bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SNX10 and PTGDS are Associated with the Progression and Prognosis of Cervical Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Jiang Pinping , Cao Ying , Gao Feng , Sun Wei , Liu Jinhui , Ma Ziyan , Xie Manxin , Fu Shilong
Published: December 2020

Background: Cervical cancer (CC) is an important cause of death in women. This study sought to investigate the potential mechanism and prognostic genes of CC. Methods: We downloaded four gene expression profiles from GEO. The RRA method was used to integrate and screen differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between CC and normal samples. Functional analysis was performed by clusterprofiler. We built PPI network by Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes Database (STRING) and selected hub modules via Molecular COmplex Detection (MCODE). CMap database was used to find molecules with therapeutic potential for CC. The hub genes were validated in GEO datasets, Gene Expession Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA), immunohistochemistry, Cox regression analysis, TCGA methylation analysis and ONCOMINE were carried out. ROC curve analysis and GSEA were also performed to describe the prognostic significance of hub genes.Results: Functional analysis revealed that 147 DEGs were significantly enriched in binding, cell proliferation, transcriptional activity and cell cycle regulation. PPI network screened 30 hub genes, with CDK1 having the strongest connectivity with CC. Cmap showed that apigenin, thioguanine and trichostatin A might be used to treat CC(P<0.05). Eight genes (APOD, CXCL8, MMP1, MMP3, PLOD2, PTGDS, SNX10 and SPP1) were screened out through GEPIA. Of them, only PTGDS and SNX10 had not appeared in previous studies about CC. The validation in GEO showed that PTGDS showed low expression in tumor tissues while SNX10 showed high expression in tumor tissues. Their expression profiles were consistent with the results in immunohistochemistry. ROC curve analysis indicated that the model had a good diagnostic efficiency(AUC= 0.738). GSEA showed that the two genes were associated with the chemokine signaling pathway(P<0.05). TCGA methylation analysis showed that patients with lowly-expressed and highly-methylated PTGDS had a worse prognosis than those with highly-expressed and lowly-methylated PTGDS (p=0.037). Cox regression analysis showed that SNX10 (P=0.007;HR=1.424;95%CI:1.103-1.838) and PTGDS (P=0.003;HR=0.802;95%CI:0.693-0.928) were independent prognostic indicators for OS among CC patients. Conclusions: PTGDS and SNX10 showed abnormal expression and methylation in CC. Both genes might have high prognostic value of CC patients..
Enhancement of Monascus yellow pigments production by activating the cAMP signalling pathway in Monascus purpureus HJ11
Authors: Liu Jiawei , Du Yun , Ma Hongmin , Pei Xiaolin , Li Mu
Published: December 2020

Background : Monascus azaphilone pigments (MonAzPs), which were produced by Monascus species, have been used as important food colorant and food supplements for more than one billion people during their daily life. Moreover, MonAzPs recently have received more attention because of their diverse physiological activities. However, the high microbial production of MonAzPs is still not always guaranteed. Herein, the aim of this study was to develop an efficient biotechnological process for MonAzPs production. Results: In this study, exogenous cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) treatment not only induced MonAzPs production, but also stimulated the expression of a cAMP phosphodiesterase gene, named as mrPDE , in M. purpureus HJ11. Subsequently, MrPDE was identified as a cAMP phosphodiesterase by in vitro enzymatic reaction with purified enzyme. Further, a gene knockout mutant of mrPDE was constructed to verify the activation of cAMP signalling pathway. Deletion of mrPDE in M. purpureus HJ11 improved cAMP concentration by 378 % and enhanced PKA kinase activity 1.5-fold, indicating that activation of cAMP signalling pathway was achieved. The Δ mrPDE strain produced MonAzPs at 8563 U/g, with a 2.3-fold increase compared with the WT strain. Moreover, the NAPDH/NADP + ratio of the Δ mrPDE strain was obviously higher than that of the wild type strain, which led to a higher proportion of yellow MonAzPs. With fed-batch fermentation of the Δ mrPDE strain, the production and yield of MonAzPs achieved 332.1 U/mL and 8739 U/g. Conclusions: A engineered M. purpureus strain for high MonAzPs production was successfully developed by activating the cAMP signalling pathway. This study not only describes a novel strategy for development of MonAzPs-producing strain, but also provides a roadmap for engineering efforts towards the production of secondary metabolism in other filamentous fungi.
Should we care about Plasmodium vivax and HIV co-infection? A systematic review and a cases series from the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Del-Tejo Paola López , Cubas-Vega Nadia , Caraballo-Guerra Cecilia , Silva Bernardo Maia da , Valente Jefferson da Silva , Sampaio Vanderson Souza , Baia Djane Clarys , Castro Daniel Barros , Martinez-Espinosa Flor Ernestina , Siqueira André Machado , Lacerda Marcus Vinícius Guimarães , Monteiro Wuelton Marcelo , Val Fernando
Published: December 2020

