bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Production, Bioprocessing and Anti-Proliferative Activity of Camptothecin from Penicillium chrysogenum, “An Endozoic of Marine Sponge, Cliona sp.”, as a Metabolically Stable Camptothecin Producing Isolate
Authors: El-Sayed Ashraf S. A. , Hassan Wafaa H. B. , Sweilam Sherouk Hussein , Alqarni Mohammed Hamed Saeed , El Sayed Zeinab I. , Abdel-Aal Mahmoud M. , Abdelsalam Eman , Abdelaziz Sahar
Published: May 2022

Exploring the metabolic potency of fungi as camptothecin producers raises the hope of their usage as an industrial source of camptothecin, due to their short-life span and the feasibility of metabolic engineering. However, the tiny yield and loss of camptothecin productivity of fungi during storage and sub-culturing are challenges that counteract this approach. Marine fungi could be a novel source for camptothecin production, with higher yield and reliable metabolic sustainability. The marine fungal isolate Penicillium chrysogenum EFBL # OL597937.1 derived from the sponge “Cliona sp.” has been morphologically identified and molecularly confirmed, based on the Internal Transcribed Spacer sequence, exhibiting the highest yield of camptothecin (110 μg/L). The molecular structure and chemical identity of P. chrysogenum derived camptothecin has been resolved by HPLC, FTIR and LC-MS/MS analyses, giving the same spectroscopic profiles and mass fragmentation patterns as authentic camptothecin. The extracted camptothecin displayed a strong anti-proliferative activity towards HEP-2 and HCT-116 (IC50 values 0.33–0.35 µM). The yield of camptothecin was maximized by nutritional optimization of P. chrysogenum with a Plackett-Burman design, and the productivity of camptothecin increased by 1.8 fold (200 µg/L), compared to control fungal cultures. Upon storage at 4 °C as slope culture for 8 months, the productivity of camptothecin for P. chrysogenum was reduced by 40% compared to the initial culture. Visual fading of the mycelial pigmentation of P. chrysogenum was observed during fungal storage, matched with loss of camptothecin productivity. Methylene chloride extracts of Cliona sp. had the potency to completely restore the camptothecin productivity of P. chrysogenum, ensuring the partial dependence of the expression of the camptothecin biosynthetic machinery of P. chrysogenum on the chemical signals derived from the sponge, or the associated microbial flora. This is the first report describing the feasibility of P. chrysogenum, endozoic of Cliona sp., for camptothecin production, along with reliable metabolic biosynthetic stability, which could be a new platform for scaling-up camptothecin production.
Biocomputational Assessment of Natural Compounds as a Potent Inhibitor to Quorum Sensors in Ralstonia solanacearum
Authors: Kumar Sunil , Ahmad Khurshid , Behera Santosh Kumar , Nagrale Dipak T. , Chaurasia Anurag , Yadav Manoj Kumar , Murmu Sneha , Jha Yachana , Rajawat Mahendra Vikram Singh , Malviya Deepti , Singh Udai B. , Shankar Raja , Tripathy Minaketan , Singh Harsh Vardhan
Published: May 2022

Ralstonia solanacearum is among the most damaging bacterial phytopathogens with a wide number of hosts and a broad geographic distribution worldwide. The pathway of phenotype conversion (Phc) is operated by quorum-sensing signals and modulated through the (R)-methyl 3-hydroxypalmitate (3-OH PAME) in R. solanacearum. However, the molecular structures of the Phc pathway components are not yet established, and the structural consequences of 3-OH PAME on quorum sensing are not well studied. In this study, 3D structures of quorum-sensing proteins of the Phc pathway (PhcA and PhcR) were computationally modeled, followed by the virtual screening of the natural compounds library against the predicted active site residues of PhcA and PhcR proteins that could be employed in limiting signaling through 3-OH PAME. Two of the best scoring common ligands ZINC000014762512 and ZINC000011865192 for PhcA and PhcR were further analyzed utilizing orbital energies such as HOMO and LUMO, followed by molecular dynamics simulations of the complexes for 100 ns to determine the ligands binding stability. The findings indicate that ZINC000014762512 and ZINC000011865192 may be capable of inhibiting both PhcA and PhcR. We believe that, after further validation, these compounds may have the potential to disrupt bacterial quorum sensing and thus control this devastating phytopathogenic bacterial pathogen.
Antifungal Activity and In Silico Studies on 2-Acylated Benzo- and Naphthohydroquinones
Authors: Ríos David , Valderrama Jaime A. , Quiroga Gonzalo , Michea Jonathan , Salas Felipe , Duarte Eduardo Álvarez , Venegas-Casanova Edmundo A. , Jara-Aguilar Rafael , Navarro-Retamal Carlos , Calderon Pedro Buc , Benites Julio
Published: May 2022

