bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-Resolution Habitat Suitability Model for Phlebotomus Pedifer, the Vector of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Southwestern Ethiopia
Authors: Pareyn Myrthe , Rutten Anneleen , Merdekios Behailu , Wedegärtner Ronja Elisabeth Magdalene , Girma Nigatu , Regelbrugge Leo , Shibru Simon , Leirs Herwig
Published: June 2020

Background: Phlebotomus pedifer is the vector for Leishmania aethiopica causing cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in southwestern Ethiopia. Previous research on the transmission dynamics of CL resulted in recommendations for vector control. In order to target these interventions towards affected areas, a comprehensive understanding of the spatial distribution of P. pedifer at high spatial resolution is required. Therefore, this study determined the environmental predictors that facilitate the distribution of P. pedifer and created a map indicating the areas where conditions are suitable for survival of the vector in southwestern Ethiopia with high spatial resolution.Methods: Phlebotomus pedifer presence points were collected during two entomological surveys. Climate, vegetation and topographic variables were assembled. Climate variables were interpolated with variables derived from high-resolution digital elevation models to generate topoclimatic layers representing the climate conditions in the highlands. A Maximum Entropy model was run with the presence points, predicting variables and background points, which were selected based on a bias file. Results: Phlebotomus pedifer was the only captured Phlebotomus species in the study area and was collected at altitudes ranging between 1,685 and 2,892 m. Model projections indicated areas with suitable conditions in a ‘belt’ surrounding the high mountain peaks. Model performance was high, with test and train AUC values being 0.93 and 0.90 respectively. A multivariate environmental similarity surface (MESS) analysis showed that the model projection was only slightly extrapolated for some of the variables. The mean annual temperature was the environmental variable, which contributed most to the model predictions (60.0%) followed by the seasonality in rainfall (13.2%). Variables representing steep slopes showed very low importance to model predictions. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that the suitable habitats for P. pedifer correspond well with the altitudes at which CL was reported previously but the predictions are more widely distributed, in contrast with the description of CL to occur in particular foci. Moreover, we confirm that vector distribution is driven by climate factors, suggesting inclusion of topoclimate in sand fly distribution models. Overall, our model provides a map with a high spatial resolution that can be used to target sand fly control measures in southwestern Ethiopia.
Structural Validity of the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire and its Short Version the 6-Item CTS Symptoms Scale: A Rasch Analysis One Year After Surgery
Authors: Multanen Juhani , Ylinen Jari , Karjalainen Teemu , Ikonen Joona , Häkkinen Arja , Repo Jussi P.
Published: June 2020

Background: The Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) and its shorter version Six-Item Carpal Tunnel Symptoms Scale (CTS-6) are widely used for assessing function and/or symptoms in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. The present study examined the structural validity of the BCTQ and CTS-6 among patients who had undergone surgery for treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. Methods: The data was obtained from 217 adult patients who had undergone carpal tunnel release one year earlier. The Rasch Measurement Theory was applied to investigate the unidimensionality, residual correlation, differential item functioning, scale coverage/targeting, and person separation of the CTS-6, Symptom Severity Scale (SSS) and Functional Status Scale (FSS) of the BCTQ.Results: The FSS of the BCTQ showed good scale and item fit and unidimensionality. FSS items had ordered response categories. Eight items in the FSS displayed differential item functioning favoring age or gender. The multidimensional structure of the CTS-6 was absorbed by creating a testlet for frequency of symptoms or testlets for pain and numbness. The testlets supported unidimensionality in the BCTQ SSS. Two items had differential item functioning favoring age or gender in the CTS-6 and the BCTQ SSS. Some items in the BCTQ SSS and CTS-6 had disordered response category thresholds. Merging of response categories led to ordered response category thresholds. The person separation indices were 0.73, 0.86 and 0.77 for the CTS-6 and BCTQ SSS and FSS, respectively, indicating good reliability of the measures.Conclusions: Based on the Rasch analysis, the CTS-6 has superior psychometric properties compared to the BCTQ SSS in surgically treated patients. The CTS-6 might be more accurate when separated into item sets measuring pain or numbness. The FSS of the BCTQ has acceptable construct validity, although sex differences at some ages were observed in responses.
Alveolar Neutrophilic Recruitment in COVID-19 May Not be Mediated by Th17 Response
Authors: Azevedo Marina L V , Paula Caroline Busatta Vaz de , Nagashima Seigo , Souza Cleber Machado de , Ribeiro Anna Flavia Miggiolaro , Junior Jarbas Silva Motta , Malaquias Mineia Alessandra Scaranello , Raboni Sonia Mara , Neto Plinio Cezar , Souza Daiane Gavlik de , Baena Cristina Pellegrino , Noronha Lucia de
Published: June 2020

Introduction: The COVID-19 current pandemic disease differs from the H1N1pdm09 caused by Influenza A virus H1N1 subtype, by how it induces a pro-inflammatory response in infected lungs. Objective: Investigate the role of Th17 response in the pathogenesis of COVID-19 injury by analyzing the tissue expression of interleukins 8 and 17A and the neutrophils in lung samples of patients who die of COVID-19, comparing to H1N1pdm09. Study design and post-mortem results: Six lung samples from patients SARS-CoV-2 infected (COVID-19 group), and ten lung samples from adults who died from H1N1pdm09 (H1N1 group), were tested. A control group was also added to the study. H&E slides were used for neutrophils scoring. The tissue expression of IL-8 and IL-17A was identified by immunohistochemistry. Tissue expression increasing of IL-17A and IL-8 and a higher number of neutrophils were identified in samples from the H1N1 group when compared to the COVID-19 group. Discussion: It is suggested that the SARS-CoV-2 virus evokes an exacerbated response of the host's immune system but differs from that observed in the H1N1pdm09 disease because it may not be trigger by Th17 response. With the low expression of IL-8, IL-17A, neutrophil recruitment to the site of infection becomes impaired, resulting in viral persistence. On the other hand, in the COVID-19 disease, the immune response by Th2 cells seems to be exacerbated, observed by the extent of the lung injury. This uncontrolled response and, mainly, the lack of a therapeutic target, culminates in disease progression and, consequently, in shorter survival time.
Multivariate Bayesian meta-analysis: joint modelling of multiple cancer types using summary statistics
Authors: Jahan Farzana , Duncan Earl W , Cramb Susanna M , Baade Peter D , Mengersen Kerrie Lee
Published: June 2020

