bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adverse Events Profile of Low-dose Methotrexate in Nepalese Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: an Observational Study
Authors: Nakarmi Shweta , Pudasaini Kalpana , Adhikari Bhojraj , Vaidya Binit
Published: November 2020

Background: Methotrexate is considered as the anchor drug for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. However, various adverse effects limit its use leading to frequent discontinuation of treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the common adverse effects of methotrexate in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted at National Center for Rheumatic Diseases from June 2018 to May 2019 among patients with rheumatoid arthritis using methotrexate monotherapy. Laboratory tests like liver function tests, renal function tests, complete blood count, C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate were done at baseline and every 3 months. Data on patients’ comorbidities, disease activity and side effects of drug were collected on every follow- up. Statistical analysis was carried out with the help of SPSS 23.0.

Results: Out of 232 patients experiencing at least one adverse effect while on methotrexate monotherapy, 87.5% were female and mean age was 46.9±10.8 years. The mean dose of methotrexate was 16.6 ± 3.9 mg/week with the most frequently used dose of 20mg/week. Among the variety of adverse reaction observed, the most common was transaminitis (75.0%) with approximately 50.0% as isolated liver function abnormality, followed by nausea (19.4%), anorexia (12.9%), leukopenia (12.5%), oral ulcer (8.2%) and psychological intolerance (4.7%). Multiple regression analysis showed significant predictive value of body mass index for transaminitis (p-value 0.007).

Conclusions: Asymptomatic liver function test derangement was the most frequent adverse-effect of methotrexate observed, whereas nausea and anorexia were the most common patient reported events. The frequent dose associated with side-effects in Nepalese patients was around 20mg/week.

Keywords: Adverse events; methotrexate; Nepal; rheumatoid arthritis
OYUNLAŞTIRMANIN PAZARLAMADAKİ GÜCÜ
Authors: AKILLIBAŞ Erman , CEYLAN Kutalmış Emre
Published: November 2020

Oyun, çok eski tarihlerden buyana insanların iletişim kurması ve sosyalleşmesi için vazgeçilmez bir olgu olmuştur. Oyunlaştırmanın temeli oyunlar ve motivasyon teorilerine dayanmaktadır. Oyunlaştırma sayesinde müşteriler kendilerini markaya hem daha yakın hem de daha ait hissetmektedir. Oyunlaştırma kavramı ticaret, insan kaynakları, üretim, eğitim, sağlık, spor, pazarlama, psikoloji ve tasarım gibi birçok alanı kapsamaktadır. Oyunlaştırma işletmeler için belirlenen hedeflere ulaşmada yol gösterici yepyeni bir iş aracıdır. İnsanların başarı ve rekabet duygularına seslenmektedir. Çalışanlar arasında birlik duygusu oluşturmakta ve kurum içi bağları güçlendirmektedir. Oyunlaştırma ile sıkıcı işler keyifli hale gelmekte ve zor işler kolaylaşmaktadır. Oyunlaştırmanın asıl amacı oyun duygusuyla katılımcılardan beklenen davranış değişikliğini sağlamaktır. Oyunlaştırma, gönüllülük esaslı oluşan amaçları ve hedefleri planlanmış, rekabet unsurunun yer aldığı, kuralları belirlenmiş, bir sistemdir. Oyunlaştırma, oyun tasarımı, pozitif psikoloji, motivasyon teorisi ve davranış bilimi gibi çeşitli disiplinlerin birleşiminden meydana gelmektedir. Bu araştırmada ilk olarak oyun ve oyunlaştırma konularına değinilmiş daha sonra oyunlaştırma ile motivasyon arasındaki ilişki açıklanmış. İkinci olarak oyunlaştırma teorileri ve mekanikleri tanımlanmış. Üçüncü olarak, oyuncu tipleri ve oyunlaştırma etiği açıklanmaya çalışılmış. Son olarak oyunlaştırma uygulamalarına yer verilmiştir.
Métodos de detecção e diagnóstico de cárie: uma revisão narrativa
Authors: Araújo Abderraman Alarcon , Braga Lucas Silva , Dietrich Lia , Caixeta Débora Andalécio Ferreira , Santos-Filho Paulo Cesar Freitas , Martins Victor da Mota
Published: November 2020

A cárie dentária é uma das doenças crônicas mais prevalente nas pessoas em todo o mundo, os indivíduos estão suscetíveis a está doença em todas as fases da vida. O objetivo deste trabalho foi revisar na literatura quais são as ferramentas disponíveis para o diagnóstico e detecção da cárie e suas lesões. Foi realizado uma coleta de dados no PubMed, no período de janeiro de 2019 e junho de 2020, com as palavras chave: “dental caries” AND “diagnostic” AND “ICDAS”, sem restrição de idioma ou pais de publicação. Foram encontrados diversos métodos de detecção, como: ICDAS (International Caries Detection and Assessment System), Caries Assessment Spectrum and Treatment – CAST), DIAGNOdent® - LF; DIAGNOdent pen, CarieScan PRO (CP),VistaCam, DMF (Decayed–Missing–Filled - DMF) e outros. A utilização do ICDAS nas recomendações de tratamento para lesões de cárie variou entre os examinadores. O uso de um explorador na avaliação de lesões de cárie aumentou a validade e a confiabilidade da decisão sobre cavitação superficial. A tomada de decisão sobre o tratamento pode ser influenciada pelo sistema de detecção e classificação da lesão de cárie. A pesquisa apontou que existem variações entre os estudos e a utilização do sistema ICDAS para cárie. O sistema ideal de detecção de cárie deve permitir o diagnóstico precoce da cárie em estágio inicial e melhorar a tomada de decisão em relação a um plano de tratamento adequado.
Influence of pluviosity and floating population on the water quality of a neotropical costal river
Authors: Camargo Marcos de , Cara Álison Luis , Andrade Laura Simões , Guimarães Luciana Lopes , Sadauskas-Henrique Helen
Published: November 2020

