bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mitigation of Ammonia Emissions from Cattle Manure Slurry by Tannins and Tannin-Based Polymers
Authors: Sepperer Thomas , Tondi Gianluca , Petutschnigg Alexander , Young Timothy M. , Steiner Konrad
Published: April 2020

With the extensive use of nitrogen-based fertilizer in agriculture, ammonia emissions, especially from cattle manure, are a serious environmental threat for soil and air. The European community committed to reduce the ammonia emissions by 30% by the year 2030 compared to 2005. After a moderate initial reduction, the last report showed no further improvements in the last four years, keeping the 30% reduction a very challenging target for the next decade. In this study, the mitigation effect of different types of tannin and tannin-based adsorbent on the ammonia emission from manure was investigated. Firstly, we conducted a template study monitoring the ammonia emissions registered by addition of the tannin-based powders to a 0.1% ammonia solution and then we repeated the experiments with ready-to-spread farm-made manure slurry. The results showed that all tannin-based powders induced sensible reduction of pH and ammonia emitted. Reductions higher than 75% and 95% were registered for ammonia solution and cattle slurry, respectively, when using flavonoid-based powders. These findings are very promising considering that tannins and their derivatives will be extensively available due to the increasing interest on their exploitation for the synthesis of new-generation “green” materials.
Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Exopolysaccharides from Phormidium sp. ETS05, the Most Abundant Cyanobacterium of the Therapeutic Euganean Thermal Muds, Using the Zebrafish Model
Authors: Zampieri Raffaella Margherita , Adessi Alessandra , Caldara Fabrizio , Codato Alessia , Furlan Mattia , Rampazzo Chiara , De Philippis Roberto , La Rocca Nicoletta , Dalla Valle Luisa
Published: April 2020

The Euganean Thermal District (Italy) represents the oldest and largest thermal center in Europe, and its therapeutic mud is considered a unique product whose beneficial effects have been documented since Ancient Roman times. Mud properties depend on the heat and electrolytes of the thermal water, as well as on the bioactive molecules produced by its biotic component, mainly represented by cyanobacteria. The investigation of the healing effects of compounds produced by the Euganean cyanobacteria represents an important goal for scientific validation of Euganean mud therapies and for the discovering of new health beneficial biomolecules. In this work, we evaluated the therapeutic potential of exopolysaccharides (EPS) produced by Phormidium sp. ETS05, the most abundant cyanobacterium of the Euganean mud. Specifically, Phormidium EPS resulted in exerting anti-inflammatory and pro-resolution activities in chemical and injury-induced zebrafish inflammation models as demonstrated using specific transgenic zebrafish lines and morphometric and expression analyses. Moreover, in vivo and in vitro tests showed no toxicity at all for the EPS concentrations tested. The results suggest that these EPS, with their combined anti-inflammatory and pro-resolution activities, could be one of the most important therapeutic molecules present in the Euganean mud and confirm the potential of these treatments for chronic inflammatory disease recovery.
Recent Advancements in Hematology: Knowledge, Methods and Dissemination
Authors: Fitzgibbon Jude , Busca Alessandro , Gloghini Annunziata , López-Guillermo Armando , Orazi Attilio , Carlo-Stella Carmelo , Andrès Emmanuel , Van Breda Eric , Busti Fabiana , Garderet Laurent , Martini Maurizio , Dolcetti Riccardo , De Rosa Salvatore , Siragusa Sergio , Marafioti Teresa , Carbone Antonino
Published: April 2020

Communication in the field of biomedical research today involves professionals of numerous backgrounds, including researchers, doctors, public administrators, politicians, and health journalists [...]
Will Electric Vehicles Be Killed (again) or Are They the Next Mobility Killer App?
Authors: Thiel Christian , Tsakalidis Anastasios , Jäger-Waldau Arnulf
Published: April 2020

Electric vehicles (EVs) have been around for more than a hundred years. Nevertheless, their deployment has not been a sustainable success up until now. Many scientists, engineers and policymakers argue that EVs are a promising, maybe even indispensable option to achieve ambitious decarbonization goals, if powered by electricity from renewable energy sources. At the moment, the EVs market is gaining a lot of momentum and we may be near the point of no return for a sustained mass market deployment of electric vehicles. Many papers exist that describe future prospects of EVs. In our commentary we try to provide a bigger picture view and look at market and societal aspects. We analyze why previous generations of EVs were not successful and how current electric vehicles could become a sustainable success. We perform a semi-quantitative Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats (SWOT) analysis and find that current electric vehicle designs are technologically on par with or better than conventional alternatives. Car buyers go electric when the economics make sense to them. We conclude that incentives are needed for electric vehicles until battery costs lower—as much as to allow EVs to become cheaper—from a total cost of ownership (TCO) perspective, than other alternatives. Other policy measures are needed to overcome remaining barriers, especially in supporting the setup and operation of publicly accessible recharging points to overcome range anxiety. EVs in isolation may not be the next mobility killer app. The real next mobility killer app may emerge as an autonomous shared EV in a world where the border between public and private transport will cease to exist. The findings of our commentary are relevant for scientists, policymakers and industry.
Scrophularia Tenuipes Coss and Durieu: Phytochemical Composition and Biological Activities
Authors: Chaibeddra Zeyneb , Akkal Salah , Ouled-Haddar Houria , Silva Artur M. S. , Zellagui Ammar , Sebti Mohamed , Cardoso Susana M.
Published: April 2020

