bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Yield, Nitrogen Dynamics, and Fertilizer Use Efficiency in Machine-harvested Cucumber
Authors: Van Eerd Laura L. , O'Reilly Kelsey A.
Published: February 2020

The increase in fertilizer costs as well as environmental concerns has stimulated growers to re-evaluate their fertilizer applications to optimize nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) while maintaining crop yields and minimizing N losses. With these objectives, field trials were conducted at seven sites with five N rates (0 to 220 kg N/ha) of ammonium-nitrate applied preplant broadcast and incorporated as well as a split application treatment of 65 + 45 kg N/ha. In three contrasting years (i.e., cool/wet versus warm/dry versus average), N treatment had no observable effect on grade size distribution or brine quality. Based on the zero N control treatment, the limited yield response to fertilizer N was the result of sufficient plant-available N over the growing season. In the N budget, there was no difference between N treatments in crop N removal, but there was a positive linear relationship between N applied and the quantity of N in crop residue as well as in the soil after harvest. As expected, apparent fertilizer N recovery and N uptake efficiency were lower at 220 versus 110 kg N/ha applied preplant or split. The preplant and split applications of 110 kg N/ha were not different in yield, overall N budget, or NUE. Considering the short growing season, planting into warm soils, and the generally productive, nonresponsive soils in the region, growers should consider reducing or eliminating fertilizer N applications in machine-harvested cucumber.
Dollar Spot Severity as Influenced by Fungicide Mode of Activity and Spray Nozzle
Authors: Kaminski John E. , Fidanza Michael A.
Published: February 2020

Dollar spot, caused by Sclerotinia homoeocarpa, is a severe disease of highly maintained turfgrass. Improving the efficacy of fungicides when applied in relatively low water volumes may be possible through the optimization of nozzle selection. The objectives of this research were to evaluate fungicide efficacy when delivered through five different nozzle types and to elucidate any potential interactions between fungicide mode of activity and nozzle type. Research was conducted at four locations in Pennsylvania and Connecticut in 2005. Chlorothalonil (contact mode of activity) and propiconazole (acropetal penetrant mode of activity) were applied alone or tank-mixed and delivered through five different nozzles. At all sites, no fungicide-by-nozzle interactions were observed, and dollar spot suppression was generally greatest when fungicides were tank-mixed. The TurfJet 1/4TTJ04 nozzle generally provided the poorest level of control when compared with all other nozzles (i.e., Air Induction AI11004, Turbo TeeJet TT11003, and XR TeeJet XR11003 or XR11004). Although the impact of nozzle type was not as pronounced under low to moderate disease pressure, nozzles that produce fine to coarse water droplets (i.e., Turbo TeeJet or XR TeeJet) or the Air Induction (AI) nozzle were associated with the best suppression under severe dollar spot pressure. Despite producing a very coarse droplet, the AI nozzle also facilitated excellent suppression of dollar spot under severe disease pressure. The use of AI-type nozzles may improve the efficacy of fungicides used to control foliar diseases while at the same time minimize the potential for drift to off-site targets.
Specific perception of the problem of tuberculosis by physicians from primary medical care
Authors: Chelnokova O. G. , Golovanova M. N. , Senin I. G.
Published: February 2020

The objective: to study the perception of the problem of tuberculosis in physicians working in primary medical care and enhance motivation to implement tuberculosis control activities.

Subjects and methods. A questionnaire survey was conducted in 114 physicians from primary medical care before and after the lecture on phthisiology. A subjective assessment of the knowledge on tuberculosis (self-assessment) and results of an objective assessment were studied and compared.

Results. 30% of physicians had the fear of getting infected and developing tuberculosis. The level of theoretical phthisiologic knowledge among physicians from primary medical care is insufficient; the self-assessment of this knowledge is overstated in 58.8%.
The nature of Zn-phyllosilicates in the nonsulfide Mina Grande and Cristal zinc deposits (Bongará District, Northern Peru): The TEM-HRTEM and AEM perspective
Authors: Balassone Giuseppina , Scognamiglio Valentina , Nieto Fernando , Mondillo Nicola , Boni Maria , Cappelletti Piergiulio , Arfè Giuseppe
Published: February 2020