The contamination of waterbodies is a worldwide concern due to the increasing urbanization and industrialization of the cities without good effluent management. Touristic cities can suffer with the number of people during high seasons periods, which can lead to an elevated use of natural resources and effluents discharges. Moreover, raining seasons, either high or low, can also play an important role in contaminating waterbodies once a dilution or concentration of contaminants may take place. The present study evaluated the water quality of the Tejereba River (Guarujá, Brazil) during the high season (January) and low season (March and May) in 2018. Reduction in water quality was observed in May, a month with low pluviosity and low tourism. The integrated data analysis (PCA) showed a positive correlation between the physicochemical parameters and the month of May, in which they were negatively correlated with pluviosity and the percentage of tourists. Despite the deterioration of water quality in May, no toxicity to Daphnia magna was observed. Our work showed that water quality (physicochemical and microbiological parameters), during the studied months, is more related to raining seasons than to the presence of tourists in Guarujá, Brazil.
Seed viability changes during fruit ripening of Tapirira guianensis Aubl.: Implications for collection
Authors: Tadaiesky Lorene Bianca Araújo , Araújo Dênmora Gomes de , Aquino Tainah Kaylla dos Santos , Chaves Saulo Fabrício da Silva , Silva Elson Junior Souza da
Published: November 2020

Environmental changes provoked by man have caused great impacts on nature with irreparable consequences to the environment, life, and biodiversity. Species as Tapirira guianensis that have high ecological potential, due to adaptability, fast growth, and abundant fruit production, can contribute to the restoration of these environments. The objective of this work was to verify the influence of the fruit maturation stage on the physiological potential of the Tapirira guianensis seeds from three genitor plants and, thus, to define seed collection patterns based on the fruit external characteristics. The experiment was performed in a completely randomized design, in factorial scheme 3 x 3, three parent trees (1, 2, and 3) and three fruit maturation stages (green, intermediate and mature fruits), containing 4 replicates of 25 seeds per treatment. Seeds from mature fruits in comparison to those of green fruits presented significant reductions in the water content in the parent trees 1, 2 e 3 de 11%, 21%, and 28%, respectively. Otherwise, seeds from mature fruits presented significant increases in the emergence and emergence speed index of 7% and 11% for parent tree 1, 76%, and 108% for parent tree 2, and 40% and 40% for parent tree 3, in comparison to the seeds from green fruits. This research revealed that was possible to define physiological maturation of seeds according to the fruit maturation stages, being the seeds from intermediate and mature fruits that present higher germination power and development of seedlings and, therefore, indicated for collection of Tapirira guianensis seeds.
Diagnóstico da qualidade química de vinhos produzidos na região Sul do estado de Minas Gerais
Authors: Brito Philipe Luan , Neves Nathália de Andrade , Valente Maria Emilia Rodrigues , Pantoja Lilian , Santos Alexandre Soares dos
Published: November 2020

A região sul do estado de Minas Gerais é tradicionalmente produtora de vinhos de mesa elaborados a partir das variedades de uva Bordô ou Folha de Figo, Jacquez e Niágara, no entanto, nos últimos anos, essa tradição vem sendo esquecida, sendo extintos alguns dos parreirais e vinícolas. O atual estado da arte dos vinhos da região, diagnosticado mediante análises físico-químicas, precisa ser conhecido para o entendimento da qualidade das bebidas e da observância de uma eventual identidade dos produtos locais, que pode contribuir para a obtenção de um selo de indicação de origem e o fortalecimento da tradição vinícola da região. Para tanto, foram coletas 30 amostras de vinhos da região que foram submetidos às análises de pH, acidez total titulável, acidez volátil, acidez fixa, etanol, dióxido de enxofre livre, dióxido de enxofre total, sulfatos, extrato seco, cinzas, compostos fenólicos, antocianinas, glicose, glicerol, taninos, açúcares redutores, açúcares redutores totais, intensidade de cor e tonalidade. Os resultados demostraram que existe uma grande diferença na composição dos vinhos analisados, dada a grande variabilidade das amostras, com vinhos produzidos a partir de diferentes uvas. Duas amostras apresentaram valores de etanol fora dos limites estabelecidos pela legislação brasileira. Três amostras apresentaram valores de acidez total acima do permitido e sete apresentaram valores de acidez volátil acima do limite máximo estabelecido por lei. Os parâmetros de intensidade de cor e tonalidade, únicas características sensoriais analisadas, apresentaram grande variabilidade dos valores, acentuando a falta de padronização das bebidas analisadas. Os resultados apontam que, para obtenção de um selo de identidade geográfica, existe a necessidade de adequação de alguns aspectos de produção.
Educação Financeira na EJA: proposta de uma sequência didática à luz da Teoria da Aprendizagem Significativa Crítica
Authors: Seixas Geovânia dos Santos , Santarosa Maria Cecília Pereira , Ferrão Naíma Soltau
Published: November 2020

