bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ability of Extracts of Spirulina for the Removal of Arsenic from Isolated Liver Tissues of Experimental Rat
Authors: Ira Andalib Mustafa Iqbal , Jesmin Sabina , Akhter Shakila , Rowshan Mahfuza Mazeda , Eva Eliza Omar , Misbahuddin Mir
Published: December 2020

Background: Spirulina has several effects in the metabolism of the body.

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to see the ability of extracts of spirulina for the removal of arsenic from isolated liver tissues of rat.

Methodology: This animal study was carried out on isolated liver tissues of Long Evans Norwegian adult healthy male rats weighing 160 to 200 g. The rats were 3 to 6 months of age obtained from animal house of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh from 2004 to 2005. Measurements and all tasks were performed in a very careful manner. Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer with Hydride Generator was used to measure the arsenic level. A set of freshly washed test tubes was taken. All test tubes contained 2ml tyrode solution and twenty small pieces of liver tissue maintaining 00C. No arsenic was added in test tube I. 2.5 μg/ml arsenic trioxide was added rest of the test tubes. They all were incubated for 45 minutes at 370C. Then the tissues were washed properly. The extracts of spirulina was added at 20 μl/ml dose. Second incubation was also for another 45 minutes at 370C. There were duplicates of all test tubes.

Result: The effects of different extracts of spirulina (E1, E2, E4 and E7) on the removal of arsenic from arsenic loaded tissue were recorded. Amount of accumulated arsenic (mean ± se) in blank was 6.04 ± 3.05 μg/g of protein. After administration of 2.5 μg/ml arsenic trioxide in both incubation, the amount of accumulated arsenic was 245.02 ± 22.37 μg/g of protein. Blank was deducted from the standard and the value was considered as control and it was 238.96 ± 19.32 μg / g of protein. The arsenic loaded tissues were incubated with different extracts (E1, E2, E4 and E7) of spirulina in second incubation for another 45 minutes at 370C and each extract was for 20 μl / ml. After E1 extract of spirulina in second incubation, amount of accumulated arsenic was 136.40 ± 14.23 μg / g. There was 14.81% of removal of arsenic. Second incubation with E2 extract of spirulina (20 μl/ml) on arsenic loaded (2.5 μg/ml) tissue showed the amount of arsenic 242.56 ± 16.50 μg/g of protein (mean ± se). There was 12.59% of removal of arsenic.

Conclusion: In conclusion extracts of spirulina has a significant ability to remove arsenic from isolated liver tissues of experimental rat.

Journal of National Institute of Neurosciences Bangladesh, 2020;6(2): 105-109
Socio-demographic Characteristics of Vesico-vaginal fistula (VVF) patients attended at a tertiary Care Hospital in Bangladesh
Authors: Akter Shimul , Shewly Naznin Rashid , Khatun Kashefa , Nupur Rokshana Parvin , Nahar Kamrun , Sultana Nilufar
Published: December 2020

Background: Vesico-vaginal fistula can occur in different women with varied socio-economic condition.

Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to see the socio-demographic characteristics of vesico-vaginal fistula (VVF) patients attended at a tertiary care hospital in Bangladesh.

Methodology: This cross-sectional study was carried out from July 2013 to December 2013 for a period of 6 months in the National Fistula Centre in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), Dhaka, Bangladesh. All patients who underwent surgical repair for iatrogenic VVF in National Fistula Centre of the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of Dhaka Medical College Hospital were included in this study. Patients who got themselves admitted to Obstetrics & Gynaecology department of DMCH with the complaints of fistula. The entire selected patients were interviewed for detailed socio-demographic characteristics.

Result: A total number of 51 cases of VVF were recruited for this study. The mean age was 46.02 (±SD 6.104) years. Most of the respondents were illiterate (55.0%) and one-third patients had primary level education. The number of highly educated patients was scarce (12.0%). It was evident that average age at marriage of the patients was 15.8(±4.74) years. Some females were forced to accept marriage at the age of 10 years. The mean interval between initiation of menstruation and the marriage was only 4.72 years. Mothers were on an average 17.48 years old at the time of first delivery.

Conclusion: In conclusion middle age illiterate women are most commonly suffering from VVF.

Journal of National Institute of Neurosciences Bangladesh, 2020;6(2): 114-117
Pengembangan Ranah Afektif dan Psikomotor Siswa dalam Implementasi Kurikulum 2013
Authors: Ismail Ismail
Published: December 2020

Abstrak
Ada dua pertanyaan yang menjadi studi utama dalam penelitian ini. Pertama, bagaimana pengembangan ranah afektif dan psikomotorik pada implementasi kurikulum 2013 di SMP Negeri 1 Camplong ? Kedua, apa saja faktor pendukung dan penghambat untuk pengembangan ranah afektif dan psikomotorik pada implementasi kurikulum 2013 di SMP Negeri 1 Camplong ? Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kualitatif deskriptif, dengan menggunakan teknik wawancara, observasi dan dokumentasi dalam pengumpulan data. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan; pertama, pengembangan ranah afektif dan psikomotorik pada implementasi kurikulum 2013 di SMP Negeri 1 Camplong adalah sebagai berikut: (a) Berbagai kegiatan pembelajaran berbasis sumber; (b) Proses pembelajaran menggunakan pembelajaran ilmiah sebagai penguat; (c) Kegiatan pembelajaran berbasis kompetensi; (d) Sistem pembelajaran terpadu; (e) Meningkatkan keterampilan intelektual, mental dan fisik, (f) Sistem pembelajaran yang menerapkan nilainilai disiplin dan keteladanan. Kedua, faktor-faktor pendukung dan penghambat pengembangan ranah afektif dan psikomotorik pada implementasi kurikulum 2013 di SMP Negeri 1 Camplong adalah: (a) Faktor-faktor yang mendukung pengembangan ranah ranah afektif dan psikomotorik pada implementasi kurikulum 2013 di SMP Camplong 1 sebagai berikut: Siswa cenderung melakukan hal-hal dengan sikap positif; (2) Siswa memiliki minat yang tinggi dalam kegiatan pembelajaran; (3) Siswa memiliki kepercayaan diri tentang apa yang disetujui adalah hal positif bagi mereka yang memenuhi syarat. (b) Faktor-faktor yang menghambat pengembangan ranah afektif dan psikomotorik pada implementasi kurikulum 2013 di SMP Negeri 1 Camplong sebagai berikut; (1) Guru kurang terampil dalam kegiatan pembelajaran terpadu; (2) Kurangnya pelatihan dan peningkatan kurikulum pengembangan 2013 untuk guru.
 
