bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mapping of impaired functional connectivity during memory phases in Alzheimer's disease and its association with cortical β-amyloid
Authors: Li Binyin , Zhang Miao , Ye Guanyu , Zhou Liche , He Guiying , Lin Xiaozhu , Meng Hongping , Huang Xinyun , Hai Wangxi , Chen Shengdi , Li Biao , Liu Jun
Published: July 2020

Background: Amnesia in Alzheimer's disease (AD) could be due to disrupted encoding, consolidation dysfunction, or an impairment in the retrieval of stored memory information. The different memory phases relate with different parts of functional brain systems. Methods: We combine task functional magnetic resonance imaging and amyloid positron emission tomography in 72 participants (36 AD and 36 controls), to investigate the relationship between memory performance, memory phase-locked functional connectivity, and cortical β-amyloid deposition.Results: We found that AD was mainly characterized by decreased functional connectivity in a new data-driven Network composed of regions from default mode network, limbic network and frontoparietal network during the memory maintenance and retrieval phase. Within the Network, AD had more regions with reduced connectivity during the retrieval phase than other phases, locating mainly in the medial prefrontal cortex, posterior cingulate cortex, middle temporal and inferior parietal cortex of left hemisphere. Furthermore, functional connectivity in the Network related to memory performance. Crucially, the magnitude of the Network connectivity reduction during retrieval negatively correlated with mean cortical β-amyloid, and this relationship mediated the relationship between cortical β-amyloid and memory performance.Conclusions: Our findings show that memory deficiency in AD relates with decreased connectivity in specific network and cortical β-amyloid only during retrieval phase. These findings help to map impaired functional connectivity during memory phases and explain the relationship between memory deficiency and cortical β-amyloid.
Pluripotency and Immunomodulatory Signatures of Canine Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Are Similar to Harvested Mesenchymal Stromal Cells
Authors: Shahsavari Arash , Weeratunga Prasanna , Ovchinnikov Dmitry A. , Whitworth Deanne
Published: July 2020

Background: With a view towards harnessing the therapeutic potential of canine mesenchymal stromal cells (cMSCs) as modulators of inflammation and the immune response, and to avoid the issues of the variable quality and quantity of harvested cMSCs, we examined the immunomodulatory properties of cMSCs derived from canine induced pluripotent stem cells (ciMSCs), and compared them to cMSCsharvested from adipose tissue (cAT-MSC) and bone marrow (cBM-MSC).Methods and results: Deep sequencing of the ciMSC transcriptome confirmed that ciMSCsexpress more genes in common with cBM-MSCsthan with the ciPSCs from which they were derived. Both ciMSCs and cBM-MSCsexpress a range of pluripotency factors in common withthe ciPSCsincluding NANOG, POU5F1 (OCT-4), SOX-2, KLF-4, LIN-28A, MYC, LIF, LIFR, and TERT. However, ESRRB and PRDM-14, both factors associated with naïve, rather than primed, pluripotency were expressed only in the ciPSCs. LOXL-2, which is involved in epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), is also expressed in ciMSCs and cBM-MSCs but notciPSCs. ciMSCsconstitutively express the immunomodulatory factors iNOS, GAL-9, TGF-β1, PTGER-2αand VEGF, and the pro-inflammatory mediators COX-2,IL-1βand IL-8.When stimulated with the canine pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α (cTNF-α), interferon-γ (cIFN-γ), or a combination of both, ciMSCsupregulated their expression ofIDO,iNOS, GAL-9,HGF, TGF-β1, PTGER-2α, VEGF, COX-2, IL-1β andIL-8.When co-cultured with mitogen-stimulated lymphocytes, ciMSCsdownregulated their expression of iNOS, HGF, TGF-β1andPTGER-2α, while increasing their expression of COX-2, IDO and IL-1β. Conclusions: Taken together, these findings suggest that ciMSCs possess similar immunomodulatory capabilities as harvested cMSCs and support further investigation into the potential use ofciMSCsfor the management of canine immune-mediated and inflammatory disorders.
Spatial Scale of Geomagnetic Pc5/pi3 Pulsations as a Factor of Their Efficiency in Generation of Geomagnetically Induced Currents
Authors: Yagova Nadezda V. , Pilipenko Vyacheslav , Sakharov Yaroslav , Selivanov Vasily
Published: July 2020

Geomagnetically induced currents (GICs) in a meridional power transmission line at the Kola Peninsula are analyzed during the intervals of Pc5/Pi3 (frequency range from 1.5 to 5 mHz) pulsation activity observed at the IMAGE magnetometer network. We have analyzed GIC in a transformer at the terminal station Vykhodnoj (68◦N, 33◦E) during the entire year of 2015, near the maximum of 24-th Solar cycle. To quantify the efficiency of GIC generation by a geomagnetic pulsation, a ratio between power spectral densities of GIC and magnetic field variations is introduced. Upon examination of the efficiency of geomagnetic pulsations in GIC generation, the emphasis is given to its dependence on frequency and spatial scale. To estimate pulsation spatial scales in latitudinal and longitudinal directions, the triangle of stations KEV-SOD-KIL has been used. Large-scale pulsations along the electric power line (with a high spectral coherence, low phase difference, and similar amplitudes) are found to be more effective in GIC generation than small-scale pulsations. The accuracy of GIC prediction also depends on the pulsation scale transversal to the electric power line.
Spatio-temporal Characteristics of Frictional Properties on the Subducting Pacific Plate Off the East of Tohoku District, Japan Estimated from Stress Drops of Small Earthquakes
Authors: Yamada Takuji , Duan Meitong , Kawahara Jun
Published: July 2020

