bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The high photocatalytic efficiency and stability of LaNiO3/g-C3N4 heterojunction nanocomposites for photocatalytic water splitting to hydrogen
Authors: Ye Changyu , Wang Rui , Wang Haoyu , Jiang Fubin
Published: May 2020

A binary direct Z-scheme LaNiO 3 /g-C 3 N 4 nanocomposite photocatalyst consisted with LaNiO 3 nanoparticles and g-C 3 N 4 nanosheets was successfully synthesized by means of mechanical mixing and solvothermal methods in order to improve the photocatalytic water splitting activity. The as-prepared materials were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron microscope (SEM), Transmission Electron microscope (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscope (XPS), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) and N 2 adsorption-desorption experiments, respectively, demonstrating the formation of interfacial interaction and heterogeneous structure in LaNiO 3 /g-C 3 N 4 nanocomposites. Under UV-light irradiation, the LaNiO 3 /g-C 3 N 4 samples which without the addition of any noble metal as co-catalyst behaved enhanced photocatalytic water splitting activity compared with pure LaNiO 3 and g-C 3 N 4 , owing to the Z-scheme charge carrier transfer pathway. Especially, the LaNiO 3 /70%g-C 3 N 4 nanocomposite reach an optimal yield of up to 3392.50 µmol g -1 in 5 h and held a maximum H 2 evolution rate of 678.5 µmol h -1 g -1 that was 5 times higher than that of pure LaNiO 3 .
Attendance, activation and health profiles of participants in a regional chronic disease self-management program in Laval, Canada
Authors: Girard Magali , Kaczorowski Janusz , Lussier Marie-Thérèse , Martin Vivianne
Published: May 2020

Background : Chronic diseases are responsible for over 70% of all deaths globally. While some self-management programs have been shown to be efficacious in preventing or altering trajectories for some chronic conditions, scaling-up and sustaining such programs beyond tightly-controlled study conditions remain a major challenge. The objective of the current study was to describe the profile of attendees and the level of engagement of participants in a new, region-wide cardiometabolic disease self-management program offered in Laval, Canada. Methods : CISSS-Laval partnered with the Cardiovascular Health Awareness Program team to co-develop Cible-santé and evaluate the first cohort of participants enrolled in the program, in order to better understand the program's implementation and scope. Trained volunteers (supervised by a nurse) assisted participants with physical measurements (blood pressure, height, weight and waist circumference), a questionnaire on healthy habits, and assessment of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes risk. Results : The evaluation of the first cohort of Cible-Santé participants showed very low attendance. Furthermore, only 1 in 10 of enrolled participants completed the full program. The program typically attracted adults with some risk factors associated with their chronic conditions (high waist circumference, obesity), but with an already high level of knowledge, skills and confidence to participate in self-management activities. Conclusion : A limitation of the study is the lack of data regarding the number of professionals who referred their patients to the program. This study provides a portrait of new participants to a self-management chronic disease program, which highlights the potential of supporting chronic disease patients ready to make changes but also exposes the difficulty of attracting a larger number and diversity of participants and in encouraging completion of the program.
Correlation between immunity from BCG and the morbidity and mortality of COVID-19
Authors: Wickramasinghe Dakshitha , Wickramasinghe Nilanka , Kamburugamuwa Sohan Anjana , Arambepola Carukshi , Samarasekera Dharmabandhu N
Published: May 2020

Purpose

To investigate the association between parameters indicating immunity from BCG at country level (presence of BCG vaccination policy, BCG coverage, age-specific incidence of tuberculosis (TB)) and the morbidity and mortality of COVID-19.

Methods

Country-specific data for COVID-19 cases and deaths, demographic details, BCG coverage and policy, age-specific TB incidence and income level were obtained. The crude COVID-19 cases and deaths per 100,000 population were calculated and assessed against the parameters indicating the immunity from BCG using linear regression analysis.

Results

Univariate analysis identified higher income level of a country to be significantly associated with COVID-19 cases (p<0.0001) and deaths (p<0.0001) but not with its case fatality rate. The association between COVID-19 and TB was strongest for TB incidence in patients >65-years (Cases(r s =-0.785,p=0.0001)) and deaths (r s =-0.647,p=0.0001).

Multivariate analysis identified the higher income level of a country and not having a universal BCG vaccination policy to affect the COVID-19 cases. The deaths were affected negatively by the presence of BCG vaccination policy and coverage; and positively by the TB incidence in patients >65-years.

