bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Green Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction Optimization of the Natural Antioxidant and Anti-aging Flavonolignans from Milk Thistle Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. Fruits for Cosmetic Applications
Authors: Drouet Samantha , Leclerc Emilie , Garros Laurine , Tungmunnithum Duangjai , Kabra Atul , Abbasi Bilal Haider , Lainé Eric , Hano Christophe
Published: July 2019

Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. (aka milk thistle) constitute the almost exclusive source of silymarin, a mixture of different flavonolignans, and is thus considered as a unique model for their extraction. The present research deals with ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of S. marianum flavonolignans and their quantification using LC system. The optimal conditions for UAE were: aqueous EtOH 54.5% (v/v) as solvent, applying an ultrasound frequency of 36.6 kHz during an extraction time of 60 min at 45°C with a liquid to solid ratio of 25:1 ml/g DW. Following optimization, the extraction method was validated according to international standards of the association of analytical communities (AOAC) in order to ensure its precision and accuracy for the quantitation of the individual silymarin components. The efficiency of UAE was compared with maceration protocol of the same duration. The optimized and validated conditions allowed highest extraction yields of flavonolignans in comparison to maceration. The antioxidant capacity of the extracts was confirmed by the CUPRAC assays and inhibition of advanced glycation end products. The skin anti-aging action was also confirmed toward the strong in vitro inhibition capacity of the obtained extract against collagenase and elastase enzymes. The procedure presented here allows a green efficient extraction and quantification of the main flavonolignans from the fruits of S. marianum with attractive antioxidant and anti-aging activities for future cosmetic applications.
High-Precision Measurement of a Propagation Loss of Single-Mode Optical Waveguides on Lithium Niobate On Insulator
Authors: Lin Jintian , Zhou Junxia , Wu Rongbo , Wang Min , Fang Zhiwei , Chu Wei , Zhang Jianhao , Qiao Lingling , Cheng Ya
Published: July 2019

We demonstrate fabrication of single-mode optical waveguides on lithium niobate on insulator (LNOI) by optical patterning combined with chemo-mechanical polishing. The fabricated LNOI waveguides have a nearly symmetric mode profile of a mode field size of ~2.5 µm (full-width at half maximum). We develop a high-precision measurement approach by which the single mode waveguides are characterized to have a propagation loss of ~0.042 dB/cm.
Perspective: Potential Impact and Therapeutic Implications of Oncogenic PI3K Activation on Chromosomal Instability
Authors: Vanhaesebroeck Bart , Bilanges Benoit , Madsen Ralitsa R , Dale Katie , Lau Evelyn , Vladimirou Elina
Published: July 2019

Genetic activation of the class I PI3K pathway is very common in cancer. This mostly results from oncogenic mutations in PIK3CA, the gene encoding the ubiquitously expressed PI3Kα catalytic subunit, or from inactivation of the PTEN tumour suppressor, a lipid phosphatase which opposes class I PI3K signalling. The clinical impact of PI3K inhibitors in solid tumours, aimed at dampening cancer-cell-intrinsic PI3K activity, has thus far been limited. Challenges include poor drug tolerance, incomplete pathway inhibition and pre-existing or inhibitor-induced resistance. The principle of pharmacologically targeting cancer-cell-intrinsic PI3K activity also assumes that all cancer-promoting effects of PI3K activation are reversible, which might not be the case. Emerging evidence suggests that genetic PI3K pathway activation can induce and/or allow cells to tolerate chromosomal instability, which – even if occurring in a low fraction of the cell population – might help to facilitate and/or drive tumour evolution. While it is clear that such genomic events cannot be reverted pharmacologically, a role for PI3K in the regulation of chromosomal instability could be exploited by using PI3K pathway inhibitors to prevent those genomic events from happening and/or reduce the pace at which they are occurring, thereby dampening cancer development or progression. Such an impact might be most effective in tumours with clonal PI3K activation and achievable at lower drug doses than the maximum-tolerated doses of PI3K inhibitors currently used in the clinic.
Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia Symptoms are Key Components of Deficit Schizophrenia and are Strongly Associated with Activated Immune-Inflammatory Pathways
Authors: Almulla Abbas , Al-Hakeim Hussein , Abed Mokhlad , Carvalho André , Maes Michael
Published: July 2019

A subset of patients with schizophrenia experience physio-somatic symptoms reminiscent of chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia. In schizophrenia, these symptoms contribute to impaired quality of life, and are strongly related to neuro-cognitive deficits, and increased IgA responses to tryptophan catabolites. Negative and PHEM (psychosis, hostility, excitation, mannerism) symptoms, psychomotor retardation (PMR) and formal thought disorders, appear to be manifestations of a single trait reflecting overall severity of schizophrenia (OSOS). In this study, 120 patients with deficit schizophrenia (DEFSCZ) and 54 healthy subjects were assessed with the FibroFatigue (FF) rating scale, and the above-mentioned symptom domains as well as neuro-cognitive tests and biomarkers were measured. In DEFSCZ, there were robust associations between the FF score and all above-mentioned symptom domains, and impairments in semantic and episodic memory and executive functions. Furthermore, the FF score loaded highly on an OSOS latent vector (LV), which showed adequate convergent validity, internal consistency reliability and predictive relevance and fitted a reflective model. Soft Independent Modelling of Class Analogy (SIMCA) showed that the FF items discriminated DEFSCZ from controls with an overall accuracy of 100%. Interleukin IL-1β, IL-1 receptor antagonist (sIL-1RA), tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and CCL-11 (eotaxin) explained 66.8% of the variance in the FF score and 59.4% of the variance in OSOS. In conclusion, these data show that physio-somatic symptoms are a core component of the phenomenology of DEFSCZ and are largely mediated by neurotoxic effects of activated immune pathways, including aberrations in CCL-11, IL-1β and TNF-α signalling.
Open LabBot and RmsiGUI: Community Development Kit for Sampling Automation and Ambient Imaging
Authors: Rosas-Román Ignacio , Ovando-Vázquez Cesaré , Moreno-Pedraza Abigail , Guillén-Alonso Héctor , Winkler Robert
Published: July 2019