Kata Kunci: Pengembangan Ranah Afektif, Ranah Psikomotorik, dan Kurikulum 2013.
Analisis Hasil Belajar (Munaqosah) Santri Taman Pendidikan Al Qur`an
Authors: NIHAYAH HAMIDATUN
Published: December 2020

Abstrak
Kabupaten Tuban adalah salah satu kabubaten di Jawa Timur yang memberikan perhatian sangat kepada lembaga non formal (lembaga TPQ). Sebagaimana yang dijelaskan pada perda kabupaten Tuban no 6 tahun 2018 tentang pendidikan anak mulia. Harapan besar anak -anak didik terbekali dengan dasar agama yang cukup, mampu menjadi generasi penerus Qurâni yang bisa mewarnai dengan nilai-nilai keislaman. Oleh itu, mulai tahun 2018 ini uji hasil belajar santri atau yang disebut dengan munaqosah  menjadi peraturan wajib dan diikuti bagi anak didik yang duduk di kelas enam sekolah dasarMetode penelitian yang digunakan adalah metode penelitian kualitatif dan kuantitatif (mixed Metode). Hal Berdasarkan penelitian yang telah dilakukan, adapun kesimpulan yang dipaparkan sebagai berikut: Pelaksanaan pembelajaran TPQ di kecamatan Senori dilaksanakan 1% setelah Maghrib dan  99% dilaknakan pada sore. Method pembelajaran yang digunakan rata menggukan metode Iqro`, an Nahdliyah, Qiroati. Materi yang diajarkan pada TPQ yang telah disepaki bersama dibawah kepengurukan Korcam TPQ selain belajar al Qur`an, hafalan surat piliha, hafalan juz 30, dan fikih ibadah. Kwalitas hasil belajar (munaqasah) santri TPQ di kecamatan Senori tahun 2018;  9% mendapat predikat sangat baik, 1% predikat baik, 49% Predikar cukup dan 41% Predikat kurang.
Kata Kunci: Pndidikan Al qur`an, Hasil belajar munaqosah, Santri
Evasão escolar no ensino médio: uma análise cienciométrica
Authors: Temp Haury , Coutinho Renato Xavier
Published: December 2020

O estudo teve como objetivo identificar e analisar, a partir de uma análise cienciométrica, as produções acadêmicas relacionadas à evasão escolar no Ensino Médio disponíveis no site das bibliotecas das cinco Universidades Federais do RS, explorando no campo de buscas, o banco de teses, dissertações e monografias disponíveis on-line e vinculadas aos respectivos programas de pós-graduação a partir dos termos “evasão no Ensino Médio Integrado”, “evasão no Ensino Médio” e “evasão escolar”. Foram encontradas 193 publicações, das quais seleciona 11 monografias e quatro dissertações conforme matriz analítica construída para esta investigação. A análise considerou os objetivos das pesquisas, metodologias, causas e soluções para evitar a evasão escolar. Identificou-se que as causas mais decisivas para o abandono escolar são o baixo interesse e relação estudo/trabalho; enquanto que as alternativas para diminuir a evasão relacionam-se a maior participação da comunidade e adequação curricular. Conclui-se que a evasão escolar é multifatorial, apontando a necessidade em rever a relação das causas, suas consequências e as ações de prevenção. Assim, evidencia-se a insuficiência de estudos que possam apontar a caminhos e alternativas para combater a evasão escolar a partir de bases científicas vinculadas aos programas de pós-graduação das Universidades Federais do RS.
Consórcio do milho e Brachiaria ruziziensis, época de dessecação e desempenho da soja em sucessão
Authors: Almeida Keuly de Lollo , Ferreira Ranier Vieira , Silva Alessandro Guerra da , Ferreira Camila Jorge Bernabé , Braz Guilherme Braga Pereira , Tavares Rose Luiza Moraes
Published: December 2020