Zn-phyllosilicates are common minerals in nonsulfide Zn deposits and can give crucial information about the genesis of these oxidized mineralizations. They seldom represent the prevailing economic species but might have a significant impact on mineral processing. This study has been carried out on the Mina Grande and Cristal Zn-sulfide/nonsulfide deposits, which occur in the Bongará district (Amazonas region, northern Peru). The Cristal and Mina Grande orebodies are hosted by the sedimentary (prevailingly carbonate) successions of the Pucará Group (Condorsinga formation, Lower Jurassic), in an area affected by Neogene tectonics and characterized by Late Miocene and Pliocene-Early Pleistocene uplift phases (Andean and Quechua tectonic pulses). The Cristal deposit consists of both sulfide (sphalerite with minor pyrite and galena) and nonsulfide concentrations. The nonsulfides consists of smithsonite, hemimorphite, hydrozincite, chalcophanite, goethite, and greenockite, locally associated with Zn-bearing phyllosilicates. The Mina Grande deposit consists almost exclusively of Zn-oxidized minerals in limestone host rocks. The nonsulfides association consists of hydrozincite, hemimorphite, smithsonite, fraipontite, and Fe-(hydr)oxides, also containing a clayey fraction. The study deals with TEM-HRTEM and AEM investigations on clayey materials, to determine their crystal-chemical features and the origin of the complex Zn-clays-bearing parageneses. In both deposits, Zn-bearing illites (1Md and 2M polytypes) and I/S clay minerals (I3) are the main detected phases, with few compositions close to (Zn-bearing) muscovite. In the clayey fraction at Mina Grande, fraipontite, a Zn-bearing mica called K-deficient hendricksite, and (Zn-bearing) kaolinite also occur. Zn-illites and smectites (always containing Zn in variable amounts) characterize the mineral association at Cristal. The investigated compositional gap between di- and tri-octahedral Zn-phyllosilicates gives indications on the genetic relationships between them and advances on the knowledge of these species. The present work gives an insight into the Zn-bearing phyllosilicates systems by determining the amount/mode of metal incorporation in their lattices and understanding the relationships of natural occurring clay-rich complex associations, which can act as models for possible synthetic counterparts.
Radiation-induced defects in montebrasite: An electron paramagnetic resonance study of O – hole and Ti3+ electron centers
Authors: Toledo José R. , de Oliveira Raphaela , Dias Lorena N. , Chaves Mário L.C. , Karfunkel Joachim , Scholz Ricardo , Pinheiro Maurício V.B. , Krambrock Klaus
Published: February 2020

Montebrasite is a lithium aluminum phosphate mineral with the chemical formula LiAlPO4(Fx,OH1–x) and considered a rare gemstone material when exhibiting good crystallinity. In general, montebrasite is colorless, sometimes pale yellow or pale blue. Many minerals that do not have colors contain hydroxyl ions in their crystal structures and can develop color centers after ionization or particle irradiation, examples of which are topaz, quartz, and tourmaline. The color centers in these minerals are often related to O− hole centers, where the color is produced by bound small polarons inducing absorption bands in the near UV to the visible spectral range. In this work, colorless montebrasite specimens from Minas Gerais state, Brazil, were investigated by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) for radiation-induced defects and color centers. Although γ irradiation (up to a total dose of 1 MGy) did not visibly modify color, a 10 MeV electron irradiation (80 MGy) induced a pale greenish-blue color. Using EPR, O− hole centers were identified in both γ- or electron-irradiated montebrasite samples showing superhyperfine interactions with two nearly equivalent 27Al nuclei. In addition, two different Ti3+ electron centers were also observed. From the γ irradiation dose dependency and thermal stability experiments, it is concluded that production of O− hole centers is limited by simultaneous creation of Ti3+ electron centers located between two equivalent hydroxyl groups. In contrast, the concentration of O− hole centers can be strongly increased by high-dose electron irradiation independent of the type of Ti3+ electron centers. From detailed analysis of the EPR angular rotation patterns, microscopic models for the O− hole and Ti3+ electron centers are presented, as well as their role in the formation of color centers discussed and compared to other minerals.
An integrated approach to assessing the level of fiscal policy decentralization
Authors: Shevchuk Oleg , Martynenko Valentyna
Published: February 2020

The main purpose of this study is to introduce an integrated approach to the methodology of assessing the level of fiscal policy decentralization. It is proposed to evaluate the fiscal policy decentralization of the state according to three functional components: decentralization of the process of local budget revenues formation (includes five indicators); decentralization of local budget structure (includes six indicators); decentralization of intergovernmental budgetary relations (includes five indicators). The expediency of forming an integral indicator of the level of fiscal policy decentralization as the geometric mean of three sub-indexes formed by its main functional components is substantiated. It has been proved that the level of fiscal decentralization in Ukraine decreased at the end of 2017, compared to 2004, but was medium with acceptable risks of fiscal policy modernization. Instead, in 2014, the lowest numerical value of the decentralization level was recorded, which corresponded to the critical level of the integral indicator with significant obstacles to the modernization of fiscal policy. The results obtained confirm the feasibility of implementing the decentralization reform in Ukraine, which started in 2014, and demonstrate its effectiveness.
Human resource management in promoting innovation and organizational performance
Authors: Gede Riana I , Suparna Gede , Gusti Made Suwandana I , Kot Sebastian , Rajiani Ismi
Published: February 2020

Human resource management (HRM) is one of the elements enabling an organization to remain competitive in turbulence conditions. The effective practice of HRM makes competent and innovative employees contributing to the achievement of organizational objectives. This study aims to analyze HRM practices in creating innovation and organizational performance. The questionnaire was used to measure the respondents’ perceptions of variables used by a Likert scale. A survey of 126 manager samples and middle managers at export-oriented short and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Bali, Indonesia, was conducted to test the model. The analysis has shown that the proposed model was proven to be compliant with the research hypotheses. HRM significantly affects organizational performance and innovation, and it was found out that innovation can improve organizational performance. However, in the process of simultaneous testing, it was found out that innovation cannot improve organizational performance. The lack of attention to investments in human resources became one of the barriers to SMEs in creating innovation.
Pemberdayaan Masjid sebagai Fungsi Sosial dan Ekonomi bagi Jamaah Pemegang Saham Unit Usaha Bersama
Authors: Suryorini Ariana
Published: February 2020

