bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interferon Gamma Release Assays in Patients with Respiratory Isolates of Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria – a Preliminary Study
Authors: AUGUSTYNOWICZ-KOPEĆ EWA , SIEMION-SZCZEŚNIAK IZABELA , ZABOST ANNA , WYROSTKIEWICZ DOROTA , FILIPCZAK DOROTA , ONISZH KARINA , GAWRYLUK DARIUSZ , RADZIKOWSKA ELŻBIETA , KORZYBSKI DAMIAN , SZTURMOWICZ MONIKA
Published: March 2019

Interferon gamma releasing assays (IGRAs) are extensively used in the diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infections. Comparing to tuberculin skin test (TST) they lack false positive results in the populations vaccinated with BCG, and in most non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infections. Nevertheless, Mycobacterium kansasii, Mycobacterium marinum, and Mycobacterium szulgai may induce positive IGRAs due to RD1 homology with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The aim of the study was to investigate the possible influence of NTM respiratory isolates on the results of IGRAs. 39 patients (23 females and 16 males) of median age 61 years, with negative medical history concerning tuberculosis, entered the study. Identification of NTM was performed using the niacin test and molecular method GenoType CM test (Hain Lifescience). QFT-Plus was performed in 17 patients, T-SPOT-Tb – in 23 patients. Chest X-rays and a high-resolution computed tomography of the chest have been reviewed by the experienced radiologist blinded to the results of IGRAs, in search of past tuberculosis signs. Positive IGRAs results were obtained in three out of 39 patients (8%): 22% of patients with M. kansasii isolates and 18% of patients with radiological signs on HRCT that might be suggestive of past tuberculosis. Positive IGRAs correlated with radiological signs suggestive of past tuberculosis (r = 0.32, p = 0.04), and on the borderline with isolation of M. kansasii (r = 0.29, p = 0.06). These findings may suggest that a positive IGRAs result, in our material, could depend mostly on asymptomatic past Tb infection. The cross-reactivity of M. kansasii isolates with IGRAs was less probable; nevertheless, it requires further investigations.
Yetişkin Görme Engellilere Günlük Yaşam Becerilerinin Kazandırılmasında Eşzamanlı İpucu İle Yapılan Öğretimin Etkililiği
Authors: Okyar Sümeyye , Çakmak Salih
Published: March 2019

Bu araştırmanın amacı, görme
engeli olan üç genç yetişkin bireye kazak katlama, halı süpürme ve bulaşık
yıkama becerileninin kazandırılmasında eş zamanlı ipucu işlem süreci ile
yapılan öğretimin etkili olup olmadığını, bireylerin kazandıkları becerileri
öğretimden 7, 14 ve 21 gün sonra da sürdürüp sürdüremediğini belirlemektir.
Araştırmanın deseni, tek denekli deneysel desenlerden beceriler arası çoklu
yoklama desenidir. Araştırma, yaşları 20 ile 33 arasında değişen 3 genç
yetişkin görme engelli birey ile gerçekleştirilmiştir. Araştırma verilerinin
toplanabilmesi için, öğretmen ve aile görüşme formları, beceri kontrol listeleri,
ölçüt bağımlı ölçü araçları, öğretimde ilerlemelerin kaydedileceği kayıt
çizelgeleri, uygulama güvenirliği ve sosyal geçerlilik formları geliştirilmiş
ve kullanılmıştır. Araştırmada elde edilen veriler çizgi grafiğinde
gösterilerek görsel analiz yolu ile yorumlanmıştır. Araştırmanın sonunda elde
edilen bulgularda, eş zamanlı ipucu işlem süreciyle yapılan öğretimin, deneklerin
günlük yaşam becerilerini kazanmasında ve öğretim sona erdikten 7, 14 ve 21 gün
sonra kazandıkları günlük yaşam becerilerinin sürdürmelerinde etkili olduğu
izlenmiştir. Bu da eş zamanlı ipucu işlem süreciyle yapılan öğretimin,
deneklerin kazandığı günlük yaşam becerilerini kazanmalarında ve sürdürmelerinde
etkili olduğu izlenimi vermektedir
Climatic characteristics of drift ice in the northern Barents Sea
Authors: Duan Chenglin , Dong Sheng , Wang Zhifeng , Liao Zhenkun
Published: March 2019

In this paper, a preliminary climatic description of the long-term offshore drift ice characteristics in the northern Barents Sea has been investigated from 1987 to 2016 based on the satellite ice motion datasets from National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) and reanalysis ice thickness datasets from National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP)-Climate Forecast System Reanalysis (CFSR) and Climate Forecast System Version 2 (CFSv2). Both the ice velocity and thickness conditions have been studied at the three fixed locations from west to east. Annual and monthly drift ice roses indicate that the directions from WSW to SE are primarily prevailing, particularly in winter months. Besides, the annual ice speed extremums exceeding 40 cm s–1 mostly occur in the southerly directions from November to April. For the ice thickness, results reveal that it is prominently distributed in a thicker interval between 70 and 120 cm, and a thinner interval between 20 and 70 cm. The annual thickness maxima approximately range from 90 to 170 cm, primarily occurring from May to June, and demonstrate a light decreasing trend.
PESQUISA CLÍNICA, ÉTICA E DIREITO À SAÚDE
Authors: Castro Rosana
Published: March 2019