A supressão da forrageira e posterior dessecação da biomassa em sistema de consórcio com milho é fundamental para garantir rentabilidade das culturas. Nesse sentido, o trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o desempenho do milho consorciado com Brachiaria ruziziensis e tempo de dessecação da biomassa sobre a cultura da soja em sucessão. Foram instalados dois experimentos idênticos na safrinha de 2016 utilizando delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso com três sistemas de cultivo: milho, milho + braquiária e braquiária, com 16 repetições. Foram avaliados o desempenho das culturas e produção de biomassa. Em sucessão, foi semeado duas cultivares de soja com arquiteturas distintas (NA 7337 RR® com maior capacidade de engalhamento e ANTA 82 RR® sem essa característica) utilizando delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso, com quatro repetições, em arranjo fatorial 3x4, sendo três sistemas de cultivo (milho, milho + braquiária e braquiária) e quatro épocas de dessecação (0, 7, 14 e 21 dias antes da semeadura da soja (DAS)). Nestes experimentos foram avaliados o desempenho agronômico da soja. Os resultados obtidos mostraram que a braquiária em consórcio com o milho não reduz a produtividade da cultura desde que o solo apresente adequada fertilidade. Para a cultivar Anta 82 RR®, recomenda-se efetuar o manejo da dessecação em torno de 15 DAS para o cultivo milho e milho + braquiária e 23 DAS para o sistema somente com braquiária. A cultivar NA 7337 RR® demonstrou ser mais interessante para ser cultivada em sucessão a braquiária (em consórcio ou isolada).
Lactobacillus attenuates progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease by lowering cholesterol and steatosis
Authors: Lee Na Young , Shin Min Jea , Youn Gi Soo , Yoon Sang Jun , Choi Ye Rin , Kim Hyeong Seop , Gupta Haripriya , Han Sang Hak , Kim Byoung Kook , Lee Do Yup , Park Tae Sik , Sung Hotaik , Kim Byung Yong , Suk Ki Tae
Published: December 2020

Background/Aims: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely related to gut-microbiome. There is a paucity of research on which strains of gut microbiota affect the progression of NAFLD. This study explored the NAFLD-associated microbiome in humans and the role of Lactobacillus in the progression of NAFLD in mice.Methods: The gut microbiome was analyzed via next-generation sequencing in healthy people (n=37) and NAFLD patients with elevated liver enzymes (n=57). Six-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were separated into six groups (n=10 per group; normal, Western, and four Western diet + strains [109 colony-forming units/g for 8 weeks; L. acidophilus, L. fermentum, L. paracasei, and L. plantarum]). Liver/body weight ratio, liver pathology, serum analysis, and metagenomics in the mice were examined.Results: Compared to healthy subjects (1.6±4.3), NAFLD patients showed an elevated Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio (25.0±29.0) and a reduced composition of Akkermansia and L. murinus (P<0.05). In the animal experiment, L. acidophilus group was associated with a significant reduction in liver/body weight ratio (5.5±0.4) compared to the Western group (6.2±0.6) (P<0.05). L. acidophilus (41.0±8.6), L. fermentum (44.3±12.6), and L. plantarum (39.0±7.6) groups showed decreased cholesterol levels compared to the Western group (85.7±8.6) (P<0.05). In comparison of steatosis, L. acidophilus (1.9±0.6), L. plantarum (2.4±0.7), and L. paracasei (2.0±0.9) groups showed significant improvement of steatosis compared to the Western group (2.6±0.5) (P<0.05).Conclusions: Ingestion of Lactobacillus, such as L. acidophilus, L. fermentum, and L. plantarum, ameliorates the progression of nonalcoholic steatosis by lowering cholesterol. The use of Lactobacillus can be considered as a useful strategy for the treatment of NAFLD.
Optimizing the management of intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma: Current trends and prospects
Authors: Torimura Takuji , Iwamoto Hideki
Published: December 2020

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is usually accompanied by chronic liver damage, which sometimes influences the selection of HCC treatment. The Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging system, which was first introduced in 1999, is the most commonly used worldwide. Although the intermediate-stage (BCLC stage B) includes the largest number and heterogeneous HCC patients, the recommended treatment option is transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) only. However, recent progress in radical treatments such as hepatic resection, liver transplantation, radiation therapy, and percutaneous therapy has made it possible to treat selected patients with BCLC stage B HCC. Radical treatments are expected to prolong survival time. To-date, TACE has also progressed. In addition to conventional TACE, balloon-occluded TACE and drug-eluting beads TACE are available. These new modalities of TACE will improve therapeutic efficacy and reduce adverse events. One of the most serious concerns of TACE is that repeated TACE reduces the treatment effect and induces liver function impairment. The decision on when TACE should be interrupted is complex. Many molecular targeted agents are now available, and immune checkpoint inhibitors will soon be available for HCC patients with Child-Pugh class A worldwide. Under these circumstances, in patients with TACE unsuitability, switching to molecular targeted agents before deterioration of liver function might improve the prognosis compared to repeated TACE. We should pay attention to stop TACE in TACE-unsuitable HCC patients as it can induce the deterioration of liver function.
Direct comparison of biopsy techniques for hepatic malignancies
Authors: Huang Shang-Chin , Liang Ja-Der , Hsu Shih-Jer , Hong Tzu-Chan , Yang Hung-Chih , Kao Jia-Horng
Published: December 2020

