bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plasma sex hormone-binding globulin predicts neurodegeneration and clinical progression in prodromal Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Xu Wei , Su Bing-Jie , Shen Xue-Ning , Bi Yan-Lin , Tan Chen-Chen , Li Jie-Qiong , Dong Qiang , Tan Lan , Yu Jin-Tai
Published: December 2019

Background: Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) in plasma has been found to be significantly elevated in subjects with AD. We aimed to investigate whether plasma SHBG was associated with AD biomarkers and could predict neurodegeneration and clinical progression in prodromal AD.Methods: The study tested the cross-sectional relationship between plasma SHBG and CSF AD biomarkers in 707 non-demented adults. Next, the longitudinal influences of plasma SHBG at baseline on dynamic changes of CSF Aβ42, hippocampus volume, brain metabolism, and cognition were explored in 448 non-demented adults from the Alzheimer’s disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI). Finally, the influence of plasma SHBG on the risk of incident AD was explored. Results: This study included 707 participants (mean [SD] age, 62.5 [10.5] years, 416 [58.8%] female) from CABLE and 448 from ADNI-1 (mean [SD] age, 74.8 [7.2] years, 166 [37.5%] female). A positive correlation was found for SHBG levels in plasma and CSF (p = 2.12 × 10 -10, r = 0.44). Cross-sectional analyses indicated that individuals with higher plasma SHBG had lower levels of CSF Aβ42 (p < 0.005), after adjusting for age, gender, education, APOE4 allele, and cognitive scores. The longitudinal data showed that higher levels of plasma SHBG contribute to accelerated CSF Aβ42 decrease (p < 0.0005), brain metabolism decline (p < 0.05), hippocampus atrophy (p < 0.01), cognitive decline (p < 0.01), and higher risk of AD dementia (p < 0.05).Conclusions: Plasma SHBG is associated with CSF Aβ42 levels and could predict neurodegeneration and clinical progression in prodromal AD. This finding indicates plasma SHBG is a potentially useful, early biomarker for AD.
Prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, serotypes and risk factors for group B streptococcus rectovaginal isolates among pregnant women at Kenyatta National Hospital, Kenya; A cross-sectional study
Authors: Salano Jisuvei Clayton , Alfred Osoti , Njeri Maina Anne
Published: December 2019

Background: Estimates of group B streptococcus (GBS) disease burden, antimicrobial susceptibility, and serotypes in pregnant women are limited for many resource-limited countries including Kenya. These data are required to inform recommendations for prophylaxis and treatment of infections due to GBS. Methods: We evaluated the prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, serotypes, and risk factors associated with rectovaginal GBS colonization among pregnant women receiving antenatal care at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) between August and November 2017. Consenting pregnant women between 12 and 40 weeks of gestation were enrolled. Interview-administered questionnaires were used to assess risk factors associated with GBS colonization. An anorectal swab and a lower vaginal swab were collected and cultured on Granada agar for GBS isolation. Positive colonies were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility to penicillin G, ampicillin, vancomycin, and clindamycin using the disk diffusion method. Serotyping was performed by latex agglutination. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with GBS colonization. Results: A total of 292 women were enrolled. Median age was 30 years (Interquatile range {IQR} 26-35) with a median gestational age of 35 weeks (IQR 30-37). Overall GBS was identified in 60/292 (20.5%) of participants. Among the positive isolates, resistance was detected for penicillin G in 42/60 (72.4%) isolates, ampicillin in 32/60 (55.2%) isolates, clindamycin in 14/60 (30.4%) isolates, and vancomycin in 14 (24.1%) isolates. All ten GBS serotypes were isolated, and 37/53 (69.8%) of GBS positive participants were colonized by more than one serotype. None of the risk factors was associated with GBS colonization.Conclusion: The prevalence of GBS colonization was high among mothers attending antenatal clinic at KNH. In addition, a high proportion of GBS isolates were resistant to commonly prescribed intrapartum antibiotics. Hence, other measures like GBS vaccination is a potentially useful approaches to GBS prevention and control in this population. Screening of pregnant mothers for GBS colonization should be introduced and antimicrobial susceptibility test performed on GBS positive samples to guide antibiotic prophylaxis.
Simplified Grinding Temperature Model Study
Authors: Lishchenko N. V. , Larshin V. P. , Krachunov H.
Published: December 2019