Abstract: Mass spectrometry research laboratories reported multiple probes for ambient ionization in the last years. Combining them with a mechanical moving stage enables automated sampling and imaging applications. We developed a robotic platform, which is based on RepRap 3D-printer components, and therefore easy to reproduce and to adopt for custom prototypes. The minimal step width of the Open LabBot is 12.5 μm, and the sampling dimensions (x, y, z) are 18 × 15 × 20 cm. Adjustable rails in an aluminium frame construction facilitate the mounting of additional parts such as sensors, probes, or optical components. The Open LabBot uses industry-standard G-code for its control. The simple syntax facilitates the programming of the movement. We developed two programs: 1) LABI-Imaging, for direct control via a USB connection and the synchronization with MS data acquisition. 2) RmsiGUI, which integrates all steps of mass spectrometry imaging: The creation of G-code for robot control, the assembly of imzML files from raw data and the analysis of imzML files. We proved the functionality of the system by the automated sampling and classification of essential oils with a PlasmaChip probe. Further, we performed an ambient ionization mass spectrometry imaging (AIMSI) experiment of a lime slice with laser desorption low-temperature plasma (LD-LTP) ionization, demonstrating the integration of the complete workflow in RmsiGUI. The design of the Open LabBot and the software are released under open licenses to promote their use and adoption in the instrument developers’ community.
ANALISIS DAMPAK KEPEMILIKAN MODAL SOSIAL TERHADAP KEBERLANGSUNGAN INDUSTRI KECIL DI RUMAH MAKAN NISWA
Authors: Pamungkas Lukas Sangka , Sunaryanto Lasmono Tri
Published: July 2019

The research purposes 1) Analyzing the social capital used by a business owner. That’s seen in social capital forms; bonding social capital, bridging social capital, and linking social capital. 2) Knowing the social capital ownership impact against the sustainability of small industry in niswa’s restaurant. The selection of research locations was conducted deliberately with consideration of the restaurant as a kind of a restaurant run by some family members in Salatiga and is a form of bonding social capital. It uses a qualitative method with descriptive design. A collected word or text information, then analyzed and interpreted to capture the deepest meanings. Studies have found that three important social capital forms like bonding, bridging, and linking together are linked and complementary ones Bonding social capital forms can be seen through the support of family members, even Key Informant could motivate his sons to join the business. The bridging social capital is the most dominating forms, as it placed the horizontal line. While linking social capital, indeed, doesn’t seem to have much influence in this research, because the owner has very little connection with vertical relationships, however, Key Informant still has ties to the banking system for acquiring capital.
Penerapan Six Sigma Untuk Minimalisasi Material Scrap Pada Warehouse Packaging Marsho PT. SMART Tbk. Surabaya
Authors: Asnan Muhammad Habib Isna Nur
Published: July 2019

Abstract

As one of the manufacturing companies engaged in food, PT SMART Tbk. Surabaya often having problem about the quality of materials stored in Warehouse Packaging Marsho which is often founded scrap materials. Based on the data from April 1st, 2017 to February 15th, 2015, the percentage of scrap material is increasing every month from 5% to 23%. The purpose of this research is to minimize the scrap materials in Warehouse Packaging Marsho PT. SMART Tbk. Surabaya using Six Sigma method by implementing Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control (DMAIC) stages. The results obtained are the most dominant cause of scrap is the laziness of operator to place materials in accordance with the provisions (general batch). Thus, it is necessary to make improvements to minimize the scrap material by doing a routine briefing from PIC Area Warehouse Packaging Marsho before the operational activities begin.
Shiny-Seq: Advanced Guided Transcriptome Analysis
Authors: Sundararajan Zenitha , Knoll Rainer , Hombach Peter , Becker Matthias , Schultze Joachim L. , Ulas Thomas
Published: July 2019

Objective

A comprehensive analysis of RNA-Seq data uses a wide range of different tools and algorithms, which are normally limited to R users only. While several tools and advanced analysis pipelines are available, some require programming skills and others lack the support for many important features that enable a more comprehensive data analysis. There is thus, a need for a guided and easy to use comprehensive RNA-Seq data platform, which integrates the state of the art analysis workflow.

Results

We present the tool Shiny-Seq, which provides a guided and easy to use comprehensive RNA-Seq data analysis pipeline. It has many features such as batch effect estimation and removal, quality check with several visualization options, enrichment analysis with multiple biological databases, identification of patterns using advanced methods such as weighted gene co-expression network analysis, summarizing analysis as power point presentation and all results as tables via a one-click feature. The source code is published on GitHub (https://github.com/schultzelab/Shiny-Seq) and licensed under GPLv3. Shiny-Seq is written in R using the Shiny framework. In addition, the application is hosted on a public website hosted by the shinyapps.io server (https://schultzelab.shinyapps.io/Shiny-Seq/) and as a Docker image https://hub.docker.com/r/makaho/shiny-seq.
The long-term efficacy of one-shot neoadjuvant intra-arterial chemotherapy combined with radical cystectomy versus radical cystectomy alone for bladder cancer: a propensity-score matching study
Authors: Wahafu Wasilijiang , Liu Sai , Xu Wenbin , Wang Mengtong , He Qingbao , Song Liming , Wang Mingshuai , Yang Feiya , Hua Lin , Niu Yinong , Xing Nianzeng
Published: July 2019

Background:
Bladder cancer is a complex disease associated with high morbidity and mortality. Management of bladder cancer before radical cystectomy continues to be controversial. We compared the long-term efficacy of one-shot neoadjuvant intra-arterial chemotherapy (IAC) versus no IAC (NIAC) before radical cystectomy (RC) for bladder cancer.