Scrophularia tenuipes is an Algerian-Tunisian endemic species, which has not been studied yet. Ethyl acetate (EA) and n-butanol (Bu) fractions obtained from Scrophularia tenuipes were investigated for their health benefit properties, in particular with respect to in vivo/in vitro anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, as well as their potential to inhibit key enzymes with impact in diabetes (α-glucosidase and α-amylase). The fractions had a distinct phytochemical composition, of which EA was richer in total phenolic compounds (225 mg GAE/g) and mostly composed of the phenylethanoid acetyl martynoside. Compared to EA, Bu had higher amounts of total flavonoids, and according to the result obtained from UHPLC-DAD-ESI-MSn analysis, harpagoside (iridoid) was its major phytochemical. EA fraction was quite promising with regard to the in vivo (at 200 mg/kg, po) anti-inflammatory effect (62% and 52% for carrageenan-induced rat paw edema and xylene-induced ear edema tests, respectively), while Bu fraction exhibited a stronger antioxidant capacity in all tests (IC50 = 68 µg/mL, IC50 = 18 µg/mL, IC50 = 18 µg/mL and A0.50 = 43 µg/mL for DPPH●, ABTS•+, O2•− scavenging assays and cupric-reducing antioxidant capacity method, respectively). Both fractions also showed a strong effect against α-amylase enzyme (IC50 = 8 µg/mL and 10 µg/mL for EA and Bu fraction, respectively).
Detection of Sulfite Dioxide Residue on the Surface of Fresh-Cut Potato Slices Using Near-Infrared Hyperspectral Imaging System and Portable Near-Infrared Spectrometer
Authors: Bai Xiulin , Xiao Qinlin , Zhou Lei , Tang Yu , He Yong
Published: April 2020

Sodium pyrosulfite is a browning inhibitor used for the storage of fresh-cut potato slices. Excessive use of sodium pyrosulfite can lead to sulfur dioxide residue, which is harmful for the human body. The sulfur dioxide residue on the surface of fresh-cut potato slices immersed in different concentrations of sodium pyrosulfite solution was classified by near-infrared hyperspectral imaging (NIR-HSI) system and portable near-infrared (NIR) spectrometer. Principal component analysis was used to analyze the object-wise spectra, and support vector machine (SVM) model was established. The classification accuracy of calibration set and prediction set were 98.75% and 95%, respectively. Savitzky–Golay algorithm was used to recognize the important wavelengths, and SVM model was established based on the recognized important wavelengths. The final classification accuracy was slightly less than that based on the full spectra. In addition, the pixel-wise spectra extracted from NIR-HSI system could realize the visualization of different samples, and intuitively reflect the differences among the samples. The results showed that it was feasible to classify the sulfur dioxide residue on the surface of fresh-cut potato slices immersed in different concentration of sodium pyrosulfite solution by NIR spectra. It provided an alternative method for the detection of sulfur dioxide residue on the surface of fresh-cut potato slices.
Fatty-Acid Uptake in Prostate Cancer Cells Using Dynamic Microfluidic Raman Technology
Authors: Tang Nga-Tsing , D. Snook Richard , Brown Mick D. , Haines Bryan A. , Ridley Andrew , Gardner Peter , Denbigh Joanna L.
Published: April 2020

It is known that intake of dietary fatty acid (FA) is strongly correlated with prostate cancer progression but is highly dependent on the type of FAs. High levels of palmitic acid (PA) or arachidonic acid (AA) can stimulate the progression of cancer. In this study, a unique experimental set-up consisting of a Raman microscope, coupled with a commercial shear-flow microfluidic system is used to monitor fatty acid uptake by prostate cancer (PC-3) cells in real-time at the single cell level. Uptake of deuterated PA, deuterated AA, and the omega-3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) were monitored using this new system, while complementary flow cytometry experiments using Nile red staining, were also conducted for the validation of the cellular lipid uptake. Using this novel experimental system, we show that DHA and EPA have inhibitory effects on the uptake of PA and AA by PC-3 cells.
Azides and Porphyrinoids: Synthetic Approaches and Applications. Part 1—Azides, Porphyrins and Corroles
Authors: Araújo Ana R. L. , Tomé Augusto C. , Santos Carla I. M. , Faustino Maria A. F. , Neves Maria G. P. M. S. , Simões Mário M. Q. , Moura Nuno M. M. , Abu-Orabi Sultan T. , Cavaleiro José A. S.
Published: April 2020

Azides and porphyrinoids (such as porphyrin and corrole macrocycles) can give rise to new derivatives with significant biological properties and as new materials’ components. Significant synthetic approaches have been studied. A wide range of products (e.g., microporous organic networks, rotaxane and dendritic motifs, dendrimers as liquid crystals, as blood substitutes for transfusions and many others) can now be available and used for several medicinal and industrial purposes.
Determination of Albumin, Glucose, and Creatinine Employing a Single Sequential Injection Lab-at-Valve with Mono-Segmented Flow System Enabling In-Line Dilution, In-Line Single-Standard Calibration, and In-Line Standard Addition
Authors: Kiwfo Kanokwan , Wongwilai Wasin , Sakai Tadao , Teshima Norio , Grudpan Kate
Published: April 2020

A mono-segmented sequential injection lab-at-valve (SI-LAV) system for the determination of albumin, glucose, and creatinine, three key biomarkers in diabetes screening and diagnosis, was developed as a single system for multi-analyte analysis. The mono-segmentation technique was employed for in-line dilution, in-line single-standard calibration, and in-line standard addition. This made adjustments to the sample preparation step easy unlike the batch-wise method. The results showed that the system could be used for both fast reaction (albumin) and slow reaction (glucose with enzymatic reaction and creatinine). In the case of slow reaction, the analysis time could be shortened by using the reaction rate obtained with the SI-LAV system. This proposed system is for cost-effective and downscaling analysis, which would be applicable for small hospitals and clinics in remote places with a small number of samples but relatively fast screening would be needed.
Novel Anthraquinone Compounds Inhibit Colon Cancer Cell Proliferation via the Reactive Oxygen Species/JNK Pathway
Authors: Li Yuying , Guo Fang , Guan Yingying , Chen Tinggui , Ma Kaiqing , Zhang Liwei , Wang Zhuanhua , Su Qiang , Feng Liheng , Liu Yaoming , Zhou Yuzhi
Published: April 2020