Durante a consulta pública realizada para atualização da Resolução 196/96 do Conselho Nacional de Saúde, em 2011, aproximadamente 1900 manifestações foram enviadas por proﬁssionais do campo da biomedicina, pesquisadores de várias áreas e portadores de doenças raras e seus familiares. Dentre as críticas ao marco regulatório ético da realização de pesquisas envolvendo seres humanos no Brasil, destacam-se as quase trezentas declarações que expressaram a percepção de que um item especíﬁco do documento desestimulava laboratórios farmacêuticos a realizarem pesquisas no Brasil e, portanto, eram prejudiciais ao acesso de pessoas com doenças raras a terapêuticas experimentais. A partir dessas interpelações à resolução, este trabalho reﬂete sobre as justaposições entre participação em estudos cientíﬁcos e acesso a tratamentos e como tais aproximações desaﬁam pressupostos bioéticos de proteção. À luz desse caso, busca-se caracterizar estratégias emergentes de bioativismo cientíﬁco no Brasil que, mediadas pela noção de direito à saúde, enredam diversos atores sociais em demandas coletivas relacionadas à produção, regulamentação e prática cientíﬁcas.
MIGRAÇÕES ESTUDANTIS
Authors: Dutra Rogéria Campos de Almeida , Azevedo Leonardo Francisco de , Laier Aline Cristina
Published: March 2019

Baseando-se em investigações realizadas com intercambistas - estudantes brasileiros no exterior e estudantes africanos no Brasil - o presente artigo pretende refletir sobre o tema da migração estudantil, e em particular analisar as dificuldades encontradas pelos estudantes na sociedade de destino. Esses intercambistas demonstraram que, apesar do projeto de integração entre povos e culturas associado ao processo de internacionalização do ensino superior, encontraram limites em sua inserção, levando-os a criar estratégias específicas de socialização e integração em terras estrangeiras.
Metabolism of Oxalate in Humans: A Potential Role Kynurenine Aminotransferase/Glutamine Transaminase/Cysteine Conjugate Betalyase Plays in Hyperoxaluria
Authors: Han Qian , Yang Cihan , Lu Jun , Zhang Yinai , Li Jianyong
Published: March 2019

Hyperoxaluria, excessive urinary oxalate excretion, is a significant health problem worldwide. Disrupted oxalate metabolism has been implicated in hyperoxaluria and accordingly, an enzymatic disturbance in oxalate biosynthesis can result in the primary hyperoxaluria. Alanine-glyoxylate aminotransferase-1 and glyoxylate reductase, the enzymes involving glyoxylate (precursor for oxalate) metabolism, have been related to primary hyperoxalurias. Some studies suggest that other enzymes such as glycolate oxidase and alanine-glyoxylate aminotransferase-2 might be associated with primary hyperoxaluria as well, but evidence of a definitive link is not strong between the clinical cases and gene mutations. There are still some idiopathic hyperoxalurias, which require a further study for the etiologies. Some aminotransferases, particularly kynurenine aminotransferases, can convert glyoxylate to glycine. Based on biochemical and structural characteristics, expression level, and subcellular localization of some aminotransferases, a number of them appear able to catalyze the transamination of glyoxylate to glycine more efficiently than alanine glyoxylate aminotransferase-1. The aim of this minireview is to explore other undermining causes of primary hyperoxaluria and stimulate research toward achieving a comprehensive understanding of underlying mechanisms leading to the disease. Herein, we reviewed all aminotransferases in the liver for their functions in glyoxylate metabolism. Particularly, kynurenine aminotransferase-I and III were carefully discussed regarding their biochemical and structural characteristics, cellular localization, and enzyme inhibition. Kynurenine aminotransferase-III is, so far, the most efficient putative mitochondrial enzyme to transaminate glyoxylate to glycine in mammalian livers, which might be an interesting enzyme to look for in hyperoxaluria etiology of primary hyperoxaluria and should be carefully investigated for its involvement in oxalate metabolism.
Targeting Immune Signaling Pathways in Clonal Hematopoiesis
Authors: Azrakhsh Nessar Ahmad , Mensah-glanowska Patrycja , Sand Kristoffer , Kittang Astrid Olsnes
Published: March 2019

Background:

Myeloid neoplasms are a diverse group of malignant diseases with different entities and numerous patho-clinical features. They arise from mutated clones of hematopoietic stem- and progenitor cells which expand by outperforming their normal counterparts. The intracellular signaling profile of cancer cells is the sum of genetic, epigenetic and microenvironmental influences, and the multiple interconnections between different signaling pathways make pharmacological targeting complicated.

Objective:

To present an overview of known somatic mutations in myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN), myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and the inflammatory signaling pathways affected by them, as well as current efforts to therapeutically modulate this aberrant inflammatory signaling.

Methods:

In this review, we extensively reviewed and compiled salient information with ClinicalTrials.gov as our source on ongoing studies, and PubMed as our authentic bibliographic source, using a focused review question.

Results:

Mutations affecting immune signal transduction are present to varying extents in clonal myeloid diseases. While MPN are dominated by a few common mutations, a multitude of different genes can be mutated in MDS and AML. Mutations can also occur in asymptomatic persons, a finding called clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP). Mutations in FLT3, JAK, STAT, CBL and RAS can lead to aberrant immune signaling. Protein kinase inhibitors are entering the clinic and are extensively investigated in clinical trials in MPN, MDS and AML.