Background Malaria and HIV are two important public health issues. However, evidence on HIV-Plasmodium vivax co-infection (HIV/PvCo) is scarce, with most of the available information related to Plasmodium falciparum on the African continent. It is unclear whether HIV can change the clinical course of vivax malaria and increase the risk of complications. In this study, a systematic review of HIV/PvCo studies was performed, and recent cases from the Brazilian Amazon were included. Methods Medical records from a tertiary care centre in the Western Brazilian Amazon (2009-2018) were reviewed to identify HIV/PvCo hospitalized patients. Demographic, clinical and laboratory characteristics and outcomes are reported. Also, a systematic review of published studies on HIV/PvCo was conducted. Metadata, number of HIV/PvCo cases, demographic, clinical, and outcome data were extracted. Results A total of 1,048 vivax malaria patients were hospitalized in the 10-year period; 21 (2.0%) were HIV/PvCo cases, of which 9 (42.9%) had AIDS-defining illnesses. This was the first malaria episode in 11 (52.4%) patients. Seven (33.3%) patients were unaware of their HIV status and were diagnosed on hospitalization. Severe malaria was diagnosed in 5 (23.8%) patients. One patient died. The systematic review search provided 17 articles (12 cross-sectional or longitudinal studies and 5 case report studies). A higher prevalence of studies involved cases in African and Asian countries (35.3 and 29.4%, respectively), and the prevalence of reported co-infections ranged from 0.1 to 60%. Conclusion Reports of HIV/PvCo are scarce in the literature, with only a few studies describing clinical and laboratory outcomes. Systematic screening for both co-infections is not routinely performed, and therefore the real prevalence of HIV/PvCo is unknown. This study showed a low prevalence of HIV/PvCo despite the high prevalence of malaria and HIV locally. Even though relatively small, this is the largest case series to describe HIV/PvCo.
Demography and determinants of dog and cat ownership in three towns of West Shoa Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia
Authors: Gebremedhin Endrias Zewdu , Sarba Edilu Jorga , Getaneh Abraham Mekebib , Tola Getachew Kebebew , Endale Solomon Shiferaw , Marami Lencho Megersa
Published: December 2020

Background The dog and cat population data is generally scarce in developing countries due to absence of surveys. The demography of owned dogs and cats, and the associated ownership characteristics, are essential for the control of pet population and zoonosis. This study was conducted in three towns of West Shoa Zone of Ethiopia with the objectives of assessing demographic characteristics of owned dogs and cats and determinants of ownership. Results About 65.1% (95% CI: 62.1 – 69.8%) of the householders own dogs, 39.2% (95% CI: 35.8 – 43.8%) own cats, and 30.6% (95% CI: 27.4 – 35.0%) own both. The majority of the dog-owning households own a single dog (74.8%) and cat (74.9%). There were significantly higher proportion of dog and cat-owning households in Bako than Ambo and Gojo towns. The human to owned-dog ratio was 6:1, and that of cat ratio was 10:1. There were more male dogs (72.1%) and more female cats (59.7%). The male to female sex ratio was estimated at 3:1 for the dog while nearly 1:1 for cats. About 37.5% of the owned dogs were indoor, and 62.5% have free access to outside. Dogs and cats were acquired as a gift from families, neighbors, and friends. The identified reason for not owning dogs/cats were fear of zoonosis, dislike, no time to devote, benefit not realized, and shortage of finance. Logistic regression analysis identified study town, community type, gender of head of household, ownership of other animals as determinants for dog/cat ownership. Besides, possessing dogs was significantly associated with cat ownership. Conclusion The current study provide insights into the determinants of dogs/cats ownership and their demographic characteristics in Ethiopia. Dogs are more commonly owned, but the household determinants for dog and cat ownership were comparable. Means of obtaining and reason of owning or abandoning dogs/cats is partly different from those reported in the developed countries. The results of this study could be used for the provision of veterinary services, quantifying health risks and benefits associated with dog/cat ownership, and control of pet population and related zoonosis.
Effectiveness of chiropractic manipulation versus sham manipulation for recurrent headaches in children aged 7-14 years. A randomised clinical trial
Authors: Lynge Susanne , Dissing Kristina Boe , Vach Werner , Christensen Henrik Wulf , Hestbaek Lise
Published: December 2020

Background: To investigate the effectiveness of chiropractic spinal manipulation versus sham manipulation in children aged 7-14 with recurrent headaches. Methods: Design: A two-arm , single - blind, superiority randomised superiority single-blinded clinical controlled trial. Setting: One chiropractic clinic and one paediatric specialty practice in Denmark Participants : 199 children aged 7 to 14 years, who experienced at least one episode of headache per week for the previous 6 months and with at least one musculoskeletal dysfunction identified. Interventions: All participants and parents received standard oral and written advice to reduce headaches. In addition, children in the active treatment group received chiropractic spinal manipulation and children in the control group received sham manipulation for a period of 4 months. The n N umber and frequency of treatments were based on the chiropractor’s individual evaluation in the active treatment group, and the children in the control group received approximately eight visits during the treatment period. Primary outcome measures: ‘Number of days with headache’, ‘pain intensity’ and ‘medication’ were reported weekly by text messages, and global perceived effect by text message after 4 months. A planned fixed sequence strategy based on an initial outcome data analysis was used to prioritize outcomes. ‘Number of days with headache’ and ‘pain intensity’ were chosen as equally important outcomes of highest priority, followed by global perceived effect and medication. The significance level for the first two outcomes was fixed to 0.025 to take multiplicity into account. Results: Chiropractic spinal manipulation resulted in significantly fewer days with headaches (reduction of 0.81 vs. 0.41, p=0.019, NNT=7 for 20% improvement ) and better global perceived effect ( dichotomized into improved/not improved, OR= 2.8 (95% CI: 1.5-5.3) 2.63 vs. 3.24 , p<0.001 , NNT=5) compared with a sham manipulation procedure. There was no difference between groups for pain intensity during headache episodes. Due to methodological shortcomings, no conclusions could be drawn about medication use. Conclusions: Chiropractic spinal manipulation resulted in fewer headaches and higher global perceived effect, with only minor side effects. It did not lower the intensity of the headaches. Since the treatment is easily applicable, of low cost and minor side effects, chiropractic spinal manipulation might be considered as a valuable treatment option for children with recurrent headaches.
Highly efficient production of an influenza H9N2 vaccine using MDCK suspension cells
Authors: Wu Yixiao , Jia Hanjing , Lai Hanzhang , Liu Xuping , Tan Wen-Song
Published: December 2020

