicative philosophy, pedagogy, sociology of education and culture. The research results were introduced into the educational process of the H. Skovoroda Kharkiv National Pedagogical University, Ternopil Volodymyr Hnatiuk National Pedagogical University, Kharkіv College of Trade and Economіcs of Kyіv Natіonal Unіversіty of Trade and Economіcs.

An innovative analysis of the functional potential of communicative practices, together with the developed recommendations, is appropriate to apply in modern education, which is aimed at the formation of a strong and courageous personality, capable of building a successful life strategy.
Development of methods to increase the efficiency of railway maintenance
Authors: Patlasov Oleksandr , Fedorenko Yelyzaveta , Shulha Denys
Published: May 2021

Object of research: technology of track maintenance optimization

Solved problem: In the development of decisions to optimize the decision-making system in the content of the upper structure of the track used methods of control theory, systems analysis, methodology of optimal control.

Main scientific results: An analysis of the degrees of research on improving the efficiency of the technical management of railways showed that there was no systematic approach and that existing developments in the organization, in particular the relative optimization, Separate track repair standards or take into account parameter models, process requirements and conditions.

Area of practical use of research results: industrial enterprises, railway stations.

Providing the stable support of the railway, sustainable and rhythmic operation of railway traffic is ensured. About 7.3 thousand km are exploited in the ferrous metallurgy of Ukraine. More than 70 % of routes are up to 500 km long and belong to a large company. Consequently, an important task is to maintain the technical state of railways at the production demands level.

Innovative technological product: combined transportations that can interact with similar networks of foreign countries.

Scope of application of innovative technological product: formation and effective functioning of railway-transport complex, improvement of tariff policy, substantiation of perspective parameters of transportation process and its technical means, creation of advanced technologies, choice of rational structure of transport network, formation of transport corridors, development of fundamentally new management systems.
Kehampaan (Nothingness): Sebuah Jalan Interspiritualitas
Authors: Haryono Stefanus Christian
Published: May 2021

Abstract This article discusses a concept of nothingness from two perspectives: west and east. The western perspective is represented by Dionysius the Areopagite and Meister Eckhart, and the eastern perspective is represented by Ibn ‘Arabi, Sankara, and Nitisani Keiji. The intersection of these perspectives is a theological quest of nothingness as an interspirituality path for a pluralistic society.

Abstrak Artikel ini mendiskusikan konsep kehampaan (nothingness) dari dua perspektif, yaitu Barat dan Timur. Perspektif Barat diwakili oleh Dionisius Areopagus dan Meister Eckhart, dan perspektif Timur diwakili oleh Sankara, Ibnu ‘Arabi, dan Nitisani Keiji. Perjumpaan keduaperspektif tersebut adalah upaya pencarian teologis tentang kehampaan (nothingness) sebagai jalan interspiritualitas bagi masyarakat plural.
Characterization of vegetation structure in areas of natural occurrence of Hancornia speciosa Gomes
Authors: Reis Régilla Martins dos , Rocha Ariadne Enes , Carvalho Mary Jane Nunes , Silva Larissa de Paula Viana da , Muniz Francisca Helena , Marques Georgiana Eurides de Carvalho , Mesquita Mário Luiz Ribeiro
Published: May 2021

The mangabeira (Hancornia speciosa Gomes) has great food and pharmaceutical values but its production is almost entirely made by people gathering fruits in forests, which increases the risk extinction, particularly in savannah regions. Thus, the objective of this study was to compare floristic, phytosociology and species diversity in five areas of natural occurrence of mangabeira. All plants with a diameter at soil level equal to or greater than five cm were selected by the quadrant method in five villages in the state of Maranhão, northeastern Brazil. The assessed variables for the whole vegetation were number of individuals, number of species, total density, the Shannon Diversity Index (H'), the Jaccard Similarity Index, total plant height and diameter at soil level. The phytosociological parameters computed for the mangabeira population were absolute and relative density, frequency and dominance; basal area, importance value and cover value. We recorded 1,696 plants from 26 species and 16 families. Anacardiaceae, Apocynaceae and Fabaceae were the families that stood out most with two species each. The species diversity was low in all villages, varying from H’= 0.659 in Santana to H’ = 1.777 in Recanto. The floristic similarity among the vegetation in all villages was low except between Patizal and Recurso (0.571). For the mangabeira population, the importance value and cover value were higher in Santana, with 79.35% and 85.28% respectively and the highest values of plant height (6.02 meters) and diameter at soil level (13.76 cm) were found in Patizal village. These results could be used for management, preservation and sustainability of the mangabeira in northeastern Brazil.
Dual crop coefficients and performance of evapotranspiration methods in irrigated wheat
Authors: Silva Tonny José Araújo da , Fenner William , Silva Edna Maria Bonfim- , Duarte Thiago Franco , Castañon Thiago Henrique Ferreira Matos , Dourado Luana Glaup Araújo , Bezerra Maria Débora Loiola
Published: May 2021

Water availability, fertilizer management and crop rotation are fundamental to the sustainability of agriculture and food security. Thus, the objective of this study was the determination of crops coefficients, verification and comparison of methods of estimation and determination of the evapotranspiration of irrigated wheat. The experiment was carried out during two consecutive years, in which BRS 254 varieties were cultivated in 2016 and BRS 394 in the year 2017. The evapotranspiration was estimated and determined using the dual kc methodology, FAO-56, with plants grown in 12 lysimeters filled with soil monoliths, and the loss of water by evaporation measured by weighing small-lysimeters. Evapotranspiration was also determined by the water balance method. The results measured in the lysimeters (standard method) were compared with the data simulated by the dual kc method and determined by method of soil water balance, in order to determine the accuracy and efficiency of the methods used. The coefficients used to determine the efficiency of the methods were the RMSE, the RSR and the confidence index "c". The total evapotranspiration of the crop in both years of cultivation was 360 mm, with mean values of 3.87 mm d-1 for cultivar BRS 254 and 4.10 mm d-1 for cultivar BRS 394. The basal crops coefficients in the emergence, tillering, flowering, maturation and harvest stages were 0.42, 0.78, 0.94, 0.74 and 0.47 for cultivar BRS 254 and 0.28, 0.27, 0.65, 0.98 and 0.66 for cultivar BRS 394. The soil water evaporation coefficients at the respective stages are 0.72, 0.52, 0.39, 0.58 and 0.13 for cultivar BRS 254 and 1.04, 0.96, 0.65, 0.34 and 0.51 for cultivar BRS 394. Ke represents on average about 47% of the evapotranspiration of the irrigated wheat crop. Between methods tested, lysimeter is the best to wheat transpiration followed by FAO method and soil water balance. The use of any methods should consider the objectives and resources availability.