Background:

Cancer atlases often provide estimates of cancer incidence, mortality or survival across small areas of a region or country. A recent example of a cancer atlas is the Australian cancer atlas (ACA), that provides interactive maps to visualise spatially smoothed estimates of cancer incidence and survival for 20 different cancers over 2148 small areas across Australia.

Methods:

The present study proposes a multivariate Bayesian meta-analysis model, which can model multiple cancers jointly using summary measures without requiring access to the unit record data. This new approach is illustrated by modelling the publicly available spatially smoothed standard incidence ratios (SIR) for multiple cancers in the ACA divided into three groups: common, rare/less common and smoking-related. The multivariate Bayesian meta-analysis models are fitted to each group in order to explore any possible association between the cancers in three remoteness regions: major cities, regional and remote areas across Australia.

Results:

Substantive correlation was observed among some cancer types. There was evidence that the magnitude of this correlation varied according to remoteness of a region. High risk areas for specific combinations of cancer types were identified and visualised from the proposed model.

Conclusions:

Publicly available spatially smoothed disease estimates can be used to explore additional research questions by modelling multiple cancer types jointly. These proposed multivariate meta-analysis models could be useful when unit record data are unavailable because of privacy and confidentiality requirements.
Atık Bitkisel Yağların Çevreye Etkileri ve Geri Dönüşümü Hususunda Halkın Farkındalığının Belirlenmesi: Malatya İli Örneği
Authors: DURSUN Nesrin
Published: June 2020

Dünyada, hızlı nüfus artışına bağlı olarak çevre kirliliği artmıştır. Çevre kirliliği, toplumun çevre duyarlılığıyla azaltılabilir. Anket uygulamaları ile, halkın duyarlılığının olup olmadığı ve çevresel konulardaki farkındalıkları belirlenebilir. Ayrıca anket değerlendirmeleri, çevre kirliliğini önlemeye yönelik çalışmalar yapan belediyeler, kamu kurumları ve sivil toplum kuruluşlarının çalışmalarına yön vermektedir. Bu çalışma, Malatya ili merkez ilçeleri olan Battalgazi ve Yeşilyurt'ta yaşayan bireylere "atık bitkisel yağların çevreye etkileri ve geri dönüşümü" ile ilgili farkındalıklarını belirlemek amacıyla yapılmıştır. 19 sorudan oluşan anket uygulanarak sonuçları değerlendirilmiştir. Demografik bilgiler, atık bitkisel yağların çevreye etkileri ve geri dönüşümü ile ilgili bilgilerden oluşan ankete her ilçeden 150 birey olmak üzere 300 birey katılmıştır. Çalışma ile evsel atık yağların su, hava ve toprak kirliliğine etkileri ve geri dönüşüme verilmesi (özellikle biyodizel üretiminde ham madde olması) hususunda halkın ne derece bilinçli olduğu belirlenmiştir. Anket sonrası atık yağların çevreye etkileri hakkında bilgilendirmeler yapılarak, bu etkilerin olmaması ya da asgari seviyelerde olabilmesi için farkındalığı oluşturma hedeflenmiştir. Anket uygulaması sonucunda (i) kızartma tüketiminin katılımcı yaşı ile ters orantılı olduğu; (ii) ankette spesifik sorular olmasına rağmen halkın büyük çoğunluğunun bu spesifik konulara hakim olduğu; (iii) bu farkındalıkta çevre duyarlılıkları başta olmak üzere konu ile ilgili internet, TV, radyo, gazete ve dergileri takip ettikleri; (iv) sivil toplum kuruluşları ve belediyelerin bilgilendirme faaliyetlerinin etkili olduğu tespit edilmiştir.
Impact Assessment of Water Harvesting Structures in Micro-Watersheds of Nira River Basin, Maharashtra, India
Authors: Raskar Trupti , Gaikwad Himanshu , Kadekar Omkar , Umrikar Bhavana
Published: June 2020

Artificial recharge is highly recommended in declining groundwater level trends as well as partially replenished aquifers. Moreover, the quantification of the recharge to aquifers due to such measures is important in water resource budgeting, development and planning. With this objective nine locations representing varied geomorphology were selected and the groundwater levels from the dug well in the proximity of water harvesting structures were monitored. The plot of monthly groundwater levels versus rainfall depicts that in the month of July high rainfall occurred but the groundwater levels raised in August due to delayed recharge process. The water level data also indicate the availability of water column of about 5m to 6m in most of the wells till the end of February, 2020. Water Harvesting structures overlaid on the Recharge Potential Zone map represent excellent (13.1%), very good (12.3%), good (23.3%), moderate (25.2) and poor (26.1) zones. The computation of artificial recharge from these structures depict that the structures having high storage capacity with a greater number of fillings have higher recharge. Also, the geophysical resistivity surveys were conducted to understand the degree of saturation at each location up to 50m, 100m and 150m distances from the structure. After integrating all datasets, it has been found that the structure at Shivajinagar has highest recharge followed by Pisalwadi, Kanheri, Zagalwadi 2, Kavathe, Ansur, Bholi, Limbachidwadi, Zagalwadi 1 and Kesurdi. Thus, the study concludes that the impact of water harvesting structures varies according to topography, land slope, geomorphology, size of catchment and lithology.
A hybrid drought index for drought assessment in Wadi Shueib catchment area in Jordan
Authors: Al Balasmeh Odai , Babbar Richa , Karmaker Tapas
Published: June 2020