A study of a simplified mathematical model for determining the grinding temperature is performed. According to the obtained results, the equations of this model differ slightly from the corresponding more exact solution of the one-dimensional differential equation of heat conduction under the boundary conditions of the second kind. The model under study is represented by a system of two equations that describe the grinding temperature at the heating and cooling stages without the use of forced cooling. The scope of the studied model corresponds to the modern technological operations of grinding on CNC machines for conditions where the numerical value of the Peclet number is more than 4. This, in turn, corresponds to the Jaeger criterion for the so-called fast-moving heat source, for which the operation parameter of the workpiece velocity may be equivalently (in temperature) replaced by the action time of the heat source. This makes it possible to use a simpler solution of the one-dimensional differential equation of heat conduction at the boundary conditions of the second kind (one-dimensional analytical model) instead of a similar solution of the two-dimensional one with a slight deviation of the grinding temperature calculation result. It is established that the proposed simplified mathematical expression for determining the grinding temperature differs from the more accurate one-dimensional analytical solution by no more than 11 % and 15 % at the stages of heating and cooling, respectively. Comparison of the data on the grinding temperature change according to the conventional and developed equations has shown that these equations are close and have two points of coincidence: on the surface and at the depth of approximately threefold decrease in temperature. It is also established that the nature of the ratio between the scales of change of the Peclet number 0.09 and 9 and the grinding temperature depth 1 and 10 is of 100 to 10. Additionally, another unusual mechanism is revealed for both compared equations: a higher temperature at the surface is accompanied by a lower temperature at the depth. Keywords: grinding temperature, heating stage, cooling stage, dimensionless temperature, temperature model.
Impact of Salt-tolerant Rootstock on the Enhancement of Sensitive Tomato Plant Responses to Salinity
Authors: Coban Ayse , Akhoundnejad Yelderem , Dere Sultan , Yildiz Dasgan H.
Published: December 2019

In the present study, salt-tolerant (Tom 174) and sensitive (Tom 121) tomato genotypes were grafted onto their own roots (174/174 and 121/121), and a susceptible genotype was also grafted onto tolerant genotype 121/174. The grafted plants were grown under 50 mm NaCl and control conditions in a greenhouse. Plant physiological parameters, fruit yield, and physical measurements of fruit (e.g., weight, height, diameter, volume), and chemical analysis of fruit (e.g., vitamin C, pH, and total dry matter content) were investigated. When the sensitive genotype was grafted onto tolerant genotype 121/174, the tolerant genotype Tom 174 reduced the yield loss of susceptible genotype from 44% to 3%. Also, fruit size, total dry matter content, and vitamin C increased, while pH decreased under saline conditions. The rootstock Tom 174 seemed to be able to control sensitive scions’ stomatal openness and closure for transpiration and CO2 transition on photosynthesis because dry matter content was increased. It was found that the tolerant genotype played a role in ameliorating leaf osmotic adjustment of the sensitive genotype in grafting under salt stress. The combination 121/174 had the lowest Na+ concentration in young leaves. Thus, the tolerant rootstock Tom 174 decreased the transport of accumulation of Na+ ions to young leaves in this grafting combination.
Prácticas profesionales: un desafío para el ingreso a la vida laboral
Authors: Ramírez Varón Diego Fernando
Published: December 2019

Este artículo presenta una reflexión acerca del conocimiento como consumo intangible y elemento generador de libertad, oportunidad y progreso que a través de procesos de aprendizaje en la formación académica, permite desarrollar en los estudiantes de pregrado, destrezas, habilidades y competencias que, puestas a prueba en el ciclo de prácticas profesionales, determina el nivel de conocimiento adquirido y su influencia en el desarrollo personal y de acceso a oportunidades laborales de los futuros profesionales universitarios. Además de una contribución personal acerca de las habilidades específicas que se constituyen en un nuevo modelo de oportunidad y acceso al empleo en Colombia.
Innate immunity against infectious diseases, particularly in swine
Authors: PEJSAK ZYGMUNT , TRUSZCZYŃSKI MARIAN , TARASIUK KAZIMIERZ
Published: December 2019

The importance of innate defense mechanisms especially refering to swine, was characterized. Physical, chemical and microbial barriers were mentioned. The role of cells was underlined in controlling infection by phagocytosis without earlier immunisation by antigens and only depending on the genome of the born animal. The two main types of phagocytic cells were evaluated in antiinfectious activity: a)granular leucocytes, including neutrophils, basophils, eosynophils and mast cells, b)mononuclear phagocytes. These include blood circulating monocytes and macrophages. It was stated that natural killer cells belonging also to innate immune system can kill bacteria and viruses participating as etiologic agents in infectious diseases. Another group of innate immune factors, not cells but molecules, are creating defensins being host defense peptides. The complement mediates the inflammatory response, controlling bacterial infections. The following antiinfectious activity is exerted by Toll-like receptors. The presented cytokines are protein or glycoprotein molecules secreted by cells. They participate in intercellular and intracellular signalling.
Isparta İli Büyük Toprak Gruplarına Göre Tahıl Yetiştirilen Toprakların Bazı Özelliklerinin Belirlenmesi
Authors: ALABOZ Pelin , DEMİR Sinan , BAŞAYİĞİT Levent , IŞILDAR Ahmet Ali
Published: December 2019