A series of amide anthraquinone derivatives, an important component of some traditional Chinese medicines, were structurally modified and the resulting antitumor activities were evaluated. The compounds showed potent anti-proliferative activities against eight human cancer cell lines, with no noticeable cytotoxicity towards normal cells. Among the candidate compounds, 1-nitro-2-acyl anthraquinone-leucine (8a) showed the greatest inhibition of HCT116 cell activity with an IC50 of 17.80 μg/mL. In addition, a correlation model was established in a three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship (3D-QSAR) study using Comparative Molecular Field Analysis (CoMFA) and comparative molecular similarity index analysis (CoMSIA). Moreover, compound 8a effectively killed tumor cells by reactive oxygen species (ROS)-JNK activation, causing an increase in ROS levels, JNK phosphorylation, and mitochondrial stress. Cytochrome c was then released into cytoplasm, which, in turn activated the cysteine protease pathway and ultimately induced tumor cell apoptosis, suggesting a potential use of this compound for colon cancer treatment.
Novel Mutant Phospholipase D from Hemiscorpius lepturus Acts as A Highly Immunogen in BALB/c Mice Against the Lethality of Scorpion Venom
Authors: Soleimani Moez Abouzar , H. Sajedi Reza , Pooshang Bagheri Kamran , Sabatier Jean-Marc , Shahbazzadeh Delavar
Published: April 2020

Hemiscorpius lepturus (H. lepturus) which belongs to the Scorpionidae family, is the deadliest scorpion in Iran. It causes pathological manifestations like dermonecrosis, hemolysis, renal failure, necrotic ulcers, and in some cases, even death. The venom of this scorpion is well-known for its cytotoxic effects in comparison with the other venomous scorpions which show significant neurotoxic effects. Due to the painless nature of the sting of this scorpion, the clinical symptoms occur in victims 24 to 72 h post-sting. In our previous studies during the last decade, we demonstrated that the medical complications are attributable to the presence of phospholipase D (PLD) as a major toxin in the venom. With the purpose of designing and constructing a vaccine against H. lepturus for humans, animal model experiments were performed. To achieve this goal, non-toxic PLD was developed by mutation of two critical catalytic residues—His12 and His48—into alanines and the product was then denominated mut-rPLD1. The in-vivo tests showed that the mice immunized with interval doses of 10 µg of mut-rPLD1, were completely protected against 10× the LD100 of the venom. In conclusion, this mutant may be an effective vaccine candidate against scorpion envenomation by H. lepturus in future clinical studies.
Reactivation Process of Activated Carbons: Effect on the Mechanical and Adsorptive Properties
Authors: B. Cevallos Toledo Rita , F. Aragón-Tobar Carlos , Gámez Sebastián , de la Torre Ernesto
Published: April 2020

Carbon reactivation is a strategy to reduce waste and cost in many industrial processes, for example, effluent treatment, food industry, and hydrometallurgy. In this work, the effect of physical and chemical reactivation of granular activated carbon (AC) was studied. Spent activated carbon (SAC) was obtained from a carbon in pulp (CIP) leaching process for gold extraction. Chemical and physical reactivations were evaluated using several acid-wash procedures (HCl, HNO3, H2SO4) and thermal treatment (650–950 °C) methods, respectively. The effect of the reactivation processes on the mechanical properties was evaluated determining ball pan hardness and normal abrasion in pulp resistance. The effect on the adsorptive properties was evaluated via the iodine number, the gold adsorption value (k expressed in mg Au/g AC), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area. Initial characterization of the SAC showed an iodine number of 734 mg I2/g AC, a k value of 1.37 mg Au/g AC, and a BET surface area of 869 m2/g. The best reactivation results of the SAC were achieved via acid washing with HNO3 at 20% v/v and 50 °C over 30 min, and a subsequent thermal reactivation at 850 °C over 1 h. The final reactivated carbon had an iodine number of 1199 mg I2/g AC, a k value of 14.9 mg Au/g AC, and a BET surface area of 1079 m²/g. Acid wash prior to thermal treatment was critical to reactivate the SAC. The reactivation process had a minor impact (<1% change) on the mechanical properties of the AC.
Recent Advances in HIV-1 Gag Inhibitor Design and Development
Authors: Dick Alexej , Cocklin Simon
Published: April 2020

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) treatment with combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) has improved the life quality of many patients since its implementation. However, resistance mutations and the accumulation of severe side effects associated with cART remain enormous challenges that need to be addressed with the continual design and redesign of anti-HIV drugs. In this review, we focus on the importance of the HIV-1 Gag polyprotein as the master coordinator of HIV-1 assembly and maturation and as an emerging drug target. Due to its multiple roles in the HIV-1 life cycle, the individual Gag domains are attractive but also challenging targets for inhibitor design. However, recent encouraging developments in targeting the Gag domains such as the capsid protein with highly potent and potentially long-acting inhibitors, as well as the exploration and successful targeting of challenging HIV-1 proteins such as the matrix protein, have demonstrated the therapeutic viability of this important protein. Such Gag-directed inhibitors have great potential for combating the AIDS pandemic and to be useful tools to dissect HIV-1 biology.
Understanding the Structure and Dynamics of Nanocellulose-Based Composites with Neutral and Ionic Poly(methacrylate) Derivatives Using Inelastic Neutron Scattering and DFT Calculations
Authors: Vilela Carla , Freire Carmen S. R. , Araújo Catarina , Rudić Svemir , Silvestre Armando J. D. , Vaz Pedro D. , Ribeiro-Claro Paulo J. A. , Nolasco Mariela M.
Published: April 2020

