bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and validation of bile acid profile-based scoring system for identification of biliary atresia: a prospective study
Authors: Zhao Dongying , Zhou Kejun , Chen Yan , Xie Wei , Zhang Yongjun
Published: February 2020

Background: Early distinguishing biliary atresia from other causes of infantile cholestasis remains a major challenge. We aimed to develop and validate a scoring system based on bile acid for identification of biliary atresia. Methods: In a prospective study, a total of 141 infants with cholestasis were enrolled in two sets (derivation cohort, n=66; validation cohort, n=75) from 2014 to 2018. Variables with significant difference between biliary atresia and non-biliary atresia infants were selected in the derivation cohort. Then, a scoring system including those variables was designed and validated. Results: Among 66 patients in the derivation cohort, 34 (51.5%) had biliary atresia. A scoring system was proposed with the following variables: glycochenodeoxycholic acid/chenodeoxycholic acid, clay stool, and gamma-glutamyl transferase. The total score ranged from 0 to 41, and a cutoff value of 15 identified biliary atresia with an area under receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.87 (95% confidence interval, 0.77–0.94), sensitivity of 85.3%, and specificity of 81.3% in the derivation cohort; these values were also confirmed in a validation cohort with a sensitivity of 90.0% and specificity of 80.0%. Conclusions: The proposed simple scoring system had good diagnostic accuracy for estimating the risk of biliary atresia in infants with cholestasis.
Correlates of Physical Activity Behavior in Adults: A Data Mining Approach
Authors: Farrahi Vahid , Niemelä Maisa , Kärmeniemi Mikko , Puhakka Soile , Kangas Maarit , Korpelainen Raija , Jämsä Timo
Published: February 2020

Purpose A data mining approach was applied to establish a multilevel hierarchy explaining physical activity (PA) behavior, and to methodologically identify the correlates of PA behavior. Methods The 46-year follow-up data from the population-based Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 were used to create a hierarchy using Chi-square Automatic Interaction Detection (CHAID) decision tree technique for predicting PA behavior. The study’s subjects were classified as physically active or physically inactive based on their activity profiles derived from objective measurement of PA. The variables were a wide list of potentially modifiable factors including self-reported, clinical, and environmental measures. We then analyzed the association of the factors emerging from the model with three PA metrics including sedentary (SED), light PA (LPA), and moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) minutes per day. Results Model fitting was performed using a total of 168 factors as input variables to classify the PA behavior of 2,701 physically active and 1,881 physically inactive subjects. The decision tree selected a total of 36 factors of different domains by which 54 subgroups of subjects were formed. Factors emerging from the model were associated with the PA metrics, including body fat percentage (SED: B=26.5, LPA: B=-16.1, and MVPA: B=-11.7), normalized heart rate recovery 60 seconds after exercise (SED: B=-16.1, LPA: B=9.9, and MVPA: B=9.6), average weekday total sitting time (SED: B=34.1, LPA: B=-25.3, and MVPA: B=-5.8), and extravagance score (SED: B=6.3 and LPA: B=-3.7). Conclusions Using data mining, a data-driven model was established from empirical data that can be potentially utilized to identify subgroups for multilevel intervention allocation. An extensive set of factors was methodologically discovered that can be a basis for additional hypothesis testing in PA correlates research.
Does high occupational physical activity hamper the beneficial health effects of leisure time physical activity? Evidence of the physical activity health paradox from a prospective study on compositional accelerometry data and long-term sickness absence
Authors: Gupta Nidhi , Dencker-Larsen Sofie , Rasmussen Charlotte Lund , McGregor Duncan , Rasmussen Charlotte Diana Nørregaard , Thorsen Sannie Vester , Jørgensen Marie Birk , Chastin Sebastien , Holtermann Andreas
Published: February 2020

Background: The ‘physical activity health paradox’ advocates that leisure physical activity (PA) promotes health while occupational PA impairs health. However, this paradox can be explained by methodological limitations of the previous studies—self-reported PA measures, socioeconomic confounding or not addressing the compositional nature of PA. Therefore, this study investigated the association between compositions of accelerometer-based moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) time at work and leisure and onset of long-term sickness absence (LTSA). Methods: Time spent on MVPA and remaining physical behaviours (sedentary behaviour, standing, light PA and time in bed) at work and leisure was measured for 929 workers using thigh accelerometry and expressed as isometric log-ratios (ilrs). LTSA was register-based events of ≥6 consecutive weeks during 4-year follow-up. The association between ilrs and LTSA was analysed using a Cox proportional hazards model adjusted for remaining physical behaviours and potential confounders, then separately adjusting for and stratifying on education and type of work. Results: During the follow-up, 21% workers experienced LTSA. During leisure, more relative MVPA time was negatively associated with LTSA (20% lower risk with 20 minutes higher MVPA, P=0.02). At work, more relative MVPA time was positively associated with LTSA (15% higher risk with 20 minutes higher MVPA, P=0.02). Beneficial association between MVPA at leisure and LTSA was only observed for the lowest tertile of MVPA at work (P=0.03). Results remained unchanged when adjusted for or stratified on education and type of work. Conclusion: These findings provide further support to the ‘PA health paradox’. Key words: physical activity, sedentary behavior, accelerometers, sick leave, occupational health, time-use epidemiology, register-based sickness absence
MEOX1 is a risk factor for unfavorable prognosis in human endometrioid endometrial adenocarcinoma
Authors: Liu Yunduo , Kong Dan , Liu Tianbo , Chen Xiuwei
Published: February 2020