The high rates of morbidity and mortality due to fungal infections are associated with a limited antifungal arsenal and the high toxicity of drugs. Therefore, the identification of novel drug targets is challenging due to the several resemblances between fungal and human cells. Here, we report the in vitro antifungal evaluation of two acylphenols series, namely 2-acyl-1,4-benzo- and 2-acyl-1,4-naphthohydroquinones. The antifungal properties were assessed on diverse Candida and filamentous fungi strains through the halo of inhibition (HOI) and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). The antifungal activities of 2-acyl-1,4-benzohydroquinone derivatives were higher than those of the 2-acyl-1,4-naphthohydroquinone analogues. The evaluation indicates that 2-octanoylbenzohydroquinone 4 is the most active member of the 2-acylbenzohydroquinone series, with MIC values ranging from 2 to 16 μg/mL. In some fungal strains (i.e., Candida krusei and Rhizopus oryzae), such MIC values of compound 4 (2 and 4 μg/mL) were comparable to that obtained by amphotericin B (1 μg/mL). The compound 4 was evaluated for its antioxidant activity by means of FRAP, ABTS and DPPH assays, showing moderate activity as compared to standard antioxidants. Molecular docking studies of compound 4 and ADMET predictions make this compound a potential candidate for topical pharmacological use. The results obtained using the most active acylbenzohydroquinones are promising because some evaluated Candida strains are known to have decreased sensitivity to standard antifungal treatments.
Isatis tinctoria L. Leaf Extract Inhibits Replicative Senescence in Dermal Fibroblasts by Regulating mTOR-NF-κB-SASP Signaling
Authors: Woo Jieun , Shin Seoungwoo , Ji Hyanggi , Ryu Dehun , Cho Eunae , Kim Youngseok , Kim Junoh , Park Deokhoon , Jung Eunsun
Published: May 2022

Senescent fibroblasts progressively deteriorate the functional properties of skin tissue. Senescent cells secrete senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) factor, which causes the aging of surrounding non-senescent cells and accelerates aging in the individuals. Recent findings suggested the senomorphic targeting of the SASP regulation as a new generation of effective therapeutics. We investigated whether Isatis tinctoria L. leaf extract (ITE) inhibited senescence biomarkers p53, p21CDKN1A, and p16INK4A gene expression, and SASP secretions by inhibiting cellular senescence in the replicative senescent human dermal fibroblast (RS-HDF). ITE has been demonstrated to inhibit the secretion of SASP factors in several senomorphic types by regulating the MAPK/NF-κB pathway via its inhibitory effect on mTOR. ITE suppressed the inflammatory response by inhibiting mTOR, MAPK, and IκBα phosphorylation, and blocking the nuclear translocation of NF-κB. In addition, we observed that autophagy pathway was related to inhibitory effect of ITE on cellular senescence. From these results, we concluded that ITE can prevent and restore senescence by blocking the activation and secretion of senescence-related factors generated from RS-HDFs through mTOR-NF-κB regulation.
Dioscin Ameliorates Hyperuricemia-Induced Atherosclerosis by Modulating of Cholesterol Metabolism through FXR-Signaling Pathway
Authors: Bao Ruixia , Wang Wei , Chen Beibei , Pan Jujie , Chen Qian , Liu Mengyang , Wang Dan , Wu Yuzheng , Yu Haiyang , Han Lifeng , Zhang Yi , Wang Tao
Published: May 2022

Hyperuricemia is one of the independent risk factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Herein, we investigate the association between uric acid and cholesterol metabolism and the effect of dioscin on the prevention of hyperuricemia-induced atherosclerosis. In the potassium oxonate-treated ApoE−/−−/− mice, atherosclerosis was accelerated along with elevated serum cholesterol levels in the hyperuricemic state, which can be ameliorated by dioscin. Together with the in vitro assays, we found that the effect of dioscin was at least partially through the regulation of the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) -small heterodimer partner (SHP) -7α-hydroxylase (CYP7A1) signaling pathway in the liver. Tigogenin (a metabolite of dioscin) suppressed FXR activation and increased CYP7A1, resulting in an increased conversion rate of cholesterols into bile acids. Further clinical study revealed that treatment with a dioscin-enriched preparation decreased serum cholesterol levels in individuals with hyperuricemia. In summary, this study demonstrated a slowdown effect of dioscin on the progression of hyperuricemia-induced atherosclerosis.
Alterations in Bacterial Metabolism Contribute to the Lifespan Extension Exerted by Guarana in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Reigada Inés , Kapp Karmen , Maynard Claire , Weinkove David , Valero Marta Sofía , Langa Elisa , Hanski Leena , Gómez-Rincón Carlota
Published: May 2022

Guarana (Paullinia cupana) is a widely consumed nutraceutical with various health benefits supported by scientific evidence. However, its indirect health impacts through the gut microbiota have not been studied. Caenorhabditis elegans is a useful model to study both the direct and indirect effects of nutraceuticals, as the intimate association of the worm with the metabolites produced by Escherichia coli is a prototypic simplified model of our gut microbiota. We prepared an ethanoic extract of guarana seeds and assessed its antioxidant capacity in vitro, with a 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, and in vivo, utilizing C. elegans. Additionally, we studied the impact of this extract on C. elegans lifespan, utilizing both viable and non-viable E. coli, and assessed the impact of guarana on E. coli folate production. The extract showed high antioxidant capacity, and it extended worm lifespan. However, the antioxidant and life-extending effects did not correlate in terms of the extract concentration. The extract-induced life extension was also less significant when utilizing dead E. coli, which may indicate that the effects of guarana on the worms work partly through modifications on E. coli metabolism. Following this observation, guarana was found to decrease E. coli folate production, revealing one possible route for its beneficial effects.
Serine Metabolism in Health and Disease and as a Conditionally Essential Amino Acid
Authors: Holeček Milan
Published: May 2022