The east coast of the Tohoku district, Japan has a high seismicity, including aftershocks of the 2011 M9 Tohoku earthquake. We analyzed 1142 earthquakes with $4.4 \le M_{W} \le 5.0$ that occurred in 2003 through 2018 and obtained spatio-temporal pattern of stress drop on the Pacific Plate that subducts beneath the Okhotsk Plate. Here we show that small earthquakes at edges of a region with a large slip during the 2011 Tohoku earthquake had high values of stress drop, indicating that the areas had a high frictional strength and suppressed the coseismic slip of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake. In addition, stress drops of small earthquakes in some of the areas likely decreased after the 2011 Tohoku earthquake. This indicates that the frictional strength decreased at the areas due to the following aftershocks of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake, consistent with a high aftershock activity. This also supports that the frictional properties on a subducting plate interface can be monitored by stress drops of small earthquakes, as pointed out by some previous studies.
Fast Hypothermia Induced by Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy Alleviates Renal and Intestinal Injury After Cardiac Arrest in Swine
Authors: Xu Jiefeng , Shi Lin , Wang Jiangang , Wu Chunshuang , Chen Qijiang , Jin Xiaohong , Zhang Jungen , Zhang Mao
Published: July 2020

Background: Renaland intestinal damagelead tomultiple organ dysfunction and death after cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and can be partly mitigated by therapeutic hypothermia. Currently, continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) was demonstrated to be an effectiveway to induce hypothermia. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the influence of CRRT cooling on renal and intestinal damage after CPR based on a porcine model.Methods: 32swine were subjected to ventricular fibrillation for 8 min, while defibrillation was performed at 5 min of CPR. All pigs were randomly allocated to receive CRRT (n = 9), surface cooling (SC, n = 9), normothermia (NT, n = 9) or sham control (Control, n = 5)at 5 min post resuscitation. In the CRRT group, the pigs werecooled by the combination of8-hr CRRT and16-hr SC,a rate of 180 ml/min of blood flow was initially set with the infusion line submerged in 4 °C of ice water. In the SC group, pigs were cooled by the 24-hr SC.As to theNT and Controlgroups, thetemperatures were maintained at a normal range. The levels of creatinine (Cr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), intestinal fatty acid binding protein (IFABP) and diamine oxidase (DAO) in serum were measured at baseline and at 1, 3, 6, 12, 24and30h post resuscitation. Additionally, tissues of kidney and intestine were harvested, from which the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), the contents of malondialdehyde (MDA), activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and theapoptosis levels were analyzed.Results:After resuscitation, the blood temperature decreasedsignificantlymore rapidlyin the CRRT group than in the SC group (9.8±1.6vs. 1.5±0.4 ℃/h, P <0.01). The levels of Cr, BUN, IFABP and DAOafter resuscitation were significantly lower in the two hypothermic groupscompared with the NT group. Furthermore, from pathological evidence, cooling induced by CRRTalleviated post-resuscitation renaland intestinal injury compared to SC.Conclusion:Fast hypothermia induced by continuous renal replacement therapy was superior to surface cooling in mitigating renal and intestinal injury post resuscitation.
The role of the metabolic parameters of pre-treatment 18F-FDG PET/CT in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer
Authors: Wang Dunhuang , Liu Xiaoliang , Wang Weiping , Huo Li , Pan Qingqing , Ren Xue , Zhang Fuquan , Hu Ke
Published: July 2020

Purpose
The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the role of the pre-treatment metabolic parameters of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) treated with definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) or radiotherapy.
Methods
Patients with LACC who underwent pre-treatment 18F-FDG PET/CT examination and definitive CCRT or radiotherapy between February 2010 and December 2015 in our institute were enrolled. For each patient, the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), mean standardized uptake value (SUVmean), metabolic tumour volume (MTV), and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) of the primary tumour were measured. The survival outcomes were calculated with the Kaplan-Meier method. Cox proportional hazards models were used for univariate and multivariate analyses.
Results
A total of 125 patients were finally included in this study. The median follow-up duration was 62 months (range, 4-114 months). The 5-year overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), local control (LC) and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) rates were 83.6%, 75.1%, 92.3% and 79.9%, respectively. Univariate analysis indicated that MTV ≥ 18.3 cm3 showed worse OS and DMFS; however, no significant differences were identified for OS and DMFS in multivariate analyses. TLG ≥ 113.4 implied worse DFS and DMFS. In multivariate analysis, TLG ≥ 113.4 was an independent predictive factor for OS, DFS and DMFS. SUVmax and SUVmean had no significant influence on OS, DFS, LC or DMFS in either univariate or multivariate analysis.
Conclusion
Pre-treatment TLG ≥ 113.4 was associated with a high incidence of disease recurrence and poor OS in patients with LACC.
The Effect of Strict State Measures on the Epidemiologic Curve of Covid-19 Infection in the Context of a Developing Country: A Simulation From Jordan
Authors: Kheirallah Khalid A. , Alsinglawi Belal , Alzoubi Abdallah , Saidan Motasem N. , Mubin Omar , Alorjani Mohammed S. , Mzyak Fawaz
Published: July 2020