Background: Mesenchyme homeobox 1(MEOX1) is a homeobox transcription factor. Although MEOX1 has an impact on cancer, no studies investigated its expression in human endometrioid endometrial adenocarcinoma (EEA). This study aim to check the expression level of MEOX1 and detect its role in unfavorable prognosis. Methods: We used Western blot analysis by fresh frozen tissues and Immunohistochemical (IHC) method to detect the protein levels of MEOX1. Results: MEOX1 expression at the protein levels in EEA was gradually higher than that in normal group and benign hyperplastic endometrium group (both P < 0.001). The high expression of MEOX1 was correlated with depth of myometrial invasion, lymfpho-vascular space involvement, FIGO stage，lymph node metastasis and histological grade by univariate survival analysis. MEOX1 high-expression status in EEA was an independent prognostic factor for recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) by Multivariate survival analysis. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated that MEOX1 expression was related to RFS and OS. Compared with the high expression MEOX1group,the low expression MEOX1 group had longer RFS and OS (both P < 0.001). Conclusion: MEOX1 may be a new potential biomarker for prognosis and recurrence in human EEA.
Impaired Dynamic Cerebral Autoregulation in Cerebral Venous Thrombosis
Authors: Chen Jie , Liu Jia , Dong Kehui , Wang Yilong , Zhao Xingquan , Wang Yongjun , Gong Xiping
Published: February 2020

Background: Cerebral autoregulation is crucial in traumatic brain injury, which might be used for determination the optimal intracranial pressure. Cerebral venous thrombosis is a cerebral vascular disease with the feature of high intracranial pressure, but the autoregulatory mechanism of which remains unknow. We aimed to investigate the capacity of cerebral autoregulation in patients with cerebral venous thrombosis. Methods: Twenty-three patients with cerebral venous thrombosis and 16 controls were enrolled. Cerebral autoregulation was assessed by transfer function analysis (rate of recovery / phase / gain) from spontaneous oscillations of cerebral blood flow velocity and arterial blood pressure. Results: A total of 76 middle cerebral arteries (MCAs) were investigated including 44 MCAs from CVT patients and 32 normal ones. Phase shift and rate of recovery estimated from CVT patients was significantly different from controls (37.63 ± 33.94 vs. 54.49 ± 26.44, p = 0.23; 29.74 ± 59.55 vs. 37.95 ± 22.55, p = 0.01, respectively). The bilateral impairment of cebral autoregulation was demonstrated, even in the hemispheres without severe sinus stenosis and brain parenchymal lesion. Conclusion: Our findings for the first time indicated that patients with cerebral venous thrombosis were more likely to have impaired cerebral autoregulation and suggest that cautious blood pressure control is required in such patients to prevent hyper or hypo-perfusion.
Energy efficiency in an integrated agro-ecosystem at the acid soil area in Mekong delta, Vietnam
Authors: Thao Nguyen Thi Thu , Tung Tra Van , Thao Nguyen Thi Phuong , Thanh Son Le , Braunegg Sibylle , Braunegg Gerhart , Schnitzer Hans , Le Hai Thanh
Published: February 2020

Background Both exergy and energy analysis methods are used for analysing energy efficiency in all kind of processes, and can be used also in agriculture. The study focuses on the connection of the three main process components (husbandry-crop-fishpond) in a typical farming household in an acid soil region in rural areas, Mekong delta, Vietnam. The concept of exergy analysis is used to underline the potential for energy efficiency in alternative processes in the agricultural system. To develop an integrated ecological system towards zero-emission, the analytical methods of material cycles and energy flows use a set of indicators of resource efficiency in a sustainable agriculture.Results The design of the ideal integrated farming system “Agro-Industrial Zero Emissions Systems” (AIZES) can increase the system efficiency by making use of indigenous natural materials and waste reuse, recycling. Recycling waste for energy, fish feed and fertilizing can result a decrease in half of environmental load. Using exergy analysis to calculate an indicator non-renewable yield ratio (NRYR), the systems imply sustainability of agriculture production. Conclusions The farming household will be able to replace fuel and electricity resulting in energy self-sufficiency to distribute surplus biogas to surrounding households. Biochar created by mixing the biomass residues with local plants can improve soil quality. Pig sludge can become nutritious fertilizer when mixed with biomass residues. Also, utilizing biogas can reduce purchased electricity.
Patterns of Local-regional Failures after Adjuvant Chemotherapy in Resected Pancreatic Cancer without adjuvant radiation therapy: Implication for Irradiation Volumes Design
Authors: Zhao Shengguang , Kirova Youlia , Qi Wei-Xiang , Chen Jiayi
Published: February 2020

