bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Practical strategies to mitigate ruminant greenhouse gas emissions
Authors: Ortega Alejandra , Tester Mark , Lauersen Kyle
Published: February 2021

Livestock contributes to 14.5 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, with ruminants being the largest contributor through enteric methane emissions. Although several mitigation strategies are available to reduce livestock methane, no consensus exists on which methods are the most effective. Here, the mitigation impact of the most pragmatic strategies to reduce enteric methane has been projected to 2050, using cattle emissions as a model. The projection shows that supplementing ruminant feed with anti-methanogenic seaweed and converting grassland into silvopasture offer the greatest potential to reduce emissions. With a synergic combination of strategies, the livestock sector in Europe and most of Asia can reach carbon neutrality by 2035 and 2038, respectively. However, global cattle CO2-eq emissions will be reduced by no more than 34 percent by 2050, remaining far above the carbon neutrality target. Mitigation strategies alone are insufficient to lower emissions, and reducing the demand for ruminant products is also necessary – particularly in Africa and Western Asia.
Weak Population Structure of Perna Viridis in Indo-Pacific Region based on Nuclear and Mitochondrial DNA Marker
Authors: Ye Yingying , Yan Chengrui , Maltagliati Ferruccio , Fu Zeqin , Guo Baoying , Xu Kaida , yan xiaojun
Published: February 2021

Perna viridis is a mussel commonly distributed along the Asian Indo-Pacific coasts. It is one of the main cultured species of that region. Previous studies focused mostly on the native populations within single countries; with the present study we analyzed the genetic diversity of P. viridis in a large study area, spanning from Oman to southern China. Three molecular markers were used, namely portions of the nuclear ITS region, and the mitochondrial COI gene and D-Loop region. The nuclear marker showed moderate levels of genetic diversity (haplotype diversity h = 0.543 to 0.897) and nucleotide diversity π = 0.0022 to 0.0064); whereas mitochondrial markers exhibited higher levels of genetic variability (h = 0.858 to 0.964 and π = 0.0012 to 0.0079). The estimates of inter-sample genetic divergence (FST) and the analysis of molecular variance highlighted that the Thai population is genetically divergent from the others. Our results showed the genetic variation of P. viridis at the rim of South China Sea and obtained the genetic basic information of P. viridis.
Single parameter model for cosmic scale photon redshift in a closed Universe
Authors: Steynberg Andre
Published: February 2021

A successful single parameter model has been formulated to match the observations of photons from type 1a supernovae which were previously used to corroborate the standard 𝛬 cold dark matter model. The new single parameter model extrapolates all the way back to the cosmic background radiation (CMB) without requiring a separate model to describe inflation of the space dimensions after the Big Bang. The model for the redshift progression of a photon is: 1 + z =\(\frac{\text{sin}\left(\frac{13.8}{T}\right)\pi /2}{\text{sin}\left(\frac{t}{T}\right)\pi /2}\) T is the fitted parameter and t is the time when the photon was emitted, both measured in billions of years from time zero in the Big Bang. The angle is expressed in radians. The number 13.8 should be updated if an improved estimate for the time elapsed since the Big Bang is found. The single parameter model assumes that spacetime forms a finite symmetrical manifold with positive curvature.
Thermal stress induces dysfunction and facilitates senescence via disruption of cytoskeletal rearrangement and stimulation of the inflammatory response in primary endothelial cells
Authors: Zhao Wei , Chen Bo , Zhang Xi , Zhang Shu-Yan , Fan Xing , Yu Jia-Ao , Chen Ke-Xin
Published: February 2021

BackgroundThermal injury occurs when energy is transferred from a heat source to the body, causing local tissues to heat up. It has been demonstrated that the tissue temperature exceeds a certain threshold by exposure to external heat (thermal stress, TS), irreversible cell damage occurs, resulting in a delayed neovascularization. In recent years, warm paste is a popular item for people to keep warm in winter. Although the average temperature from the hot paste is only 54 ± 3°C, numerous cases of contact burns, that induced an increased capillary permeability in damaged tissue, by body warm paste were reported in our hospital.MethodsHerein, we evaluated the damage to primary microvascular endothelial cells (ECs) at 45°C with various times and demonstrated that exposure to TS at 45°C only for 10 minutes induced irreversible damage in ECs via suppressed proliferation and promoted apoptosis.ResultsTS significantly delayed the cell cycle and facilitated senescence in primary ECs. ECs exposed to TS lost their motility, and cytoskeletal rearrangement resulted in impaired angiogenic function. Furthermore, the result from mRNA array revealed that TS induced not only a negative regulation of migration and branching structures, but also revealed that TS exposure promoted apoptotic processes and TNF signalling resulting in increased expression of pro-inflammatory factors, such as IL-1β and IL-6.ConclusionTaken together, our results indicate that burn injury may initiate systemic injury of the vascular system even at 45°C only for 10 minutes, which might be one of the mechanisms of delayed damaged tissue repair.Trial registrationNot applicable.
Qualitative Dynamics and Pattern Formation of COVID-19 in the Modified SIR Model
Authors: Zheng Qianqian , Pandey Vikas , Shen Jianwei , Xu Yong , Guan Linan
Published: February 2021