Methods:
We performed a retrospective review of patients who underwent either one-shot IAC or NIAC before RC between October 2006 and November 2015. A propensity-score matching (1:3) was performed based on key characters. The Kaplan-Meier method was utilized to estimate survival probabilities, and the log-rank test was used to compare survival outcomes between different groups. A multivariable Cox proportional hazard model was used to estimate survival outcomes.

Results:
Twenty-six patients were treated using IAC before RC, and 123 NIAC patients also underwent RC. After matching, there was no significant difference between groups in baseline characteristics, perioperative variables, complication outcomes or tumor characteristics. Compared with clinical tumor stages, pathological tumor stages demonstrated a significant decrease (P=0.002) in the IAC group. There was no significant difference in overall survival (OS, p=0.354) or cancer-specific survival (CSS, p=0.439) between the groups. Among all patients and in the NIAC group, BMI significantly affected OS (p=0.004 and p=0.014, respectively), and positive lymph nodes significantly affected both OS (p＜0.001, both) and CSS (p=0.010 and p=0.017, respectively). Only diabetes involvement at the time of IAC was significantly associated with worse overall mortality (p=0.004).

Conclusions:
One-shot neoadjuvant IAC before RC shows safety and tolerability and provides a significant advantage in pathological downstaging but not in OS or CSS. Further study of neoadjuvant combination therapeutic strategies with RC is needed.
Evaluation of the ERCC2 (Lys751Gln), MSH2 (gIVS12-6TC), RAD54 (Ala730Ala), XPC (Lys939Gln), XPG (Asp1104Hist), XRCC1 (Arg399Gln) and XRCC3 (Thr241Met) gene polymorphisms in the Ecuadorian population with retinoblastoma
Authors: Leone Paola E. , Guevara-Ramírez Patricia , Quevedo Silvana , Zumárraga Sonia , Armendáriz-Castillo Isaac , García-Cárdenas Jennifer M. , Guerrero Santiago , López-Cortés Andrés , Pérez-Villa Andy , Yumiceba Verónica , Zambrano Ana Karina , Miño César Paz y
Published: July 2019

Background

Retinoblastoma is a neoplasia that starts in the retina and may have inheritable or sporadic genetic predisposition. This affects children, mainly those who are under 5 years old. Approximately 9,000 new cases are diagnosed per year worldwide. In Ecuador this disease has an incidence of 1 per each 20,000 live births. The genetic predisposition to develop retinoblastoma is strongly influenced by RB1 gene, and may be influenced by the presence of genetic polymorphisms which intervene in the DNA repair system.

Methods

This study has analyzed the genotype frequency of ERCC2 (Lys751Gln), MSH2 (gIVS12-6TC), RAD54 (Ala730Ala), XPC (Lys939Gln), XPG (Asp1104Hist), XRCC1 (Arg399Gln), and XRCC3 (Thr241Met) polymorphisms of different repair genes, genotyping 90 individuals affected with retinoblastoma and 80 healthy individuals through polymerase chain reaction / restriction fragments length polymorphism and sequencing analysis.

Results

The presence of the (C/C) mutant homozygous genotype of XPC (Lys939Gln) polymorphism triggers a significant risk of developing retinoblastoma with an odds ratio (OR) of 3 (CI: 1.22-9.84; p < 0.05). Likewise, the A/G heterozygous genotype and the combination A/G+G/G of XRCC1 (Arg399Gln) polymorphism presented ORs of 9.7 (CI: 4.45-21.08; p < 0.001) and 7.55 (IC: 3.57-16; p < 0.001), respectively.

Conclusions

The genetic variants XPC (Lys939Gln) and XRCC1 (Arg399Gln) may be associated with the risk of developing retinoblastoma in the Ecuadorian population.
Prevalence of HPV infection among 157,038 Chinese females in Hunan Province, central-south China: Research article
Authors: Wang Chen , Xiao Songshu , He Sili , Pan Qiong , Zeng Jie , Xue Min
Published: July 2019

Background: In the present study, we aimed to investigate the human papillomavirus (HPV) infection rate in females of Hunan Province, China, as well as the common HPV genotype distribution. Moreover, we also explored the differences in HPV infections among females of different ages.
Methods: Clinical data were collected from 157,038 females who had tested HPV infection in the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from November, 2010 to May, 2017.
Results: The overall HPV infection rate was 19.91%.The most commonly detected genotypes were HPV52 (4.62%), HPV16 (3.52%), HPV 58(3.12%), HPVCP8304 (2.91%), and HPV53 (2.06%). The highest infection rate was found in females under the age of 20 (30.33%), the second highest infection rate was found in females over the age of 60 (24.72%), and females aged 30-39 showed the lowest HPV infection rate (18.11%). In addition, 71.32% of the infections were single HPV infections. Among the multiple HPV infections, HPV16/HPV6 co-infection was the most commonly detected combination (0.52%).
Conclusions: In this study, we examined the epidemiology of HPV and the prevalence of the common HPV infection in Hunan Province, central-south China. We have revealed the prevalence and distribution of the different HPV types. Our study showed that females under the age of 20 and over the age of 60 were at higher risk of HPV infection than females of other ages. Moreover, our region should make extra efforts to the prevention and treatment of HPV52, HPV16 and HPV58 infections.
Where is an emotion? Using targeted visceroception as a method of improving emotion regulation in healthy participants to inform suicide prevention initiatives: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Davey Steven , Bell Elliot , Halberstadt Jamin , Collings Sunny
Published: July 2019