Conclusion:

In summary, this article summarizes recent research on aberrant inflammatory signaling in clonal myeloid diseases and the clinical therapeutic potential of modulation of signal transduction and effector proteins in the affected pathways.
Stimuli-responsive Drug Delivery Systems as an Emerging Platform for Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Xu Xiao-Ling , Lu Kong-Jun , Yao Xiao-Qin , Ying Xiao-Ying , Du Yong-Zhong
Published: March 2019

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease accompanied by chronic inflammation.
Due to the long-term infiltration in inflammatory sites, joints get steadily deteriorated, eventually resulting in
functional incapacitation and disability. Despite the considerable effect, RA sufferers treated with current drug
therapeutic efficacy are exposed to severe side effects. Application of Drug Delivery Systems (DDS) has improved
these situations while the problem of limited drug exposure remains untackled. Stimuli-responsive DDS
that are responsive to a variety of endogenous and exogenous stimuli, such as pH, redox status, and temperature,
have emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy to optimize the drug release. Herein, we discussed the therapeutic
regimes and serious side effects of current RA therapy, as well as focused on some of the potential stimuliresponsive
DDS utilized in RA therapy. Besides, the prospective room in designing DDS for RA treatment has
also been discussed.
Sequential and Asynchronous Strengthening of the Influence of Temperature on the Endo- and Exocytosis of Insulin in the Isolated Vertebrata Hepatocytes: Summing up Previous Studies
Authors: Kolychev Alexander P. , Terpilovskii Maxim A. , Uversky Vladimir N.
Published: March 2019

Insulin internalization and processing of the Insulin Receptor Complex (IRC) inside the cell are important components of the intracellular Mechanism of Insulin Action (MIA). They define the continuation of intracellular signaling of IRC and allow utilization of the parts of the complex after ligand dissociation. Traditionally, changes in the insulin regulatory system associated with the vertebrate phylogenesis have been evaluated by changes of its two elements: the hormone and its receptor. A hormone-competent cell was considered as an evolutionarily completed element of insulin regulatory system. However, previous studies of the isolated hepatocytes of four classes of vertebrates (lamprey, frog, chicken, and rat) revealed significant differences in the state of internalization of 125I-insulin and intracellular IRC processing. Radical differences were noted in the regulation of 125I-insulin internalization and the intracellular fate of the IRC. Here, cytosolic efficient insulin degradation and a complete lack of 125I-insulin exocytosis were observed in the cyclostome cells, whereas in amphibians the hormone underwent lysosomal degradation and showed low levels of exocytosis, while birds and mammals were characterized by high volumes of the excreted 125Iinsulin containing proteolytic 125I-insulin fragments. Despite the established recognition of the importance of the temperature factor, a complete understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the temperature effects on MIA is still missing. This poorly studied problem of the MIA temperature dependence can be behind the differences in the effect of temperature on the intracellular action of insulin and IGF-I. In fact, at different phylogenetic stages, successive changes were reported for the temperature dependence of the 125Iinsulin internalization and exocytosis. The following regularities were reported for the effect of temperature on the 125I-insulin internalization in isolated hepatocytes of different origin: complete lack of receptibility of the process to temperature in lampreys, receptibility of the process in a narrow range of low temperatures (0-5°C) in amphibians, and flexible regulation of 125I-insulin internalization in a wide temperature range (6- 37°C) in the cells from endothermic organisms. Reported data make it possible to observe three stages in the alteration of temperature regulation of 125I-insulin internalization (in cells of cyclostomes, amphibians, and endothermic organisms) and two stages of temperature regulation of 125I-insulin exocytosis in cells of amphibians, birds, and mammals. The data presented in this study reflect the specificity of the developmental reorganization of the intracellular MIA regulation and hormone utilization, and emphasize the central role of temperature in selective MIA formation during vertebrate phylogenesis.
Attenuation of Cardiac Ischaemia-reperfusion Injury by Treatment with Hydrogen-rich Water
Authors: Li Xiangzi , Li Liangtong , Liu Xuanchen , Wu Jiawen , Sun Xiaoyu , Li Zhilin , Geng Yong-Jian , Liu Fulin , Zhou Yujuan
Published: March 2019

Background:

Hydrogen has been shown to exert a bioactive effect on the
myocardium. This study examined the signalling pathways for hydrogen attenuating
ischaemia-reperfusion injury.

Methods:

In total, 20 male Wistar rats were evaluated for the effects of hydrogen-rich
water on ischaemia-reperfusion in hearts. Left ventricular tissue was taken for screening
and analysis of active protein factors by protein chip technology. The enrichment of the
KEGG pathway was obtained by using the Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment principle.
The expression of JAK2, STAT1, STAT3, p-STAT1, p-JAK2, p-STAT3 in rat myocardium
was detected by Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry. The apoptosis rates
of the control and hydrogen-rich water groups were detected by TUNEL staining.

Results:

The expression levels of 25 proteins, including five transduction pathways,
were downregulated in the hydrogen-rich water group. The expression levels of p-
JAK2/JAK2, p-STAT3/STAT3 were upregulated in the hydrogen-rich water group
compared with the control group, and p-STAT1/STAT1 was downregulated in the
hydrogen-rich water group compared with the control group. Furthermore, the apoptosis
rate was significantly decreased in the hydrogen-rich water group, as well.

