bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of fecal microbiota transplantation on serum uric acid levels, symptoms and intestinal barrier function in patients with acute and recurrent gout: a pilot study
Authors: Xie Wenrui , Yang Xiaoya , Deng Zhihe , Zheng Yamei , Zhang Ran , Wu Lihao , Cai Jieyi , Xia Harry Huaxiang , He Xingxiang
Published: July 2020

Background: Gut dysbiosis has been reported to be closely associated with gout. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has been considered as an effective way to restore the balance of gut microbiota. We aimed to evaluate the effects of FMT on serum uric acid levels, gout symptoms and the intestinal barrier function in patients with acute and recurrent gout. Methods: We performed a pilot study of FMT for acute and recurrent gout. The primary outcome was the changes in serum uric acid level on day 28 post-FMT and in gout symptoms by one year. The secondary outcomes included the changes in levels of urine uric acid, diamine oxidase (DAO), D-lactic acid and endotoxin on day 28 post-FMT. The levels of DAO, D-lactic acid and endotoxin were assessed by enzyme assay. Results: Eleven patients received FMT treatment. All the patients had a reduction in serum uric acid levels after FMT treatment ( P < 0.05), accompanied with a decrease in the frequency and duration time of acute gout flares. The levels of DAO, D-lactic acid and endotoxin, reflecting the intestinal barrier function, were higher in patients with gout than in healthy donors ( P < 0.05). After FMT treatment, the levels of DAO and endotoxin decreased ( P < 0.05). Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that FMT is effective for reducing serum uric acid levels and improving gout symptoms in patients with gout; FMT contributes to improve the impaired intestinal barrier function of the patients.
Eye Gaze Differences in School Scenes Between Preschool Children and Adolescents With High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder and Those With Typical Development
Authors: Ishizaki Yuko , Higuchi Takahiro , Yanagimoto Yoshitoki , Kobayashi Hodaka , Noritake Atsushi , Nakamura Kae , Kaneko Kazunari
Published: July 2020

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) sometimes find it difficult to adapt to the daily life in a nursery or at school. For a better understanding on the difficulties that preschool children and adolescents with ASD face in their daily lives, this study aimed to identify the differences in eye gaze behavior in the classroom environment between children with ASD and those with typical development (TD). A total of 30 children with ASD and 49 children with TD were included. We presented images of a human face and a classroom setting and used eye tracking with an iView X system in evaluating and comparing how long the two groups gazed at specific regions of the visual stimuli. Compared to children with TD, children with ASD spent less time gazing at the eyes of the human face and the object pointed by the teacher in the school classroom scene. Preschool children with no classroom experience and adolescents with TD spent the same amount of time looking at the eyes and the object pointed by the teacher in the school classroom scene. Children with ASD did not look at the eyes in the facial image or the object pointed at in the classroom image, which might indicate their inability to analyze situations, understand instruction in a classroom, or act appropriately in a group. An educational program that focuses on joint attention in a classroom is desirable for the improvement of school life for children with ASD.
Association of STAT3 Gene Polymorphism With Noise-induced Hearing Loss(NIHL) in the Chinese Population
Authors: Gao Dengfeng , Wang Boshen , Sun Dawei , Wang Ning , Guo Jiadi , Zhang Suhao , Zhu baoli
Published: July 2020

Objectives

NIHL is a disease with irreversible damage caused by multi-factor interaction, and the STAT3 is an essential protein with signal transduction and transcription functions. This study is aimed to explore the effect of STAT3 polymorphism on individual susceptibility to NIHL individuals, and to further examine the interaction between lifestyles and NIHL in the dominant model .
Methods

This study was designed a case-control study and included 609 NIHL cases and 611 healthy hearing controls from the Jiangsu province of China. By collecting the lifestyle and demographic information of the study participants, genotyping the collected blood samples, and performing Real-time Quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) to analyze and investigate the potential association between STAT3 SNPs and NIHL.
Results

Statistical analysis results show that individuals carrying the C allele of rs1053023 and rs1053005 were more likely to develop NIHL than individuals carrying the T allele (OR = 1.367, 95% CI = 1.148–1.628, P = 0.0001 and OR = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.147–1.636, P = 0.001). In the dominant model (TC/CC genotype and TT genotype), stratified analysis of lifestyle, we found that people who smoke regularly are more likely to suffer from NIHL than non-smokers or occasional smokers. Besides, the expression of STAT3 was higher in NIHL cases by real-time quantitative PCR.
Conclusion