The use of H9N2 subtype avian influenza vaccines is an effective approach for the control of the virus spread among the poultry and for the upgrading of vaccine manufacturing cell culture-based production platform could overcome the limitations of conventional egg-based platform and alternate it. The development of serum-free suspension cell culture could allow even higher virus productivity, where a suspension cell line with good performance and proper culture strategies are required. In this work, an adherent Mardin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cell line was adapted to suspension growth to cell concentration up to 12 × 106 cells/mL in a serum-free medium in batch cultures. Subsequently, the H9N2 influenza virus propagation in this MDCK cell line was evaluated with the optimization of infection conditions in terms of MOI and cell concentration for infection. Furthermore, various feed strategies were tested in the infection phase for improved virus titer and a maximum hemagglutinin titer of 13 log2 (HAU/50 μL) was obtained using the 1:2 medium dilution strategy. The evaluation of MDCK cell growth and H9N2 virus production in bioreactors with optimized operating conditions showed comparable cell performance and virus yield compared to shake flasks, with a high cell-specific virus yield above 13000 virions/cell. With the purified H9N2 virus harvested from the bioreactors, the MDCK cell-derived vaccine was able to induce high titers of neutralizing antibodies in chickens. Overall, the results demonstrate the promising application of the highly efficient MDCK cell-based production platform for the avian influenza vaccine manufacturing.
How decisive is the number of distal arterial anastomoses in coronary bypass surgery ?
Authors: jegaden olivier , Farhat Fadi , Jegaden Margaux , Hassan Amar , Lapeze Joel , Eker Armand
Published: December 2020

Background. The benefit of arterial revascularization in coronary surgery remains controversial. The incremental value of additional grafts to the left internal thoracic artery (ITA) has been mainly assessed according to the number of arterial grafts, possibly limiting the detection of its actual impact. We analyzed the influence of the number of distal arterial anastomoses (DAA) performed on late mortality in patients having received from one to three arterial grafts.Methods. Retrospective review of 3685 primary isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) performed from 1989 to 2014 was conducted with a 13-year mean follow-up. One arterial graft (SITA) was used in 969 patients, two arterial grafts, ITA or gastroepiploic artery (GEA), in 1883 patients (BITA: 1644; SITA+GEA: 239), and three arterial grafts in 833 patients (BITA+GEA). Totally, 795 patients (22%) received one DAA, 1142 patients (31%) two, 1337 patients (36%) three, and 411 patients (11%) four or more. A sub-group analysis was done in the 2104 patients with 3-vessel disease who received at least 2 arterial grafts.Results. In this series the early mortality was 1.6 % and it was not influenced by the surgical technique. Late mortality was significantly influenced by age, gender, heart failure, LV ejection fraction, diabetes status, complete revascularization, number of arterial grafts, number of DAA, both ITA, sequential ITA graft, GEA graft. In multivariable analysis with Cox regression model, the number of DAA was the only technical significant independent prognosis factor of late survival (p<0.0001), predominant over both ITA, complete revascularization and number of arterial grafts. The impact of the number of DAA on survival was found discriminant from 1 to 3; after 3 there was no more additional effect. In 3-vessel disease patients who received at least 2 arterial grafts, the number of DAA remained a significant independent prognosis factor of late survival (p<0.0001).Conclusions. The number of distal arterial anastomoses is an independent predictor of long-term survival, predominant over the number of arterial grafts and the completeness of the revascularization; higher the number, better the late survival. It is a strong support of the extensive use of arterial grafting in CABG.
Hybrid Stepwise External Wrapping for Type A Acute Aortic Dissection with Cerebral Malperfusion
Authors: Suematsu Yoshihiro , Nishi Satoshi , Arima Daisuke , Yoshimoto Akihiro
Published: December 2020

Background: Acute aortic dissection (AAD) is a life-threatening condition which can lead to coronary, brachiocephalic or branch vessel malperfusion, as well as aortic valve insufficiency, or aortic rupture. Mortality of surgical treatment in high-risk or elderly patients with Type A AAD (TAAAD) still remains high, and treatment for such patients remains controversial. We report a successful treatment of TAAAD with a communicating false lumen in a 60-year-old man with acute hemi-cerebral malperfusion. Case presentation: The ascending aorta was wrapped with stepwise external wrapping (SEW) procedure, and subsequent thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) was successfully performed. The patient was discharged in good physical condition without any complications. Conclusions: Hybrid therapy with SEW and TEVAR with TAAAD associated with major cerebral malperfusion should be considered, especially in patients for whom open surgery is extremely risky.
Unveiling the Long Non-Coding RNA Profile of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus-Infected Porcine Alveolar Macrophages
Authors: Gao Junxin , Pan Yu , Xu Yunfei , Zhang Wenli , Zhang Lin , Li Xi , Tian Zhijun , Chen Hongyan , Wang Yue
Published: December 2020