Conclusion:

Hydrogen-rich water may inhibit the apoptosis of cardiomyocytes after
ischaemia-reperfusion by upregulating the expression of the JAK2-STAT3 signalling
pathway, which reduces ischaemia-reperfusion injury.
Systemic and CNS Inflammation Crosstalk: Implications for Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Paouri Evi , Georgopoulos Spiros
Published: March 2019

After years of failed therapeutic attempts targeting beta-amyloid (Aβ) in AD, there is now increasing evidence suggesting that inflammation holds a pivotal role in AD pathogenesis and immune pathways can possibly comprise primary therapeutic targets. Inflammation is a key characteristic of numerous diseases including neurodegenerative disorders and thus not surprisingly suppression of inflammation frequently constitutes a major therapeutic strategy for a wide spectrum of disorders. Several brain-resident and peripherally-derived immune populations and inflammatory mediators are involved in AD pathophysiology, with microglia comprising central cellular player in the disease process. Systemic inflammation, mostly in the form of infections, has long been observed to induce behavioral alterations and cognitive dysfunction, suggesting for a close interaction of the peripheral immune system with the brain. Systemic inflammation can result in neuroinflammation, mainly exhibited as microglial activation, production of inflammatory molecules, as well as recruitment of peripheral immune cells in the brain, thus shaping a cerebral inflammatory milieu that may seriously impact neuronal function. Increasing clinical and experimental studies have provided significant evidence that acute (e.g. infections) or chronic (e.g. autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis) systemic inflammatory conditions may be associated with increased AD risk and accelerate AD progression. Here we review the current literature that links systemic with CNS inflammation and the implications of this interaction for AD in the context of acute and chronic systemic pathologies as acute infection and rheumatoid arthritis. Elucidating the mechanisms that govern the crosstalk between the peripheral and the local brain immune system may provide the ground for new therapeutic approaches that target the immune-brain interface and shed light on the understanding of AD.
Characterization of Serum Exosomes from a Transgenic Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Rosas-Hernandez Hector , Cuevas Elvis , Raymick James B. , Robinson Bonnie L. , Ali Syed F. , Hanig Joseph , Sarkar Sumit
Published: March 2019

Background:

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is the most common type of dementia characterized
by amyloid plaques containing Amyloid Beta (Aβ) peptides and neurofibrillary tangles containing tau
protein. In addition to neuronal loss, Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy (CAA) commonly occurs in AD.
CAA is characterized by Aβ deposition in brain microvessels. Recent studies have suggested that
exosomes (cell-derived vesicles containing a diverse cargo) may be involved in the pathogenesis of AD.

Objective:

Isolate and characterize brain-derived exosomes from a transgenic mouse model of AD that
presents CAA.

Methods:

Exosomes were isolated from serum obtained from 13-month-old wild type and AD transgenic
female mice using an exosome precipitation solution. Characterization of exosomal proteins was
performed by western blots and dot blots.

Results:

Serum exosomes were increased in transgenic mice compared to wild types as determined by
increased levels of the exosome markers flotillin and alix. High levels of neuronal markers were found
in exosomes, without any difference any between the 2 groups. Markers for endothelial-derived
exosomes were decreased in the transgenic model, while astrocytic-derived exosomes were increased.
Exosome characterization showed increased levels of oligomeric Aβ and oligomeric and monomeric
forms tau on the transgenic animals. Levels of amyloid precursor protein were also increased. In addition,
pathological and phosphorylated forms of tau were detected, but no difference was observed between
the groups.

Conclusion:

These data suggest that monomeric and oligomeric forms of Aβ and tau are secreted into
serum via brain exosomes, most likely derived from astrocytes in the transgenic mouse model of AD
with CAA. Studies on the implication of this event in the propagation of AD are underway.
In Silico Evaluation of Acetylation Mimics in the 27 Lysine Residues of Human Tau Protein
Authors: Kim Yong-Chan , Jeong Byung-Hoon
Published: March 2019

Background:

Various neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), are
related to abnormal hyperphosphorylated microtubule-associated protein tau accumulation in brain lesions.
Recent studies have focused on toxicity caused by another post-translational modification (PTM),
acetylation of the lysine (K) residues of tau protein. Because there are numerous acetylation sites, several
studies have introduced mimics of tau acetylation using amino acid substitutions from lysine to glutamine
(Q). However, human tau protein contains over 20 acetylation sites; thus, investigation of the
effects of an acetylated tau is difficult.

Objective:

Here, the authors in silico evaluated acetylation effects using SIFT, PolyPhen-2 and
PROVEAN which can estimate the effects of amino acid substitutions based on the sequence homology
or protein structure in tau isoforms. In addition, they also investigated 27 acetylation effects on the
amyloid formation of tau proteins using Waltz.

Results:

15 acetylation mimics were estimated to be the most detrimental, which indicates that there
may be novel pathogenic acetylation sites in the human tau protein. Interestingly, the deleterious effect
of acetylation mimics was different according to the type of isoforms. Furthermore, all acetylation mimics
were predicted to be a region of amyloid formation at the codons 274-279 of human tau protein. Notably,
acetylation mimic of codon 311 (K311Q) induced the formation of an additional amyloid region
located on codons 306-311 of the human tau protein.

Conclusion:

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first simultaneous in-silico evaluation of the acetylation
state of 27 human tau protein residues.
Retinoic Acid and the Gut Microbiota in Alzheimer’s Disease: Fighting Back-to-Back?
Authors: Endres Kristina
Published: March 2019

Background:

There is growing evidence that the gut microbiota may play an important role in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. However, how these commensals influence disease risk and progression still has to be deciphered.

Objective:

The objective of this review was to summarize current knowledge on the interplay between gut microbiota and retinoic acid. The latter one represents one of the important micronutrients, which have been correlated to Alzheimer’s disease and are used in initial therapeutic intervention studies.

Methods:

A selective overview of the literature is given with the focus on the function of retinoic acid in the healthy and diseased brain, its metabolism in the gut, and the potential influence that the bioactive ligand may have on microbiota, gut physiology and, Alzheimer’s disease.

Results:

Retinoic acid can influence neuronal functionality by means of plasticity but also by neurogenesis and modulating proteostasis. Impaired retinoid-signaling, therefore, might contribute to the development of diseases in the brain. Despite its rather direct impact, retinoic acid also influences other organ systems such as gut by regulating the residing immune cells but also factors such as permeability or commensal microbiota. These in turn can also interfere with retinoid-metabolism and via the gutbrain- axis furthermore with Alzheimer’s disease pathology within the brain.