L-serine plays an essential role in a broad range of cellular functions including protein synthesis, neurotransmission, and folate and methionine cycles and synthesis of sphingolipids, phospholipids, and sulphur containing amino acids. A hydroxyl side-chain of L-serine contributes to polarity of proteins, and serves as a primary site for binding a phosphate group to regulate protein function. D-serine, its D-isoform, has a unique role. Recent studies indicate increased requirements for L-serine and its potential therapeutic use in some diseases. L-serine deficiency is associated with impaired function of the nervous system, primarily due to abnormal metabolism of phospholipids and sphingolipids, particularly increased synthesis of deoxysphingolipids. Therapeutic benefits of L-serine have been reported in primary disorders of serine metabolism, diabetic neuropathy, hyperhomocysteinemia, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Use of L-serine and its metabolic products, specifically D-serine and phosphatidylserine, has been investigated for the therapy of renal diseases, central nervous system injury, and in a wide range of neurological and psychiatric disorders. It is concluded that there are disorders in which humans cannot synthesize L-serine in sufficient quantities, that L-serine is effective in therapy of disorders associated with its deficiency, and that L-serine should be classified as a “conditionally essential” amino acid.
Mechanism of Magnetic Flux Leakage Detection Method Based on the Slotted Ferromagnetic Lift-Off Layer
Authors: Tang Jian , Wang Rongbiao , Qiu Gongzhe , Hu Yu , Kang Yihua
Published: May 2022

Magnetic flux leakage (MFL) testing is widely used in non-destructive testing of ferromagnetic components. In view of the serious attenuation of the leakage magnetic field (LMF) caused by the transmission of LMF in the lift-off layer between the measuring point and the workpiece, this paper introduces an MFL detection method based on the slotted ferromagnetic lift-off layer (SFLL). The conventional non-ferromagnetic lift-off layer is changed to a ferromagnetic lift-off layer with a rectangular slot. The magnetic sensor is fixed above the slot and scans the workpiece together with the lift-off layer. First, the detection mechanism of the new method was studied by an equivalent LMF coil model. The permeability perturbation effect and the magnetization enhancement effect were analyzed in the new method. Based on the detection mechanism, the lift-off tolerance of the new method was investigated. Then, the LMF enhancement and lift-off tolerance of the new method in the steel plate detection model were studied. Finally, experiments were conducted to compare the new method with the conventional method. The simulation and experimental results show that the slotted ferromagnetic lift-off layer enhances the amplitude of the MFL signal and is tolerant to the lift-off value. This method provides a new idea for optimizing the design of the MFL sensor and improving the sensitivity of MFL detection at a large lift-off value.
A Review of Fundamental Optimization Approaches and the Role of AI Enabling Technologies in Physical Layer Security
Authors: Tefera Mulugeta Kassaw , Jin Zengwang , Zhang Shengbing
Published: May 2022

With the proliferation of 5G mobile networks within next-generation wireless communication, the design and optimization of 5G networks are progressing in the direction of improving the physical layer security (PLS) paradigm. This phenomenon is due to the fact that traditional methods for the network optimization of PLS fail to adapt new features, technologies, and resource management to diversified demand applications. To improve these methods, future 5G and beyond 5G (B5G) networks will need to rely on new enabling technologies. Therefore, approaches for PLS design and optimization that are based on artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) have been corroborated to outperform traditional security technologies. This will allow future 5G networks to be more intelligent and robust in order to significantly improve the performance of system design over traditional security methods. With the objective of advancing future PLS research, this review paper presents an elaborate discussion on the design and optimization approaches of wireless PLS techniques. In particular, we focus on both signal processing and information-theoretic security approaches to investigate the optimization techniques and system designs of PLS strategies. The review begins with the fundamental concepts that are associated with PLS, including a discussion on conventional cryptographic techniques and wiretap channel models. We then move on to discuss the performance metrics and basic optimization schemes that are typically adopted in PLS design strategies. The research directions for secure system designs and optimization problems are then reviewed in terms of signal processing, resource allocation and node/antenna selection. Thereafter, the applications of AI and ML technologies in the optimization and design of PLS systems are discussed. In this context, the ML- and AI-based solutions that pertain to end-to-end physical layer joint optimization, secure resource allocation and signal processing methods are presented. We finally conclude with discussions on future trends and technical challenges that are related to the topics of PLS system design and the benefits of AI technologies.
Comparison of Diagnostic Test Accuracy of Cone-Beam Breast Computed Tomography and Digital Breast Tomosynthesis for Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Approach
Authors: Komolafe Temitope Emmanuel , Zhang Cheng , Olagbaju Oluwatosin Atinuke , Yuan Gang , Du Qiang , Li Ming , Zheng Jian , Yang Xiaodong
Published: May 2022

