Ubiquitous but Ignored? A Case of Water Beetle in Southeastern Europe

Although freshwater habitats, especially springs, are widely recognized as top-priority habitats for monitoring and conservation procedures, their fauna, especially water beetles, are still poorly studied in the southeastern part of Europe. Thus, the dominant water beetle in these habitats, E. bosnica (Zaitzev, 1908) (Insecta: Coleoptera: Elmidae), has been completely ignored and misidentified. This study represents the first review of its taxonomy and its population and ecological traits. Both published and unpublished data are presented and discussed, as well as the results of field sampling in 46 springs and other waterbodies conducted in this region from 2004 to 2019. The identification characters of the male genitalia and the first DNA barcode of the species are presented. The results confirm the close phylogenetic relationship of E. bosnica with E. aenea (Müller, 1806) and E. rioloides (Kuwert, 1890). The species proved to be a useful environmental descriptor and can easily be used as a biological indicator due to its easy identification. The species shows remarkable sensitivity to environmental conditions and inhabits sites that are potentially under increased anthropogenic pressure and could disappear at an alarming rate. Thus, karstic habitats should be included in future conservation and monitoring procedures in this part of Europe.

Variability of Phenological Behaviours of Wild Fruit Tree Species Based on Discriminant Analysis

Vegetation phenology is considered an important biological indicator in understanding the behaviour of ecosystems and how it responds to environmental cues. The aim of this paper is to provide information on the variability of phenological behaviours based on discriminant analysis using the R software package with the following libraries: ggplot2, heplots, candisc, MASS, car, and klaR. Three phenological phases were analysed with eight wild fruit tree species from a forest ecosystem in the southwestern part of Romania (44°05′19.5” N 23°54′03.5” E). It was found that there is a large and very large variability for the “bud burst” phenophase, medium and low for “full flowering”, and reduced for the “all petals fallen” phenophase. For the analyzed data, the discriminant analysis model has high accuracy (accuracy: 0.9583; 95% CI: (0.7888, 0.9989). Partition plots show the results of “full flowering” and “all petals fallen” as a function of the “bud burst” of pockmarks when separated into eight clusters and eight clusters of “full flowering” as a function of “all petals fallen”. The differences observed, from a phenological point of view, are not only due to the different cold requirements of these species but also to the temperatures during the spring.

Association between fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio and the presence and severity of coronary artery disease in patients with acute coronary syndrome

Objective Although the levels of plasma fibrinogen and albumin have been proven to be in relation to coronary heart disease (CHD), the association between fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio (FAR) and acute coronary syndrome (ACS) has not been adequately investigated. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between FAR and the presence and severity of CHD in patients with ACS. Methods and results A total of 1575 individuals who received coronary angiography (CAG) were enrolled. Patients were divided into the ACS group and the control group. The severity of ACS was determined by Gensini score, number of diseased coronary artery and the presence of myocardial infarction (MI). Data showed that the level of FAR in ACS group was higher than in the control group (81.20 ± 35.45 vs. 72.89 ± 20.24, P < 0.001). The results from subgroup analysis indicated that the values of FAR in the high Gensini score group, MI group and multiple-vessel stenosis group were higher than the matched subgroups. After adjustment for confounders, FAR was still independently related to the presence and severity of ACS (MI OR 2.097, 95%CI 1.430–3.076; High GS: OR 2.335, 95%CI 1.567–3.479; multiple-vessel disease: OR 2.088, 95%CI 1.439–3.030; P < 0.05). Conclusion The levels of FAR are independently associated with the presence and the severity of coronary artery disease in patients with ACS. Furthermore, FAR, as a more convenient and rapid biological indicator, may provide a new idea for predicting the presence and severity of ACS.

Can fecal calprotectin levels be used to monitor infant milk protein allergies?

Background Milk protein allergy is one of the most common food allergies in infants. We aimed to test whether fecal calprotectin can be used to monitor food allergies in infants by comparing the fecal calprotectin levels in infants with a milk protein allergy before and after an intervention treatment. Methods The study was designed as a prospective case–control trial. Stool samples were collected at follow-up, and the concentration of fecal calprotectin was determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The infant’s weight and length were measured. Results The allergic group comprised 90 milk-allergic infants (41 boys, 49 girls), and the nonallergic group comprised 90 nonallergic infants (51 boys, 39 girls). Compared with the fecal calprotectin level in the nonallergic group (median: 141 μg/g), that in the allergic group (median: 410 μg/g) was significantly higher (z = − 9.335, p < 0.001). After two dietary interventions and treatments, the fecal calprotectin levels of the infants with a milk protein allergy at the first (median: 253 μg/g) and second follow-up visits (median: 160 μg/g) were significantly lower than those before the intervention (z = − 7.884, p < 0.001 and z = − 8.239, p < 0.001, respectively). The growth index values (LAZ and WAZ) of the infants with a milk protein allergy at the first and second follow-up visits were significantly higher than those before dietary intervention (p < 0.05). Fecal calprotectin was negatively and significantly correlated with the WLZ and WAZ at the second follow-up visit (Spearman’s rho = − 0.234, p = 0.01 and Spearman’s rho = − 0.193, p = 0.03, respectively). Conclusion The level of fecal calprotectin in infants with a milk protein allergy decreased after dietary intervention and seems to be a promising biological indicator for monitoring intestinal allergies.