Background/Aims: The core needle biopsy (CNB), fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and touch imprint cytology (TIC) are commonly used tools for the diagnosis of hepatic malignancies. However, little is known about the benefits and criteria for selecting appropriate technique among them in clinical practice. We aimed to compare the sensitivity of ultrasound-guided CNB, FNAC, TIC as well as combinations for the diagnosis of hepatic malignancies, and to determine the factors associated with better sensitivity in each technique.Methods: From January 2018 to December 2019, a total of 634 consecutive patients who received ultrasound-guided liver biopsies at the National Taiwan University Hospital was collected, of whom 235 with confirmed malignant hepatic lesions receiving CNB, FNAC and TIC simultaneously were enrolled for analysis. The clinical and procedural data were compared.Results: The sensitivity of CNB, FNAC and TIC for the diagnosis of malignant hepatic lesions were 93.6%, 71.9%, and 85.1%, respectively. Add-on use of FNAC or TIC to CNB provided additional sensitivity of 2.1% and 0.4%, respectively. FNAC exhibited a significantly higher diagnostic rate in the metastatic cancers (P=0.011), hyperechoic lesions on ultrasound (P=0.028), and those with depth less than 4.5 cm from the site of needle insertion (P=0.036).Conclusions: The sensitivity of CNB is superior to that of FNAC and TIC for the diagnosis of hepatic malignancies. Nevertheless, for shallow (depth <4.5 cm) and hyperechoic lesions not typical for primary liver cancers, FNAC alone provides excellent sensitivity.
Climate alters the migration phenology of coastal marine species
Authors: Langan JA , Puggioni G , Oviatt CA , Henderson ME , Collie JS
Published: December 2020

Significant shifts in the phenology of life-cycle events have been observed in diverse taxa throughout the global oceans. While the migration phenology of marine fish and invertebrates is expected to be sensitive to climate change, the complex nature of these patterns has made measurement difficult and studies rare. With continuous weekly observations spanning 7 decades in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island (USA), the University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Oceanography trawl survey provides an unprecedented opportunity to investigate the influence of climate on the migrations of marine species in the northwest Atlantic. Analyses of the survey observations of 12 species indicated that residence periods have changed by as much as 118 d, with shifts in the timing of both ingress to and egress from the coastal zone. The residence periods of warm-water species expanded while those of cold-water species contracted. Dirichlet regressions fit to the annual presence-absence patterns of each species identified interannual temperature variations, fluctuations in ocean circulation, and long-term warming all as having a significant effect on migration phenology. Additionally, temperature gradients within Narragansett Bay were shown by generalized additive models to cause detectable shifts in local spatial distributions during coastal residency. These novel findings mirror results found in the spatial domain and therefore suggest that the studied species are adapting their spatiotemporal distributions to track their thermal niche in a changing climate. If so, characterizing the spatial and temporal aspects of climate responses across species will be critical to understanding ongoing changes in marine ecosystems and successfully managing the fisheries they support.
Kişisel Olan Politiktir: Kadına Yönelik Eviçi Şiddet Verisi ve Politika.
Authors: Aktemir Tülay
Published: December 2020

Son zamanlarda tartışmaya açılan İstanbul Sözleşmesi, 6284 sayılı koruma kanunu ile kadına yönelik şiddete karşı koruma sağlama rolünü yeterince yerine getirmiyorken, kadınlar bizleri hayattayken koruyun diye isyan etmekteler. Yasa her ne kadar koruma kanunu olarak bilinse de adli mercilerce yeterince uygulamaya geçmemekle ve kadınlar yaşarken onları korumamakla eleştirilmektedir.
KESALEHAN SOSIAL MELALUI PENDIDIKAN FILANTROPI ISLAM
Authors: Al-Mubarok Fauzi , Buchori Muslim Ahmad Buchori Muslim
Published: December 2020

The balance between spiritual piety and social righteousness is a religious order of Islam, both the teachings listed in the Qur'an, as well as in the Hadith Rasulullah SAW. And among one of the social piety is to give the philanthropy of Islam, this is as a form of gratitude for the gift of sustenance given by Allah SWT to philanthropists, as well as his sense to fellow Muslims in hopes can Relieve their life burden. The righteous philanthropist will carry out the commandment of God and his apostle with sincerity and full of consciousness that wealth and wealth so as not to continue to spin around the rich man alone, therefore with the Islamic philanthropy of wealth and wealth can Enjoyed the results by Fakir, poor, Dhuafa, orphans, and who are entitled to receive it to improve their welfare in the field of economics, health and education. Spiritual righteousness and social righteousness need to be established early on perhaps through education and teaching conducted in primary and secondary schools. These two forms of righteousness are like two currencies that cannot be separated from each other, so that the righteous are spiritually more grounded and influential in the surrounding environment.
La Universidad de Concepción y su aporte al desarrollo de la región del Biobío y el país
Authors: Barrientos Oscar Parra , Zaror Claudio , Hernández Jorge Rojas
Published: December 2020

La Universidad de Concepción es una Corporación Educacional sin fines de lucro, creada por iniciativa de la comunidad local en 1919 y definida como una institución tolerante, pluralista y dedicada al Servicio Público. A través de su historia, ha estado vinculada al progreso social, cultural y económico del país, siendo en la actualidad la tercera universidad en importancia académica en Chile. La Universidad de Concepción es reconocida por su gran contribución en la formación de profesionales, creación de conocimientos y vinculación con la sociedad, generando múltiples aportes en las artes plásticas, literatura, política, música, ciencia y tecnología. La cooperación multi e interdisciplinaria adquiere cada vez mayor importancia ante los grandes retos impuestos por el actual modelo neoliberal y la globalización tecno-económica, donde la vinculación de la Universidad con la sociedad y sus instituciones aparece como un factor decisivo y estructurante de sus actividades y proyección futura hacia una sociedad sustentable.
Humanidades: desencantamento e desafios
Authors: Dutra e Silva Sandro , Fernandes Valdir
Published: December 2020