A Educação Financeira trabalhada no âmbito escolar busca tornar os estudantes aptos a ter criticidade ao analisar questões financeiras que surgem no seu dia a dia e/ou na sociedade em que vivem. Para tanto, torna-se necessário discutir um currículo de Educação Financeira e investir na elaboração de materiais didáticos específicos de cunho financeiro e sua implementação em sala de aula. Neste contexto, apresentamos uma sequencia didática elaborada para aplicação na modalidade Educação de Jovens e Adultos (EJA) com base nos princípios facilitadores da aprendizagem significativa crítica, descritos por Moreira com o propósito de desenvolver o pensamento financeiro e a criticidade dos educandos a respeito de situações sobre o tema Educação Financeira (EF). Trata-se de um estudo de abordagem qualitativa, do tipo bibliográfica/documental, situado no campo da Educação Matemática e fundamentado na Teoria da Aprendizagem Significativa Crítica. As atividades propostas contemplam os conceitos de razão, proporção, porcentagem, regra de três, juros simples e composto. Estruturalmente a sequencia articula seis estratégias distintas, a saber: questionário semiestruturado, diário de aula, livro didático, questões do Exame Nacional para Certificação de Competência de Jovens e Adultos (Encceja) complementadas a situações cotidianas e a técnica do mapeamento conceitual de Novak. Verificou-se que a articulação de diferentes materiais elaborados para a EJA aliada aos pressupostos teóricos da TASC pode constituir-se numa estratégia de ensino para desenvolver o pensamento financeiro e a criticidade e auxiliar os estudantes no estabelecimento de vínculos entre os conceitos estudados no ambiente formal de ensino à situações práticas do seu cotidiano.
Análise de encosta em situação de risco no município de Olinda-PE
Authors: Pedrosa Aléssia de Albuquerque , Almeida Suyanne Monteiro de , Lafayette Kalinny Patrícia Vaz
Published: November 2020

A retirada da vegetação original, a deposição irregular de lixo e resíduo, o aumento da área impermeável em locais de encostas, atrelado aos altos índices pluviométricos, acabam por desencadear acidentes que geram danos materiais e à própria vida dos moradores. Dessa forma, o presente trabalho tem o objetivo de avaliar o grau de risco de uma encosta localizada no município de Olinda-PE. A metodologia consistiu em visita ao local para avaliação dos fatores que potencializam os deslizamentos, seguido de uma análise quantitativa da dinâmica de ocupação do local através do software Qgis entre os anos de 1975 e 2018. Por fim, foi realizado a análise qualitativa através da matriz de probabilidade/consequência para avaliação do risco no local. Com o passar do tempo, o percentual de área referente a mancha urbana aumentou 122,95% e o percentual de vegetação, reduziu 55,40%. Foi avaliado que, para a área de estudo, os impactos ambientais analisados afetam ou interferem em nível mediano. As ações antrópicas com maior probabilidade de gerar impactos na área foram o uso e a ocupação do solo, o esgoto lançado diretamente no solo e a supressão da cobertura vegetal.
Desenvolvimento de kefir em leite de coco babaçu
Authors: Araujo Janaiça da Costa , Ribeiro Nayany Mota , Bezerra Keila Cristiane Batista , Landim Liejy Agnes dos Santos Raposo
Published: November 2020

O kefir é um leite fermentado de sabor ácido suave, efervescente e de baixo teor alcoólico, resultante da fermentação do leite com grãos. O babaçu é muito conhecido entre populações tradicionais brasileiras, o leite de babaçu é um subproduto do fruto que vem sendo destacado na culinária e enquadrando-se na categoria dos produtos denominados de baixa acidez com pH final superior a 4,6. Este trabalho tem como objetivo multiplicar os grãos de kefir no leite de coco babaçu, associando suas propriedades funcionais às características do fruto, potencializando nutricionalmente. Trata-se de um estudo experimental, do tipo observacional descritivo e quantitativo. O processamento de adaptação foi feito em temperatura ambiente numa solução contendo 100 ml do extrato vegetal de leite do babaçu e o leite de integral com troca de solução em um intervalo de vinte e quatro horas. A produção do kefir de leite do babaçu segue o método tradicional do leite integral (UHT), apenas existindo algumas modificações. Foi feita a dessoragem para ter a separação do iogurte e do soro. O iogurte do leite de coco babaçu apresenta uma textura granulosa por conter um pouco da fibra da trituração da amêndoa do babaçu, tem um odor de coco, mais oleoso devido as amêndoas. Dessa forma, foi possível observar a multiplicação dos grãos no substrato do leite de coco babaçu, otimizando esse probiótico para melhoria da saúde intestinal e o aumento da absorção dos nutrientes.
D-Galactosamine/Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Hepatotoxicity Downregulates Sirtuin 1 in Rat Liver: Role of Sirtuin 1 Modulation in Hepatoprotection
Authors: KEMELO M. K. , WOJNAROVÁ L. , KUTINOVÁ CANOVÁ N. , FARGHALI H.
Published: November 2020

