bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification and co-expression analysis of long noncoding RNAs and mRNAs involved in the deposition of intramuscular fat in Aohan fine-wool sheep
Authors: Han Fuhui , Li Jing , Liu Nan , Zhao Ranran , Liu Lirong , Li Lanlan , Li Qian , He Jianning
Published: December 2020

Background: Intramuscular fat (IMF) content has become one of the most important indicators for measuring meat quality, and levels of IMF are affected by various genes. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are widely expressed non-coding RNAs that play an important regulatory role in a variety of biological processes; however, research on the lncRNAs involved in sheep IMF deposition is still in its infancy. Aohan fine-wool sheep (AFWS), one of China's most important meat-hair, dual-purpose sheep breed, provides a great model for studying the role of lncRNAs in the regulation of IMF deposition. We identified lncRNAs by RNA sequencing in Longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) samples of sheep at two ages: 2 months (Mth-2) and 12 months (Mth-12). Results: We identified a total of 26,247 genes and 6,935 novel lncRNAs in LTL samples of sheep. Among these, 199 mRNAs and 61 lncRNAs were differentially expressed. We then compared the structural characteristics of lncRNAs and mRNAs. We obtained target genes of differentially expressed lncRNAs (DELs) and performed enrichment analyses using Gene Ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). We found that target mRNAs were enriched in metabolic processes and developmental pathways. One pathway was significantly enriched, namely tight junction. Based on the analysis of critical target genes, we obtained seven candidate lncRNAs that potentially regulated lipid deposition and constructed a lncRNA-mRNA co-expression network that included MSTRG.4051.3-FZD4, MSTRG.16157.3-ULK1, MSTRG.21053.3-PAQR3, MSTRG.19941.2-TPI1, MSTRG.12864.1-FHL1, MSTRG.2469.2-EXOC6 and MSTRG.21381.1-NCOA1. We speculated that these candidate lncRNAs might play a role by regulating the expression of target genes. We randomly selected five mRNAs and five lncRNAs to verify the accuracy of the sequencing data by qRT-PCR.Conclusions: Our study identified the differentially expressed mRNAs and lncRNAs during intramuscular lipid deposition in Aohan fine-wool sheep. The work may widen the knowledge about the annotation of the sheep genome and provide a working basis for investigating intramuscular fat deposition in sheep.
Application of 3D printing and distributed manufacturing during the first-wave of COVID-19 pandemic. Our experience at a third-level university hospital.
Authors: Perez-Mañanes Ruben , José Sonia García de San , Desco-Menéndez Manuel , Sánchez-Arcilla Ignacio , González-Fernández Esmeralda , Vaquero-Martín Javier , González-Garzón Javier Pascau , Mediavilla-Santos Lydia , Trapero-Moreno Diego , Calvo-Haro José Antonio
Published: December 2020

Background 3D printing and distributed manufacturing represent a paradigm shift in the health system that is becoming critical during the COVID-19 pandemic. University hospitals are also taking on the role of manufacturers of custom-made solutions thanks to 3D printing technology. Case Presentation We present a monocentric observational case study regarding the distributed manufacturing of three groups of products during the period of the COVID-19 pandemic from 14 March to 10 May 2020: personal protective equipment, ventilatory support, and diagnostic and consumable products. Networking during this period has enabled the delivery of a total of 17,276 units of products manufactured using 3D printing technology. The most manufactured product was the face shields and ear savers, while the one that achieved the greatest clinical impact was the mechanical ventilation adapters and swabs. The products were manufactured by individuals in 57.3% of the cases, and our hospital acted as the main delivery node in a hub with 10 other hospitals. The main advantage of this production model is the fast response to stock needs, being able to adapt almost in real time.Conclusions The role of 3D printing in the hospital environment allows the reconciliation of in-house and distributed manufacturing with traditional production, providing custom-made adaptation of the specifications, as well as maximum efficiency in the working and availability of resources, which is of special importance at critical times for health systems such as the current COVID-19 pandemic.
Predicting Insect Invasiveness with Whole-Genome Sequencing Data
Authors: Huang Cong , Yang Nianwan , Wang Shuping , Fan Xiaodan , Pian Cong , Luo Jiapeng , Li Xi , Lang Kun , Xing Longsheng , Jiang Mingxing , Liu Wanxue , Qian Wanqiang , Simberloff Daniel , Wan Fanghao , Li Fei
Published: December 2020

Background: Invasive alien insects threaten agriculture, biodiversity, and human livelihoods globally. Unfortunately, insect invasiveness still cannot be reliably predicted. Empirical policies of insect pest quarantine and inspection are mainly designed against species that are already problematic.Results: We conducted a comparative genomic analysis of 37 invasive insect species and six non-invasive insect species, showing that the gene families associated with defense, protein and nucleic acid metabolism, chemosensory function, and transcriptional regulation were significantly expanded in invasive insects, suggesting that enhanced abilities in self-protection, nutrition exploitation, and locating food or mates are intrinsic features conferring invasiveness in insects. By using these intrinsic genome features, we proposed an invasiveness index and estimated the invasiveness of 99 other insect species with genome data, classifying them as highly, moderately, or minimally invasive. Insects possessing all these aforementioned enhanced abilities are predicted to be highly invasive, and vice versa. Next, a logistic-regression classifier was trained to predict insect invasiveness, achieving 93.2% accuracy. Conclusions: We present evidence that several traits may confer invasiveness in insects and these features can be used to predict insect invasiveness accurately, and we quantify insect invasiveness with an invasiveness index.
RASMA: A Reverse Search Algorithm for Mining Maximal Frequent Subgraphs
Authors: Salem Saeed , Alokshiya Mohammed , Hasan Mohammad Al
Published: December 2020