Background: Cone-beam breast computed tomography (CBBCT) and digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) remain the main 3D modalities for X-ray breast imaging. This study aimed to systematically evaluate and meta-analyze the comparison of diagnostic accuracy of CBBCT and DBT to characterize breast cancers. Methods: Two independent reviewers identified screening on diagnostic studies from 1 January 2015 to 30 December 2021, with at least reported sensitivity and specificity for both CBBCT and DBT. A univariate pooled meta-analysis was performed using the random-effects model to estimate the sensitivity and specificity while other diagnostic parameters like the area under the ROC curve (AUC), positive likelihood ratio (LR+), and negative likelihood ratio (LR−) were estimated using the bivariate model. Results: The pooled sensitivity specificity, LR+ and LR− and AUC at 95% confidence interval are 86.7% (80.3–91.2), 87.0% (79.9–91.8), 6.28 (4.40–8.96), 0.17 (0.12–0.25) and 0.925 for the 17 included studies in DBT arm, respectively, while, 83.7% (54.6–95.7), 71.3% (47.5–87.2), 2.71 (1.39–5.29), 0.20 (0.04–1.05), and 0.831 are the pooled sensitivity specificity, LR+ and LR− and AUC for the five studies in the CBBCT arm, respectively. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that DBT shows improved diagnostic performance over CBBCT regarding all estimated diagnostic parameters; with the statistical improvement in the AUC of DBT over CBBCT. The CBBCT might be a useful modality for breast cancer detection, thus we recommend more prospective studies on CBBCT application.
High-Frequency Vibration Analysis of Piezoelectric Array Sensor under Lateral-Field-Excitation Based on Crystals with 3 m Point Group
Authors: Xu Jiachao , Shi Hao , Sun Fei , Tang Zehuan , Li Shuanghuizhi , Chen Dudu , Ma Tingfeng , Kuznetsova Iren , Nedospasov Ilya , Zhang Chao
Published: May 2022

Based on Mindlin’s first-order plate theory, the high-frequency vibrations of piezoelectric bulk acoustic wave array sensors under lateral-field-excitation based on crystals with 3 m point group are analyzed, and the spectral-frequency relationships are solved, based on which, the optimal length–thickness ratio of the piezoelectric crystal plate is determined. Then, the dynamic capacitance diagram is obtained by a forced vibration analysis of the piezoelectric crystal plate. The resonant mode conforming to good energy trapping is further obtained. The frequency interferences between different resonator units are calculated, and the influences of the spacing between two resonant units on the frequency interference with different electrode widths and spacings are analyzed. Finally, the safe spacings between resonator units are obtained. As the electrode spacing value of the left unit increases, the safe spacing d0 between the two resonator units decreases, and the frequency interference curve tends to zero faster. When the electrode spacings of two resonator units are equal, the safe distance is largest, and the frequency interference curve tends to zero slowest. The theoretical results are verified further by finite element method. The analysis model of high frequency vibrations of strongly coupled piezoelectric bulk acoustic array device based on LiTaO3 crystals with 3 m point group proposed in this paper can provide reliable theoretical guidance for size optimization designs of strongly coupled piezoelectric array sensors under lateral-field-excitation.
Mitigating the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Adult Cancer Patients through Telehealth Adoption: A Systematic Review
Authors: Murphy Aileen , Kirby Ann , Lawlor Amy , Drummond Frances J. , Heavin Ciara
Published: May 2022

During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, the delivery of life-saving and life-prolonging health services for oncology care and supporting services was delayed and, in some cases, completely halted, as national health services globally shifted their attention and resources towards the pandemic response. Prior to March 2020, telehealth was starting to change access to health services. However, the onset of the global pandemic may mark a tipping point for telehealth adoption in healthcare delivery. We conducted a systematic review of literature published between January 2020 and March 2021 examining the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adult cancer patients. The review’s inclusion criteria focused on the economic, social, health, and psychological implications of COVID-19 on cancer patients and the availability of telehealth services emerged as a key theme. The studies reviewed revealed that the introduction of new telehealth services or the expansion of existing telehealth occurred to support and enable the continuity of oncology and related services during this extraordinary period. Our analysis points to several strengths and weaknesses associated with telehealth adoption and use amongst this cohort. Evidence indicates that while telehealth is not a panacea, it can offer a “bolstering” solution during a time of disruption to patients’ access to essential cancer diagnostic, treatment, and aftercare services. The innovative use of telehealth has created opportunities to reimagine the delivery of healthcare services beyond COVID-19.
Detection of Interlayered Illite/Smectite Clay Minerals with XRD, SEM Analyses and Reflectance Spectroscopy
Authors: Deon Fiorenza , van Ruitenbeek Frank , van der Werff Harald , van der Meijde Mark , Marcatelli Camilla
Published: May 2022

Accurate determination of clay minerals can be challenging due to the natural occurrence of interlayered phases, i.e., layers of different clay species such as illite and smectite. The overlap of peaks of the constituent minerals (e.g., illite and smectite), and the similarity of diffraction patterns when not treated with ethylene glycol, hampers identification, especially when the clay content is low. We investigated the occurrence of interlayered illite/smectite in a rock sample from Rodalquilar, Spain, using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and reflectance spectroscopy in the short-wave infrared wavelength range. For the first time, a precise determination of interlayered I/S conducted on the extracted clay fraction treated with ethylene glycol using such different approaches was provided. X-ray diffraction results demonstrated the presence of an I/S peak at around 8.4° in the untreated fraction coupled with a peak splitting at 6.7° and 9.4° 2θ when solvated with ethylene glycol. While spectroscopy indicated the occurrence of interlayered structures as a mixture of the two constituent minerals, the results of X-ray analysis showed that the interlayered clay consisted of two discrete phases (illite and smectite). The two discrete phases were observed in both the whole rock analysis and in the extracted clay fraction. This study shows that X-ray diffraction and validation with a scanning electron microscope is a mandatory, integrating tool for detecting interlayered phases since reflectance spectroscopy alone cannot be used to differentiate between interlayered clay minerals and non-interlayered mixtures. This work highlights the limits and advantages of three sensors (X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and reflectance spectroscopy) to investigate clay mixtures and interlayering, representing a significant contribution to confidence in the interpretation of interlayered clays, this being essential in mineral exploration and prospecting.
Design, Manufacture, Test and Experiment of Six-Axis Force Torque Sensor for Chinese Experimental Module Manipulator
Authors: Sun Yongjun
Published: May 2022