Esse ensaio parte do pressuposto de que existe uma crise institucional nas universidades globais, na qual a formação humanística tem sido desconsiderada no processo cada vez maior de valorização de um tipo de racionalidade técnico-científica. O ensaio, portanto, tem por objetivo apresentar uma discussão acerca desse tema num diálogo com os pressupostos teóricos que lidam com a racionalização da sociedade e os processos de desencantamento decorrentes da modernização. Assim, propõe um diálogo com autores e concepções que nos ajudam a refletir sobre o papel das humanidades no âmbito do fazer ciência e institucional das universidades. As reflexões apontam para novas racionalidades, e que tenham compromissos mais amplos com os conceitos de desenvolvimento e construção do conhecimento e para a necessidade das humanidades se reinventarem e se revitalizarem.
Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients With Functional Mitral Regurgitation and Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction
Authors: Wu Jin-Tao , Zaman Junaid A. B. , Yakupoglu H. Yakup , Vennela Boyalla , Emily Cantor , Nabeela Karim , Jarman Julian , Haldar Shouvik , Jones David Gareth , Wajid Hussain , Shi Rui , Chen Zhong , Markides Vias , Wong Tom
Published: December 2020

Background: The efficacy of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with functional mitral regurgitation (MR) and left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction (LVSD) is not known. The aim of the study is to determine the efficacy of catheter ablation for AF in patients with functional MR and LVSD, and to validate its effects on the severity of MR and cardiac reverse remodeling.

Methods: We performed a retrospective study of 54 patients with functional MR who underwent AF ablation, including 21 (38.9%) with LVSD and 33 (61.1%) with normal LV systolic function (LVF). The primary outcomes evaluated were freedom from recurrent atrial tachyarrhythmia (ATa), severity of MR, and left atrial (LA) and LV remodeling.

Results: During a mean follow-up of 20.7 ± 16.8 months, freedom from recurrent ATa was not significantly different between patients with LVSD and those with normal LVF after the first ablation (P = 0.301) and after multiple ablations (P = 0.728). Multivariable predictors of recurrent ATa were AF duration [hazard ratio (HR) 1.12, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01–1.25; P = 0.039), previous stroke (HR 5.28, 95% CI 1.46–19.14; P = 0.011), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (HR 0.97, 95% CI 0.95–0.99; P = 0.012). Compared with baseline, there was a significant reduction in severity of MR (P = 0.007), LA size (P < 0.001) and LV end-systolic dimension (P = 0.008), and improvement in the LV ejection fraction (P = 0.001) after restoring sinus rhythm in patients with LVSD.

Conclusion: Catheter ablation is a valid option for the treatment of AF in patients with functional MR and LVSD, even though multiple procedures may be required.
Black Raspberries Suppress Colorectal Cancer by Enhancing Smad4 Expression in Colonic Epithelium and Natural Killer Cells
Authors: Huang Yi-Wen , Lin Chien-Wei , Pan Pan , Shan Tianjiao , Echeveste Carla Elena , Mo Yue Yang , Wang Hsin-Tzu , Aldakkak Mohammed , Tsai Susan , Oshima Kiyoko , Yearsley Martha , Xiao Jianbo , Cao Hui , Sun Chongde , Du Ming , Bai Weibin , Yu Jianhua , Wang Li-Shu
Published: December 2020

Innate immune cells in the tumor microenvironment have been proposed to control the transition from benign to malignant stages. In many cancers, increased infiltration of natural killer (NK) cells associates with good prognosis. Although the mechanisms that enable NK cells to restrain colorectal cancer (CRC) are unclear, the current study suggests the involvement of Smad4. We found suppressed Smad4 expression in circulating NK cells of untreated metastatic CRC patients. Moreover, NK cell-specific Smad4 deletion promoted colon adenomas in DSS-treated ApcMin/+ mice and adenocarcinomas in AOM/DSS-treated mice. Other studies have shown that Smad4 loss or weak expression in colonic epithelium associates with poor survival in CRC patients. Therefore, targeting Smad4 in both colonic epithelium and NK cells could provide an excellent opportunity to manage CRC. Toward this end, we showed that dietary intervention with black raspberries (BRBs) increased Smad4 expression in colonic epithelium in patients with FAP or CRC and in the two CRC mouse models. Also, benzoate metabolites of BRBs, such as hippurate, upregulated Smad4 and Gzmb expression that might enhance the cytotoxicity of primary human NK cells. Of note, increased levels of hippurate is a metabolomic marker of a healthy gut microbiota in humans, and hippurate also has antitumor effects. In conclusion, our study suggests a new mechanism for the action of benzoate metabolites derived from plant-based foods. This mechanism could be exploited clinically to upregulate Smad4 in colonic epithelium and NK cells, thereby delaying CRC progression.
Cortical Thickness Estimation in Individuals With Cerebral Small Vessel Disease, Focal Atrophy, and Chronic Stroke Lesions
Authors: Ozzoude Miracle , Ramirez Joel , Raamana Pradeep Reddy , Holmes Melissa F. , Walker Kirstin , Scott Christopher J. M. , Gao Fuqiang , Goubran Maged , Kwan Donna , Tartaglia Maria C. , Beaton Derek , Saposnik Gustavo , Hassan Ayman , Lawrence-Dewar Jane , Dowlatshahi Dariush , Strother Stephen C. , Symons Sean , Bartha Robert , Swartz Richard H. , Black Sandra E.
Published: December 2020

Background

Regional changes to cortical thickness in individuals with neurodegenerative and cerebrovascular diseases (CVD) can be estimated using specialized neuroimaging software. However, the presence of cerebral small vessel disease, focal atrophy, and cortico-subcortical stroke lesions, pose significant challenges that increase the likelihood of misclassification errors and segmentation failures.