Bacterial nanocellulose (BC)-based composites containing poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA), poly(methacroylcholine chloride) (PMACC) or poly(methacroylcholine hydroxide) (PMACH) were characterized by inelastic neutron scattering (INS) spectroscopy, combined with DFT (density functional theory) calculations of model systems. A reasonable match between calculated and experimental spectral lines and their intensities was used to support the vibrational assignment of the observed bands and to validate the possible structures. The differences between the spectra of the nanocomposites and the pure precursors indicate that interactions between the components are stronger for the ionic poly(methacrylate) derivatives than for the neutral counterpart. Displaced anions interact differently with cellulose chains, due to the different ability to compete with the O–H···O hydrogen bonds in cellulose. Hence, the INS is an adequate technique to delve deeper into the structure and dynamics of nanocellulose-based composites, confirming that they are true nanocomposite materials instead of simple mixtures of totally independent domains.
Composition and Biosynthesis of Scent Compounds from Sterile Flowers of an Ornamental Plant Clematis florida cv. ‘Kaiser’
Authors: Jiang Yifan , Qian Renjuan , Zhang Wanbo , Wei Guo , Ma Xiaohua , Zheng Jian , Köllner Tobias G. , Chen Feng
Published: April 2020

Clematis florida is a popular ornamental vine species known for diverse colors and shapes of its flowers but not for scent. Here we investigated the composition and biosynthesis of floral scent in ‘Kaiser’, a fragrant cultivar of C. florida that has sterile flowers. Volatile profiling revealed that flowers of ‘Kaiser’ emit more than 20 compounds, with monoterpenes being most abundant. Among the three floral organs, namely sepals, transformed-petals, and ovaries, ovaries had the highest rates of total volatile emission. To determine the molecular mechanism underlying floral scent biosynthesis in ‘Kaiser’, we sequenced a flower transcriptome and searched the transcriptome for terpene synthase genes (TPSs), which are key genes for terpene biosynthesis. Among the TPS genes identified, three were putative intact full-length genes and were designated CfTPS1, CfTPS2, and CfTPS3. Phylogenetic analysis placed CfTPS1, CfTPS2, and CfTPS3 to the TPS-g, TPS-b, and TPS-a subfamily, respectively. Through in vitro enzyme assays with Escherichia coli-expressed recombinant proteins, both CfTPS1 and CfTPS2 were demonstrated to catalyze the conversion of geranyl diphosphate to linalool, the most abundant constituent of C. florida floral scent. In addition, CfTPS1 and CfTPS2 produced the sesquiterpene nerolidol from (E,E)-farnesyl diphosphate. CfTPS3 showed sesquiterpene synthase activity and produced multiple products in vitro. All three CfTPS genes showed higher levels of expression in sepals than those in transformed-petals and ovaries. Our results show that despite being sterile, the flowers of ‘Kaiser’ have normal mechanisms for floral scent biosynthesis that make the flowers fragrant.
Enantioselective Synthesis, Enantiomeric Separations and Chiral Recognition
Authors: Tiritan Maria Elizabeth , Pinto Madalena , Fernandes Carla
Published: April 2020

Chirality is a geometric property associated with the asymmetry of tridimensional features that accompanies our daily life at macroscopic as well as microscopic molecular levels [...]
New Frontiers for the Use of IP6 and Inositol Combination in Treating Diabetes Mellitus: A Review
Authors: Omoruyi Felix , Stennett Dewayne , Foster Shadae , Dilworth Lowell
Published: April 2020

Inositol, or myo-inositol, and associated analog molecules, including myo-inositol hexakisphosphate, are known to possess beneficial biomedical properties and are now being widely studied. The impact of these compounds in improving diabetic indices is significant, especially in light of the high cost of treating diabetes mellitus and associated disorders globally. It is theorized that, within ten years, the global population of people with the disease will reach 578 million individuals, with the cost of care projected to be approximately 2.5 trillion dollars. Natural alternatives to pharmaceuticals are being sought, and this has led to studies involving inositol, and myo-inositol-hexakisphosphate, also referred to as IP6. It has been reported that IP6 can improve diabetic indices and regulate the activities of some metabolic enzymes involved in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. Current research activities have been focusing on the mechanisms of action of inositol and IP6 in the amelioration of the indices of diabetes mellitus. We demonstrated that an IP6 and inositol combination supplement may regulate insulin secretion, modulate serum leptin concentrations, food intake, and associated weight gain, which may be beneficial in both prediabetic and diabetic states. The supplement attenuates vascular damage by reducing red cell distribution width. Serum HDL is increased while serum triglycerides tend to decrease with consumption of the combination supplement, perhaps due to the modulation of lipogenesis involving reduced serum lipase activity. We also noted increased fecal lipid output following combination supplement consumption. Importantly, liver function was found to be preserved. Concurrently, serum reactive oxygen species production was reduced, indicating that inositol and IP6 supplement consumption may reduce free radical damage to tissues and organs as well as serum lipids and blood glucose by preserving liver function. This review provides an overview of the findings associated with inositol and IP6 supplementation in the effective treatment of diabetes with a view to proposing the potential mechanisms of action.
Bio-Based Solvents and Gasoline Components from Renewable 2,3-Butanediol and 1,2-Propanediol: Synthesis and Characterization
Authors: Samoilov Vadim , Ni Denis , Goncharova Arina , Zarezin Danil , Kniazeva Mariia , Ladesov Anton , Kosyakov Dmitry , Bermeshev Maxim , Maximov Anton
Published: April 2020