Gene polymorphisms, rs1053023 and rs1053005, from STAT3, are associated with NIHL and C alleles of rs1053023 and rs1053005 within STAT3 may become biomarkers for workers exposed to noise.
Spatiotemporal Dynamics and Exposure Analysis of Daily PM2.5 Using a Remote Sensing-based Machine Learning Model and Multi-time Meteorological Parameters
Authors: Chen Binjie , Lin Yi , Deng Jinsong , Li Zheyu , Dong Li , Huang Yibo , Wang Ke , Yang Wu
Published: July 2020

Background
Identifying spatiotemporal characteristics of daily fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations is essential for assessing air quality. Exposure analysis can help understand the environmental health impact on human beings and provide basic information for appropriate decision making. This study aimed to estimate daily PM2.5 concentrations and analyze the resident exposure level in the economically developed Yangtze River Delta (YRD) from 2016–2018.
Methods
An integrated method incorporating satellite-based aerosol optical depth (AOD), machine learning models and multi-time meteorological parameters were developed. Ten-fold cross validation (CV) was implemented to evaluate the model performance.
Results
Compared to the models with daily means of meteorological fields, the models with multi-time meteorological parameters had higher CV R2 and lower CV root mean square error (RMSE) values. The model with the best performance achieved sample- (site-) based CV R2 values of 0.88 (0.88) and RMSE values of 10.33 (10.35) µg/m3. The YRD region is seriously polluted (exceeding the World Health Organization (WHO) Interim Targets (IT)-1 standard of 35 µg/m3) during our study period, especially in Jiangsu Province, but with an improving trend. The residents in Zhejiang Province suffered the least from exposure, with 39 days (4% of the total days) characterized as over polluted (daily average > 75 µg/m3) in our study period. Air pollution in Shanghai Municipality mitigated the most from 2016 to 2018.
Conclusions
With the advantages of high-accuracy and high-resolution (daily and 0.01°×0.01° resolutions), the proposed method can help explore the effect of air pollution to human health spatiotemporally and guide for environmental policy planning.
The Double-edged Sword Effect of Macrophage Targeting Delivery System in Different Macrophage Subsets Related Diseases
Authors: Yuan Yuchuan , Long Ling , Lin Yongyao , Peng Cuiping , Tang Yue , Zhou Xuemei , Li Shuhui , Zhang Chengyuan , Li Xiaohui , Zhou Xing
Published: July 2020

Monocyte/macrophage targeting drug delivery system (MTDS) has been highly focused as an emerging routine for delivering drugs to various macrophage related diseases. However, the distinguishing ability towards different macrophage related diseases of these systems and the impact of them on macrophage function and disease progression have not been systematically revealed, which is significantly important for active targeting therapeutic or diagnostic strategies. Herein, taking dextran modified polystyrene nanoparticles (DEX-PS) as example, we demonstrate that modification by dextran can specifically enhance the recognition of nanoparticles (NPs) by M2 macrophages in vitro, however, which is obstructed by monocytes in peripheral blood proved by in vivo assays. DEX-PS is not only targeted distributed in tumor, a M2 macrophage related disease, but also highly distributed in M1 macrophages related disease, acute peritonitis. Additionally, DEX-PS play a double-edged role in these two different diseases by reeducating macrophages to pro-inflammatory phenotype. These results suggest that MTDS, even those designed based on the different expression of receptor on different macrophages subtypes, lacks distinguishing ability for different macrophage subsets related diseases in vivo. In addition to the potential impact of these carrier materials on the function of macrophages, in the study of MTDS, great attention should be paid to the distribution of nanoparticles in non-target diseases and the impact on its disease process.
A Risk Score Model Associated with Tumor Microenvironment Predicts Disease-Free Survival After Radical Prostatectomy
Authors: Zhao Hao , Zhang Xuening , Shi Zhan , Shi Songhe
Published: July 2020