Background: COVID-19 has posed an unprecedented global public health threat and caused a significant number of severe cases that necessitated long hospitalization and overwhelmed the health services in most affected countries. In response, the governments initiated a series of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) that led to severe economic and social impacts. The effect of these intervention measures on the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic are not well investigated within developing countries settings. This study simulated the trajectories of COVID-19 epidemic curve Jordan and assessed the effect of Jordan’s strict NPI measures on the spread of COVID-19. Methods: A modified Susceptible, Exposed, Infected, and Recovered (SEIR) epidemic model was utilized. The compartments in the proposed model categorized Jordan population into six deterministic compartments; Suspected, Exposed, Infectious Pre-symptomatic, Infectious with Mild Symptoms, Infectious with Moderate to Severe Symptoms, and Recovered. GLEAMviz client simulator was used to run the simulation model. Epidemic curves were plotted for estimated COVID-19 cases in the simulation model, and compared against the reported cases. Results: The simulation model estimated the highest number of total daily new COVID-19 cases, in the pre-symptomatic compartmental state, to be 65 cases, with an epidemic curve growing to its peak in 49 days and terminating in a duration of 83 days, and a total number of simulated cumulative case count of 1,048 cases. The curve representing the number of actual reported cases in Jordan showed a good pattern compatibility to that in the mild and moderate to severe compartmental states. Reproduction number under the NPIs was reduced from 5.6 to less than one. Conclusion: NPIs in Jordan were effective in controlling the COVID-19 epidemic and reducing the reproduction rate. Early strict intervention measures showed evidence of containing and suppressing the disease.
Sensory Experiences and Cues among E-Cigarette Users
Authors: Piazza Jennifer Di , Caponnetto Pasquale , Askin Gulce , Christos Paul , Maglia Marilena , Gautam Richa , Roche Samantha , Polosa Riccardo
Published: July 2020

Background and AimsWe characterized the extent and quality of respiratory sensations and sensory related smoking cues associated with e-cigarette use among those who failed to quit combustible tobacco cigarette (CTC) use with traditional FDA approved medications but succeeded in doing so with e-cigarettes. Further, we sought to understand former smokers’ perceptions about the influence of sensory experience with e-cigarette use on CTC cessation outcomes.MethodsA nonrandom purposive sample of 156 participants recruited in the U.S. through the Consumer Advocates for Smoke Free Alternatives Association Facebook page completed an online cross-sectional survey to assess sensory experiences and smoking cues associated with e-cigarette use. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and the ANOVA/Kruskal-Wallis test with post-hoc testing and the two-sample t-test/Wilcoxon rank-sum test, as appropriate based on distribution, were used to assess the association between sample characteristics and sensory experiences and cues using investigator constructed questions, the Modified Cigarette Evaluation Questionnaire (mCEQ) and the Smoking Cue Appeal Survey (SCAS).ResultsWith e-cigarette use, participants reported feeling the vapor in their throats, windpipes, noses, lungs, and on their tongues; reductions in nicotine craving; and enjoyment of their e-cigarette, including tasting, smelling, and seeing the vapor and touching the device. Women had greater craving reduction than men (p=0.023). Those who began smoking at 13 years of age or younger had more smoking satisfaction and had greater sensory enjoyment than those who began smoking at 16-17 years of age (p=0.015 and p=0.026, respectively), as well as greater sensory enjoyment than those who began smoking at 14-15 years of age (p=0.047). There was a significant overall association between the number of years a respondent smoked and e-cigarette sensory enjoyment (p=0.038). Participants 18-34 years old rated e-cigarettes as being more pleasant compared to 45+ year olds, (p=0.012). Eighty four percent of participants reported the sensation of the vapor as important in quitting CTCs, and 91% believed the sensations accompanying e-cigarette use contributed to their smoking cessation success.ConclusionsFor those who failed to quit previously using approved cessation medications to stop smoking cigarettes, sensory experiences associated with e-cigarette use may help smokers quit smoking.
The Anti-fibrotic Effect of Human Fetal Skin-derived Stem Cell Secretome on the Liver Fibrosis
Authors: Yao Xia , Wang Jing , Zhu Jiajing , Rong Xiaoli
Published: July 2020

Background: Liver fibrosis resulting from chronic liver injury is one of the major causes of mortality worldwide. Stem cells-secreted secretome has been evaluated for overcoming the limitations of cell-based therapy in hepatic disease, while maintaining its advantages.Methods: In this study, we investigated the effect ofhuman fetal skin-derived stem cells (hFFSCs) secretome in the treatment of liver fibrosis. To determine the therapeutic potential of the hFFSCssecretome in liver fibrosis, we established the CCl4-induced rat liver fibrosis model, and administered hFFSCssecretome in vivo. Moreover, we investigated the anti-fibrotic mechanism of hFFSCssecretome in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs).Results: Our results showed that hFFSCssecretomeffectively reduced collagen content in liver, improved the liver function and promoted liver regeneration. Interestingly, we also found thathFFSCssecretom reduced liver fibrosis through suppressing the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. In addition, we found that hFSSCsecretom inhibited the TGF-β1, Smad2, Smad3, and Collagen I expression, however, increased Smad7 expression.Conclusions: In conclusions, our results suggest that hFFSCssecretome treatment could reduce CCl4-induced liver fibrosis via regulating the TGF-β/Smad signal pathway.
The effect of microbiota-based investigational drug RBX2660 on the gut microbiome and resistome revealed by a placebo-controlled clinical trial
Authors: Kwak Suryang , Choi JooHee , Hink Tiffany , Reske Kimberly A. , Blount Kenneth , Jones Courtney , Bost Margaret H. , Sun Xiaoqing , Burnham Carey-Ann D. , Dubberke Erik R. , Dantas Gautam
Published: July 2020