Background
William James’ 1884 paper “What is an emotion?” has generated much recent interest in affective science regarding somatic contributions to emotion. Studies of interoception (“sensing the physiological condition of the body”) suggest that sensing specific parts of the body contribute to the production of emotion, namely when sensing the viscera (i.e. ‘visceroception’ of the heart, gut or lungs). Improved visceroception has, for instance, been linked to increased emotional intensity, suggesting a role for interoception in emotion regulation that may pertain specifically to visceral bodily locations. Thus, in addition to asking James’ question, “What is an emotion?”, we ask, “Where is an emotion?”. Further, there is an evidence base pointing to the connections between emotion regulation and suicide, and between interoception and suicide. The trial investigates whether targeted interoception/visceroception improves emotion regulation, the ultimate aim of which is to inform suicide prevention efforts.

Methods
The trial utilises a pre-test/post-test control group design, with two experimental groups undergoing visceroceptive interventions (gut or heart focus) and a control group. The interventions will run for 8 weeks. A spatial cueing task will measure reaction times to bodily changes pertaining to gut or heart focus. A stop/signal task will measure emotional inhibition, which is hypothesised to obscure awareness of active bodily locations. Visceroceptive ability will be tracked using a heartbeat estimation task, a water load test, and by self-report questionnaire. The sample consists of healthcare professionals and healthcare students (i.e. groups that represent a relatively high suicide risk among professional and student groups).

Discussion
To our knowledge, this will be the first project to address whether emotional feeling presents as a localised bodily phenomenon and whether trained awareness of emotional localisation can improve emotion regulation. It will also be the first to investigate relationships between interoception and emotional inhibition (i.e. whether a sustained interoceptive practice leads to the disinhibition of bodily emotional sensations, which can positively contribute to emotion regulation). These empirical findings on emotion regulation will be used to inform a desk-based enquiry into the role of embodied emotion in suicide prevention, which may make a significant contribution to a growing evidence base on interoception and suicide.
Can an observational gait scale produce a result consistent with 3-dimensional gait analysis?: a prospective observational study
Authors: Guzik Agnieszka , Drużbicki Mariusz , Perenc Lidia , Podgórska-Bednarz Justyna
Published: July 2019

Background: To investigate whether a simple observational tool may be a substitute to the time-consuming and costly 3-dimensional (3D) analysis, the study applied the Wisconsin Gait Scale (WGS), enabling assessment which is highly consistent with 3D gait parameters in individuals after stroke. The aim of this study was to determine whether, and to what extent, observational information obtained from WGS-based assessment can be applied to predict results of 3D gait analysis for selected symmetry indicators related to spatiotemporal and kinematic gait parameters.

Methods: Fifty individuals at a chronic stage of recovery post-stroke were enrolled in the study. The spatiotemporal and kinematic gait parameters were measured using a movement analysis system. The Symmetry Index (SI), was calculated for selected gait parameters. The study participants’ gait was evaluated by means of the WGS. The regression analysis was applied to investigate whether a simple observational tool may be a substitute to the time-consuming and costly 3D analysis.

Results: It was shown that 3D SI, related to Stance Time [s], Stance %, Hip and Knee Flexion-Extension Range of Motion may be described with fairly high accuracy using item questions of the WGS (0.7≤|R|<0.9; 0.9≤|R|<1). This initial finding provided a rationale for the assumption that a combination of selected WGS items may enable even more accurate estimation of SI for 3D parameters. It was shown that Stance % SI, Hip and Knee Flexion-Extension Range of Motion SI can most effectively be substituted by WGS-based estimations – coefficient of determination exceeding 80%.

Conclusions: It was shown that information acquired based on the WGS can be used to obtain results comparable to those achieved in 3D assessment for selected SIs of spatiotemporal and kinematic gait parameters. The study confirms that observation of gait using the WGS, which is an ordinal scale, is consistent with the main aims of 3D assessment, therefore the scale can be recommended as a substitute tool in gait assessment.

Trial registration: ANZCTR, ACTRN12617000436370. Registered 24 March 2017, https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=372248.
Role of inferior vena cava collapsibility index in the prediction of hypotension associated with general anesthesia: an observational study
Authors: Szabó Marcell , Bozó Anna , Darvas Katalin , Horváth Alexandra , Iványi Zsolt Dániel
Published: July 2019