The function of the mosque is very universal, other than in the religious field, the mosque also has other functions which include religious/worship functions, educational functions, unifying functions of the people, social functions and economic functions. Islam places the mosque in a strategic position. Considering the strategic function of the mosque, it is necessary to provide good guidance, in terms of the physical building and the aspects of its prosperity. The mosque is expected to be a center of social and economic activity for its worshipers, not just a center for worship activities. Mosque empowerment is very important because it can provide a positive perspective related to the utilization of human resources through the empowerment of mosques for the welfare of Muslims. In the economic function of the empowerment of the Sirathal Mustaqim mosque through the activities of the Joint Business Unit (UB), whose ownership is pilgrims who have equity participation or capital ownership, which they refer to as shares of the business units they run, where profits are distributed to the owners or accompanying members of the capital in a meeting of capital owner members every year. The Joint Business Unit (UB) is named UB Rejeki Barokah, whose economic function activities are very diverse, both in the retail business of kiosks, services and goods credit business.

 

Fungsi masjid sangat universal, selain di bidang keagamaan, masjid juga mempunyai fungsi lain yang meliputi fungsi keagamaan/peribadatan, fungsi pendidikan, fungsi pemersatu umat, fungsi sosial dan fungsi ekonomi. Islam menempatkan masjid dalam posisi yang strategis. Mengingat fungsi masjid yang strategis maka perlu pembinaan secara baik, dari segi fisik bangunan maupun segi kegiatan pemakmurannnya. Masjid diharapkan bisa menjadi pusat aktivitas sosial dan ekonomi bagi para jamaahnya, tidak hanya menjadi pusat kegiatan ibadah saja. Pemberdayaan masjid menjadi hal yang sangat penting karena dapat memberikan perspektif positif terkait pemanfaatan sumber daya manusia melalui pemberdayaan masjid untuk kesejahteraan umat Islam. Dalam fungsi ekonomi pemberdayaan masjid Sirathal Mustaqim melalui aktivitas unit Usaha Bersama (UB), yang kepemilikannya adalah jamaah yang mempunyai penyertaan atau kepemilikan modal, yang mereka sebut seperti saham dari unit usaha yang mereka jalankan, dimana keuntungannya dibagikan kepada jamaah pemilik atau penyerta modal tersebut dalam rapat anggota Pemilik modal setiap tahunnya. Unit Usaha Bersama (UB) tersebut bernama UB Rejeki Barokah, yang aktivitas fungsi ekononominya sangat beragam, baik dalam usaha retail kios, jasa maupun usaha perkreditan barang.
Treatment of high-concentration chromium-containing wastewater by sulfate-reducing bacteria acclimated with ethanol
Authors: Li Xilin , Fan Ming , Liu Ling , Chang Jinghua , Zhang Jiawen
Published: February 2020

In order to solve the problem of difficult treatment of high-concentration chromium-containing wastewater, sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) with a high tolerance of hexavalent chromium and a strong ability to reduce the compound were isolated from sludge from a sedimentation tank in a leather industrial park and was identified as Desulfovibrio by morphological observation, routine physiological and biochemical determination, 16S rDNA sequencing and phylogenetic tree construction. After ethanol acclimation, a strain of SRB that could reduce chromium (CR-1) was selected as the research object. The optimum growth conditions for hexavalent chromium removal by the strain were determined by single-factor analysis. The chromium removal mechanism of the strain was analyzed, and a kinetic model of the reduction process was established. The chromium-reducing ability of the strain was 500 mg/L, the optimum pH value was 7, the optimum temperature was 35 °C, the optimum cultivation time was 24 h, and the optimum ratio of bacteria to waste (volume ratio of bacterial solution dosage and chromium-containing wastewater) was 1:5. The mechanism of treatment of Cr(VI) by this strain is mainly based on the reduction of Cr(VI) by H2S accumulated in the cultured bacterial solution and the small amount of H2S generated by bacterial reductase, bacterial growth and SO42− reduction in the waste liquid.
As tecnologias de informação e de comunicação no processo de ensino e de aprendizagem
Authors: Moro Eliane Lourdes da Silva , Estabel Lizandra Brasil
Published: February 2020

Este artigo aborda aspectos sobre a Sociedade da Informação, a Sociedade do Conhecimento e da Aprendizagem, de uma maneira ampla em seus paradigmas. Apresenta uma breve reflexão sobre o papel do professor nos processos de ensino e de aprendizagem exercendo a função de educador e de mediador propiciando aos estudantes o acesso e o uso das Tecnologias de Informação e de Comunicação (TIC) no ambiente escolar. Aborda a pesquisa escolar como uma das principais atividades do processo de ensinar e de aprender no decorrer da vivência de escolarização desde os anos iniciais do Ensino Infantil aos anos finais do Ensino Médio. Este cenário escolar ocupa diferentes espaços, como a sala de aula, a biblioteca, os laboratórios de Ciências e de Informática. Apresenta os personagens principais que atuam nesse cenário formado pelos professores, estudantes e bibliotecárias. Destaca os quatro pilares sugeridos pela UNESCO para serem implementados pela escola: aprender a conhecer; aprender a fazer; aprender a viver juntos e aprender a ser.
Self-Assembly of Cyclic Dipeptides: Platforms for Functional Materials
Authors: Chen Yu , Tao Kai , Ji Wei , Makam Pandeeswar , Rencus-Lazar Sigal , Gazit Ehud
Published: February 2020