SIR (susceptible-infective-recovery) model is a widely investigated model to explain the time evolution of infectious diseases. Outbreak of infectious diseases is affected by diffusion of infected, which is true especially in COVID-19 outbreak. Therefore, it is imperative to construct a diffusion network in the model for spatial consideration; However, the inclusion of a diffusion network is seldom considered for the studies. In this work, we first modified the SIR model for COVID-19 and then performed its stability and bifurcation analysis in qualitative research. Based on our analysis, we propose some of the advice to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Then, a random diffusion network is constructed, which shows its vital role in the Turing instability and bifurcation. We noticed that the stability of network-organized SIR could be determined by the maximum of eigenvalues of the network matrix. The maximum of eigenvalues of the network matrix is proportional to network connection rate and infection rate of the network. Therefore, these two rates play a critical role in Turing instability. We perform the numerical simulations to verify the analytical results. We try to explain the spread mechanism of infectious diseases and provide some feasible strategies based on our analysis of these two models. Also, the reduced system method for a network-organized system is proposed, which is a novel approach to investigate the complex system.
Bioengineering of Human Artificial Ovary From Cryopreserved Tissue: Optimization of the Follicles Enzymatic Isolation.
Authors: Chen Jing , Isachenko Evgenia , Wang Wanxue , Du Xinxin , Wang Mengying , Rahimi Gohar , Mallmann Peter , Isachenko Vladimir
Published: February 2021

Background: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Tumor Dissociation Enzyme (TDE) for the isolation of cryopreserved human ovarian cortex tissues, proposing an optimized applicable for artificial ovary.Methods: This is a prospective experimental study. We present a comparative analysis among the outputs of follicles isolated from cryopreserved ovarian biopsies of ten young women undergoing laparoscopy. Follicles were isolated by Tumor Dissociation Enzyme (TDE) or Liberase Dispase High (DH) enzymatic digestion. Follicles were assessed by evaluating the number, viability, morphology, oxidative stress. Moreover, the follicle growth and viability were analyzed after eight days of in vitro culture (IVC) between each protocol.Results: The recovery rate of follicles in Group 1 was significantly higher by 78 follicles compare to Group 2 (p < 0.05), while the difference in weight and volume of biopsies in both groups was no significant (p > 0.05). Group 1 allowed to isolate more primordial follicles (p < 0.05) and smaller diameter of follicles (p < 0.01) than Group 2. Group 1 allowed to isolate 7% more of bright red follicles than Group 2 (p < 0.01). We also found that Group 1 had isolated a significantly higher percent of viable follicles (p < 0.05), more morphologically normal follicles (p < 0.05), and lower oxidative stress levels compared with Group 2 (p < 0.01). The velocity of follicles growth from Day 0 to Day 8 in Group 1 was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than in Group 2. The viability of follicles on Day 8 of in vitro culture in Group 1 was significantly higher than Group 2 (p < 0.05).Conclusions: TDE treatment can be an alternative for Liberase DH, allows the isolation of highly viable follicles from the cryopreserved human ovarian cortex, with an intact morphology and low oxidative stress, and with high proliferation potential after culture in vitro.
Can different soil fertilization regimes modify soil fauna to interfere in maize grain yield?
Authors: Martins Ana Luiza Privado , Siqueira Glécio Machado , Moura Emanoel Gomes de , Silva Raimunda Alves , Farias Francisca Ferreira , Aguiar Alana das Chagas Ferreira
Published: January 2021

Soil fauna activities transform the soil, but soil organisms are also influenced by changes in the land. We hypothesize that different soil fertilization regimes modify soil fauna and in this way affect maize grain yield. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of different soil fertilization regimes on the structure of the soil fauna and the association between these organisms and the maize grain yield. The experiment was conducted in Maranhão State (Brazil), in an alley crop system which was divided into 32 plots of 4×10 m, with four replicates and the following treatments: Gliricidia sepium – gliricidia (G), potassium (K), humic acid (HA), humic acid + potassium (HA + K), potassium + gliricidia (K + G), humic acid + potassium + gliricidia (HA + K + G), humic acid + gliricidia (HA + G) and uncovered soil (US). Soil fauna dominance, abundance, richness, Shannon–Wiener diversity index, and Pielou evenness index and maize grain yield were determined. Fertilization with humic acid and potassium caused the dominance of isopods. The dominance of ants was also related to soil potassium (K treatment). The only taxon associated with yield was Araneae. Although fauna abundance did not show differences between treatments, it was related to yield. This study does not confirm the hypothesis that different soil fertilization regimes affect soil fauna and consequently influence maize grain yield. Nevertheless, we confirm that maize grain yield may be improved by the presence of specific groups and by the increased abundance of soil fauna.
Genetics of angular leaf spot (ALS) resistance in South African market class dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) cultivars
Authors: Pasipanodya Josephine T. , Melis Rob , Fourie Deidre
Published: January 2021

