bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of distributed hydrological model performance for simulation of multi-heavy-metal transport in Harrach River, Algeria
Authors: Bouragba Saadia , Komai Katsuaki , Nakayama Keisuke
Published: July 2019

This paper aims to assess the performance of a distributed hydrological model for simulating the transport of various heavy metals in rivers, to enhance and support environmental monitoring strategies for rivers in developing countries. In this context, we evaluated the performance of the Geophysical flow Circulation (GeoCIRC) model based on Object-Oriented Design (OOD) for the simulation of contamination from multiple heavy metals (Pb, Hg, Cr, and Zn) in Harrach River in Algeria. The results of the case study were in good agreement with the observations. Methodology for the assessment of data quality control and the improvement of monitoring procedures was proposed by using the hydrological model to simulate different scenarios. The GeoCIRC-model-based OOD allowed the prediction of the concentrations of heavy metals with minimal input data. Also, various heavy metals could be numerically treated simultaneously because the OOD increases the model's flexibility to allow the handling of many transportable materials. Therefore, the GeoCIRC model is a powerful tool for the monitoring of environmental contamination in rivers by various heavy metals.
The Potential of Frog Skin Peptides for Anti-Infective Therapies: The Case of Esculentin-1a(1-21)NH2
Authors: Casciaro Bruno , Cappiello Floriana , Loffredo Maria Rosa , Ghirga Francesca , Mangoni Maria Luisa
Published: July 2019

Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs) are the key effectors of the innate immunity and represent promising molecules for the development of new antibacterial drugs. However, to achieve this goal, some problems need to be overcome: (i) the cytotoxic effects at high concentrations; (ii) the poor biostability and (iii) the difficulty in reaching the target site. Frog skin is one of the richest natural storehouses of AMPs, and over the years, many peptides have been isolated from it, characterized and classified into several families encompassing temporins, brevinins, nigrocins and esculentins. In this review, we summarized how the isolation/characterization of peptides belonging to the esculentin-1 family drove us to the design of an analogue, i.e. esculentin-1a(1-21)NH2, with a powerful antimicrobial action and immunomodulatory properties. The peptide had a wide spectrum of activity, especially against the opportunistic Gram-negative bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We described the structural features and the in vitro/in vivo biological characterization of this peptide as well as the strategies used to improve its biological properties. Among them: (i) the design of a diastereomer carrying Damino acids in order to reduce the peptide’s cytotoxicity and improve its half-life; (ii) the covalent conjugation of the peptide to gold nanoparticles or its encapsulation into poly(lactide- co-glycolide) nanoparticles; and (iii) the peptide immobilization to biomedical devices (such as silicon hydrogel contact lenses) to obtain an antibacterial surface able to reduce microbial growth and attachment. Summing up the best results obtained so far, this review traces all the steps that led these frog-skin AMPs to the direction of peptide-based drugs for clinical use.
Therapeutic Approaches to Alzheimer’s Type of Dementia: A Focus on FGF21 Mediated Neuroprotection
Authors: Taliyan Rajeev , Chandran Sarathlal K. , Kakoty Violina
Published: July 2019

Neurodegenerative disorders are the most devastating disorder of the nervous system. The pathological
basis of neurodegeneration is linked with dysfunctional protein trafficking, mitochondrial stress, environmental
factors and aging. With the identification of insulin and insulin receptors in some parts of the brain, it has become
evident that certain metabolic conditions associated with insulin dysfunction like Type 2 diabetes mellitus
(T2DM), dyslipidemia, obesity etc., are also known to contribute to neurodegeneration mainly Alzheimer’s Disease
(AD). Recently, a member of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) superfamily, FGF21 has proved tremendous
efficacy in diseases like diabetes mellitus, obesity and insulin resistance (IR). Increased levels of FGF21 have
been reported to exert multiple beneficial effects in metabolic syndrome. FGF21 receptors are present in certain
areas of the brain involved in learning and memory. However, despite extensive research, its function as a neuroprotectant
in AD remains elusive. FGF21 is a circulating endocrine hormone which is mainly secreted by the liver
primarily in fasting conditions. FGF21 exerts its effects after binding to FGFR1 and co-receptor, β-klotho (KLB).
It is involved in regulating energy via glucose and lipid metabolism. It is believed that aberrant FGF21 signalling
might account for various anomalies like neurodegeneration, cancer, metabolic dysfunction etc. Hence, this review
will majorly focus on FGF21 role as a neuroprotectant and potential metabolic regulator. Moreover, we will
also review its potential as an emerging candidate for combating metabolic stress induced neurodegenerative
abnormalities.
Adenosine A2A Receptor as a Potential Drug Target - Current Status and Future Perspectives
Authors: Al-Attraqchi Omar H.A. , Attimarad Mahesh , Venugopala Katharigatta N. , Nair Anroop , Al-Attraqchi Noor H.A.
Published: July 2019

Adenosine receptors (ARs) are a class of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) that are activated by the endogenous substance adenosine. ARs are classified into 4 subtype receptors, namely, the A1, A2A, A2B and A3 receptors. The wide distribution and expression of the ARs in various body tissues as well as the roles they have in controlling different functions in the body make them potential drug targets for the treatment of various pathological conditions, such as cardiac diseases, cancer, Parkinson’s disease, inflammation and glaucoma. Therefore, in the past decades, there have been extensive investigations of ARs with a high number of agonists and antagonists identified that can interact with these receptors. This review shall discuss the A2A receptor (A2AAR) subtype of the ARs. The structure, properties and the recent advances in the therapeutic potential of the receptor are discussed with an overview of the recent advances in the methods of studying the receptor. Also, molecular modeling approaches utilized in the design of A2AAR ligands are highlighted with various recent examples.
Electroencapsulation (Electrospraying & Electrospinning) of Active Compounds for Food Applications
Authors: Köse Merve D. , Başpınar Yücel , Bayraktar Oguz
Published: July 2019