A novel six-axis force/torque sensor (F/T sensor) for an Experimental Module Manipulator (EMM) in the Chinese Space Station (CSS) is developed in this paper. First, we designed the elastomer structure of the F/T sensor and used the analytical method and the finite element method to analyze the strain, in order to accomplish the strain gauges’ layout. Then, the electrical system was designed, which mainly realizes the acquisition of force/torque information, temperature and serial communication with the end effector (EE). Following this, we analyzed and designed the adaptability of the F/T sensor to the space environment. After this, the manufacturing process of the sensor was introduced in detail, and the F/T sensor was calibrated by a pulley weight system. Finally, the sensor was tested on the space environment adaptability of mechanical vibration and thermal vacuum on the ground. The test results show that the developed sensor has the ability to accurately measure three-dimensional force and three-dimensional moment information on orbit, which provides necessary conditions for the on-orbit fine operation of EMM.
Quantitative Assessment of Hand Function in Healthy Subjects and Post-Stroke Patients with the Action Research Arm Test
Authors: Padilla-Magaña Jesus Fernando , Peña-Pitarch Esteban , Sánchez-Suarez Isahi , Ticó-Falguera Neus
Published: May 2022

The Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) can provide subjective results due to the difficulty assessing abnormal patterns in stroke patients. The aim of this study was to identify joint impairments and compensatory grasping strategies in stroke patients with left (LH) and right (RH) hemiparesis. An experimental study was carried out with 12 patients six months after a stroke (three women and nine men, mean age: 65.2 ± 9.3 years), and 25 healthy subjects (14 women and 11 men, mean age: 40.2 ± 18.1 years. The subjects were evaluated during the performance of the ARAT using a data glove. Stroke patients with LH and RH showed significantly lower flexion angles in the MCP joints of the Index and Middle fingers than the Control group. However, RH patients showed larger flexion angles in the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints of the Index, Middle, Ring, and Little fingers. In contrast, LH patients showed larger flexion angles in the PIP joints of the Middle and Little fingers. Therefore, the results showed that RH and LH patients used compensatory strategies involving increased flexion at the PIP joints for decreased flexion in the MCP joints. The integration of a data glove during the performance of the ARAT allows the detection of finger joint impairments in stroke patients that are not visible from ARAT scores. Therefore, the results presented are of clinical relevance.
Cinnamomum bejolghota Extract Inhibits Colorectal Cancer Cell Metastasis and TGF-β1-Induced Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition via Smad and Non-Smad Signaling Pathway
Authors: Kittiwattanokhun Athicha , Innajak Sukanda , Tashiro Etsu , Imoto Masaya , Watanapokasin Ramida
Published: May 2022

Cinnamomum bejolghota, used in Thai traditional medicine remedies, has several biological activities including antimicrobial, antifungal, and anticancer. In colorectal cancer, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an initial step of cancer metastasis. Thus, this study investigated the effects of C. bejolghota bark extract (CBE) on colorectal cancer cell metastasis and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) induced EMT in LoVo cells. The results showed that CBE could reduce cell migration, invasion, and adhesion of LoVo cells in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, our studies also showed that CBE could reverse TGF-β1-induced morphological changes as well as increase an epithelial marker, E-cadherin, while the expression of the mesenchymal marker, N-cadherin, was decreased in TGF-β1-treated LoVo cells. MMP-2 expression was effectively decreased but TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 expression was increased by the CBE treatment in LoVo cells. CBE also inhibited Smad2/3 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation as well as decreased the expression of Snail, Slug, and TCF8/ZEB1 transcription factors in LoVo cells. Moreover, CBE could inhibit TGF-β1-induced Smad-independent signaling pathway by decreased phosphorylation of ERK1/2, p38, and Akt. These findings suggest that CBE inhibited TGF-β1-induced EMT in LoVo cells via both Smad-dependent and Smad-independent pathways. Therefore, CBE may function as an alternative therapeutic treatment for colorectal cancer metastasis.
The Role of Soil Carbon Sequestration as a Climate Change Mitigation Strategy: An Australian Case Study
Authors: White Robert E.
Published: May 2022