Angular leaf spot (ALS) caused by Pseudocercospora griseola (Sacc.) is one of the serious fungal diseases affecting dry bean in Africa, including South Africa. Host plant resistance is the best management strategy, of which its effectiveness requires knowledge of the genetics underlying the resistance in guiding breeding efforts. In this study, the inheritance of ALS resistance was studied through the generation mean analysis biometrical procedure. Six generations consisting of the two parents Ukulinga and Gadra, and its cross derived filial progenies (F1), second-generation (F2), and backcrosses of F1 to Ukulinga (BCP1) and Gadra (BCP2) were planted in a net-house and later inoculated using a mixture of P. griseola isolates. Leaf lesions (% disease severity) were rated using a CIAT 1-9 scale and analysed using SAS macros in Proc GLM of SAS version 9.3. Results of ANOVA for a full model displayed significant additive effects (P<0.05) and highly significant (P<0.001) additive x dominance effects. Segregation analysis indicated 9:7 ratio, implying the involvement of complementary gene effects. The number of genes was estimated to be 1.79; however, due to epistasis two or more genes possibly govern the resistance in this cross. Broad and narrow sense heritabilities were 0.40 and 0.33, respectively. Therefore, the estimated narrow-sense heritability, additive gene effects, and epistatic interaction imply that it is prudent to delay selections until later stages, in which homozygosity could be achieved and additive effects fixed.
Salinity management strategies and potassium fertilization in watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) cultivation
Authors: Silva Saulo Soares da , Lima Geovani Soares de , Lima Vera Lúcia Antunes de , Gheyi Hans Raj , Soares Lauriane Almeida dos Anjos , Moreira Rômulo Carantino Lucena , Fernandes Pedro Dantas , Andrade Elysson Marcks Gonçalves , Pinheiro Francisco Wesley Alves
Published: January 2021

This study aimed to evaluate the gas exchanges and growth of ‘Sugar Baby’ watermelon under different strategies of irrigation with saline water and potassium fertilization, in an experiment conducted in a protected environment. The experiment was conducted in randomized blocks, in 8 x 3 factorial arrangement, corresponding to eight water salinity management strategies applied at the phenological stages of the crop (NS = no stress along the cycle; VE = salt stress during vegetative stage; VE/FL = salt stress during vegetative and flowering stages; FL = salt stress during flowering stage; FL/FR = salt stress during flowering and fruiting stages; FR = salt stress during fruiting stage; FR/MAT = salt stress during fruiting and maturation stages; MAT = salt stress during fruit maturation stage) and three potassium doses – KD (corresponding to 50, 100 and 150% of the recommendation), with three replicates. Two levels of water salinity were used, high and low values of electrical conductivity (ECw = 0.8 and 4.0 dS m-1). Watermelon growth and gas exchanges, especially transpiration, stomatal conductance, CO2 assimilation rate, instantaneous carboxylation efficiency, and absolute and relative growth rates of stem diameter were compromised by water salinity at the stages of flowering, fruiting and maturation. The potassium dose with 50% of K2O recommendation can be used in the cultivation of watermelon, without negatively affecting gas exchange and growth.
Vegetative growth of 28 genotypes of Coffea canephora at 850 meters of altitude
Authors: Martins Madlles Queiroz , Partelli Fábio Luiz , Golynski Adelmo , Ferreira Adésio , Rorigues Weverton Pereira , Ramalho José Cochicho
Published: January 2021

Coffea canephora plants grown at low or elevated temperatures undergo changes in photosynthetic processes, which have a direct impact on vegetative growth. This species shows plants with distinct stress tolerance mechanisms and a great genetic diversity; however, there are no studies concerning the study of altitude on plant growth for these genotypes. The objective of this study was to evaluate the growth rates of orthotropic and plagiotropic branches from 28 Coffea canephora genotypes, ca. 3 years of age, cultivated at 850 m of altitude. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design with four repetitions. Each repetition was compounded by five plants. The period of the experimental evaluation was from 01/23/2013 to 07/07/2013. We selected and identified the orthotropic and plagiotropic branches, which were evaluated bimonthly according to their length (mm), assessing the growth rates. The results were associated with climatic factors that occurred during the experimental period. The genetic material of Coffea canephora evaluated in the study shows genetic diversity to the characteristics growth rate of orthotropic and plagiotropic branches, thus, it is possible to select genotypes with potential for cultivation at 850 m of altitude. In general, genotypes of Coffea canephora exhibited variations in growth rates, mainly in response to changes in temperature, with a sharp and constant drop in growth rates between the period from 05/05/2013 to 05/ 23/2013, when the recorded temperatures were always below 13 °C. Genotypes A1, NV2 and NV1 can be pointed as the ones which showed the best vegetative growth results at 850 meters of altitude.
Assessing the productivity of coriander under different irrigation depths and fertilizers applied with continuous and pulsed drip systems
Authors: Zamora Valentin Ruben Orcon , da Silva Manassés Mesquita , Santos Júnior José Amilton , da Silva Gerônimo Ferreira , Menezes Dimas , de Almeida Ceres Duarte Guedes Cabral
Published: January 2021