Supramolecular self-assembled functional materials comprised of cyclic dipeptide
building blocks have excellent prospects for biotechnology applications due to their exceptional
structural rigidity, morphological flexibility, ease of preparation and modification. Although the
pharmacological uses of many natural cyclic dipeptides have been studied in detail, relatively little
is reported on the engineering of these supramolecular architectures for the fabrication of functional
materials. In this review, we discuss the progress in the design, synthesis, and characterization of
cyclic dipeptide supramolecular nanomaterials over the past few decades, highlighting applications
in biotechnology and optoelectronics engineering.
Applications of Micro/Nanotechnology in Ultrasound-based Drug Delivery and Therapy for Tumor
Authors: Sun Suhui , Wang Ping , Sun Sujuan , Liang Xiaolong
Published: February 2020

Ultrasound has been broadly used in biomedicine for both tumor diagnosis as well as therapy.
The applications of recent developments in micro/nanotechnology promote the development of
ultrasound-based biomedicine, especially in the field of ultrasound-based drug delivery and tumor
therapy. Ultrasound can activate nano-sized drug delivery systems by different mechanisms for ultrasound-
triggered on-demand drug release targeted only at the tumor sites. Ultrasound Targeted Microbubble
Destruction (UTMD) technology can not only increase the permeability of vasculature and cell
membrane via sonoporation effect but also achieve in situ conversion of microbubbles into nanoparticles
to promote cellular uptake and therapeutic efficacy. Furthermore, High Intensity Focused Ultrasound
(HIFU), or Sonodynamic Therapy (SDT), is considered to be one of the most promising and
representative non-invasive treatment for cancer. However, their application in the treatment process is
still limited due to their critical treatment efficiency issues. Fortunately, recently developed
micro/nanotechnology offer an opportunity to solve these problems, thus improving the therapeutic
effect of cancer. This review summarizes and discusses the recent developments in the design of micro-
and nano- materials for ultrasound-based biomedicine applications.
Vesicular Transport Machinery in Brain Endothelial Cells: What We Know and What We Do not
Authors: Toth Andrea E. , Holst Mikkel R. , Nielsen Morten S.
Published: February 2020

The vesicular transport machinery regulates numerous essential functions in cells such as cell polarity, signaling pathways, and the transport of receptors and their cargoes. From a pharmaceutical perspective, vesicular transport offers avenues to facilitate the uptake of therapeutic agents into cells and across cellular barriers. In order to improve receptor-mediated transcytosis of biologics across the blood-brain barrier and into the diseased brain, a detailed understanding of intracellular transport mechanisms is essential. The vesicular transport machinery is a highly complex network and involves an array of protein complexes, cytosolic adaptor proteins, and the subcellular structures of the endo-lysosomal system. The endo-lysosomal system includes several types of vesicular entities such as early, late, and recycling endosomes, exosomes, ectosomes, retromer-coated vesicles, lysosomes, trans-endothelial channels, and tubules. While extensive research has been done on the trafficking system in many cell types, little is known about vesicular trafficking in brain endothelial cells. Consequently, assumptions on the transport system in endothelial cells are based on findings in polarised epithelial cells, although recent studies have highlighted differences in the endothelial system. This review highlights aspects of the vesicular trafficking machinery in brain endothelial cells, including recent findings, limitations, and opportunities for further studies.
Pine Bark Phenolic Extracts, Current Uses, and Potential Food Applications: A Review
Authors: Dridi Wafa , Bordenave Nicolas
Published: February 2020

Purpose:

To summarize the main findings from research on food uses of Pine Bark Phenolic Extracts
(PBPE), their origin, methods of extraction, composition, health effects, and incorporation into food products.

Methods:

A narrative review of all the relevant papers known to the authors was conducted.

Results:

PBPE are mainly extracted from the bark Pinus pinaster. They are generally rich in procyanidins and
their effects on health in the form of nutritional supplements include effect on some forms of cancer, on diabetes,
on eye and skin health. Their method of extraction influences greatly their composition and yield, and commercially
suitable methods are still to be developed. Incorporation into food products raises challenges related to
bioavailability and subsequent bioactivity and sensory properties of the final products.

Conclusion:

PBPE represent an opportunity for the development of functional foods with phenolic-rich bioactive
compounds.
Hormonal Male Contraception
Authors: Giwercman Aleksander
Published: February 2020

The demand for availability of efficient and safe contraceptive methods is strengthened by the predictions
made by the United Nations regarding the future growth of the human population. So far, women are not
only the main victims of the unsafe procedures related to terminating unwished pregnancies but do also carry the
main responsibility for family planning. There is a significant desire among men for sharing this responsibility
and a substantial proportion of females are willing to trust their male partners in regard to the use of contraception.

Therefore, there is a need for developing new reversible, safe, effective, acceptable, affordable and available
methods of male contraception. Thus, hormonal manipulation resulting in the suppression of sperm production
seems, so far, to be the most feasible approach to achieve the above-mentioned goal.

