bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Larvicidal Activity in vivo of Ethanolic and Aqueous Extracts From Moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.) on Aedes aegypti L. (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Alves Antonio Carlos Leite , Silva Toshik Iarley da , Azevedo Francisco Roberto de , Lima Estelita Pereira , Virgulino Renata Rocha , Costa Clarice E. T. L. , Feitosa José Valmir
Published: June 2019

The insecticides properties of Moringa oleifera (moringa) were evaluated in Aedes aegypti larvae, throughout an entirely randomized trial, represented by ethanolic and aqueous extracts obtained from leaves, flowers, barks, seeds and moringa roots, besides the control group. Five batches of 10 in 3rd stadium larvae were distributed in distilled water, added an extract concentration of 50 mL L-1, and the control treatment (distilled water). The test reading was measured after 24, 48 and 72 hours after larvae exposure, were considered dead those who did not respond to a mechanical stimulation of a clamp. The seed ethanolic extract produced the best performance after 24 hours (34% mortality), but after 48 hours, the flower extract was the more potent (38% mortality). The largest larvicidal activity was observed with the extract concentration of 90 mL L-1. The results indicate that moringa has larvacides properties against Aedes, but its chemical constituents need to be isolated and tested separately to enhance your larvicidal activity.
Indicator of Quality of Water for Human Consumption in the Community El Comején, Masaya (Nicaragua)
Authors: López Dixon Nohel Morales , Fernández Ismael Montero , Maldonado Selvin Antonio Saravia , Díaz Francisco Luis Acosta , Alemán Luis Antonio Beltrán
Published: June 2019

Knowing the quality of water for human consumption is of utmost importance in the development of a country, since the poor quality of this vital liquid can be a source of diseases for the health of the population. The present work was carried out in the community El Comején, Masaya, in the Republic of Nicaragua, where microbiological analyzes were carried out in three sampling points (one well drilled and two taps). The physicochemical and chemical analyzes are in accordance with the norms established by CARPE, highlighting sodium as a major element with a concentration of 48.6 mg L-1 and potassium with 21.08 mg L-1. On the other hand, biological parameters such as total coliforms, thermotolerable coliforms, E. coli and fecal enterococos were analyzed, being found in some sampling points, values of total coliforms of 110 NMP 100 mL-1 being above the established limits, requiring a treatment additional to be suitable for human consumption.
Physiological Parameters of Soybean Under Different Intensities of Artificial Light
Authors: Lisboa Lucas Aparecido Manzani , Stelutti Amanda , Lima Karla Caroline Santana , Rafachinho Guilherme Bandeca , Chedid Renata Alari , Brenha Jeruska Azevedo Moreira , Almeida Pedro Henrique de Conde de , Crispim Nubia Priscila de Oliveira , Rodrigues Gabriel Banos , Figueiredo Paulo Alexandre Monteiro de
Published: June 2019

Luminosity and temperature are factors that directly act in photosynthetic process, in which the elevation of the light intensity may provoke reduction in the assimilation of carbon, impairing the development of the soybean culture. This work aimed to know physiological parameters of soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) under different intensities of artificial light. The experiment was carried out in randomized blocks, in a factorial scheme 2 × 5, being two soybean cultivars (Potência and NS6700) and five densities of light: 0 (control), 500, 1000, 1500 and 2000 μmol m-2 s-1 of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) provided by LED bulbs, with 4 repetitions, in total of 40 plots. The following variables were set: rate of CO2 assimilation (A), transpiration (E), stomatal conductance (gs), inner CO2 concentration in the substomatic chamber (Ci) and water use efficiency (WUE) in which a portable device of gas exchange was used (Infra-Red Gas Analyzer-IRGA, marca ADC BioScientific Ltd, modelo LC-Pro). Seedlings of soybean positively responded under different intensities of artificial light till reach the maximum saturation point between 1400 and 1600 µmol m-1 s-1 of light, which promoted a better rate of A, Ci andWUE. E and gs presented positive linear responses by increasing the intensity of artificial light. The ideal light intensity to the use of Infra-Red Gas Analyzer-IRGA between 1400 and 1600 µmol m-1 s-1 to the soybean culture.
Physiological and Growth Responses in the (Schizolobium amazonicum Huber ex Ducke) Seedlings Subjected to Cadmium Doses
Authors: Nogueira Glauco A. S. , Brito Ana E. A. , Nascimento Vitor R. , Albuquerque Gerson D. P. , Botelho Anderson S. , Souza Luma C. , Freitas Joze M. N. , Amarante Cristine B. , Okumura Ricardo S. , Conceição Heráclito E. O. , Viana Rafael G. , Oliveira Neto Cândido F.
Published: June 2019