Background: Intraoperative hypotension increases 30-day mortality and the risks of myocardial injury and acute renal failure. Patients with inadequate volume reserve before the induction of anesthesia are highly exposed. The identification of latent hypovolemia is therefore crucial. Ultrasonographic measurement of the inferior vena cava collapsibility index (IVCCI) is able to detect volume responsiveness in circulatory shock. No current evidence is available regarding whether preoperative measurement of the IVCCI could identify patients at high risk for hypotension associated with general anesthesia.
Methods: A total of 102 patients undergoing elective general surgery under general anesthesia with standardized propofol induction were recruited for this prospective observational study. The IVCCI was measured under spontaneous breathing. A collapsing (IVCCI≧50%) (CI+) and a noncollapsing (CI-) group were formed. Immediate postinduction changes in systolic and mean blood pressure were compared. The performance of the IVCCI as a diagnostic tool for predicting hypotension (systolic pressure <90 mmHg or a ≥30% drop from the baseline) was evaluated by ROC curve analysis.
Results: A total of 83 patients were available for analysis, with 20 in the CI+ and 63 in the CI- group, we excluded 19 previously eligible patients due to inadequate visualization of the IVC (7 cases), lack of adherence to the protocol (8 cases), missing data (2 cases) or change in anesthesiologic management (2 cases). The mean decrease in systolic pressure in the CI+ group was 53.8±15.3 compared to 35.8±18.1 mmHg in CI- patients (P=0.0001). The relative mean arterial pressure change medians were 34.1% (IQR 23.2%-43.0%) and 24.2% (IQR 17.2%-30.2%), respectively (P=0.0029). The ROC curve analysis for IVCCI showed an AUC of 64.8% (95%CI 52.1-77.5%). The selected 50% level of the IVCCI had a sensitivity of only 45.5% (95%CI 28.1-63.7%), but the specificity was high at 90.0% (78.2-96.7%). The positive predictive value was 75.0% (95%CI 50.9-91.3%), and the negative predictive value was 71.4% (95%CI 58.7-82.1%).
Conclusion: In spontaneously breathing preoperative noncardiac surgical patients, preoperatively detected IVCCI≧50% can predict postinduction hypotension with high specificity but low sensitivity. Despite moderate performance, IVCCI is an easy, noninvasive and attractive option to identify patients at risk and should be explored further.
First report of Mesocriconema sphaerocephalum (Taylor, 1936) Loof, 1989 associated with carrot (Daucus carota subsp. Stativus) in Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Thi Duyen , Nguyen Huu Tien , Linh Le Thi Mai , Thu Tran Thi Tuyet , Nobleza Neriza , Trinh Quang Phap
Published: July 2019

Our study recorded the presence of Mesocriconema sphaerocephalum on carrot in Hanoi city and Hai Duong province in Vietnam. This species was identified by morphometric, morphological characterizations, and molecular characterization of D2D3 of 28S rDNA sequence. To our knowledge, this is the first report of M. sphaerocephalum on carrot in Vietnam.
Flood risk assessment methodology for planning under climate change scenarios and the corresponding change in land cover
Authors: Hanif Asma , Dhanasekar Ashwin , Keene Anthony , Li Huishu , Carlson Kenneth
Published: July 2019

Projected climate change impacts on the hydrological regime and corresponding flood risks were examined for the years 2030 (near-term) and 2050 (long-term), under representative concentration pathways (RCP) 4.5 (moderate) and 8.5 (high) emission scenarios. The United States Army Corps of Engineers' (USACE) Hydrologic Engineering Center's Hydrologic Modeling System was used to simulate the complete hydrologic processes of the various dendritic watershed systems and USACEs' Hydrologic Engineering Center's River Analysis System hydraulic model was used for the two-dimensional unsteady flow flood calculations. Climate projections are based on recent global climate model simulations developed for the International Panel on Climate Change, Coupled Model Inter-comparison Project Phase 5. Hydrographs for frequent (high-recurrence interval) storms were derived from 30-year historical daily precipitation data and decadal projections for both time frames and RCP scenarios. Since the climate projections for each scenario only represented ten years of data, 100-year or 500-year storms cannot be derived. Hence, this novel approach of identifying frequent storms is used as an indicator to compare across the various time frames and climate scenarios. Hydrographs were used to generate inundation maps and results are used to identify vulnerabilities and formulate adaptation strategies to flooding at 43 locations worldwide.
REFORMULAÇÕES DA TEORIA MARXISTA NO PÓS-MARXISMO DE LACLAU E MOUFFE
Authors: Rodrigues Ana
Published: July 2019

Este trabalho visa investigar as continuidades e descontinuidades da tradição marxista no pós-marxismo de Ernesto Laclau e Chantal Mouffe, a partir da identificação de conceitos e formas discursivas oriundos do marxismo que são reelaborados pelos autores na transição para o enfoque pós-marxista. Para tanto, analisamos de que maneira as categorias de materialismo, antagonismo e hegemonia são reformuladas para compor o aparato conceitual do pós-marxismo. A análise permite perceber que a tentativa de radicalização do materialismo de Marx se desdobra em uma Teoria do Discurso, a afirmação do caráter constitutivo do antagonismo conduz à impossibilidade de toda objetividade e a nova abordagem da hegemonia conduz à reformulação da noção de socialismo do marxismo. A partir dessa análise, é possível discutir a pertinência de se interpelar os autores clássicos a partir de uma perspectiva desconstrucionista que conduz à desconstrução de seus elementos constitutivos.

Palavras-chave: Desconstrução. Tradição Marxista. Ernesto Laclau. Chantal Mouffe.
PTTG has a Dual Role of Promotion-Inhibition in the Development of Pituitary Adenomas
Authors: Xiong Zujian , Li Xuejun , Yang Qi
Published: July 2019

Pituitary Tumor Transforming Gene (PTTG) of human is known as a checkpoint gene in the middle and late stages of mitosis, and is also a proto-oncogene that promotes cell cycle progression. In the nucleus, PTTG works as securin in controlling the mid-term segregation of sister chromatids. Overexpression of PTTG, entering the nucleus with the help of PBF in pituitary adenomas, participates in the regulation of cell cycle, interferes with DNA repair, induces genetic instability, transactivates FGF-2 and VEGF and promotes angiogenesis and tumor invasion. Simultaneously, overexpression of PTTG induces tumor cell senescence through the DNA damage pathway, making pituitary adenoma possessing the potential self-limiting ability. To elucidate the mechanism of PTTG in the regulation of pituitary adenomas, we focus on both the positive and negative function of PTTG and find out key factors interacted with PTTG in pituitary adenomas. Furthermore, we discuss other possible mechanisms correlate with PTTG in pituitary adenoma initiation and development and the potential value of PTTG in clinical treatment.
Design of Metal-Organic Frameworks for pH-Responsive Drug Delivery Application
Authors: Shen Xin , Pan Ying , Sun Zhihao , Liu Dong , Xu Hongjia , Yu Qian , Trivedi Manoj , Kumar Abhinav , Chen Jinxiang , Liu Jianqiang
Published: July 2019

Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) have aroused great interest in the field of nanoscience
and nanotechnology particularly in biomedical domains, such as Drug Delivery System (DDS), Biomedical
Imaging (BI) and Photodynamic Therapy (PDT). As an emerging material, MOFs possess extraordinarily
high surface area, controllable particle size and good biocompatibility. With extraordinary
flexibility in the selection of organic and inorganic components, MOFs can rationally be tuned to obtain
the materials having versatile structures and porosities. MOFs can serve as ideal vehicles for DDS,
BI and PDT through modification and function. In this review, we summarized the design and synthetic
strategies for preparing MOFs and introduced their recent advanced usage in DDS, BI and PDT. Finally,
the prospect and future challenges of these nanomaterials are also documented.
Inhibition of Histone Deacetylase 6 Protects Hippocampal Cells Against Mitochondria-mediated Apoptosis in a Model of Severe Oxygen-glucose Deprivation
Authors: Chang Panpan , Tian Yuzi , Williams Aaron M. , Bhatti Umar F. , Liu Baoling , Li Yongqing , Alam Hasan B.
Published: July 2019

Background:

Histone deacetylase (HDAC) 6 inhibitors have demonstrated
significant protective effects in traumatic injuries. However, their roles in neuroprotection
and underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. This study sought to investigate the
neuroprotective effects of Tubastatin A (Tub-A), an HDAC6 inhibitor, during oxygenglucose
deprivation (OGD) in HT22 hippocampal cells.

Methods:

HT22 hippocampal cells were exposed to OGD. Cell viability and cytotoxicity
were assessed by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release
assay. Cellular apoptosis was assessed by Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP
nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Mitochondria membrane potential was detected using
JC-1 dye. Expressions of acetylated α-tubulin, α-tubulin, cytochrome c, VDAC, Bax, Bcl-
2, cleaved caspase 3, phosphorylated Akt, Akt, phosphorylated GSK3β and GSK3β
were analyzed by Western blot analysis.

Results:

Tub-A induced acetylation of α-tubulin, demonstrating appropriate efficacy.
Tub-A significantly increased cell viability and attenuated LDH release after exposure to
OGD. Furthermore, Tub-A treatment blunted the increase in TUNEL-positive cells
following OGD and preserved the mitochondrial membrane potential. Tub-A also
attenuated the release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria into the cytoplasm and
suppressed the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 and cleaved caspase 3. This was mediated, in part, by
the increased phosphorylation of Akt and GSK3β signaling pathways.

Conclusion:

HDAC 6 inhibition, using Tub-A, protects against OGD-induced injury in
HT22 cells by modulating Akt/GSK3β signaling and inhibiting mitochondria-mediated
apoptosis.
In vitro Permeability and Bioavailability Enhancement of Curcumin by Nanoemulsion via Pulmonary Administration
Authors: Shi Liying , Qu Youyang , Li Zerong , Fan Bin , Xu Hongfei , Tang Jingling
Published: July 2019

Background:

Curcumin has shown considerable pharmacological activity, including antiinflammatory
activity. Nevertheless, the pharmacological effect of curcumin may be limited because of
poor water solubility, metabolizing rapidly and systemic elimination.

Objective:

In the current research, a novel curcumin nanoemulsion (Cur-NE) was developed for improving
in vitro permeability and bioavailability via pulmonary administration.

Methods:

The Cur-NE was prepared by a modified emulsification-evaporation method and its surfac
morphology, particles size and distribution, and encapsulation efficiencies of drug in NE were characterized.
In vitro transmembrane transport experiment was performed to investigate the transport profile
of curcumin across Xenopus alveolar membrane. The pharmacokinetics of Cur-NE in rabbits was evaluated.

Results:

The average particles size, zeta potential, polydispersity index of Cur-NE were 234.8±1.08 nm,
-19.5±0.2 mV and 0.10, respectively. Xenopus alveolar membrane was used in the transmembrane
transport study, the cumulative amount of curcumin was 6.6% for curcumin suspensions, but nearly
50% for Cur-NE at the time of 8 h (P<0.05). The pharmacokinetic study in rabbits, the absolute
bioavailability of curcumin for Cur-NE was 24.11%.

Conclusion:

Thus, a novel Cur-NE for pulmonary drug delivery was developed for improving in vitro
permeability and bioavailability, which can be an alternate to the oral administration.
A Brief Synthesis of 2,2’-Arylmethylene Bis(3-hydroxy-5,5-dimethyl-2-cyclohexene-1- one) Catalyzed by TEAOH in Various Solvents
Authors: Gao Hui , Yang Xiaobi , Tang Xinyu , Yin Pengcheng , Mao Zewei
Published: July 2019

Aims and Objectives:

2,2’-Arylmethylene bis(3-hydroxy-5,5-dimethyl-2-cyclohexene-1-one) having
four carbonyl functionalities along with their tautomeric keto-enol forms, is an important biologically active
compound and important synthetic intermediate in the synthesis of xanthenes. This study was conducted in
order to develop a new and concise method of synthesis of 2,2’-arylmethylene bis (3-hydroxy-5,5-dimethyl-2-
cyclohexene-1-one) derivatives.