Conclusion:

Potentially, it is yet too early to conclude from the few reports on changed microbiota in Alzheimer’s disease to a dysfunctional role in retinoid-signaling. However, there are several routes how microbial commensals might affect and might be affected by vitamin A and its derivatives.
Community HIV Screening Among MSM in Three Indonesian Cities
Authors: Hidayat Rahmat , Marguari Daniel , Hairunisa Nany , Suparno Heru , Magnani Robert
Published: March 2019

Background:

Indonesia lags behind its peers with regard to ART coverage of PLHIV. Insufficient
HIV testing among MSM and other key affected populations remains a barrier to increasing
ART coverage.

Objective:

This report presents the results of the first government-endorsed implementation research
study of a community screening approach to increasing the rate of HIV testing among MSM in three
cities.

Methods:

All new MSM outreach contacts meeting eligibility criteria during March-June 2017 were
included in the study. HIV testing at a government health facility, which is required to qualify for
government-supported ART, was advised for all new contacts. Men refusing formal testing were offered
an HIV screening test in a community setting using a saliva-based rapid test and advised to get
a confirmatory test at a health facility. All outreach contacts and testing activities were recorded on
individual client records.

Results:

Of 1,149 eligible MSM, 27% were willing to be referred to receive HIV testing at a health
facility, among which 83% were confirmed to have been tested. Of the 838 study subjects refusing
health facility testing, 38% accepted community screening. The screening positivity rate was 14.8%.
Only 38% of men with reactive screening tests received a confirmatory test at a health facility, along
with 8% of those with non-reactive tests.

Conclusion:

While community screening resulted in more MSM knowing their HIV status, reluctance
to avail government health facility-based services, or indeed to be tested at all, must be addressed
if community screening is to accelerate progress in getting HIV-positive MSM onto treatment.
Virtual Structural Similarity Elucidates Bioactivity of Fenchone: A Phytochemical Enriched in Fennel Essential Oil
Authors: Singh Sukhchain , Gupta Pawan , Gupta Jeena
Published: March 2019

Background:

Fenchone is a natural monoterpene abundantly present in fennel essential
oil. It is known for its wound healing properties but its other biological activities are less explored.

Methods:

We used an in silico structural similarity searching approache to identify various biological
activities of fenchone. The identified biological activities of fenchone (purchased from Sigma Aldrich)
were validated by conducting DPPH free radical scavenging assay, MTT assay, well diffusion assay for
antimicrobial activity and enzymatic assays to analyze the activity of different antioxidant enzymes.

Results:

Camphor was found to possess maximum structural similarity with fenchone (similarityindex
100). Molecular docking demonstrated that the binding modes of fenchone were also similar to
camphor against protein Cytochrome CYP101D1 (PDB ID: 4C9K). Fenchone also demonstrated to
possess an antioxidant activity (IC50: 3.32±0.008mM), an antimicrobial activity (MIC: 0.49mM) and
a very strong antifungal activity. Fenchone protects yeast cells from H2O2 induced cytotoxicity and is
cytotoxic to cancerous Hela cells (IC50: 12.63±0.12 μM). Fenchone treatment also showed the
reduced activity of antioxidant enzymes i.e glutathione-S-transferase, catalase and lipid peroxidase.

Conclusion:

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report that used structural similarity
searching to explore the biological activities of fenchone.
Botulinum Toxin for the Treatment of Focal Task-Specific Hand Dystonias: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ashworth Nigel , Aidoo Henry , Doroshenko Alexander , Antle David , Els Charl , Flaschner David Mark , Gross Douglas P. , Guptill Christine , Potter Patrick , Tan Maria C. , Straube Sebastian
Published: March 2019

Objective:

Botulinum Toxin (BTX) has become a widely used treatment in several dystonic conditions, but the evidence for its efficacy has largely come from open trials and expert opinion. This systematic review examined the efficacy and safety of BTX in the treatment of Focal Hand Dystonia (FHD) in Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs).

Methods:

We searched Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR), Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects (DARE), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), CINAHL, SPORT Discus, SCOPUS, Web of Science, PEDro, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) for randomized, placebo-controlled trials on the use of BTX for FHD.

Results:

Of 1,116 publications retrieved from the databases searched, three publications were included. The evidence identified pertains to focal task-specific hand dystonias. Sixty-nine participants were involved in the three RCTs with a mean duration of symptoms of 7.5 years. Participants were assessed using a combination of self-reported and functional performance outcome measures following injections of BTX subtype A (BTX-A) or placebo. The Oxford Quality Scale was used to assess the included studies, and the three studies each scored 3/5 or above. The included studies reported no adverse events with BTX-A use, other than muscle weakness and pain at the injection sites.

Conclusion:

The number of participants included in these three trials is too small to draw dependable conclusions about the efficacy and safety of BTX-A for FHD. There is currently not enough evidence to recommend the routine use of BTX-A for FHD.
Iron(II) Spin Crossover Polymers of Planar N2O2 Schiff Base Templates and 4,4’-bis(pyridyl)urea Bridges
Authors: Zappe Lisa , Lochenie Charles , Martin Thomas , Weber Birgit
Published: March 2019

Introduction:

The synthesis of four new iron(II) coordination polymers [Fe(L1a)(bpua)] (1), [Fe(L1b)(bpua)](0.5bpua) (2), [Fe(L2a)(bpua)] (3), [Fe(L1b)(bpua)](yEtOH) (5) and one trinuclear complex [{Fe(L1a)(bpua)(MeOH)}2-µ{Fe(L1a)}](xMeOH) (4) with Schiff base-like N2O2coordinating equatorial ligands (L1a, L1b and L2a) and 4,4’-bis(pyridyl)urea (bpua) as bridging axial ligand is described.