Background: Given a collection of coexpression networks over a set of genes, identifying subnetworks that appear frequently is an important research problem known as mining frequent subgraphs. Maximal frequent subgraphs is a representative set of frequent subgraphs; A frequent subgraph is maximal if it does have a super-graph that is frequent. In the bioinformatics discipline, methodologies for mining frequent and/or maximal frequent subgraphs can be used to discover interesting network motifs that elucidate complex interactions among genes, reflected through the edges of the frequent subnetworks. Further study of frequent coexpression subnetworks enhances the discovery of biological modules and biological signatures for gene expression and disease classification. Results: We propose a reverse search algorithm, called RASMA, for mining frequent and maximal frequent subgraphs in a given collection of graphs. A key innovation in RASMA is a connected subgraph enumerator that uses a reverse-search strategy to enumerate connected subgraphs of an undirected graph. Using this enumeration strategy, RASMA obtains all maximal frequent subgraphs very efficiently. To overcome the computationally prohibitive task of enumerating all frequent subgraphs while mining for the maximal frequent subgraphs, RASMA employs several pruning strategies that substantially improve its overall runtime performance. Experimental results show that on large gene coexpression networks, the proposed algorithm efficiently mines biologically relevant maximal frequent subgraphs. Conclusion: Extracting recurrent gene coexpression subnetworks from multiple gene expression experiments enables the discovery of functional modules and subnetwork biomarkers. We have proposed a reverse search algorithm for mining maximal frequent subnetworks. Enrichment analysis of the extracted maximal frequent subnetworks reveals that subnetworks that are frequent are highly enriched with known biological ontologies.
Engineering prokaryotic regulator IrrE to enhance stress tolerance in budding yeast
Authors: Wang Li , Wang Xin , He Zhi-Qiang , Zhou Si-Jie , Xu Li , Tan Xiao-Yu , Xu Tao , Li Bing-Zhi , Yuan Ying-Jin
Published: December 2020

Background: Stress tolerance is one of the important desired microbial traits for industrial bioprocess and global regulatory protein engineering is an efficient approach to improve strain tolerance. In our study, IrrE, a global regulatory protein from prokaryotic organism Deinococcus radiodurans, was engineered to confer yeast the improved tolerance to the inhibitors in lignocellulose hydrolysates or high temperature.Results: Three IrrE mutants were developed through directed evolution and the expression of these mutants could improve the yeast fermentation rate by 3- to 4-fold in the presence of multiple inhibitors. Subsequently, the tolerance to multiple inhibitors of single-site mutants based on the mutations from the variants was then evaluated, and eleven mutants including L65P, I103T, E119V, L160F, P162S, M169V, V204A, R244G, Base 824 Deletion, V299A and A300V were identified to be critical for the improved FAP tolerance. Further studies indicated that IrrE caused genome-wide transcriptional perturbation in yeast, and the mutant I24 led to the rapid growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae mainly by regulating the transcription level of transcription activators/factors, protecting the intracellular environment and enhancing the antioxidant capacity under inhibitor environment, which reflected the plasticity of IrrE. Meanwhile, we observed that the expression of the wild-type or mutant IrrE could also protect Saccharomyces cerevisiae from the damage caused by thermal stress. The recombinant yeast strains were able to grow with glucose at 42 ºC.Conclusions: IrrE from Deinococcus radiodurans can be engineered as a tolerance-enhancer for Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Systematic research on the regulatory model and mechanism of a prokaryotic global regulatory factor IrrE to increase yeast tolerance provided valuable insights for the improvement of microbial tolerance to complex industrial stress conditions.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Acelluar Products Attenuate Murine Induced Colitis
Authors: Li Yan , Altemus Jessica , Lightner Amy L.
Published: December 2020

Background: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a well-established immunosuppressive agent which can also promote tissue repair and regeneration. Recent studies have demonstrated MSCs as a novel therapeutic for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a chronic idiopathic inflammatory disorder of the gastrointestinal tract. However, the precise role of MSCs in regulating immune-responses is controversial, and its significance in the pathogenesis of IBD uncertain. In addition, MSCs’ acellular product, extracellular vesicles (EVs), may also play an important role in the armamentarium of therapeutics, but how EVs compare to MSCs remains undefined due to the lack of side-by-side comparative investigation. We herein compared MSCs and their associated EVs side-by-side using a DSS-induced colitis model. Methods: A DSS-induced colitis model was used. At Day 4, mice received adipose derived MSCs, MSC derived EVs, or placebo. Weight loss, stool consistency and hematochezia was charted. At day 8, murine colons were harvested, histologic analysis performed, and serum/tissue cytokine analysis conducted. Results: MSCs and EVs demonstrated equivalent immunosuppressive functions with DSS-treated mice through decreased colonic lymphocyte infiltration and attenuated disease severity after both MSC and EV treatment. Furthermore, both MSCs and EVs have an equivalent ability to inhibit inflammation in the DSS colitis model. Conclusions: These results suggest that (i) both MSCs and EVs are effective therapeutic candidates for a DSS-induced mouse colitis model, (ii) MSCs and EVs have similar immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory functions, and (iii) EVs may present a novel future therapeutic for the treatment of IBD.
Genome analysis of Spiroplasma citri strains from different host plants and its leafhopper vectors
Authors: Rattner Rachel , Thapa Shree Prasad , Dang Tyler , Osman Fatima , Selvaraj Vijayanandraj , Maheshwari Yogita , Pagliaccia Deborah , Espindola Andres S. , Hajeri Subhas , Chen Jianchi , Coaker Gitta , Vidalakis Georgios , Yokomi Raymond
Published: December 2020