In the present study, we aimed to assess the patterns of recurrence in pancreatic cancer patients, following surgical resection and adjuvant chemotherapy in the absence of adjuvant radiation , for optimal irradiation volumes design encompassing the majority of local recurrences. Isolated local regional recurrence (LRR) was defined as LR (local recurrence) and/or regional recurrence (RR) without distant metastasis (DM). The Fine and Gray competing risks regression analysis was performed to identified prognostic factors associated with isolated LRR. A total of 85 male and 29 female patients were included, 95 (83.3%) of the 114 patients had recurred. Most patients recurred at LRR (n=36, 37.9%), and isolated LR was seen in 23 patients(24.2%). The median time between the end of the treatment and initial recurrence was 9.8 months (2.2-71). Competing risks analysis demonstrated that surgery combined with vascular resection (HR 2.44, 95% CI: 1.40–4.27, p =0.002) and R1 resection status (HR 3.96, 95% CI: 2.23-7.02, p <0.0001) significantly increased the risk of developing isolated LRR. The most common site of specific LRR were observed in the lymph node regions (LN) No. 14p (30.5%), followed by pancreas or tumor bed (23.7%), LN No.16b1 (23.7%), celiac artery (22%), and superior mesenteric artery (22%). In conclusion, the risk of developing isolated LRR in patients with PDAC who underwent curative resection and adjuvant treatment remains high, especially for patients received surgery combined with vascular resection or R1 resection. Adjuvant radiotherapy for tumor bed/vessels and involved regional nodes including partially the region No.16 is recommended for this patient population.
Realist Evaluation of Public Engagement and Involvement in Data-intensive Health Research
Authors: Hobbs Georgina , Tully Mary Patricia
Published: February 2020

Background High quality public engagement and involvement (PEI) in data-intensive health research is seen as one way of ensuring that social legitimacy, i.e. a social license, is conferred through public acceptance of the need for research use of their data. This is a complex research area, and portfolios of involvement have been suggested, but not yet evaluated, to support the role of public contributors. The study aim was to evaluate if and how membership of a data-intensive research public forum that included the use of an involvement portfolio would act as a mechanism for enhancing members’ personal development. Our preliminary middle range theory was that the use of a portfolio as a framework for learning would facilitate forum members’ personal development. Method Qualitative data were collected from 15 current and previous forum members, via semi-structured interviews, notes from meetings, and consultations with and feedback from members. Data were critically compared, contrasted and reviewed until no new themes could be discerned and then condensed into context-mechanism-outcome (CMO) configurations. Realist evaluation was used to generate a theoretical and empirical appreciation of the contextual circumstances and mechanisms which help to explain the extent to which involvement with a public forum would enhance members’ personal development and, if so, how, why, and for whom. Results Three CMO configurations were identified. All of them showed that using the portfolio facilitated growth in forum members’ personal development, but only where the members valued using the portfolio. This was particularly so for female forum members. Members valued the portfolio in one or more of three ways: as a tool to record and evidence activities, to facilitate reflective practice or as a guiding framework. Conclusions Data analysis and consideration of the three CMO configurations suggests a refined middle range theory that ‘The use of a portfolio as a framework for learning in a public forum will facilitate forum members’ personal development if they value its use as a framework for learning’. Further work is needed to confirm these findings both elsewhere in data-intensive health research and in other complex research areas using public forums for PEI.
Investigating the effect of Ultra-low dose naloxone on spinal BDNF and KCC2 cotransporter in morphine tolerant and hyperalgesia rats
Authors: Baratzadeh Mozhgan , Danialy Samira , Zaringhalam Jalal , MANAHEJI HOMA
Published: February 2020

Background: Chronic opioids administration could lead to several side effects including morphine tolerance and opioid induced hyperalgesia (OIH). Tolerance and hyperalgesia to opiates reduce their effectiveness in the treatment of severe pain. Although the mechanisms are unclear. Recently, we have shown that repeated morphine treatments induced increases in spinal PKCᵧ and GAT-1 expression. In this study we investigate the BDNF and KCC2 expression through ultra-low dose of naloxone coadministration of morphine.Results: In morphine group, rats received 10 mg i.p. morphine and in treatment group 15ng ultra-low dose of naloxone with morphine for consecutive 8 days. Behavioral tests were performed on day 1 before and after the morphine injection, day 5, 8 (tolerance test) and 10, 48h after last morphine injection (opioid induced hyperalgesia OIH test). A number of rats were sacrificed on day 8 and others on day 10, then expression of BDNF and KCC2 were analyzed by western blot and immunohistochemistry techniques, respectively. Behavioral tests suggested that following 8 days of chronic morphine injection tolerance developed. OIH was shown 48 hours after the last morphine injection. Expression of BDNF significantly was increased and KCC2 downregulated in rats that developed morphine tolerance and OIH respectively. Ultra-low dose of naloxone by decreasing BDNF and increasing KCC2 was able to suppress development of OIH and alleviated morphine tolerance.Conclusions: Our data suggest that BDNF and KCC2 maybe candidate molecules which are involved in tolerance and OIH. Ultra- low dose of naloxone along morphine might be a valuable therapeutic potential for controlling hypersensitivity following chronic morphine administration.
Sexual-biased gene expression of olfactory-related genes in the antennae of Conogethes pinicolalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)
Authors: Jing Dapeng , Zhang Tiantao , Bai Shuxiong , He Kanglai , Prabu Sivaprasath , Luan Junbo , Wang Zhenying
Published: February 2020