BackgroundLong noncoding RNA (lncRNA) is highly associated with inflammatory response and virus-induced interferon production. By far the majority of studies have focused on the immune-related lncRNAs of mice and humans, but the function of lncRNAs in porcine immune cells are poorly understood. Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) impairs local immune responses in the lungs of nursery and growing pigs, whereas the virus triggers the inflammatory responses. Porcine alveolar macrophage (PAM) is the primary target cell of PRRSV, thus PRRSV is used as an in vitro model of inflammation. Here, we profiled lncRNA and mRNA repertories from PRRSV-infected PAMs to explore the underlying mechanism of porcine lncRNAs in regulating host immune responses. ResultsIn this study, a total of 474 annotated lncRNAs and 2664 novel lncRNAs in PAMs were identified through RNA-seq analysis. Among them 88 differentially expressed (DE) lncRNAs and 407 DE protein-coding mRNAs were identified upon PRRSV incubation. GO category and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses revealed that these DE lncRNAs and mRNAs were mainly involved in inflammation- and pathogen infection-induced pathways. The results of dynamic correlated expression networks between lncRNAs and their predicted target genes uncovered that numerous lncRNAs, such as XLOC-022175, XLOC-019295, and XLOC-017089, were correlated with innate immune genes. Further analysis validated that these three lncRNAs were positively correlated with their predicted target genes including CXCL2, IFI6, and CD163. This study suggests that porcine lncRNAs affect immune responses against PRRSV infection through regulating their target genes in PAMs. ConclusionThis study provides both transcriptomic and epigenetic status of porcine macrophages. In response to PRRSV infection, comprehensive DE lncRNAs and mRNAs were profiled from PAMs. Co-expression analysis demonstrated that lncRNAs are emerging as the important modulators of immune gene activities through their critical influence upon PRRSV infection in porcine macrophages.
Long non-coding RNA NONSUST006715.1 suppresses Japanese encephalitis virus proliferation in PK-15 cells
Authors: Zhou Xiaolong , Yuan Qiongyu , Zhang Chen , Dai Zhenglie , Du Chengtao , Wang Han , Li Xiangchen , Yang Songbai , Zhao Ayong
Published: December 2020

Background: Japanese encephalitis virus is a mosquito-borne neurotropic flavivirus that causes acute viral encephalitis in humans. Pigs are crucial amplifier host of JEV. Recently, increasing evidences have shown that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in virus infection. Methods: The JEV proliferation was evaluated after overexpression or knockdown of lncRNA-NONSUST006715.1 using western blotting and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). C-C chemokine receptor type 1 (CCR1) was found to regulate the expression of lncRNA-NONSUST006715.1 by inhibitors screen. The expression of lncRNA-NONSUST006715.1 was detected using RT-PCR after overexpression or knockdown of transcription factor SP1. In addition, the enrichments of transcription factor SP1 on the promoter of lncRNA-NONSUST006715.1 were analyzed by chromatin immunoprecipitation. Results: In this study, we demonstrated that swine lncRNA-NONSUST006715.1 could suppress JEV proliferation in PK-15 cells. We also found that CCR1 inhibited the expression of lncRNA-NONSUST006715.1 via the transcription factor SP1. In addition, knockdown of CCR1 could upregulated the expression of SP1 and lncRNA-NONSUST006715.1, resulting in resistance to JEV proliferation. Conclusions: These findings illustrate the importance of lncRNAs in virus proliferation, and reveal how this virus regulates lncRNAs in host cells to promote its proliferation.
Diffusion of COVID-19 impact across selected stock markets: a wavelet coherency analysis
Authors: Ahmad Siddiqui Taufeeque , Ahmed Haseen , Naushad Mohammad
Published: December 2020

COVID-19 has impacted the world economy in an unprecedented manner; the financial markets indicate the same. This spontaneous event landed most of the stock markets into extreme volatility. Large capital outflow and extreme rapid fall were seen among almost all the world financial markets. Though similar trend prevailed everywhere during this pandemic, the impact could not be accumulated in absolute terms. Using the data of five stock markets, the current study endeavored to draw an impact of COVID-19 on major stock exchanges. The study uses wavelet coherency analysis on one-year daily data from June 2019 to May 2020 of five stock markets: Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), London Stock Exchange (LSE), NASDAQ, Tokyo Stock Exchange (Nikkei), and Shanghai Stock Exchange. It is observed that there are time-variation and scale-variation in co-movements between the studied markets. During the crisis, the co-movement concentrates on a short time scale, even for two days. These results have significant implications for international investors, which will help them in portfolio diversification with time elements. All the stock markets under study have indicated co-movement at different time scales and frequencies with varying cross-power levels. However, the concentration of co-movement is found the most between the UK and the US stock markets. It is the least between Japan and the UK. In BSE, co-movement at shorter time scales started late. NASDAQ is leading only in one case, i.e., Shanghai Stock Exchange. BSE is not leading any stock index. LSE is in the leading position in all four cases. It has also been observed that co-movement started to concentrate at a shorter time scale as soon as the impact of the crisis increased.
Forecasting based on spectral time series analysis: prediction of the Aurubis stock price
Authors: Babirath Julia , Malec Karel , Schmitl Rainer , Maitah Kamil , Maitah Mansoor
Published: December 2020