With new consumption trends and mindset of a healthier way of life, there is an increasing demand for
functional foods. To provide stable and functional products to consumers, the stability of the active compounds
must be preserved during the processing of food. For this purpose, encapsulation techniques have been used in
various industries in order to overcome problems such as stability, low solubility, and degradation under process
conditions for food applications. Electrospinning and electrospraying are two highly versatile and scalable electrohydrodynamic
methods, which have gained increasing attention in the various encapsulation applications. This
review will give readers an overview of the latest electroencapsulation (electrospraying and electrospinning) of
natural bioactive compounds for functional foods applications.
Is there a Relationship Between Vitamin D and Endometriosis? An Overview of the Literature
Authors: Giampaolino Pierluigi , Corte Luigi D. , Foreste Virginia , Bifulco Giuseppe
Published: July 2019

Background:

Vitamin D is involved in the physiological functions of several tissues, however, its deficiency may contribute to the development of various disorders. Recent research has been focusing on the role of vitamin D in the pathogenesis of endometriosis based on the evidence of the presence of vitamin D receptor and the enzymes required for vitamin D synthesis in the ectopic endometrium. Endometriosis, defined as the presence of endometrial glands and stroma in ectopic locations, is considered an estrogen-dependent disease and Vitamin D seems to have a role in modulation of the inflammatory state and proliferation of endometriotic cells.

Objective:

This study aimed to review the available literature regarding the relationship between vitamin D and endometriosis as well as the effects of vitamin D supplementation.

Methods:

A search on PubMed database has been performed.

Results:

The relationship between endometriosis and Vitamin D has been analyzed through the evaluation of vitamin D serum level, the polymorphism of vitamin D receptor and the role of vitamin D-binding protein in patient with endometriosis. The possible role of Vitamin D in the endometriosis therapy has also been investigated, in particular, the effect of vitamin D on pain relief, on endometriotic lesion in vitro and in rat models and in addition to a future target immunotherapy.

Conclusion:

Although promising, the data analyzed are not sufficient to evidence a cause-effect relationship between VD status and endometriosis, therefore further studies are needed in order to better clarify the association between vitamin D and endometriosis, especially in the context of the possibility of new treatment options.
Synthesis of Unsaturated Esters by Cross-Metathesis of Terpenes and Natural Rubber Using Ru-Alkylidene Catalysts
Authors: Martínez Araceli , Tlenkopatchev Mikhail A. , Gutiérrez Selena , Burelo Manuel , Vargas Joel , Jiménez-Regalado Enrique
Published: July 2019

This study reports the cross-metathesis of bicyclic β-pinene, acyclic cis-3-
methylpent-2-ene terpenes and the natural rubber with functionalized olefins, a route for
the functionalization of the carbon-carbon double bond of natural products to obtain aliphatic
unsaturated esters. The production of unsaturated esters from β-pinene and cis-3-
methylpent-2-ene via cross-metathesis reaction with dimethyl maleate and diethyl maleate
in the presence of the ruthenium-alkylidene [Ru(Cl)2(=CHPh)(1,3-bis(2,4,6-
trimethylphenyl)-2-imidazolidinylidene)(PCy3)] (I), [Ru(Cl)2(=CH(o-isopropoxyphenylmethylene))(
1,3-bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl) -2-imidazolidinylidene)] (II) and rutheniumvinylidene
[RuCl2(=C=CH(p-C6H4CF3))(PCy3)2] (III) was carried out. Results showed that
the reaction of β-pinene with diethyl maleate using II catalyst produced unsaturated esters
with 43 % selectivity. I and III catalysts showed low activity toward the cross-metathesis of β-pinene and dimethyl
maleate. A survey about the cross-metathesis of acyclic cis-3-methylpent-2-ene with diethyl maleate by
II catalyst was also studied. The formation of ethyl but-2-enoate and ethyl-3-methylpent-2-enoate products was
highly selective by 63 %. The unsaturated esters formation from the cross-metathesis degradation of natural
rubber (99.9 % cis-polyisoprene) with dimethyl maleate and diethyl maleate using I-III catalysts was accomplished
as well. I and II catalysts showed high activity in the degradation of natural rubber with diethyl maleate
to produce the low molecular weight of oligomers unsaturated ester products (Mn = 1 x 103 g mol-1) with isoprene
units of m = 10 – 27 and yields ranging from 68 to 94 %.
Plant Phenolics and Lectins as Vaccine Adjuvants
Authors: Reyna-Margarita Hernández-Ramos , Irais Castillo-Maldonado , Mario-Alberto Rivera-Guillén , Agustina Ramírez-Moreno , Luis-Benjamín Serrano-Gallardo , David Pedroza-Escobar
Published: July 2019

Background:

The immune system is responsible for providing protection to the body
against foreign substances. The immune system divides into two types of immune responses to study
its mechanisms of protection: 1) Innate and 2) Adaptive. The innate immune response represents the
first protective barrier of the organism that also works as a regulator of the adaptive immune response,
if evaded the mechanisms of the innate immune response by the foreign substance the adaptive immune
response takes action with the consequent antigen neutralization or elimination. The adaptive
immune response objective is developing a specific humoral response that consists in the production of
soluble proteins known as antibodies capable of specifically recognizing the foreign agent; such protective
mechanism is induced artificially through an immunization or vaccination. Unfortunately, the
immunogenicity of the antigens is an intrinsic characteristic of the same antigen dependent on several
factors.