Conclusion

Significant negative correlations observed between cases and deaths of COVID-19 and parameters indicating immunity from BCG highlight a likely explanation for the variation in COVID-19 across countries.
ITS barcoding-based species identification for Sanghuangporus (Basidiomycota), a genus of medicinal mushrooms
Authors: Liu Shi-Liang , Shen Shan , Jiang Ji-Hang , Zhou Li-Wei
Published: May 2020

“Sanghuang” is a kind of important medicinal mushrooms and taxonomically represented by members in the fungal genus Sanghuangporus. Species of Sanghuangporus referred to medicinal studies and industry are discriminated mainly by BLAST search of GenBank with ITS barcoding region as a query. However, the inappropriately labeled ITS sequences related to “Sanghuang” in GenBank restrict accurate species identification and, to some extent, the utilization of these medicinal resources. Here, we examined all available 271 ITS sequences related to “Sanghuang” from GenBank including 31 newly submitted sequences for this study. Of these sequences, more than half were mislabeled and the corresponding species names are corrected. The mislabeled sequences mainly came from strains by non-taxonomists. Based on the analyses of ITS sequences submitted by taxonomists, we treat Sanghuangporus toxicodendri as a later synonym of S. quercicola, and the intraspecific and interspecific differences are below 1.50% (but S. weirianus) and above 1.50%, respectively. Moreover, ten potential diagnostic sequences are provided for hyperbranched rolling circle amplification to rapidly detect three common commercial species, viz. S. baumii, S. sanghuang and S. vaninii. Generally, the current results provide a practical method for ITS barcoding-based species identification of Sanghuangporus, and will promote medicinal studies and industrial development from the taxonomic perspective.
Analysis of genome-wide mutation profile and establishment of risk signature for prognosis of bladder cancer
Authors: Zhao Yanyun , Ma Rong , Liu Fangxiao , Zhang Liwen , Lv Xuemei , Su Panpan , Fan Yue , Zhang Yifan , Wei Minjie , He Miao
Published: May 2020

Background: Emerging studies have shown that a variety of gene mutations occur in development and progression of cancer and highly mutation genes could play oncogenic or tumor suppressive roles in cancer. Therefore, our aim is to explore mutation genes which affect the prognosis of bladder.Methods: Mutation profile was obtained and analyzed from TCGA data set. A mutation-based signature was established by multivariable Cox regression analysis. Kaplan-Meier was performed to assess the prognostic power of signature. Time-dependent ROC was conducted to evaluate predictive accuracy of signature for bladder cancer patients.Results: There are 20177 genes have alteration in 403 bladder patients and 662 of them were frequently variation (mutation frequency > 5%). In this study, we assessed the prognostic predictive ability of 662 highly mutated genes and identified a mutation signature as an independent indicator for predicting the prognosis of bladder. The time-dependent ROC showed that AUC were 0.893, 0.896, 0.916 and 0.965 at 1, 3, 5 and 10 year, respectively. Stratified analysis and Multivariate Cox analysis showed that this mutation signature was reliable and independent biomarker. Furthermore, the nomogram predictive model can be used to effectively predict clinical prognosis of bladder patients. The decision analysis curve showed patients with risk threshold of 0.03-0.92 potentially yielded clinical net benefit. Finally, we identified several signaling pathways that associated with risk score by GSEA and KEGG analysis including PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and so on.Conclusions: In general, this study provide an optimal mutation signature as potential prognosis biomarker for bladder patients.
Identification and validation of a prognostic 5-protein signature for biochemical recurrence following radical prostatectomy in prostate cancer
Authors: Wu Xiangkun , Li Wenjie , Lv Daojun , Liu Yongda , Gu Di
Published: May 2020

Background : Biochemical recurrence (BCR) is considered as an indicator for prostate cancer (PCa)-specific recurrence and mortality. However, lack of effective prediction model to assess the prognosis of patients for optimization of treatment. The aim of this work was to construct a protein-based nomogram that could predict BCR for PCa.Materials and methods: Univariate Cox regression analysis was conducted to identify candidate proteins from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. LASSO Cox regression was further conducted to pick out the most significant prognostic proteins and formulate the proteins signature for predicting BCR. Additionally, a nomogram was constructed by multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression.Results: We established a 5‐protein-based signature which was well used to identify PCa patients into high‐ and low‐risk groups. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated patients with higher BCR generally had significantly worse survival than those with lower BCR (p<0.0001). Time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curve expounded that ours signature had excellent prognostic efficiency for 1‐, 3‐ and 5‐year BCR (area under curve in training set: 0.691, 0.797, 0.808 and 0.74, 0.739, 0.82 in the test set). Univariable and multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that this 5‐protein signature was an independent of several clinical signatures including age, Gleason score, T stage, N status, PSA and residual tumor. Moreover, a nomogram was constructed and calibration plots confirmed the its predictive value in 3-, 5- and 10-year BCR overall survival.Conclusion: Our study identified a 5-protein-based signature and constructed a prognostic nomogram that reliably predicts BCR in prostate cancer. The findings might be of paramount importance in tumor prognosis and medical decision-making.
Screening and Evaluation of Bioactive Components of Methanol Root Extract of Anthocleista nobilis G. Don. by GCMS Analysis
Authors: Ojatula Adekunle ORIMISAN
Published: May 2020