Background Spiroplasma citri comprises a complex of bacteria that cause diseases in citrus, horseradish, carrot, sesame, and also infect a wide array of ornamental and weed species. S. citri is transmitted in a persistent propagative manner by the beet leafhopper, Neoaliturus tenellus in North America and Circulifer haematoceps in the Mediterranean region. Leafhopper transmission and the pathogen’s wide host range serve as drivers of genetic diversity. This diversity was examined by comparing the genome sequences of seven S. citri strains from the United States (BR12, CC2, C5, C189, LB319, BLH-13, and BLH-MB) collected from different hosts and times with other publicly available spiroplasmas.Results Phylogenetic analysis using 16S rRNA sequences from 39 spiroplasmas obtained from NCBI database showed that S. citri strains, along with S. kunkelii and S. phoeniceum, two other plant pathogenic spiroplasmas, formed a monophyletic group. To refine genetic relationships among S. citri strains, phylogenetic analyses with 863 core orthologous sequences were performed. Strains that clustered together were: CC-12 and C5; C189 and R8-A2; BR12, BLH-MB, BLH13 and LB 319. Strain GII3-3 remained in a separate branch. Sequence rearrangements were observed among S. citri strains, predominantly in the center of the chromosome. One to nine plasmids were identified in the seven S. citri strains analyzed in this study. Plasmids were most abundant in strains isolated from the beet leafhopper, followed by strains from carrot, Chinese cabbage, horseradish and citrus, respectively. All these S. citri strains contained one plasmid with high similarity to plasmid pSci6 from S. citri strain GII3-3X which is known to confer insect transmissibility. Additionally, 17 to 25 prophage-like elements were identified in these genomes, which may promote rearrangements and contribute to repetitive regions. Conclusions The genome of seven S. citri strains were found to contain a single circularized chromosome, ranging from 1.58 Mbp to 1.74 Mbp and 1,597-2,232 protein-coding genes. These strains possessed a plasmid similar to pSci6 from the GII3-3X strain associated with leafhopper transmission. Prophage sequences found in the S. citri genomes may contribute to the extension of its host range. These findings increase our understanding of S. citri genetic diversity.
Longitudinal Changes of Tongue Thickness and Tongue Pressure in Neuromuscular Disorders
Authors: Umemoto George , Fujioka Shinsuke , Arahata Hajime , Sakae Nobutaka , Sasagasako Naokazu , Toda Mine , Furuya Hirokazu , Tsuboi Yoshio
Published: December 2020

Background: Swallowing dysfunction is related to major cause of adverse events and an indicator of shorter survival among patients with neuromuscular disorders (NMD). It is critical to assess the swallowing function during disease progression, however, there are limited tools that can easily evaluate swallowing function without using videofluoroscopic or videoendoscopic examination. Here, we evaluated the longitudinal changes in tongue thickness (TT) and maximum tongue pressure (MTP) among patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), and Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).Methods: Between 2010 and 2020, TT and MTP were measured from 21 ALS, 30 DM1, and 14 DMD patients (mean ages of 66.9, 44.5, and 21.4 years, respectively) at intervals of more than half a year. TT was measured, by ultrasonography, as the distance from the mylohyoid muscle raphe to the tongue dorsum, and MTP was determined by measuring the maximum compression on a small balloon when pressing the tongue against the palate. Then we examined the relationship between these evaluations and patient background and swallowing function.Results: Mean follow-up periods were 24.0 months in the ALS group, 47.2 months in the DM1group, and 61.1 months in the group. The DMD group demonstrated larger initial TT than the other groups, while the DM1 group had lower initial MTP than the ALS group. The ALS group showed a greater average monthly reduction in mean TT than the DM1 group and greater monthly reductions in mean BW and MTP than the other groups. Significant differences between the first and last BW, TT, and MTP measures were found only in the ALS group.Conclusions: This study suggests that ALS is associated with more rapid degeneration of tongue function over several years compared to DMD and DM1.
The Older Prisoner Health and Social Care Assessment and Plan (OHSCAP) versus Treatment as Usual: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Forsyth Katrina , Webb Roger T , Power Laura Archer , Emsley Richard , Senior Jane , Burns Alistair , Challis David , Hayes Adrian , Meacock Rachel , Walsh Elizabeth , Ware Stuart , Shaw Jenny
Published: December 2020