Conclusion:

Vaccine adjuvants are chemical substances of very varied structure that seek to improve
the immunogenicity of antigens. The main four types of adjuvants under investigation are the following:
1) Oil emulsions with an antigen in solution, 2) Pattern recognition receptors activating molecules,
3) Inflammatory stimulatory molecules or activators of the inflammasome complex, and 4) Cytokines.
However, this paper addresses the biological plausibility of two phytochemical compounds as vaccine
adjuvants: 5) Lectins, and 6) Plant phenolics whose characteristics, mechanisms of action and disadvantages
are addressed. Finally, the immunological usefulness of these molecules is discussed through
immunological data to estimate effects of plant phenolics and lectins as vaccine adjuvants, and current
studies that have implanted these molecules as vaccine adjuvants, demonstrating the results of this
immunization.
Insights into Biophysical Methods to Study Interactions Between HIV-1 Reverse Transcriptase and Non-nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors
Authors: Dumond Julien , Tronchet Jean-Marcel Julien , Kirkiacharian Serge , Seman Michel , Reboud-Ravaux Michèle
Published: July 2019

Background:

Reverse Transcriptase (RT) of immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) remains an essential target for new antiretroviral therapies. Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (or NNRTIs) constitute a major class of RT inhibitors whose characterization is essential.

Introduction:

Several biochemical, biological, and biophysical methods have been previously used to analyze the biological effects of NNRTIs. We explored here the use of surface plasmonic resonance to characterize the affinity of RT towards selected NNRTIs and compared the results with those obtained with in vitro and in cellulo assays.

Methods:

The solubility and stability in buffers of the tested NNRTIs were assessed by spectrophotometry and fluorescence. Surface plasmonic resonance experiments to study direct NNRTIs binding to immobilized RT and intramolecular quenching of RT tryptophan fluorescence were used to determine the KA association constants (= 1/KD) between RT and the inhibitors. The in vitro inhibition constants of RT were determined using kinetics and the effects on three other potential targets (proteasome, HIV-1 integrase, and HIV-1 protease) were analyzed.

Results:

The results obtained with two typical molecules belonging to our previous N-hydroxyureido acylnucleoside derivatives series using the above biophysical assays matched those obtained in in vitro and previous in cellulo assays.

Conclusion:

Surface plasmonic resonance provides reliable thermodynamic information on the interaction of RT with NNRTIs and appears as a useful method for understanding their inhibitory mechanism.
The Association Between Knee Osteoarthritis and HLA-DRB1*0101 in the East of Iran
Authors: Kooshkaki Omid , Atabati Elham , Shayesteh Majid , Salmani Fatemeh , Sarab Gholamreza A.
Published: July 2019

Background:

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a painful social problem, which breaks down the articular
cartilage, causes the failure of synovial joints and subchondral bone sclerosis. OA etiology is
not completely understood, but joint trauma, infection, obesity, and diseases are the most important
risk factors for OA developing. Recent studies suggested inflammatory factors and genetic components
can be involved in the pathogenesis of OA. Experimental evidences suggest a linkage between
Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) genetic diversity and OA. But a few studies have been
conducted in this subject.

Objective:

To investigate the association between HLA-DRB1*0101 and OA in Iranian patients.

Methods:

Thirty patients with knee osteoarthritis and 30 healthy people as the control group were
included in the study. Sex, weight, age, Body mass index (BMI) and height of all participants were
recorded. HLA-DRB1*0101 was typed by PCR using the sequence-specific primer.

Results:

Our results showed 80% of knee osteoarthritis patients were positively HLA-DRB1*0101
(n=24), while only 26.7% of controls were positive (n=8) (P= 0.015).

Conclusion:

These findings proposed that there is a significant association between HLADRB1*
0101 and susceptibility to knee osteoarthritis.
The Utility of Radiographic Focal Erosions of Hands or Feet in Predicting DXA-defined Osteoporosis of the Hip in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Elshahaly Mohsen H. , Gad Khaled A.
Published: July 2019

Introduction:

Osteoporosis is a common comorbidity in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) patients
and can result in estimated double risk of pathological fractures. Bone Mineral Density
(BMD) is known to decrease with RA because of mechanisms incorporating traditional as well as
disease-specific causes. With the advent of newer disease-modifying antirheumatic agents and bone
protection medications, it is becoming important to identify those individuals who are at increased
risk of developing osteoporosis among RA patients.

Aim:

In the current study, we aim to evaluate a multitude of factors including focal erosions on radiographs
of hands or feet that can predict osteoporosis in RA patients.

Methods:

After obtaining IRB approval, 26 patients (20 females & 6 males) with a median age of
62 years (95% CI: 57.4 - 66.0) were retrospectively identified from a Rheumatology clinic database
with an established diagnosis of RA but not taking osteoporosis medications. A detailed assessment
was accomplished including evaluating a number of disease-specific variables, hands/feet radiographs
and Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA).

Results:

The total hip BMD was lower in RA patients with radiographic erosions (0.862 g/cm2 ±
0.17) compared to those patients without erosions (1.011 g/cm2 ± 0.13). On univariate logistic regression,
the presence of radiographic erosions predicted osteoporosis of the hip (p = 0.04). ROC
curve demonstrated satisfactory performance of erosions in predicting WHO-defined osteoporosis
or osteopenia at the hip (AUC = 0.732).