Several strategies of such hormonal manipulation have been tested. Most of them are based on the administration
of more or less supra-physiological doses of exogenous testosterone, alone or in combination with other means of
endocrine suppression of gonadotropin secretion.

Although, so far, the goal of hormonal male contraception fulfilling the above-mentioned criteria, has not yet
been achieved; continuing development of new molecules, gives hope for the near future.
Formulation Strategies of Nano Lipid Carrier for Effective Brain Targeting of Anti-AD Drugs
Authors: Alexander Amit , Agrawal Mukta , Saraf Swarnlata , Saraf Shailendra , Ajazuddin  , Chougule Mahavir B.
Published: February 2020

NLC is a next-generation lipid nanocarrier, which holds many advantages over other colloidal lipid
carrier systems like higher drug loading, better and controlled release and enhanced stability. Owing to the unique
structural composition, i.e. crystallized solid and liquid lipid blend, it offers excellent biocompatibility and higher
permeation across physiological membranes like BBB. Moreover, the surface of NLC can easily be modified with
target-specific ligands, proteins, peptides, etc. which makes it a potential candidate for brain targeting of CNS
acting drugs. NLC has found various applications for the treatment of various CNS disorders including Alzheimer’s
disease, Parkinson’s disease, schizophrenia, epilepsy, migraine, cerebral ischemia, etc. Among these, the
application of NLC towards the treatment of AD has been well-explored in the past two decades. In this piece of
work, we have discussed the types of NLC, its composition, fabrication techniques, characterization, stability
profile and application in the treatment of AD.
The Physiologic Activity and Mechanism of Quercetin-Like Natural Plant Flavonoids
Authors: Chen Wujun , Wang Shuai , Wu Yudong , Shen Xin , Xu Shutan , Guo Zhu , Zhang Renshuai , Xing Dongming
Published: February 2020

The term “vitamin P” is an old but interesting concept. Most substances in this category belong
to the family of flavonoids. “Vitamin P” has also been used to define the activity of some flavonoids,
including quercetin, myricetin, and rutin. According to experimental studies, the “quercetin-like
natural plant flavonoids” are beneficial to the body due to their various physiological and pharmacological
activities in large doses (5 μM in vitro, 50 mg/kg in mice and 100 mg/kg in rats). The physiologically
achievable concentration is 10 to 100 nM, which is quite high and hard to achieve from a
normal diet. Thus, the physiologic activity and mechanism of "vitamin P" are still not clear. It should
be noted that the quercetin-like natural plant flavonoids are physiological co-factors of cyclooxygenases
(COXs), which are the rate-limiting key enzymes of prostaglandins. These quercetin-like natural
plant flavonoids can strongly stimulate prostaglandin levels at lower doses (10 nM in vitro and in 0.1
mg/kg in vivo in rats). Although these "vitamin P" substances are not original substances in the body,
their physiological functions affect the body. This review is focused on the most compelling evidence
regarding the physiologic role and mechanism of quercetin-like natural plant flavonoids, which may be
useful in understanding the physiological functions of "vitamin P", with the goal of focusing on the
role of flavonoids in human physiological health.
Gastrointestinal Interaction between Dietary Amino Acids and Gut Microbiota: With Special Emphasis on Host Nutrition
Authors: Abdallah Abedin , Elemba Evera , Zhong Qingzhen , Sun Zewei
Published: February 2020

The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of humans and animals is host to a complex community of
different microorganisms whose activities significantly influence host nutrition and health through
enhanced metabolic capabilities, protection against pathogens, and regulation of the gastrointestinal
development and immune system. New molecular technologies and concepts have revealed distinct
interactions between the gut microbiota and dietary amino acids (AAs) especially in relation to AA
metabolism and utilization in resident bacteria in the digestive tract, and these interactions may play
significant roles in host nutrition and health as well as the efficiency of dietary AA supplementation.
After the protein is digested and AAs and peptides are absorbed in the small intestine, significant levels
of endogenous and exogenous nitrogenous compounds enter the large intestine through the ileocaecal
junction. Once they move in the colonic lumen, these compounds are not markedly absorbed by the
large intestinal mucosa, but undergo intense proteolysis by colonic microbiota leading to the release of
peptides and AAs and result in the production of numerous bacterial metabolites such as ammonia,
amines, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), branched-chain fatty acids (BCFAs), hydrogen sulfide, organic
acids, and phenols. These metabolites influence various signaling pathways in epithelial cells,
regulate the mucosal immune system in the host, and modulate gene expression of bacteria which results
in the synthesis of enzymes associated with AA metabolism. This review aims to summarize the
current literature relating to how the interactions between dietary amino acids and gut microbiota may
promote host nutrition and health.
Fermentation and Metabolism of Dietary Protein by Intestinal Microorganisms
Authors: Zhang Ke , Wang Nan , Lu Lin , Ma Xi
Published: February 2020

Dietary protein is linked to the intestinal microorganisms. The decomposition of dietary
protein can provide nutrients for microbial growth, which in turn can ferment protein to produce some
metabolites. This review elaborates that the effects of different protein levels and types on intestinal
microorganisms and their metabolites fermented by intestinal microorganisms, as well as the effects of
these metabolites on organisms. It is well known that intestinal microbial imbalance can cause some
diseases. Dietary protein supplementation can alter the composition of intestinal microorganisms and
thus regulates the body health. However, protein can also produce some harmful metabolites. Therefore,
how to rationally supplement protein is particularly important.
Plant Virus Nanoparticles for Vaccine Applications
Authors: Santoni Mattia , Zampieri Roberta , Avesani Linda
Published: February 2020