In this study, the authors analyzed the consequences of irrigation management strategies as an essential factor to save water and maintain high crop yields. The present research aimed at comparing coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.), cv. Verdão, yields under fertigation via drip irrigation with a continuous application and in pulses, with 40, 60, 80, 100 and 120% of the crop evapotranspiration (ETc) being recovered. These treatments were distributed in randomized blocks in a 2 × 5 factorial scheme, with three replications, in a greenhouse located at the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, northeast Brazil (08°01′6.50″ S and 34°56′46″ W, average elevation 6.5 m). The continuous irrigation consisted of the application of water depth in a single daily event, while pulsed irrigation comprised the application of the same irrigation depth split up into five events with a 1-hour interval between pulses. Crop evapotranspiration (ETc) was determined via the water balance by lysimetric drainage. The fertilizers were applied in every watering. The biometric and productivity crop pointed that pulsed irrigation to a mean depth of 58% of the ETc corresponds to the results obtained with the application of the depth equivalent to 100% of the ETc by continuous irrigation, consequently with reduced input costs.
COVID-19, comercio exterior peruano y lecciones por aprender
Authors: Guadalupe Báscones Julio
Published: January 2021

La pandemia del COVID-19 puso en evidencia falencias en la logística operativa del comercio exterior peruano relacionadas con el uso no articulado de instrumentos tecnológicos, situación que no permitía la interacción transversal y eficiente de los distintos eslabones de dicha cadena. Ello, a pesar que, desde hace algo más una década, en el Perú se venían experimentando importantes cambios normativos relacionados con el uso intensivo de tecnología, transmisiones electrónicas y plataformas digitales orientadas a evitar el contacto físico entre personas y a propender el no uso de papeles. Las necesidades globales derivadas de la pandemia en cuanto a minimizar los impactos negativos en los flujos comerciales internacionales, motivaron la preocupación de organismos como la Organización Mundial de Aduanas (OMA), quien, en base a mejores prácticas, expidió una serie de recomendaciones para hacer frente a esta coyuntura. En el Perú se adoptaron diversas disposiciones de restablecimiento y fortalecimiento de la cadena logística internacional que implicaban el necesario trabajo en conjunto del sector público con el privado. Esta experiencia, que se vio reflejada con esfuerzos similares en países de la región, está llamada no sólo a permitir levantar las falencias detectadas a nivel de la cadena logística internacional sino, además, a generar un profundo aprendizaje en torno a lo que se deberá o no hacer ante situaciones similares.
The Question of Anthropological Dualism in the Old Testament and Intertestamental Literature
Authors: Stachowiak Lech
Published: February 2021

The Question of Anthropological Dualism in the Old Testament and Intertestamental Literature
The Theological Implications of the Council’s Liturgical Constitution: Changes in the Concept of the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick
Authors: Różycki Ignacy
Published: February 2021

The Theological Implications of the Council’s Liturgical Constitution: Changes in the Concept of the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick.
Beginnings and Development Of the Warsaw Apologetic School
Authors: Kwiatkowski Wincenty
Published: February 2021

Beginnings and Development f the Warsaw Apologetic School
Risk of Drug Resistance and Repeated Infection with Klebsiella
pneumoniae and Escherichia coli in Intensive Care Unit Cancer Patients
Authors: Refay Samah M. , Ahmed Eman H. , Abd ELzaher Ahmed R. , Morsy Ahmed M. , Yasser Manal M. , Mahmoud Ayman M.
Published: January 2021

Background:

Bacterial infection is a frequent complication in cancer and immunocompromised patients. The emergence of antibiotic resistance is a significant health problem and cancer patients are at risk of repeated infections with drug-resistant bacteria.

Objective:

This investigation aimed to identify predictors of repeat infections of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae and drug resistance in cancer patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) in Upper Egypt.

Methods:

Blood, urine, sputum, pus, and mouth and nose swabs were collected form patients at the Pediatric Oncology and Medical Oncology ICUs during the period from February 2017 to May 2018. The samples were assessed by antibiotic susceptibility test and further evaluated by genetic testing for the temoniera (TEM) gene of β-lactamase. Samples positive for K. pneumoniae and E. coli were included and isolates positive for other microorganisms were excluded.

Results:

The study included 107 patients with malignant neoplasms and 136 samples. Repeated infection with K. pneumoniae and E. coli occurred in 31% and 22.45% of patients, respectively. Patients stayed for a longer period in the ICU were more likely to have repeated infections (OR 1.25, 95%CI 1.10-1.44, p=0.001) after control of other confounding factors. The type of malignant neoplasm whether it was hematologic or solid tumor (OR 7.46, 95% CI 2.56-21.7, p=0.0002) and a longer prior stay in the ICU (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.02-1.28, p=0.025) remained the independent predictors for the drug resistance in the last infection. The TEM type of β-lactamase was encoded in 48.68% and 66.67% of K. pneumoniae and E. coli, respectively.

Conclusion:

Reinfection with K. pneumoniae and E. coli in patients with cancer can occur as the number of days in the hospital increases. Total prior days spent in the ICU by cancer patients were independently associated with both repeated infections and drug resistance. Samples from patients with hematologic neoplasms were associated with drug resistance.
In Vitro Antifungal Screening of Argentine Native or Naturalized Plants
against the Phytopathogen Monilinia fructicola
Authors: Derita Marcos Gabriel , Stegmayer María Inés , Fernández Laura Noemí , Álvarez Norma Hortensia , Seimandi Gisela Marisol , Reutemann Andrea Guadalupe
Published: January 2021

Background:

One of the main problems that fruit health has gone through in recent years is the difficult eradication of their fungal pathogens during crops or the post-harvest stage. This concerns the whole world because it represents huge production losses, fruit export restrictions and consumer distrust. Consequently, new alternatives are sought to avoid the increasing use of fungicides that cause important damage to fruit consumers and to the environment. One of the alternatives to solve this problem could be the exploration of plants and their active compounds applied to the treatment of fruit health.