Conclusion:

RA patients who show radiographic erosions are more likely to develop hip osteoporosis
that may require further intervention.
Analysis of Abdominal Computed Tomography Images for Automatic Liver Cancer Diagnosis Using Image Processing Algorithm
Authors: Khan Ayesha Adil , Narejo Ghous Bakhsh
Published: July 2019

Background:

The application of image processing algorithms for medical image analysis
has been found effectual in the past years. Imaging techniques provide assistance to the radiologists
and physicians for the diagnosis of abnormalities in different organs.

Objective:

The proposed algorithm is designed for automatic computer-aided diagnosis of liver
cancer from low contrast CT images. The idea expressed in this article is to classify the malignancy
of the liver tumor ahead of liver segmentation and to locate HCC burden on the liver.

Methods:

A novel Fuzzy Linguistic Constant (FLC) is designed for image enhancement. To classify
the enhanced liver image as cancerous or non-cancerous, fuzzy membership function is applied.
The extracted features are assessed for malignancy and benignancy using the structural similarity
index. The malignant CT image is further processed for automatic tumor segmentation and grading
by applying morphological image processing techniques.

Results:

The validity of the concept is verified on a dataset of 179 clinical cases which consist of
98 benign and 81 malignant liver tumors. Classification accuracy of 98.3% is achieved by Support
Vector Machine (SVM). The proposed method has the ability to automatically segment the tumor
with an improved detection rate of 78% and a precision value of 0.6.

Conclusion:

The algorithm design offers an efficient tool to the radiologist in classifying the malignant
cases from benign cases. The CAD system allows automatic segmentation of tumor and locates
tumor burden on the liver. The methodology adopted can aid medical practitioners in tumor
diagnosis and surgery planning.
Voltammetry Determination of Cefotaxime on Zinc Oxide Nanorod Modified Electrode
Authors: Vasantharaghavan Vanitha , Cingaram Ravichandran
Published: July 2019

Background:

The Glassy Carbon Electrode (GCE) was modified with zinc oxide nanoparticles
to enhance the electrocatalytic activity of the redox behavior of cefotaxime ion. ATOMIC Force
Microscopy (AFM) photographic studies showed the nanorod like structure of the zinc oxide, which
was coated uniformly on the electrode surface.

Methods:

The zinc oxide nanorod modified electrode was used as novel voltammetric determination of
cefotaxime. The results of voltammetric behavior are satisfactory in the electro oxidation of cefotaxime,
and exhibit considerable improvement compared to glassy carbon electrode.

Results:

Under the optimized experimental conditions, the ZnO nanorod modified electrode exhibit
better linear dynamic range from 300 ppb to 700 ppb with lower limit of detection 200 ppb for the
stripping voltammetric determination of cefotaxime.

Conclusion:

The pharmaceutical and clinical formulation of cefotaxime was successfully applied for
accurate determination of trace amounts on ZnO nanomateials modified electrode.
Oleic Acid Vesicles for Transdermal Delivery of Propranolol Hydrochloride: Development and Characterization
Authors: Kumar Lalit , Utreja Puneet
Published: July 2019

Background:

Pharmaceutical scientists are exploring transdermal route for treatment of various systemic diseases nowadays. Transdermal nanocarrier systems show various advantages like bioavailability enhancement of drugs, avoidance of first pass hepatic metabolism, and reduction of dosing frequency of bioactive therapeutic molecules.

Objective:

The objective of the present research work was to encapsulate Propranolol hydrochloride into oleic acid vesicles and carry out in-vitro and in-vivo evaluation of oleic acid vesicular gel containing Propranolol hydrochloride.

Method:

Propranol hydrochloride loaded oleic acid vesicles were prepared by exploring thin film hydration method. Developed vesicles were evaluated for morphology, size, zeta potential and polydispersity index (PDI). Thermal behavior of drug loaded vesicles was checked using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and depth of skin penetration was determined using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Oleic acid vesicles dispersed in Carbopol 934R gel were subjected to in-vivo evaluation in male Sprague Dawley rats through measurement of plasma concentration and tissue distribution of Propranolol hydrochloride.

Results:

Optimized formulation having oleic acid : Propranol hydrochloride in the ratio 7 : 3 showed highest entrapment (56.1 ± 0.7%), acceptable size (291.3 ± 2.2 nm), the optimum value of PDI (0.219 ± 0.043) and zeta potential (-27.13 ± 0.25 mV). The results of DSC analysis showed effective encapsulation of drug inside the vesicles and CLSM analysis revealed penetration of vesicles upto stratum spinosum layer of skin. The results of in-vivo study revealed capability of vesicular gel to prolong the release of Propranolol hydrochloride upto 24 h with a Cmax value of 83.6 ± 3.0 ng/mL which was higher compared to the marketed tablet of Propranolol hydrochloride [InderalR (40 mg), Abbott India Ltd.] (45.6 ± 3.1 ng/mL). Tissue distribution studies revealed higher percentage of Propranolol hydrochloride in various organs after 24 h of administration of vesicular gel compared to marketed tablet.

Conclusion:

Developed oleic acid vesicular gel could be effective to reduce dosing frequency and avoid side effects of oral Propranol hydrochloride.
A Custom-Designed Recombinant Multiepitope Protein for Human Cytomegalovirus Diagnosis
Authors: Ribeiro Patrícia A.F. , Souza Marilen Q. , Dias Daniel S. , Álvares Alice C. M. , Nogueira Laís M. , Machado Juliana M. , dos Santos José C. , Godoi Renato R. , Nobrega Yanna K.M. , Campos-da-Paz Mariana , de Freitas Sonia M. , Felipe Maria S.S. , Torres Fernando A.G. , Galdino Alexsandro S.
Published: July 2019

Background:

The Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) has infected more than 90% of the world population and its prevalence can be related to the individuals geographical and socialeconomic status. Serological tests based on ELISA are pivotal for HCMV diagnosis. Due to the lack of standardization in the production/purification of antigens from viral preparations, ELISA tests are based on several recombinant proteins or peptides. As an alternative, multiepitope proteins may be employed.