Background Older adults are the fastest-growing subgroup among prisoners in England and Wales and have more health and social care needs than their younger counterparts and those the same age living in the community . We hypothesised that the Older prisoner Health and Social Care Assessment and Plan (OHSCAP) would significantly increase the proportion of met health and social care needs three months after prison entry, compared to treatment as usual (TAU).MethodsA parallel randomised controlled trial (RCT) was conducted at ten prisons in the North of England. Males aged 50 and over received the OHSCAP or TAU. The allocation procedure was minimisation with a random element. The OHSCAP process involved individuals having their needs assessed, care plans being created and reviewed. TAU encompassed the standard prison health assessment. The trial was registered with the UK Clinical Research Network Portfolio (ISRCTN ID: 11841493) and was closed on 30th November 2016.ResultsData were collected between 28th January 2014 and 06th April 2016. 249 older prisoners were assigned TAU of which 32 transferred prison; 12 were released; 2 withdrew and 1 was deemed unsafe to interview. 253 prisoners were assigned the OHSCAP of which 33 transferred prison; 11 were released; 6 withdrew and 1 was deemed unsafe to interview. Consequently, data from 202 participants were analysed in each of the two groups. There were no significant differences in the number of unmet needs as measured by the Camberwell Assessment of Needs – Forensic Short Version (CANFOR-S). The mean number of unmet needs for the OHSCAP group at follow-up was 2.03 (SD=2.07) and 2.06 (SD= 2.11) for the TAU group (RR = 0.088; 95% CI -0.276 to 0.449, p = 0.621). No adverse events were reported. Conclusion Those received the OHSCAP did not experience an improvement to the meeting of the needs in comparison to the TAU g. This was largely due to the OHSCAP not being implemented as planed due to a national prison crisis.The OHSCAP was fundamentally not implemented as planned, partly due to the national prison staffing crisis that ensued during the study period. Therefore, those receiving OHSCAP did not experience improved outcomes compared to those who received TAU. Trial RegistrationISRCTN11841493 25/10/2013Protocol available at: http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN11841493
Path to Action – Closing the Gap to Make Patient Blood Management the New Norm(al) as Viewed by Implementors in Diverse Countries
Authors: Hofmann Axel , Spahn Donat R. , Holtorf Anke-Peggy
Published: December 2020

Background: Patient Blood Management (PBM) is an evidence-based approach in surgery and emergency care which aims to minimize the risk for blood loss and the need for blood replacement for each patient through a coordinated multidisciplinary care process before, during, and after surgery. In combination with blood loss, anemia is the main driver for transfusion and an independent risk factor for adverse outcomes including morbidity and mortality. Hence, identifying and correcting anemia as well as minimizing blood loss are important pillars of PBM. Evidence demonstrates that PBM significantly improves outcomes and safety while reducing cost by macroeconomic magnitudes. Despite its huge potential to improve healthcare systems, PBM is not yet adopted broadly. The aim of this study is to analyze the collective experiences of a diverse group of PBM implementors across countries reflecting different healthcare contexts and to use these experiences to develop a guidance for initiating and orchestrating PBM implementation for stakeholders from diverse professional backgrounds.Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 1-4 PBM implementors from 12 countries in Asia, Latin America, Australia, Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Responses reflecting the drivers, barriers, measures, and stakeholders regarding the implementation of PBM were summarized per country, and key observations extracted. By clustering the levels of intervention for PBM implementation, a PBM implementation framework was created and populated.Results: A set of PBM implementation measures were extracted from the interviews with the implementors. Most of these measures relate to one of six levels of implementation including government, healthcare providers, funding, research, training/education, and patients/public. Essential cross-level measures are multi-stakeholder communication and collaboration.Conclusion: This implementation framework helps to decompose the complexity of PBM implementation into concrete measures on each implementation level. It provides guidance for diverse stakeholders to independently initiate and develop strategies to make PBM a national standard of care, thus closing current practice gaps and matching this unmet public health need.
Effectiveness of Tax Policy of Ukraine: Evidence and Economy Implications
Authors: Slavkova Olena P. , Zhilinska Oksana I , Palienko Maksym
Published: December 2020

The article deals with the peculiarities of the formation and implementation of tax policy in the country. The analysis of change of tax receipts to the state and local budgets is carried out. The role of tax payments in the economic development of the country is determined. The efficiency of the state tax policy in Ukraine is analyzed, its advantages and disadvantages are determined. The important role of tax payments in stimulating economic and social development is substantiated. The analysis of the elasticity of change of indicators of economic development of the country from the change of volume of tax receipts to the budget is carried out. The necessity of improving the existing policy of establishing, accrual, payment, and distribution of tax revenues as one of the most promising areas to stimulate economic growth is concluded.

Keywords: tax policy, revenues, tax evasion, state budget, elasticity, economic development
Does Taxation Influence Efficiency of Public Services Provision: Case of European Countries
Authors: Molotok Igor F.
Published: December 2020

Public services are identified as services provided by the government of certain jurisdiction (country or local community) in order to ensure citizens’ welfare and social protection. The efficiency of public services provision depends on numerous economic, social, and institutional factors. In turn, numerous scientific debates are about the optimization of taxation in order to increase the efficiency of public goods provision. Therefore, the purpose of the research is to clarify empirically the cohesion between public services provision and taxation for the sample of European countries (Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Czech Republic, Germany, Slovak Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovenia, and Ukraine) for 2005-2018. Correlation analysis and panel data regression analysis results allow concluding that provision of public goods (safety, education, health care) highly dependent on social contributions and taxes on goods and services, and less on taxes on income, profits, and capital gains. Moreover, tax growth dynamics in chosen European countries is twice, triple or even five times more rapid than growth dynamics of all dependent variables (only government expenditures on education and social contributions annual growth rates are almost equal). Such a discrepancy might result in an increase of social tensions, shadow economy, intensification of tax avoidances and tax evasion processes, lack of population to government loyalty. All this proves the necessity of improvement of financial resources redistribution in order to improve the efficiency of public services provision.