The aim of this work was to evaluate, by the physiological and growth variables, the behavior of paricá seedlings submitted to cadmium aplications. Cadmium is a importante metal due the industrial use, the accumulation in the environment, the high mobility in the soil-plant system, and possibly by changing physiological and growth parameters in plants. Among the plants that can be affected by this metal is the species (Schizolobium amazonicum Huber ex Ducke), known as paricá. Native from the amazona region, presents great social, economic and environmental potential. Among the physiological variables analyzed, cadmium interfered with photosynthesis, stomatal conductance and transpiration, mainly with the increase of the concentrations of this element. Among the correlated variables, the variable intrinsic efficiency of water use (EiUA), presented high in the stress conditions maintaining the minimum of water balance. For the growth variables, the cadmium provided a decrease in the height, diameter, number of leaves and leaflets influencing the low synthesis of photoassimilates. The phytotoxic element was mainly concentrated in the roots, but there was translocation to shoot, signaling a phytoextractive characteristic.
Mathematical Modeling of Thin-Layer Drying Kinetics of Piper aduncum L. Leaves
Authors: Quequeto Wellytton Darci , Siqueira Valdiney Cambuy , Mabasso Geraldo Acácio , Isquierdo Eder Pedroza , Leite Rafael Araujo , Ferraz Lucas Rodrigues , Hoscher Renata Henrique , Schoeninger Vanderleia , Jordan Rodrigo Aparecido , Goneli André Luis Duarte , Martins Elton Aparecido Siqueira
Published: June 2019

As well as most agricultural products, some medicinal plants need to go through a drying process to ensure quality maintenance, however each product behaves differently. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the drying kinetics of spiked pepper (Piper aduncum L.) leaves and determine their thermodynamic properties at different drying temperatures in laboratory scale. Leaves with initial moisture content of 78% w.b. (wet basis) were subjected to drying at temperatures of 40, 50, 60 and 70 ºC and air speed of 0.85 m s-1 in an experimental fixed bed dryer. The drying kinetics of the leaves was described by statistical fitting of mathematical models and determination of effective diffusion coefficient and activation energy. Enthalpy, entropy and Gibbs free energy were also evaluated for all drying conditions. It was concluded that, among the models evaluated, only Midilli and Valcam can be used to represent the drying of Piper aduncum leaves; the first for the two highest temperatures (60 and 70 ºC) and the second for 40 and 50 ºC. The activation energy was approximately 55.64 kJ mol-1, and the effective diffusion coefficient increase with the elevation of temperature. The same occurs with the values of Gibbs free energy, whereas the specific enthalpy and entropy decrease.
Sunflower Genotype Selection for Oil Production in the Pre-Amazon Region of Brazil
Authors: Shigaki Francirose , Veras Ludhanna Marinho , Siqueira Elane Tyara de Jesus , Freitas José Roberto Brito , Costa Mayanna Karlla Lima , Carvalho Cláudio Guilherme Portela de , Pereira Marcos Gervasio
Published: June 2019

Part of the energy consumed in the world comes from limited sources, which eventually are expected to be depleted. The search for alternative sources to meet energy needs is crucial. Biodiesel derived from vegetable oils and animal fats stands out as a biodegradable and renewable alternative source of energy. Sunflower is among the top four oil crops produced worldwide, and Brazil has a high production potential for this crop. This study aimed to identify the sunflower genotypes with the highest potential for biodiesel production in the Pre-amazon region of Brazil, where the advance of agricultural frontier represents an important role on biodiesel production. This study was conducted over 2 years of observations. The following genotypes were used: M734 (T), Helio358, EMBRAPA 122, and BRS G 35. The following parameters were assessed: initial flowering date (IFD), physiological maturity date (PMD), plant height (PH), grain yield (YIELD), thousand achene weight (TAW), and oil content (%OC). The climatic conditions of each experimental period were distinctive and directly affected the results obtained. The genotype Embrapa 122 showed the best performance regarding yield and was recommended for the pre-Amazon region of Brazil as the best adapted genotype to the local environmental conditions.
Potential of Greenhouse Gas Production by Guinea Grass Subjected to Weed Competition
Authors: Marchi Sidnei Roberto de , Sousa Amanda Cristina de , Marques Ricardo Fagundes , Pinheiro Guilherme Henrique Rodrigues , Souza Rodrigo Marques de , Martins Dagoberto
Published: June 2019

The world population growth and the increasing purchasing power have raised the demand for animal proteins, especially meat and milk. This has made it essential to intensify livestock production by making it productive, efficient and at the same time sustainable, which today is a great challenge for cattle ranchers. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of coexistence with weeds on productivity, nutritional quality and potential of greenhouse gas (GHG) emission by Guinea grass (Panicum maximum cv. Mombasa) in pasture renewal conditions. The experiment was set up in randomized blocks, four replications, with treatments consisting of eight periods of coexistence: 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90 and 120 days after seedlings emergence. Phyto-sociological evaluations were performed in the weed community at the end of each coexistence period. The Guinea grass was evaluated as for morphological, chemical and bromatological parameters and as for the potential of total gas, methane and carbon dioxide emission. The results show that productivity, nutritional quality and energy value of Guinea grass decreases proportionally to the increase in the period of coexistence with weeds. The non-coexistence with weeds provides a better in vitro digestibility of organic matter and, consequently, decreases the GHG emission potential by the dry matter of Guinea grass.
Analysis on Production Efficiency of Laying Hens in China—Based on the Survey Data of Five Provinces
Authors: Yuhuan Wu , Fu Qin
Published: June 2019