:

In the rapidly evolving field of nanotechnology, plant virus nanoparticles (pVNPs) are
emerging as powerful tools in diverse applications ranging from biomedicine to materials science. The
proteinaceous structure of plant viruses allows the capsid structure to be modified by genetic engineering
and/or chemical conjugation with nanoscale precision. This means that pVNPs can be engineered
to display peptides and proteins on their external surface, including immunodominant peptides derived
from pathogens allowing pVNPs to be used for active immunization. In this context, pVNPs are safer
than VNPs derived from mammalian viruses because there is no risk of infection or reversion to pathogenicity.
Furthermore, pVNPs can be produced rapidly and inexpensively in natural host plants or
heterologous production platforms.

:

In this review, we discuss the use of pVNPs for the delivery of peptide antigens to the host immune in
pre-clinical studies with the final aim of promoting systemic immunity against the corresponding
pathogens. Furthermore, we described the versatility of plant viruses, with innate immunostimulatory
properties, in providing a huge natural resource of carriers that can be used to develop the next generation
of sustainable vaccines.
Prospective Application of Aptamer-based Assays and Therapeutics in Bloodstream Infections
Authors: Li Weibin
Published: February 2020

Sepsis is still a severe health problem worldwide with high morbidity and mortality. Blood
bacterial culture remains the gold standard for the detection of pathogenic bacteria in bloodstream infections,
but it is time-consuming, and both the sophisticated equipment and well-trained personnel are
required. Immunoassays and genetic diagnosis are expensive and limited to specificity and sensitivity.
Aptamers are single-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (ssDNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA) oligonucleotide
or peptide sequence generated in vitro based on the binding affinity of aptamer-target by a process
known as Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX). By taking several
advantages over monoclonal antibodies and other conventional small-molecule therapeutics, such as
high specificity and affinity, negligible batch-to-batch variation, flexible modification and production,
thermal stability, low immunogenicity and lack of toxicity, aptamers are presently becoming promising
novel diagnostic and therapeutic agents. This review describes the prospective application of aptamerbased
laboratory diagnostic assays and therapeutics for pathogenic bacteria and toxins in bloodstream
infections.
The Application of the Combination of Monte Carlo Optimization Method based QSAR Modeling and Molecular Docking in Drug Design and Development
Authors: Zivkovic Maja , Zlatanovic Marko , Zlatanovic Nevena , Golubović Mladjan , Veselinović Aleksandar M.
Published: February 2020

In recent years, one of the promising approaches in the QSAR modeling Monte Carlo optimization
approach as conformation independent method, has emerged. Monte Carlo optimization has
proven to be a valuable tool in chemoinformatics, and this review presents its application in drug discovery
and design. In this review, the basic principles and important features of these methods are discussed
as well as the advantages of conformation independent optimal descriptors developed from the
molecular graph and the Simplified Molecular Input Line Entry System (SMILES) notation compared
to commonly used descriptors in QSAR modeling. This review presents the summary of obtained results
from Monte Carlo optimization-based QSAR modeling with the further addition of molecular
docking studies applied for various pharmacologically important endpoints. SMILES notation based
optimal descriptors, defined as molecular fragments, identified as main contributors to the increase/
decrease of biological activity, which are used further to design compounds with targeted activity
based on computer calculation, are presented. In this mini-review, research papers in which molecular
docking was applied as an additional method to design molecules to validate their activity further,
are summarized. These papers present a very good correlation among results obtained from Monte
Carlo optimization modeling and molecular docking studies.
Amyloid β-induced Mesenteric Inflammation in an Alzheimer’s Disease Transgenic Mouse Model
Authors: Ano Yasuhisa , Ikado Kumiko , Uchida Kazuyuki , Nakayama Hiroyuki
Published: February 2020

Background:

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder histopathologically
characterized by the accumulation of amyloid β (Aβ) peptides and inflammation associated with activated
microglia. These features are well investigated in the central nervous system using AD-model
mice; however, peripheral inflammation in these mice has not been investigated well.

Objective:

We evaluated the inflammatory responses, especially myeloid dendritic cells (mDCs), in peripheral
lymphoid tissues in AD-model mice to determine their association with Aβ deposition.

Methods:

We collected lymphocytes from mesenteric lymphoid nodes (MLNs) and Peyer’s patches
(PPs) of 5×FAD transgenic mice used as an AD model. Lymphocytes were analyzed using a flow cytometer
to characterize mDCs and T cells. Collected lymphocytes were treated with Aβ1-42 ex vivo to
evaluate the inflammatory response.

Results:

We observed elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines including interleukin
(IL)-12 and macrophage inflammatory protein-1α in mDCs from MLNs and PPs and reduced levels of
programmed death-ligand-1, an immunosuppressive co-stimulatory molecule, on the surface of mDCs
from 5×FAD mice. Additionally, we found increases in interferon (IFN)-γ-producing CD4- or CD8-
positive T cells in MLNs were increased in 5αFAD mice. Moreover, ex vivo treatment with Aβ peptides
increased the production of IL-12 and IFN-γ by lymphocytes from 5×FAD mice.