Bu çalışmada Isparta’da tahıl yetiştirilen toprakların özellikleri incelenmiş ve büyük toprak gruplarına bağlı olarak bazı toprak özellikleri yorumlanmıştır. Bu amaçla 6 farklı büyük toprak grubundan toplamda 150 noktadan yüzey (0-30cm) örneklemesi yapılmış, örneklerde kum, silt, kil, tarla kapasitesi, solma noktası, pH, EC, organik madde, CaCO3, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn analizleri yapılmıştır. Analiz sonuçlarına göre; tahıl yetiştirilen tüm toprak grupları, nötr-hafif alkali reaksiyonlu, tuzsuz sınıfındadır. Bünye sınıfının %78.5’i kumlu killi tın, ortalama tarla kapasitesi %22.87, solma noktasının ise %13.45 olarak belirlenmiştir. Organik madde içeriklerinin %77.8’i düşük seviyelerde olan bu toprakların %5’inde Ca, %7.85’inde Mg, %42’sinde Zn noksanlığı belirlenmiştir. Mn ve Cu yeterli iken, K ve Fe yeterli - fazla seviyede bulunmuştur. Minimum ve maksimum değerler göz önüne alındığında en fazla değişkenlik, tarla kapasitesi ve solma noktası için Kestanerengi topraklarda, pH ve EC için ise Kolüvyal topraklarda belirlenmiştir. Besin elementleri içerikleri yönünden Kestanerengi topraklarda herhangi bir noksanlığa rastlanılmamıştır. En fazla Mg ve Zn noksanlığının görüldüğü toprak grubu Kahverengi Orman toprakları olarak belirlenmiştir.
Perempuan, Jilbab, dan Solidaritas Kemanusiaan: Studi Gerakan Perempuan Berhijab Pasca Tragedi New Zealand
Authors: Hefni Wildani
Published: December 2019

The movement of humanities solidarity that is widely voiced is the women's movement specifically to wear the hijab (hijab) as a form of solidarity with Muslims. women take a role that is based on the awareness of the importance of togetherness wearing headscarves as a symbol of strength to reject any rhetoric of hatred on any basis, be it identity, religion, race, and ethnicity. This paper describes the veiled women's movement as a form of humanitarian solidarity in the aftermath of the New Zealand tragedy. A descriptive qualitative study of library research was conducted using the Durkheiminism approach. This study produces findings that the hijab has a symbol of religious meaning that is closely related to solidarity and social identity. The veil becomes a symbol of social solidarity as well as resistance to abuse. The hijab movement was born as a collective act to revive the spirit of togetherness among religious followers in combating various acts of radicalism and terrorism.
Resources for Civic Initiatives in the Cities of Kuzbass
Authors: Golovatsky Eugene , Nyatina Natalia
Published: December 2019

The development of civic initiatives is a significant indicator of the social and political life of the community. A study of urban space initiatives can reveal both the state of civil society and the resource capabilities of the area. The research objective was to find tools for sociological analysis of resources of civil initiatives. The paper features some possibilities of social and political interaction between urban communities and the regional authorities. The civil initiatives within the urban communities of Kuzbass appeared to be poorly formed, especially in terms of quality content, self-expression, the nature of the initiatives, and the scale of resource capacity of the local population. The authors believe that the modern practice of using and attracting resources of civil initiatives is at its early stage in the cities of Kuzbass. Some formats of interaction between the authorities and the community are gradually emerging, but the local communities seem to mistrust the local authorities, which makes the interaction irregular and sporadic. The processes of interaction between the urban communities and the authorities demonstrate cases of joint and autonomous (as a rule, initiated by the community) use of publicity opportunities for the implementation of formal and informal civil initiatives. However, formal civic initiatives fail to convey all the diversity of the social demands that could improve urban life.
Application of Digital Marketing Innovation Technology to Improve Service Promotion Efficiency
Authors: Podzorova Galina A , Kirillova Valeriya , Pleshkova Nataliya , Gryaznova N.
Published: December 2019

The current development of the digital economy determines the relevance of digital marketing as an innovative technology of service promotion. The research features a set of marketing tools used by NST company to promote services. The  research objective was to develop recommendations for the implementation of digital marketing technology in the company. The study used methods of economic and comparative analysis. The authors analyzed the advantages and disadvantages of the traditional marketing tools used by NST and proposed tools of digital marketing, such as website development, SEO-optimization, contextual advertising, and the project of a new business card with a QR-code. A combined use of various digital marketing tools gives a much greater effect, thus attracting more customers and improving the efficiency of the company. The recommendations can be successfully used by other organizations wishing to promote their production and services in the modern market.
Microbiome in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Role of Natural Products Against Microbial Pathogens
Authors: Santoro Alessia , Tomino Carlo , Prinzi Giulia , Cardaci Vittorio , Fini Massimo , Macera Lisa , Russo Patrizia , Maggi Fabrizio
Published: December 2019

The “microbiome” is the operative term to refer to a collection of all taxa constituting microbial
communities, such as bacteria, archaea, fungi and protists (originally microbiota). The microbiome
consists of the indigenous microbial communities and of the host environment that they inhabit.
Actually, it has been shown that there is a close relationship between the microbiome and human health
and disease condition. Although, initially, the lung was considered sterile, actually, the existence of a
healthy lung microbiome is usually accepted. Lung microbiome changes are reported in Chronic Obstructive
Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and in its exacerbation. Viral and bacterial infections of the respiratory
system are a major cause of COPD exacerbations (AECOPD) leading to increased local and
systemic inflammation. Detection rates of virus in AECOPD are variable between 25-62% according to
the detection method. The study of human airway and lung disease virome is quite recent and still very
limited. The purpose of this review is to summarize recent findings on the lung microbiome composition
with a special emphasis on virome in COPD and in AECOPD. Some drugs of natural origins active
against resistant bacteria and virus are described.
Saint John on Patmos: Revelations of the Role of Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody (ANCA) in Vasculitis
Authors: Pijnappel Esther N. , Rijkers Ger T. , Overveld Frans J. van
Published: December 2019