Problem Description: China is one of the major countries in the world of laying hens. However, compared with the United States and the European Union, the production efficiency of laying hens in China still lags far behind. Objectives: To guide the farmers to improve the effiency of laying hens breeding, we use the survey data to analysis the effiency and give advice. Methodology: This paper uses field survey data from five provinces to measure the technical efficiency of laying hens through DEA model. Key Findings: The results show that the average technical efficiency of survey households is 95.411%. Through the analysis, we found that layer chicken production technology in Hebei province is the highest, Liaoning province layer chicken production efficiency is the lowest. Implications: In the overall layout of laying hens breeding, the laying hens industry development should vigorously promote the rationalization of regional layout, give full play to regional advantages, and promote the development of laying hens industry.
Morphological and Patogenic Characterization of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum
Authors: Zanatta Thais P. , Kulczynski Stela M. , Guterres Caroline W. , Fontana Daniele C. , Meira Daniela , Ceolin Eduardo L. , Balem Eduardo , Trevisan Mateus , Paraginski Joao Antônio , Buffon Paola A.
Published: June 2019

White mold is a disease with a wide distribution worldwide. Temperatures between 18-23 °C and high humidity conditions favor the occurrence of the pathogen. For the control of the disease it is fundamental to understand the morphology and pathogenicity of the fungus. The objective of this study was to characterize the morphological and pathogenic characteristics of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum isolates from the state of Rio Grande do Sul. Sclerodes were disinfested, placed in the center of plates containing culture medium and incubated under controlled conditions. The evaluations were performed daily, during a period of 30 days, from the incubation of sclerotia. The experimental design was completely randomized, with four plaques per isolate, each plate one replicate. The characteristics evaluated for the mycelium characterization were: time required for the fungus to occupy the plate; density of the formed mycelium; coloration of the colonies and mycelial growth rate. Scleroderma assessments were based on training or not; time for formation of the first sclerodium; total amount formed per plate; Format; distribution in the colony and weight. The isolates were pathogenically characterized by the methodology of inoculation of the detached leaf. All data were submitted to analysis of variance and the means were compared by the Skott-Knott test, at 1% probability. The evaluated populations presented wide variability for the studied characteristics. It was not possible to verify the existence of common groups that could be related to the origin of the isolates, due to the high genetic diversity. The isolates showed different levels of aggressiveness, the two being more aggressive LF02 and LF06.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for Journal of Agricultural Science, Vol. 11, No. 8
Authors: Brown Anne
Published: June 2019

Reviewer acknowledgements for Journal of Agricultural Science, Vol. 11, No. 8, 2019.
Effect of Farm Saved Maize (Zea mays L.) Seed on Intensity of Foliage Diseases
Authors: Mutundi Alfred N. , Muthomi James W. , Olubayo Florence M. , Leley Philip K. , Nzuve Felista M.
Published: June 2019

Majority of farmers in Africa recycle farm saved seed from the previous seasons. Such seed is usually contaminated with disease causing pathogens, has low vigor and result in low yields. This study was, therefore, conducted to determine the effect of recycling maize seeds on incidence of foliage diseases. Maize seeds were collected during 2016 short rain season from farmers, local market and Agrovet shops in Busia County of western Kenya. The seeds were subjected to field evaluation during 2017 long rain season at two sites in Busia and Kakamega Counties. Data was collected on emergence, off types, lodging, ear aspect and abnormalities, incidence and severity of diseases and yield. Seeds from local market had significantly higher emergence of up to 66% while the farm saved seeds and local market resulted in the highest percentage of off-types of up to 18%. Crop from farm saved seed and seeds from the local market showed high susceptibility to stalk lodging, ear abnormalities and high levels of diseases. Diseases detected include northern leaf blight, gray leaf spot, rust, brown spot, downy mildew, and ear rots. The study showed that though informal seeds had high plant establishment, they have high level of off types, are susceptible to lodging, diseases and low yields. Therefore, farmer should be encouraged to use certified or improved seeds to enhance crop productivity.
Communities of Helminth Parasites in Sciaenid Fish From the Alvarado Coast, Veracruz, Mexico, Southern Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Montoya-Mendoza Jesús , Salgado-Maldonado Guillermo , Álvarez-Noguera Fernando , Lugo-Vázquez Alfonso , Lango-Reynoso Fabiola
Published: June 2019