The attempt to predict stock price movements has occupied investors ever since. Reliable forecasts are a basis for investment management, and improved forecasting results lead to enhanced portfolio performance and sound risk management. While forecasting using the Wiener process has received great attention in the literature, spectral time series analysis has been disregarded in this respect. The paper’s main objective is to evaluate whether spectral time series analysis can produce reliable forecasts of the Aurubis stock price. Aurubis poses a suitable candidate for an investor’s portfolio due to its sound economic and financial situation and the steady dividend policy. Additionally, reliable management contributes to making Aurubis an investment opportunity. To judge if the achieved forecast results can be considered satisfactory, they are compared against the simulation results of a Wiener process. After de-trending the time series using an Augmented Dickey-Fuller test, the residuals were compartmentalized into sine and cosine functions. The frequencies, amplitude, and phase were obtained using the Fast Fourier transform. The mean absolute percentage error measured the accuracy of the stock price prediction, and the results showed that the spectral analysis was able to deliver superior results when comparing the simulation using a Wiener process. Hence, spectral time series can enhance stock price forecasts and consequently improve risk management.
The impact of foreign direct investment inflows on nonperforming loans: the case of UAE
Authors: K. Ozili Peterson , Salman Asma , Ali Qaisar
Published: December 2020

The banking sector is at risk of worsening loan quality, which is a major threat to the financial system’s stability. The impact of foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows on nonperforming loans (NPLs) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is empirically investigated in this study. The data from 2008 to 2017 are collected and analyzed through the ordinary least squares (OLS) technique. The findings reveal that FDI inflows reduced the size of NPLs during the economic crisis. Also, the combined effect of higher FDI inflows and bank efficiency reduced the size of NPLs for banks, while the combined effect of FDI inflows and better institutions, such as strong regulatory quality, did not reduce the size of NPLs but rather increased the size of NPLs. The findings have implications and contribute to the literature to establish a relationship between FDI inflows and NPLs by examining the relationship between FDI inflows and NPLs in the context of banks in the UAE.
Living Hadis as A Lifestyle (A portrait of the Dialectics of Hadis and Culture in Indonesia)
Authors: Sadiyah Faticha
Published: December 2020

The intersection between religion and culture is one of the characteristics of Islam in Nusantara, especially in Indonesia, including a people understanding of the Hadis. In the fact, until now, the traditions of Indonesia is contain of qur’anic and hadis spirit. The result of this paper, the author considers that living sunnah is not only a learning or researching, but it has become a model of understanding of Indonesian people towards it or it’s become a lifestyle of moslem in Indonesia that is always make ‘hadis is live’ or ‘live on the sunnah.’The forms of living hadis can not be separated from the connection of hadis with the culture. This can be seen from the tradition in Indonesia such as praying for people who have died, mauludan, haul, halal bi halal, and berkatan. Some of these tradition are the character of Islam in Indonesia. As stated by dialectical theory, the hadis and the culture are two opposites thing. However, both of them can be reconciled. For example, the tradition of berkatan/ tumpengan, this tradition is an implementation of the advise of giving in Islam. So, the consequnce of the implementation of this understanding are different because it has connected with culture in Indonesia
Mediation in Intra-State and Inter-State Conflicts
Authors: ÇAĞLAYAN Muttalip
Published: December 2020

Bu çalışmanın amacı, değişik düzeylerde cereyan eden devlet içi ve uluslararası çatışmalara üçüncü taraflarca müdahale edilmesi ve ihtilaf giderme-azaltma süreçlerinin yürütülmesi açısından önemli bir yere sahip olduğu varsayılan arabuluculuk mekanizmasını kavramsal ve teorik düzeyde tahlil etmektir. Makale, arabuluculuğun temel bazı varsayımlarına değindikten sonra kimlerin ya da hangi kurumların arabuluculuk faaliyeti yürütme kapasitesine sahip oldukları tartışmasını yapmaktadır. Müteakiben, arabuluculuğa neden ihtiyaç duyulduğu konusu çatışmaların içeriği ve özgün koşulları göz önünde bulundurularak “çıkmaz yol” kavramı aracılığıyla incelenmektedir. Arabuluculuk faaliyetinin çatışan tarafların hangi temel ihtiyaçlarını giderdiği, çatışmaların hangi aşamasında gerekli olduğu ve taraflarca neden kabul edildiği gibi hususlar ise “koşulların olgunlaşması” ve “müzakere öncesi dönem” ekseni etrafında ele alınmaktadır. Öte yandan, tarafsız, güce dayalı, dahili/harici ve kolaylaştırıcı gibi arabuluculuk modelleri bazı vakalar eşliğinde tahlil edilmektedir. Çalışmanın son kısmında ise arabuluculuğun hangi durumlarda başarılı olabileceği konusu bazı öneriler ışığında normatif bir bakış açısı ile ele alınmaktadır. Çalışmada, bilhassa uzun süreli çatışmalar sonucunda taraflar arasında oluşan güvensizliğin yarattığı çıkmazın aşılması ve diyalog-müzakere ortamı yaratılması bakımından arabuluculuğun fonksiyonel olduğu sonucuna varılmaktadır. Doğru zaman ve doğru yöntem tatbik edildiği takdirde, arabuluculuk mekanizması yalnızca arızi çözümlerin üretilmesine yönelik değil, tarafların çatışmanın belirleyici nedenlerini bizatihi kendi perspektifleriyle bertaraf ederek uzun vadede ulaşacakları adil ve sürdürülebilir bir barışa katkı sunma işlevi görebilmektedir.
Osoba i bioetyka: jaka koncepcja człowieka i życia ludzkiego w bioetyce?
Authors: Kowalski Edmund
Published: December 2020