Background: Conogethes pinicolalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), is similar to Conogethes punctiferalis (yellow peach moth) and its host plant is gymnosperms , especially for masson pine. So far, less literature was reported on this pest. In the present study, we sequenced and characterized the antennal transcriptomes of male and female C. pinicolalis for the first time.
Results: Totally, 26 odorant-binding protein (OBP) genes, 19 chemosensory protein (CSP) genes, 55 odorant receptor (OR) genes and 20 ionotropic receptor (IR) genes were identified from the C. pinicolalis antennae transcriptome and amino sequences were annotated against homologs of C. punctiferalis . The neighbor-joining tree indicated that the amino acid sequence of olfactory related genes is highly homologous with C. punctiferalis . Furthermore, the reference genes were selected, and we recommended the phosphate dehydrogenase gene (GAPDH) or ribosomal protein 49 gene (RP49) to verify the target gene expression during larval development stages and RP49 or ribosomal protein L13 gene (RPL13) for adult tissues.
Conclusions: Our study provides a starting point on the molecular level characterization between C. pinicolalis and C. punctiferalis , which might be supportive for pest management studies in future.
Microbiome Of The Women’S Genital System
Authors: Pytka Monika , Kordowska-Wiater Monika , Jarocki Piotr
Published: February 2020

The genital system of women has been colonized by various species of microorganisms since the beginning of life. In the postnatal period, the method of birth is important; when a child is born naturally, passing the female genital tract, it acquires bacteria present in the mother’s vagina, and when through the cesarean section, the child’s organism is first colonized by the mother’s skin microbiota and hospital strains. In female newborns during the first days after the natural birth, the presence of Lactobacillus rods, which acidify the vagina, is readily observed. Later, however, they disappear and during the childhood period, the pH of the vagina becomes alkaline. Only in the period of puberty and full puberty, as a result of the increase in the level of estrogen in the female body, the amount of Lactobacillus strains increases and this continues up to the menopause period, when pathogenic strains begin to dominate. The female vagina is home to not only numerous bacteria, but also fungi, including mainly Candida yeast and filamentous fungi at a lower extent. Dysbiosis of the vagina may be caused by the predominance of pathogenic bacteria over Lactobacillus, resulting in bacterial vaginosis or excess of Candida yeast, resulting in candidiasis. An effective method leading to the homeostasis of the female sexual system is the use of vaginal probiotics, which should consist of strains characteristic to a given female population.

1. Introduction. 2. Microbiome of the baby in the prenatal and postnatal period. 3. Lactobacillus genus as the dominant microbiota of the female genital system. 4. Mycobiome of the female vagina. 5. Vaginal probiotics. 6. Summary
Avoidance Of Mechanisms Of Innate Immune Response By Neisseria Gonorrhoeae
Authors: Płaczkiewicz Jagoda
Published: February 2020

Neisseria gonorrhoeae (gonococcus) is a Gram-negative bacteria and an etiological agent of the sexually transmitted disease – gonorrhea. N. gonorrhoeae possesses many mechanism to evade the innate immune response of the human host. Most are related to serum resistance and avoidance of complement killing. However the clinical symptoms of gonorrhea are correlated with a significant presence of neutrophils, whose response is also insufficient and modulated by gonococci.

1. Introduction. 2. Adherence ability. 3. Serum resistance and complement system. 4. Neutrophils. 4.1. Phagocytosis. 4.1.1. Oxygen-dependent intracellular killing. 4.1.2. Oxygen-independent intracellular killing. 4.2. Neutrophil extracellular traps. 4.3. Degranulation. 4.4. Apoptosis. 5. Summary
Superconducting magnetic hysteresis behaviors in ABO3-type Perovskites
Authors: GÜLDAL Serkan
Published: February 2020

Superconducting magnetic hysteresis properties of the ABO3-type Perovskites are investigated by the effective field theory. It is found that the core (B) atom of the ABO3 exhibits type II superconducting hysteresis behaviors when it interacts antiferromagnetically with the shell (A and O) atoms. Therefore, the magnetic hysteresis curve of B atoms in the ABO3 has binary coercive field points (lower coercivity; Hc1, and upper coercivity; Hc2). B atoms have a Meissner state at HHc2. Our results indicate that the superconducting properties of the ABO3-type Perovskites result from the antiferromagnetic interaction between the shell (O) and core (B) atoms.,>
Application of electrochemical treatment for the removal of triazine dye using aluminium electrodes
Authors: Palanisamy Sakthisharmila , Nachimuthu Palanisamy , Awasthi Mukesh Kumar , Ravindran Balasubramani , Chang Soon Woong , Palanichamy Manikandan , Nguyen Dinh Duc
Published: February 2020