Background: Medicinal plants have great importance in African medicine and are also used as precursors in drug discovery. The medicinal value of plants lies in their bioactive constituents which usually allow them to fight against several diseases. Plant-based natural constituents can be derived from any part of the plant like roots, bark, leaves, flowers, fruits, seeds. The present study was designed to determine the bioactive/biochemical compounds present in the methanol extract of Anthocleista nobilis root.Materials and Methods: GC -MS analysis of the methanol extract of A. nobilis root was performed using a Perkin Elmer GC Clarus 500 system comprising an Agilent technologies 5975 MSD model detector and a gas chromatograph interfaced to a mass spectrometer with the aid of the Turbo mass 5.0 software.Results: The study results of the GC-MS analysis provided different phytochemical compounds possessing several biological activities such as antimicrobial, antifungal, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory activities. This study therefore, showed that root of Anthocleista nobilis is a source of biologically active metabolites. Furthermore, root extract revealed the presence of diverse chemical constituents.Conclusion: The results of the present study suggest a recommendation of A. nobilis root as a plant of phytopharmaceutical importance.
An initial survey of 150 horses from Thailand for anti-Pythium insidiosum antibodies
Authors: Htun Zin Mar , Laikul Aree , Pathomsakulwong Watcharapol , Yurayart Chompoonek , Lohnoo Tassanee , Yingyong Wanta , Kumsang Yothin , Payattikul Penpan , Sae-Chew Pattarana , Rujirawat Thidarat , Jaturapaktrarak Chalisa , Chongtrakool Piriyaporn , Krajaejun Theerapong
Published: May 2020

Objectives: Pythium insidiosum causes a deadly condition, called pythiosis, in humans and other animals. The organism has been identified in tropical and subtropical environments worldwide. Since 1985, human pythiosis has been increasingly reported from Thailand. Seroprevalence studies estimated that ~32,000 Thai people have been exposed to the pathogen. In 2018, the first animal pythiosis case in Thailand was diagnosed in a horse. In this study, we surveyed anti-P. insidiosum antibodies in a sample of the Thai equine population. Results: Serum samples were available from 150 out of 6,353 registered horses distributed across Thailand. ELISA detected the anti-P. insidiosum antibodies in three horses. Immunochromatography and Western blot confirmed the presence of the antibodies in one of the ELISA-positive horses. Based on one positive out of 150 tested, the Pythium seroprevalence in the Thai equine population was 0.7%, which is 10 times higher than that of the Thai human population. The seroprevalence of the anti-P. insidiosum antibodies in a small sample of horses suggests a higher incidence of pythiosis in horses than in humans. Larger studies will be necessary to obtain the full picture of the epidemiology of animal pythiosis in Thailand.
Comparative genomics and diversity of SARS-CoV-2 suggest potential regional virulence
Authors: Devi Sundru Manjulata , Pamreddy Annapurna , Kasinath Balakuntalam , Sharma Kumar
Published: May 2020

It is widely known fact about the global pandemic caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus -2 (SARS-CoV-2) to humans, which imposed immediate lockdown of effected territories in the prevailing provinces. However, few provinces were able to control infection severity with lower death rates. Interestingly three types of genomic features were noticed through comparative genomics in the available genome sequences SARS-CoV-2, due to the insertion/deletions of orf3a, orf6, orf7a and orf7b. Whole genome phylogeny (n=75 genomes) revealed a large diversity within the SARS-CoV-2, and distributed in 6 clusters namely China, Diamond princess, Asian, European, USA and Beijing. This study asserts diversity in the genome with high mutation rate and migration of carriers over the world. Here, we describe the polymorphic loci of Spike glycoprotein and its putative mechanism for pathogenicity, which unveiled the presence of GPI anchor amidation, PPI hotspot, O-linked glycosylation, catalytic site, Iron binding site, signal cleavage, disulphide linkage, sulfation, transmembrane region, and C-terminal signal sites. Mutational changes at spike glycoprotein of South Korea, India, Greece, Spain, Australia, Sweden and Yunnan samples possibly suggest the prevalence of mutated strains with either low or high virulence. The regions at the spike glycoprotein also have high binding capacity to angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) suggesting a key link for explaining damage to multiple organs including lungs, kidney and heart. Factors influencing the mutations at the spike glycoprotein region will need to be investigated to understand and neutralize the upsurge of the alarming Pandemic and to control the global spread of the disease.
Design, Development And Deployment Of A Web-Based Interoperable Registry For Inherited Retinal Dystrophies In Portugal – The Ird-Pt
Authors: Marques João Pedro , Carvalho Ana Luísa , Henriques José , Murta Joaquim Neto , Saraiva Jorge , Silva Rufino
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUNDThe development of multicenter patient registries promotes the generation of scientific knowledge by using real-world data. A country-wide, web-based registry for inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) empowers patients and community organizations, while supporting formal partnerships with investigators and stakeholders in the global aim to develop high-value, high-utility research. We aim to describe the design, development and deployment of a country-wide, web-based, user-friendly and interoperable registry for IRDs – the IRD-PT.RESULTSThe IRD-PT is a clinical/genetic research registry included in the retina.pt platform (http://www.retina.com.pt), which was developed by the Portuguese Retina Study Group. The retina.pt platform collects data on individuals diagnosed with retinal diseases, from several sites across Portugal, with over 1800 participants and over 30,000 consultations to date. The IRD-PT module interacts with the retina.pt core system which provides a range of basic functions for patient data management, while the IRD-PT module allows data capture for the specific purpose of IRDs. All IRDs are coded accordingly to the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD) 9, ICD 10, ICD 11, and Orphanet Rare Disease Ontology (ORPHA codes) to make the IRD-PT interoperable with other IRD registries across the world. Furthermore, the genes are coded according to the Ontology of Genes and Genomes and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man, whereas signs and symptoms are coded according to the Human Phenotype Ontology. The IRD-PT module pre-launched at Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, the largest reference center for IRDs in Portugal. As of April 1st 2020, finalized data from 537 participants were available for this preliminary analysis.CONCLUSIONSIn the specific field of rare diseases, the use of registries increases research accessibility for individuals, while providing clinicians/investigators with a coherent data ecosystem necessary to boost research. Appropriate design and implementation of patient registries enables rapid decision making and ongoing data mining, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes. We have described here the principles behind the design, development and deployment of a web-based, user-friendly and interoperable software tool aimed to generate important knowledge and collecting high-quality data on the epidemiology, genomic landscape and natural history of IRDs in Portugal.
Cytokine Profile in Aqueous Humor of Patients with Ocular Toxocariasis
Authors: Jiang Zhaoxin , Sun Limei , Wang Weiqing , Ding Xiaohu , Zhang Ting , Li Songshan , Ding Xiaoyan
Published: May 2020