Objective:

In this work, we developed a recombinant multiepitope protein (rMEHCMV) for HCMV diagnosis based on conserved and immunodominant epitopes derived from tegument (pp150, pp65 and pp28), glycoprotein gB (pp38) and DNA polymerase subunit (pp52) of HCMV.

Methods:

The rMEHCMV gene was synthesized de novo and overexpressed in Escherichia coli cells. The recombinant protein was purified to homogeneity using a Ni-NTA column. Biophysical analysis of recombinant protein was performed by circular dichroism. A preliminary biological activity test was performed using 12 positive human sera samples by using an in-house IgG ELISA. The following patents database were consulted: Espacenet, Google Patents and the National Institute of Intellectual Property (INPI, Brazil).

Results:

The recombinant multiepitope protein was successfully expressed in E. coli. The structural data obtained by circular dichroism spectroscopy showed that rMEHCMV is structurally disordered. An in-house IgG ELISA test with rMEHCMV was successfully used to recognized IgG from human serum samples.

Conclusion:

Together, our results show that rMEHCMV should be considered as a potential antigenic target for HCMV diagnosis.
Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide as Photocatalyst and Adsorbent in Wastewater Treatment – A Review
Authors: Shahrodin Nur Shazrynda Md. , Jaafar Juhana , Rahmat Abdul Razak , Yusof Norhaniza , Dzarfan Othman Mohammad Hafiz , Rahman Mukhlis A.
Published: July 2019

Superparamagnetic iron oxide has been applied in different fields for various reasons. Its
abundant availability, non-toxic properties, environmentally friendly and good chemical stability in
aqueous medium are beneficial for water treatment applications. In addition, its low bad gap (2.3 ~ 2.4
eV) has contributed to highly possible electrons-holes activation under the visible light spectrum. On
the realization of iron oxide capabilities as a promising alternative to conventional anatase TiO2 photocatalysts,
this review is presented to critically discuss the photocatalytic behaviour of organic water
pollutants as a function of iron oxide properties. The concluding remarks in terms of the way forward
in the opportunities of iron oxide superparamagnetic properties can benefit towards the photocatalytic
activities including recycling, retrieving and controlling in wastewater treatment.
Improved Domino Logic Circuits and its Application in Wide Fan-In OR Gates
Authors: Bansal Deepika , Nagar Bal Chand , Singh Brahamdeo Prasad , Kumar Ajay
Published: July 2019

Background:

Main concern in efficient VLSI circuit designing is low-power consumption,
high-speed and noise tolerance capability.

Objective:

In this paper, two efficient and high-performance topologies are proposed for cascaded
domino logic using carbon nanotube MOSFETs (CN-MOSFETs). The first topology is designed to
remove the intermediate charge sharing problem without any keeper circuit, whereas the second one
holds the true logic level of the evaluation phase without any voltage drop for next precharge phase.
The proposed topologies are suitable for cascading of the high-performance domino circuits.

Methods:

The proposed domino circuits are tested and verified using Synopsys HSPICE simulator
with 32nm CN-MOSFET technology provided by Stanford University.

Conclusion:

The power delay product of proposed DL-I and DL-II improves by 32.59 % and 40.98 %
for 8-input OR gate as compared to standard logic respectively at the clock frequency of 500 MHz.
The simulation results validate that the proposed circuits improve the performance of pseudo domino
logic with respect to leakage power consumption, delay and unity noise gain.
The Role of Gut Microbiota in Antimicrobial Resistance: A Mini-Review
Authors: Firoozeh Farzaneh , Zibaei Mohammad
Published: July 2019

In the current world, development and spread of antimicrobial resistance among bacteria have
been raised and antimicrobial-resistant bacteria are one of the most important health challenges. The antimicrobial
resistance genes can easily move and transfer among diverse bacterial species and strains. The human
gut microbiota consists of a dense microbial population including trillions of microorganisms. Recently,
studies have shown that the bacteria which make the major part of gut microbiota, harbor a variety of antimicrobial
resistance genes which are called gut resistome. The transfer of resistance genes from commensal bacteria
to gut-resident opportunistic bacteria may involve in the emergence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria.
Thus, the main aim of the current mini-review was to study the mechanisms of exchange of antimicrobial
resistance genes by commensal and opportunistic pathogenic bacteria in the human gut.
Removal of Heavy Metal Contaminants from Wastewater by Using Chlorella vulgaris Beijerinck: A Review
Authors: Manzoor Faezeh , Karbassi Abdolreza , Golzary Abooali
Published: July 2019