Background.
Intestinal microbiota restoration can be achieved by replacing a subject’s perturbed microbiota with that of a healthy donor. Recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection (rCDI) is one key application of such treatment. Another emerging application of interest is depletion of antibiotic resistant genes (ARGs) and organisms (AROs). In this study, we investigated fecal specimens from a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2b study of microbiota-based investigational drug RBX2660. Patients were administered either placebo, 1 dose of RBX2660 and 1 placebo, or 2 doses of RBX2660 via enema and longitudinally tracked for changes in their microbiome and antibiotic resistome.
Results.
All patients exhibited significant recovery of gut microbiome diversity and a decrease of ARG abundance during the first 7 days post-treatment. However, the microbiome and resistome shifts towards healthier configurations were more significant and longer-lasting in RBX2660 recipients compared to placebo. We quantified microbiome and resistome modification by RBX2660 using a novel ‘transplantation index’ metric. We identified taxonomic and metabolic features distinguishing the baseline microbiome of non-transplanted patients and taxa specifically enriched during the process of transplantation. We elucidated the correlation between resistome and taxonomic transplantations and post-treatment dynamics of patient-specific and RBX2660-specific ARGs. Whole genome sequencing of AROs cultured from RBX2660 product and patient samples indicate ARO eradication in patients via RBX2660 administration, but also, to a lesser extent, introduction of RBX2660-derived AROs.
Conclusions.
Through shotgun metagenomic sequencing, we elucidated the effects of RBX2660 in the microbiome and resistome. Antibiotic discontinuation alone resulted in significant recovery of gut microbial diversity and reduced ARG abundance, but RBX2660 administration more rapidly and completely changed the composition of patients’ microbiome, resistome, and ARO colonization by transplanting RBX2660 microbiota into the recipients. Although ARGs and AROs were transmitted through RBX2660, the resistome post-RBX2660 more closely resembled that of the administered product—a proxy for the donor—than an antibiotic perturbed state.
Projektinė veikla neformaliajame muzikiniame ugdyme
Authors: Miknaitytė Dovilė
Published: July 2020

Vaikų muzikinė veikla – viena iš svarbiausių priemonių, ugdant muzikinės kultūros pradmenis. Pedagoginiame procese negalima apsiriboti vien tik muzikinių žinių, įgūdžių ir klausos lavinimu. Muzikinė veikla bendrojo ugdymo mokykloje privalo būti laikoma specifine kultūrine vaikų išraiška, ugdančia jų muzikinę estetinę sąmonę. Neformalusis vaikų ugdymas yra viena sudedamųjų Lietuvos švietimo sistemos dalių. Neformaliojo muzikinio ugdymo paskirtis – ugdyti muzikinius gebėjimus, tenkinti vaikų pažinimo, lavinimosi ir saviraiškos poreikius. Siekiant tokių tikslų, galima pasitelkti pačius įvairiausias priemones ir metodus – vienas iš jų projektinė veikla. Projektinė veikla pastaraisiais metais sulaukia ypač daug dėmesio, nes tai yra būdas panaudoti, pritaikyti žinias edukacinėje praktikoje. Pastebima, kad tyrimų apie neformaliojo muzikinio ugdymo galimybes naudojant projektinę veiklą yra per mažai. Muzikinis edukacinis projektas – įžvelgtos muzikinės edukacinės idėjos ir konkrečių muzikinio ugdymo tobulinimo problemų sprendimas, siūlant naujus būdus ar muzikinės veiklos forma. 2018–2019 mokslo metais Vilniaus šv. Kristoforo progimnazijoje buvo vykdomas muzikinis edukacinis projektas – miuziklas „Melagės sapnas“. Projekto dalyviai – 1–8 klasių mokiniai. Muzikinio edukacinio projekto tikslas – skatinti vaikų saviraišką muzika projektinėje muzikinėje veikloje. Muzikinio edukacinio projekto uždaviniai: skatinti vaikų saviraišką muzika projektinėje veikloje; padėti mokiniams įgyti muzikinių žinių; skatinti vaikus aktyviai dalyvauti repeticijose ir pasirodymuose; įtraukti vaikus į muzikinę veiklą; skatinti mokinių saviraišką ir kūrybiškumą scenoje.Taigi neformalusis muzikinis ugdymas yra vienas tinkamiausių įrankių vaiko muzikalumui, individualumui, saviraiškai ir kūrybiškumui ugdyti, o projektų metodas padeda ugdyti mokinių savarankiškumą, kūrybiškumą, iniciatyvumą, atsakomybės jausmą.
A gamifikáció mint eszközrendszer és motivációs módszer az oktatásban
Authors: Juhász Valéria
Published: July 2020