Diagnosis of vasculitis is based on the presence of histologic features and serological testing
for antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA). In patients with vasculitis, two types of ANCA have
been identified: ANCA directed against the neutrophil serine protease proteinase-3 (PR3) which results
in a cytoplasmic immunofluorescence pattern (c-ANCA) and ANCA directed against the neutrophil enzyme
myeloperoxidase (MPO), which results in a perinuclear immunofluorescence pattern (p-ANCA).
Question is if the presence of ANCA is the consequence of abnormal neutrophil adhesion, activation,
and apoptosis. Or is it, through mechanisms which are not totally clear for the moment, the cause of vasculitis.
In the latter case it has to be postulated that ANCA autoantigens are expressed on the cell surface
of viable, or activated, or early-apoptotic neutrophils.
Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Antithrombogenic Plants: A Narrative Review
Authors: Mendes Tatiane C. , dos Reis Lívero Francislaine Aparecida , de Souza Priscila , Gebara Karimi S. , Junior Arquimedes Gasparotto
Published: December 2019

Heart attack, stroke, and deep vein thrombosis are among the conditions that alter blood coagulation
and are modulated by antithrombogenic drugs. Natural products are an important source of antithrombogenic
agents and have been considered remarkable alternatives with greater efficacy and usually with fewer side effects.
However, the efficacy and toxicity of many of these plants that are used in traditional medicine must be scientifically
tested. Despite a large number of published articles that report that plants or plant-derived components may
act as antithrombogenic agents, few studies have investigated the mechanism of action of medicinal plants. This
review presents the current knowledge about the major cellular and molecular mechanisms of antithrombogenic
plants and their main components. Many well-established mechanisms (e.g., platelet aggregation, coagulation
factors, and thrombolysis) are related to the antithrombogenic activity of many natural products. However, the
central pathways that are responsible for their activity remain unclear. Further studies are needed to clarify the
central role of each of these pathways in the pleiotropic response to these agents.
Neuroinflammation in Demyelinating Diseases: Oxidative Stress as a Modulator of Glial Cross-Talk
Authors: Varas Rodrigo , Ortiz Fernando C.
Published: December 2019

:

Myelin is a specialized membrane allowing for saltatory conduction of action potentials in neurons, an
essential process to achieve the normal communication across the nervous system. Accordingly, in diseases characterized
by the loss of myelin and myelin forming cells -oligodendrocytes in the CNS-, patients show severe
neurological disabilities. After a demyelinated insult, microglia, astrocytes and oligodendrocyte precursor cells
invade the lesioned area initiating a spontaneous process of myelin repair (i.e. remyelination). A preserved hallmark
of this neuroinflammatory scenario is a local increase of oxidative stress, where several cytokines and
chemokines are released by glial and other cells. This generates an environment that determines cell interaction
resulting in oligodendrocyte maturity and the ability to synthesize new myelin. Herein we review the main features
of the regulatory aspect of these molecules based on recent findings and propose new putative signal molecules
involved in the remyelination process, focused in the etiology of Multiple Sclerosis, one of the main demyelinating
diseases causing disabilities in the population.
A Review on Cancer Therapy Based on the Photothermal Effect of Gold Nanorod
Authors: Xu Weizhen , Lin Qinlu , Yin Yueqin , Xu Dong , Huang Xiaohui , Xu Bucheng , Wang Guangwei
Published: December 2019

Background:

Cancer causes millions of deaths and huge economic losses every year. The currently
practiced methods for cancer therapy have many defects, such as side effects, low curate rate, and discomfort for
patients.

Objective:

Herein, we summarize the applications of gold nanorods (AuNRs) in cancer therapy based on their
photothermal effect-the conversion of light into local heat under irradiation.

Methods:

The recent advances in the synthesis and regulation of AuNRs, and facile surface functionalization
further facilitate their use in cancer treatment. For cancer therapy, AuNRs need to be modified or coated with
biocompatible molecules (e.g. polyethylene glycol) and materials (e.g. silicon) to reduce the cytotoxicity and
increase their biocompatibility, stability, and retention time in the bloodstream. The accumulation of AuNRs in
cancerous cells and tissues is due to the high leakage in tumors or the specific interaction between the cell surface
and functional molecules on AuNRs such as antibodies, aptamers, and receptors.

Results:

AuNRs are employed not only as therapeutics to ablate tumors solely based on the heat produced under
laser that could denature protein and activate the apoptotic pathway, but also as synergistic therapies combined
with photodynamic therapy, chemotherapy, and gene therapy to kill cancer more efficiently. More importantly,
other materials like TiO2, graphene oxide, and silicon, etc. are incorporated on the AuNR surface for multimodal
cancer treatment with high drug loadings and improved cancer-killing efficiency. To highlight their applications
in cancer treatment, examples of therapeutic effects both in vitro and in vivo are presented.