Purpose: Ocular toxocariasis (OT) is a vision-threatening disease with a largely unknown intraocular pathogenesis. Herein, we determined the cytokine expression profile in aqueous humor (AH) of patients with OT.Methods: This is a prospective experimental case-control study of cytokine levels in AH of patients with OT and uveitis and control subjects. Thirty samples from eyes with OT, 23 from eyes with uveitis, and 25 from eyes with age-related cataract were analyzed using a multiplexed magnetic bead immunoassay. Thirty-one cytokines were detected and classified into 5 categories: T-helper type 1 (Th1)-associated cytokines, Th2-associated cytokines, Th17 cytokine, proinflammatory mediators, and growth factors.Results: Higher expression in 19 and decreased expression in 3 cytokines in the OT group were identified, compared with controls. Levels of 17 cytokines were increased in the OT group, compared with the non-OT uveitis and control groups. Levels of 3 cytokines were decreased in the OT group compared with controls; no cytokine level was decreased in the OT and non-OT uveitis groups. Interleukin-10 was the only cytokine showing a significant difference in pairwise comparison among all groups. Th17 levels showed no change, while growth factors and proinflammatory mediators showed some significant changes.Conclusions: We believe this is the first analysis of cytokine expression profile in OT. It revealed that Th2-associated cytokines, especially IL-5, IL-10 and IL-13, present a significantly higher concentration in OT compared with the non-OT uveitis and controls. These cytokines may be important for OT pathogenesis and help identify diagnostic markers and develop treatment strategies in future.
Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome and Outcomes in Ischemic Patients Treated with Endovascular Treatment
Authors: xu xiangjun , Yuan Lili , Wang Wenbing , Xu Junfeng , Yang Qian , Zhu Yujuan , Xu Youqing , Yang Ke , Ge Liang , Huang Xianjun , Zhou Zhiming
Published: May 2020

Background The occurrence of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) is associated with poor outcomes after ischemic stroke, and the inflammatory response can be significantly attenuated by successful reperfusion, while the SIRS in patients with acute large vessel occlusion stroke (ALVOS) who underwent endovascular treatment (EVT) remain unclear. We aimed to investigate the occurrence rate, predictors, and clinical outcomes of SIRS in patients with ALVOS after EVT. Methods We retrospectively collected EVT data of patients with ALVOS from July 2014 to August 2019 in our center. SIRS in the absence of infection was defined as the presence of ≥2 of the following: (1) heart rate >90 (2) body temperature >38°C or <36°C, (3) white blood cells >12 000/mm or <4000/mm or >10% bands for >24 h or (4) respiratory rate >20. Favorable outcome was defined as obtaining a 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score ≤2. Results Among the 262 patients who received EVT, 92 (35.1%) developed SIRS, 88 (95.7%) of whom developed SIRS in the first two days after EVT. Patients who developed SIRS had a reduced favorable outcome (OR, 4.112 [95% CI, 1.705–9.920]; P=0.002) and higher mortality (OR, 25.236 [95% CI, 8.578–74.835]; P<0.001) at 90 days. Greater SIRS burden was positively correlated with NIHSS scores at discharge and mRS scores at 90 days (r=0.249, P=0.017; r=0.230, P=0.027). The development of SIRS in patients with ALOVS who underwent EVT was associated with neutrophilic leukocytosis, hyperglycemia, higher admission NIHSS scores, and worse collateral circulation. Conclusions Patients with SIRS had higher odds of poor functional outcomes and higher mortality at 90 days in the EVT-treatment setting. The severity of the inflammatory response was positively correlated with the clinical outcomes of patients. Clinically relevant associations with SIRS were neutrophilic leukocytosis, hyperglycemia and baseline stroke severity, but favorable collateral circulation was a protective factor against SIRS.
The Association Between Dietary Glycemic and Insulin Indices with Incidence of Cardiovascular Disease: Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study
Authors: Teymoori Farshad , Farhadnejad Hossein , Mirmiran Parvin , Azizi Fereidoun , Nazarzadeh Milad
Published: May 2020