Patch dynamics in the Javan Hawk-Eagle (Nisaetus bartelsi) habitat of East Java

Javan Hawk-Eagle (JHE, Nisaetus bartelsi) is an endemic species in Java Island and an important biological indicator of ecosystem health. The government has issued regulations to protect this species and increase the population by 10% from 2015 until 2019. East Java has the largest JHE potential habitat in Java Island based on a previous study using satellite images of 2002. Therefore, the current habitat distribution of JHE’s is essential for getting knowledge about patch dynamics in JHE’s habitat. This study’s objective was to analyze patch dynamics of JHE’s habitat from 2002 until 2015 and validate habitat distribution. Previously predicted probability map (2002) of JHE’s were updated using Landsat 8 satellite images of 2015 and was validated through ground-truth checked. Results showed that the distribution of JHE’s habitat after validation is 28 patches, which is covered 4766.26 km2. The dynamics that occur in the JHE’s patch are patch lost(1 patch), patch area decreased (5 patches), patch area increased (13 patches), new patch (4 patches), and merged patch. After validation, there are six newly identified patches, and one patch area increased. The total area increased by 2156.14 km2 or 82.61% of the total area occupied by JHE’s in 2002. About 39.89% of total habitat patches were located inside the protected area. This study recommends continuing monitoring activities on habitat patches, including potential habitat patches in lowland areas, and proposing conservation activities based on habitat patch dynamics that occurred from 2002 to 2015.

Mir-Oz Kegulates Osteoblast Apoptosis, Proliferation and Differentiation through Targeted Inhibition of Runx2 in Osteoporosis Running Title: Role and Potential Mechanism of Mir-152 in Osteoporosis

Objective: To explore the role and potential mechanism of miR-152 in osteoporosis. Methods: Fifty-four osteoporotic patients and 54 healthy subjects were recruited from August 2017 to January 2019. Serum samples of the two groups were obtained, and the miR-152 expression in serum was detected and compared. The human osteoblast cell line hFOB1.19 was obtained and miR-152 in cells was increased. The biological behavior changes such as cell proliferation, apoptosis and differentiation were observed by MTT, flow cytometry and detection of osteoblast differentiation markers (ALP, OCN). Results: miR-152 was elevated in osteoporosis patients, and AUC value of serum miR-152 in diagnosing osteoporosis was 0.939. After miR-152 in osteoblasts was elevated, cell proliferation was inhibited, cell apoptosis rate increased, and ALP and OCN content in cells reduced, while increasing cell RUNX2 simultaneously was totally different. Dual luciferase report showed that RUNX2 could be targeted and regulated by miR-152. Conclusion: miR-152 is elevated in serum of osteoporosis patients and can be used as a biological indicator for diagnosing osteoporosis. In addition, miR-152 can inhibit osteoblast proliferation, differentiation and induce apoptosis through negative regulation of RUNX2.

Cadmium, Chromium, and Cobalt in the Organs of Glyceria maxima and Bottom Sediments of the Pisa River and Its Tributaries (Poland)

The aim of the presented article was to determine whether human activity significantly influenced the enrichment of Cd, Co, and Cr, in river sediments and Glyceria maxima, in the basin of the Pisa River, an underdeveloped area in Poland. In this study, the content and spatial distribution of Cd, Cr, and Co in the organs underground and above ground, (sequentially: root, stem, leaf) of Glyceria maxima and bottom sediments of the Pisa River and its tributaries (Pisza Woda, Wincenta, Turośl and Skroda River) were analyzed. The Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) were determined by ASA method (Atomic Absorption Spectrometry). The results showed that the average PTEs contents in the river sediments occurred in the following descending order of Cd < Co < Cr. The highest values of the Igeo, CF coefficients, i.e., the greatest impact of anthropogenic activities on the water environment of the Pisa River and its tributaries, were found especially in the case of Cd. The research on the plant material has shown that the highest content of Cr and Co occurs in the roots, then in the stems, and the least in the leaves of Glyceria maxima. However, the amounts of Cd in the examined parts of Glyceria maxima had similar values. The content of Cd, Cr, and Co in the roots and above-ground parts exceeded the physiological values. Glyceria maxima can be used as a biological indicator material. Statistical analyzes showed the movement of PTEs in the sediment-root-stem-leaf system and identified the sources of PTEs, i.e., municipal wastewater treatment plants, the local food industry, and surface runoff.