A helminthological examination was performed on 114 specimens of sciaenids that were captured on the Alvarado coast, Veracruz, Mexico, between August 2004 and July 2006. Bairdiella chrysoura (n = 15); Cynoscion arenarius (n = 31); Menticirrhus americanus (n = 16); Menticirrhus littoralis (n = 33) and Umbrina coroides (n = 19). 26 parasites were identified at the species, 12 genus and 5 family levels, as follows: 21 digeneans (14 adults and 7 metacercariae), 9 monogeneans, 7 nematodes (4 adults and 3 larvae), 2 cestodes (larvae), and 4 acanthocephalans (adults). Digeneans and monogeneans were the most abundant. Helminths with the highest prevalence in all five communities were Pseudorhamnocercoides stichospinus and Tetraphyllidae. The species with highest mean intensity were Diplomonorchis leiostomi and Tetraphyllidae, and Hysterothylacium sp., were registered in the five communities. Significant correlations between the host total length and species richness, U. coroides (r = 0.54), and total length and abundance, M. americanus (r = 0.63), were found. The highest similarity was recorded among communities of M. americanus and M. littoralis. The infracommunities and component communities in species richness and diversity, in all cases, were within ranges observed in most marine fish helminth communities.
The Effects of Aromatherapy, Meditation, and Blue Light on Sleep Quality
Authors: Potter Amy
Published: June 2019

Sleep insomnia, which reduces the effectiveness of sleep, is a large problem in America that affects individuals with a range of ages. Nearly 60 million people suffer from insomnia in America every year. My goal was to see if the use of aromatherapy, reduction of blue light, and practice of meditation before bed would increase sleep quality. More specifically, I will be focused on increasing the time spent in deep sleep and reducing the times one wakes up during the night. To test my hypothesis, I used the Fitbit Versa to monitor the sleep patterns of the participants of three people with and then the same three people without the pre-bed routines that may affect their sleep. While the results showed that aromatherapy meditation did improve the sleep of the participants, allowing the participant to sleep without waking up as many times are normal and feel more refreshed upon waking, the reduction of blue light had no significant impacts on the participant’s quality of sleep.
Examining the Effectiveness of Simulated Interpreting Projects: Students’ Perspectives
Authors: Hu Wan
Published: June 2019

In recent decades, bridging the gap between university-based interpreting teaching and industry needs has been increasingly important as an emerging area of interpreter education and training. Many interpreter educators and practitioners have introduced authentic interpreting practices (e.g. mock conference, role-play, conference observation, field training) into their classrooms and received positive feedback from student interpreters. This study investigates the use of simulated interpreting projects, which have been designed by the interpreter trainer to make student interpreters’ learning more stimulating and effective. Findings from this empirical study have demonstrated that the simulated interpreting projects not only enhanced student interpreters’ skills for and knowledge about the interpreting profession, but also cultivated their vocational skills and investigation capabilities which are crucial for many other professions. This research contributes to the current understanding of enhancing student interpreters’ learning experience via real-life activities. It introduces a fresh perspective for designing an investigative learning model for student interpreters. It also has practical implications for interpreting pedagogy, offering theoretical and empirical support for the changing attitudes and approaches in interpreter education and training.
MEDIA COMPETENCES AS A DETERMINANT OF A CONSTRUCTIVE SENIOR IN THE MEDIA SPACE
Authors: Wrońska Marta
Published: June 2019

The lack of reliable knowledge about the media and the possibilities of using them often makes it impossible to take actions that determine the quality and standard of life of each of us. Adults are aware that the media can be a tool for exploring the world, but the tools only serve well for those who know about the circumstances, methods, and ways of using them. Significant media skills will be needed for constructive use of media by older adults and for their awareness about the media space. A description of the media space is presented in the article, the author also defines the concept of media competence and presents the results of research on the activity of seniors and their intentional functioning in the media space.
EXPECTATIONS OF PARENTS TOWARDS SCHOOL IN THE CONTEXT OF RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE UPBRINGING AND EDUCATIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE CHILD
Authors: Plieth-Kalinowska Izabela
Published: June 2019

There are complex socialization processes present in the family and school, which are shaping the cultural awareness and expression as well as the initiative and entrepreneurship of the young person. Effective upbringing of children is a task that overwhelms many parents. School activities are often the complement and support for the efforts of the parents. Building these relationships should start with defining the expectations that each parent has towards the school in terms of responsibility for education and educational achievements of their child. In good school those are the subject for reflection and a foundation for creating
effective cooperation strategies
POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE PARENTAL ATTITUDES FACING OF CHILD’S DISABILITY
Authors: Świerk Małgorzata
Published: June 2019

Parental attitudes are considered in a positive or negative context. Parents with correct attitudes have a greater ability to objectively assess the child as a result of an appropriate, moderate attitude towards him and the acceptance of his or her personality. Psychological research on erroneous educational attitudes determines the directions in which the behavior of the child may develop. Negative parental attitudes cause such strong and permanent damage to the child’s moral and social development that the educational methods used by the school are no longer able to remove these distortions
Therapeutic potential of ceragenins and nanosystems containing membrane
active compounds in the anti-cancer therapies
Authors: Piktel Ewelina , Bucki Robert
Published: June 2019