Textile effluents contain triazine-substituted reactive dyes that cause health problems such as cancer, birth defects, and hormone damage. An electrochemical process was employed effectively to degrade azo reactive dye with the aim of reducing the production of carcinogenic chemicals during biodegradation. Textile dye C.I. Reactive Red 2 (RR2), a model pollutant that contains dichloro triazine ring, was subjected to the electrocoagulation process using aluminium (Al) electrodes. A maximum of 97% of colour and 72% of chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiencies were achieved and 9.5 kWh/kg dye electrical energy and 0.8 kg Al/kg dye electrode consumption were observed. The dye removal mechanism was studied by analysing the results of UV-Vis spectra of RR2 and treated samples at various time intervals during electrocoagulation. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectral studies were used for analysing the electrocoagulated flocs. The results indicate that in this process the dye gets removed by adsorption and there is no significant carcinogenic by-product formation during the degradation of dye.
Investigating the occurrence of algae in the drinking water supply system of Harare, Zimbabwe
Authors: Dandadzi Pardon , Hoko Zvikomborero , Nhiwatiwa Tamuka
Published: February 2020

This study assessed the quality of drinking water in the water supply system for the City of Harare (Zimbabwe) by investigating the occurrence of algae and other water quality parameters that affect its growth. At Morton Jaffray Water Treatment Works (MJWTWs), samples were collected from the raw water inlet and treated water outlet points. In the distribution system, samples were collected from selected sites and grouped into four zones (1, 2, 3 and 4). The algal taxonomic groups that were found in both raw and treated water comprised of Cyanophyceae, Chlorophyceae, Bacillariophyceae, Euglenophyceae and Dinophyceae. It was found out that Microcystis aeruginosa followed by Anabaena were the most abundant species in both raw water and in the distribution system. All measured water quality parameters were within the Standards Association of Zimbabwe and WHO guideline values except for chlorine which had an average residual chlorine concentration that was lower than the WHO recommended lower value of 0.2 mg/L in parts of Zone 2. Morton Jaffray Water Treatment Works does not completely remove algae, and there is a carry-over of algae into the distribution system. Boosting of chlorine is recommended for Zone 2 that had residual chlorine less than the WHO minimum threshold of 0.2 mg/L.
Sources of microbiological contamination in sachet water from Ghana
Authors: Aslan Asli , Rochani Haresh , Oyibo Oghenekpaobor , Dotherow J. Edward , Anderson Kendall W. , Beslin Christina , Chapman Asheley , Thomas Brittny , Brown Alicia , Ampofo-Yeboah Akwasi , Afriyie-Gyawu Evans
Published: February 2020

Sachet water is one of the primary sources of drinking water in rapidly growing countries. A study to assess the microbiological quality of sachet water in 21 different brands was conducted in Ghana. Culturable total coliform was positive in 87% of the samples collected, where Escherichia coli colonies were absent. The analysis of quantitative polymerase chain reaction results indicated the presence of E. coli genes in 44.6% of the samples, with the highest concentration up to 3,166 CCE/100 ml. Microbial source tracking analyses showed that the source of E. coli genes did not originate from sewage contamination because the human-associated HF183 marker was not detected. Of the 175 samples tested, 71% did not mention any water treatment before filling the packages. These results suggest non-human sources of contamination, such as biofilm formation in the pipelines used to fill these packages due to poor disinfection. Our study shows an urgent need for increased regulation and standardized manufacturing of sachet water to ensure safe drinking water.
Shining the spotlight on household investments for water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH): let us talk about HI and the three ‘T's
Authors: Danert Kerstin , Hutton Guy
Published: February 2020

This editorial argues that the use of the three ‘T's financing source framework (taxes, tariffs and transfers) leads us to ignore key costs to the customer, especially the poor customer, of accessing an adequate level of the water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) service. These costs include household investment (HI) for self-supply (commonly excluded from tariffs). We propose an adaptation to the framework, which we call ‘HI and the three T's’.
Hydrogeology of the Picos de Europa National Park (northern of Spain)
Authors: Meléndez Mónica , Ballesteros Daniel , Jiménez-Sánchez Montserrat
Published: February 2020