Background Tumor microenvironment (TME) and immune checkpoint inhibitors has been shown to promote active immune responses through different mechanisms. We aimed to identify the important prognostic genes and prognostic characteristics related to TME in prostate cancer (PCa).Methods The gene transcriptome profiles and clinical information of PCa patients were obtained from the TCGA database, and the immune, stromal and estimate scores were calculated by the ESTIMATE algorithm. We evaluated the prognostic value of risk score (RS) model based on univariate Cox and LASSO Cox regression models analysis, and established a nomogram to predict disease-free survival (DFS) in PCa patients. The GSE70768 data set was used for external validation. Finally, 22 subsets of tumor-infiltrating immune cells (Tiics) were analyzed using the Cibersort algorithm.Results In this study, the patients with higher immune, stromal, and estimate scores were associated with poorer DFS, higher Gleason score, and higher AJCC T stage. Based on the immune and stromal scores, the Venny diagram screened out 515 cross DEGs. The univariate COX and Lasso Cox regression models were used to select 18 DEGs from 515 DEGs, and constructed a RS model. The DFS of the high-RS group was significantly lower than that of the low-RS group (P<0.001). The AUC of 1-year, 3-year and 5-year DFS rates in RS model were 0.778, 0.754 and 0.750, respectively. In addition, the RS model constructed from 18 genes was found to be more sensitive than Gleason score (1, 3, 5 year AUC= 0.704, 0.677 and 0.682). The nomograms of DFS were established based on RS and Gleason scores. The AUC of the nomograms in the first, third, and fifth years were 0.802, 0.808, and 0.796, respectively. These results have been further validated in GEO. In addition, the proportion of Tregs was higher in high-RS patients (P<0.05), and the expression of five immune checkpoints (CTLA-4, PD-1, LAG-3, TIM-3 and TIGIT) was higher in high-RS patients (P<0.05).Conclusion We identified 18 TME-related genes from the TCGA database, which were significantly related to DFS in PCa patients.
LAG-3 and PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibitors Might Become a Promising Treatment for Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Xu Yi , Zhang Liping , Wu Shengyu , Zhang Wei , Liu Yu , Chen Bin , Zhao Sha , Li Wei , Sun Chenglong , Wang Hao , Chen Peixin , Wu Chunyan , He Yayi
Published: July 2020

Background Immune therapy has achieved notable success in cancer treatment. A novel immunocheckpoint, Lymphocyte activing gene-3 (LAG-3), has shown promising therapeutic efficacy in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, literature about LAG-3 in small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is scarce. We statistically analyzed the correlation of LAG-3 expression with programmed death 1 (PD-1) and programmed death ligand 1 (PD-1), its survival predictive significance, and the possibility of becoming a treatment alternative of SCLC.Methods In this study, we included 102 patients diagnosed with SCLC. The expression of protein was evaluated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining. We performed correlation analysis and survival analysis with SPSS software (version 17.0; SPSS, Inc.; Chicago, IL)Results In SCLC, none tumor cell expressed LAG-3. The expression of LAG-3 was remarkably associated to PD-1 and PD-L1 expression on TILs (p=0.006, p=0.001). LAG-3 was the only prediction for TILs PD-L1 expression (ORs=0.161, 95% CI: 0.063-0.412, p<0.01). Although LAG-3-positive patients had relatively longer RFS, LAG-3 expression had no statistically significant differences in predicting prognosis (p=0.088). Conclusions We found a significant correlation of LAG-3, PD-1, PD-L1 expression. LAG-3 is an important immune checkpoint closely linked to PD-1/PD-L1 and might be a promising novel alternative of immune therapy for SCLC.
Identification of Prognostic Biomarkers and Correlation with Immune Infiltrates in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Based on a Competing Endogenous RNA Network
Authors: Pu Zhangya , Zhu Yuanyuan , Wang Xiaofang , Zhong Yun , Peng Fang , Zhang Yiya
Published: July 2020

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide. Recently, competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNA) have revealed a significant role in the progression of HCC. Herein, we aimed to construct a ceRNA network to identify potential biomarkers and illustrate its correlation with immune infiltration in HCC. Methods: RNA sequencing data and clinical traits of HCC patients were downloaded from TCGA. The limma R package was used to identify differentially expressed (DE) RNAs. The predicted prognostic model was established using univariate and multivariate Cox regression. A K-M curve and GEPIA website were utilized for survival analysis. Functional annotation was determined using Enrichr and Reactome. Protein-to-protein network analysis was implemented using SRTNG and Cytoscape. Hub gene expression was validated by Oncomine and the Hunan Protein Atlas database. Immune infiltration was analyzed by TIMMER, and Drugbank was exploited to identify bioactive compounds. Results: The predicted model that was established revealed significant efficacy with 3- and 5-years of the area under ROC at 0.804 and 0.744, respectively. Eleven DEmiRNAs were screened out by a K-M survival analysis. Then, we constructed a ceRNA network, including 56 DElncRNAs, 6 DEmiRNAs, and 28 DEmRNAs. The 28 DEmRNAs were enriched in cancer-related pathways, for example, the TNF signaling pathway. Moreover, six hub genes, CEP55, DEPDC1, KIF23, CLSPN, MYBL2, and RACGAP1, were all overexpressed in HCC tissues and independently correlated with survival rate. Furthermore, expression of hub genes was related to immune cell infiltration in HCC, including B cells, CD8 + T cells, CD4 + T cells, monocytes, macrophages, neutrophils, and dendritic cells. Conclusions: The findings from this study demonstrate that CEP55, DEPDC1, KIF23, CLSPN, MYBL2, and RACGAP1 are closely associated with prognosis and immune infiltration, representing potential therapeutic targets or prognostic biomarkers in HCC.
Single Arm Prospective Multicenter Case Series on the Use of Burst Stimulation to Improve Pain and Motor Symptoms in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Chakravarthy Krishnan V. , Chaturvedi Rahul , Agari Takashi , Iwamuro Hirokazu , Reddy Rajiv , Matsui Ayano
Published: July 2020