Background The aim of this study was to investigate the association of dietary insulin index (II), insulin load (IL), glycemic index (GI), and glycemic load (GL) with risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes among adults. Methods This cohort study was conducted within the framework of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study on 2198 subjects, aged ≥19 years, who were followed-up for a mean of 4.7 years. Dietary GI, GL, II, IL were calculated using a food frequency questionnaire at baseline. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression models, adjusted for potential confounders, were used to estimate risk of CVD across quartiles of dietary insulin and glycemic indices. Results Mean±SD age of the study population (44.9% men) was 38.3±13.4 years. During an average of 2406 ± 417 person-years of follow-up, 76 (3.5%) new cases of CVD were ascertained. The Mean±SD of II, IL, GI, and GL of participants were 51.7±6.5, 235.8±90.2, 61.9±7.8, and 202.2±78.1, respectively. After adjusting for age, sex, smoking, physical activity, daily energy intake, body mass index, diabetes, and hypertension, the hazard ratio (HR) of the highest quartile of dietary GL was 2.77 (95%CI:1.00-7.69, P for trend:0.033) compared with the lowest one. However, there was no significant association between dietary GI, II, IL and risk for CVD incident. Conclusions Our findings suggest that high GL diet can increase the incidence of CVD, whereas high dietary II and IL was not associated with risk of CVD among adults.
Effects of Magnesium Biotinate Supplementation on Serum Insulin, Glucose, and Lipid Parameters Along with Gene Expressions of Intermediary Metabolism in Rats
Authors: Sahin Kazim , ORHAN Cemal , KUCUK Osman , TUZCU Mehmet , SAHIN Nurhan , OJALVO Sara PEREZ , KOMOROWSKI James R
Published: May 2020

Background: The objective of this work was to investigate the effects of a novel form of biotin (magnesium biotinate) at various levels on body weight, serum concentrations of glucose, insulin, cholesterol, and triglycerides, and liver expression of lipid metabolism-related genes such as SREBP-1c, FAS, AMPK-α1, ACC-1, ACC-2, PC, PCC and MCC in rats.Methods: A total of 42 male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into six treatment groups and fed a standard diet-based egg white powdered diet supplemented with either commercial biotin (d-biotin) at 0.01, 1 or 100 mg/kg body weight or a novel form of biotin (magnesium biotinate) at 0.01, 1, or 100 mg/kg bodyweight for 35 days. The doses used at 0.01, 1 and 100 mg from each source represented a standard dietary dose (control), high dietary dose, and pharmacologic dose, respectively. Results: Bodyweight changes, feed intake, serum concentrations of glucose, insulin, creatine, and urea, and enzyme activities of ALT and AST were similar among treatments (P > 0.05). Serum total cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations of the rats decreased with biotin supplementation from both sources (P < 0.05). Concentrations were significantly lower with magnesium biotinate when comparing the 1 mg/kg dose groups (P < 0.05). Serum, liver, brain biotin concentrations, and liver cGMP contents were greater when rats were treated with magnesium biotinate versus d-biotin, particularly when comparing the 1 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg dose groups (P < 0.05). Both forms of biotin decreased the liver gene expression of SREBP‐1c and FAS and increased liver gene expression of AMPK-α1, ACC-1, ACC-2, PCC and MCC (P < 0.05). The magnitudes of responses were more emphasized with magnesium biotinate. Liver PC gene expression increased with biotin supplementation with no regard to dose or biotin form (P > 0.05).Conclusion: Results of the present work revealed that a new form of biotin, magnesium biotinate, compared with a commercial d-biotin, is more effective in reducing serum lipid concentrations and in regulating gene expressions of intermediary metabolism-related biomarkers.
Assessment of the Effectiveness of Various Adult Mosquito Sampling Methods in a Thickly Populated Urban Slum Settlement - A study from Besant Nagar, Chennai, India
Authors: Ravishankaran Sangamithra , Asokan Aswin , A Johnson Amala Justin N , Thomas Shalu , Joshua Vasna , Mathai Manu Thomas , Eapen Alex
Published: May 2020