Materials and Methods:

Single crystal X-ray structure elucidation of the trinuclear module4and of the coordination polymer5reveals the presence of HS-LS-HS chains and all-HS infinite 1-D strands, respectively. As anticipated the presence of the bridging urea supports the supramolecular concatenation within an extended hydrogen-bonding network. Magnetic measurements reveal spin crossover behavior for four of the five complexes (1–4) that is strongly solvent dependent.

Results and Conclusion:

Interestingly, in two cases, complete removal of the solvent from the crystal packing leads to wider thermal hysteresis loops.
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ACCOUNTING E-MODULE INTEGRATED WITH CHARACTER VALUE TO IMPROVE STUDENTS’ LEARNING OUTCOMES AND HONESTY
Authors: Sitorus Destri Sambara , Siswandari Siswandari , Kristiani Kristiani
Published: March 2019

This study was aimed to examine the effectiveness of e-accounting module integrated character values to improve students’ learning outcomes and honesty. This was motivated by lack of students' understanding of accounting materials so that students tended to take dishonest actions like cheating while doing assignments or examinations. Honesty is one of the characters developed in many curriculla, so that honest character needs to be integrated in learning activities. The data collected in this study were the data on students’ learning outcomes collected through multiple choice tests and the data on students’ honesty collected through questionnaires. Students’ learning outcomes data were analyzed through independent sample t test and the data on students' honesty were analyzed descriptively by narrative. The t test results obtained sig values 0.014 < 0.05 so that there were significant differences between the learning outcomes of the experimental class and the control class. The results of the questionnaire analysis showed that the students’ honesty level of the experimental class was in a very good category and the control class was in the good category.
STRUCTURAL MODEL OF COUNSELING COMPETENCE
Authors: Setiyowati Arbin Janu , Pali Marthen , Wiyono Bambang Budi , Triyono Triyono
Published: March 2019

Counseling competence is a set of essential abilities which is prominent to be employed in conducting counseling. This counseling competence research took students of counseling as a counselor candidate. This study aims to analyze the correlation between basic knowledge, basic communication skill, and cultural skill to the counseling competence. This work used Ex Post Facto Causal Relationship Explanatory research design. The research subjects were 120 students of Department of Guidance and Counseling from three State Universities in Java Island. Samples were taken by using cluster random sampling technique. The data analysis was conducted through Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) technique. The research results show that there is a significant relationship between knowledge, basic attitude, basic communication skill and cultural skill to the counseling competence. The implication of this research finding to the education of the Department of Guidance and Counseling is the significance of considering the factors forming the academic counseling competence to produce the professional counselor candidate.
COUNSELOR PROFESSIONAL IDENTITY OF COUNSELOR PROFESSION EDUCATION
Authors: Farozin Muh
Published: March 2019

This paper describes professional identity of counselor educators teaching in a counselor profession education in Indonesia. The counselor identitiy was explored using a self-reported semi-open questionnaire and a focus-group discussion. Using the questionnaire, the couselors self-assessed their competency level of 75 competence-statement based on the government’s regulation. Their self-assessed level of competencies was compared to factors like age, teaching experiences, professional development as well as their self-efficacy toward the counselor competencies mandated by the government. To confirm the survey findings, a focus-group discussion was held and revealed culture-specific competencies that were not explicated in the regulation but deemed an important characteristic of the counselors’ identity. The study found that the counselors described themselves having average level of the mandated competencies and developing culture-specific competency related to technology literacy. The findings provide recommendation to set up context-suited professional development training that prepare the counselors for teaching in the profession training.
A LEARNING MODEL OF BAHASA INDONESIA AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE BASED ON LOCAL INTERCULTURAL POLITENESS
Authors: Gusnawaty Gusnawaty , Nurwati Andi
Published: March 2019

The study was aimed for developing a learning model of Bahasa Indonesia based on local intercultural politeness to improve the foreigners’ communicative competencies. This is Research and Development, started with a preliminary study of intercultural learning concepts and Buginese politeness strategies; the distribution of the needs analysis instruments to the 25 foreigners learning Bahasa Indonesia in Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia; model development, focus group discussions; the model finalization and  product experiment. The interviews and questionnaires data were analyzed by descriptive quantitative and qualitative. The result, a local politeness intercultural learning model consisting of four phases: noticing, comparing, reflecting, and interacting.  1) The foreign learners noticed the use of local politeness markers in Bahasa Indonesia; 2) They compared the similarities and differences between the use of the markers of local politeness and those they found in their native languages; 3) They reflected themselves; 4) They practiced Bahasa Indonesia through direct interactions. The conclusion showed that the t-score = 3.26 > t-table = 2.45 signifying that the model was effective in overcoming the foreign learners’ problems in oral interactions and improving their Bahasa Indonesia communicative competencies.
DÜŞÜK HIZLI DARBE YÜKÜNE MARUZ KOMPOZİT PLAKALARA ASİDİK ORTAMIN ETKİSİ
Authors: Esendemir Ümran , Karaca Haluk
Published: March 2019