Wadi Shueib catchment in Jordan is a water stress area and climate change is creating a further deficiency in precipitation, streamflow, and soil moisture; which are a deterrent to agriculture production in the area. In order to analyze the drought-like situation in the area, a hybrid drought index (HDI) has been developed considering the combined effect of these three variables. Fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (F-AHP) and entropy weight methods were carried out to develop a hybrid drought index (HDI) which combines meteorological, hydrological, and agricultural drought indices based on precipitation, streamflow, and soil moisture data in the area. The wavelet transform (WT) with cross wavelet (XCT) and wavelet coherence (WTC) were applied to investigate the interaction and the relations between the HDI index, drought indices, and large-scale sunspot activity Niño3.4 index. The results show that HDI can easily capture the trend of the drought-like conditions in the area based on the available data. The trend analysis of HDI revealed an increasing trend in the drought incidences in the near future. The study can be used as an early alarm for drought in the area, which can be helpful in the decision-making process towards water resources planning and management in the future.
Seasonal varieties and influential factors of heavy metals in sediments of Wuliangsuhai Lake
Authors: Tian Weidong , Pei Guoxia , Zhao Shengnan , Shi Xiaohong , Zhang Hanmeng , Sun Biao , Song Shuang , Sun Chi , Ma Hong
Published: June 2020

Wuliangsuhai Lake, as a typical shallow lake in Hetao irrigation district, is located in Northern China. We took sediment samples in spring, summer, autumn, and winter, respectively. The total arsenic (As), total mercury (Hg) and other parameters (temperature, pH, EC, particle size of sediments and organic matter in sediments) were measured. Based on the temporal variations, seasonal comparisons and factor analysis, the following conclusions were obtained. (1) The seasonal characteristics of Hg and As were: summer > spring > autumn > winter, and spring > summer > autumn > winter. (2) The higher concentration of Hg and As during summer was considered to be caused by the higher organic matter and humus content, which made heavy metals strongly adsorbed and complexed, and changes in the organic matter content would enhance the binding state of the less active organic matter then deposit in sediment. (3) The speciation of mercury and arsenic was also the reason, in summer, the Hg0 in the atmosphere was oxidized to Hg2+, entering into water through rainwater washing and dry deposition; then, soluble Hg2+ was quickly adsorbed and fixed in sediment, a series of transformations reduces its activity. The As3+ would be oxidized to As5+ which would form precipitated. Therefore, the content of Hg and As, environmental risk and potential ecological risk of mercury in sediments were higher in summer.
Novel hybrid metal loaded chelating resins for removal of toxic metals from acid mine drainage
Authors: Dlamini Caroline Lomalungelo , De Kock Lueta-Ann , Kefeni Kebede Keterew , Mamba Bhekie Brilliance , Msagati Titus Alfred Makudali
Published: June 2020

Iron (Fe), zirconium (Zr) and titanium (Ti) oxides nanoparticles were each embedded onto a weak acid chelating resin for support using the precipitation method to generate three hybrid adsorbents of hydrated Fe oxide (HFO-P), hydrated Zr oxide (HZO-P) and hydrated Ti oxide (HTO-P). This paper reports on the characterization, performance and potential of these generated nanoadsorbents in the removal of toxic metal ions from acid mine drainage (AMD). The optimum contact time, adsorbent dose and pH for aluminium (Al) (III) adsorption were established using the batch equilibrium technique. The metal levels were measured using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry. The scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy results confirmed the presence of the metal oxides within the hybrid resin beads. HFO-P, HZO-P and HTO-P adsorbed Al(III) rapidly from synthetic water with maximum adsorption capacities of 54.04, 58.36 and 40.10 mg/g, respectively, at initial pH 1.80 ± 0.02. The adsorption of Al(III) is of the second-order in nature (R2 > 0.98). The nanosorbents removed ten selected metals from environmental AMD and the metal removal efficiency was in the order HTO-P > HZO-P > HFO-P. All three hybrid nanosorbents can be used to remove metals from AMD; the choice would be dependent on the pH of the water to be treated.
Bolu ve Çevresinde Yaşayan Çocuklarda Labial Frenulum Tipleri ve Gingival Sağlığa Etkileri
Authors: GULER Derya , GÜLER Şevki , ÖĞÜTÜCÜ Umut
Published: June 2020

Amaç:

Bu çalışmanın amacı; Bolu ve çevresinde yaşayan süt ve
karışık dişlenme döneminde bulunan çocuklarda labial frenulum tipleri ve
gingival sağlığa etkilerini değerlendirmektir.

Materyal-metot:

Bu çalışma Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal Üniversitesi Diş
Hekimliği Fakültesi Hastanesi’nde gerçekleştirildi. Çalışmaya 3-16 yaş
aralığında 205 çocuk (%49,7 erkek ve %50,3 kız) dahil edildi. Olguların %49,3’ü
3-6 yaş arasında olup süt dişlenmeye, %50,7’si 7-16 yaş arasında olup karışık
dişlenmeye sahipti. Çocuklarda maksiller labial frenulumun tipi Mirko
sınıflamasına göre, gingival indeks skorlaması ise Löe & Silness’in
tanımladığı sınıflamaya göre yapıldı.