BackgroundIn an urban scenario, it is an arduous task to collect adult Anopheles stephensi, unlike the immature forms due to various reasons such as the complex spatial heterogeneity, intricacies in feeding, and resting preferences. Thus it is necessary to have more specific and accurate assessments of adult vector density by performing various collection methods and timeframes to achieve appropriate and sustainable vector control strategies.Methods The study was undertaken in two phases, (i) resting dawn collections in cattle sheds from Jan 2015 to Dec 2016 to assess the possibility of maximum collection of An. stephensi compared to dusk collections done previously and to find out the best appropriate collection strategy for vector control and (ii) light trap collections from Jan 2016 to Apr 2017 to determine the efficiency and reliability of CDC light trap in sampling the anophelines including the urban malaria vector, Anopheles stephensi in human dwellings besides, other mosquito species. The man-hour density of An. stephensi in cattle sheds were calculated and its infection rate was analyzed by circum-sporozoite ELISA (CS-ELISA). Binary logistic regression analysis was done to ascertain the variables associated with the collection of Anopheles stephensi using a light trap.Results The resting collections in cattle sheds indicated that dawn collections yielded more Anopheles stephensi than at dusk. The resting stage female (fully fed, semi-gravid, and gravid) mosquitoes were more in dawn collections than in dusk collections. The CDC-light trap collections revealed that An. stephensi collected indoors were more than outdoor in human dwellings. Further, vector incrimination results observed that 0.56% of the female An. stephensi from cattle sheds were infected in 2014 (dusk), 0.15%, and 0.09% in 2015 and 2016 respectively in dawn collections. Nevertheless, 2.3% of An. stephensi collected by CDC light trap in human dwellings were positive for Plasmodium vivax (Pv210) infection. Binary logistic regression analysis proved that the presence of An. stephensi in human dwellings was significantly influenced by seasons, the number of rooms in the house, number of household members, and also the use of repellents.ConclusionsThe different collection (resting and light trap) approaches were assessed to find out the appropriate collection method and time which could yield the maximum number of An. stephensi with the existing resources. The study revealed that dawn collections during the early hours as the most suitable time to collect wild An. stephensi in an urban setting. The present study thus would help in chalking out an operationally feasible vector control strategy with the most appropriate methodology, timeframe useful for effective control of vectors.
An in-silico approach to develop of a multi-epitope vaccine candidate against SARS-CoV-2 envelope (E) protein
Authors: Ghafouri Fatemeh , Cohan Reza Ahangari , Noorbakhsh Farshid , Samimi Hilda , Haghpanah Vahid
Published: May 2020

Since the first appearance of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS- CoV-2) in China on December 2019, the world has now witnessed the emergence of the SARS- CoV-2 outbreak. Therefore, due to the high transmissibility rate of virus, there is an urgent need to design and develop vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 to prevent more cases affected by the virus. In this study, a computational approach is proposed for vaccine design against the envelope (E) protein of SARS-CoV-2, which contains a conserved sequence feature. First, we sought to gain potential B-cell and T-cell epitopes for vaccine designing against SARS-CoV-2. Second, we attempted to develop a multi-epitope vaccine. Immune targeting of such epitopes could theoretically provide defense against SARS-CoV-2. Finally, we evaluated the affinity of the vaccine to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules to stimulate the immune system response to this vaccine. We also identified a collection of B-cell and T-cell epitopes derived from E proteins that correspond identically to SARS-CoV-2 E proteins. The in-silico design of our potential vaccine against E protein of SARS-CoV-2 demonstrated a high affinity to MHC molecules, and it can be a candidate to make a protection against this pandemic event.
Humic Acid and Boron to Minimize the Incidence of Alternate Bearing and Improve the Productivity and Fruit Quality of Mango Trees
Authors: El-Hoseiny Hanan M. , Helaly Mohamed N. , Elsheery Nabil I. , Alam-Eldein Shamel M.
Published: May 2020

Mango production faces several challenges, such as nutrient deficiency, physiological stress, and alternate bearing, which eventually affect tree productivity. This study was carried out during the 2017 and 2018 seasons to evaluate the effect of single and combined applications of humic acid (as potassium humate; 0.15%, 0.30%, 0.45%) and boron (as boric acid; 300, 600 mg·L−1) on ‘Zebda’ mango trees grown at Dir AlMalak region, Sharkeya Governorate, Egypt. Foliar spray was applied twice before flowering (first week of January and first week of February), and a third spray was applied by the beginning of flowering (first week of March) in both seasons. Humic acid and boron effectively enhanced tree growth, flowering, yield, and fruit quality. Humic acid was more effective than boron in this respect. Combined application of both materials surpassed the single application of each material on overall tree physiology and annual productivity. The observed results may be a consequence of the increase in tree photosynthetic pigments, nutrients, organic solutes, and phytohormones such as auxins, gibberellins, and cytokinins. The reduction in abscisic acid content may be related to the role of humic acid and boron protecting the plant against destructive oxidative reactions; improving the ability of the trees to withstand environmental stresses; thereby reduce floral malformation percentage, minimize the incidence of alternate bearing, and improve annual tree productivity and fruit quality. The most pronounced effect in this regard was noted with the application of 0.30% humic acid + 600 mg·L−1 boric acid.
Bacteria of the Azospirillum Genus for the Optimization of the Artificial Culture of Xylotrophic Mushrooms
Authors: Shaternikov A.N. , Nikitina V.E.
Published: May 2020