Keywords: budget, government expenditure, government efficiency, public goods, tax revenue.
The Roles of Job Autonomy and Self-Efficacy to Improve Academics’ Work-life Balance
Authors: Badri Siti Khadijah Zainal , Panatik Siti Aisyah
Published: December 2020

Discussion on workers’ work-life balance has been ongoing since the 1980s. However, less is known about work-life balance amongst university academics especially on the role of job autonomy and self-efficacy in influencing it. The current paper investigates the influence of job autonomy towards academics’ work-life balance. Also, it examines the role of self-efficacy as a moderator in between this relationship. This study employed a quantitative method using the cross-sectional design using data on 307 responses to test these propositions. Using AMOS 23 and SPSS23, we established evidences on the positive influence of job autonomy towards academics’ work-life balance. That is, high job autonomy linked to higher work-to-family enrichment and lesser work-to-family conflict occurrences. Besides, work-to-family enrichment was found higher when self-efficacy level was high, confirming the moderating role of self-efficacy. This study contributes to a greater understanding on the influence of both job autonomy and self-efficacy towards academics’ work-life balance in terms of enrichment and conflict occurrences. It also affirms the constructive effects of self-efficacy to enhance the relationship between job autonomy and work-to-family enrichment. Findings from this study may be used to assist various human resource practitioners, researchers, and higher education institutions to build relevant policies to further support sustainable work-life balance practices within educational institutions.
Employees’ Motivation for Creating International Business Venture: The Role of Perceived Competence and Job Satisfaction
Authors: Pham Anh D. , Bui Men T. , Hoang Dung P.
Published: December 2020

This research investigates the determinants of entrepreneurial intention among Vietnamese employees, a crucial segment of potential entrepreneurs yet mostly neglected in previous studies. Given the focus on intention to create an international business venture and the working segment, we expand the entrepreneurial event theory by supplementing perceived competence and job satisfaction as determinants of entrepreneurial intention while testing the mediation of perceived feasibility and perceived desirability in such relationships correspondingly. Three focus groups on 27 Vietnamese employees were conducted to explore the specific relevant competences and develop the conceptual model. Afterwards, data from an empirical survey on 567 Vietnamese employees was analysed using a partial least squares structural equation model to test the hypothesised relationships. The empirical results indicate that perceived competences, viz. administrative competence, communication skills, network building competence, and international business expertise have a positive impact on entrepreneurial intention. The relationships between either administrative competence, network building capacity or international business expertise, and entrepreneurial intention are totally mediated by perceived feasibility. The study also reveals a noteworthy finding about the negative direct effect of overall job satisfaction on entrepreneurial intention and the partial mediating role of perceived desirability in this relationship.
DAPA-HF trial signals the birth of ‘diabetic cardiology’ and more
Authors: Wagdy Kerolos , Selwanos Peter
Published: December 2020

[no abstract - showing first paragraph of article]Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are relatively new class of antihyperglycemic medication that is well established in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). It has a unique mechanism of action that targets the kidneys through inhibiting 90% of glucose reabsorption.
Understanding the molecular–pharmaceutical basis of sartan recalls focusing on valsartan
Authors: Ray Avik , Atal Shubham , Sadasivam Balakrishnan
Published: December 2020

Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) or the ‘sartans’ are widely used for the management of hypertension and heart failure. There have been a series of recent incidents where drug formulations containing different ARBs as active pharmaceutical ingredients have been recalled by various pharmaceutical firms. This article addresses valsartan as well as other sartan recalls besides discussing the recent recalls of ranitidine and metformin, giving insights  into the molecular-pharmaceutical basis of the recalls. A thorough literature search of PubMed/Medline and Google Scholar databases was performed to identify all relevant articles and information published up to 29th April 2020 using Medical Subject Headings (MeSH terms) and Boolean operators. We also searched for relevant information on the web using web-browsers and reference lists from original research papers and review articles. The main impurity found was N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) which was thought to be formed due to a change in the manufacturing process of valsartan. Besides, other impurities such N- nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) and N-nitroso-N-methyl-4-aminobutyric acid (NMBA) were found in batches of other sartans, such as losartan and irbesartan. All of these are carcinogens and harmful if consumed at a level beyond a certain acceptable daily limit. Ranitidine, and more recent metformin recalls, have also been linked with valsartan in view of the presence of NDMA, the same impurity. Safety of ARBs is a major concern among healthcare professionals after the recalls of valsartan in the recent years. Periodic quality assessment of the manufacturing process and the drugs is key to ensure safe, effective and high-quality drugs for the global population. Additionally, practising physicians need to be vigilant in reporting adverse events in their patients receiving treatments.
DETERMINAÇÃO DE AGROTÓXICOS EM AMOSTRAS DE ARROZ EMPREGANDO MÉTODO QuEChERS e GC-MS
Authors: Barbosa Sergiane Caldas , Cerqueira Maristela Barnes , Primel Ednei Gilberto , Furlong Eliana Badiale , Kupski Larine
Published: December 2020