Materials and Methods:

TEAOH (20 mol %) was fond to be as a simple and efficient catalyst for the
preparation of 2,2’-arylmethylene bis(3-hydroxy-5,5-dimethyl-2-cyclohexene-1-one) derivatives by the
Knoevenagel condensation/Michael addition tandem reactions.

Results:

A concise and practical method was developed for one-pot synthesis of 2,2’-arylmethylene bis(3-
hydroxy-5,5-dimethyl-2-cyclohexene-1-one) derivatives catalyzed by TEAOH at room temperature in various
solvents.

Conclusion:

This strategy provides several advantages over the traditional synthetic method, and is applicable
to a wide variety of aromatic and heteroaromatic aldehydes at room temperature in various solvents.
Bioactive Compounds of the PVPP Brewery Waste Stream and their Pharmacological Effects
Authors: Pérez-Manríquez J. , Escalona N. , Pérez-Correa J.R.
Published: July 2019

Beer, one of the most commonly consumed alcoholic beverages, is rich in polyphenols
and is the main dietary source of xanthohumol and related prenylflavonoids. However, to avoid haze
formation caused by the interaction between polyphenols and proteins, most phenolic compounds are
removed from beer and lost in the brewery waste stream via polyvinylpolypyrrolidone (PVPP)
adsorption. This waste stream contains several polyphenols with high antioxidant capacity and pharmacological
effects; that waste could be used as a rich, low-cost source of these compounds, though
little is known about its composition and potential attributes. This work aims to review the polyphenols
present in this brewery waste stream, as well as the health benefits associated with their consumption.
An Overview of the Synthesis of Pyrazolotriazolopyrimidine Compounds
Authors: Luo Jin , Chen Puqing , Song Chonghu
Published: July 2019

Pyrazolotriazolopyrimidines are an important class of nitrogen-containing heterocycles that can act as a charismatic target and exhibit diverse pharmacological activities. These compounds have received much attention because they are an attractive scaffold for the preparation of adenosine receptor antagonists. Herein, we focus on an overview of the synthesis of these compounds with the aim of assisting in the discovery of new pyrazolotriazolopyrimidine derivatives.
Synthetic Approach for Substituted 3-Amino-1,2,4-Triazines and their Chemical Reactivity and Biological Properties
Authors: Abdel-Rahman Reda M. , Assiri Mohammed A. , Fouda Ahmed M. , Ali Tarik E.
Published: July 2019

3-Amino-1,2,4-triazines are considered versatile compounds for its significance as building
blocks in synthetic and pharmaceutical chemistry. The synthesis, chemical reactivity, and applications
of substituted 1,2,4-triazines bearing an amino group were described in this review. The presence
of the amino group at position 3 exhibited unique reactivities towards carbonitrile, carbonyl and
isothiocyanate reagents. The reactions were divided into several categories, depending on the other
substituents on the 1,2,4-triazine ring. In this review, relevant and appropriate applications of the
synthesized, isolated, and condensed heterocycles derivatives were reported.
Investigation of Binding Characteristics of Phosphoinositide-dependent Kinase-1 (PDK1) Co-crystallized Ligands Through Virtual Pharmacophore Modeling Leading to Novel Anti-PDK1 Hits
Authors: Mansi Iman A. , Al-Sha'er Mahmoud A. , Mhaidat Nizar M. , Taha Mutasem O. , Shahin Rand
Published: July 2019

Background:

3-Phosphoinositide Dependent Protein Kinase-1 (PDK1) is being lately
considered as an attractive and forthcoming anticancer target. A Protein Data Bank (PDB) cocrystallized
crystal provides not only rigid theoretical data but also a realistic molecular recognition
data that can be explored and used to discover new hits.

Objective:

This incited us to investigate the co-crystallized ligands' contacts inside the PDK1 binding
pocket via a structure-based receptor-ligand pharmacophore generation technique in Discovery
Studio 4.5 (DS 4.5).

Methods:

Accordingly, 35 crystals for PDK1 were collected and studied. Every single receptorligand
interaction was validated and the significant ones were converted into their corresponding
pharmacophoric features. The generated pharmacophores were scored by the Receiver Operating
Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

Results:

Consequently, 169 pharmacophores were generated and sorted, 11 pharmacophores acquired
good ROC-AUC results of 0.8 and a selectivity value above 8. Pharmacophore 1UU3_2_01
was used in particular as a searching filter to screen NCI database because of its acceptable validity
criteria and its distinctive positive ionizable feature. Several low micromolar PDK1 inhibitors
were revealed. The most potent hit illustrated anti-PDK1 IC50 values of 200 nM with 70% inhibition
against SW480 cell lines.

Conclusion:

Eventually, the active hits were docked inside the PDK1 binding pocket and the recognition
points between the active hits and the receptor were analyzed that led to the discovery of
new scaffolds as potential PDK1 inhibitors.
Prognostic Utility of Troponin I and N Terminal-ProBNP among Patients with Heart Failure due to Non-Ischemic Cardiomyopathy and Important Correlations
Authors: Mene-Afejuku Tuoyo O. , Dumancas Carissa , Akinlonu Adedoyin , Ola Olatunde , Cativo Eder H. , Veranyan Shushan , Lopez Persio D. , Kim Kwon S. , Pekler Gerald , Mushiyev Savi , Visco Ferdinand
Published: July 2019

Background:

Heart Failure (HF) is accompanied by a high cost of care and gloomy prognosis
despite recent advances in its management. Therefore, efforts to minimize HF rehospitalizations
is a major focus of several studies.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 140 patients 18 years and above who had
baseline clinical parameters, echocardiography, NT-ProBNP, troponin I and other laboratory parameters
following a 3-year electronic medical record review. Patients with coronary artery disease, preserved
ejection fraction, pulmonary embolism, cancer, and end-stage renal disease were excluded.