In this study approaches for chemical conversions of the renewable compounds 1,2-propanediol (1,2-PD) and 2,3-butanediol (2,3-BD) that yield the corresponding cyclic ketals and glycol ethers have been investigated experimentally. The characterization of the obtained products as potential green solvents and gasoline components is discussed. Cyclic ketals have been obtained by the direct reaction of the diols with lower aliphatic ketones (1,2-PD + acetone → 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-dioxolane (TMD) and 2,3-BD + butanone-2 → 2-ethyl-2,4,5-trimethyl-1,3-dioxolane (ETMD)), for which the ΔH0r, ΔS0r and ΔG0r values have been estimated experimentally. The monoethers of diols could be obtained through either hydrogenolysis of the pure ketals or from the ketone and the diol via reductive alkylation. In the both reactions, the cyclic ketals (TMD and ETMD) have been hydrogenated in nearly quantitative yields to the corresponding isopropoxypropanols (IPP) and 3-sec-butoxy-2-butanol (SBB) under mild conditions (T = 120–140 °C, p(H2) = 40 bar) with high selectivity (>93%). Four products (TMD, ETMD, IPP and SBB) have been characterized as far as their physical properties are concerned (density, melting/boiling points, viscosity, calorific value, evaporation rate, Antoine equation coefficients), as well as their solvent ones (Kamlet-Taft solvatochromic parameters, miscibility, and polymer solubilization). In the investigation of gasoline blending properties, TMD, ETMD, IPP and SBB have shown remarkable antiknock performance with blending antiknock indices of 95.2, 92.7, 99.2 and 99.7 points, respectively.
A Unique Gene-Silencing Approach, Using an Intelligent RNA Expression Device (iRed), Results in Minimal Immune Stimulation When Given by Local Intrapleural Injection in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
Authors: Ando Hidenori , Saito-Tarashima Noriko , Lila Amr S. Abu , Kinjo Nozomi , Shimizu Taro , Ishima Yu , Minakawa Noriaki , Ishida Tatsuhiro
Published: April 2020

Background: We have recently introduced an intelligent RNA expression device (iRed), comprising the minimum essential components needed to transcribe short hairpin RNA (shRNA) in cells. Use of iRed efficiently produced shRNA molecules after transfection into cells and alleviated the innate immune stimulation following intravenous injection. Methods: To study the usefulness of iRed for local injection, the engineered iRed encoding luciferase shRNA (Luc iRed), complexed with cationic liposomes (Luc iRed/liposome-complexes), was intrapleurally injected into an orthotopic mesothelioma mouse model. Results: Luc iRed/liposome-complexes markedly suppressed the expression of a luciferase marker gene in pleurally disseminated mesothelioma cells. The suppressive efficiency was correlated with the expression level of shRNA within the mesothelioma cells. In addition, intrapleural injection of iRed/liposome-complexes did not induce IL-6 production in the pleural space and consequently in the blood compartment, although plasmid DNA (pDNA) or dsDNA (the natural construct for iRed) in the formulation did. Conclusion: Local delivery of iRed could augment the in vivo gene silencing effect without eliciting pronounced innate immune stimulation. Our results might hold promise for widespread utilization of iRed as an RNAi-based therapeutic for intracelial malignant cancers.
Carbohydrates—Key Players in Tobacco Aroma Formation and Quality Determination
Authors: Banožić Marija , Jokić Stela , Ačkar Đurđica , Blažić Marijana , Šubarić Drago
Published: April 2020

Carbohydrates are important compounds in natural products where they primarily serve as a source of energy, but they have important secondary roles as precursors of aroma or bioactive compounds. They are present in fresh and dried (cured) tobacco leaves as well. The sugar content of tobacco depends on the tobacco variety, harvesting, and primarily on the curing conditions (temperature, time and moisture). If the process of curing employs high temperatures (flue-curing and sun-curing), final sugar content is high. In contrast, when air curing has a lower temperature, at the end of the process, sugar level is low. Beside simple sugars, other carbohydrates reported in tobacco are oligosaccharides, cellulose, starch, and pectin. Degradation of polysaccharides results in a higher yield of simple sugars, but at the same time reduces sugars oxidization and transfer into carbon dioxide and water. Loss of sugar producers will compensate with added sugars, to cover undesirable aroma properties and achieve a better, pleasant taste during smoking. However, tobacco carbohydrates can be precursors for many harmful compounds, including formaldehyde and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural. Keeping in mind that added sugars in tobacco production are unavoidable, it is important to understand all changes in carbohydrates from harvesting to consuming in order to achieve better product properties and avoid the formation of harmful compounds. This review summarizes current knowledge about tobacco carbohydrates, including changes during processing with special focus on carbohydrates as precursors of harmful compounds during smoking.
Design, Synthesis of Novel Tetrandrine-14-l-Amino Acid and Tetrandrine-14-l-Amino Acid-Urea Derivatives as Potential Anti-Cancer Agents
Authors: Hu Sheng-Cao , Yang Jin , Chen Chao , Song Jun-Rong , Pan Wei-Dong
Published: April 2020

Tetrandrine, a dibenzyltetrahydroisoquinoline alkaloid isolated from the root of the traditional Chinese medicinal plant Stephania tetrandra S. Moore, a member of the Menispermaceae, showed anti-cancer activity by inhibiting cell proliferation, preventing cell cycle progress and induction of cell death and autophagy. In this study, twelve tetrandrine-l-amino acid derivatives and twelve tetrandrine-14-l-amino acid-urea derivatives were designed and synthesized, using C14-aminotetrandrine as raw material. Then the preliminary in vitro anti-cancer activities of these derivatives against human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231, human leukemia cell lines HEL and K562 were evaluated. The in vitro cytotoxicity results showed that these derivatives exhibited potent inhibitory effects on cancer cell growth, and the primary structure-activity relationships were evaluated. Notably, compound 3f exhibited satisfactory anticancer activity against all three cancer cell lines, especially the HEL cell line, with the IC50 value of 0.23 µM. Further research showed that 3f could induce G1/S cycle arrest and apoptosis in a dose- and time- dependent manner on the leukemia cell line HEL. The results suggested that 3f may be used as a potential anti-cancer agent for human leukemia.
Prevalence of Low Plasma Vitamin B1 in the Stroke Population Admitted to Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation
Authors: Ehsanian Reza , Anderson Sean , Schneider Byron , Kennedy David , Mansourian Vartgez
Published: April 2020