Removal of heavy metals is very important in wastewater treatment process, due
to their abundant hazardous effects. There are various chemical and physical methods including
ion exchange, reverse osmosis, electrodialysis, and ultrafiltration for removing
heavy metals from wastewater, but biological treatment has attracted researchers for years
as it is cheap and efficient. Microalgae have a significant capability of absorbing and eliminating
heavy metals from wastewater. One of the most attractive microalgae species for
this application is the Chlorella vulgaris Beijerinck. The current study takes a literature review
of using microalgae species, especially C. vulgaris, with the aim of wastewater heavy
metal treatment. In this regard firstly, various methods of eliminating heavy metals using
microalgae were investigated, and then the application of C. vulgaris in the process of
eliminating heavy metals from wastewater is fully presented. It became obvious that the
use of C. vulgaris application is more helpful in the case of Copper, Lead, Zinc, Cadmium,
and Nickel. Moreover, the main factor affecting heavy metal treatment using C. vulgaris is
the pH of media, and the second effective parameter is temperature that is often considered
about 25°C. The appropriate time period for the treatment was 5-7 days. Generally,
C. vulgaris presented a very favorable efficiency in eliminating various heavy metals and
is capable of removing heavy metals from wastewater to more than 90% on average.
Emerging Marine Immunomodulatory Small-molecules (2010- Present)
Authors: Li Ran , Gu Yu-Cheng , Zhang Wen
Published: July 2019

Background:

Immunomodulation-based therapy has achieved a breakthrough in
the last decade, which stimulates the passion of searching for potential immunomodulatory
substances in recent years.

Objective:

Marine natural products are a unique source of immunomodulatory substances.
This paper summarized the emerging marine natural small-molecules and related synthesized
derivatives with immunomodulatory activities to provide readers an overview of these bioactive
molecules and their potential in immunomodulation therapy.

Conclusion:

An increasing number of immunomodulatory marine small-molecules with diverse
intriguing structure-skeletons were discovered. They may serve as a basis for further
studies of marine natural products for their chemistry, related mechanism of action and structure-
activity relationships.
Novel Carbon-based Solid Acid from Green Pistachio Peel as an Efficient Catalyst for the Chemoselective Acylation, Acetalization and Thioacetalization of Aldehydes, Synthesis of Biscoumarins and Antimicrobial Evaluation
Authors: Ghorbani Fatemeh , Pourmousavi Seied Ali , Kiyani Hamzeh
Published: July 2019

Background:

Much attention has been focused on heterogeneous catalysts. Reactions with
these recoverable and reusable catalysts are clean, selective with high efficiency. Among the heterogeneous
solid acid catalyst in organic synthesis, Carbon-Based Solid Acids (CBSAs), which are important
solid acid with many practical and research applications have been extensively studied. In this
work, green Pistachio peel, a biomass waste, was converted into a novel carbon-based solid acid catalyst
(Pis-SO3H).

Objective:

The aim of this work is to synthesize highly sulfonated carbon as an efficient, recyclable,
nontoxic solid acid catalyst by simultaneous sulfonation, dehydration and carbonization of green Pistachio
peel as biomass and investigate the catalytic activity of Pis-SO3H in acetalization, thioacetalization,
acylation of aldehydes and synthesis of 3,3'-Arylmethylene-bis(4-hydroxycoumarin) derivatives.

Method:

Pis-SO3H was synthesized by an integrated fast one-step hydrothermal carbonization and
sulfonation process in the presence of sulfuric acid. The characterization of the physicochemical properties
of Pis-SO3H was achieved by XRD, FT-IR, FE-SEM, and elemental analysis.

Results:

The result of acid-base titration showed that the total acidity of the catalyst was 7.75 mmol
H+g−1. This new heterogeneous catalyst has been efficiently used for the chemoselective thioacetalization,
acetalization and acylation of aldehyde and the synthesis of biscoumarins under solvent-free conditions.
All the reactions work easily in high yields. The antimicrobial activity of some of the biscoumarins
was evaluated in screening by disk diffusion assay for the zone of inhibition.

Conclusion:

The catalytic activity of the Pis-SO3H was investigated during acetalization, thioacetalization,
acylation and synthesis of biscoumarins. The results of protection of carbonyl groups and synthesis
of biscoumarins in the present work offer effective alternatives for environmentally friendly utilization
of abundant biomass waste.
Determination of Free Fatty Acid Composition in Jatropha Crude Oil and Suitability as Biodiesel Feedstock
Authors: Verma Ravindra , Sharma Dinesh K. , Bisen Prakash S.
Published: July 2019

Background:

Jatropha curcas is one of the most suitable plants which seeds are nonedible
in nature but rich in oil. Around 350 oil bearing crops are found suitable as potential alternative
fuels for diesel engine. Non-edible crop Jatropha curcas has been identified by many experts for
biodiesel production in many countries like India.

Objective:

The objective of this study is to find out the composition of Jatropha curcas oil and its relation
with engine parameters. This research covers selected aspects of physical and chemical relation
of fatty acid composition of Jatropha curcas oil and its fuel properties.

Methods:

A gas-chromatograph with high resolution mass spectrometer was used to determine the
free fatty acid composition of the Jatropha curcas oil sample. The column length, diameter and
thickness were 30m, 0.25mm and 0.25μm respectively. Helium gas was used as carrier gas, column
flow of 1.80 mL/min for the GC.

Results:

The major fatty acids found in Jatropha curcas crude oil were the oleic (3.81%), linoleic
(50%), palmitic fatty (35.66%) acid. Some physical and chemical characteristics have been evaluated
and found suitable for the application in engine. Oxidation stability oxidizability and cetane number
has been calculated as 4.949, 1.076 and found 55.856.