Soil carbon sequestration (SCS) is a key priority in the Australian government’s Long-Term Emissions Reduction Plan. Under the government’s Emission Reduction Fund (ERF), farmers are encouraged to change to a management practice that will increase their soil carbon (C) stock and earn Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs). The projections of net C abatement nationally range from 17 to 103 Mt carbon dioxide equivalent annually up to 2050. This huge range reflects the uncertainties in achieving net SCS due to biophysical constraints, such as those imposed by the paucity and variability of Australian rainfall and the difficulty of measuring small changes in soil C stock. The uptake by farmers is also uncertain because of compliance costs, opportunity costs of a practice change and the loss of business flexibility when a farmer must commit to a 25-year permanence period. Since the program’s inception in 2014, only one soil C project has been awarded ACCUs. Nevertheless, an increase in soil C is generally beneficial for farm productivity. As a voluntary C market evolves, the government is expecting that farmers will sell their ACCUs to businesses seeking to offset their greenhouse gas emissions. The risk is that, in buying cheap offsets, businesses will not then invest in new energy-efficient technologies to reduce their emissions at source.
Experiences of exercise in patients with asthma: a qualitative analysis of discussions in a UK asthma online community
Authors: Sadek Attalla Sara , Ow Nadya L , McNarry Melitta , De Simoni Anna
Published: May 2022

Background

Engagement with exercise in adults with asthma is suboptimal. Limited information is available regarding factors affecting engagement with exercise.

Aim

To explore experiences of exercise and linked unmet needs in adults with asthma.

Design & setting

Qualitative thematic analysis of posts in a UK asthma online community, written between 2015 and 2020.

Method

Posts were identified using keywords searches. Posts in the ‘Exercise’ topic section were additionally included. Thematic analysis of posts was undertaken.

Results

A total of 143 relevant posts were analysed. Ninety-two participants were identified through posts (11 male, 33 female, 48 sex not stated, aged 26–73 years). Emerging themes included the following: fear of experiencing asthma symptoms during exercise; lack of information about how to deal with symptoms; external barriers; emotional response; and involvement of healthcare providers. Environmental factors, concomitant life stressors, distrust of healthcare professionals, and embarrassment about displaying asthma symptoms during exercise were barriers to engagement. Facilitators included experiencing positive health outcomes following exercise and positive discussions regarding exercise with healthcare professionals. Strategies participants developed to enable exercise were warming up, increasing reliever and preventer inhalers when exercising, and finding exercises the individual felt were enjoyable.

Conclusion

Future interventions to address fears of exercise-induced physical symptoms, and clear instructions on the use of inhalers when exercising are needed. Exploring patients’ attitudes to exercise in clinical consultations, especially in primary care, may be beneficial.
Follow-up after gestational diabetes: a qualitative study of perspectives from general practices
Authors: Nielsen Jane Hyldgaard , Fonager Kirsten , Kristensen Jette Kolding , Overgaard Charlotte
Published: May 2022

Background

Women whose pregnancies are complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are approximately eight times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Although regular participation in follow-up screening increases the chance of early detection of diabetes, participation rates are often suboptimal. A better understanding of general practice as a key contextual setting for screening could help inform the development and adoption of, for example, electronic reminder interventions to support women’s participation.

Aim

To explore the perspectives of GPs and relevant staff members engaged in early detection of diabetes after gestational diabetes in order to identify barriers to and facilitators of follow-up screening.

Design & setting

A qualitative interview study undertaken in general practices in the North Denmark Region.

Method

Based on a purposive sample strategy, 18 semi-structured interviews of 12 GPs and six staff members, who were either nurses or midwives, were analysed using a reflexive thematic analytical approach.

Results

The following three main themes were formulated: (1) challenges of addressing women’s risk; (2) prioritisation of early detection of diabetes; and (3) system influence on clinical procedures.

Conclusion

Follow-up screening was facilitated by knowledge of guidelines. Professional collaboration and adaptation support were found to lead to successful implementation of guidelines in general practice. Supporting GPs and their staff’s reflection and discussion of ways to engage in communication and decisionmaking processes with women is, however, important; it was found to create an important barrier to follow-up screening. Overall, the findings can help inform the future development of interventions to increase uptake.
Mersin Körfezi’nde Sübye (Sepia officinalis, Linné, 1758) Avcılığında Kullanılan Fanyalı Uzatma Ağının Av Kompozisyonu ve Hedef Dışı Av
Authors: BOZAOĞLU Adem Sezai , AKKUŞ Mustafa , ERYAŞAR Ahmet Raif
Published: May 2022

Bu çalışmada, Mersin Körfezi’nde kullanılan fanyalı sübye uzatma ağlarının av kompozisyonu belirlenmeye yönelik 01.11.2019 – 15.02.2020 tarihleri arasında toplam 15 deniz seferi gerçekleştirilmiştir. Çalışma sonunda 4 sınıf, 25 familya, 34 türe ait toplam 6084 adet ve 701,14 kg örnek tespit edilmiştir. Av kompozisyonunda 2285 adet ve 522,10 kg birey ile en fazla avlanan türün (%74,46) Sübye (Sepia officinalis) olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Bulgular toplam avın ağırlık olarak %74’ünü hedef tür, %18.99’unu tesadüfi türler ve %6.55’ini ise ıskarta türlerin oluşturduğu göstermektedir. Adet olarak ise toplam avın %37.56’sını hedef av, %25.82’sini tesadüfi av ve %36,62’sini ise ıskarta avın oluşturduğu tespit edilmiştir. Son olarak, tespit edilen bu türlerin yıllar içerisindeki değişiminin sürekli izlenmesi ile sürdürülebilir balıkçılığa nasıl bir katkı sağlayabileceği tartışılmıştır.
Morphosyntax and Semantics in the NooJ Italian Dictionary of Simple Words
Authors: Monteleone Mario
Published: May 2022