Constantly increasing morbidity and mortality of cancer, complex immunopathogenesis
of tumors and variable development and severity
of the disease, enforce a constant search for new therapeutic factors
with anti-cancer activity. Despite the constant achievements in anti-
-cancer diagnostic and therapeutic methods development, the low specificity
and high toxicity of cytostatics, and the multidrug resistance
expansion, still remain a considerable health problem. Currently, natural,
cationic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and their synthetic lipid
analogs from the ceragenin group (CSA) are presented as potential antineoplastic
compounds. Their special features, including the membrane
permeabilizing-based mechanism of action, selectivity towards tumor
cells, biocompatibility and the absence of a recorded anti-AMPs
resistance mechanism, make cationic antineoplastic peptides an effective
alternative to modern cytostatics. Moreover, a compelling number
of research confirm the possibility of using magnetic nanoparticles as
highly effective and biocompatible drug carriers, ensuring the achievement
of a sufficiently high intracellular concentration of drug and thus,
increasing its antineoplastic activity. The results obtained so far indicate
the possibility of the employment of natural AMPs and their synthetic
analogs from ceragenins group in an effective eradication of cancer
cells. Nevertheless, further studies aiming to elucidate the safety of proposed
nanosystems and focused on the employment of ceragenin-based
nanosystems in diagnostic MRI imaging and as hyperthermia inducers
are needed and justified.
The Lords of Muskets
Authors: Kneitz Peter
Published: June 2019

When firearms first arrived on the island of Madagascar at the beginning of the 16th century, they soon became a very much sought-after commodity for the local population. This contribution traces for the first time the history of firearm technology on Madagascar during precolonial times, until the French colonization in 1896, in a systematic perspective. A case study on the use of firearms around 1710 shows that firearms became integrated into an already long-established logic of intensive war. On the political level, the firearms gave rise to a new form of chieftaincy that has endured for more than three centuries: the “lords of muskets.”
Reflecting on student mental health: Creating a meditation room in a small college library
Authors: Bremer Peter
Published: June 2019

There was a time when meditation, mindfulness, and massage were often seen as luxuries or the domain of granola-eating eccentrics. Now such activities have moved into the mainstream and are embraced by millions of Americans. Data analyzed from the 2012 National Health Interview Survey indicated that 8%, or 9.3 million, of Americans reported using meditation in the previous year. The most common reason cited, according to the report, was mental health problems. Anxiety, stress, and depression were the top mental health problems for which individuals used meditation.
Automated data extraction software for medical summary using text mining (T-Library)
Authors: Yamada Tomohide , Kondo Yoshinobu , Momosaki Ryo
Published: June 2019

The electronic medical record (EMR) is a source of clinical information and is used for clinical research. Clinical researchers leverage this information by employing staffs to manually extracting data from the unstructured text. This process can be both error-prone and labor-intensive.

This software (T-Library) is a software which automatically extracts key clinical data from patient records and can potentially help healthcare providers and researchers save money, make treatment decisions and manage clinical trials.

This software saves labor for data transcription in clinical research. This is a vital step toward getting researchers rapid access to the information they need. This is also the attempt to cluster patients’ morbid states and establish accurate and constantly updated risk engine of complications’ crises, using deep learning.

Strengths: 1) Quick and Easy operation

URL: http://www.picoron.com/tlibrary/
Understanding the evolutionary origins of bacterial natural products with immunosuppressant properties
Authors: Ng Wenfa
Published: June 2019

Actinobacteria and streptomyces are known to produce a variety of natural products, some of which confer antibiotic or immunosuppressive activities. While it is understandable that microbes develop the ability to synthesize molecules such as antibiotics that attack other competing microbes, but why would a secondary metabolite (natural product) synthesized by a microbe confer immunosuppressive activities? Was the capability to synthesize such a molecule endowed by evolution in the context of enabling microbes to develop resistance to immune cells of the human body? Or did the capability come from the need to colonize human body surfaces or gut to gain a survival niche for the microbe? Given that actinobacteria and streptomyces are soil microbes not usually associated with human body surfaces, could their biosynthetic capability for particular immunosuppressants arise from horizontal gene transfer from bacteria that colonize human body surfaces and subsequently develop the ability to synthesize the pertinent compounds through evolution? An alternate line of thinking on this issue touches on the possibility that microbes could encounter analogs of immuno-active molecules in their natural environment. Such molecules might elicit undesired physiological effects on the microbes, which place a selection pressure on microbes to develop countermeasures to the immuno-active molecules through mutations. Hence, through evolution, microbes could have developed the capability to synthesize secondary metabolites able to bind analogs of immuno-active molecules and help sequester them or quench their bioactivity. Subsequent profiling of such secondary metabolites in drug discovery efforts could have uncovered compounds with immunosuppressant activity which are originally developed for counteracting analogs of immuno-active molecules in the environment. It has to be recognized that analogs of immuno-active compounds remain somewhat dissimilar to immune compounds secreted by human immune cells, but they likely share common motifs for protein-secondary metabolite interactions. Direct evidence of the evolution of natural products with immunosuppressant activities could only be obtained from challenging suitable bacterial species with immuno-active molecules. Long cultivation experiments with multiple generations may result in the evolution of biosynthetic gene clusters for the synthesis of natural products able to sequester or quench immuno-active molecules. But, on the another hand, understanding relative binding affinities between a library of natural products and immuno-active molecules from humans would suggest drug candidates and their biosynthetic gene clusters. Subsequent phylogenetic analysis of cluster genes with their homologs from other species may yield insights into the evolution of genes and their putative function.
Biosorption of Heavy Metals by Oscillatoria Species
Authors: Riskuwa-Shehu Maryam Lami , Ismail Haruna Yahaya , Sulaiman Maimuna
Published: June 2019

Background: Several anthropogenic activities have led to serious health and environmental problems as a result of releasing different contaminants in to the ecosystem including heavy metals. This called for search of possible methods that could be used to ameliorate the environment and biosorption was found to be promising.