Bu çalışmada, cam elyaf takviyeli epoksi kompozit
numunelerin darbe davranışı deneysel olarak incelenmiştir. Bu amaçla 100x100 mm
boyutlarında 8 tabakalı kompozit numuneler vakum infüzyon yöntemi kullanılarak
üretilmiştir. Numuneler, oda sıcaklığında güneş görmeyen kapalı bir kavanozdaki
hidroklorik asit çözeltisi (asit derişikliği %15 ve % 25) içinde, farklı
sürelerde bekletilmiştir. Darbe testleri Fractovis Plus darbe test cihazı
kullanılarak, iki farklı darbe enerjisinde (20J ve 30J) gerçekleştirilmiştir. Kuvvet
çökme eğrileri, darbe enerjisi-maksimum kuvvet eğrileri, darbe enerjisi, çökme
eğrileri, hız-zaman eğrileri ve kuvvet-zaman eğrileri çizilmiştir. Hidroklorik
asit çözeltisinde bekletilen numunelerden elde edilen deney sonuçları ile oda
sıcaklığında bekletilen numunelerden elde edilen sonuçlar karşılaştırılmıştır.
Deneysel çalışma sonucunda, asidik ortamın kompozit numunelerin yük taşıma
kapasitesini azalttığı fakat eğri tipini değiştirmediği görülmüştür.
KİLİKYA-ADANA -İSKENDERUN HAVZALARI’NIN PLİYO-KUVATERNER SEDİMAN DAĞILIMLARI
Authors: ÇİFTÇİ Canan , OKYAR Mahmut
Published: March 2019

Kilikya-Adana ve İskenderun Havzaları Afrika-Avrasya Levhalarının çarpışma zonu boyunca gelişen Neojen depolanma alanlarıdır. Doğal yapısından dolayı bu havzalar, geçmişten günümüze birçok jeolojik ve jeofizik çalışmaya konu olmuştur. Bu çalışmada, Pliyo-Kuvaterner zamanında biriken sediman dağılımları Türkiye Petrolleri Anonim Ortaklığı’ndan izinle temin edilen sismik yansıma profillerinin yorumlanmasıyla elde edilmiştir. Kalınlık haritası önceki çalışmalarda kullanılan 1700 m/sn’lik ortalama hız ile hesaplanmıştır.  Yorumlamalar sonucunda, Pliyo-Kuvaterner çökellerin kalınlık değerlerinin 0-2763 m arasında değiştiği saptanmıştır. En yüksek kalınlık değerleri İskenderun Havzası’nın denizel kesiminde, Asi Nehri açıklarında 2250 m, Yumurtalık önlerinde 2763 m ve Kilikya Havzası’nın orta kesiminde 2050 m olarak elde edilmiştir.
STANDARTLAŞTIRILMIŞ YAĞIŞ İNDEKSİ (SYİ) YÖNTEMİ İLE KURAKLIK ANALİZİ VE KAKLIK (HONAZ-DENİZLİ) OVASINDAKİ YERALTISUYU DEĞİŞİMİ
Authors: AKSEVER Fatma
Published: March 2019

Kaklık (Honaz) Ovası, Ege Bölgesi’nde Denizli ilinin doğusunda bulunmaktadır. Kaklık Ovası, Batı Anadolu’nun en büyük nehri olan Büyük Menderes Nehir havzasının alt havzası konumundaki Yukarı Çürüksu havzasında bulunan Honaz alt havzası içerisinde yer alır. Çalışma alanının temelini otokton konumlu Üst Jura yaşlı Babadağ kireçtaşı oluşturmaktadır. Bölgede Bodrum Napı’na ait Mesozoyik yaşlı dolomit, dolomitik kireçtaşı, kristalize kireçtaşı ve mermerlerden oluşan Ortadağ formasyonu allokton birimdir. Kuvaterner yaşlı birimler ile kumtaşı, kiltaşı, silttaşı, kireçtaşı, konglomera ve marndan oluşan Senozoyik yaşlı birimler çalışma alanının örtü kayalarıdır. Çalışma alanında alüvyon, konglomera, traverten ve kireçtaşı birimlerinden yeraltısuyu alınmaktadır. Bu çalışmada Kaklık ovasında Standartlaştırılmış Yağış İndeksi (SYİ) yöntemi ile 1975-2018 yılları arasında 44 yıllık kuraklık analizi yapılmıştır. 12 aylık SYİ değerlerine göre; 44 yıl süresince toplam 13 ay “çok kurak” kategorisinde gözlenmiştir. 2003-2015 yılları arasında sondaj kuyularında ölçülen statik seviye değerlerine göre ovadaki yeraltısuyu miktarı 1-3 m arasında değişmektedir.
Comparison of On-Site Versus Remote Mobile Device Support in the Framingham Heart Study Using the Health eHeart Study for Digital Follow-up: Randomized Pilot Study Set Within an Observational Study Design (Preprint)
Authors: Spartano Nicole L , Lin Honghuang , Sun Fangui , Lunetta Kathryn L , Trinquart Ludovic , Valentino Maureen , Manders Emily S , Pletcher Mark J , Marcus Gregory M , McManus David D , Benjamin Emelia J , Fox Caroline S , Olgin Jeffrey E , Murabito Joanne M
Published: March 2019

BACKGROUND

New electronic cohort (e-Cohort) study designs provide resource-effective methods for collecting participant data. It is unclear if implementing an e-Cohort study without direct, in-person participant contact can achieve successful participation rates.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to compare 2 distinct enrollment methods for setting up mobile health (mHealth) devices and to assess the ongoing adherence to device use in an e-Cohort pilot study.

METHODS

We coenrolled participants from the Framingham Heart Study (FHS) into the FHS–Health eHeart (HeH) pilot study, a digital cohort with infrastructure for collecting mHealth data. FHS participants who had an email address and smartphone were randomized to our FHS-HeH pilot study into 1 of 2 study arms: remote versus on-site support. We oversampled older adults (age ≥65 years), with a target of enrolling 20% of our sample as older adults. In the remote arm, participants received an email containing a link to enrollment website and, upon enrollment, were sent 4 smartphone-connectable sensor devices. Participants in the on-site arm were invited to visit an in-person FHS facility and were provided in-person support for enrollment and connecting the devices. Device data were tracked for at least 5 months.