The main topic of this paper is to describe how to transform effectively the “lexical matter” of a language (not only Italian) into a formal and taxonomic morphosyntactic classification of the simple words stored and tagged inside NooJ electronic dictionaries. The ultimate goal is to build electronic dictionaries for NooJ that can be used effectively in Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Automatic Textual Analysis (ATA). To achieve this task, we will start from the following assumption: nouns inflection codes may prove useful not only to describe morphological behaviours and features, but also to “predict” syntactic combinations inside sentences. This means that inside NooJ finite-state automata (FSA) and transducers (FST), nouns inflection codes can account for Lexicon-Grammar (LG) co-occurrence and selection restriction rules, thus also providing for several aspects of formal semantics (FS). The method we intend to outline here can therefore become a descriptive and applicative standard, reusable for all those languages in which word inflection has a value not only morphological (as for gender, number and possibly case) but also syntactic. As is known, such a formal descriptive approach is absent in paper dictionaries, in which there is a tendency to “flatten” the morphosyntactic description of words in favour of a list of words which uses rely heavily on the linguistic competence of readers and speakers.
La programación de la televisión boliviana: una mirada a los procesos de reproducción de la cultura
Authors: Gonzales Sánchez Lucio , Lira Leonardo
Published: May 2022

La programación de los medios televisivos, más allá de los noticieros y revistas de producción propia, está plagada de programas foráneos, de mucha popularidad, que priorizan el entretenimiento por sobre todos los demás aspectos, refuerzan la reproducción cultural y la estandarización de la cultura y en muchos casos responden a la búsqueda de la primicia y el cumplimiento de una agenda mediática. Este artículo busca encontrar estos aspectos de reproducción cultural a partir de analizar las programaciones y los contenidos de seis canales (ATB, Unitel, Red Uno, Católica TV, Palenque TV y TV Off). Se pretende describir y analizar cuántos de estos programas son de producción propia, cuáles son sus contenidos, qué temas abordan y cómo estos contribuyen a la construcción de la cultura boliviana, siendo la televisión un espacio de formación de las ideas sobre el mundo.
Paulo Freire, la extensión agrícola y la participación ciudadana; El lugar del libro Pedagogía de la autonomía
Authors: Gerace Frank
Published: May 2022

Esta presentación no pretende ser una obra académica. Es un repaso personal a la vida e ideas centrales de Paulo Freire; una mirada especial a su contribución a la pedagogía, la extensión agrícola y la educación ciudadana. Se presentan casi sin comentario los acápites escritos por Freire en el último libro de su vida, Pedagogía de la autonomía.
The effect of wavelet transform for fabric defect classification
Authors: GÜNSELİ ÇIKLAÇANDIR FATMA , SEMİH UTKU , HAKAN ÖZDEMİR
Published: May 2022

An automatic control system during fabric production improves production quality. For this reason, the number of
automatic systems developed is increasing day by day. These systems use different methods, different data sets, and
different approaches. We investigate the effects of wavelet transform using four different feature sets (wavelet-based
Principal Component Analysis, wavelet-based Gray Level Co-occurrence Matrix, Principal Component Analysis and
Gray Level Co-occurrence Matrix). The methods of K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) are
used as classifiers. Experiments have been carried out for six different fabric defects (fly, dirty warp, tight-loose warp,
fibrous weft, rub mark and weft stack) on 57 images. The experimental results performed show that wavelet-based PCA
(Principal Component Analysis) and KNN have been optimal methods for achieving the highest success rate. We have
achieved a 92.9825% accuracy rate by using them.
Does financial reporting quality affect the investment efficiency of listed
textile sector firms in Pakistan? A myth or reality
Authors: ZEESHAN MUHAMMAD , HAN JIABIN , REHMAN ALAM , ULLAH IRFAN , AFRIDI FAKHR E ALAM , REHMAN SHAMS UR
Published: May 2022

The study investigates the relationship between financial reporting quality and investment efficiency in Textile sector
firms listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange, due to the reason of being the highest-ranked sector with a maximum
number of listed firms in Pakistan. We use financial reporting quality as an independent variable, investment efficiency
as a dependent variable, and the firm’s annual cash, assets tangibility, and return on assets as control variables. We
analyse 100 randomly selected firms for the period 2005 to 2019. The study applies various estimators, namely Pooled
OLS, Fixed Effects, and Random Effects to identify which model better predicts results. The results demonstrate that
firm’s financial reporting quality and ROA have a positive significant effect on the investment efficiency of these selected
firms in all three models, but Random Effects Model estimates better coefficients than the counterparts. While the firm’s
annual cash predicts a positive insignificant effect on the investment efficiency in the case of all competing models.
Asset’s tangibility shows a negative significant effect on the investment efficiency of these firms. The study will help the
academicians in their researches, decision-makers, and top management of this particular manufacturing sector in
getting insight into framing and formulating their financial strategies.
BifactorCalc: An Online Calculator for Ancillary Measures of Bifactor Models
Authors: Ventura-León José , Quiroz-Burga Luis , Caycho-Rodríguez Tomás , Valencia Pablo
Published: May 2022