Objective: To determine the prevalence of vitamin B1 (VitB1) deficiency in the stroke population admitted to acute inpatient rehabilitation. Design: Retrospective cohort study. Setting: Acute inpatient rehabilitation facility at an academic medical center. Participants: 119 consecutive stroke patients admitted to stroke service from 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2018. Interventions: Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures: Plasma VitB1 level. Results: There were 17 patients (14%; 95% CI 9–22%) with low VitB1 with a range of 2–3 nmol/L, an additional 58 (49%; CI 40–58%) patients had normal low VitB1 with a range of 4–9 nmol/L, twenty-five patients (21%; CI 15–29%) had normal high VitB1 with a range of 10–15 nmol/L, and nineteen patients (16%; CI 10–24%) had high VitB1 with a range of 16–43 nmol/L. Conclusions: In this cohort of patients admitted to the stroke service at an acute rehabilitation facility, there is evidence of thiamine deficiency. Moreover, the data suggest that there is inadequate acute intake of VitB1. Given the role of thiamine deficiency in neurologic function, further study of the role of thiamine optimization in the acute stroke rehabilitation population is warranted.
Satellite Observations for Detecting and Forecasting Sea-Ice Conditions: A Summary of Advances Made in the SPICES Project by the EU’s Horizon 2020 Programme
Authors: Mäkynen Marko , Haapala Jari , Aulicino Giuseppe , Balan-Sarojini Beena , Balmaseda Magdalena , Gegiuc Alexandru , Girard-Ardhuin Fanny , Hendricks Stefan , Heygster Georg , Istomina Larysa , Kaleschke Lars , Karvonen Juha , Krumpen Thomas , Lensu Mikko , Mayer Michael , Parmiggiani Flavio , Ricker Robert , Rinne Eero , Schmitt Amelie , Similä Markku , Tietsche Steffen , Tonboe Rasmus , Wadhams Peter , Winstrup Mai , Zuo Hao
Published: April 2020

The detection, monitoring, and forecasting of sea-ice conditions, including their extremes, is very important for ship navigation and offshore activities, and for monitoring of sea-ice processes and trends. We summarize here recent advances in the monitoring of sea-ice conditions and their extremes from satellite data as well as the development of sea-ice seasonal forecasting capabilities. Our results are the outcome of the three-year (2015–2018) SPICES (Space-borne Observations for Detecting and Forecasting Sea-Ice Cover Extremes) project funded by the EU’s Horizon 2020 programme. New SPICES sea-ice products include pancake ice thickness and degree of ice ridging based on synthetic aperture radar imagery, Arctic sea-ice volume and export derived from multisensor satellite data, and melt pond fraction and sea-ice concentration using Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity (SMOS) radiometer data. Forecasts of July sea-ice conditions from initial conditions in May showed substantial improvement in some Arctic regions after adding sea-ice thickness (SIT) data to the model initialization. The SIT initialization also improved seasonal forecasts for years with extremely low summer sea-ice extent. New SPICES sea-ice products have a demonstrable level of maturity, and with a reasonable amount of further work they can be integrated into various operational sea-ice services.
Fall Risk in Older Adults Transitioning between Different Flooring Materials
Authors: Kim Hyung Nam , Lockhart Thurmon E.
Published: April 2020

As there is lack of understanding about the effect of transitioning between different flooring materials on the gait of older adults, this study investigated the effect of transitioning between a carpeted floor and a vinyl floor on the gait characteristics of older adults. Fourteen older (65 years old and over) and 14 younger (18 to 35 years old) adults walked on different transitional floors by measuring various gait parameters. While the older participants had greater toe clearance than their younger counterparts, the older participants had smaller toe clearance on a carpeted floor than on a vinyl floor, which would increase the probability of a trip-induced fall. Further, the study found the slower transitional acceleration of the whole body COM and the increased friction demand, especially during the toe-off phase, rather than heel contact phase, which will lead to a slip-induced fall on a vinyl floor shortly after transitioning from a carpeted floor to a vinyl floor. Although the increased likelihood of a slip or trip accident was found throughout the changes in gait parameters, the older participants did not perceive of slipping and tripping much. Therefore, older adults are recommended to be made aware of the danger of slipping and tripping while transitioning between different flooring materials.
Proposal of Package-to-Product Indicator for Carbon Footprint Assessment with Focus on the Czech Republic
Authors: Šerešová Markéta , Kočí Vladimír
Published: April 2020

Today, packaging is an integral part of most foods and beverages. However, excessive and just one-time applications of packaging can bring about indisputable environmental impacts in the form of large amounts of waste generated. If we want to monitor the environmental impacts of packaging materials, it is advisable to assess them in a complex way including not only the specific packaging but also specific products. No universal methodology currently exists that would enable this type of complex assessment regarding the environmental impacts of packaging in relation to particular products. Therefore, the aim of our study was to develop and test a Package-to-Product (PtP) indicator. For this purpose, the life cycle assessment (LCA) was employed to analyse four selected products considering different life cycle stages of packaging and their impacts on the climate change category. The results of the study confirm that the values of the PtP indicator significantly differ for various products, thus emphasising the need to establish a uniform methodology for individual product groups, such as meat, dairy and vegetable products or beverages. The application of this indicator, however, enables a clear impact assessment of different packaging materials and allows the packaging manufacturers to reduce their overall environmental impacts.
The influence of Supreme Court of interpretative practice over legislation development in Bulgaria
Authors: Popov Vasil
Published: April 2020