Este trabalho teve como objetivo a validação do método QuEChERS para extração de agrotóxicos em arroz. Para a seleção dos analitos foi consultado o relatório do Programa De Análise De Resíduos De Agrotóxicos Em Alimentos de 2013-2015 da ANVISA. A separação cromatográfica foi realizada em cromatógrafo a gás, GC-MS-QP 2010 Shimadzu, com coluna RTX-5MS (30m x 0,25mm ID x 0,25 µm) Restek. Para separação dos compostos foram fixados os parâmetros: temperatura de injeção de 280 °C, temperatura de fonte de íons de 260 °C, tempo de corte de 6 minutos, volume de injeção de 1 ?L no modo splitless; e otimizada a programação de temperatura do forno. As análises foram realizadas no modo de Monitoramento do Íon Selecionado (SIM). A melhor condição obtida possibilitou a separação dos compostos nos tempos de retenção: pirimifós (10,06 min), tiametoxan (10,46 min), procimidona (10,73 min), flutriafol (10,98 min), tebuconazol (12,14 min), permetrina (14,27 min), difenoconazol (18,14 min). A amostra de arroz integral foi triturada para obtenção da granulometria de 0,5 mm. Para determinação dos agrotóxicos foi empregado o método QuEChERS e este foi validado em termos de limite de quantificação, exatidão (recuperação), precisão (RSD) e efeito matriz. Os limites de quantificação do método variaram entre 0,05- 0,5 mg kg-1. Os valores de recuperação variaram de 71,9 – 113,1%, com RSD<13,7%, dentro dos limites legislados. Os compostos pirimifós (1,8%), tiametoxan (-12,2%), flutriafol (1,3%), tebuconazol (-9,9%) apresentaram baixo efeito de matriz; os compostos procimidona (22%) e difenoconazol (32,4%) apresentaram um efeito de matriz médio; e a permetrina (69,5%) apresentou um efeito de matriz elevado. O método validado será empregado para o monitoramento dos níveis de contaminação em amostras de arroz disponíveis no comercio local, para inferir sobre o risco de exposição da população de Umuarama
APPLICATION OF GallesiaIntergrifoliaIN GERMINATION OF MILLET SEEDS
Authors: Carneiro Andressa Roberta , Furtado Carlos Henrique Henrique , Martins Andréia Paula Carneiro , Zucareli Valdir , Martins Darliane Aparecida , Saka Otávio Akira
Published: December 2020

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the application of pau d’alhohydrolate in millet seeds (Pennisetumglaucum). The experiment was developed in laboratory, adopting a completely randomized desing with 5 doses of hydrolate (0; 5; 10; 15 and 20 ml 100 kg-1) and 4 repetitions. The variables analyzed were: emergence speed, germination, first count, root length, shoot length and seedling dry matter mass. The data were submitted to variation analysis and regression study. It was found that hydrolation application via seed has an effect on germination, root length and dry matter mass, with no significant difference for other variables.
KINETICS DRYING AND ANTIOXIDANT POTENTIAL OF PITAYA PULP AND MESOCARP
Authors: Raia Rodrigo Zunta , De Souza Ana Paula , Cervejeira Bolanho Barros Beatriz
Published: December 2020

The effect of three different drying temperatures (60, 70, 80 ºC) was evaluated in effective diffusivity, colorimetric parameters, antioxidant activity, and betalain content of pulp (P) and mesocarp (M) of pitaya (Hylocereus costaricensis). The increase in drying temperatures had a direct influence on drying constants, showing the drying rate is faster when drying temperature of 80 ºC was used. Modified Page model described the drying behaviour of pitaya pulp and mesocarp. In the colorimetric parameters, the higher drying temperatures decreased the luminosity and the reddish tonality and increased the color saturation. The drying promoted a concentration of antioxidants compounds in relation to in natura samples. The betalain content decreased in the pulp and it was maintained in the mescocarp samples, while the total phenolic compounds and the antioxidant activity increased in both pitaya parts when higher temperatures were used in the drying process. For these reasons the temperature of 60 ºC was indicating the most appropriate temperature for temperature for pitaya pulp end mesocarp drying process.
THE USE OF SWMM SOFTWARE FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF SUSTAINABLE URBAN DRAINAGE
Authors: Beluci Franciele Leticia Ramos , Guimaraes Guilherme Eduardo , Silva Josiane Santos da , Silva Luciene Almeida da , Wedekind Joyce Ronquim
Published: December 2020