The possibility of submerged со-cultivation of the basidiomycetes Flammulina velutipes, Ganoderma lucidum and Pleurotus ostreatus with the bacteria Azospirillum brasilense was demonstrated, and optimal conditions for the process were selected. The azospirilla strains under study had active mobility and formed clusters near mushroom hyphae in liquid co-cultures optimized both in medium composition and bacterial inoculum concentration. The concentration of bacterial cells, ceteris paribus, had a significant effect on the growth of binary cultures. Co-cultivation of F. velutipes with A. brasilense Sp245 at the optimal bacteria concentration (0.5% v/v) in the inoculum (A600 = 1.0) made it possible to obtain 2.35 times more dry biomass than in the control. The intensive growth of the mixed culture of mushrooms with the studied azospirilla was promoted by the medium based on Glc and Fru (in mass proportion 1:1), and Asn. The characteristics of the development of P. ostreatus fruit bodies and the reduction of contamination in the presence of azospirillum were evaluated. Mixed bacterial-fungal cultures of P. ostreatus with A. brasilense SR80 which were used as seeding material were most efficient in the accumulation of submerged mycelial biomass, the rate of grain substrate colonization and intensity of fruit-body formation. Data obtained allow us to judge the high potential of using binary mushroom-bacterial cultures for the efficient production of mycelial biomass and fruiting of basidiomycetes.

Flammulina, Ganoderma, Pleurotus, Azospirillum, co-culture, submerged culture, fruiting

The work was funded on the theme АААА-А17-117102740098-8.
Darkening of Plant Tissues during in vitro Cultivation and Methods for its Prevention
Authors: Kuluev B.R.
Published: May 2020

One of the most common problems in the plant in vitro propagation is the tissue browning and subsequent necrosis, resulting from the oxidation of phenolic compounds, secondary metabolites produced in response to injury and released into the nutrient medium. This process is one of the main reasons for the decrease in the efficiency of callus formation, somatic embryogenesis, regeneration and genetic transformation of plants in vitro. Moreover, oxidative browning often leads to culture death. Therefore, the current problems in genetic and cellular engineering of a wide range of plant species can be solved only by preventing or reducing the negative effects of browning of in vitro cultures caused by the oxidative transformations of phenolic compounds into quinones toxic to cells. This review is devoted to the description of the main existing methods to prevent these adverse transformations. Various chemicals with antioxidant and adsorbing properties are used in plant biotechnology for this purpose, but there are no general approaches to solve the problem. Although the choice of the method to minimize the negative effect of phenolic compound oxidation depends, firs of all, on the species and variety of the plant, some agents, such as ascorbic acid, activated carbon, silver nitrate, can be considered as universal and quite effective in preventing oxidative darkening of explants in vitro.

phenolic compounds, oxidative browning, polyphenol oxidase, tissue browning, in vitro, microclonal plant propagation

The work was funded on the theme АААА-А17-117102740098-8.
Preparation of Microencapsulated Symbiotic Complex of Probiotics based on Lactobacillus helveticus using Alginate and Chitosan
Authors: Toropov D.K. , Egorova T.S.
Published: May 2020

Various technologies for producing different forms of probiotic preparations including Vitaflor have been compared. This preparation was created based on two symbiotic Lactobacillus helveticus strains, D-75 and D-76, with proven effects of syntrophy and synergism. It is produced in the form of freeze-dried lactobacilli biomass. It was shown that the biological activity of Vitaflor in an aggressive environment of the gastrointestinal tract (GET) was reduced to a level that excluded both bacterial colonization and therapeutic effect. Alginate-chitosan microcapsules containing the Vitaflor symbiotic complex protected the microorganisms from the aggressive action of the GET medium and provided their time-controlled release. The emulsion encapsulation turned out to be most effective: the protection of live lactobacilli was 5 orders of magnitude higher than that in the Vitaflor preparation and 3 orders of magnitude higher than with the extrusion method of obtaining microcapsules. The emulsion encapsulation developed for Vitaflor can be applied to other microorganisms; the technique is rather simple, easily scalable and does not require complex equipment.

probiotics, Lactobacillus helveticus, microencapsulation technology, natural polysaccharides, alginate, chitosan
The effect of value added tax and excise taxes on the oil and gas sector in the northern region of Russia on budget revenue formation
Authors: Chuzhmarova Svetlana I. , Chuzhmarov Andrey I.
Published: May 2020

The main purpose of this article lies in providing the results of theoretical and practical studies of indirect taxation of the oil and gas sector of the northern region (in this case, the Komi Republic) and its role in the formation of budget tax revenues. The research novelty involves the development of the theory of taxation of environmental management and the justification of the need to develop a regional tax policy in order to strengthen its influence on the formation of tax revenues of the budget of the northern region. The theoretical and practical significance of the study lies in fixing the current problems in this sphere.
The theory and methodology of this study is based on the theories of taxation of environmental management and the regional economy. To achieve this goal, the authors have employed the methods of dynamic and static analysis of the effectiveness of indirect taxation of the oil and gas sector. The hypothesis of the study determined the absence of dependence on the growth of production and sales of hydrocarbons and indirect taxes from the oil and gas sector to the consolidated budget of the northern region. To confirm this hypothesis, the authors have studied theoretical approaches to the taxation of value added tax and excise taxes of the oil and gas sector, analyzed the changes in hydrocarbon production volumes as an objective basis for taxation, and defined the role of indirect taxation of the oil and gas sector in the formation of the federal and consolidated budgets of the northern constituent entities of the Russian Federation. For the distinguished problems, practical recommendations are provided.
The authors highlight the necessity of using indirect taxation as an instrument of regional tax policy, as well as strengthening the influence of value added tax and excise taxes on the oil and gas sector of the northern region of Russia on the formation of budget revenues.
The opportunities of new cooperative models application in Russian agricultural economy
Authors: Golovina Svetlana G. , Smirnova Lidia N.
Published: May 2020