The present article proposes an approach to bioethical reflection in terms of reading and interpretation of personalist philosophy. Therefore particular attention is given to the theoretical perspectives and practical indications that are relative to human life, the human body, and the person understood as a process in the ever-open task of achievement and development: therefore, from an ethical perspective. Through a direct reading of the texts of G. Marcel and E. Mounier, as well as the critical literature relevant to them, the author has posed the question of indicating the perspectives and dynamics which are a concrete part of the project of the French personalists in the elaboration and construction of a new humanism through the process of personalization of the human being and his/her world (cultural ethics).
Zwierzę w filozofii moralności
Authors: Dyk Wiesław
Published: December 2020

The discussion about the rights of animals is always up-to-date. The dichotomy division into philoanimalists and philohominists, although reasonable, is not satisfactory to everyone. It is too strongly associated with the division into people and things in Roman law. To avoid this association in the context of biocentric trends in ecological ethics, accomplishments of evolutionary psychology and the concept of animal welfare, it is suggested that a third moral dimension dealing with creatures with highly developed nervous system be introduced between moral objectivity of creatures with high perception and moral subjectivity of people - creatures characterized by self-awareness and reflexive awareness. Human beings on the one hand are responsible for recognizing their rights given by nature and on the other hand, they are obliged to create a law to protect themselves.
50 lat badań Instytutu Ekologii PAN nad populacjami gryzoni
Authors: Bujalska Gabriela , Grüm Leszek , Walkowa Wiera
Published: December 2020

A review of rodent studies conducted in the Institute of Ecology is presented. The investigations took place both in the laboratory (mostly on Mus muscidus) and field conditions (first of all on Apodemus flavicollis, Clethrionomys glareolus and Microtus arvalis). The aim of the studies varied in time, and was always preceded by detailed, and often new, considerations on methods to be applied. Theoretical assumptions also evolved with time: from simple density-dependent approach to population demography, through the idea of the importance of population structures, to individualistic approach and neighborhood systems. A substantial part of the studies was aimed at interrelations between rodent species in heterogeneous habitats. The International Biological Program resulted in papers devoted to interrelations between rodent (secondary) productivity and basic habitat features (like food resources and their spatial distribution). Special attention was paid to confined populations, and among the long term (37 years) studies on a bank vole population inhabiting Crabapple Island.
Postawy psychologiczne wobec ochrony środowiska
Authors: Golan Zdzisław
Published: December 2020

Streszczenie jest niedostępne.
Ekoteologiczny charakter niedzieli
Authors: Skierkowski Marek
Published: December 2020

Streszczenie jest niedostępne.
Docenianie wartości cierpienia w chrześcijaństwie
Authors: Ozorowski Mieczysław
Published: December 2020

Streszczenie jest niedostępne.
Anais do Simpósio Capixaba Multiprofissional da Dor (SCMDOR)
Authors: Dias Fernanda Moura Vargas , Liberato Fernanda Mayrink Gonçalves , Vidal Alessandra Paiva de Castro , Moulim Marcela Cangussu Barbalho , Birocale Antônio Marcos
Published: December 2020

Com o objetivo de promover discussões atualizadas na abordagem multiprofissional da dor, ocorreu entre os dias 16 e 19 de setembro de 2020 o “Simpósio Capixaba Multiprofissional da Dor (SCMDOR)”, onde foram apresentadas palestras, mesas redondas e trabalhos científicos com a participação de pesquisadores, profissionais e estudantes interessados no tratamento da dor. Diante disso, trazemos a oportunidade da leitura dos resumos dos trabalhos submetidos e aprovados no simpósio, para que possamos refletir sobre a ampliação das possibilidades terapêuticas no tratamento das mais diversas síndromes dolorosas que assolam as pessoas.
The Role of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signalling Pathway in Male Reproduction
Authors: Deng Chun-Yan , Lv Mei , Luo Bin-Han , Zhao Si-Ze , Mo Zhong-Cheng , Xie Yuan-Jie
Published: December 2020

Male fertility is closely related to the normal function of the hypothalamicpituitary-
testicular axis. The testis is an important male reproductive organ that secretes
androgen and produces sperm through spermatogenesis. Spermatogenesis refers to the
process by which spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) produce highly differentiated
spermatozoa and is divided into three stages: mitosis, meiosis and spermiogenesis.
Spermatogenesis requires SSCs to strike a proper balance between self-renewal and
differentiation and the commitment of spermatocytes to meiosis, which involves many
molecules and signalling pathways. Abnormal gene expression or signal transduction in
the hypothalamus and pituitary, but particularly in the testis, may lead to spermatogenic
disorders and male infertility. The phosphoinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B
(AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signalling pathway is involved in many
stages of male reproduction, including the regulation of the hypothalamus-pituitarygonad
(HPG) axis during spermatogenesis, the proliferation and differentiation of
spermatogonia and somatic cells, and the regulation of sperm autophagy and testicular
endocrine function in the presence of environmental pollutants, particularly endocrinedisrupting
chemicals (EDCs). In the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway, mTOR is
considered the central integrator of several signals, regulating metabolism, cell growth
and proliferation. In particular, mTOR plays an important role in the maintenance and
differentiation of SSCs, as well as in regulating the redox balance and metabolic activity
of Sertoli cells, which play an important role in nutritional support during
spermatogenesis.
Molecular Characterization of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Dërmaku-Sopjani Miribane , Sopjani Mentor
Published: December 2020