The present work presents a study performed in the hydrographic basin of the Figueira Stream located in the city of Umuarama-PR, with the intention of reducing surface runoff and expanding the storage of urban waters to minimize the current environmental problems, such as silting and erosion. The main objective is to implement LIDs (Low impact development) devices known in Brazil as low impact urban development and with the help of the Storm Water Management Model - SWMM software, to simulate the behavior of urban waters considering the real situation and comparing them with the simulation with insertion of LIDs. As a methodology, an in loco survey was performed, followed by two simulations. The first simulation considered the data from the in loco survey. We observed that the basin is not prone to flooding, but there is a great possibility of erosion and silting. In the second simulation, we inserted three types of LIDs: filtration basin; porous pavement and infiltration valleys. The data was analyzed and the behavior of urban waters was compared. Our study observed an improvement in water balance and flow propagation. Finally, we understood that with the implementation of the LIDs the results generated were satisfactory, in the sense of providing solutions to improve the environmental problems installed in the basin, consequently promoting improvement in the quality of urban life.
POTENCIALIDADES DO MATERIAL BAMBU: UMA REVISÃO BIBLIOGRÁFICA
Authors: Pedrangelo Alessandra de Castro Silva , Dias Joner de Lima , El Kattel Cristina do Carmo Lucio Berrehil , Moreiras Sérgio Trajano Franco
Published: December 2020

Os setores moveleiro e de construção civil são os maiores consumidores de matérias-primas. Dentre estas, a madeira é a que possui produção mais demorada, já que, para formação de uma floresta de extração, as árvores ocupam grandes áreas por longos períodos (cerca de uma década). Como a demanda do mercado tem exigido uma maior rapidez na disponibilidade deste material, nas últimas décadas ocorreram debates relacionados à busca por materiais alternativos que possibilitem tanto o desenvolvimento econômico quanto uma relação de equilíbrio com o meio ambiente. É neste contexto que se fundamenta a presente pesquisa, caracterizada por revisão bibliográfica, a qual dará embasamento para propostas de desenvolvimento de produtos para construção civil e design de móveis que utilizem as fibras e colmos de bambu. Os artigos analisados estão disponibilizados nos principais periódicos científicos das áreas de arquitetura, materiais e design. Estes estudos indicaram que o bambu é um material com grande potencial para diversas aplicações, até mesmo em substituição a materiais em estado de escassez como as madeiras nobres. A metodologia aplicada foi pesquisa bibliográfica de literatura publicada sobre o assunto no período entre os anos 2014 e 2019. Foram analisados 30 artigos, sendo 50% de produção nacional. Destes 15 artigos nacionais, apenas seis apresentaram possíveis usos do bamboo e nove apresentaram ensaios físicos, químicos e mecânicos do bambu in natura (colmo), bambu laminado colado (BLCs) e da fibra processada utilizada em compósitos. Concluiu-se que os estudos nacionais ainda têm um vasto campo a percorrer relacionado às pesquisas deste material.
Textural properties of low fat mayonnaise with whey protein concentrate and Tragacanth gum as egg and fat substitutes
Authors: Habashi Venus , Elhamirad Amir Hossein , Pedramnia Ahmad
Published: December 2020

Introduction. Mayonnaise is a kind of oil-in-water emulsion that usually contains 70–80% of oil. However, modern food science keeps providing new knowledge about high-fat products, which makes it possible to solve the problems related to health concerns.

Study objects and methods. The research featured high-fat mayonnaise (20% of oil) with reduced oil stabilizer (1.75%) and without egg stabilizer. In experimental samples, egg stabilizer was replaced with 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5% of whey protein concentrate and 0.3, 0.5, and 1.0% of Tragacanth gum. Mayonnaise with 3.5% oil stabilizer and 0.3% egg stabilizer was used as control sample. The samples were tested for such textural attributes as firmness, consistency, adhesive force, and adhesiveness.

Results and discussion. The highest and the lowest textural values were demonstrated by the sample with 0.4% of whey protein concentrate and 0.5% of Tragacanth gum and the sample with 0.5% of whey protein concentrate and 1.0% of Tragacanth, respectively. The former showed textural characteristics similar to those of the control sample. The presence of hydrocolloids proved to affect the texture properties of mayonnaise, whereas Tragacanth gum reduced its elasticity. It formed a strong and complex gel-like structure in the continuous phase. As a result, oil droplets in the emulsion had a smaller diameter, which improved the texture properties of low-fat mayonnaise.

Conclusion. Whet protein concentrate and Tragacanth gum in amounts of 0.5% and 1.0%, respectively, can be used to replace egg stabilizer and reduce oil stabilizer in low-fat mayonnaise.
The effect of karst system occurrence on flood peaks in small watersheds, southwest China
Authors: Mo Chongxun , Wang Yafang , Ruan Yuli , Qin Junkai , Zhang Mingshan , Sun Guikai , Jin JuLiang
Published: December 2020

Flooding at small basins is characterized by weak predictability, sudden onset, and rapid disaster formation, especially in karst areas. Therefore, an accurate flood simulation will be helpful for flood control and disaster reduction. In this study, the reservoir unit is added into the original HEC-HMS model to improve the model and analyze the stagnation of the runoff process in karst basins. Then, the HEC-HMS model before and after improvement is used to simulate floods in the Xiajia basin, a typical karst area in southwest China. Before improvement, the calibration result shows that the accuracy of 31 flood simulations is poor, and the qualified rate is only 38.71%. After improvement, the qualified rate increases to 51.61% during calibration, and the simulation accuracy is increased by 12.90%. Moreover, the qualified rate reaches 61.11% during validation, and the simulation accuracy is increased by 22.40%. The improved HEC-HMS model can be applied to flood simulations in the study area and the study results can provide useful insights for flood warning and management in karst areas.
Understanding the role of informal pit emptiers in sanitation in Nairobi through case studies in Mukuru and Kibera settlements
Authors: Mallory Adrian , Omoga Lilian , Kiogora Domenic , Riungu Joy , Kagendi Dorothy , Parker Alison
Published: December 2020