Materials and methods:

This article describes peach production worldwide and particularly in Argentina, in addition to the main fungal rot that causes the greatest economic losses. Furthermore, experimental in-vitro studies of 69 extracts obtained from 18 plants growing in the central region of Argentina were displayed against the devastating fungus Monilinia fructicola, which greatly affects stone fruits. A simple and effective method developed in agar plate was applied to evaluate a large number of samples in a short time.

Results:

Results showed that approximately 36% of the samples tested were strongly active against this pathogen, 12% were moderately active and 52% demonstrated to be inactive.

Conclusion:

These findings support the possible use of natural products for fruit health and the importance of deepening in this field of science.
Expression Analysis of 4-Hydroxynonenal Modified Proteins in Schizophrenia
Brain; Relevance to Involvement in Redox Dysregulation
Authors: Manzoor Sobia , Khan Ayesha , Hasan Beena , Mushtaq Shamim , Ahmed Nikhat
Published: January 2021

Background:

Oxidative damage contributes to the pathophysiology of schizophrenia (SZ). Redox imbalance may
lead to increased lipid peroxidation, which produces toxic aldehydes like 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) ultimately leading to
oxidative stress. Conversely, implications of oxidative stress points towards an alteration in HNE-protein adducts and
activities of enzymatic and antioxidant systems in schizophrenia.

Objectives:

Present study focuses on identification of HNE-protein adducts and its related molecular consequences in
schizophrenia pathology due to oxidative stress, particularly lipid peroxidation.

Material and Methods:

Oxyblotting was performed on seven autopsied brain samples each from cortex and hippocampus
region of schizophrenia patients and their respective normal healthy controls. Additionally, thiobarbituric acid substances
(TBARS), reduced glutathione (GSH) levels and catalase (CAT) activities associated with oxidative stress, were also
estimated.

Results:

Obtained results indicates substantially higher levels of oxidative stress in schizophrenia patients than healthy
control group represented by elevated expression of HNE-protein adducts. Interestingly, hippocampus region of
schizophrenia brain shows increased HNE protein adducts compared to cortex. An increase in catalase activity (4.8876 ±
1.7123) whereas decrease in antioxidant GSH levels (0.213 ± 0.015µmol/ml) have been observed in SZ brain. Elevated
TBARS level (0.3801 ± 0.0532ug/ml) were obtained in brain regions SZ patients compared with their controls that reflects
an increased lipid peroxidation (LPO).

Conclusion:

Conclusion: We propose the role of HNE modified proteins possibly associated with the pathology of
schizophrenia. Our data revealed increase lipid peroxidation as a consequence of increased TBARS production.
Furthermore, altered cellular antioxidants pathways related to GSH and CAT also highlight the involvement of oxidative
stress in schizophrenia pathology.
COVID-19, Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 and Renin-Angiotensin System
Inhibition: Implications for Practice
Authors: Katsi Vasiliki , Pavlidis George , Charalambous George , Tousoulis Dimitrios , Toutouzas Konstantinos
Published: January 2021

Background :

Recent studies suggested that patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) who use
renin-angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors have an increased risk of respiratory failure and death. The hypothesis was that
angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEIs) or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARBs) may up-regulate ACE2
expression that is used as receptor for viral entry into cells.

Objective:

The purpose of this review is to discuss the existing evidence on the interaction between COVID-19 infection,
ACE2 and ACEIs or ARBs and to examine the main implications for clinical practice. In addition, novel therapeutic
strategies for blocking ACE2-mediated COVID-19 infection will be displayed.

Methods :

We performed a comprehensive review of the literature to identify data from clinical and experimental studies
for the association between COVID-19 infection, ACE2 and RAS inhibition.

Results:

The current clinical and experimental evidence for ACEIs or ARBs to facilitate severe acute respiratory distress
syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is insufficient to suggest discontinuing these drugs. Several observational studies
arrive at the conclusion that the continued use of RAS inhibitors is unlike to be harmful in COVID-19-positive patients.

Conclusions:

Further randomized trials are needed to answer definitely the question of whether RAS inhibitors are
harmful or beneficial to patients with COVID-19.
Advancements in Ultra-Sensitive Nanoelectronic Biosensors for Medical Applications
Authors: Thanaraj Mrunalini , Rathanasamy Rajasekar , Jaganathan Saravana Kumar
Published: January 2021

Sensing devices own a vital role in supporting medical needs for the early recognition and
diagnosis of diseases. In the past half-century, researchers have developed many biosensors for suitable
applications, but only a limited number of biosensors are commercially available. The biosensors
are biological recognition devices with high target specificity and high sensitivity leading to
commercialization and wider acceptability in the existing market of health care industries. The nanosized
materials are indispensable in the biomedical field because of their captivating characteristics
like increased surface area and novel quantum effects. Nanoscale materials are very closer to biological
molecules in size and own good specificity when used in biosensors. An overview of the working
principles of various commonly used biosensors will be presented and a special emphasis is given
to graphene-based biosensors to monitor the interaction of biological molecules. Graphene is one
of the most superior nanocomposite that provides an opportunity for the best sensing platform in the
field of bioanalysis. The supremacy of Graphene and GFET devices in biosensors for analyzing the
biological samples and to provide consistent data is investigated using a simulation tool. Meanwhile,
the performance behavior of nano-biosensors based on their dimensional influence is also explored.
This review may provide constructive guidance for examining the interfacial interaction between
nano composites and tiny biological components to impart knowledge or regulate things based on the
application chosen.
Viral-Encoded microRNAs in Host-Pathogen Interactions in Silkworm
Authors: Singh Chandra Pal
Published: January 2021