Conclusion:

AuNRs have potential applications for clinical cancer therapy.
Carbon Dots for Bacterial Detection and Antibacterial Applications-A Minireview
Authors: Anand Anisha , Manavalan Gopinathan , Mandal Ranju Prasad , Chang Huan-Tsung , Chiou Yi-Ru , Huang Chih-Ching
Published: December 2019

:

The prevention and treatment of various infections caused by microbes through antibiotics are becoming
less effective due to antimicrobial resistance. Researches are focused on antimicrobial nanomaterials to inhibit
bacterial growth and destroy the cells, to replace conventional antibiotics. Recently, carbon dots (C-Dots) become
attractive candidates for a wide range of applications, including the detection and treatment of pathogens. In addition
to low toxicity, ease of synthesis and functionalization, and high biocompatibility, C-Dots show excellent
optical properties such as multi-emission, high brightness, and photostability. C-Dots have shown great potential
in various fields, such as biosensing, nanomedicine, photo-catalysis, and bioimaging. This review focuses on the
origin and synthesis of various C-Dots with special emphasis on bacterial detection, the antibacterial effect of CDots,
and their mechanism.
KF/Clinoptilolite Nanoparticles as a Heterogeneous Catalyst for Green Synthesis of pyrido[2,1-a]isoquinolines using Four-Component Reaction of Alkyl Bromides
Authors: Hamedani Naghmeh F. , Ghazvini Maryam , Sheikholeslami-Farahani Fatemeh , Jamnani Mohammad T.B.
Published: December 2019

Objective:

KF/Clinoptilolite nanoparticles are employed as as a heterogeneous catalyst for the preparation of pyrido[2,1-a]isoquinoline derivatives through a four-component reaction of isoquinoline, two different alkyl bromides and an electron deficient internal alkynes at ambient temperature in water as green solvent.

Methods:

In this research, (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical trapping and reducing potential of ferric ion experiments was used for determining antioxidant activity of some newly synthesized compounds such as 5a, 5c, 5f and 5g and comparing results with synthetic antioxidants (TBHQ and BHT).

Results:

Compounds 5a, 5c, 5f and 5g display trace DPPH radical trapping and excellent reducing power of ferric ion. Furthermore, the power of some prepared compounds against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria was proved by employing the disk dispersion experiment.

Conclusion:

The obtained results of disk diffusion test showed that compounds 5a, 5d and 5e prevented the bacterial growth. The reported procedure shows the advantages of clean reaction, high yield and simple purification.
Brain Arrhythmias Induced by Amyloid Beta and Inflammation: Involvement in Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Inflammation-related Pathologies
Authors: Peña-Ortega Fernando
Published: December 2019

A variety of neurological diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), involve amyloid beta (Aβ) accumulation and/or neuroinflammation, which can alter synaptic and neural circuit functions. Consequently, these pathological conditions induce changes in neural network rhythmic activity (brain arrhythmias), which affects many brain functions. Neural network rhythms are involved in information processing, storage and retrieval, which are essential for memory consolidation, executive functioning and sensory processing. Therefore, brain arrhythmias could have catastrophic effects on circuit function, underlying the symptoms of various neurological diseases. Moreover, brain arrhythmias can serve as biomarkers for a variety of brain diseases. The aim of this review is to provide evidence linking Aβ and inflammation to neural network dysfunction, focusing on alterations in brain rhythms and their impact on cognition and sensory processing. I reviewed the most common brain arrhythmias characterized in AD, in AD transgenic models and those induced by Aβ. In addition, I reviewed the modulations of brain rhythms in neuroinflammatory diseases and those induced by immunogens, interleukins and microglia. This review reveals that Aβ and inflammation produce a complex set of effects on neural network function, which are related to the induction of brain arrhythmias and hyperexcitability, both closely related to behavioral alterations. Understanding these brain arrhythmias can help to develop therapeutic strategies to halt or prevent these neural network alterations and treat not only the arrhythmias but also the symptoms of AD and other inflammation-related pathologies.
Celastrus Orbiculatus Extracts Inhibit the Metastasis through Attenuating PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway in Human Gastric Cancer
Authors: Qian Yayun , Yan Yan , Lu Hongmei , Zhou Tingting , Lv Mengying , Fang Chuanci , Hou Jingjing , Li Wenyuan , Chen Xiwen , Sun Hui , Li Yajuan , Wang Zheng , Zhao Nan , Gu Yajuan , Ding Yongling , Liu Yanqing
Published: December 2019

Background:

Rapamycin receptor inhibitors have been applied in the clinic and achieved satisfactory
therapeutic effect recently. The mechanisms did not clearly show how the Celastrus orbiculatus Extracts (COE)
inhibited the expression of the mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) in human gastric cancer cells. The
aim of this study was to investigate whether the COE inhibited the metastasis through the mTOR signaling
pathway in human gastric cancer MGC-803 cells.

Methods:

The abnormal expression level of mTOR protein was detected by immunohistochemistry in human
gastric cancer tissue. The MGC-803/mTOR- cells were constructed by knockdown of mTOR using lentivirus
infection technique. The human gastric cancer MGC-803/mTOR- cells were treated with different concentrations
(20, 40, 80 μg/ml) of COE for 24 hours. The ability of cell metastasis was analyzed by the cell invasion and
migration assay. The expression levels of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway were detected by Western Blotting.