D-Galactosamine/Lipopolysaccharide (D-GalN/LPS) is a well known model of hepatotoxicity that closely resembles acute liver failure (ALF) seen clinically. The role of sirtuin 1 in this model has not yet been documented. However, there have been a number of studies about the cytoprotective effects of resveratrol, a SIRT1 activator, in the liver. This study was aimed at elucidating the roles of SIRT1 protein expression or catalytic activity in D-GalN/LPS model of hepatotoxicity. ALF was induced in male Wistar rats by intraperitoneal injection of D-GalN and LPS. Some groups of animals were pretreated with resveratrol and/or EX-527 (SIRT1 inhibitor). The effects of these treatments were evaluated by biochemical and Western blot studies. D-GalN/LPS treatment was able to induce hepatotoxicity and significantly increase all markers of liver damage and lipid peroxidation. A dramatic decrease of SIRT1 levels in response to D-GalN/LPS treatment was also documented. Resveratrol pretreatment attenuated D-GalN/LPS-induced hepatotoxicity. EX-527 blocked the cytoprotective effects of resveratrol. However, both resveratrol and EX-527 pretreatments did not exhibit any significant effect on SIRT1 protein expression. Collectively, these results suggest that downregulation of SIRT1 expression is involved in the cytotoxic effects of D-GalN/LPS model and SIRT1 activity contributes to the cytoprotective effects of resveratrol in the liver.
MENINGKATKAN HASIL BELAJAR BAHASA INDONESIA SISWA SDN 011 PAUH ANGIT MENGGUNAKAN MODEL PEMBELAJARAN EXAMPLES NON EXAMPLES
Authors: Nurlela Nurlela
Published: November 2020

The low learning outcomes of students in Indonesian is a fundamental problem for fifth grade students at SDN 011 Pauh Angit, low student learning outcomes can make the learning process less good in a school. The purpose of this study was to improve the Indonesian language learning outcomes of students at SDN 011 Pauh Angit. This research is a classroom action research which aims to improve and enhance the learning process in class. The results of this study were the application of the example non example learning model was quite effective in the learning process, as evidenced by the increase in the analysis of the results of the analysis of teacher activity observations at the first meeting by 57% in sufficient category, at the second meeting it was 71% in the good category, then at the meeting the third meeting was 83% in the very good category, and at the fourth meeting it was 92% with the very good category. data on the increase in the results of observation of student activity at the first meeting was 59% in the enough category, at the second meeting it was 72% in the good category, then at the third meeting it was 85% in the very good category, and at the fourth meeting it was 90% with the category very good. The data on the improvement of student learning outcomes is the I daily test of 78 and the second daily test of 88.
Modification of Recursive Kalman Filter Algorithm for Adaptive Prediction of Cyber Resilience for Industrial Systems
Authors: Lavrova D.S. , Zegzhda D.P.
Published: November 2020

This paper describes an approach to modification of the recursive Kalman filter algorithm to obtain adaptive prediction of time series from industrial systems. To ensure cyber resilience of modern industrial systems, it is necessary to detect anomalies in their work at an early stage. For this, data from industrial systems are presented as time series, and an adaptive prediction model combined with machine learning classification algorithm applies to identify anomalies. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is confirmed experimentally.
Phytochemicals: Potential Therapeutic Interventions Against Coronavirus-Associated Lung Injury
Authors: Majnooni Mohammad Bagher , Fakhri Sajad , Shokoohinia Yalda , Kiyani Narges , Stage Katrina , Mohammadi Pantea , Gravandi Mohammad Mehdi , Farzaei Mohammad Hosein , Echeverría Javier
Published: November 2020

Since the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in December 2019, millions of people have been infected and died worldwide. However, no drug has been approved for the treatment of this disease and its complications, which urges the need for finding novel therapeutic agents to combat. Among the complications due to COVID-19, lung injury has attained special attention. Besides, phytochemicals have shown prominent anti-inflammatory effects and thus possess significant effects in reducing lung injury caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Also, the prevailing evidence reveales the antiviral effects of those phytochemicals, including anti-SARS-CoV activity, which could pave the road in providing suitable lead compounds in the treatment of COVID-19. In the present study, candidate phytochemicals and related mechanisms of action have been shown in the treatment/protection of lung injuries induced by various methods. In terms of pharmacological mechanism, phytochemicals have shown potential inhibitory effects on inflammatory and oxidative pathways/mediators, involved in the pathogenesis of lung injury during COVID-19 infection. Also, a brief overview of phytochemicals with anti-SARS-CoV-2 compounds has been presented.
Biotin-Labelled Clavulanic Acid to Identify Proteins Target for Haptenation in Serum: Implications in Allergy Studies
Authors: Martín-Serrano Ángela , Gonzalez-Morena Juan M. , Barbero Nekane , Ariza Adriana , Sánchez Gómez Francisco J. , Pérez-Inestrosa Ezequiel , Pérez-Sala Dolores , Torres Maria J. , Montañez María I.
Published: November 2020

Clavulanic acid (CLV) and amoxicillin, frequently administered in combination, can be independently involved in allergic reactions. Protein haptenation with β-lactams is considered necessary to activate the immune system. The aim of this study was to assess the suitability of biotinylated analogues of CLV as probes to study protein haptenation by this β-lactam. Two synthetic approaches afforded the labeling of CLV through esterification of its carboxylic group with a biotin moiety, via either direct binding (CLV-B) or tetraethylenglycol linker (CLV-TEG-B). The second analogue offered advantages as solubility in aqueous solution and potential lower steric hindrance for both intended interactions, with the protein and with avidin. NMR reactivity studies showed that both CLV and CLV-TEG-B reacts through β-lactam ring opening by aliphatic amino nitrogen, however with different stability of resulting conjugates. Unlike CLV conjugates, that promoted the decomposition of clavulanate fragment, the conjugates obtained with the CLV-TEG-B remained linked, as a whole structure including biotin, to nucleophile and showed a better stability. This was a desired key feature to allow CLV-TEG-B conjugated protein detection at great sensitivity. We have used biotin detection and mass spectrometry (MS) to detect the haptenation of human serum albumin (HSA) and human serum proteins. MS of conjugates showed that HSA could be modified by CLV-TEG-B. Remarkably, HSA preincubation with CLV excess only reduced moderately the incorporation of CLV-TEG-B, which could be attributed to different protein interferences. The CLV-TEG-B fragment with opened β-lactam was detected bound to the 404–430HSA peptide of the treated protein. Incubation of human serum with CLV-TEG-B resulted in the haptenation of several proteins that were identified by 2D-electrophoresis and peptide mass fingerprinting as HSA, haptoglobin, and heavy and light chains of immunoglobulins. Taken together, our results show that tagged-CLV keeps some of the CLV features. Moreover, although we observe a different behavior in the conjugate stability and in the site of protein modification, the similar reactivity indicates that it could constitute a valuable tool to identify protein targets for haptenation by CLV with high sensitivity to get insights into the activation of the immune system by CLV and mechanisms involved in β-lactams allergy.
Eicosanoids in Cancer: New Roles in Immunoregulation
Authors: Johnson Amber M. , Kleczko Emily K. , Nemenoff Raphael A.
Published: November 2020