The mulberry silkworm Bombyx mori, apart from its well-known economic importance,
has also emerged as an insect model to study host-pathogen interactions. The major concern for
silkworm cultivation and the sericulture industry is the attack by various types of pathogens mainly
including viruses, fungi, bacteria and protozoa. Successful infection requires specific arsenals to
counter the host immune response. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are one of the potential arsenals which
are encoded by viruses and effectively used during host-pathogen interactions. MiRNAs are short
noncoding 19-25 nucleotides long endogenous RNAs that post-transcriptionally regulate the expression
of protein-coding genes in a sequence-specific manner. Most of the higher eukaryotes encode
miRNAs and utilize them in the regulation of important cellular pathways. In silkworm, promising
functions of miRNAs have been characterized in development, metamorphosis, immunity, and
host-pathogen interactions. The viral miRNA-mediated fine-tuning of the viral, as well as cellular
genes, is beneficial for making a cellular environment favorable for the virus proliferation. Baculovirus
and cypovirus, which infect silkworm have been shown to encode miRNAs and their functions
are implicated in controlling the expression of both viral and host genes. In the present review,
the author discusses the diverse functions of viral-encoded miRNAs in evasion of the host immune
responses and reshaping of the silkworm cellular environment for replication. Besides, a basic
overview of miRNA biogenesis and mechanism of action is also provided. Our increasing understanding
of the role of viral miRNAs in silkworm-virus interactions would not only assist us to
get insights into the intricate pathways but also provide tools to deal with dreaded pathogens.
Recapitulation of Cancer Nanotherapeutics
Authors: Morani Dilip , Patil Pravin , Jain Ashish
Published: January 2021

:

Recently, nanotherapeutics has revolutionized the major impact on healthcare strategies
and health facilities. Nanotherapeutics includes design, development and application of therapeutic
agents having nano-size (1-100 nm). Due to implications in gene therapy and drug delivery,
nanotherapeutics has received much interest in the current scenario. The major area where research
is going on and giving maximum benefits from nano-based delivery system includes cancer diagnosis
and targeting. The nanotherapeutics are designed in such a way that they will overcome the major
drawbacks of conventional therapy and have multi-functionalities so that it can be targeted to
cancer site. Nanotherapeutics have increased the permeability and retention of anticancer agents
thereby targeting them to the tumor site. Nanotherapeutics has increased the effectiveness of anticancer
agents with less or no toxicity. Likewise, diagnostic imaging is also possible with fluorescent
nanoparticles based nanotherapeutics and has major potential applications in recent upcoming
years with newer fluorescent nanomaterials for specific cancer targeting. NTs provided the possibility
of delivering drugs to specific cells using nanoparticles. The overall drug consumption and
side-effects may be lowered significantly by depositing the active agent in the morbid region only
and in no higher dose than needed. Thus, attempts have been made to define the nanotherapeutics
and to compile the latest developments in the field. Because the topic is of high importance to the
general human wellbeing and covers recapitulation of cancer nanotherapeutics and summarizes and
restates the main points of nanotherapeutics in the treatment of cancer disease.
Adjuvant Therapies of COVID-19 - A Literature Review
Authors: Maideen Naina Mohamed Pakkir
Published: January 2021

Background:

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was originated first in Wuhan, China,
in December 2019, and it is known to be caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-
2 (SARS CoV-2). The management of COVID-19 could be achieved by means of the usage
of the repurposed drugs, inhibiting the viral entry and/or viral fusion such as umifenovir, Baricitinib,
Camostat mesylate, Nafamostat mesylate, and the drugs blocking the viral replication, which
include favipiravir, remdesivir, Lopinavir/ritonavir, Ribavirin, Sofosbuvir, chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine.

Objective:

Along with the drugs that target the SARS-CoV-2 virus, adjunctive therapies are also
employed. This review focuses on the adjuvant therapies employed to manage the COVID-19-associated
complications, such as cytokine storm, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), respiratory
failure, cardiac injury, coagulopathy, and multi-organ failure.

Method:

The literature was searched in databases such as Medline/PubMed Central/PubMed, Google
Scholar, Science Direct, EBSCO, Scopus, EMBASE, Directory of open access journals (DOAJ),
and reference lists to identify relevant articles.

Results:

Various studies have been identified for the use of corticosteroids, interferons, monoclonal
antibodies, etoposide, ruxolitinib, anticoagulants, convalescent plasma, immunoglobulins, mesenchymal
stem cells, natural killer (NK) cells, and inhaled nitric oxide (NO) as adjuvant therapy to
manage the patients with COVID-19 along with the repurposed drugs targeting SARS-CoV-2.