Results:

COE inhibited the proliferation, invasion and migration of MGC-803/mTOR- cells in a concentrationdependent
manner. The expression of E-cadherin protein increased, and the expression of N-cadherin and
Vimentin decreased simultaneously in the MGC-803/mTOR- cells. 4EBP1, p-4EBP1, P70S6k, p-P70S6k,
mTOR, p-mTOR, PI3K and Akt proteins in MGC-803/mTOR- cells were reduced in a dose-dependent manner.

Conclusion:

COE could not only inhibit cell growth, invasion and migration, but also inhibit the epithelialmesenchymal
transition of gastric cancer cells. The molecular mechanism of COE inhibited the metastasis
which may be related to the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signal pathway. This study provides ideas for the development of
new anti-gastric cancer drugs.
Hierarchical γ-alumina: From Pure Phase to Nanocomposites
Authors: Svarovskaya Natalia , Glazkova Elena , Bakina Olga , Kazantsev Sergey , Lozhkomoev Aleksandr , Lerner Marat
Published: December 2019

Recent advances in nanotechnology make it possible to create nanomaterials based on
γ-alumina with novel hierarchical structure and physicochemical properties. Hierarchical γ-alumina
can be synthesized using chemical or physical methods. The nanostructures based on γ-alumina exhibit
unique properties, which are utilized in the design of efficient applications. These superior properties
are often due to their hierarchical organizations from the nanosize scale to the macroscopic level. The
present review is devoted to the contemporary state of the studies on the methods to produce hierarchical
γ-alumina. We tried to summarize herein the literature data on the methods of synthesis of hierarchical
γ-AlOOH and γ-Al2O3 with controlled morphology and the application of these methods for
the synthesis of hierarchical γ-AlOOH and γ-Al2O3 nanocomposites.
Presentation of a New Online Method, for Time Variant and Unknown Input Time Delay Estimation, in Continuous SISO-LTI Systems
Authors: Nejad Hadi Chahkandi , Farshad Mohsen , Havangi Ramazan
Published: December 2019

Aims:

In this paper, a novel estimator is presented, for online time delay estimation, in
single input-single output LTI systems, with time variant and uncertain delay in control input.

Background :

The main studies made on systems with time-varying delay are divided into three
general categories: (1) Identification and estimation of the delay. (2) Criteria presented for stability
and robust stability. (3) Control methods presented with goals like tracking.

Objective:

It is obvious that Laplace transfer function of a delayed system includes a time delay
factor (exponential and non-rational). In this study, it is assumed that the only uncertain and time
varying parameter in the system is the system’s time delay. The objective of this paper is to online
estimate of this time delay.

Methods:

Simulations were made on a sample system with input time delay, for different types of
time delay signal.

Results:

Finally, simulations results show rather desirable performance of the proposed estimator
in dealing with time varying and uncertain delays.
An Optimal IoT Device Placement Strategy for Agro-IoT Using Edge Computing
Authors: Balakrishna Gubba , Moparthi Nageswara R.
Published: December 2019

Background:

Development in innovation for remote detecting and mechanization have
persuaded the wide selection of the mechanical improvements in all fields of studies and applications.

Objective:

Fundamentally, the countries with high reliance on horticulture have improved the conventional
support of the harvests and procedures with the summon of advances like remote detecting
or sensor-based systems or Internet of Things.

Methods:

The consolidation of trend setting innovation has exhibited high effect on profitability and
reachability. The misfortunes because of the catastrophic events have essentially decreased as a similar
time. The adjustments of these innovations were conceded because of the underlying information
gain. The real bottlenecks of the adjustment of IoT for horticulture were three. Initially, the
advancement of the money saving advantages can't be accomplished because of the impediment of
the innovation. Furthermore, the inconsistent conveyance of the figuring forces makes the total IoT
organize inflexible for making further upgrades or expensive to keep up. At long last, the structure
for district explicit agro-IoT is as yet the interest for the business.

Results:

Consequently, this work proposes a novel IoT gadget situation technique with the advantages
of cost enhancements and upgrades over the transmissions. Likewise, the advantages from
the edge figuring instrument are accomplished in this work.

Conclusion:

At long last, this work likewise contributes towards the locale explicit system for
Agro-IoT with the intension of making the monetarily provoked countries to likewise profit the advantages
of innovation shifts.
The Association Between Health Information Seeking on the Internet and Physician Visits (The Seventh Tromsø Study - Part 4): Population-Based Questionnaire Study
Authors: Yigzaw Kassaye Yitbarek , Wynn Rolf , Marco-Ruiz Luis , Budrionis Andrius , Oyeyemi Sunday Oluwafemi , Fagerlund Asbjørn Johansen , Bellika Johan Gustav
Published: December 2019

Background

The internet is being widely used for seeking health information. However, there is no consensus on the association between health information seeking on the internet and the use of health care services.

Objective

We examined the association between health information seeking via the internet and physician visits. In addition, we investigated the association between online health information seeking and the decisions to visit and not to visit a physician.

Methods

We used the cross-sectional electronic health (eHealth) data of 18,197 participants from the seventh survey of the Tromsø Study (Tromsø 7). The participants were aged ≥40 years and living in Tromsø, Norway. We used logistic regression models to examine the association between online health information seeking and physician visits, the decision to visit a physician, and the decision not to visit a physician, with adjustment for the demographic status, socioeconomic status, and health status of the participants.