Agricultural cooperation in Russia is considered today as the most important condition for the successful functioning of the agricultural sector of the economy, as well as the development of rural areas and communities. However, as the results of theoretical and empirical analysis of domestic cooperative practices development demonstrate, cooperative activities, despite significant efforts by the State to support cooperation, are still low in efficiency. At the same time, one of the reasons for the current situation in the activities of agricultural consumer cooperatives is that their organizational model (traditional cooperatives) is unable to realize its potential in a new (rapidly changing) economic environment (both global and national).
In this connection, the article 1) reveals the peculiarities of the conditions in which domestic cooperatives operate, as well as the problems they face in implementing strictly traditional principles in their organizational structure; 2) justifies the need to transform both the model of cooperatives and the formal and informal institutions that determine the development of cooperation in rural space; 3) highlights the main directions of traditional cooperative principles modification to bring cooperative structures to the new level of efficiency and competitiveness.
The main result of the research is the conceptual definition of three alternative models of business-type cooperatives with different strategies, as well as different degrees of individualization property rights, control, and management. The common features of the proposed varieties of contemporary entrepreneurial cooperatives include the restriction of membership, the application of up-to-date financial instruments to enhance additional investment opportunities, the involvement of a wide range of participants in cooperative activities (as members, specialists, managers), and the implementation of various motivational tools for rapid expansion of cooperative activities.
In conclusion, the author presents the algorithm of organizational and institutional changes, which are necessary for the successful introduction of the entrepreneurial model of agricultural cooperatives into domestic economic practice.
Tumor-targeted Drug Delivery by Nanocomposites
Authors: Baker Abu , Khan Mohd Salman , Iqbal Muhammad Zafar , Khan Mohd Sajid
Published: May 2020

Background:

Tumor-targeted delivery by nanoparticles is a great achievement towards the use of highly
effective drug at very low doses. The conventional development of tumor-targeted delivery by nanoparticles is based
on enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect and endocytosis based on receptor-mediated are very
demanding due to the biological and natural complications of tumors as well as the restrictions on the design of the
accurate nanoparticle delivery systems.

Methods:

Different tumor environment stimuli are responsible for triggered multistage drug delivery systems
(MSDDS) for tumor therapy and imaging. Physicochemical properties, such as size, hydrophobicity and potential
transform by MSDDS because of the physiological blood circulation different, intracellular tumor environment. This
system accomplishes tumor penetration, cellular uptake improved, discharge of drugs on accurate time, and
endosomal discharge.

Results:

Maximum drug delivery by MSDDS mechanism to target therapeutic cells and also tumor tissues and sub
cellular organism. Poorly soluble compounds and bioavailability issues have been faced by pharmaceutical
industries, which are resolved by nanoparticle formulation.

Conclusion:

In our review, we illustrate different types of triggered moods and stimuli of the tumor environment,
which help in smart multistage drug delivery systems by nanoparticles, basically a multi-stimuli sensitive delivery
system, and elaborate their function, effects, and diagnosis.
An Overview on Electrochemical Sensors Based on Nanomaterials for the Determination of Drugs of Abuse
Authors: Amiri Mandana , Imanzadeh Hamideh , Sefid-Sefidehkhan Yasaman
Published: May 2020

Drug abuse is considered a serious source of economic and social problems. The identification
of drugs of abuse is in demand in forensic and clinical toxicology. There are various methods for
the determination of these materials, including chromatographic and mass spectrometric techniques.
However, most of these techniques need high-cost equipment, they are time-consuming, and they suffer
from complicated sample preparation protocols. In contrast, electrochemical methods are low cost, mobile,
and they do not require complicated sample preparation protocols. The use of nanomaterials in
electroanalysis has gained significant attention in order to improve selectivity, enhance sensitivity, and
lower the limit of detections. Nanomaterials have significantly gained research-interest due to their low
cost (due to low amounts of materials being used) and their uniquely size-dependent properties. The
incorporation of nanomaterials into host matrices is important to prepare nanocomposite sensor films.
Unique properties of nanomaterials and hybrid materials, such as mechanical strength, electrical conductivity,
optical responsiveness, specific catalytic and magnetic properties, in addition to high surface
area per mass ratio are attractive. Besides providing novel properties, nanomaterials allow low-cost
electrode fabrication based on simple technologies. The combination of nanotechnology with modern
electroanalytical techniques allows innovation in electrical sensing devices with features like increased
mass transport, high sensor surface area, and controlled electrode surface micro-environment. The aim
of this review is to give an outline of electroanalytical determination based on nanomaterials focusing
on illicit drugs in matrices, such as urine, blood, or saliva. We summarize developments in field-based
sensors for determining drugs of abuse.