The Picos de Europa National Park, with a total area of 675 km 2 , is located in the North of Spain, in the provinces of Asturias, Cantabria and León. Carbonated materials predominate in the North and central areas of the Park, whilst to the South rocks are mainly siliceous. The complex geological structure caused by the superposition of two orogenies has conditioned the presence of a very karstified limestone series more than 2 km thick. The karst development is really important and it is well known that the Picos de Europa high mountains contain 14 % of the deepest discovered caves in the world. As far as hydrological planning is concerned, the park is integrated into the 016.214 Picos de Europa-Panes and 016.218 Alto Deva-Alto Cares groundwater bodies. The geological formations present in the Picos de Europa National Park, considering the permeability characteristics of the materials, can be classified as either aquifers or aquitards. The main aquifer is karst in nature and includes a powerful series of carboniferous limestones with an O-E  orientation. The presence of siliciclastic formations, which behave like aquitards, determine the compartmentalization of the aquifer into “smaller underground water bodies” (hereinafter SGWB, the acronym for the English terminology, “smaller groundwater bodies”) with dimensions of between 2 and 108 km 3 in volume. The piezometric level in the different SGWBs varies between 120 and 1,200 m a.s.l., descending in a staggered way to the North. It shouldbe noted that in the Central and Eastern Massifs the piezometry is more uniform and is located between 300  and 500 m a.s.l. To the northern of the limit of the park, the main points of discharge of the carbonated aquifer are located between 120 and 150 m a.s.l. The aquifer recharge, preferably by direct infiltration, has a clear snow influence. The karst springs jointly discharge the water from the surface runoff infiltrated into the aquifer and the groundwater that comes from the different SGWBs. The presence of siliciclastic units, with general W-E directions that function as permeability barriers has caused the circulation of the underground flow to be directed predominantly northwards, and therefore, has led to the main springs being located in the northern part of the park.
Hydrogeological research in the Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park (Huesca, Spain)
Authors: Lambán Luis Javier , Jódar Jorge , Custodio Emilio
Published: February 2020

The National Park of Ordesa and Monte Perdido (PNOMP) is the largest mountainous limestone massif of Western Europe. It has the highest altitude karst of the whole Europe. Groundwater is essential for the genesis, development and evolution of the park. The spatial distribution of recharge infiltration capacity is obtained by using the APLIS method. Additionally, a preliminary estimation of recharge is obtained by using the HBV and Visual Balan codes. The values of average surface runoff, evapotranspiration and recharge for the whole Paleocene-Eocene aquifer in the park are respectively about 160, 360 and 1227 mm/yr, or 10, 20 and 70% of yearly precipitation. Average recharge ranges between 72 and 77% of yearly average precipitation. This highlights the high vulnerability of water resources of PNOMP to possible climate and global change, according to surface and deep karstification and the snow cover during several months a year. Water is mainly of the calcium bicarbonate and calcium-magnesium bicarbonate types. There is a dominant process of calcite dissolution, which is consistent with the carbonate nature of the most abundant materials in the park (Upper Cretaceous and Lower Paleocene Eocene). Other observed hydrogeochemical processes are anhydrite and/or gypsum dissolution, as well as a possible incongruent dissolution of dolomite in the Ordesa Valley. Water stable isotopes show that the fronts that produce the greatest precipitations come from the Atlantic Ocean. In autumn, winter and spring there is a deuterium excess in the recharge water which is assumed to be related with diurnal snow sublimation and night water vapour  condensation over the snow pack. The recharge elevation zone is located between 1950 and 2600 m asl, and most of the sampled springs show short transit times, between 1 and 4 years, although one of the springs (Fuen dero Baño) shows the influence of a slowly changing regional groundwater flow system.
Hydrogeology of the Caldera de Taburiente National Park area, La Palma (Canary Islands)
Authors: Benavides Gelabert Annetty
Published: February 2020

The hydrogeology of the Caldera de Taburiente National Park area is influenced by a geological scenario characterized by several sub-aerial volcanic edifices lying on an impermeable basement of submarine volcanic origin, and the presence of extensive erosive unconformities defining the groundwater flow. The first part of this paper presents a summary of the essential aspects on the geology, hydrogeochemistry and isotopic chemistry of the area, based on the knowledge generated by studies carried out in the last decades. The second part provides an approach to the hydro-meteorological balance of the Coebra central aquifer, which feeds springs and galleries both inside and outside the Caldera, calculated from available meteorological data for the period 1985-2015.
Las Tablas de Daimiel: a singular space in the National Parks Network
Authors: Mejías Moreno Miguel
Published: February 2020

The Tablas de Damiel National Park is the seventh park that was declared, in order of age, of the 15 parks that make up the National Parks Network of Spain. It was declared as such in 1973 and has an extension of 1,874 ha, which was increased in 2014 to the current extension of 3,030 ha. The wetland is formed by the confluence of two rivers, the Guadiana and the Gigüela. The former is inextricably linked to the groundwater of Aquifer System 23, which drains into Los Ojos del Guadiana (“The Eyes of the Guadiana”), resulting in the birth of the river bearing the same name and creating, together with the Gigüela River, a unique setting where the relationship between surface and groundwater plays a decisive role in the existence, viability and environmental evolution of the protected area. The Park came to life marked by the imprint of human presence, especially since the second half of the 20th century, which triggered the defense of a number of occasinally opposing and hardly reconcilable interests between the preservation of the environmental values and the socioeconomic development of the region. However of its most remarkable singularities is its capacity to overcome the most extreme situations, such as the one that took place in 2009 when the flooded surface was reduced to 5 ha and fires started in the peat bogs. Only a few months later, the Park again reached a maximum flooded surface of 2,020 ha. However, the problems did not go away as a result of this, but that cronic patient which the Park could be compared to once again made it clear that it would always resist its disappearance.
Lessons learnt from semi-arid wetland degradation. Las Tablas de Daimiel National Park
Authors: Aguilera Héctor , Moreno Merino Luis
Published: February 2020