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is currently a new public health
crisis threatening the world. This pandemic disease is caused by severe acute
respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The virus has been reported to be
originated in bats, and by yet unknown intermediary animals were transmitted to humans
in China 2019. The SARS-CoV-2 spreads faster than its two ancestors, the SARS-CoV
and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) but has reduced
fatality. At present, the SARS-CoV-2 has caused about 1.16 million deaths with more
than 43.4 million confirmed cases worldwide, resulting in a serious threat to public health
globally with yet uncertain impact. The disease is transmitted by inhalation or direct
contact with an infected person. The incubation period ranges from 1 to 14 days.
COVID-19 is accompanied by various symptoms, including cough and fatigue. In most
people, the disease is mild, but in some other people, such as in the elderly and people
with chronic diseases, it may progress from pneumonia to a multi-organ dysfunction.
Many people are reported asymptomatic. The virus genome is sequenced, but new
variants are reported. Numerous biochemical aspects of its structure and function are
revealed. To date, no clinically approved vaccines and/or specific therapeutic drugs are
available to prevent or treat COVID-19. However, there are reported intensive
researches on the SARS-CoV-2 to potentially identify vaccines and/or drug targets,
which may help to overcome the disease. In this review, we discuss recent advances in
understanding the molecular structure of SARS-CoV-2 and its biochemical
characteristics.
How Much Value Would a Treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease Offer? Cost-Effectiveness Thresholds for Pricing a Disease-Modifying Therapy
Authors: Jun Hankyung , Cho Sang K. , Aliyev Elmar R. , Mattke Soeren , Suen Sze-Chuan
Published: December 2020

Background::

Recent trials suggest that disease-modifying therapy (DMT) for Alzheimer’s
disease may become available soon. With the expected high price and a large patient pool, the budget
impact will be substantial.

Objective:

We explore combinations of effectiveness and price under which a DMT is cost-effective.

Methods:

We used an open-source model to conduct two-way scenario analyses for both payer and societal
perspectives, varying price, and treatment effect size simultaneously. The analysis generates costeffectiveness
threshold prices over a potential range of DMT effectiveness in patients aged 65+ with
mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer’s disease in the US.

Results:

Under the willingness-to-pay a threshold of $150,000 per quality-adjusted life year and assuming
30% risk reduction relative to the standard of care, the maximum cost-effective price of a DMT per
patient per year is ~$22,000 and ~$15,000 from societal and payer perspectives, respectively.

Conclusion:

Joint variation of price and treatment effect size can help assess the cost-effectiveness of a
potential Alzheimer’s disease treatment.
Association Between Oxidative Stress and Altered Cholesterol Metabolism in Alzheimer’s Disease Patients
Authors: Zarrouk Amira , Hammouda Souha , Ghzaiel Imen , Hammami Sonia , Khamlaoui Wided , Ahmed Samia H. , Lizard Gérard , Hammami Mohamed
Published: December 2020

Background:

Oxidative stress is the main feature of several diseases including Alzheimer’s
disease (AD). The involvement of oxysterols derivates has been recently reported.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the implication of oxidative stress in cholesterol
impairment in AD patients.

Methods:

A case-control study was conducted on 56 AD patients and 97 controls. Levels of oxidative
biomarkers, including lipid peroxidation products and antioxidant enzyme activities were measured with
spectrophotometric methods on red blood cells (RBCs) and plasma. Cholesterol precursors and oxysterols
(7-Ketocholeterol (7KC), 7α-hydroxycholesterol (7α-OHC), 7β-hydroxycholesterol (7β-OHC), 24Shydroxycholesterol
(24S-OH), 25-hyroxycholesterol (25-OHC), and 27-hydroxycholesterol (27-OHC),
in plasma were quantified by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry.

Results:

In RBCs and plasma of AD patients, a significant decrease of glutathione peroxidase (GPx)
activity was detected associated with raised levels of malondialdehyde (MDA). A decreased level of
lanosterol and an accumulation of 7β-OHC, 24S-OHC, 27-OHC, and 25-OHC that were higher in
plasma of AD patients, compared to controls, were also observed in AD patients. Mini-Mental State Examination
(MMSE) score was correlated with MDA and conjugated dienes (CD) levels in plasma. Besides,
the MDA level in RBCs was correlated with 7β-OHC. Binary logistic regression revealed an association
between GPx activity and AD (OR=0.895, 95%CI: 0.848-0.945. P<0.001).

Conclusion:

Our data consolidate the relationship between the rupture of redox homeostasis and lipid
and cholesterol oxidation in AD.
Pulmonary Valve Endocarditis: A Case Report
Authors: Hajiabdolbaghi Mahboubeh , Ahmadieh Arsis , SeyedAlinaghi SeyedAhmad , Nezhad Maliheh Hassan
Published: December 2020

Background:

Isolated pulmonary valve endocarditis (PVE) is an extremely uncommon
clinical finding comprising less than 1.5-2% of cases for infective endocarditis. It is a challenging
condition to diagnose mainly because of nonspecific signs and symptoms at presentation.

Case Presentation:

A 58-year-old married and retired man was admitted to a community hospital
for evaluation of chest pain. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), 2 days after, revealed
semi-mobile vegetation on the pulmonary valve and pulmonary artery wall. Moreover, occlude devices
at the root of the aorta, and the pulmonary artery was seen. Left ventricular ejection fraction
(LVEF) with systolic dysfunction, mild aortic insufficiency (AI), mild tricuspid regurgitation (pulmonary
artery pressure of 50 mmHg) without pericardial effusion, was also reported in the Echocardiography.
Blood cultures, viral markers, and Brucella IgG and IgM titration were negative during
the admission. The patient received a 4-week course of intravenous antibiotic therapy, including
Ceftriaxone and Teicoplanin (Targocid).
Factors Affecting Stability of the Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty: A Cadaveric Biomechanical Study
Authors: Bicknell Ryan , Furlan Michael , Bertelsen Alexander , Matsen Frederick
Published: December 2020

Background:

The overall objective of this study was to investigate whether a reverse shoulder arthroplasty could provide adequate stability to a shoulder even with extreme soft tissue loss. The specific objectives of this study were: to determine if just the deltoid, conjoined tendon, and triceps are sufficient soft tissues to allow a Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty (RSA) to provide shoulder stability and to determine the influence of load direction, rotation, shoulder position, and polyethylene thickness on RSA stability in this soft-tissue deficient model.