Purpose

The main goal of this study was to examine a correction procedure developed for enhancing FreeSurfer’s (FS’s) cortical thickness estimation tool, particularly when applied to the most challenging MRI obtained from participants with chronic stroke and CVD, with varying degrees of neurovascular lesions and brain atrophy.

Methods

In 155 CVD participants enrolled in the Ontario Neurodegenerative Disease Research Initiative (ONDRI), FS outputs were compared between a fully automated, unmodified procedure and a corrected procedure that accounted for potential sources of error due to atrophy and neurovascular lesions. Quality control (QC) measures were obtained from both procedures. Association between cortical thickness and global cognitive status as assessed by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score was also investigated from both procedures.

Results

Corrected procedures increased “Acceptable” QC ratings from 18 to 76% for the cortical ribbon and from 38 to 92% for tissue segmentation. Corrected procedures reduced “Fail” ratings from 11 to 0% for the cortical ribbon and 62 to 8% for tissue segmentation. FS-based segmentation of T1-weighted white matter hypointensities were significantly greater in the corrected procedure (5.8 mL vs. 15.9 mL, p < 0.001). The unmodified procedure yielded no significant associations with global cognitive status, whereas the corrected procedure yielded positive associations between MoCA total score and clusters of cortical thickness in the left superior parietal (p = 0.018) and left insula (p = 0.04) regions. Further analyses with the corrected cortical thickness results and MoCA subscores showed a positive association between left superior parietal cortical thickness and Attention (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

These findings suggest that correction procedures which account for brain atrophy and neurovascular lesions can significantly improve FS’s segmentation results and reduce failure rates, thus maximizing power by preventing the loss of our important study participants. Future work will examine relationships between cortical thickness, cerebral small vessel disease, and cognitive dysfunction due to neurodegenerative disease in the ONDRI study.
The Interaction Between the Ventrolateral Preoptic Nucleus and the Tuberomammillary Nucleus in Regulating the Sleep-Wakefulness Cycle
Authors: Cheng Juan , Wu Fang , Zhang Mingrui , Ding Ding , Fan Sumei , Chen Guihai , Zhang Jin , Wang Liecheng
Published: December 2020

The ventrolateral preoptic nucleus (VLPO) in the anterior hypothalamus and the tuberomammillary nucleus (TMN) in the posterior hypothalamus are critical regions which involve the regulation of sleep-wakefulness flip-flop in the central nervous system. Most of the VLPO neurons are sleep-promoting neurons, which co-express γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and galanin, while TMN neurons express histamine (HA), a key wake-promoting neurotransmitter. Previous studies have shown that the two regions are innervated between each other, but how to regulate the sleep-wake cycle are not yet clear. Here, bicuculline (Bic), a GABAA-receptor antagonist, L-glutamate (L-Glu), an excitatory neurotransmitter, and triprolidine (Trip), a HA1 receptor (HRH1) inhibitor, were bilaterally microinjected into TMN or VLPO after surgically implanting the electroencephalogram (EEG) and electromyography (EMG) electrode recording system. Microinjecting L-Glu into VLPO during the night significantly increased the NREM sleep time, and this phenomenon was weakened after selectively blocking GABAA receptors with Bic microinjected into TMN. Those results reveal that VLPO neurons activated, which may inhibit TMN neurons inducing sleep via GABAA receptors. On the contrary, exciting TMN neurons by L-Glu during the day, the wakefulness time was significantly increased. These phenomena were reversed by blocking HRH1 with Trip microinjected into VLPO. Those results reveal that TMN neuron activating may manipulate VLPO neurons via HRH1, and induce wakefulness. In conclusion, VLPO GABAergic neurons and TMN histaminergic neurons may interact with each other in regulating the sleep-wake cycle.
HD-Tree: An Efficient High-Dimensional Virtual Index Structure Using a Half Decomposition Strategy
Authors: Huang Ting , Weng Zhengping , Liu Gang , He Zhenwen
Published: December 2020

To manage multidimensional point data more efficiently, this paper presents an improvement, called HD-tree, of a previous indexing method, called D-tree. Both structures combine quadtree-like partitioning (using integer shift operations without storing internal nodes, but only leaves) and hash tables (for searching for the nodes stored). However, the HD-tree follows a brand-new decomposition strategy, which is called half decomposition strategy. This improvement avoids the generation of nodes containing only a small amount of data and the sequential search of the hash table, so that it can save storage space while having faster I/O and better time performance when building the tree and querying data. The results demonstrate convincingly that the time and space performance of HD-tree is better than that of D-tree regardless of uniform or uneven data, which are less affected by data distribution.
Lifting the Performance of a Heuristic for the Time-Dependent Travelling Salesman Problem through Machine Learning
Authors: Ghiani Gianpaolo , Adamo Tommaso , Greco Pierpaolo , Guerriero Emanuela
Published: December 2020

In recent years, there have been several attempts to use machine learning techniques to improve the performance of exact and approximate optimization algorithms. Along this line of research, the present paper shows how supervised and unsupervised techniques can be used to improve the quality of the solutions generated by a heuristic for the Time-Dependent Travelling Salesman Problem with no increased computing time. This can be useful in a real-time setting where a speed update (or the arrival of a new customer request) may lead to the reoptimization of the planned route. The main contribution of this work is to show how to reuse the information gained in those settings in which instances with similar features have to be solved over and over again, as it is customary in distribution management. We use a method based on the nearest neighbor procedure (supervised learning) and the K-means algorithm with the Euclidean distance (unsupervised learning). In order to show the effectiveness of this approach, the computational experiments have been carried out for the dataset generated based on the real travel time functions of two European cities: Paris and London. The overall average improvement of our heuristic over the classical nearest neighbor procedure is about 5% for London, and about 4% for Paris.
Performance of TMDI for Tall Building Damping
Authors: Weber Felix , Huber Peter , Borchsenius Fredrik , Braun Christian
Published: December 2020