The Tablas de Daimiel National Park wetland developed in an area characterized by the cyclic nature of droughts, excessive aquifer exploitation and an evident aridification trend driven by climate change. The park and its surroundings have been exploited since prehistoric times and they are currently deeply anthropized to the point that both the physical survival of the wetland as well as its ecological function entirely depend on human action. A severe drought between 2006 and 2009 together with the drawdown of the water table caused the dry out of the system, reed overgrowth, disappearance of cut-sedge and sub-aquatic Chara spp. meadows and a smouldering peat fire. During this same period surface water, soil and groundwater were sampled for physical, hydrological and hydrochemical characterization. Upon drainage, the system functions as an artificial recharge system and becomes eutrophic showing large nutrient and salt content in soils and water. High water transmissivity capacities in the unsaturated zone and anthropic park management (soil compacted by heavy machinery, recirculation of low quality groundwater, reed reaping, water transfers, etc.) condition groundwater pollution. Increased knowledge of the physical-environment has allowed us to build a conceptual model of the surface water – groundwater interactions and to develop management tools to support the park management during a system dry out. Amongst these actions, we propose an unsaturated flow model for soil moisture simulation than can be used to predict critical soil water content for reed overgrowth or peat combustion risk.
Hydrogeological research in the Tuyajto Lake at the Flamingo National Reserve (Atacama, Chile)
Authors: Herrera Lameli Christian , Urrutia Meza Javier , Jódar Bermúdez Jorge , Lambán Jiménez Luis Javier , Custodio Gimena Emilio , Gamboa Palacios Carolina
Published: February 2020

The Tuyajto Lake is a saline lake located in the Andean Altiplano of northern Chile, at the foot of the volcano of the same name. It is fed by springs located on its eastern and northern boundaries. These springs discharge groundwater from a volcanic aquifer. Arid conditions dominate in the area, with average precipitation less than 200 mm/year. The tritium content in some groundwater samples shows the contribution of modern recharge to the total groundwater flow. Recharge occurs by infiltration of snowmelt in the austral winter months and to a lesser extent by short but intense precipitation events during the summer. The vertical gradients of rainfall isotopic content (δ18O, δ2H) and precipitation points to the recharge zone of the springs being located at the northern area of the lake, above 4,900 m a.s.l. along the slopes of the Tuyajto volcano, whereas recharge to the springs discharging on the eastern area of the lake originates in the adjacent basins of Pampa Colorada and Pampa Las Tecas at altitudes between 4,400 and 4,700 m a.s.l. The water of these springs may contain measurable tritium. The chemical composition of groundwater is the result of meteoric water evaporation processes, high  temperature water-rock interaction and dissolution of buried old salt flat deposits. The groundwater flow is shallow, due to the presence of a regional low permeability ignimbrite formation that precludes the formation of deep convective groundwater flow cells due to the high density of brines. At a local scale, the Tuyajto lake behaves as a flow-through system with respect to the regional groundwater flow. The persistence of the springs is essential for the existence of the brine sheet and maintaining the ecological conditions for the waterfowl.
Specialized Diet Therapies: Exploration for Improving Behavior in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Authors: Bjørklund Geir , Meguid Nagwa Abdel , Dadar Maryam , Pivina Lyudmila , Kałużna-Czaplińska Joanna , Jóźwik-Pruska Jagoda , Aaseth Jan , Chartrand Max Stanley , Waly Mostafa Ibrahim , Al-Farsi Yahya , Rahman Md. Mostafizur , Pen Joeri Jan , Chirumbolo Salvatore
Published: February 2020

As a major neurodevelopmental disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) encompasses deficits in communication and repetitive and restricted interests or behaviors in childhood and adolescence. Its etiology may come from either a genetic, epigenetic, neurological, hormonal, or an environmental cause, generating pathways that often altogether play a synergistic role in the development of ASD pathogenesis. Furthermore, the metabolic origin of ASD should be important as well. A balanced diet consisting of the essential and special nutrients, alongside the recommended caloric intake, is highly recommended to promote growth and development that withstand the physiologic and behavioral challenges experienced by ASD children. In this review paper, we evaluated many studies that show a relationship between ASD and diet to develop a better understanding of the specific effects of the overall diet and the individual nutrients required for this population. This review will add a comprehensive update of knowledge in the field and shed light on the possible nutritional deficiencies, metabolic impairments (particularly in the gut microbiome), and malnutrition in individuals with ASD, which should be recognized in order to maintain the improved socio-behavioral habit and physical health.
Docking Related Survey on Heterocyclic Compounds Based on Glucosamine-6- Phosphate Synthase Inhibitors and their Antimicrobial Potential
Authors: Lather Amit , Sharma Sunil , Khatkar Sarita , Khatkar Anurag
Published: February 2020