A gamifikáció alkalmazása egy marketingrendszernek az oktatásba történő adaptálását jelenti. Egy gamifikált (oktatási) folyamatban meghatároznak egy nagyobb célt, amelynek az elérését kisebb lépésekre, rövidebb célszakaszokra bontják. Az egyes állomásokon külső/kisebb ösztönzők segítségével arra törekszenek a tervezők, hogy a folyamatban, a rendszerben tartsák a résztvevőket úgy, hogy adott időpontokban, időintervallumokban adott helyen a résztvevők – a remélt jutalmak megszerzésért – elvégezzék a kitűzött feladatokat. A gamifikációs stratégia adaptálásának és folyamatos korszerűsítésének a célja elsősorban egy olyan motivált, proaktív tanulói magatartás kialakítása, ami hatékonyan tudja megtervezni és kivitelezni a céljai eléréséhez szükséges, értelemmel bíró tanulói tevékenységeket, illetve a tanulási folyamatokat. A tanulmány célja, hogy a nemzetközi és haza kutatások alapján rámutasson a gamifikált oktatás elemeire, módszereire és mozgatórugóira: hogyan játszik szerepet a gamifikált oktatás a külső motiváción keresztül a belső motiváció (gamifikáció 2.0) elérésében. Az újabb kutatások fényében a tanulmány alátámasztja az általunk javasolt gamifikált oktatás következő meghatározását: A gamifikáció oktatásban való alkalmazása egy olyan transzparens haladást és fejlődést biztosító motiváló rendszer, amely nagyfokú szabadságot biztosít a változatos, kitágult tanulási keretek megtalálásában, az egyedi tanulási utak, tevékenységformák és ütemezések megtervezésében, azok értékelésében, miközben épít a szociális faktor tanulásszabályozó szerepére. Kiemelt célja az autonómiára, az önszabályozó tanulásra és az egyén saját tanulása iránti felelősségvállalására való nevelés a belső motiváció megtalálásával és a flow-élmény átélésével.
GESTURE RECOGNITION FOR PENCAK SILAT TAPAK SUCI REAL-TIME ANIMATION
Authors: Hastomo Widi
Published: July 2020

The main target in this research is a design of a virtual martial arts training system in real-time and as a tool in learning martial arts independently using genetic algorithm methods and dynamic time warping. In this paper, it is still in the initial stages, which is focused on taking data sets of martial arts warriors using 3D animation and the Kinect sensor cameras, there are 2 warriors x 8 moves x 596 cases/gesture = 9,536 cases. Gesture Recognition Studies are usually distinguished: body gesture and hand and arm gesture, head and face gesture, and, all three can be studied simultaneously in martial arts pencak silat, using martial arts stance detection with scoring methods. Silat movement data is recorded in the form of oni files using the OpenNI ™ (OFW) framework and BVH (Bio Vision Hierarchical) files as well as plug-in support software on Mocap devices. Responsiveness is a measure of time responding to interruptions, and is critical because the system must be able to meet the demand.
Rural community water management through directional tunnelling: visual modelling of rainwater harvesting system
Authors: Raya Raghavendra Kumar , Gupta Rajiv
Published: July 2020

Rainwater, a prominent source of water, needs to be properly harvested for better utilisation during water unavailable circumstances. Creating rainwater storage structures is an important aspect in the planning of water resources as it serves for future water usage and consumption. Advancements in rainwater storage structures are not happening on a large scale. Most of the structures are limited to individual household rainwater collection. Innovations and advanced technology applications must address rainwater storage functioning for a community. This research work proposes an innovative method called directional tunnelling for the activity of rainwater harvesting and its management for a small community in a rural area. Initially, rainwater is harvested in multiple individual household tanks, and later the excess of water from the corresponding tanks is subsequently collected in a community tank named as directional tunnel. All the details related to rural community water management have been discussed as well as highlighted by visual modelling using Building Information Modelling (BIM) tools. The current research work is intended on the rural aspect; therefore, the directional tunnel's practical execution and results are portrayed in a better manner through a case study at a village in Rajasthan, India.
The Chronicle of COVID-19 and Possible Strategies to Curb the Pandemic
Authors: Kumar Rajesh , Harilal Seetha , Al-Sehemi Abdullah G. , Mathew Githa Elizabeth , Carradori Simone , Mathew Bijo
Published: July 2020

COVID-19, a type of infection that emerged in Wuhan, has become a pandemic affecting
people worldwide and is rapidly spreading and evolving. Day by day, the confirmed
cases and deaths are increasing many folds. SARS-CoV-2 is a novel virus; therefore, limited
data are available to curb the disease. Epidemiological approaches, such as isolation, quarantine,
social distancing, lockdown, and curfew, are being employed to halt the spread of the disease.
Individual and joint efforts all over the world are producing a wealth of data and information
which are expected to produce therapeutic strategies against COVID-19. Current research
focuses on the utilization of antiviral drugs, repurposing strategies, vaccine development,
as well as basic to advanced research about the organism and the infection. The review
focuses on its life cycle, targets, and possible therapeutic strategies, which can lead to further
research and development of COVID-19 therapy.
Moxifloxacin-Loaded Lipidic Nanoparticles for Antimicrobial Efficacy
Authors: Darvishi Mohammad , Farahani Shahrzad , Haeri Azadeh
Published: July 2020

Background:

Pulmonary infections are an increasing problem in individuals and current therapies are lacking. Liposomes are spherical lipidic vesicles composed of phospholipid and cholesterol. Liposomes have numerous advantages, such as biodegradability, biocompatibility, non-immunogenicity, lack of toxicity, controlled release properties and high stability.

Objective:

This work was carried out to construct a novel liposomal moxifloxacin formulation and examine its antimicrobial effects against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus.

Methods:

he liposomal moxifloxacin formulation was prepared by the thin-film hydration method. The bilayer was composed of cholesterol and phospholipid at 30:70 molar ratio. To prepare cationic liposomes, 5% cationic agent (CTAB) was added. The liposomes were reduced in size with the bath sonication technique. The liposomal characterizations were tested regarding vesicle size, surface charge and drug encapsulation efficacy. Microdilution method was used to determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus of the free drug, neutral and cationic moxifloxacin liposomes.

Results:

The size of the liposomes was 50-70 nm. The zeta potential of neutral and cationic vesicles was ∼0 and +22 mV. The MIC values against Pseudomonas aeruginosa of the free drug, neutral and cationic moxifloxacin liposomes were 10, 5 and 2.5, respectively. The MICs against Staphylococcus aureus of the free drug, neutral and cationic moxifloxacin liposomes were 1, 1 and 0.5, respectively.