Bulgular:

Maksiller labial frenulum tipleri arasında cinsler arası
istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bir fark bulunamadı. Hem süt hem de karışık
dişlenme döneminde en fazla gingival tip frenulum tespit edildi. Frenulum
tipleri arasından gruplar arası anlamlı fark bulunmadı. Her iki yaş grubunda da
papile penetre formdaki maksiller labial frenulumlarda gingival indeks
skorlarının anlamlı seviyede yüksek olduğu tespit edilmiştir.

Sonuç:

Frenulum uzunluğunun normal sınırlar dışında olması diş
eti çekilmelerine, dizilim bozulmalarına, diş çürüklerine ve konuşma
problemlerine sebep olabilir.  Bu nedenle
çocuklarda ağız-diş muayenesi sırasında frenulum değerlendirmesine de önem
vermek gerekmektedir.
Metastatik Meme Kanserli Hastaların Klinik Özellikleri ve Tedavi Sonuçları: Tek Merkez Deneyimi
Authors: BÜYÜKŞİMŞEK Mahmut , PAYDAŞ Semra , BAŞDOĞAN Servet , TOĞUN Mustafa , YETİŞİR Abdullah Evren , MİRİLİ Cem , OĞUL Ali , TOHUMCUOĞLU Mert
Published: June 2020

Amaç:
Meme kanseri
kadınlarda en sık görülen ve en sık ölüme neden olan kanserdir. Biz
de merkezimizde takip ettiğimiz metastatik meme kanseri (MMK) olan hastaların klinik
özelliklerini ve tedavi sonuçlarını araştırmak istedik.

Gereç
ve Yöntemler: Çukurova
Üniversitesi Onkoloji bilim dalında 2011-2017 yılları arasında takip edilen 65 MMK
olan hasta çalışmaya dahil edildi. Hastaların klinik özellikleri ve aldıkları
tedaviler retrospektif olarak araştırıldı.

Bulgular:
Hastaların büyük
çoğunluğunda sadece kemik metastazı vardı. Sonradan metastatik evreye geçen 45
hastanın %66,6’ sına yeniden biyopsi yapıldı; bu hastaların %20’ sinde tümör
biyolojisi değişmişti. Metastatik evrede progresyonsuz sağkalım 10 ay, ortalama
sağkalım 34 ay olarak hesaplandı.

Tartışma ve Sonuç: MMK
olan hastalarda literatürle uyumlu sağkalımlar elde edilmiştir. Yeni kullanıma
giren ajanlar ve hedefleyici tedavilerdeki gelişmeler de göz önüne alındığında
hastalık biyolojisindeki değişme ihtimali göz önünde bulundurularak relapslarda
yeniden biyopsi yapılması kritik önemdedir.
Migrenli Bireylerdeki Gastrointestinal Semptomların Ağrı Karakteristiği ve Özür Durumu İle İlişkisi
Authors: KARAHAN Nesrin , ÇOBAN Özge , METE Oğuzhan , TOPRAK ÇELENAY Şeyda
Published: June 2020

Amaç: Bu çalışmanın amacı, migrenli bireylerde gastrointestinal sistem (GİS) semptomları ile ağrı karakteristiği ve özür durumu arasındaki ilişkisinin incelenmesidir.
Gereç ve Yöntemler: Çalışmamız kırk beş migren hastası ile gerçekleştirildi. Migrenli bireylerin GİS semptomları Gastrointestinal Semptom Derecelendirme Ölçeği (GSDÖ) ile, ağrı karakteristiği Görsel Analog Skalası ile belirlenen son üç aydaki ortalama ağrı şiddeti ve ağrılı atak sıklığı ile, migrene bağlı özür durumu Migren Özür Değerlendirme Skalası (MÖDS) ile değerlendirildi.
Bulgular: Çalışmanın sonucunda, migrenli bireylerin atak sıklığı ile GSDÖ-total skor ile pozitif yönde orta derecede ilişki (p<0,001; rho:0,449), GSDÖ-reflü skoru ile pozitif yönde orta derecede ilişki (p:0,004; rho:0,424), GSDÖ-hazımsızlık skoru ile pozitif yönde düşük-orta derecede ilişki (p:0,007; 0,394) ve GSDÖ-kontipasyon skoru ile pozitif yönde düşük-orta derecede ilişki (p:0,007; 0,399) gösterdi. Migrenli bireylerin MÖDS skoru, GSDÖ-total skor ile pozitif yönde orta derecede ilişki (p:0,005; rho:0,410), GSDÖ-kontipasyon skoru ile pozitif yönde orta derecede ilişki (p<0,001; rho:0,541) gösterdi. MÖDS skoru, GSDÖ-karın ağrısı, GSDÖ-reflü, GSDÖ-diyare ve GSDÖ-hazımsızlık skorları ile ilişki göstermedi (p>0,05). Migrenli bireylerin ağrı şiddeti ile GSDÖ skorunun herhangi bir parametresinde ilişki bulunamadı. (p>0,05).
Sonuç: Çalışmamızda migrenli bireylerde GİS semptomları ile atak sıklığı ve özür durumu arasındaki pozitif ilişki ortaya konmuştur. GİS semptomları ile migrenin arasındaki ilişkinin göz önünde bulundurulması migren tanı sürecini kolaylaştırıp kısaltabilir ve aynı zamanda migren tedavisine katkıda bulunabilir.
Stability and Folding of the Unusually Stable Hemoglobin from Synechocystis is Subtly Optimized and Dependent on the Key Heme Pocket Residues
Authors: Uppal Sheetal , Khan Mohd. Asim , Kundu Suman
Published: June 2020

Aims:

The aim of our study is to understand the biophysical traits that govern the stability
and folding of Synechocystis hemoglobin, a unique cyanobacterial globin that displays unusual
traits not observed in any of the other globins discovered so far.