Methods:

This study utilized six cadaveric shoulders that had all soft tissue removed, with the exception of the deltoid, conjoint tendon, and long head of triceps. A reverse shoulder arthroplasty was then performed (Delta III, DePuy Inc., Warsaw, IN) and an increasing dislocation force was applied perpendicular to the humeral socket centerline until dislocation occurred, or a maximum load of 100 N was reached. This was repeated to measure the effect of four factors: load direction, arm position, polyethylene thickness, and arm rotation on force to dislocation.

Results:

For load direction, there was an increase in force to dislocate an inferior load direction (p=0.01). There was a lower not dislocated percentage and lower survival for a posterior load direction (p=0.02). For arm position, there was a decrease in force for dislocation and lower survival for both abduction and extension arm positions. There was a higher not dislocated percentage for a flexion arm position (p=0.01). For arm rotation, there was a lower not dislocated percentage and lower survival for an external rotation arm position (p=0.03). There was no statistically significant influence of polyethylene thickness (p=0.26).

Conclusion:

The deltoid, conjoined tendon, and triceps are sufficient to stabilize an RSA. Load direction, arm position, and arm rotation were all shown to significantly affect stability. Finally, polyethylene thickness may not affect overall RSA stability in this soft-tissue deficient model.

Level of Evidence:

Basic science study, Biomechanical study.
Diversity and Abundance of Insect in Conventional Apple (Malus sylvestris (L.) Mill) Plantation at Kota Batu, East Java
Authors: Kurniawan Bayu , Soesilohadi RC. Hidayat
Published: December 2020

Apple is a plant that susceptible toward pests and diseases. Application of pesticide to suppress insect pest population gave negative impact toward natural enemies and insect pollinators. The purpose of this research was to determine the diversity and dominance of insect pests, pollinators, and natural enemies of each phase of apple plant development in conventional plantations in Kota Batu, East Java. This research was conducted in February to May 2016 in each phase of apple growth namely, after defoliation, early flower, late flower, early fruit, and late fruit. Plot size was 10x10 m2 with total 5 plots and total plants in each plot were 60 trees. Collection methods were active collection (hand picking, insect net, and beating tray) and passive collection (yellow trap, pitfall trap, light trap, and stainer trap). Preservation methods used in this research were dry preservatoin and wet preservation. Identification was conducted in Laboratorium of Entomology, Faculty of Biology UGM and Laboratorium Entomology, Zoology Division, Research Centre for Biology Indonesian Institute of Sciences, Cibinong. Data analyzed by using Shannon-Wiener Diversity Index, Simpson Dominance Index and Abundance Formulation. The results showed that total insects that was caught consist of 38 species belong to 9 orders. Diversity index in each phase of apple growth were: after defoliation (0.69), early flower (1.39), late flower (1.86), early fruit (0.66), and late fruit (1.24). Domination index each phase of apple growth were after defoliation (0.50), early flower (0.34), late flower (0.21), early fruit (0.75), and late fruit (0.40). Diversity index of potential insect as pest (1.46), as pollinator (1.29), and as natural enemies (1.18). The highest abundance of insect as pollinator was Apis cerana, as natural enemy was Pantala flavescens, and as pest was Aphis gossypii.
Inteligência artificial e poesia
Authors: Dalte Pedro
Published: December 2020

Procura-se, atualmente, um algoritmo capaz de criar textos literários robóticos que rivalizem com os textos literários humanos. Esta intencionalidade e o panorama atual de produção literária obrigam a uma reflexão que, por um lado, deve debruçar-se sobre as reais valências atuais dos computadores e, por outro, deve revisitar tópicos caros à teoria literária: as próprias fronteiras da Literatura e aquilo que consubstancia e dita um texto como literário. Este é o exercício proposto no presente artigo.
Rio de Janeiro, metrópole apocalíptica e pós-humana
Authors: Teixeira Paulo
Published: December 2020

Numa abordagem interdisciplinar, na qual intervêm a teoria da literatura e a ciência espacial, o  presente artigo examina a representação do Rio de Janeiro no conto “O quarto selo (fragmento)” de Rubem Fonseca. Situado num futuro indeterminado, o conto recorre à técnica dos planos cinematográficos para descrever uma nova realidade urbana, na qual os espaços da modernidade tardia se veem substituídos por uma metrópole conformada por periferias. Num tempo em que os corpos, as máquinas e as cidades são mutuamente constitutivos, a presença do personagem-ciborgue alude à disseminação de identidades híbridas no contexto de uma geografia pós-humana. O protagonista do conto é precisamente uma criação artificial, dotada de múltiplas identidades, no mundo ordenado e gerenciado do Rio de Janeiro entendido como metrópole apocalíptica. O apocalipse, para o qual remete o título do conto, deve ser entendido como um dispositivo que projeta um cenário catastrófico na realidade imediata, permitindo que questões de ordem social e política possam ser pensadas ​​e discutidas.