Aim: The potential of Oscillatoria sp. was investigated with a view to determining its suitability in the biosorption of Cr2+ and Pb2+.

Place and duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Research Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, between January and July, 2016.

Methodology: Samples of the algal species were collected from an irrigation site at Kwalkwalawa area of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto. The samples were dried and powdered for biosorption studies. Biosorbents were prepared and used for sorption of heavy metals at different time and substrate concentration.

Results: It was observed that Oscillatoria sp. biomass could adsorb appreciable amounts of the metals in a dose and contact time-dependent manner. At lower biomass doses, lower rates were recorded with a mean of 0.002 mg/g and increased to 0.1mg/g when 2 g and 5 g biomass were used respectively in both cases of the metals uptake. Based on contact time, Cr2+ uptake was initially slow with mean value of 0.002 mg/g for the first 50 minutes and rapidly increased to optimum at 60 minutes of contact time. For Pb2+ however, uptake was rapid with peak value of 0.1mg/g for the first 20 minutes. The uptake drastically decreased at 35 and 50 minutes and equilibrium was attained at 60 minutes of contact time.

Conclusion: Oscillatoria sp. has the potentials of Cr2+ and Pb2+ uptake and thus suitable for biosorption of low heavy metals concentrations.
Measuring conceptual understanding in randomised controlled trials: Can comparative judgement help?
Authors: Jones Ian , Bisson Marie , Gilmore Camilla , Inglis Matthew
Published: June 2019

An impediment to conducting high‐quality quantitative research studies in education is the paucity of valid measures of learning gains. Studies often seek to investigate students’ deep, conceptual understanding yet many measures assess only surface, procedural understanding. One reason is that the development of validated measures of conceptual understanding is resource intensive and time consuming, and success is not guaranteed. We evaluated a novel and efficient technique, based on comparative judgement, for assessing conceptual understanding. We applied the technique to a randomised controlled trial in which students were taught simple algebra based on either the Grid Algebra or the MiGen software package. The participants were Year 5 students (N = 188) drawn from four primary schools who had not encountered algebra previously. An instrument from the literature (Concepts in Secondary Mathematics and Science: Algebra Scale) and a novel comparative judgement assessment were administered following the intervention. Students in the Grid Algebra condition outperformed those in the MiGen condition on both post‐test measures. The comparative judgement technique performed similarly to the standard instrument but was far more efficient to design and implement. The technique can, in principle, be quickly applied to any target concept of interest. We conclude that comparative judgement is a valid, reliable and practical tool that could help to increase both the quantity and quality of quantitative research in education.
Stability‐indicating chromatographic and chemometric methods for environmentally benign determination of canagliflozin and its major degradation product; A comparative study and greenness assessment
Authors: Emam Aml A. , Abdelwahab Nada S.
Published: June 2019

Recently, concepts of sustainable developments, like considering the environmental effect of chemicals used and the amount of hazardous wastes produced, has gained much interest. In this work, a recently approved treatment for type II diabetes mellitus, canagliflozin, was quantified along with its degradation product by two eco‐friendly methods. The first was a specific green HPLC method using a C18 column as a stationary phase and a mobile phase consisting of methanol–water (98:2, v/v) pumped at a flow rate of 1 mL/min with UV detection at 225 nm, and using ibuprofen as an internal standard. The second method was a partial least square chemometric method with the wavelength range 220–320 nm and the data was autoscaled as a preprocessing step for determination of canagliflozin and its degradation product. The greenness profile of the developed methods was studied and compared with the reported methods. The proposed methods were suitable alternatives for the environmentally harmful reported methods for quality control analyses of canagliflozin‐containing samples, analysis of pharmaceutical formulations and sensitive tracing of its possible degradation product. The methods were validated as per International Conference on Harmonization guidelines and statistically compared with the reported HPLC method.
Core–Shell Pd@M (M=Ni, Cu, Co) Nanoparticles/Graphene Ensembles with High Mass Electrocatalytic Activity Toward the Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Perivoliotis Dimitrios K. , Sato Yuta , Suenaga Kazu , Tagmatarchis Nikos
Published: June 2019