Background:

For the past few decades, classical hemoglobins such as vertebrate hemoglobin and
myoglobin have been extensively studied to unravel the stability and folding mechanisms of hemoglobins.
However, the expanding wealth of hemoglobins identified in all life forms with novel properties,
like heme coordination chemistry and globin fold, have added complexity and challenges to
the understanding of hemoglobin stability, which has not been adequately addressed. Here, we explored
the unique truncated and hexacoordinate hemoglobin from the freshwater cyanobacterium
Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 known as “Synechocystis hemoglobin (SynHb)”. The “three histidines”
linkages to heme are novel to this cyanobacterial hemoglobin.

Objective:

Mutational studies were employed to decipher the residues within the heme pocket that
dictate the stability and folding of SynHb.

Methods:

Site-directed mutants of SynHb were generated and analyzed using a repertoire of spectroscopic
and calorimetric tools.

Conclusion:

Synechocystis hemoglobin presents an important model system for investigations of
protein folding and stability in general. The heme pocket residues influenced the folding and stability
of SynHb in a very subtle and specific manner and may have been optimized to make this Hb the
most stable known as of date.

Other:

The knowledge gained hereby about the influence of heme pocket amino acid side chains
on stability and expression is currently being utilized to improve the stability of recombinant human
Hbs for efficient use as oxygen delivery vehicles.
Radiolabeled Peptides for Molecular Imaging of Apoptosis
Authors: Mosayebnia Mona , Hajiramezanali Maliheh , Shahhosseini Soraya
Published: June 2020

Apoptosis is a regulated cell death induced by extrinsic and intrinsic stimulants.
Tracking of apoptosis provides an opportunity for the assessment of cardiovascular and neurodegenerative
diseases as well as monitoring of cancer therapy at early stages. There are
some key mediators in apoptosis cascade, which could be considered as specific targets for
delivering imaging or therapeutic agents. The targeted radioisotope-based imaging agents are
able to sensitively detect the physiological signal pathways which make them suitable for
apoptosis imaging at a single-cell level. Radiopeptides take advantage of both the high sensitivity
of nuclear imaging modalities and favorable features of peptide scaffolds. The aim of
this study is to review the characteristics of those radiopeptides targeting apoptosis with different
mechanisms.
Serotonergic Integration In the Intestinal Mucosa
Authors: Wood Jackie D.
Published: June 2020

Mucosal serotonin (5-HT) is a key paracrine signaling molecule in the integrated physiology of enterochromaffin
cells, enteric mast cells, spinal afferent nerves and the enteric nervous system (ENS). Enterochromaffin
cells release 5-HT as a paracrine signal to enteric mast cells, spinal afferents and neurons in the ENS. Enteric
mast cells release multiple mediators of paracrine signaling, among which are histamine and the serine proteases,
chymase and tryptase, as well as serotonin. Some of these mediators diffuse to receptors on afferent nociceptive
and mechanosensitive terminals and sensitize the terminals in a manner that may underlie abdominal pain and
distension induced pain in the irritable bowel syndrome. Substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP),
released by spinal afferent innervation, degranulate enteric mast cells. Substance P and CGRP are significant
factors in mucosal inflammation evoked by bacteria in the colonic microbiome. Binding of immunoglobulin
antibodies to FcεRI receptors, on enteric mast cells, degranulate the mast cells and release paracrine mediators
that overlay integrative microcircuitry in the ENS. An overlay of histamine “calls up” from the ENS library of
programed gut behaviors, a defensive program consisting of a sequence of copious mucosal secretions, increased
blood flow and powerful orthograde propulsion organized to move threats out of the colonic lumen. Symptoms of
acute watery diarrhea, cramping abdominal pain and incontinence are associated with “running” of the defense
program. Intestinal behavioral programs stored in the ENS library are described as working like digital “apps”.
Phosphodiesterase as a Target for Cognition Enhancement in Schizophrenia
Authors: Al-Nema Mayasah Y. , Gaurav Anand
Published: June 2020

Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder that affects more than 1% of the population worldwide.
Dopamine system dysfunction and alterations in glutamatergic neurotransmission are strongly implicated
in the aetiology of schizophrenia. To date, antipsychotic drugs are the only available treatment
for the symptoms of schizophrenia. These medications, which act as D2-receptor antagonist, adequately
address the positive symptoms of the disease, but they fail to improve the negative symptoms and cognitive
impairment. In schizophrenia, cognitive impairment is a core feature of the disorder. Therefore, the
treatment of cognitive impairment and the other symptoms related to schizophrenia remains a significant
unmet medical need. Currently, phosphodiesterases (PDEs) are considered the best drug target for the
treatment of schizophrenia since many PDE subfamilies are abundant in the brain regions that are relevant
to cognition. Thus, this review aims to illustrate the mechanism of PDEs in treating the symptoms
of schizophrenia and summarises the encouraging results of PDE inhibitors as anti-schizophrenic drugs
in preclinical and clinical studies.
Physio-Morphology and Proteomic Attitude of Ziziphus Spina-Christi in Copper-Contaminated Sites in Saudi Arabia: Is It a Candidate Bioremediator?
Authors: Alotaibi Modhi Obaidan , Mohammed Afrah Eltayeb , Almutairi Taghreed , Shinwari Zakia , Alaiya Ayodele , Elobeid Mudawi Mukhtar
Published: June 2020

Background:

The current study was undertaken with a major goal of evaluating the influence
of the heavy metal Copper (Cu) on growth and physiology as well as the proteomic status
of Ziziphus spina-christi.