This study investigates the vibration reduction of tall wind-excited buildings using a tuned mass damper (TMD) with an inerter (TMDI). The performance of the TMDI is computed as a function of the floor to which the inerter is grounded as this parameter strongly influences the vibration reduction of the building and for the case when the inerter is grounded to the earth whereby the absolute acceleration of the corresponding inerter terminal is zero. Simulations are made for broadband and harmonic excitations of the first three bending modes, and the conventional TMD is used as a benchmark. It is found that the inerter performs best when grounded to the earth because, then, the inerter force is in proportion to the absolute acceleration of only the pendulum mass, but not to the relative acceleration of the two inerter terminals, which is demonstrated by the mass matrix. However, if the inerter is grounded to a floor below the pendulum mass, the TMDI only outperforms the TMD if the inerter is grounded to a floor within approximately the first third of the building’s height. For the most realistic case, where the inerter is grounded to a floor in the vicinity of the pendulum mass, the TMDI performs far worse than the classical TMD.
Microgripper Based on Simple Compliance Configurations, Improved by Using Parameterization
Authors: Vargas-Chable Pedro , Mireles Jr-Garcia Jose , Rodriguez-Fuentes Sahiril Fernanda , Valle-Morales Samuel Isai , Tecpoyotl-Torres Margarita
Published: December 2020

The design of a novel electrothermal microgripper device is shown, which is based on an improved chevron type actuator developed considering their elements parameterization, whose resistive model is also provided. The performance of the microgripper’s parameters, such as displacement, force, and temperature distribution, with convection for the voltage range from 0 up to 5 V, is evaluated through numerical and analytical simulation. Microgripper design was also improved with aid of parameterization. The effect on the microgripper performance due to its thickness is also analyzed, finding a considerable increment in force, when thickness increases. Its main advantage is given by the simplicity of the compliance arrangement of the microgrippers jaws. Considering convection, when 5 V are applied, 37.72 °C was generated at the jaw’s tips of the Improved Microgripper 2 (IMG2), implemented with silicon, this relatively low temperature increases its capabilities of application. When the IMG2 is implemented with polysilicon, its response is competitive comparing with a more complex microgripper, increase of displacement (50%) is shown, but a decrement of force (30%). The diameters allowed for the subjection objects are found between 84.64 µm and 108 µm, with weights lower than 612.2 µg. Some tests of subjection were performed using microcylinders of Au, glass ceramic, polycarbonate and carbon fiber, showing a permissible stress on them, considering its Young’s modulus, as well as the total reaction force induced. All simulations were done on Ansys software. The results demonstrate the feasibility of the future microgripper fabrication.
Morphological, Physiological, and Biochemical Impacts of Different Levels of Long-Term Water Deficit Stress on Linum album Ky. ex Boiss. Accessions
Authors: Kiani Reza , Nazeri Vahideh , Shokrpour Majid , Hano Christophe
Published: December 2020

Linum album (Ky. ex Boiss.) is an important medicinal plant that produces compounds such as the well-known anticancer lignan podophyllotoxin and fatty acids. Despite its high medicinal value, it has not yet been studied in detail under agricultural conditions. This study was conducted to evaluate the morphological, phenological, and physiological responses of six L. album accessions under different levels of water deficit treatments (100%, 75%, 50%, and 25% available water) in pot conditions. Based on the results, some of the morphological characteristics of the response to water deficit were established. Accessions UTLA7, UTLA9, and UTLA10 showed a higher seed yield and dry weight of the vegetative part. There was a substantial difference in the occurrence of phenological stages in the accessions. The maturation process was accelerated in plants under stress conditions, and accession UTLA9 completed its complete growth cycle faster than the other accessions. The physiological responses of the different accessions did not show the same pattern on the basis of the characteristics studied, and significant differences were observed depending on the trait and accession. Among the most important results of this study was the diversity of responses in different accessions. Based on these results, it is recommended that morphological features (such as seed yield per plant, plant height, number of inflorescences per plant, shoot and root dry weight) be used to select tolerant accessions for the desired product.
Delineate Soil Characteristics and Carbon Pools in Grassland Compared to Native Forestland of India: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Padbhushan Rajeev , Sharma Sheetal , Rana D. S. , Kumar Upendra , Kohli Anshuman , Kumar Rajkishore
Published: December 2020

Grassland is a highly dynamic land use system and it provides vital ecosystem services, mainly consisting of carbon storage in the tropics and subtropics. The objective of this study was to delineate grassland in India according to soil characteristics and carbon pools in comparison to native forestland, and to discuss management strategies for improving soil carbon (SC) storage in grassland. A total of 675 paired datasets from studies on grassland and forestland in India generated during the period of 1990–2019 were used for meta-analysis study. The analysis shows that soil pH and bulk density (BD) in grasslands were greater by 1.1% and 1.0% compared to forestlands while soil organic carbon (SOC) declined by 36.3% (p < 0.05). Among carbon pools, labile carbon (LC), non-labile carbon (NLC), and microbial biomass carbon (MBC) were 35.5%, 35.3% and 29.5% lower, respectively, in the grassland compared to the forestland. Total carbon (TC) was 35.0% lower in the grassland than the forestland (p < 0.05). Soil carbon stocks (SCS) were 32.8% lower in the grassland compared to the forestland. In the grassland, MBC/SOC (%) from the surface layer and subsurface layer were lower by 2.4% and 8.5%, respectively compared to forestland. The percentage effect size was found to have decreased from surface soil to subsurface soil. Relative SCS loss and carbon dioxide equivalent emission from the grassland compared to forestland were 15.2% and 33.3 Mg ha−1, respectively (p < 0.05). Proper management strategies like agroforestry, legume introduction, silvipastoral system, fertilization, irrigation, and quality grass species could improve SC storage and reduce SCS loss in grassland. Overall, this study gives an idea that conversion of native forestland into grassland in India has declined the SC content and hence it is necessary to adapt proper strategies to manage the soil-atmosphere carbon balance.
Preliminary Data from Six Years of Selective Anthelmintic Treatment on Five Horse Farms in France and Switzerland
Authors: Roelfstra Liselore , Quartier Marion , Pfister Kurt
Published: December 2020