Conclusion:

The present study showed that pro-inflammatory mDC and T cells were induced in MLNs
and PPs of 5×FAD mice.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of New Naphthoquinones Derivatives
Authors: Ourhzif El-Mahdi , Decombat Caroline , Abrunhosa-Thomas Isabelle , Delort Laetitia , Khouili Mostafa , Akssira Mohamed , Caldefie-Chezet Florence , Chalard Pierre , Troin Yves
Published: February 2020

:

New substituted 1,4-naphthoquinones have been prepared in good overall yields through the
naphthol route. The cytotoxicity of these compounds was tested in vitro on MCF-7 breast tumor cells. The
most active compound 14 displayed an IC50 of 15μM.

Objective:

To investigate the cytotoxicity of new naphthoquinones derivatives on MCF-7 cells.

Methods:

Synthesis of new naphtoquinones derivatives and in vitro evaluation of their cytotoxicity on MCF-7
cells (rezasurin cell-based assay).

Results:

Starting from Ethyl 4-hydroxy-6,7-dimethoxy-2-naphthoate, four naphthoquinones were prepared and
exhibited substantial cytotoxicity against MCF-7 cells.

Conclusion:

Preliminary studies of the structure-activity relationship have shown the influence of the structural
parameters and, in particular, the nature of the naphthoquinone side chain.
Phytochemical and Pharmacophoric Fragment Based Anticancer Drug Development
Authors: Rochlani S.P. , Dahiwade L.K. , Choudhari P.B.
Published: February 2020

Background:

Cancer is the leading cause of death in the current decade. With the advancement
in scientific technologies various treatments had been introduced but they suffer from
numerous side effects. The root cause of cancer is alteration in the cell cycle which generates cancerous
cells. Development of new lead which specifically target cancerous cells is needed to reduce
the side effect and to overcome multidrug resistance.

Objective:

Design and development of anticancer leads targeting colchicine site of microtubules using
structurally screened phytofragments is the primary objective of this work.

Materials and Methods:

Bioactive fragments of phytoconstituents were identified from a large dataset
of phytochemicals. The identified phytofragments were used to design structures which were
screened for virtual interactions with colchicine site of microtubules. Selected set of designed molecules
was further screened for drug like properties and toxicity. The designed molecules which
surpassed virtual filters were synthesized, characterized and further screened for anticancer potential
against HEPG2 liver cancer cell line.

Results:

A novel series of chalcones was designed by phytofragment based drug design. Synthesized
compounds showed profound anticancer activity comparable to standard, 5-fluoro uracil. In
the present communication, rational development of anticancer leads targeting colchicine site of
microtubules has been done by integrating pocket modeling and virtual screening with synthesis
and biological screening.

Conclusion:

In this present work, we found that compounds S4 and S3 showed specific interaction
with colchicine site of microtubules and desirable anticancer activity. Further optimization of the
lead could yield drug like candidate with reduced side effects and may overcome multidrug resistance.
Toddalia asiatica L. - A Rich Source of Phytoconstituents with Potential Pharmacological Actions, an Appropriate Plant for Recent Global Arena
Authors: Alagaraj Praveena , Muthukrishnan Suriyavathana
Published: February 2020

:

Toddalia asiatica L. is used for a long period against various chronic diseases. The main
objective of the present review is to search the literature for the folklore uses, phytochemicals isolated
and their pharmacological properties of Toddalia asiatica L. The individual plant parts possess
many phytoconstituents with therapeutic actions. The root bark of the plant is antimalarial, antipyretic
and carminative. Plant leaves and stems have bitter taste and analgesic in nature. Leaf essential oil
is used in relieving rheumatic arthritis, sprains, contusions, intercostal neuralgia, cough, malaria,
dysentery and gastralgia. This compiled data may be helpful for the researchers to focus on the areas
of research yet to be discovered. Complete information about the plant has been collected from various
books, journals etc.
Respiratory Symptoms and Diminished Lung Functions Associated with Occupational Dust Exposure Among Iron Ore Mine Workers in Iran
Authors: Gholami Abdollah , Tajik Reza , Atif Khaula , Zarei Amin Allah , Abbaspour Sedigheh , Teimori-Boghsani Gholamheidar , Attar Mohsen
Published: February 2020

Background:

Dust exposure at quarry mines is inevitable and can result in poor air quality. This research aimed to assess pulmonary symptoms and lung functions of dust-exposed workers at an iron-ore mine in eastern Iran.

Methods:

An environmental cross-sectional study sampled 174 dust-exposed mine workers and 93 unexposed administrative employees as the reference group. A standardized questionnaire on respiratory symptoms was completed in accordance with recommendations of the American Thoracic Society(ATS). Calibrated spirometer measured Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs). Data were analyzed via SPSS-21, integrating independent samples t-test, Chi-square and linear or logistic-regression models.