Conclusion:

The safety and efficacy of adjuvant therapy are needed to be confirmed by various ongoing
randomized controlled clinical trials.
El Gorrión Serrano (Xenospiza baileyi): síntesis sobre la historia natural, estudios científicos y acciones para la conservación de un ave micro endémica de México en peligro de extinción
Authors: Ortega-Álvarez Rubén , Calderón-Parra Rafael , Martínez Molina Ulises , Martínez Molina Fredy , Martínez Molina Gabriel , Martínez Molina Yuridia , Martínez Villagrán Agustín , Martínez Freire Josué , Vásquez Robles Rocío , García Loaeza Delfino , Martínez García Jaciel , García Loaeza Sarai , Garduño López Nancy Isabel , Sánchez-González Luis A.
Published: February 2021

La conservación enfocada en especies endémicas es prioritaria dada su alta vulnerabilidad. Para lograrla resulta imprescindible conocer la historia natural de las especies. El Gorrión Serrano (Xenospiza baileyi), catalogado en peligro de extinción, es una de las aves endémicas más vulnerables de México (valor de vulnerabilidad máximo = 20). Su estudio ha sido intermitente y la información asociada a su historia natural se encuentra dispersa, no publicada o es de difícil acceso. En este trabajo se sistematizó, examinó y actualizó el conocimiento relacionado con la historia natural de X. baileyi. Se compilaron estudios sobre esta especie para identificar vacíos en torno a su investigación. Se lograron integrar aspectos de la historia natural de X. baileyi relacionados con su taxonomía, descripción, distribución, hábitat, demografía, dispersión, territorialidad, alimentación, interacciones ecológicas, perchas, vocalizaciones, ciclo reproductivo, cortejo, nido, huevos, pollos y amenazas. Además, se incluyó información nueva resultante de actividades de monitoreo comunitario sobre esta especie, lo cual permitió denotar la importancia de la inclusión comunitaria para el manejo y conservación de la especie y su hábitat. Esta información resulta fundamental para optimizar su estudio y orientar las acciones urgentes en torno a su conservación.
Fluctuación espacio-temporal de Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae) en limón Persa (Citrus latifolia) en la zona citrícola de Huimanguillo, Tabasco
Authors: Yzquierdo-Alvarez Marilyn Estefania , Rincón-Ramírez Joaquín Alberto , Loeza-Kuk Emiliano , López-Olguín Jesús Francisco , Aceves-Navarro Lorenzo Armando , Ortiz-García Carlos Fredy
Published: February 2021

En México se cultivan cerca de 600 mil hectáreas de cítricos, de los cuales, el cultivo de limón Persa representa el 19%, con un valor cercano a 3 mil 800 millones de pesos. Veracruz, Tabasco y Oaxaca son los tres principales productores a nivel nacional; sin embargo, esta producción se mantiene en riesgo por las pérdidas económicas que genera la enfermedad Huanglongbing y su vector el Psílido Asiático de los Cítricos Diaphorina citri (Kuwayama, 1907). En Tabasco, el patógeno y vector se detectaron desde el 2012 y 2005, respectivamente. Así, a cinco años del manejo mediante las Áreas Regionales de Control (ARCOs), es imperativo conocer la fluctuación poblacional de D. citri, por lo que el presente estudio tuvo como objetivo conocer la fluctuación espacio-temporal de Diaphorina citri en el ARCOs de la zona citrícola de Huimanguillo, Tabasco, y determinar los periodos de mayor densidad poblacional y de riesgo de dispersión del HLB. Se analizó la base de datos de la captura catorcenal de adultos en 2,820 trampas pegajosas amarillas en 141 sitios del monitoreo de D. citri de marzo a diciembre del 2019, realizado en la campaña contra plagas reglamentadas de los cítricos. Con la base de datos se generaron mapas geoestadísticos del promedio de D. citri por trampas y se determinó el patrón de dispersión del adulto mediante el cálculo de tres índices de agregación, además de su relación con las variables ambientales de temperaturas y precipitación mensuales. Se observó que D. citri está presente durante todo el periodo de estudio variando su densidad de manera mensual, las densidades poblacionales más altas se presentaron en el periodo de junio a octubre, con tendencia de mayor abundancia hacia la parte noroeste de la zona citrícola, presentando un patrón de distribución en agregados y del 20 al 30% de los sitios evaluados rebasan el umbral de intervención regional de un adulto de D. citri por trampa.
Leveraging Social Media Activity and Machine Learning for HIV and Substance Abuse Risk Assessment: Development and Validation Study
Authors: Ovalle Anaelia , Goldstein Orpaz , Kachuee Mohammad , Wu Elizabeth S C , Hong Chenglin , Holloway Ian W , Sarrafzadeh Majid
Published: January 2021

Background

Social media networks provide an abundance of diverse information that can be leveraged for data-driven applications across various social and physical sciences. One opportunity to utilize such data exists in the public health domain, where data collection is often constrained by organizational funding and limited user adoption. Furthermore, the efficacy of health interventions is often based on self-reported data, which are not always reliable. Health-promotion strategies for communities facing multiple vulnerabilities, such as men who have sex with men, can benefit from an automated system that not only determines health behavior risk but also suggests appropriate intervention targets.

Objective

This study aims to determine the value of leveraging social media messages to identify health risk behavior for men who have sex with men.