Conclusion:

The physical and chemical properties of Jatropha crude oil are similar to the biodiesel
except the viscosity; therefore, further processing is required. The fuel properties of Jatropha Curcas
oil based biodiesel were found to be within the limits of American Society for Testing and Materials
(ASTM) specifications for biodiesel and diesel fuel.
Respuesta superovulatoria en vacas donantes Brahman usando ablación folicular previo a protocolos de superovulación
Authors: Pérez Sandoval Leonardo , Dubeibe Marin Diego Fernando , Chavez Rodriguez Aldemar , García Jimenez Juan Andres , Velasco Acosta Diego Andres
Published: July 2019

Objetivo. Determinar el efecto de la ablación folicular en el inicio de un protocolo de superovulación (SPO) sobre la respuesta superovulatoria en vacas donantes de raza Brahman. Materiales y métodos. Se utilizaron 20 vacas de raza Brahman, las cuales fueron distribuidas aleatoriamente en dos grupos: Grupo control (G1; n = 10), la sincronización de la onda de crecimiento folicular fue realizada mediante la combinación de estrógenos (2.5 mg, Benzoato de Estradiol) y progestágenos (1 gr, implante intravaginal); cuatro días después se inició el protocolo de SPO con la hormona folículoestimulante porcina (FSHp); y grupo ablación (G2; n = 10), se realizó la ablación folicular y un día después se inició el tratamiento de SPO con FSHp . En los dos grupos la colecta de los embriones se realizó siete días después de la primera inseminación artificial. Resultados. El G2 presentó una mayor proporción de embriones de calidad 1 (p<0.01) en comparación con el G1 (68.60%, 31.22%), mientras que los animales del grupo G1 presentaron una mayor proporción de embriones de calidad 2 (43.04%, 18.60%, p<0.01). Para las variables total de estructuras colectadas, y total de embriones transferibles, no se observaron diferencias significativas (p>0.05). Conclusiones. La ablación folicular aumentó el porcentaje de embriones de calidad 1, sugiriendo que la implementación de esta técnica, como estrategia para sincronizar el inicio de una nueva onda de crecimiento folicular en tratamientos de SPO, mejora la calidad de los embriones producidos en vacas donadoras Brahman.
Sistematización de la prevalencia de Anaplasma spp., en caninos y metanálisis de A. platys y A. phagocytophilum
Authors: Cardona Arias Jaiberth Antonio , Zapata Marín Juliana , Urán Velásquez Johanna Marcela
Published: July 2019

Objetivo. Estimar la prevalencia general de Anaplasma spp. y la prevalencia específica de A. platys y A. phagocytophilum en caninos, mediante estudios publicados entre 2000 y 2018. Materiales y métodos. Revisión sistemática con 14 estrategias de búsqueda, garantizando exhaustividad y reproducibilidad en fases de la guía PRISMA. Se evaluó la calidad con STROBE. Se calcularon frecuencias y se estimó la prevalencia global y las específicas según país, periodo y prueba diagnóstica, con sus intervalos de confianza del 95%. Se realizó Forest Plot para la prevalencia individual y global de A. platys o A. phagocytophilum según PCR, ELISA e IFI, las cuales se compararon con base en el Estadístico Z. Resultados. Se incluyeron 30 estudios con 18.472 caninos, la mayoría de Brasil, Estados Unidos y Alemania. En IFI se halló una prevalencia de 39.0% (IC95%= 37.0-41.0), en ELISA 9.3% (IC95%= 8.8-9.8) y en PCR 7.1% (IC95%= 6.4-7.8). La prevalencia basada en PCR fue estadísticamente mayor en América con 11.9% (IC95%=10.5-13.3) frente a África con 5.5% (IC95%=1.2-9.7), Asia 4.1% (IC95%=3.1-5.1) y Europa 3.5% (IC95%=2.5-4.5). La prevalencia de A. platys con PCR fue 16.1% (IC95%=14.2-17.9) y de A. phagocytophilum 3.7% (IC95%= 2.8-4.6). Conclusiones. Se halló una elevada prevalencia de infección, con mayor importancia de A. platys, en un bajo número de publicaciones en el ámbito mundial y con una elevada heterogeneidad según el país, la técnica diagnóstica y la especie implicada.
Hiperadrenocorticismo atípico e hipotiroidismo canino
Authors: Quishpe Contreras Laura Victoria , Gomes Pöppl Álan
Published: July 2019

El hiperadrenocorticismo (HAC) es una de las endocrinopatías más frecuentes en caninos, producida por la síntesis excesiva de cortisol. El HAC atípico u oculto es un síndrome caracterizado por la presentación de alteraciones clínicas, bioquímicas e imagenológicas compatibles con hipercortisolismo, pero con resultados normales en las pruebas endocrinológicas utilizadas convencionalmente para diagnóstico de HAC. Sin embargo, estos pacientes presentan elevada concentración sérica de precursores u otras hormonas corticoadrenales. El presente estudio describe el caso de una canina hembra, Bichón Frisé de 8 años de edad, epiléptica y tratada con fenobarbital, presentando signos clínicos asociados a HAC, en la que el test de supresión con dexametasona a dosis bajas y de estimulación con ACTH arrojaron valores normales. La medición de esteroides adrenales, post estimulación con ACTH, mostró elevación anormal de estrógenos y progesterona, persistiendo esta última después de que la paciente fuera esterilizada. El tratamiento con trilostano permitió la disminución de los niveles de progesterona y la resolución parcial de los signos clínicos. Sin embargo, la recuperación clínica en su totalidad sólo se obtuvo después del diagnóstico y tratamiento del hipotiroidismo concomıtante. El desafío que representa el diagnóstico del HAC atípico resalta la importancia de realizar y disponer de paneles que incluyan medición de hormonas esteroideas adrenales diferentes al cortisol, además de considerar la ocurrencia de otras enfermedades endocrinas metabólicas concomitantes.
La historia del dengue aún no termina
Authors: Mattar Salim , Montero A Jaime , González Tous Marco
Published: July 2019