Eicosanoids represent a family of active biolipids derived from arachidonic acid primarily through the action of cytosolic phospholipase A2-α. Three major downstream pathways have been defined: the cyclooxygenase (COX) pathway which produces prostaglandins and thromboxanes; the 5-lipoxygenase pathway (5-LO), which produces leukotrienes, lipoxins and hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids, and the cytochrome P450 pathway which produces epoxygenated fatty acids. In general, these lipid mediators are released and act in an autocrine or paracrine fashion through binding to cell surface receptors. The pattern of eicosanoid production is cell specific, and is determined by cell-specific expression of downstream synthases. Increased eicosanoid production is associated with inflammation and a panel of specific inhibitors have been developed designated non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. In cancer, eicosanoids are produced both by tumor cells as well as cells of the tumor microenvironment. Earlier studies demonstrated that prostaglandin E2, produced through the action of COX-2, promoted cancer cell proliferation and metastasis in multiple cancers. This resulted in the development of COX-2 inhibitors as potential therapeutic agents. However, cardiac toxicities associated with these agents limited their use as therapeutic agents. The advent of immunotherapy, especially the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors has revolutionized cancer treatment in multiple malignancies. However, the majority of patients do not respond to these agents as monotherapy, leading to intense investigation of other pathways mediating immunosuppression in order to develop rational combination therapies. Recent data have indicated that PGE2 has immunosuppressive activity, leading to renewed interest in targeting this pathway. However, little is known regarding the role of other eicosanoids in modulating the tumor microenvironment, and regulating anti-tumor immunity. This article reviews the role of eicosanoids in cancer, with a focus on their role in modulating the tumor microenvironment. While the role of PGE2 will be discussed, data implicating other eicosanoids, especially products produced through the lipoxygenase and cytochrome P450 pathway will be examined. The existence of small molecular inhibitors and activators of eicosanoid pathways such as specific receptor blockers make them attractive candidates for therapeutic trials, especially in combination with novel immunotherapies such as immune checkpoint inhibitors.
The Potential of Novel Bacterial Isolates from Natural Soil for the Control of Brown Rot Disease (Monilinia fructigena) on Apple Fruits
Authors: Lahlali Rachid , Mchachti Ouafae , Radouane Nabil , Ezrari Said , Belabess Zineb , Khayi Slimane , Mentag Rachid , Tahiri Abdessalem , Barka Essaid Ait
Published: November 2020

Monilinia fructigena is one of the most important fungal pathogens causing brown rot on apple and is heavily affecting fruit production. The main objective of this study was to screen for potential bacterial isolates with higher antagonistic activity against M. fructigena. Our study focused on the identification of potential bacterial isolates capable of reducing both the mycelial growth of M. fructigena and the disease severity using in vitro and in planta trials, respectively. To achieve this goal, thirteen bacteria, isolated from natural soil, were evaluated for their abilities to produce lytic enzymes (amylase, cellulase and protease), hydrocyanic acid (HCN) and lipopeptides (bacillomycin, fengycin, iturin and surfactin). Further, results from the dual culture method, volatile and bacterial free-cell filtrate bioassays indicated that tested isolates showed a fungicidal activity against the mycelial growth of M. fructigena. Thus, out of the 13 isolates tested, 12 exhibited significant mycelial inhibition (more than 70%) against M. fructigena, while remaining the last isolate displayed only a partial inhibition (up to 43%). Further, 12 of the bacteria isolates displayed an amylase production, 10 showed cellulase production, 11 revealed protease production, while only 2 displayed HCN production. In addition, most bacterial isolates were found to have genes encoding for different lipopeptides: bacillomycin (10), fengycin (3), iturin (11) and surfactin (1). Interestingly, two bacterial isolates, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens B10W10 and Pseudomonas sp. B11W11 were found to be the most effective and displayed the lowest disease severity in planta trial. These two bacteria reduced the brown rot incidence compared to the synthetic fungicide in a semi-commercial large-scale trial. Therefore, our findings suggest that these two later bacterial isolates provide apple protection against M. fructigena via direct and indirect mechanisms. These isolates may be used, therefore, as potential biological control agents (BCAs) in preventive treatment to control brown rot disease on apple fruits.
Evaluation of Urinary Big Endothelin-1 in Feline Spontaneous CKD
Authors: Giraldi Marco , Paltrinieri Saverio , Piazza Camilla , Scarpa Paola
Published: November 2020