That article set itself the objective to consider the influence of the Supreme Court of interpretative practice at the Bul­garian legislation development. Have been analyzed processes leading to collisions between the Judicial System and Legisla­tive System. There was presented cases, that they are leading to changes at legisla­tion and have been examined there’s posi­tive or negative impact effect.
Editorial
Authors: Kostadinova Ralitsa
Published: April 2020

Editorial
Aşı ve Toplumsal Korunma
Authors: DİNDAR DEMİRAY Emine Kübra , ALKAN ÇEVİKER Sevil
Published: April 2020

Bulaşıcı hastalıklar tüm insanlığı etkileyen bir halk sağlığı sorunudur. Yoğun yaşandığı dönemlerde, toplumları sosyal, ekonomik ve kültürel olarak derinden etkilemektedir. Öncelikle hastalığın etkin tedavi yolları aranırken hastalığa karşı koruyucu sağlık hizmetleri ve profilaksi çalışmaları da devam etmektedir.SARS-CoV-2 (COVİD-19) enfeksiyonu için önleyici bir aşı ve kesin tedavi edecek etkin bir ilaç henüz bulunamamıştır. Salgınlarda bir diğer göz önünde bulundurulması gereken hizmet koruyucu sağlık hizmetleridir.Bulaş yolları net bilinmeyen COVID-19 pandemisinin bitmesi için korunmanın yaygınlaştırılması ve korunmanın etkili uygulanmasının da önemi büyüktür.
The impact of leisure time physical activity on mental health and health perception among people with cancer
Authors: Kim Jaehyun , Kim Junhyoung , Han Areum
Published: April 2020

Background: People with cancer often report high levels of negative psychological symptoms and poor perception of health due to cancer treatment and activity limitations. Prior studies have suggested that participation in leisure time physical activity (LTPA) can reduce negative psychological symptoms and improve health perception. However, a few studies have examined the contribution of LTPA to health benefits among people with cancer. Thus, we aimed to examine how a different level of LTPA engagement contributed to mental health and health perceptions among people with cancer. Methods: Using the 2017 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) data, cross sectional data of 504 respondents diagnosed with any types of 22 cancers listed in the survey questionnaire were analyzed. A multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was used to test for mean differences in mental health and health perception among the three different LTPA groups(i.e., inactive, moderately active, and vigorously active groups). Results: Results indicated that people with cancer who reported higher levels of LTPA scored higher on mental health and health perception than those with lower levels of LTPA (Pillai’s trace= 0.060, F (4,944) = 15.06, P < 0.001). Conclusion: This finding suggests that individuals with cancer gained more health benefits through high engagement in LTPA. Moreover, we suggested that LTPA can be used as an important therapeutic intervention to promote health quality and wellbeing among people with cancer. Implications for practical suggestions are further discussed.
Development of a Cigarette Smoking Obscenity Scale (CSOS) in adolescents: an exploratory sequential mixed method design
Authors: Keshavarzian Khadijeh , Nadrian Haidar , Mohammadpoorasl Asghar
Published: April 2020

Background: Considering the increasing prevalence rate of smoking among Iranian adolescents,and recent evidence on the relationship between obscenity of smoking and tendency of adolescents towards the behavior, there is a need for an appropriate measurement tool to measure the level of obscenity on cigarette smoking among adolescents. This study was conducted to develop a valid and reliable questionnaire for measuring the obscenity of cigarette smoking in adolescents. Methods: This study was conducted in Tabriz, Iran, using an exploratory sequential mixed methods design. To explain the concept of obscenity and develop the questionnaire’s items, 18 students attended semi-structured individual interviews and 13 others took part in focus group discussions (FGDs) in three groups of 4-5. Extracting and summarizing the codes derived from the interviews, an item pool was developed, from which the initial draft of the scale was provided.Next, the psychometric properties of the scale were assessed using face, content, construct, and predictive validity, as well as internal consistency, and reliability in a sample of 1013 high school students. Results: The 22-item Cigarette Smoking Obscenity Scale (CSOS) was developed based on thecodes derived from qualitative data. Explanatory factor analysis revealed five-factor structure(Negative Attitude; Negative Consequence; Negative Valuation; Inappropriate Relationship; Agateway to addiction). In confirmatory factor analysis, the χ2/df ratio was 3.911 for the CSOS five-factor structure. Suitable values were obtained for the goodness of fit indices (GFI = 0.88,AGFI = 0.85, NFI = 0.87, IFI = 0.90, CFI = 0.90, RFI = 0.85, and RMSEA = 0.072). The Cronbach’s alpha and intraclass correlation (ICC) coefficients for the constructs ranged between 0.77 to 0.90 and 0.80 to 0.91, respectively. Conclusion: The validity and reliability of the CSOS was appropriate; therefore, it can be used infuture studies as a suitable tool for measuring the obscenity of cigarette smoking in adolescents.
A MULTIMODAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS OF FAST FOOD ADVERTISEMENTS IN ENGLISH
Authors: Du Nguyễn Trọng , Yến Dương Hồng , Phượng Nguyễn Thị
Published: April 2020