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The synthetic heterocyclic compounds have their importance due to their wide applications in various fields of science. The heterocyclic compounds have been reported for their anticancer, antitubercular, insecticides, analeptics, analgesic, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, and weedicidal activity. Researchers have tried various newer targets in search of better antimicrobials acting via novel mechanisms. Glucosamine-6-Phosphate synthase is an enzyme present in microbial cells. The inactivation of G-6-P synthase may serve as a novel approach to find better antimicrobials. The increasing demands development of newer and effective antimicrobial drugs has reported in search of newer techniques for the generation of new drugs. Hence, the molecular docking technique shall be explored to find or investigate the newer target finding the novel compounds which can be an active antimicrobial compound. The present review has focused on the reported heterocyclic compounds which have been evaluated for their antimicrobial potential using G-6-P synthase as a target. The results of in silico methods and in vitro methods have been compared and critically discussed.
Current Progress in the Multicomponent Catalytic Synthesis of Amidoalkyl- Naphthols: An Update
Authors: Singh Rajesh K. , Dhiman Ashima , Chaudhary Shallu , Prasad Deo Nandan , Kumar Sahil
Published: February 2020

Amidoalkyl-2-naphthol is one of the vital synthetic intermediates which occupy
an imperative position in medicinal chemistry due to its amazing biological, pharmacological
as well as industrial and synthetic applications. Owing to its diverse pharmaceutical
activities, hundreds of scientific literature are available, signifying the efficient synthesis
of this intermediate using various catalysts. Most of these literature methods suffer from
low yield and harsh reaction conditions that further ignited the researcher to explore for
another green catalyst and fresh methodologies. This review summarizes the last five
years progress in the catalytic synthesis of 1-amidoalkyl-2-naphthols using various heterogenous,
homogenous and nanocatalysts along with their mechanism of action. Various
advantages like green synthesis, atom economy, clean reaction profile and catalyst recovery
are discussed which facilitate the scientist to probe and stimulate the study on this scaffold. In the end, the
catalysts and reactions condition are organized into the tables for swift at a glance understanding of different
catalysts used with their yield and time taken for the synthesis.
Tetrazoloquinolines: Synthesis, Reactions, and Applications
Authors: Khidre Rizk E. , Ameen Tahah A. , Salem Mounir A. I.
Published: February 2020

This review summarizes the synthesis, reactions, and biological activities of tetrazolo[1,5-a]quinoline derivatives. These derivatives were synthesized by several methods such as i) from the reaction of 2-chloroquinoline with sodium azide ii) from diazotization 2-hydrazinylquinoline derivatives, and iii) from intramolecular cyclocondensation of 2-azidoarylidenes. Also, the chemical reactions and pharmacological activities of some tetrazoloquinolines such as tetrazolo[1,5-a]quinoline-4-carbaldehyde, 5-chlorotetrazolo[ 1,5-a]quinoline, 4-(chloromethyl)tetrazolo[1,5-a]quinoline, tetrazolo[1,5- a]quinoline-4-carboxylic acid, and 5-azidotetrazolo[1,5-a]quinoline were discussed.
Pyrone-derived Marine Natural Products: A Review on Isolation, Bio-activities and Synthesis
Authors: Singh Keisham S.
Published: February 2020

Marine natural products (MNPs) containing pyrone rings have been isolated
from numerous marine organisms, and also produced by marine fungi and bacteria, particularly,
actinomycetes. They constitute a versatile structure unit of bioactive natural
products that exhibit various biological activities such as antibiotic, antifungal, cytotoxic,
neurotoxic, phytotoxic and anti-tyrosinase. The two structure isomers of pyrone ring are γ-
pyrone and α-pyrone. In terms of chemical motif, γ-pyrone is the vinologous form of α-
pyrone which possesses a lactone ring. Actinomycete bacteria are responsible for the production
of several α-pyrone compounds such as elijopyrones A-D, salinipyrones and violapyrones
etc. to name a few. A class of pyrone metabolites, polypropionates which have
fascinating carbon skeleton, is primarily produced by marine molluscs. Interestingly, some
of the pyrone polytketides which are found in cone snails are actually synthesized by actinomycete bacteria.
Several pyrone derivatives have been obtained from marine fungi such as Aspergillums flavus, Altenaria sp.,
etc. The γ-pyrone derivative namely, kojic acid obtained from Aspergillus fungus has high commercial demand
and finds various applications. Kojic acid and its derivative displayed inhibition of tyrosinase activity and, it is
also extensively used as a ligand in coordination chemistry. Owing to their commercial and biological significance,
the synthesis of pyrone containing compounds has been given attention over the past years. Few reviews
on the total synthesis of pyrone containing natural products namely, polypropionate metabolites have been reported.
However, these reviews skipped other marine pyrone metabolites and also omitted discussion on isolation
and detailed biological activities. This review presents a brief account of the isolation of marine metabolites
containing a pyrone ring and their reported bio-activities. Further, the review covers the synthesis of marine
pyrone metabolites such as cyercene-A, placidenes, onchitriol-I, onchitriol-II, crispatene, photodeoxytrichidione,
(-) membrenone-C, lihualide-B, macrocyclic enol ethers and auripyrones-A & B.