Herein, it is demonstrated that pyrene butyric acid (PBA)‐stabilized metal nanoparticles with core–shell morphology, Pd@MNPs (M=Ni, Cu, Co), non‐covalently supported on graphene (G) sheets, are more active towards oxygen electroreduction in alkaline environments than the benchmark Pd/C catalyst, albeit with a 70 % lower precious metal loading. The PBA‐stabilized Pd@MNPs (M=Ni, Cu, Co)/G ensembles were prepared by employing a simple modified polyol method and galvanic replacement and thoroughly characterized with advanced microscopy imaging and complementary spectroscopic techniques. Electrochemical studies revealed that Pd@NiNPs/G presents the optimum performance, exhibiting a 30 mV more positive onset potential and 3.2 times greater mass activity over Pd/C. Moreover, chronoamperometric assays showed the minimum activity loss for Pd@NiNPs/G, not only among its core–shell counterparts but importantly when compared with the benchmark catalyst. The excellent performance of Pd@NiNPs/G was attributed to the (a) presence of PBA as stabilizer, (b) uniform Pd@NiNPs dispersion onto the graphene sheets, (c) efficient intra‐ensemble interactions between the two species, (d) existence of the core–shell structure for Pd@NiNPs, and (e) stability of the Ni core metal under the reaction conditions. Last, the oxygen reduction on Pd@NiNPs/graphene occurs by the direct four‐electron reduction pathway, showing great potential for use in energy related applications.
High EMSY expression defines a BRCA‐like subgroup of high‐grade serous ovarian carcinoma with prolonged survival and hypersensitivity to platinum
Authors: Hollis Robert L. , Churchman Michael , Michie Caroline O. , Rye Tzyvia , Knight Laura , McCavigan Andrena , Perren Timothy , Williams Alistair R. W. , McCluggage W. Glenn , Kaplan Richard S. , Jayson Gordon C. , Oza Amit , Harkin D. Paul , Herrington C. Simon , Kennedy Richard , Gourley Charlie
Published: June 2019

Background

Approximately half of high‐grade serous ovarian carcinomas (HGSOCs) demonstrate homologous recombination repair (HR) pathway defects, resulting in a distinct clinical phenotype comprising hypersensitivity to platinum, superior clinical outcome, and greater sensitivity to poly(adenosine diphosphate‐ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors. EMSY, which is known to be amplified in breast and ovarian cancers, encodes a protein reported to bind and inactivate BRCA2. Thus, EMSY overexpression may mimic BRCA2 mutation, resulting in HR deficiency. However, to our knowledge, the phenotypic consequences of EMSY overexpression in HGSOC patients has not been explored.

Methods

Here we investigate the impact of EMSY expression on clinical outcome and sensitivity to platinum‐based chemotherapy using available data from transcriptomically characterized HGSOC cohorts.

Results

High EMSY expression was associated with better clinical outcome in a cohort of 265 patients with HGSOC from Edinburgh (overall survival multivariable hazard ratio, 0.58 [95% CI, 0.38‐0.88; P = .011] and progression‐free survival multivariable hazard ratio, 0.62 [95% CI, 0.40‐0.96; P = .030]). Superior outcome also was demonstrated in the Medical Research Council ICON7 clinical trial and multiple publicly available data sets. Patients within the Edinburgh cohort who had high EMSY expression were found to demonstrate greater rates of complete response to multiple platinum‐containing chemotherapy regimens (radiological complete response rate of 44.4% vs 12.5% at second exposure; P = .035) and corresponding prolonged time to disease progression (median, 151.5 days vs 60.5 days after third platinum exposure; P = .004).

Conclusions

Patients with HGSOCs demonstrating high EMSY expression appear to experience prolonged survival and greater platinum sensitivity, reminiscent of BRCA‐mutant cases. These data are consistent with the notion that EMSY overexpression may render HGSOCs HR deficient.
Clarifying the role of EMSY in DNA repair in ovarian cancer
Authors: Kondrashova Olga , Scott Clare L.
Published: June 2019

Although evidence supports the involvement of EMSY in DNA repair, EMSY amplification fails to suppress RAD51 foci formation, a marker of homologous recombination DNA repair. The majority of analyses to date have been performed in cell lines. Models more closely representing patients should be studied to determine the relevance of EMSY for use as a predictive biomarker for response to platinum and poly (adenosine diphosphate ribose) polymerase inhibitor therapy.
MicroRNA profiling in serous cavity specimens: Diagnostic challenges and new opportunities
Authors: Nicolè Lorenzo , Cappello Filippo , Cappellesso Rocco , VandenBussche Christopher J. , Fassina Ambrogio
Published: June 2019

The cytomorphologic evaluation of serous cavity specimens can quickly determine the cause of an effusion as well as the presence or absence of a neoplastic process. Ancillary tests such as immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in situ hybridization are frequently used to help to definitively identify malignant cells, determine a site of origin, and distinguish between malignant and reactive mesothelial proliferations. In recent years, microRNAs (miRNAs) have been increasingly evaluated in cytologic specimens, including those from serous cavities. The examination of miRNA is attractive because of the stability of miRNA in such specimens and data suggesting that miRNA can provide prognostic and therapeutic information in addition to its role in diagnosis. Furthermore, miRNAs exist within extracellular exosomes, and this allows for their analysis in specimens that contain only rare malignant cells, degenerated cells, or obscuring components. This review discusses the technical aspects of specimen processing for miRNA analysis, recent studies of miRNA expression in malignant serous cavity specimens, and the potential importance of miRNA expression analysis for serous cavity specimens in the near future.
The Therapy Process Questionnaire ‐ Factor analysis and psychometric properties of a multidimensional self‐rating scale for high‐frequency monitoring of psychotherapeutic processes
Authors: Schiepek Günter , Stöger‐Schmidinger Barbara , Kronberger Helmut , Aichhorn Wolfgang , Kratzer Leonhard , Heinz Peter , Viol Kathrin , Lichtwarck‐Aschoff Anna , Schöller Helmut
Published: June 2019