The bifactor model allows examining the presence of a total score in a data set by modeling a general factor and two or more specific factors with an orthogonal relationship. These models tend to overestimate the goodness of fit (e.g., CFI, RMSEA, SRMR), hence there exist auxiliary measures that allow examining the dimensionality (ECVGen; ECVSpecific; I-ECV, PUC, ARPB), and reliability (ω, ωS, ωH, ωHS, PRV, H, and FD). The present study describes the operation, mathematical foundations, and application in psychological research of an online calculator called BifactorCalc. The results demonstrate that BifactorCalc is an online, user-friendly, and easy-to-use computer program for the calculation of the different auxiliary measures of bifactor models. It was concluded that the computer tool BifactorCalc is able to calculate the auxiliary measures of bifactor models in three simple steps and generate a path diagram.
Cuestionario de Acciones Creativas: Propiedades psicométricas de la versión abreviada (CAC42)
Authors: Elisondo Romina Cecilia , Donolo Danilo Silvio
Published: May 2022

The objective is to build an abbreviated version of the Creative Actions Questionnaire (CAC) and analyze its psychometric properties. The CAC includes scales that evaluate the frequency of participation in creative actions in seven domains: literature; plastic arts and crafts; science and technology; performing arts; music; social participation and daily creativity. The sample was made up of 1509people over 18 years of age who reside in different Argentine provinces. The data collection instruments were: CAC, Biographical Inventory of Creative Behaviors (BICB), and sociodemographic and leisure questionnaire. The confirmatory factor analysis showed an adequate fit of the model. The results indicate significant differences according to participation in leisure activities. We observe significant and moderate correlations between the abbreviated version of the CAC and the BICB. The results show that the abbreviated version of the CAC complies with technical standards and constitutes a contribution for the evaluation of creativeactions in different domains.
Desarrollo de una versión breve del Coping Strategies Inventory
Authors: Schetsche Christian , Jaume Luis Carlos , Azzollini Susana Celeste
Published: May 2022

When an external and/or internal demand is perceived as exhausting individual resources, certain strategies are used to cope with the stress involved. One of the strategies most associated with certain pathological conditions is emotional repression. Despite this, there are no brief instruments in Spanish that evaluate this stress coping strategy. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to develop a brief version of the Coping Strategies Inventory that contains only three items for each factor. The sample (N = 762) was collected online and divided into two parts. The first was used to conduct an exploratory factor analysis, which showed the existence of eight dimensions. For all subsequent analyses, the second part of the sample was used. The results of the confirmatory factoranalysis showed not only adequate psychometric properties, but also the suitability of using the instrument with a first-order factorstructure rather than a higher-order one. In order to test convergent validity, significant correlations were found with all personalitytraits. It is concluded that the development of a short version of the Coping Strategies Inventory was successful, as all psychometricindices reached values equal to or even higher than the original version with more items.
Análisis estructural de la Escala de Autoeficacia para Investigar en estudiantes de posgrado
Authors: González-Rivera Juan Aníbal , Dominguez-Lara Sergio , Torres-Rivera Natasha , Ortiz-Santiago Taimara , Sepúlveda-López Vicmarie , Tirado de Alba Miriam , González-Malavé Chardlyn Marie
Published: May 2022

This research aims to examine the internal structure of the Research Self-efficacy Scale in the context of Puerto Rico by comparingtwo models: the original model of the scale composed of four factors and a bifactor model in which a general factor explainsmore significant variance in the items than the four factors of the first model. The sample consisted of 357 master and doctoral students (275 women and 82 men). After the psychometric analysis, the multidimensional proposal did not obtain empirical support,and the best interpretation of the scale is a one-dimensional measure of the research self-efficacy. This would indicate that self-perceived competencies in the different areas evaluated by the scale are directly associated with each other, which would designate that the learning of research tasks would not be developed by areas. The practical implications of the findings are discussed.
Mia Couto e o futebol
Authors: Cornelsen Elcio Loureiro
Published: May 2022

Este artigo propõe uma análise de contos e crônicas de futebol, escritos e publicados pelo escritor moçambicano Mia Couto. Em tais textos, Mia Couto procura construir uma imagem da sociedade de seu país, evidenciada a partir de uma de suas manifestações culturais mais intensas, materializada na paixão pelo futebol. Embora a história do futebol em Moçambique remonte ao período do colonialismo português, mesmo a partir da Independência do país, o esporte bretão se faz presente com toda a sua força. Assim, a partir do futebol enquanto tema, Mia Couto evidencia, literariamente, mazelas existentes na sociedade moçambicana na contemporaneidade.
Futebol de mulheres na Alemanha
Authors: Cornelsen Elcio Loureiro
Published: May 2022

Entrevista com Ana Kazz, jornalista, atleta, estrategista digital e esportiva, Mestre em Desenvolvimento Esportivo, abordando o futebol de mulheres na Alemanha. Ana Kazz avalia o interesse do público alemão pelo futebol de mulheres, apresenta similaridades na história e no desenvolvimento da modalidade em comparação com o Brasil, nos conta também sobre sua vivência como torcedora nas arquibancadas, e nos fala sobre a relação da mídia e do marketing com o futebol de mulheres na atualidade.