Objective:

We set a hypothesis that Z. spina-christi could be a potent phytoremediator in Cu-polluted
environments and the industrial area of Riyadh was chosen as a model of contaminated sites.

Methods:

To address our goal, young Z. spina-christi plants were maintained in pots filled with
soil comprised of sand and clay in an open area. Cu treatments were performed by subjecting
young Z. spina-christi seedlings to different copper treatments [0 - 100 μM] which was supplied to
the plants in the form of hydrated copper sulfate (CuSO4.5H2O) and the treatment period lasted 45
days. To monitor plant growth during Cu exposure period, measurements of some morphological
and physiological variables were taken regularly every week and the growth rates were determined.

Results:

Results from proteomics showed 16 proteins participated in expression, 10 proteins
showed up regulations and other six showed down regulation. Such expressed proteins are involved
in plant photosynthesis process, metabolism, antioxidant enzymes as well as those associated
with plant defense response and signal transduction.

Conclusion:

The study outcomes offered understandings of the molecular systems linked to Cu
stress condition, in addition to Cu effect on Z. spina-christi seedlings morphology and physiology.
Regarding phytoremediation potential we recommend that, future experiments should be conducted
on Z. spina-christi at different developmental stages to better view its Cu accumulative power.
Biotransformation of Phenolic Acids by Fusarium udum E. Butler
Authors: Vaishnav Jasraj , Variyar Prasad S.
Published: June 2020

Background:

The biotechnological generation of natural flavor compounds is rapidly expanding.
Production of desired flavor compounds by biotransformation is natural, more effective,
and an economical process. High economic value of bio-vanillin has led to a wide interest in research
on the production of vanillin through biotechnological routes.

Objective:

The aim of the present study was to use F. udum E. Butler as a bio-catalyst for the production
of bio-vanillin, from easily available and economically viable phenolic substrates.

Method:

Mycelium of fungal strain, was incubated in minimal medium with phenolic substrates.
The medium was analyzed by GC/MS at specific time intervals in order to identify products formed
during biotransformation on different time scales.

Results:

Production of bio-vanillin was observed after 24 h as the major product when F. udum
E. Butler was grown on vanillic acid. Guaiacol was found to be the end product of this reaction as the
further conversion of guaiacol was not observed. The metabolic pathway for vanillic acid biotransformation
was also elucidated by identifying intermediate metabolites of the reaction and fate of these
intermediates when these intermediates were used as a sole carbon source was also elucidated.

Conclusion:

Microbial production of bio-vanillin is one of the highly economically attractive biotransformation
processes as substrates of this process are byproducts of agroindustrial sources. However,
toxicity of vanillin accumulation is one of the major bottleneck in bio-vanillin production, and
it demands serious scientific inputs.
GMO to Eradicate Malnutrition: Current Status
Authors: Guleria Praveen , Kumar Vineet
Published: June 2020

:

Malnutrition is a prevailing serious issue in several nations. Among various strategies to counter the malnutrition, genetically modified organisms, GMO have been looked upon as an efficient remedial strategy. GMO developed in
the lab has the potential to counter the deficiency of food, protein and nutrition. Inspite of such huge potential, growing
GMO in the fields face some intense oppose from various groups all over the globe. Some countries have doubts regarding safety of GMO and some may be overrating the safety concerns over benefits of GMO. So, true potential of GMO can
only be deciphered if grown freely in the fields. Present article is thus the description of the current status and effect of
GMO in various developed and developing countries.
Synergistic Effect of Curcumin: A Review
Authors: Kriplani Priyanka , Guarve Kumar
Published: June 2020

Background:

Curcumin, principal constituent extracted from dried rhizomes of Curcuma
longa L., is a hydrophobic polyphenol meant to cure chronic malignancies like rheumatoid
arthritis, Alzheimer’s, Inflammatory bowel disease and many common ailments related to colon,
lung, stomach and skin. The objective of this review is to study the synergistic effect of curcumin.

Methods:

Current prose emphasizes the synergistic effect of curcumin as a part of cancer treatment
and other ailments have been identified and reviewed with particular emphasis on their scientific
impact and novelty.

Results:

A number of synergistic combinations have emerged with the growth of biological data
sets that can prove to be useful for the pharmaceutical industry.

Conclusion:

This present review will be helpful to the researchers and industries in drug development
as a new paradigm of drug discovery.
MAPK: A Key Player in the Development and Progression of Stroke
Authors: Zheng Yangmin , Han Ziping , Zhao Haiping , Luo Yumin
Published: June 2020

Conclusion:

Stroke is a complex disease caused by genetic and environmental factors, and its etiological
mechanism has not been fully clarified yet, which brings great challenges to its effective prevention
and treatment. MAPK signaling pathway regulates gene expression of eukaryotic cells and basic cellular
processes such as cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, metabolism and apoptosis, which are
considered as therapeutic targets for many diseases. Up to now, mounting evidence has shown that
MAPK signaling pathway is involved in the pathogenesis and development of ischemic stroke. However,
the upstream kinase and downstream kinase of MAPK signaling pathway are complex and the
influencing factors are numerous, the exact role of MAPK signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of
ischemic stroke has not been fully elucidated. MAPK signaling molecules in different cell types in the
brain respond variously after stroke injury, therefore, the present review article is committed to summarizing
the pathological process of different cell types participating in stroke, discussed the mechanism
of MAPK participating in stroke. We further elucidated that MAPK signaling pathway molecules
can be used as therapeutic targets for stroke, thus promoting the prevention and treatment of stroke.
Clinical, Immunologic and Molecular Spectrum of Patients with Immunodeficiency, Centromeric Instability, and Facial Anomalies (ICF) Syndrome: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kiaee Fatemeh , Zaki-Dizaji Majid , Hafezi Nasim , Almasi-Hashiani Amir , Hamedifar Haleh , Sabzevari Araz , Shirkani Afshin , Zian Zeineb , Jadidi-Niaragh Farhad , Aghamahdi Fatemeh , Goudarzvand Mahdi , Yazdani Reza , Abolhassani Hassan , Aghamohammadi Asghar , Azizi Gholamreza
Published: June 2020