The endothelin-1 (ET-1) system has been implicated in the development and progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). No information on big ET-1 in feline urine is available. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if urinary big endothelin-1 (bigET-1) is associated with feline CKD. Sixty urine samples were prospectively collected from 13 healthy cats at risk of developing CKD and 22 cats with CKD of different International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) stages (1–4). Urinary bigET-1 was measured using a commercially available ELISA. BigET-1 normalized to urine creatinine (bigET-1:UC) was compared amongst stages and substages, as proposed by IRIS, and correlated with serum creatinine concentration, proteinuria and blood pressure. BigET-1:UC at the time of inclusion was compared between cats that remained stable and cats that progressed after 12 months. BigET-1:UC was significantly higher (p = 0.002) in cats at IRIS stages 3–4 (median: 21.9; range: 1.88–55.6), compared to all other stages, and in proteinuric (n = 8, median: 11.0; range: 0.00–46.4) compared with nonproteinuric cats (n = 38 median: 0.33; range: 0.00–55.6) (p = 0.029). BigET-1:UC was not associated with CKD progression. Urinary bigET-1 increased in advanced stages of CKD and in proteinuric patients, suggesting that ET-1 may be indicative of the severity of feline CKD.
Clusters of Shaped Ultrasonic Transducers for Lamb Waves’ DoA Estimation
Authors: Dibiase Marco , De Marchi Luca
Published: November 2020

The direction of arrival (DoA) estimation of Lamb waves is a fundamental task to locate acoustic events, such as those caused by impacts in plates or shells. To perform this task, a novel cluster of piezoelectric sensors is presented in this work. The designed cluster is composed by three irregularly shaped patch transducers (P1, P2 e P3). This is in contrast with the approaches that are typically presented in literature which are based on isotropic piezo-disks. In our approach, the transducers are shaped with a procedure based on the Radon Transform, so that the difference in time of arrival (DToA) of the Lamb waves at patches P1 and P2 is linearly related to the DoA, while P3 is designed so that it is possible to perform the estimation of DoA without knowing the actual wave velocity. The numerical validation shows that the performance in the DoA estimation achieved by means of the proposed cluster compares favorably with respect to clusters of conventional sensors, even in the case of noise-affected measurements.
X-ray Spectroscopic Studies of a Solid-Density Germanium Plasma Created by a Free Electron Laser
Authors: Pérez-Callejo Gabriel , Vinko Sam M. , Ren Shenyuan , Royle Ryan , Humphries Oliver , Preston Thomas R. , Hammel Bruce A. , Chung Hyun-Kyung , Burian Tomas , Vozda Vojtěch , Lin Ming-Fu , van Driel Tim Brandt , Wark Justin S.
Published: November 2020

The generation of solid-density plasmas in a controlled manner using an X-ray free electron laser (XFEL) has opened up the possibility of diagnosing the atomic properties of hot, strongly coupled systems in novel ways. Previous work has concentrated on K-shell emission spectroscopy of low Z (<= 14) elements. Here, we extend these studies to the mid-Z(=32) element Germanium, where the XFEL creates copious L-shell holes, and the plasma conditions are interrogated by recording of the associated L-shell X-ray emission spectra. Given the desirability of generating as uniform a plasma as possible, we present here a study of the effects of the FEL photon energy on the temperatures and electron densities created, and their uniformity in the FEL beam propagation direction. We show that good uniformity can be achieved by tuning the photon energy of the XFEL such that it does not overlap significantly with L-shell to M-shell bound-bound transitions, and lies below the L-edges of the ions formed during the heating process. Reasonable agreement between experiment and simulations is found for the emitted X-ray spectra, demonstrating that for these higher Z elements, the selection of appropriate XFEL parameters is important for achieving uniformity in the plasma conditions.
Sulfonated Cellulose-Based Magnetic Composite as Useful Media for Water Remediation from Amine Pollutants
Authors: De Nino Antonio , Tallarida Matteo Antonio , Algieri Vincenzo , Olivito Fabrizio , Costanzo Paola , De Filpo Giovanni , Maiuolo Loredana
Published: November 2020

Commercially available microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) was functionalized using chlorosulfonic acid, while iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) were adsorbed on the surface of the cellulose derivative by the Massart’s co-precipitation method. The obtained magnetite-decorated sulfate cellulose nanoparticles (MDSCNs) were characterized via Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning-electron microscopy (SEM), and elemental analysis, while the acidity of the functionalized cellulose was determined using an acid–base titration with phenolphthalein as an indicator. Furthermore, in order to determine the adsorptive power of the obtained composite, a series of analyses were performed on aqueous amine pollutants using flame ionization detection gas chromatography (GC-FID). The results of this study clearly show how a bio-compatible green polymer as cellulose can be easy functionalized in order to improve its chemical and physical properties, obtaining a magnetic composite useful in water purification. Adsorption percentages up to 90% and a very small amount of composite used (100 mg) proved how our material can be a powerful tool in environmental remediation.
Evaluation of the Cultivated Mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus Basidiocarps Using Vibration Spectroscopy and Chemometrics
Authors: Baeva Ekaterina , Bleha Roman , Sedliaková Markéta , Sushytskyi Leonid , Švec Ivan , Čopíková Jana , Jablonsky Ivan , Klouček Pavel , Synytsya Andriy
Published: November 2020