Achieving universal sanitation in informal settlements will depend on improved onsite sanitation, as sewer systems are unlikely to be viable solutions due to technical and political constraints. In Nairobi, Kenya, 60% of the population live among its 150 informal settlements, occupying only 5% of its total residential land. This research assessed the role of informal pit emptiers in providing sanitation in Mukuru and Kibera, two of the largest informal settlements in Nairobi, and the barriers to achieving improved services. Through qualitative data collection, the research found that pit emptiers are institutionally and physically outside of the current paradigm of sanitation service delivery. There is no infrastructure available to remove waste from informal settlements, except for a transfer station that is being piloted by Sanergy, and instead waste ends up disposed in the community. The pit emptiers also face violence and intimidation from competitors or locals claiming ownership of territory. Providing improved sanitation in such areas will depend on the provision of new infrastructure, but this can only succeed with a detailed understanding of the competing and vested interests that can enable or undermine a project.
Philosophy of Systemic Sozology
Authors: Dołęga Józef M.
Published: December 2020

The philosophy of systemic sozology presented in this work has as its characteristic originality under two aspects: metaobjective and objective. In the metaobjective aspect, here called the philosophy of sozology, one should underline the following elements: the elaboration of the notion - environment, the determining of the contents of the expression: social-natural environment, the elaboration of the definition of systemic sozology, the definition of the object of research of this discipline of science, the presentation of the structure, and especially the underlining of the importance of: interdisciplinarity, transdisciplinarity, systematics and globalism in the methodology of systemic sozology. In the objective or essential aspect the originality of the work is the underlining of the basic issues of systemic sozology and the presentation of them in six spheres, in which the process of life is realized, that it: the state of the social-natural environment, the sources of endangerment and pollution of the environment, the influence of the changing environment to life on Earth, the ways and means of protecting the environment.
The Philosophical Arguments in the Dispute over Artificial Reproduction in Italy in the Years 2004–2014
Authors: Kobyliński Andrzej
Published: December 2020

In Italy for the last decade, a very interesting public debate has been conducted about artificial reproduction. An important step in this discussion was the adoption in 2004 of a special law regulating the use of the in vitro method. In 2014 the Constitutional Court cancelled the prohibition, existing in this document, of the methods of heterological artificial reproduction. A very important part of the debate in Italy are different kinds of philosophical arguments. The most interesting or very representative voices in this discussion include statements of Oriana Fallaci, Vittorio Possenti, and Gianni Vattimo.
Ethical responsibilities of man toward animal world. The vision of Robert Spaemann
Authors: Kożuchowski Józef
Published: December 2020

The article presents the concept of moral obligations that man has towards animals proposed by Robert Spaemann. Spaemann give reasons for perceiving animal as an object of the law. His analyses present possibilities of solving basic moral questions like for example experiments on animals, animal husbandry, animal slaughter, hunting, interfering into animal's nature and our responsibility for them. Spaemann presents very original arguments for taking care of and responsibility for animals, deriving it from human dignity.
The effect of the degree of isolation of alder tussocks on the activity and diversity of epigeic invertebrates
Authors: Olejniczak Izabella , Boniecki Paweł , Uchmański Janusz
Published: December 2020

Activity and diversity of epigeic invertebrates were studied in 2004 in alder wood (Alnus glutinosa-Carex elata association). The following chosen: fragment of alder wood and 23 alder tussocks with average surface of 0.27 m2. Also, 16 artificial tussocks were installed: 4 of them were the same size as natural ones, and other 12 were smaller, 0.1 m2 in size. The average height of tussock was 0.4 m. Distance between individual tussocks varied from 1 to 2 m. Tussocks were placed 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11 m from the fragment of the alder wood. The material was collected using pitfall traps. Samples were taken every 7 or 14 days twice in the season: when tussocks were or were not isolated by water. The distance from the alder wood did not influence on activity and diversity of epigeic invertebrates on tussocks. Saprophagous: Isopoda and Collembola and predators: Araneae and Carabidae were the most abundant in the samples.
Geneza i konsekwencje globalnego kryzysu finansowego 2008 roku. Simmlowskie inspiracje
Authors: Prokopowicz Dariusz
Published: December 2020

W artykule przeprowadzono analizę przyczyn i skutków globalnego kryzysu finansowego, który wybuchł w 2008 r., w kontekście rozważań podjętych przez Georga Simmla w dziele Filozofia pieniądza. Niemiecki filozof żyjący na przełomie XIX i XX w. opisał istotną rolę pieniądza w procesach społecznych i jego wpływ na kształtowanie relacji społecznych. Zwracał uwagę na nieuczciwe praktyki w wymianie handlowej, które leżą u źródeł kryzysów finansowych. Z tego powodu może zostać uznany za prekursora tego, co współcześnie określa się mianem etyki i społecznej odpowiedzialności biznesu oraz zrównoważonego rozwoju, a także krytyki nadmiernego liberalizmu rynkowego. W swoim dziele Simmel poruszył wiele problemów społeczno- ekonomicznych, z których niejeden jest aktualny po dziś.