Background:

Immunodeficiency, centromeric instability and facial dysmorphism (ICF) syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive immune disorder presenting with hypogammaglobulinemia, developmental delay, and facial anomalies. The ICF type 1, type 2, type 3 and type 4 are characterized by mutations in DNMT3B, ZBTB24, CDCA7 or HELLS gene, respectively. This study aimed to present a comprehensive description of the clinical, immunologic and genetic features of patients with ICF syndrome.

Methods:

PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched systemically to find eligible studies.

Results:

Forty-eight studies with 118 ICF patients who met the inclusion criteria were included in our study. Among these patients, 60% reported with ICF-1, 30% with ICF-2, 4% with ICF-3, and 6% with ICF-4. The four most common symptoms reported in patients with ICF syndrome were: delay in motor development, low birth weight, chronic infections, and diarrhea. Intellectual disability and preterm birth among patients with ICF-2 and failure to thrive, sepsis and fungal infections among patients with ICF-1 were also more frequent. Moreover, the median levels of all three immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG, IgM) were markedly reduced within four types of ICF syndrome.

Conclusion:

The frequency of diagnosed patients with ICF syndrome has increased. Early diagnosis of ICF is important since immunoglobulin supplementation or allogeneic stem cell transplantation can improve the disease-free survival rate.
Iterative Volumetric Reduction (IVR) Steered Response Power Method for Acoustic Source Localization
Authors: Boora Ritu , Dhull Sanjeev Kumar
Published: June 2020

Background:

The Steered Response Power–Phase Transform (SRP-PHAT) approach is
a breakthrough in the field of source localization in a high reverberant environment, but the substantial
computational cost limits its usage in the practical implementation.

Objective:

This paper presents an efficient SRP-PHAT based, Iterative Volumetric Reduction (IVR) Steered Response Power method for
acoustic source localization in non-ideal surroundings.

Methods:

Developing the coarse acoustic maps in the preliminary iterations provides a measure of the approximate likelihood of a source
lying in the corresponding regions. Subsequently, the search space volume is reduced to the region containing points with significant
likelihood. Further, these two steps are iterated to achieve the desired resolution.

Results and Conclusion:

Conclusively, the computational load reduces by 60-80% with considerable
upgrading in accuracy as compared to Modified SRP PHAT. The required functional evaluation
is adaptable to the environment, which makes it an excellent approach over Iterative modified
SRP-PHAT in unfavourable circumstances. Experiments conducted in various scenarios demonstrate
the method's significance over the other state–of-the-art methods.
Energy Efficient Group Based Linear Wireless Sensor Networks for Application in Pipeline Monitoring
Authors: Duru Chinedu , Ventura Neco , Dlodlo Mqhele
Published: June 2020

Background:

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) have been researched to be one of the
ground-breaking technologies for the remote monitoring of pipeline infrastructure of the Oil and
Gas industry. Research has also shown that the preferred deployment approach of the sensor network
on pipeline structures follows a linear array of nodes, placed at a distance from each other
across the infrastructure length. The linear array topology of the sensor nodes gives rise to the
name Linear Wireless Sensor Networks (LWSNs), which over the years have been applied to
pipelines for effective remote monitoring and surveillance. This paper aims to investigate the energy
consumption issue associated with LWSNs deployed in cluster-based fashion along with a
pipeline infrastructure.

Methods:

Through quantitative analysis, the study attempts to approach the investigation conceptually focusing on
mathematical analysis of proposed models to bring about conjectures on energy consumption performance.

Results:

From the derived analysis, results have shown that energy consumption is diminished to
a minimum if there is a sink for every placed sensor node in the LWSN. To be precise, the analysis
conceptually demonstrates that groups containing small number of nodes with a corresponding
sink node are the approach to follow when pursuing a cluster-based LWSN for pipeline monitoring
applications.

Conclusion:

From the results, it has been discovered that the energy consumption of a deployed
LWSN can be decreased by creating groups out of the total deployed nodes with a sink node for
each group. In essence, the smaller number of nodes each group contains with a corresponding
sink, the less energy consumed in total for the entire LWSN. This, therefore, means that a sink for
every individual node will attribute to minimum energy consumption for every non-sink node.
From the study, it can be concurred that energy consumption of an LWSN is inversely proportional
to the number of sinks deployed and hence the number of groups created.
Empirical Evaluation of NoSQL and Relational Database Systems
Authors: Kanchan Shivangi , Kaur Parmeet , Apoorva Pranjal
Published: June 2020

Aim:

To evaluate the performance of Relational and NoSQL databases in terms of execution time and memory
consumption during operations involving structured data.

Objective:

To outline the criteria that decision makers should consider while making a choice of the database most suited to
an application.

Methods:

Extensive experiments were performed on MySQL, MongoDB, Cassandra, Redis using the data for a IMDB
movies schema prorated into 4 datasets of 1000, 10000, 25000 and 50000 records. The experiments involved typical database operations of insertion, deletion, update read of records with and without indexing as well as aggregation operations.
Databases’ performance has been evaluated by measuring the time taken for operations and computing memory usage.