Results

The use of Web search engines was associated with a physician visit. However, the association was moderated by age, and the OR decreased as age increased. The ORs for the use of Web search engines were 1.99 (95% CI 1.94-2.02) and 1.07 (95% CI 1.03-1.12) at ages 40 and 80 years, respectively. The decision to visit a physician was associated with the use of Web search engines (OR 2.95, 95% CI 2.03-4.46), video search engines (OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.21-1.70), and health apps (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.13-1.42). The association between social media use and the decision to visit a physician was moderated by gender. Women who used social media had 1.42 (95% CI 1.31-1.55) times higher odds of deciding to visit a physician, whereas the decision to visit a physician was not different between men who used social media and those who did not use social media. Conversely, the decision not to visit a physician was associated with the use of Web search engines (OR 2.78, 95% CI 1.92-4.18), video search engines (OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.07-1.51), social media (OR 1.28, 95% CI 1.10-1.49), and health apps (OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.07-1.35).

Conclusions

Health information found on the internet was positively associated with both the decision to visit a physician and the decision not to visit a physician. However, the association of health information seeking with the decision to visit a physician was slightly stronger than the association with the decision not to visit a physician. This could imply that the use of eHealth services is associated with a resultant increase in physician visits. In summary, our findings suggest that the internet serves as a supplement to health care services rather than as a replacement.
Examination of Gender Stereotypes and Norms in Health-Related Content Posted to Snapchat Discover Channels: Qualitative Content Analysis
Authors: LeBeau Kelsea , Carr Cary , Hart Mark
Published: December 2019

Background

Snapchat has seen one of the most rapid, and unprecedented, growths in the history of social networking sites and social media with 3 billion Snapchats sent daily. In 2015, Snapchat introduced a new feature, Snapchat Discover, providing a unique way for publishers, such as magazines, to connect their content to Snapchat users.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate qualitatively the health-related content distributed among male-focused and female-focused Discover channels and to determine whether differences exist between the content posted to these channels.

Methods

Magazine Discover channels with male and female target audiences were identified based on the magazine’s claimed audience and a search of Snapchat Discover’s magazine publishers, resulting in the selection of two male-focused and two female-focused channels. Stories were collected daily from each of the selected channels during a 4-week period. Using the constant comparative method, 406 Discover stories were collected and analyzed.

Results

Differences in health content coverage existed between male- and female-focused channels. General health stories from male channels comprised 7.5% (10/134) of total stories compared with 22.8% (62/272) for female channels. Sexual health stories from male channels comprised 3.0% (4/134) of total stories compared with 18.8% (51/272) for female channels. Moreover, female-focused channels’ content was more comprehensive. Female audiences were portrayed as being health information seekers, concerned with sexual health and male satisfaction, primarily responsible for contraception and pregnancy prevention, and less informed about sex. Male audiences were portrayed as being less likely to seek health information, obsessed with and driven by sex, and less concerned with sexual health.

Conclusions

Understanding the content shared to social media is important, especially when considering the implications content may have for behavior. In terms of content, these findings suggest Discover channels appear to promote gender stereotypes and norms for health and sexual health through the information posted.
Using String Metrics to Improve the Design of Virtual Conversational Characters: Behavior Simulator Development Study
Authors: García-Carbajal Santiago , Pipa-Muniz María , Múgica Jose Luis
Published: December 2019

Background

An emergency waiting room is a place where conflicts often arise. Nervous relatives in a hostile, unknown environment force security and medical staff to be ready to deal with some awkward situations. Additionally, it has been said that the medical interview is the first diagnostic and therapeutic tool, involving both intellectual and emotional skills on the part of the doctor. At the same time, it seems that there is something mysterious about interviewing that cannot be formalized or taught. In this context, virtual conversational characters (VCCs) are progressively present in most e-learning environments.

Objective

In this study, we propose and develop a modular architecture for a VCC-based behavior simulator to be used as a tool for conflict avoidance training. Our behavior simulators are now being used in hospital environments, where training exercises must be easily designed and tested.

Methods

We define training exercises as labeled, directed graphs that help an instructor in the design of complex training situations. In order to increase the perception of talking to a real person, the simulator must deal with a huge number of sentences that a VCC must understand and react to. These sentences are grouped into sets identified with a common label. Labels are then used to trigger changes in the active node of the graph that encodes the current state of the training exercise. As a consequence, we need to be able to map every sentence said by the human user into the set it belongs to, in a fast and robust way. In this work, we discuss two different existing string metrics, and compare them to one that we use to assess a designed exercise.

Results

Based on the similarities found between different sets, the proposed metric provided valuable information about ill-defined exercises. We also described the environment in which our programs are being used and illustrated it with an example.

Conclusions

Initially designed as a tool for training emergency room staff, our software could be of use in many other areas within the same environment. We are currently exploring the possibility of using it in speech therapy situations.
The Systematic Medical Appraisal Referral and Treatment Mental Health Project: Quasi-Experimental Study to Evaluate a Technology-Enabled Mental Health Services Delivery Model Implemented in Rural India
Authors: Maulik Pallab K , Devarapalli Siddhardha , Kallakuri Sudha , Bhattacharya Amritendu , Peiris David , Patel Anushka
Published: December 2019

Background

Although around 10% of Indians experience depression, anxiety, or alcohol use disorders, very few receive adequate mental health care, especially in rural communities. Stigma and limited availability of mental health services contribute to this treatment gap. The Systematic Medical Appraisal Referral and Treatment Mental Health project aimed to address this gap.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an intervention in increasing the use of mental health services and reducing depression and anxiety scores among individuals at high risk of common mental disorders.