Fruiting bodies (basidiocarps) of the cultivated mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus (16 strains) were characterized by vibration spectroscopy and chemometrics. According to organic elemental analysis and Megazyme assay, the basidiocarps contained ~6.2–17.5% protein and ~18.8–58.2% total glucans. The neutral sugar analysis confirmed that glucose predominated in all the samples (~71.3–94.4 mol%). Fourier-transformed (FT) mid- and near-infrared (FT MIR, FT NIR) and FT Raman spectra of the basidiocarps were recorded, and the characteristic bands of proteins, glucans and chitin were assigned. The samples were discriminated based on principal component analysis (PCA) of the spectroscopic data in terms of biopolymeric composition. The partial least squares regression (PLSR) models based on first derivatives of the vibration spectra were obtained for the prediction of the macromolecular components, and the regression coefficients R2 and root mean square errors (RMSE) were calculated for the calibration (cal) of proteins (R2cal 0.981–0.994, RMSEcal ~0.3–0.5) and total glucans (R2cal 0.908–0.996, RMSEcal ~0.6–3.0). According to cross-validation (CV) diagnosis, the protein models were more precise and accurate (R2cv 0.901–0.970, RMSEcv ~0.6–1.1) than the corresponding total glucan models (R2cv 0.370–0.804, RMSEcv ~4.7–8.5) because of the wide structural diversity of these polysaccharides. Otherwise, the Raman band of phenylalanine ring breathing vibration at 1004 cm−1 was used for direct quantification of proteins in P. ostreatus basidiocarps (R ~0.953). This study showed that the combination of vibration spectroscopy with chemometrics is a powerful tool for the evaluation of culinary and medicinal mushrooms, and this approach can be proposed as an alternative to common analytical methods.
In Vitro Bonding Performance of Modern Self-Adhesive Resin Cements and Conventional Resin-Modified Glass Ionomer Cements to Prosthetic Substrates
Authors: Maño Encarna Piquer , Algarra Rafael Marco , Fawzy Amr , Leitune Vicente C. B. , Collares Fabrício M. , Feitosa Victor , Sauro Salvatore
Published: November 2020

This study aimed at evaluating the shear bond strength (SBS) of modern self-adhesive resin cements and resin-modified glass ionomer cements applied to different prosthetic substrates. Zirconia, lithium-disilicate glass-ceramic and a noble metal alloy were used as bonding substrates. They were all sand-blasted with alumina, while LD was further etched with 9.6% hydrofluoric acid (10 s). A light-curing resin-modified glass ionomer cement (3M-GIC: Ketac Cem Plus) and a self-curing resin-modified glass ionomer cement (GC-GIC: FujiCEM 2) were compared to self-adhesive resin cements (PAN: Panavia SA Universal) and (3M-RES: Rely X Unicem 2). Ten specimens for each substrate were produced and up to five cylinders of each cement were bonded to each substrate. The shear bond strength (SBS) was evaluated after 24 h or after thermocycling (TC) aging (5000 cycles). The data was statistically analysed by two-way ANOVA and Student–Newman–Keuls test (α = 0.05). Failure modes were analysed through stereoscopic microscopy. The greatest SBS was attained with PAN, whilst 3M-GIC showed the lowest SBS and failed prevalently in adhesive mode. No difference in SBS was observed between GC-GIC and 3M-RES. After TC aging, all cements showed significant drop (p < 0.05) in SBS, but PAN showed the greatest SBS. Reliable bond strength to prosthetic substrates can be achieved with specific universal resin-luting cements and may be an alternative to glass ionomer cements when luting alloy substrates.
Enhancing Structural Performance of Short Fiber Reinforced Objects through Customized Tool-Path
Authors: Kim Jaeyoon , Kang Bruce S.
Published: November 2020

Fused deposition modeling (FDM) is one of the most common additive manufacturing (AM) technologies for thermoplastic materials. With the development of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) filament for FDM, AM parts with improved strength and functionality can be realized. CFRP is anisotropic material and its mechanical properties have been well studied, however, AM printing strategy for CFRP parts has not been developed. This paper proposes a systematic optimization of the FDM 3D printing process for CFRP. Starting with standard coupon specimen tests to obtain mechanical properties of CFRP, finite element analyses (FEA) were conducted to find principal directions of the AM part and utilized to determine fiber orientations. A specific tool-path algorithm has been developed to distribute fibers with the desired orientations. To predict/assess the mechanical behavior of the AM part, the 3D printing process was simulated to obtain the anisotropic mechanical behavior induced by the customized tool-path printing. Bolt hole plate and spur gear were selected as case studies. FE simulations and associated experiments were conducted to assess their performance. CFRP parts printed by the optimized tool-path shows about 8% higher stiffness than those printed at regular infill patterns. In summary, assisted by FEA, a customized 3D printing tool-path for CFRP has been developed with case studies to verify the proposed AM design optimization methodology for FDM.
Association of Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio with Patient Reported Outcomes in Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Ioniţescu Marius , Vermeşan Dinu , Haraguș Horia , Suciu Oana , Todor Adrian , Dumitrașcu Cristian V. , Negrea Romeo , Hoinoiu Teodora , Radu Daniela , Fruja Dan
Published: November 2020