Results:

* Redis provides the best performance for write, update and delete operations in terms of time elapsed and memory
usage whereas MongoDB gives the worst performance when the size of data increases, due to its locking mechanism.
* For the read operations, Redis provides better performance in terms of latency than Cassandra and MongoDB.
MySQL shows worst performance due to its relational architecture. On the other hand, MongoDB shows the best performance among all databases in terms of efficient memory usage.
* Indexing improves the performance of any database only for covered queries.
* Redis and MongoDB give good performance for range based queries and for fetching complete data in terms of elapsed
time whereas MySQL gives the worst performance.
* MySQL provides better performance for aggregate functions. NoSQL is not suitable for complex queries and aggregate
functions.

Conclusion:

It has been found from the extensive empirical analysis that NoSQL outperforms SQL based systems in terms
of basic read and write operations. However, SQL based systems are better if queries on the dataset mainly involves aggregation operations.
A Study of Malware Propagation Dynamics in Wireless Sensor Network Using Spatially Correlated Security Model
Authors: Biswal Satya R. , Swain Santosh K.
Published: June 2020

Background:

The paper discussed about the malware propagation dynamics in wireless
sensor network. Malware attack is harmful for network stability as well as battery consumption of
sensor nodes.

Objective:

The objective of proposed study is to develop a model that describes the dynamic propagation
behavior of malware in wireless sensor network and suggest corrective measure through
which breakout from the network.

Methods:

Use the concept of epidemic modeling and spatial correlation to describe the malware dynamics
in wireless sensor network. Write the sets of differential equation to study its behavior.

Results:

Methodically find results have been verified with the help of simulation using MATLAB.
The effect of spatial correlation on malware propagation in wireless sensor network has been analyzed.

Conclusion:

In this paper, an epidemic based model with spatial correlation is presented for the
study of malware propagation characteristics in WSN. The equilibrium points of the system have
been obtained. The expression of basic reproduction number and threshold value of correlation coefficient
have been obtained. The basics reproduction (R 0 ) helps in the analysis of network stability.
On the basis of their value we found that if R 0 is less than one the system will be stable and
malware-free, and when R 0 is greater than one the system exists in endemic state and malware persists
in the network. The spatial correlation helps to control the malware propagation in the network.
KEMAMPUAN MOTORIK PESERTA EKSTRAKURIKULERBOLABASKET SMA N 3 BANTUL
Authors: Bernadeta Suhartini Asep Prasetyo dan
Published: June 2020

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui tingkat kemampuan motoriksiswa Sekolah Menengah Atas Negeri 3 Bantul, Kecamatan Bantul, KabupatenBantul.Metode penelitian ini adalah deskriptif dan teknik pengambilan datamenggunakan tes. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah semua siswa yangmengikuti ekstrakurikuler bolabasket di SMA N 3 Bantul yang berjumlah 40siswa. Sampel dalam penelitian ini adalah seluruh populasi yang bejumlah 40siswa. Pengumpulan data kemampuan motorik diukur menggunakan tes denganmengukur komponen motorik yang meliputi Lari 30 M, Sit up, Basketball throwfor distance, Lompat jauh tanpa awalan, Sit&reach, Lari bolak-balik 4x5 M, Squatdi dinding.Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa siswa yang berkategori sangatbaik sebanyak 0 siswa atau sebesar 0,0%, kategori baik sebanyak 0 siswa atausebesar 0,0%, kategori sedang sebanyak 22 siswa atau sebesar 55%,kategori kurang sebanyak 18 siswa atau sebesar 45%, dan kategori kurang sekali0 siswa atau sebesar 0,0%. Dari hasil penelitian ini dapat disimpulkan bahwakemampuan motorik siswa ekstrakurikuler bolabasket di SMA N 3 Bantul tahun2012 dalam kategori sedang.Kata Kunci: kemampuan motorik, bolabasket
PERILAKU HIDUP SEHAT MASYARAKAT YANGTERDAMPAK BANJIR LAHAR DINGIN MERAPI DIKABUPATEN MAGELANG
Authors: Cerika Rismayanthi Rifky Riyandi Prastyawan dan
Published: June 2020

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui perilaku hidup sehat masyarakat yangterdampak banjir lahar dingin merapi di Kabupaten Magelang. Penelitian inimerupakan penelitian deskriptif menggunakan metode survei dengan teknikpengambilan datanya menggunakan angket. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalahmasyarakat yang terkena dampak lahar dingin merapi di Kabupaten Magelangdengan jumlah responden sebanyak 30 orang, yang kemudian seluruh populasidijadikan subyek penelitian, item pernyataan angket sebanyak 55 item dinyatakanvalid dengan reliabilitas sebesar 0,975. Teknik analisis data menggunakan analisisdeskriptif yang dituangkan dalam bentuk persentase perilaku hidup sehat masyarakatyang terkena dampak lahar dingin merapi di Kabupaten Magelang kedalam limakategori, sangat baik, baik, cukup baik, kurang baik dan sangat kurang baik.Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa perilaku hidup sehat masyarakat yangterkena dampak lahar dingin merapi di Kabupaten Magelang secara keseluruhanadalah berkategori Cukup Baik, secara rinci 2 orang (6,67 %) mempunyai kategorisangat baik, 9 orang (30,00 %) mempunyai kategori baik, 9 orang (30,00 %)mempunyai kategori cukup baik, 8 orang (26,67 %) mempunyai kategori kurangbaik, dan 2 orang (6,67 %) mempunyai kategori sangat kurang baik.Kata Kunci: Perilaku hidup sehat, banjir lahar dingin.