Methods

A before-after study was conducted from 2014 to 2019 in 12 villages in Andhra Pradesh, India. The intervention comprised a community antistigma campaign, with the training of lay village health workers and primary care doctors to identify and manage individuals with stress, depression, and suicide risk using an electronic clinical decision support system.

Results

In total, 900 of 22,046 (4.08%) adults screened by health workers had increased stress, depression, or suicide risk and were referred to a primary care doctor. At follow-up, 731 out of 900 (81.2%) reported visiting the doctor for their mental health symptoms, compared with 3.3% (30/900) at baseline (odds ratio 133.3, 95% CI 89.0 to 199.7; P<.001). Mean depression and anxiety scores were significantly lower postintervention compared with baseline from 13.4 to 3.1 (P<.001) and from 12.9 to 1.9 (P<.001), respectively.

Conclusions

The intervention was associated with a marked increase in service uptake and clinically important reductions in depression and anxiety symptom scores. This will be further evaluated in a large-scale cluster randomized controlled trial.
Blockchain-Authenticated Sharing of Genomic and Clinical Outcomes Data of Patients With Cancer: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Glicksberg Benjamin Scott , Burns Shohei , Currie Rob , Griffin Ann , Wang Zhen Jane , Haussler David , Goldstein Theodore , Collisson Eric
Published: December 2019

Background

Efficiently sharing health data produced during standard care could dramatically accelerate progress in cancer treatments, but various barriers make this difficult. Not sharing these data to ensure patient privacy is at the cost of little to no learning from real-world data produced during cancer care. Furthermore, recent research has demonstrated a willingness of patients with cancer to share their treatment experiences to fuel research, despite potential risks to privacy.

Objective

The objective of this study was to design, pilot, and release a decentralized, scalable, efficient, economical, and secure strategy for the dissemination of deidentified clinical and genomic data with a focus on late-stage cancer.

Methods

We created and piloted a blockchain-authenticated system to enable secure sharing of deidentified patient data derived from standard of care imaging, genomic testing, and electronic health records (EHRs), called the Cancer Gene Trust (CGT). We prospectively consented and collected data for a pilot cohort (N=18), which we uploaded to the CGT. EHR data were extracted from both a hospital cancer registry and a common data model (CDM) format to identify optimal data extraction and dissemination practices. Specifically, we scored and compared the level of completeness between two EHR data extraction formats against the gold standard source documentation for patients with available data (n=17).

Results

Although the total completeness scores were greater for the registry reports than those for the CDM, this difference was not statistically significant. We did find that some specific data fields, such as histology site, were better captured using the registry reports, which can be used to improve the continually adapting CDM. In terms of the overall pilot study, we found that CGT enables rapid integration of real-world data of patients with cancer in a more clinically useful time frame. We also developed an open-source Web application to allow users to seamlessly search, browse, explore, and download CGT data.

Conclusions

Our pilot demonstrates the willingness of patients with cancer to participate in data sharing and how blockchain-enabled structures can maintain relationships between individual data elements while preserving patient privacy, empowering findings by third-party researchers and clinicians. We demonstrate the feasibility of CGT as a framework to share health data trapped in silos to further cancer research. Further studies to optimize data representation, stream, and integrity are required.
Accuracy of Distance Recordings in Eight Positioning-Enabled Sport Watches: Instrument Validation Study (Preprint)
Authors: Gilgen-Ammann Rahel , Schweizer Theresa , Wyss Thomas
Published: December 2019

BACKGROUND

Elite athletes and recreational runners rely on the accuracy of global navigation satellite system (GNSS)–enabled sport watches to monitor and regulate training activities. However, there is a lack of scientific evidence regarding the accuracy of such sport watches.

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to investigate the accuracy of the recorded distances obtained by eight commercially available sport watches by Apple, Coros, Garmin, Polar, and Suunto when assessed in different areas and at different speeds. Furthermore, potential parameters that affect the measurement quality were evaluated.

METHODS

Altogether, 3 × 12 measurements in urban, forest, and track and field areas were obtained while walking, running, and cycling under various outdoor conditions.

RESULTS

The selected reference distances ranged from 404.0 m to 4296.9 m. For all the measurement areas combined, the recorded systematic errors (±limits of agreements) ranged between 3.7 (±195.6) m and –101.0 (±231.3) m, and the mean absolute percentage errors ranged from 3.2% to 6.1%. Only the GNSS receivers from Polar showed overall errors <5%. Generally, the recorded distances were significantly underestimated (all P values <.04) and less accurate in the urban and forest areas, whereas they were overestimated but with good accuracy in 75% (6/8) of the sport watches in the track and field area. Furthermore, the data assessed during running showed significantly higher error rates in most devices compared with the walking and cycling activities.

CONCLUSIONS

The recorded distances might be underestimated by up to 9%. However, the use of all investigated sport watches can be recommended, especially for distance recordings in open areas.