Results:

Of the 140 patients admitted with HF with reduced Ejection Fraction (HFrEF) secondary to
non-ischemic cardiomyopathy, 15 were re-hospitalized within 30 days of discharge while 42 were rehospitalized
within 6 months after discharge for decompensated HF. Receiver operating characteristic
(ROC) cutoff points were obtained for NT-ProBNP at 5178 pg/ml and serum troponin I at 0.045
ng/ml. After Cox regression analysis, patients with HFrEF who had higher hemoglobin levels had reduced
odds of re-hospitalization (p = 0.007) within 30 days after discharge. NT-ProBNP and troponin
I were independent predictors of re-hospitalization at 6 months after discharge (p = 0.047 and
p = 0.02), respectively, after Cox regression analysis.

Conclusion:

Troponin I and NT-ProBNP at admission are the best predictors of re-hospitalization 6
months after discharge among patients with HFrEF. Hemoglobin is the only predictor of 30 -day rehospitalization
among HFrEF patients in this study. High-risk patients may require aggressive therapy
to improve outcomes.
Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase (PTP1B): A promising Drug Target Against Life-threatening Ailments
Authors: Kumar Ajay , Rana Divya , Rana Rajat , Bhatia Rohit
Published: July 2019

Background:

Protein tyrosine phosphatases are enzymes which help in the signal transduction in diabetes, obesity, cancer, liver diseases and neurodegenerative diseases. PTP1B is the main member of this enzyme from the protein extract of human placenta. In phosphate inhibitors development, significant progress has been made over the last 10 years. In early-stage clinical trials, few compounds have reached whereas in the later stage trials or registration, yet none have progressed. Many researchers investigate different ways to improve the pharmacological properties of PTP1B inhibitors.

Objective:

In the present review, authors have summarized various aspects related to the involvement of PTP1B in various types of signal transduction mechanisms and its prominent role in various diseases like cancer, liver diseases and diabetes mellitus.

Conclusion:

There are still certain challenges for the selection of PTP1B as a drug target. Therefore, continuous future efforts are required to explore this target for the development of PTP inhibitors to treat the prevailing diseases associated with it.
The Screening of Renoprotective Agents by 99mTc-DMSA: A Review of Preclinical Studies
Authors: Rezaei Masoud , Papie Maryam , Cheki Mohsen , Mansi Luigi , Kitson Sean , Ahmadi Amirhossein
Published: July 2019

Background:

Nephrotoxicity is a prevalent consequence of cancer treatment using radiotherapy
and chemotherapy or their combination. There are two methods; histological and biochemical, to
assess the kidney damage caused by toxic agents in animal studies. Although these methods are used
for the try-out of renoprotective factors, these methods are invasive and time-consuming, and also, lack
the necessary sensitivity for primary diagnosis. Quantitative renal 99mTc-DMSA scintigraphy is a noninvasive,
precise and sensitive radionuclide technique which is used to assess the extent of kidney damage,
so that the extent of injury to the kidney will be indicated by the renal uptake rate of 99mTc-DMSA
in the kidney. In addition, this scintigraphy evaluates the effect of the toxic agents by quantifying the
alterations in the biodistribution of the radiopharmaceutical.

Conclusion:

In this review, the recent findings about the renoprotective agents were evaluated and
screened with respect to the use of 99mTc-DMSA , which is preclinically and clinically used for animal
cases and cancer patients under the treatment by radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
Silymarin Spray-Dried Proliposomes: Preparation, Characterization and Cytotoxic Evaluation
Authors: Gardouh Ahmed , Shaker Sherif , Ali Zainab Z. , Ghorab Mamdouh
Published: July 2019

Background:

Most liposomes problems are due to stability and consistency. Proliposomes is
one of the solutions to overcome the disadvantage of liposomes. They are available in dry powder form,
it is easy to distribute, transfer, measure and store.

Objective:

The aim of the present study was to find a novel method of preparing Silymarin proliposomes
and study the effect of cholesterol concentrations and surfactant types on the physicochemical
properties of silymarin proliposomes and its in-vitro release.

Methods:

Silymarin proliposomes were prepared by combining two simple methods ethanol injection
method for liposomes preparation followed by the spray drying method to get a dry powder. The physicochemical
properties including particle size, TEM, SEM, FTIR, encapsulation efficiency and dissolution
studies were studied.

Results:

The particle size of silymarin liposomes were below 552.36 ± 17.63 nm but after reconstitution
of silymarin proliposomes, the particle size was in the micro range due to the influence of the spray drying
process. Cholesterol concentration was ranged from 50 to 150 mg per formula. Increasing Cholesterol
concentration caused a significant increase in liposomes particle size and reduction in encapsulation
efficiency. Three non-ionic surfactants were used to prepare silymarin proliposomes Tween 80,
Cremophor RH 40 and Poloxamer 407. Formula F1 prepared with Phosal® 53 MCT (300 mg), Tween
80 (50 mg), cholesterol (50 mg) and Silymarin (140 mg) showed the smallest particle size (2066 ±
164.87 nm) upon reconstitution in water, highest encapsulation efficiency (89.51 ± 0.43%), and fastest
in vitro release compared to other formulas. Cytotoxicity of Silymarin, formula F1 and formula
F1/blank was assessed using an MTT assay on MCF-7, HepG2 and HBF-4 cells. The cytotoxic effect of
silymarin was enhanced by loading it on proliposomes.

Conclusion:

Silymarin was successfully formulated into proliposomes combining ethanol injection and
spray drying methods. The cytotoxicity of silymarin was improved when loaded on proliposomes owing
to the formula.