RESULTS

Compared with the individuals who declined, individuals who consented to our pilot study (on-site, n=101; remote, n=93) were more likely to be women, highly educated, and younger. In the on-site arm, the connection and initial use of devices was ≥20% higher than the remote arm (mean percent difference was 25% [95% CI 17-35] for activity monitor, 22% [95% CI 12-32] for blood pressure cuff, 20% [95% CI 10-30] for scale, and 43% [95% CI 30-55] for electrocardiogram), with device connection rates in the on-site arm of 99%, 95%, 95%, and 84%. Once connected, continued device use over the 5-month study period was similar between the study arms.

CONCLUSIONS

Our pilot study demonstrated that the deployment of mobile devices among middle-aged and older adults in the context of an on-site clinic visit was associated with higher initial rates of device use as compared with offering only remote support. Once connected, the device use was similar in both groups.
Accuracy and Precision of Three Consumer-Grade Motion Sensors During Overground and Treadmill Walking in People With Parkinson Disease: Cross-Sectional Comparative Study (Preprint)
Authors: Lai Byron , Sasaki Jeffer E , Jeng Brenda , Cederberg Katie L , Bamman Marcas M , Motl Robert W
Published: March 2019

BACKGROUND

Wearable motion sensors are gaining popularity for monitoring free-living physical activity among people with Parkinson disease (PD), but more evidence supporting the accuracy and precision of motion sensors for capturing step counts is required in people with PD.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to examine the accuracy and precision of 3 common consumer-grade motion sensors for measuring actual steps taken during prolonged periods of overground and treadmill walking in people with PD.

METHODS

A total of 31 ambulatory participants with PD underwent 6-min bouts of overground and treadmill walking at a comfortable speed. Participants wore 3 devices (Garmin Vivosmart 3, Fitbit One, and Fitbit Charge 2 HR), and a single researcher manually counted the actual steps taken. Accuracy and precision were based on absolute and relative metrics, including intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and Bland-Altman plots.

RESULTS

Participants walked 628 steps over ground based on manual counting, and Garmin Vivosmart, Fitbit One, and Fitbit Charge 2 HR devices had absolute (relative) error values of 6 (6/628, 1.0%), 8 (8/628, 1.3%), and 30 (30/628, 4.8%) steps, respectively. ICC values demonstrated excellent agreement between manually counted steps and steps counted by both Garmin Vivosmart (0.97) and Fitbit One (0.98) but poor agreement for Fitbit Charge 2 HR (0.47). The absolute (relative) precision values for Garmin Vivosmart, Fitbit One, and Fitbit Charge 2 HR were 11.1 (11.1/625, 1.8%), 14.7 (14.7/620, 2.4%), and 74.4 (74.4/598, 12.4%) steps, respectively. ICC confidence intervals demonstrated low variability for Garmin Vivosmart (0.96 to 0.99) and Fitbit One (0.93 to 0.99) but high variability for Fitbit Charge 2 HR (–0.57 to 0.74). The Fitbit One device maintained high accuracy and precision values for treadmill walking, but both Garmin Vivosmart and Fitbit Charge 2 HR (the wrist-worn devices) had worse accuracy and precision for treadmill walking.

CONCLUSIONS

The waist-worn sensor (Fitbit One) was accurate and precise in measuring steps with overground and treadmill walking. The wrist-worn sensors were accurate and precise only during overground walking. Similar research should inform the application of these devices in clinical research and practice involving patients with PD.
“Where There’s Smoke, There’s Fire”: A Content Analysis of Print and Web-Based News Media Reporting of the Philip Morris–Funded Foundation for a Smoke-Free World (Preprint)
Authors: Watts Christina , Freeman Becky
Published: March 2019

BACKGROUND

In September 2017, the Foundation for a Smoke-Free World (FSFW), a not-for-profit organization with a core purpose “to accelerate global efforts to reduce deaths and harm from smoking” was launched. However, the legitimacy of the FSFW’s vision has been questioned by experts in tobacco control because of the organization’s only funding partner, Philip Morris International (PMI).

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to examine the response to the FSFW in Web-based and print news media to understand how the FSFW and its funding partner, PMI, were framed.

METHODS

News articles published within a 6-month period after the FSFW was announced were downloaded via Google News and Factiva and coded for topic, framing argument, slant, mention of tobacco control policies, and direct quotes or position statements.

RESULTS

A total of 124 news articles were analyzed. The news coverage of the FSFW was framed by 6 key arguments. Over half of the news articles presented a framing argument in opposition to the FSFW (64/124, 51.6%). A further 20.2% (25/124) of articles framed the FSFW positively and 28.2% of articles (35/124) presented a neutral debate with no primary slant. The FSFW was presented as not credible because of the funding link to PMI in 29.0% (36/124) of articles and as a tactic to mislead and undermine effective tobacco control measures in 11.3% of articles (14/124). However, 12.9% of articles (16/124) argued that the FSFW or PMI is part of the solution to reducing the impact of tobacco use. Evidence-based tobacco control policies were mentioned positively in 66.9% (83/124) of news articles and 9.6% (12/124) of articles presented tobacco control policies negatively.

CONCLUSIONS

The Web-based and print news media reporting of the formation of the FSFW and its mission and vision has primarily been framed by doubt, skepticism, and disapproval.