Conclusion:

This study demonstrates that the encapsulation of moxifloxacin into liposomes (especially cationic vesicles) could enhance antimicrobial properties.
Bioprospecting of Nitrogenous Heterocyclic Scaffolds with Potential Action for Neglected Parasitosis: A Review
Authors: Albino Sonaly L. , da Silva Jamire M. , de C. Nobre Michelangela S. , de M. e Silva Yvnni M. S. , Santos Mirelly B. , de Araújo Rodrigo S. A. , do C. A. de Lima Maria , Schmitt Martine , de Moura Ricardo O.
Published: July 2020

Neglected parasitic diseases are a group of infections currently considered as a worldwide concern. This fact can be attributed to the migration of these diseases to developed and developing countries, associated with therapeutic insufficiency resulted from the low investment in the research and development of new drugs. In order to overcome this situation, bioprospecting supports medicinal chemistry in the identification of new scaffolds with therapeutically appropriate physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties. Among them, we highlight the nitrogenous heterocyclic compounds, as they are secondary metabolites of many natural products with potential biological activity. The objective of this work was to review studies within a 10-year timeframe (2009- 2019), focusing on the pharmacological application of nitrogen bioprospectives (pyrrole, pyridine, indole, quinoline, acridine, and their respective derivatives) against neglected parasitic infections (malaria, leishmania, trypanosomiases, and schistosomiasis), and their application as a template for semi-synthesis or total synthesis of potential antiparasitic agents. In our studies, it was observed that among the selected articles, there was a higher focus on the attempt to identify and obtain novel antimalarial compounds, in a way that an extensive amount of studies involving all heterocyclic nitrogen nuclei were found. On the other hand, the parasites with the lowest number of publications up until the present date have been trypanosomiasis, especially those caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, and schistosomiasis, where some heterocyclics have not even been cited in recent years. Thus, we conclude that despite the great biodiversity on the planet, little attention has been given to certain neglected tropical diseases, especially those that reach countries with a high poverty rate.
Annonaceae Family Alkaloids as Agents Against Leishmaniasis: A Review and Molecular Docking Evaluation
Authors: Lorenzo Vitor Prates , Scotti Luciana , da Silva Almeida Jackson Roberto Guedes , Scotti Marcus Tullius
Published: July 2020

Leishmaniasis is a neglected disease that affects 15 million people worldwide. Existing treatments are
associated with limitations, including high costs and toxicity. Several classes of natural substances have been reported
to display leishmanicidal activity in the literature. Isoquinoline alkaloids, which are commonly found in the
Annonaceae family, represent an important skeleton for the development of anti-leishmaniasis products. This study
presents an overview of the potential use of Annonaceae alkaloids to treat leishmaniasis and describes a molecular
docking study examining 215 isoquinoline alkaloids. All selected compounds contain a bisbenzyltetrahydroisoquinoline,
suggesting the affinity of this skeleton for the target.
Comparative Pharmacokinetic Study of Hesperetin after Oral Administration in Normal and Hyperuricemia Rats by UPLC-MS/MS
Authors: Li Kexin , Wei Li , Han Zhigang , Xiong Huarong , Zhang Fengmei , Liu Xuwei , Zhao Dezhang , Pan Yongquan , Han Wenli
Published: July 2020

Backgrounds:

Hesperetin has antihyperuricemia activity, and the pharmacokinetic profiles
of hesperetin may be altered by hyperuricemia. This study aimed to develop a highly sensitive
and specific method for the determination of hesperetin in normal and hyperuricemia rats, and to
compare pharmacokinetic profiles of hesperetin after oral administration between normal and hyperuricemia
rats.

Methods:

Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into one normal group (group A) and
four hyperuricemia groups (group B, C, D, and E). Groups A, B, C, and D received a single dose
(9–81 mg/kg) of hesperetin on Day 28, respectively, while group E received multiple doses (27
mg/kg) of hesperetin once daily for 28 days. Blood samples were collected at 10 different time
points post-dose, and hesperetin was determined by Ultra-high Performance Liquid Chromatography-
tandem Mass Spectrometric (UPLC-MS/MS).

Results:

Compared with normal condition of group A, hyperuricemia of group C induced 48.19%
and 19.57% decreases in Cmax and CL/F, and resulted in 58.25% and 19.48% increases in Tmax
and AUC0-t for hesperetin, respectively. After 28 days of hesperitin treatment, Cmax of group E
was significantly elevated than that of group C (p < 0.05). Hesperetin exhibited nonlinear pharmacokinetic
properties in the range of 9-81 mg/kg in hyperuricemia rats.

Conclusions:

The pharmacokinetic parameters of hesperetin in hyperuricemia rats were reported for
the first time. Intestinal injury may be ameliorated by hesperetin in hyperuricemia rats after 28
days’ treatment. These findings could provide more beneficial information to the mechanism and
clinical applications of hesperetin.
Pharmacological Uses of the Plants Belonging to the Genus Commiphora
Authors: Latha Subbiah , Selvamani Palanisamy , Prabha Thangavelu
Published: July 2020

Natural products have a unique place in the healthcare industry. The genus Commiphora
emerged as a potential medicinal source with huge benefits as evidenced through its use in various
traditional and modern systems of medicine. Therefore, we aimed to prepare a concise review on the
pharmacological activities and the indigenous uses of various plant species belonging to the genus
Commiphora along with the structural information of various active botanical ingredients present in
these plants based on the published literatures and scientific reports.