Anthelmintic resistance (AR) of small strongyle populations (cyathostomins) against products of the benzimidazole and tetrahydropyrimidine classes occurs now worldwide and there is an increasing number of reports also regarding macrocyclic lactones. Consequently, and in order to maintain an appropriate horse parasite control, alternative control schemes must be evaluated under field conditions. Here we present a six-year field study on the administration of the so-called selective or targeted selective anthelmintic treatment (SAT) concept. In this study on five horse farms in France and Switzerland, 757 fecal samples from 93 equids (90 horses, 3 ponies) have been taken twice a year (between early and late spring and between early and late autumn) from autumn 2014 to spring 2020 and processed by a McMaster technique. From a total of 757 samples, only 263 (34.7%) had a fecal egg count ≥200 EpG and needed an anthelmintic treatment. This small number of fecal samples ≥200 EpG demonstrates the considerable potential for a long-term reduction of the number of anthelmintic treatments and the anthelmintic pressure by using the SAT-programme.
Influence of Dietary Garlic (Allium sativum) and/or Ascorbic Acid on Performance, Feed Utilization, Body Composition and Hemato-Biochemical Parameters of Juvenile Asian Sea Bass (Lates calcarifer)
Authors: Abdelwahab Abdelwahab M. , El-Bahr Sabry M. , Al-Khamees Sami
Published: December 2020

The current study investigated effects of garlic (Allium sativum) and/or ascorbic acid on growth performance, feed utilization, biochemical body composition, and hemato-biochemical parameters of juvenile Asian sea bass. A total of 600 fish (43.14 ± 0.23 g body weight) were divided into four groups. Fish in the first group were fed basal diet and served as a control group. Fish in groups 2, 3 and 4 were fed a basal diet mixed with garlic (40 g/kg diet), ascorbic acid (1.5 g/kg diet), or garlic (20 g/kg diet)/ascorbic acid (0.75 g/kg diet) mixture, respectively, for 12 weeks. A significant (p < 0.05) increase was observed in growth performance, feed utilization, and chemical body composition in fish fed garlic alone in comparison with the control and other treated groups. All hematological indices, biochemical parameters, and survival rate were not changed significantly (p > 0.05) in all groups throughout the experimental period when compared with the control. Total cholesterol and feed conversion ratio were significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in fish fed garlic alone in comparison to the control and other treated groups. Conclusively, dietary supplementation of garlic alone (40 g/kg diet) was highly effective in improving most of the studied parameters in comparison with that of ascorbic acid alone or a mixture of garlic (20 g/kg diet) and ascorbic acid (0.75 g/kg diet).
The Need for Ongoing Antimicrobial Stewardship during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Actionable Recommendations
Authors: Khor Wei Ping , Olaoye Omotayo , D’Arcy Nikki , Krockow Eva M. , Elshenawy Rasha Abdelsalam , Rutter Victoria , Ashiru-Oredope Diane
Published: December 2020

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, which has significant impact on global health care delivery, occurs amid the ongoing global health crisis of antimicrobial resistance. Early data demonstrated that bacterial and fungal co-infection with COVID-19 remain low and indiscriminate use of antimicrobials during the pandemic may worsen antimicrobial resistance It is, therefore, essential to maintain the ongoing effort of antimicrobial stewardship activities in all sectors globally.
Melatonin Ameliorates Inflammation and Oxidative Stress by Suppressing the p38MAPK Signaling Pathway in LPS-Induced Sheep Orchitis
Authors: Deng Shou-Long , Zhang Bao-Lu , Reiter Russel J. , Liu Yi-Xun
Published: December 2020

Gram-negative bacterial infections of the testis can lead to infectious orchitis, which negatively influences steroid hormone synthesis and spermatogenesis. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a major component of the Gram-negative bacterial cell wall, acts via toll like receptors 4 (TLR4) to trigger innate immune responses and activate nuclear factor kappa B signaling. The protective mechanisms of melatonin on LPS-induced infectious orchitis have not been reported. Herein, we developed an LPS-induced sheep infectious orchitis model. In this model, the phagocytic activity of testicular macrophages (TM) was enhanced after melatonin treatment. Moreover, we found that melatonin suppressed secretion of TM pro-inflammatory factors by suppressing the p38MAPK pathway and promoting Leydig cell testosterone secretion. Expressions of GTP cyclohydrolase-I and NADPH oxidase-2 were reduced by melatonin while heme oxygenase-1 expression was up-regulated. Thus, melatonin reduced the severity of LPS-induced orchitis by stimulating antioxidant activity. The results of this study provide a reference for the treatment of acute infectious orchitis.