Results:

There was no significant variation between dust-exposed and reference groups in terms of age, weight, height, work experience and the number of smokers (P>0.05). Mean levels of exposure to inhalable and respirable mineral-dust were 15.09±2.34 and 3.45±2.57 mg/m3 respectively. Pulmonary capacities of dust-exposed group were considerably decreased as compared to others (Forced Vital Capacity [FVC] 86.55±13.77 vs. 105.05±21.5; Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second [FEV1] 88.06±16.8 vs. 105.81±21.55; FEV1/FVC 103.03±18.17 vs. 93.3±12.49; and Peak Expiratory Flow [PEF] 89.82±22.58 vs. 98.09±20.60) (P<0.001); with a higher prevalence of cough (P=0.041), wheezing (P=0.032), and dyspnea (P=0.035) among formers. Age along with exposure to respirable-dust significantly reduced FVC, FEV1 and FEV1/FVC. Cigarette consumption attenuated FVC and FEV1 on an average of 5 to 9 units.

Conclusion:

Controlled occupational dust-exposure is a definitive pre-requisite to reduce respiratory problems among quarry workers, with an explicit consideration towards mineral- mine workers. Modifiable accomplices like smoking and non-compliance of PPEs usage should be amicably resolved.
A Comparison between Multimedia and Traditional Education in Encouraging Adherence to Treatment Regimen in Patients with Hypertension
Authors: Bijani Mostafa , Tehranineshat Banafsheh , Ahrari Fatemeh , Beygi Najimeh
Published: February 2020

Background:

Adherence to treatment regimen plays a crucial part in the prevention of the consequences of hypertension, thus identification and employment of effective educational methods to enhance patients' adherence to their treatment plans is important.

Objective:

The present study compares the effectiveness of multimedia and traditional methods of patient education in persuading patients with hypertension to stick to their treatment regimens.

Methods:

Conducted in 2019, the present study is an experimental work of research which lasted for 5 months. A convenience sample of 160 patients who visited the clinic and cardiac sections of a hospital located in the south-west of Iran was selected and then randomly divided into an intervention and a control group. The intervention consisted of multimedia education provided in 6 sessions and telephone follow-ups. The control group was given the traditional care. The research instruments were a demographics questionnaire and a medication adherence scale. Data were collected before, immediately after, and one month after the intervention. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS v. 19, independent t-test, and chi-square test.

Results:

The difference between the adherence to treatment regimen scores of the two groups as calculated immediately after and one month after the intervention was found to be statistically significant (P<0.001).

Conclusion:

Patient education via multimedia can significantly increase patients' adherence to their treatment regimens. Accordingly, it is recommended that nurses and other healthcare providers utilize this new educational approach to facilitate patient education and enhance adherence to treatment plan in patients with hypertension.
Demokrasi dan kapitalisme global pasca perang dingin
Authors: Budiawan Budiawan
Published: February 2020

Democracy do not just measure can take place it general election by prosedural in a state, but core of democracy that is confessing of mirror democracy have to in it. More than that journey and prospect democracy in Indonesia, goodness of level of national and also local there is tendency determined by those who own the capital. Indicator that democracy determined by visible capital owner at legislative institute good process recruitment and also executive. Correct expression to depict the situation "power of capital of bow of power moral". From other side the problem recruitment opening opportunity to be influenced by capital owner also at public policy determination Grow on the problem causing political life domain determined by those who own the capital or incidence of process of subduing of moral power by capital power is because of global capitalism victory after ending of cold war, what is won by capitalism ideology- neoliberalism. Indonesia state as part of existing state in child take care of the international capitalism strength over a barrel to secede from the grasp from international capital strength clutch. Have the power the capital has ended almost entire all political life domain. For overcome this problem, is hence needed by the make-up of society ability for the self-organization and fight for the importance and also its requirement. This society ability represents the last fortress to weaken the danger neo­ liberalism.
Civic virtues dalam pendidikan moral dan kewarganegaraan di Indonesia era orde baru
Authors: Samsuri Samsuri
Published: February 2020

This paper described the role of New Order Regime in Indonesia to build the citizen characters through the educational system. The regime effort to inculcate its interpretation on Pancasila (Five Principles) such as "Pedoman Penghayatan dan Pengamalan Pancasila" (P4). Citizens have been forced to receive and agree what regime intentions on Pancasila. They should be loyal to what regime interests on Pancasila. In the schooling, the New Order Regime has established P4 as core contents of civic virtues to build "good citizen" characters. Some policies in the educational (schooling) system released namely "Pendidikan Moral Pancasila" (Education of Moral Pancasila, PMP) and "Pendidikan Pancasila dan Kewarganegaraan" (Pancasila dan Civic Education, PPKn). This paper seemed the political decision making on how civic virtues have been implemented in the textbooks and two curriculum periods (1984 and 1994). The last, this paper examined the opportunity and prospect the new paradigm of civic education post-1998, i.e. the transitional democracy period after the fall of Suharto as leader profile of the New Order Regime.
Pembelajaran Pendidikan Kewarganegaraan berbasis portofolio
Authors: Budimansyah Dasim
Published: February 2020

The conduct of civic teaching up to now still faces some barriers and limitations so its mission to make good citizen is not yet being realized in value-based education corridor. Based this reality, it is imperative to conduct a comprehension study on basic problems so the civic education can be empowered as a poweifu1 learning area characterized by contextual learning experience such as meaningful, integrated, value-based, challenging, and activating. Through these kinds of learning experiences, student be facilitated in constructing democratic civic knowledge, attitude, and skills in constructive psycho-pedagogic corridor.