Many outcome measures and session‐related questionnaires in psychotherapy are designed for weekly or biweekly administration. Yet, today, technical developments allow for higher frequency assessments to monitor human change dynamics more closely by daily assessments. For this purpose, the Therapy Process Questionnaire (TPQ) was developed, with a specific focus on inpatient psychotherapy. In this article, we present an explorative and confirmative factor analysis of the TPQ on the basis of the time series data of 150 patients collected during their hospital stay (mean time series length: 69.1 measurement points). A seven‐factor solution was identified, which explains 68.7% of variance and associates 43 items onto the factors, which are “well‐being and positive emotions,” “relationship with fellow patients,” “therapeutic relationship and clinical setting,” “emotional and problem intensity,” “insight/confidence/therapeutic progress,” “motivation for change,” and “mindfulness/self‐care.” The internal consistency (Cronbach's α), the inter‐item correlations of the subscales, and the discriminative power of the items are excellent. The TPQ can be applied in practice and research for creating time series with equidistant measurement points and time series lengths, which are appropriate for the application of nonlinear analysis methods. Especially in clinical practice, it is important to identify precursors of phase transitions, changing synchronization patterns, and critical or instable periods of a process, which now is possible by internet‐ or app‐based applications of this multidimensional questionnaire.
Severe Acute Malnutrition Results in Lower Lumefantrine Exposure in Children Treated With Artemether‐Lumefantrine for Uncomplicated Malaria
Authors: Chotsiri Palang , Denoeud‐Ndam Lise , Baudin Elisabeth , Guindo Ousmane , Diawara Halimatou , Attaher Oumar , Smit Michiel , Guerin Philippe J. , Doumbo Ogobara K. , Wiesner Lubbe , Barnes Karen I. , Hoglund Richard M. , Dicko Alassane , Etard Jean‐Francois , Tarning Joel
Published: June 2019

Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) has been reported to be associated with increased malaria morbidity in Sub‐Saharan African children and may affect the pharmacology of antimalarial drugs. This population pharmacokinetic (PK)‐pharmacodynamic study included 131 SAM and 266 non‐SAM children administered artemether‐lumefantrine twice daily for 3 days. Lumefantrine capillary plasma concentrations were adequately described by two transit‐absorption compartments followed by two distribution compartments. Allometrically scaled body weight and an enzymatic maturation effect were included in the PK model. Mid‐upper arm circumference was associated with decreased absorption of lumefantrine (25.4% decreased absorption per 1 cm reduction). Risk of recurrent malaria episodes (i.e., reinfection) were characterized by an interval‐censored time‐to‐event model with a sigmoid maximum‐effect model describing the effect of lumefantrine. SAM children were at risk of underexposure to lumefantrine and an increased risk of malaria reinfection compared with well‐nourished children. Research on optimized regimens should be considered for malaria treatment in malnourished children.
A single nuclear polymorphism in let‐7g binding site affects the doubling time of thyroid nodule by regulating KRAS‐induced cell proliferation
Authors: Liu Ailin , Zhang Wanli , Zhao Tao , Xiao Ming , Mei Qijian , Zhu Hui
Published: June 2019

As an indicator for the malignancy of thyroid nodules (TN), the doubling time of TN was studied in this study to evaluate the effect of rs712 polymorphism on the progression of TN. In addition, we aimed to study the potential molecular mechanisms underlying the pathological effect of rs712 polymorphism upon TN. A Taqman method was used to genotype the patients according to their rs712 polymorphism. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction, western blot, Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay and 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium (MTT) assay was conducted to study the correlation between KRAS expression and the pathological effect of rs712 polymorphism. In‐silicon analysis and luciferase assay were utilized to establish the regulatory relationship between let‐7g and KRAS. KRAS messenger RNA (mRNA)/protein levels in the GG group were upregulated with a decreased apoptosis index. KRAS mRNA was validated to be a virtual target of let‐7g. In addition, the mRNA/protein level of KRAS as well as cell proliferation index was decreased in primary thyroid cancer cells genotyped as TT/TG and transfected with KRAS small interfering RNA (siRNA)/let‐7g precursors. The cell apoptosis index was evidently elevated in the KRAS siRNA/let‐7g precursors group compared with that in the scramble controls. Moreover, KRAS mRNA/protein only showed slight reduction when GG‐genotyped primary thyroid cancer cells were transfected by let‐7g precursors. Additionally, let‐7g precursors exhibited no significant effect on cell proliferation index or cell apoptosis in GG cells. Rs712 polymorphism T>G in the 3′‐untranslated region of KRAS interrupts the interactions between let‐7g and KRAS mRNA, leading to a higher cell proliferation index and reduced doubling time of TN.