The existence of Asian small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinereus Illiger, 1815) in the UCPS Hydropower, Cianjur, West Java, Indonesia

Dirgantara AP, Megantara EN, Husodo T, Febrianto P, Wulandari I, Shanida SS. 2021. The existence of Asian small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinereus Illiger, 1815) in the UCPS Hydropower, Cianjur, West Java. Biodiversitas 22: 4391-4401. Little information about the existence of small-clawed otters (Aonyx cinereus) in Indonesia is available. Small-clawed otter is the top predator and biological indicator of wetland health. However, the small-clawed otter population in the world has decreased due to anthropogenic factors. This study aims to reveal 1) estimate the population size of small-clawed otters and 2) the small-clawed otter signs at the UCPS Hydropower construction site, Cianjur, West Java. This study used a qualitative approach in February-April 2017. Sign surveys (feces, footprints, leftovers, and dens) and camera trapping were applied in this study. There were 32 signs with details of 21 feces, eight footprints, and three dens. The estimation of small-clawed otter population size at UCPS Hydropower ranges from 5-14 individuals in total scattered in the Citali-Cisokan, Cilengkong, and Cirumamis rivers. In addition, the discovery of infant and bedding repair activities shows that the habitat in the UCPS Hydropower area supports the daily needs of small-clawed otters, especially in terms of breeding and shelter. Further studies are needed regarding the impact of the UCPS Hydropower construction on the existence of small-clawed otters, especially in the overlapping between small-clawed otter habitat and the UCPS Hydropower construction sites, by monitoring and making wildlife management policies.

Public Buses Decontamination by Automated Hydrogen Peroxide Aerosolization System

BACKGROUND: Public transportation has been linked to an increase in the risk of coronavirus disease 2019 transmission. The effective decontamination system using aerosolized hydrogen peroxide can mitigate the transmission risk from using public transportation. AIM: The aim of this study was to develop and validate an effective decontamination system for public transport. METHODS: The experimental research was performed in 13 inter-city public buses. The aerosol generator with ultrasonic atomizer was used in the experiment. The validation process for disinfection was conducted using both a chemical indicator (CI) and spore discs biological indicator (inoculated with 106 Geobacillus stearothermophilus enclosed in glassine envelopes). The CIs and biological indicators were marked by number and placed in nine locations on each bus. The decontamination cycle was developed by analyzed of various aerosolized and decomposition period. Both concentrations of hydrogen peroxide, 5% and 7%, were used for comparison. RESULTS: In an aerosolized period, both concentrations of hydrogen peroxide at 30 min were effective for sporicidal 6-log reductions. The decontamination cycle totaled 100 min, based on a 70 min average decomposition time. CONCLUSIONS: The automated hydrogen peroxide aerosolized system is a highly effective and safe method of decontaminating public buses.

Studies on the Role of circRNAs in Osteoarthritis

Objective. Provide a reference to elucidate the mechanism of circRNAs regulating osteoarthritis (OA) and the clinical treatment. Methods. Herein, articles about circRNAs (hsa-circ) and osteoarthritis in the recent 5 years have been reviewed and the differential expression and regulatory effect of circRNAs in OA deduced. Based on these conclusions and Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI), Gene Ontology (GO), and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses of the acquired circRNAs, the potential functions and interactions of circRNAs in OA and the involved signaling pathways are discussed. Results. A total of 33 studies meeting the inclusion criteria were included in this study, and 27 circRNAs were upregulated and 8 circRNAs were downregulated in OA. A total of 31 circRNAs were finally included in the PPI, GO, and KEGG analyses. From PPI, 12 map nodes and 7 map edges were interrelated. VWF had the biggest node and edge size. From GO, VWF showed a majority of the functions. From KEGG, circRNAs are enriched in PI3K/AKT, human papillomavirus infection (HPI), and focal adhesion (FA) pathways, and VWF was involved in major pathways. Conclusion. We found that most articles about circRNAs regulating OA in the recent 5 years focused on the mechanism, especially the absorption effect of circ-miRNA as sponges in the recent 2 years, while most of the articles about their functions addressed ECM and PI3K, AKT, and mTOR signaling pathways. Future studies might focus on the functions of circRNAs, and circRNA VWF, with preferable functions, interactions, and involvement, can be used as a biological indicator to detect OA in clinical practice.