To collect the published literatures on Commiphora in various journals; to study and classify the
available information on the pharmacological uses and chemical constituents; and to present the
gathered information as a precise review to serve as a potential reference for future research.

Pharmacological and phytochemical data on Commiphora plant species were collected from various
journals, books, reference materials, websites including scientific databases, etc. for compilation.

This review article describes the various pharmacological properties of plants of Commiphora species
viz., anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory, anti-atherogenic, antibacterial, anti-coagulant, antidicrocoeliasis,
anti-epileptic, anti-fascioliasis, anti-fungal, anti-heterophyidiasis, anti-hypercholesterolemic,
anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-hypothyroidism, anti-obesity, anti-osteoarthritic, antiosteoclastogenesis,
anti-oxidant, anti-parasitic, anti-pyretic, anti-schistosomiasis, anti-septic, antithrombotic,
anti-ulcer, cardioprotective, COX enzyme inhibitory, cytotoxic /anti-carcinogenic/anticancer,
DNA cleavage, hypotensive, inhibits lipid peroxidation, inhibits NO and NO synthase production,
insecticidal, local anesthetic, molluscicidal, smooth muscle relaxant, and tick repellent activities
along with toxicity studies. Furthermore, the review also included various secondary metabolites
isolated from various species of Commiphora genus along with their chemical structures serving as a
ready resource for researchers.

We conclude that the plant species belonging to the genus Commiphora possesses abundant pharmacological
properties with a huge treasure of diverse secondary metabolites within themselves. This
review indicates the necessity of further in-depth research, pre-clinical, and clinical studies with
Commiphora genus, which may help to detect the unidentified potential of the Commiphora plant
species.
Mechanistic Insights into the Anticandidal Action of Vanillin Reveal Disruption of Cell Surface Integrity and Mitochondrial Functioning
Authors: Saibabu Venkata , Fatima Zeeshan , Khan Luqman Ahmad , Hameed Saif
Published: July 2020

Background:

Considering the emergence of multidrug resistance (MDR) in prevalent human fungal pathogen,
Candida albicans, there is parallel spurt in development of novel strategies aimed to disrupt MDR. Compounds from natural
resources could be exploited as efficient antifungal drugs owing to their structural diversity, cost effectiveness and negligible side effects.

Objective:

The present study elucidates the antifungal mechanisms of Vanillin (Van), a natural food flavoring agent against
Candida albicans.

Methods:

Antifungal activities were assessed by broth microdilution and spot assays. Membrane and cell wall perturbations
were studied by PI uptake, electron microscopy, plasma membrane H+
extrusion activity and estimation of ergosterol and
chitin contents. Mitochondrial functioning was studied by growth on non-fermentable carbon sources, rhodamine B labeling
and using retrograde signaling mutants. Gene expressions were validated by semi-quantitative RT-PCR.

Results:

We observed that the antifungal activity of Van was not only limited to clinical isolates of C. albicans but also
against non-albicans species of Candida. Mechanistic insights revealed effect of Van on cell surface integrity as evident
from hypersensitivity against membrane perturbing agent SDS, depleted ergosterol levels, transmission electron micrographs and diminished plasma membrane H+
extrusion activity. In addition, spot assays with cell wall perturbing agents,
scanning electron micrographs, delayed sedimentation rate and lower chitin content further substantiate cell wall damage by
Van. Furthermore, Van treated cells underwent mitochondrial dysfunctioning via impaired retrograde signaling leading to
abrogated iron homeostasis and DNA damage. All the perturbed phenotypes were also validated by RT-PCR depicting differential regulation of genes (NPC2, KRE62, FTR2 and CSM3) in response to Van.

Conclusion:

Together, our results suggested that Van is promising antifungal agent that may be advocated for further investigation in therapeutic strategies to treat Candida infections.
Resolution-Associated Molecular Patterns (RAMPs) as Endogenous Regulators of Glia Functions in Neuroinflammatory Disease
Authors: Wenzel Tyler J. , Kwong Evan , Bajwa Ekta , Klegeris Andis
Published: July 2020

Glial cells, including microglia and astrocytes, facilitate the survival and health of all cells
within the Central Nervous System (CNS) by secreting a range of growth factors and contributing to
tissue and synaptic remodeling. Microglia and astrocytes can also secrete cytotoxins in response to
specific stimuli, such as exogenous Pathogen-Associated Molecular Patterns (PAMPs), or endogenous
Damage-Associated Molecular Patterns (DAMPs). Excessive cytotoxic secretions can induce the death
of neurons and contribute to the progression of neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease
(AD). The transition between various activation states of glia, which include beneficial and detrimental
modes, is regulated by endogenous molecules that include DAMPs, cytokines, neurotransmitters,
and bioactive lipids, as well as a diverse group of mediators sometimes collectively referred to as
Resolution-Associated Molecular Patterns (RAMPs). RAMPs are released by damaged or dying CNS
cells into the extracellular space where they can induce signals in autocrine and paracrine fashions by
interacting with glial cell receptors. While the complete range of their effects on glia has not been described
yet, it is believed that their overall function is to inhibit adverse CNS inflammatory responses,
facilitate tissue remodeling and cellular debris removal. This article summarizes the available evidence
implicating the following RAMPs in CNS physiological processes and neurodegenerative diseases:
cardiolipin (CL), prothymosin α (ProTα), binding immunoglobulin protein (BiP), heat shock protein
(HSP) 10, HSP 27, and αB-crystallin. Studies on the molecular mechanisms engaged by RAMPs could
identify novel glial targets for development of therapeutic agents that effectively slow down neuroinflammatory
disorders including AD.
Is the Detection of Factor IX Inhibitors in Hemophilia B Orphan than Factor VIII Inhibitors in Hemophilia A? A Concise, Systematic Review
Authors: Mansouritorghabeh Hassan , Mohades Seyedeh T.
Published: July 2020

Objective:

Development of inhibitors in hemophilia A and B comprise significant
challenge for patients, hematologists, and health provider systems. It has recommended by the
World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH) to check inhibitors every 3-4 months. The incidence of
inhibitor in hemophilia B is lower than hemophilia A. Here, it tried to unravel whether the detection
of inhibitors in hemophilia B neglected compared to hemophilia A or not?