Methods

The Gay Social Networking Analysis Program was created as a preliminary framework for intelligent web-based health-promotion intervention. The program consisted of a data collection system that automatically gathered social media data, health questionnaires, and clinical results for sexually transmitted diseases and drug tests across 51 participants over 3 months. Machine learning techniques were utilized to assess the relationship between social media messages and participants' offline sexual health and substance use biological outcomes. The F1 score, a weighted average of precision and recall, was used to evaluate each algorithm. Natural language processing techniques were employed to create health behavior risk scores from participant messages.

Results

Offline HIV, amphetamine, and methamphetamine use were correctly identified using only social media data, with machine learning models obtaining F1 scores of 82.6%, 85.9%, and 85.3%, respectively. Additionally, constructed risk scores were found to be reasonably comparable to risk scores adapted from the Center for Disease Control.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, our study is the first empirical evaluation of a social media–based public health intervention framework for men who have sex with men. We found that social media data were correlated with offline sexual health and substance use, verified through biological testing. The proof of concept and initial results validate that public health interventions can indeed use social media–based systems to successfully determine offline health risk behaviors. The findings demonstrate the promise of deploying a social media–based just-in-time adaptive intervention to target substance use and HIV risk behavior.
Measurement of Surface Area Concentration of Fine Particulate Matter in Indoor Environments
Authors: Pai Pramod
Published: January 2021

Indoor exposure to fine particles (0.01-2.5 µm) is measured in the present study using Surface Area Concentration (SAC) metric for two indoor environment categories based on the cooking fuel used—kerosene and Liquid Petroleum Gas LPG. Study of SAC is very important from the point of view of health aspects. From the collected data, Arithmetic Means, Geometric Means, peak concentration values were determined to compare between the two categories of Indoor environment. The results show the two environments to be significantly different. Also, the results indicate remarkable high indoor surface area concentrations during the cooking and other combustion processes.
Алтайн «Жангар»-ын уламлжлалын тухай болон түүний холбогдох зарим асуудлууд (= О традиции «Джангара» у алтайских народов)
Authors:   Inner Mongolian University, Davan Taya
Published: January 2021

Altai heroic legends represent a specific and multiphase phenomenon among which «Jаҥар» takes a rightful place. The researchers of “Jangar” are aware of the fact that in one form or another “Jangar” existed not only among Oirats of China and Mongolia, Kalmyks of Russia but also among Turkic-origin Tuvinians, Altaians and Sart-Kalmyks. However, apart from publications on this theme, the texts of these stories were not published. One of the interesting problems of the contemporary Epos Studies is the tradition of existence and masterly performance of Altai «Jаҥар». It is a well-known fact that the story was recorded by T. B. Shinzhin during 1977–1980 from the talented Altai storyteller-kaichi N. K. Yalatov. The text of Altai «Jаҥар» consists of three volumes. However, there is no academic translation of the text into Mongolian or Russian. The article gives analysis of the history of recording and study of the epos and briefly highlights the storyline. The storyline despite its volume maintains logical sequence, integrity of narration and completeness of the narrative. The main storyline is the fight of the upper and lower worlds. There is a need for comparative analysis with the chapters of the Oirat “Jangar”. This will allow us to determine whether the Altai legend is one of the variants of “Jangar”, is an independent epic creation or is its archaic primary source. The translation of «Jаҥар» into Mongolian and Russian will enable to introduce the story into the world Epos Studies.
Монгол аман зохиол дахь гэрийн тотгоны дүрслэл (= Описание притолоки юрты в монгольском фольклоре)
Authors:   Institute of Language and Literature of the Academy of Sciences of Mongolia, Ch. Zayasuren
Published: January 2021

In the written monuments, in the samples of Mongolian folklore (fairytales, epos, riddles, etc.) they often describe yurt lintel. In this article the author attempts to show all the descriptions of lintel that are mentioned in the Mongolian folklore and gives comments on each sign and rite based on the analysis of the examples. The thorough study of each object and detail in setting up a yurt that has become a significant constituent part of the cultural heritage of Mongolian nations will give the new generations the opportunity to learn their meaning and significance.
О двух исторических преданиях времен Аюки-хана в традиции ойратов Синьцзяна: к проблеме историзма фольклора
Authors:   Kalmyk Scientific Center of the RAS, Seleeva Tsagan B.
Published: January 2021

The article discusses the problem of historicism of folklore texts. A segment of historical and legendary folklore that is represented by the texts of historic stories in traditional oral culture of Xinjiang Oirats is of special interest. The goal of the research is to analyze two historic legends of Auka-Khan era from the perspective of manifestation and projection of folklore historicism in them. The study points out that the characteristic feature of the two stories in question is the high degree of ‘historicism’. ‘Historicism is represented in characters, that have the prototypes of real historical people — Auka Khan, Seterjab, Tseven-Rabdan, Galdan-Tseren, and also the narrative episodes that relate to certain historical events and facts. The legend about Mergen Jonum tells about series of conflicts that are connected to a specific historical event — a war of Kalmyks with Crimea Khanate. The author comes to a conclusion that historicism of the folklore texts doesn’t have direct authenticity, so certain historical events compressed and reduced are comprehended through a prism of traditional folk ideas and perceptions.