Quảng cáo trực tuyến là một trong số những loại hình quảng cáo truyền thông mà con người thường xuyên tiếp xúc trong thời đại hiện nay. Mục đích của bài báo là tìm ra các yếu tố ngôn ngữ và phi ngôn ngữ đã được sử dụng trong quảng cáo thức ăn nhanh bằng tiếng Anh và tác dụng thuyết phục của chúng đối với việc tiêu thụ sản phẩm của người xem. Nghiên cứu này  áp dụng mô hình phân tích diễn ngôn đa phương thức (Norris, 2004)  làm cơ sở lý thuyết và đường hướng phân tích. Qua phân tích hai video quảng cáo của hai chuỗi thức ăn nhanh nổi tiếng thế giới (Kentucky Fried Chicken và McDonald), kết quả của nghiên cứu cho thấy ngoài ngôn ngữ, còn có nhiều phương thức giao tiếp khác ảnh hưởng đến việc tiêu thụ các sản phẩm thức ăn nhanh như khoảng cách không gian, tư thế, cử chỉ, ánh mắt, chuyển động đầu, âm nhạc, in ấn và bố cục. Mức độ ảnh hưởng của mỗi phương thức trong từng quảng cáo là khác nhau và có tác dụng nhất định trong việc thuyết phục người xem.
AN EVALUATION OF THE COURSEBOOK “LIFE ELEMENTARY” USED FOR STUDENTS AT UNIVERSITY OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY: FROM TEACHERS’ PERSPECTIVES
Authors: Thành Trần Minh , Linh Nguyễn Thùy , Ngọc Nguyễn Thị Bích
Published: April 2020

Trong việc giảng dạy tiếng Anh như một ngoại ngữ, việc đánh giá giáo trình là một công việc liên tục không thể thiếu để đảm bảo chất lượng đào tạo. Trong nghiên cứu này, chúng tôi đánh giá giáo trình “Life Elementary” được sử dụng làm tài liệu học tập chính thức cho sinh viên tại Trường Đại học Công nghệ Thông tin và Truyền thông - Đại học Thái Nguyên. Mục đích của nghiên cứu là nhằm nâng cao hiệu quả của việc sử dụng giáo trình và qua đó đáp ứng được các yêu cầu về trình độ tiếng Anh đối với sinh viên đến từ cá nhân, tổ chức liên quan. 14 giáo viên tiếng Anh từ Trường Đại học Công nghệ Thông tin và Truyền thông đã tham gia trả lời khảo sát. Kết quả nghiên cứu cho thấy rằng mặc dù có một số điểm yếu như hoạt động viết còn nhàm chán, hoạt động thực hành phát âm còn ít và một số nội dung văn hóa còn chưa phù hợp nhưng về cơ bản giáo trình đáp ứng và phù hợp với mục tiêu đào tạo, thực tiễn dạy – học tại trường. Nghiên cứu cũng đưa ra các gợi ý sư phạm cho việc hiệu chỉnh và sử dụng giáo trình hiệu quả hơn. Nghiên cứu này là một nguồn tài liệu tham khảo hữu ích cho các giáo viên tiếng Anh quan tâm đến việc đánh giá giáo trình nói riêng và các đơn vị đào tạo có đặc điểm dạy – học tương tự nhà trường.
POTENTIAL OF AGRI-TOURISM IN VO NHAI DISTRICT, THAI NGUYEN PROVINCE
Authors: Thi Nguyễn Quang , Tuyển Hà Văn , Linh Nguyễn Thùy , Việt Dương Hồng , Anh Trần Thị Mai
Published: April 2020

Du lịch nông nghiệp đã được nhiều quốc gia như Nhật Bản, Đài Loan,...triển khai rất hiệu quả, ở Việt Nam du lịch nông nghiệp phát triển mạnh ở khu vực đồng bằng Sông Cửu Long và Tây Nguyên. Nghiên cứu này được triển khai nhằm đánh giá tiềm năng và định hướng phát triển du lịch nông nghiệp huyện Võ Nhai, tỉnh Thái Nguyên. Chúng tôi đã sử dụng một số phương pháp nghiên cứu chủ yếu là phương pháp điều tra số liệu, tài liệu thứ cấp, phương pháp phỏng vấn bán cấu trúc, phương pháp điền dã, phương pháp thống kê, phân tích, so sánh tổng hợp, để đánh giá tiềm năng phát triển du lịch nông nghiệp của huyện Võ Nhai. Đồng thời nghiên cứu đã phân tích và chỉ ra những khó khăn, thuận lợi, từ đó đề xuất một số định hướng và giải pháp phát triển du lịch nông nghiệp huyện Võ Nhai trong thời gian tới. Du lịch nông nghiệp là lựa chọn mới, một hướng đi mới của nhiều địa phương trong thời gian tới, để áp dụng có hiệu quả phát triển ngành Du lịch nông nghiệp thì huyện Võ Nhai cần thiết phải mở rộng điều tra phân tích xây dựng đề án cụ thể về phát triển du lịch nông nghiệp, có như vậy thì việc triển khai thực hiện mới tranh thủ được sự điều tiết ngân sách của trung ương, của tỉnh Thái Nguyên, đồng thời mới thu hút được nhiều nguồn đầu tư, xã hội hóa của doanh nghiệp, sự đồng thuận và nhận thức được sâu sắc khi tham gia phát triển du lịch nông nghiệp của người trên địa bàn toàn huyện.
TEACHING VIETNAMESE COMPARATIVE IDIOMS FOR FOREIGNERS IN THE APPROACH OF COGNITIVE LINGUISTICS
Authors: Hằng Nguyễn Thị Bích
Published: April 2020

Tuy việc giảng dạy tiếng Việt cho người nước ngoài những năm gần đây đã có sự phát triển khá mạnh, nhưng việc dạy thành ngữ tiếng Việt như một ngoại ngữ, đặc biệt là thành ngữ so sánh vẫn chưa được quan tâm đúng mức bởi lẽ dạy thành ngữ vốn được xem là một phạm trù khá khó, người học chủ yếu học theo kiểu ghi nhớ và thuộc lòng. Bài báo sử dụng phương pháp so sánh và thu thập, xử lý dữ liệu để nghiên cứu việc dạy thành ngữ so sánh tiếng Việt cho người nước ngoài theo hướng tiếp cận ngôn ngữ học tri nhận, cụ thể là thông qua các ẩn dụ ý niệm giúp người học có thể hiểu được ý nghĩa, nắm vững cấu trúc cũng như vận dụng nó vào những tình huống cụ thể.