Methods:

A comprehensive review carried out using six international and local medical search
engines on published contributions about inhibitors in hemophilia A and B in Iran.

Results:

From 699 titles, 12 relevant papers were selected. The mean of factor VIII inhibitors in
hemophilia A was 14.8%. The mean of factor IX inhibitors in hemophilia B was 6%. The minimum and
maximum reported percentages of factor VIII inhibitors were 4% and 19.6%, while the minimum
and maximum of reported percentages of factor IX inhibitors were 0% and 11.8%, respectively.
The inhibitors in hemophilia A had reported in 6 papers. One paper had covered the inhibitors in
hemophilia B. There were five papers on inhibitors in both hemophilia A and B. The comparison
between the reported patients showed that 3020 patients with hemophilia A and 314 patients with
hemophilia B had studied.

Conclusion:

Consistent with the lower frequency of hemophilia B and the lower development of
inhibitors in hemophilia B compared to hemophilia A, it was concluded that hemophilia B had not
neglected in Iran. It seems to be rational that each country, check rates of detection of inhibitors in
hemophilia B to identify whether it has neglected or not.
Overview of Covid-19 Regarding the Cardiovascular Situation in the Light of Current Reports
Authors: Aydin Suna , Akkoc Ramazan Fazil , Aydin Suleyman
Published: July 2020

Nowadays Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19) is increasing mortality all over the
world mercilessly. We are learning almost every day about its new symptoms and that it mutates
quickly. This disease has tied us up and made us desperate. The death rate from this disease has
increased in patients who had pre-existing medical conditions, especially cardiovascular ones, by
eliminating the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-2 receptor in the lungs. Also, ACE1 and
angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) may stimulate ACE2 expression and worse the prognosis.
Intravenous infusions of ACEIs and ARBs in experimental animals increase the number of ACE2
receptors. Therefore, it may be one of the reasons that COVID-19 infects the cells of patients
treating hypertension. However, most of the congress of cardiology do not recommend to
discontinue these anti-hypertensive drugs. Therefore, this brief report evaluates Covid-19 in the
view of cardiovascular diseases taking into account current reports and suggests some possible
solutions to keep the virus under control.
Reactive Power Control Strategy of Demand Side Back-to-Back Converter Based on VSM
Authors: Lyu Xiao , Ma Gang
Published: July 2020

Background:

The Demand Side Management (DSM) technology is playing an increasingly
important role in the power system, in order to promote the real-time supply and demand balance
of the power grid and improve the economy and safety of the power grid.

Objective:

To realize the flexible and continuous reactive power control of demand side load, a reactive
power control strategy for the demand side back-to-back converter (DS-B2BC) is proposed.

Methods:

First, DS-B2BC is proposed. Then, the reactive power control model of DS-B2BC and its
control loop are designed, and the reactive power control model, based on the Virtual Synchronous
Motor (VSM), is established.

Results:

The simulation results verify that the reactive power control strategy proposed in this paper
is effective, which can control the demand side load reactive power flexibly and continuously.

Conclusion:

Moreover, the strategy can counteract the disturbance from the power grid simultaneously.
Synthesis and Electrochemical Properties of NiFe-Se/rGO Nanocomposites
Authors: Yan Rouwei , Xu Biao , Annamalai K.P. , Chen Tianlu , Nie Zhiming , Wang Fangke , Tao Yousheng
Published: July 2020

Background :

Renewable energies are in great demand because of the shortage of
traditional fossil energy and the associated environmental problems. Ni and Se-based materials
are recently studied for energy storage and conversion owing to their reasonable conductivities
and enriched redox activities as well as abundance. However, their electrochemical
performance is still unsatisfactory for practical applications.

Objective:

To enhance the capacitance storage of Ni-Se materials by modification of their
physiochemical properties with Fe.

Methods:

A two-step method was carried out to prepare FeNi-Se loaded reduced graphene
oxide (FeNi-Se/rGO). In the first step, metal salts and graphene oxide (GO) were mixed under
the basic condition and autoclaved to obtain hydroxide intermediates. As a second step,
selenization process was carried out to acquire FeNi-Se/rGO composites.

Results:

X-ray diffraction measurements (XRD), nitrogen adsorption at 77K, scanning electron
microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were carried out to
study the structures, porosities and the morphologies of the composites. Electrochemical
measurements revealed that FeNi-Se/rGO notably enhanced capacitance than the NiSe/G
composite. This enhanced performance was mainly attributed to the positive synergistic effects
of Fe and Ni in the composites, which not only had an influence on the conductivity of
the composite but also enhanced redox reactions at different current densities.

Conclusion:

NiFe-Se/rGO nanocomposites were synthesized in a facile way. The samples
were characterized physicochemically and electrochemically. NiFeSe/rGO giving much
higher capacitance storage than the NiSe/rGO explained that the nanocomposites could be
an electrode material for energy storage device applications.