La primera epidemia de dengue reportada en las Américas aconteció en el siglo XVIII en Filadelfia, Norte de los Estados Unidos de América y fue descrita por primera vez en 1780 por Benjamín Rush; curiosamente en una zona de clima frio. A partir de ese brote, el dengue ha afectado a la mayoría los países de la región, pero el mayor número de casos se concentra en América Latina y el Caribe.
Retos en el diagnóstico y control del virus de la enfermedad de Marek en Colombia
Authors: Lopez O Sara , Villar A David , Chaparro G Jenny
Published: July 2019

Aunque la industria avícola colombiana ha crecido casi el doble en producción durante la última década, el diagnóstico de agentes infecciosos y caracterización de estos aún es escasa, y es poca la información acerca de las cepas virales circulantes en el país. Dentro de estos agentes se encuentra el Virus de la Enfermedad de Marek (VEM), el cual es un patógeno inmunosupresor que puede causar mortalidad elevada y graves pérdidas en la producción. Aunque es poco probable que ocurran casos clínicos de la enfermedad causada por el VEM, debido a los programas de vacunación generalizada con GaHV-2 (serotipo I) y HVT (serotipo III), la inmunosupresión que causan las infecciones subclínicas puede estar causando pérdidas considerables en la producción avícola nacional. El objetivo de esta revisión es describir brevemente la enfermedad de Marek y el estado actual del estudio de la infección en Colombia.
Caracterización morfológica de la gallina criolla de traspatio de la subregión Sabana departamento de Sucre (Colombia)
Authors: Montes Vergara Donicer , De la Ossa V Jaime , Hernández H Darwin
Published: July 2019

Objetivo. Caracterizar morfométrica y faneróptica de la gallina Criolla de traspatio de la subregión Sabana, departamento de Sucre (Colombia). Materiales y métodos. Se evaluaron 520 animales adultos criollos (350 gallinas y 170 gallos), en el periodo 2017-2018, ubicados en 10 localidades de la subregión Sabanas del departamento de Sucre Colombia. Se recolectó la información en un formato de encuesta integrado por variables cuantitativas y cualitativas. Los datos obtenidos fueron sometidos a análisis descriptivos univariado para muestras independiente. Además, se empleó la técnica de análisis de varianza. Las comparaciones entre machos y hembras se realizaron mediante una prueba de t. Los análisis fueron realizados usando paquete estadístico R. Resultados. Los descriptores analizados mostraron superioridad de los gallos sobre las gallinas (p<0.05). El análisis de varianza en la población de hembras con respecto al peso, determinó que existen diferencias significativas (p<0.05). Las características morfológicas y fanerópticas estudiadas, describen un ave de metatarso amarillo, con color de plumaje que combinan tonalidades marrones, negras, gris y blanco, la morfología y distribución de las plumas en la mayoría de las aves es de característica normal (lisa típica), con distribución uniforme a lo largo del cuerpo, aunque se pueden encontrar ejemplares con patrones de plumaje diferente. Conclusiones. Se pudo observar una amplia variación entre animales procedentes de las 10 localidades estudiadas. Se evidencia una diferenciación tipológica con relación al peso y al tamaño del tarso,  en los animales evaluados, lo que puede ser utilizado como criterio de selección.
Las zoonosis reemergentes bajo el enfoque de “Una salud”
Authors: Marbán-Castro Elena , Mattar Salim , González Tous Marco
Published: July 2019

La Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) definió en 2004 las zoonosis emergentes como aquellas recientemente descubiertas o descritas previamente pero que han evidenciado un incremento de su incidencia, expansión geográfica o variedad de huéspedes o vectores (1). El 60% de las enfermedades infecciosas que afectan al ser humano son de origen zoonótico (2) y casi un 20% de todas ellas son transmitidas por vectores. Esto refuerza la conexión entre la salud animal, humana y ambiental y la importancia del estudio de estas enfermedades en su ámbito biológico, ecológico, médico y económico para promover y garantizar la salud global.
Standards for Mobile Health–Related Apps: Systematic Review and Development of a Guide
Authors: Llorens-Vernet Pere , Miró Jordi
Published: July 2019

Background

In recent years, the considerable increase in the number of mobile health (mHealth) apps has made health care more accessible and affordable for all. However, the exponential growth in mHealth solutions has occurred with almost no control or regulation of any kind. Despite some recent initiatives, there is still no specific regulation procedure, accreditation system, or standards to help the development of the apps, mitigate risks, or guarantee quality.

Objective

The main aim of this study was to propose a set of criteria for mHealth-related apps on the basis of what is available from published studies, guidelines, and standards in the various areas that are related to health app development.

Methods

We used three sources of information to identify the most important criteria. First, we conducted a systematic review of all the studies published on pain-related apps. Second, we searched for health app recommendations on the websites of professional organizations. Third, we looked for standards governing the development of software for medical devices on the specialized websites of regulatory organizations. Then, we grouped and subsumed the criteria we had identified on the basis of their shared characteristics. Finally, the comprehensibility and perceived importance of the resulting criteria were evaluated for face validity with a group of 18 stakeholders.

Results

We identified a total of 503 criteria from all sources, which, after close analysis, were grouped into eight different categories, including 36 important criteria for health apps. The resulting categories were usability, privacy, security, appropriateness and suitability, transparency and content, safety, technical support and updates, and technology. The results of the preliminary analysis showed that the criteria were mostly understood by the group of stakeholders. In addition, they perceived all of them as important.

Conclusions

This set of criteria can help health care providers, developers, patients, and other stakeholders to guide the development of mHealth-related apps and, potentially, to measure the quality of an mHealth app.