Background: Determining the association of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and clinical disease severity in patients with mild and advanced stage knee osteoarthritis (OA).Method: We analyzed clinical scores and routine hematology panels of 111 subjects with symptomatic knee degeneration: mild OA (66) who underwent knee arthroscopy and advanced OA (45) who had total replacement. Results: Compared to the advanced OA group, the mild OA group was younger (54/67), had fewer females (1.75/5.43), and better scores: Euroqol EQ5D Index (0.50/0.25), VAS (visual analog scale) (65/44); International knee documentation committee subjective knee evaluation form—IKDC (31.6/20.24); Knee disability and osteoarthritis outcome score for joint replacement—KOOSJR (15.5/18.3); and better Kellgren–Lawrence stage (1.3/3.8). Patients with advanced disease had higher NLRs compared to mild OA group and controls: 2.82 versus 1.99 (p = 0.004) and 1.98 (p = 0.002). In the multiple regression model, NLR was only influenced by age (p < 0.001). In the subgroup analysis, for the early OA cases, NLR was significantly dependent to VAS (p = 0.006), IKDC (p = 0.001) and KOOSJR (p < 0.001). Conclusion: NLR was not associated with symptomatic knee OA, as determined by commonly used patient reported outcomes. However, for patients with mild degenerative modifications, EQ5D, VAS, and IKDC were independent predictors of NLR.
Improvement of Cyber-Attack Detection Accuracy from Urban Water Systems Using Extreme Learning Machine
Authors: Choi Young Hwan , Sadollah Ali , Kim Joong Hoon
Published: November 2020

This study proposes a novel detection model for the detection of cyber-attacks using remote sensing data on water distribution systems (i.e., pipe flow sensor, nodal pressure sensor, tank water level sensor, and programmable logic controllers) by machine learning approaches. The most commonly used and well-known machine learning algorithms (i.e., k-nearest neighbor, support vector machine, artificial neural network, and extreme learning machine) were compared to determine the one with the best detection performance. After identifying the best algorithm, several improved versions of the algorithm are compared and analyzed according to their characteristics. Their quantitative performances and abilities to correctly classify the state of the urban water system under cyber-attack were measured using various performance indices. Among the algorithms tested, the extreme learning machine (ELM) was found to exhibit the best performance. Moreover, this study not only has identified excellent algorithm among the compared algorithms but also has considered an improved version of the outstanding algorithm. Furthermore, the comparison was performed using various representative performance indices to quantitatively measure the prediction accuracy and select the most appropriate model. Therefore, this study provides a new perspective on the characteristics of various versions of machine learning algorithms and their application to different problems, and this study may be referenced as a case study for future cyber-attack detection fields.
Anti-MAP Triple Therapy Supports Immunomodulatory Therapeutic Response in Crohn’s Disease through Downregulation of NF-κB Activation in the Absence of MAP Detection
Authors: Qasem Ahmad , Elkamel Erij , Naser Saleh A.
Published: November 2020

We previously reported that the triple antibiotic formulation, known as anti-MAP therapy, exhibits unique synergistic antimicrobial activity and should be effective for treatment of Crohn’s disease (CD) associated with Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP). The absence of MAP detection in some CD cases may be linked to poor diagnostics or lack of association with the disease. To understand the therapeutic response of some CD patients to anti-MAP therapy in absence of MAP detection, we investigated the immunomodulatory potency of anti-MAP therapy and its major ingredients, clarithromycin (CLA) and rifabutin (RIF), in THP-1, Caco-2, and Jurkat T-cells. Anti-MAP formulation at 2.0 μg/mL decreased MAP viability in macrophages by 18-fold over 72 h. Additionally, M1/M2 macrophage polarization ratio was reduced by 6.7-fold, and expression and protein levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were reduced by 2.9-fold, whereas IL-10 increased by 5.0-fold in these cells. Mechanistically, the effect of anti-MAP formulation on NF-κB p65 activation was dose-dependent and decreased to 13.4% at 2.0 μg/mL. Most importantly, anti-MAP therapy also reversed pro-inflammatory response in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced macrophages, which shows that the anti-inflammatory effect of the treatment is not just due to a decrease in MAP viability. To study the anti-cytotoxic effects of anti-MAP therapy in Caco-2 monolayers infected with MAP or treated with dextran sodium sulfate (DSS), we showed a 45% decrease in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity and an 84% increase in glutathione (GSH) activity, which supports anti-apoptotic activity of the drug. In Jurkat T-cells, anti-MAP therapy decreased T-cell proliferation by 4.8-fold following treatment with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and by 2.9-fold with MAP purified protein derivative (PPD). Overall, the data demonstrate that anti-MAP therapy plays a significant role in modulating and eliciting a protective immune response in macrophages, endothelial cells, and T lymphocytes, even in absence of infection. This may explain the therapeutic response of some CD patients to treatment, even in absence of MAP detection, infection, or total eradication. The study supports anti-MAP therapy as an alternate treatment option in CD patients, especially in absence of reliable MAP diagnostics.
Biological Practices and Fields, Missing Pieces of the Biomimetics’ Methodological Puzzle
Authors: Graeff Eliot , Maranzana Nicolas , Aoussat Améziane
Published: November 2020

Facing current biomimetics impediments, recent studies have supported the integration within biomimetic teams of a new actor having biological knowledge and know-how. This actor is referred to as the “biomimetician” in this article. However, whereas biology is often considered a homogenous whole in the methodological literature targeting biomimetics, it actually gathers fundamentally different fields. Each of these fields is structured around specific practices, tools, and reasoning. Based on this observation, we wondered which knowledge and know-how, and so biological fields, should characterize biomimeticians. Following the design research methodology, this article thus investigates the operational integration of two biological fields, namely ecology and phylogenetics, as a starting point in the establishment of the biomimetician’s biological tools and practices. After a descriptive phase identifying specific needs and potential conceptual bridges, we presented various ways of applying biological expertise during biomimetic processes in the prescriptive phase of the study. Finally, we discussed current limitations and future research axes.