Background: In this study we analyze new clinical data in the use of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) for the treatment of pain and motor symptoms in patients with Parkinson’s Disease (PD), as both a singular bioelectric therapy and as a salvage therapy after deep brain stimulation (DBS).Methods: 15 patients were recruited and had percutaneous electrodes implanted at the level of the thoracic or cervical spine. Participants were set to one of three stimulation modes: continuous tonic stimulation, continuous Burst DR stimulation (40Hz, 500Hz, 1000μs), or cycle mode (on time of 10-15 sec, off time of 15-30 sec) with Burst DR (40Hz, 500Hz, 1000μs). Patients completed the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale, Self-Rating Depression Scale, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Profile of Mood State, 10-meter walking test, and the Timed Up and Go (TUG).Results: All patients experienced significant improvement in VAS scores. 73% of patients experienced improvement in the 10-meter walk, with a mean improvement of 12%. 82% of patients experienced improvements in the TUG, with a mean improvement of 15%.Conclusions: This study points to the utility of SCS to address both pain and motor symptoms in PD patients who have and have not received DBS therapy.
The Impact of Diabetes on Cutaneous Leishmanisis: A Case Control Study on Infection, Treatment Outcomes and its Public Health Importance
Authors: Mostafavi Mahshid , Sharifi Iraj , Asadikaram Gholamreza , Nakhaee Nozar , Kakooei Sina , Aflatoonian Mohammad Reza , Bamorovat Mehdi , Oliaee Razieh Tavakoli , Karamoozian Ali
Published: July 2020

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the associated-risk determinants for cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) compared to patients without diabetes. Methods: This work was performed as a case-control study between 2016 and 2019 in southeastern Iran. Participants were selected from patients with DM without CL, patients with CL without DM, and DM patients co-infected with CL as case groups and healthy individuals as a control group. The groups were screened, interviewed, and clinically examined. These cases were compared for parasitological, immunological, biochemical, and hematological parameters. T-test, univariate, multivariate logistic regression, univariate and multivariate multinomial logistic regression analyses were performed to compare the inter- and intra-subgroups. P < 0.05 was defined significant. Results: The findings demonstrated that parasitological factors regarding the number, duration, and size of the lesion in CL patients showed a significant difference among patients with and without diabetes (p < 0.05). Data analysis showed that six major risk factors, including female (odds ratio (OR) = 3.47, confidence interval (CI) =1.84–6.53, p < 0.001), total protein in CL group (OR= 4.9, CI=2.3-10.44, p <0.001), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) concentration in CL group (OR= 0.87, CI=0.81-0.93, p<0.001) and DM co-infected with CL group (OR= 0.8, CI=0.72-0.88, p <0.001) than healthy group, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) concentration in DM group (OR= 0.86, CI=0.76-0.98, p =0.02), transforming growth factor beta )TGF-β( level in the CL group (OR= 1.03, CI=1.003-1.05, p=0.02) and presence of diabetes disease (OR = 2.07, CI = 1.16–3.7, p < 0.05) were significantly linked with the induction of CL lesion. Furthermore, the parasitological, immunological, biochemical, and hematological findings were different from the CL group to DM co-infected with CL group.Conclusions: The findings demonstrated that there was a significant relationship between DM and CL in distinct risk determinants. Also, the study revealed that DM enhanced the severity of active CL. Therefore, proper prophylactic and therapeutic measures should be taken in endemic countries where DM and CL are co-infected.
Morphological growth pattern of Phanerochaete chrysosporium cultivated on different Miscanthus x giganteus biomass fractions
Authors: KHALIL Hassan , LEGIN Estelle , KUREK Bernard , PERRE Patrick , TAIDI Behnam
Published: July 2020

The growth pattern of Phanerochaete chrysosporium on different Miscanthus x giganteus biomass fractions was investigated via an original method based on microscopy and image processing. The growth medium, together with image acquisition, was designed to study the mycelia growth non-invasively. Object coalescence, the colonized surface area, and radial expansion of the colony were measured. The substrate was sterilized by autoclaving, which could be considered a pre-treatment. The fastest growth rate was measured on the entire biomass, followed by the soluble fraction of the biomass, and finally, the residual solid fraction of the substrate pre-treated by autoclave. The growth rate on the different fractions of the substrate was additive, suggesting that both the solid and liquid fractions were used by the fungus, although the solid fraction of the substrate seemed to provide a richer but less accessible nutritional source. Based on the FTIR analysis, there were differences in composition between the solid and soluble fractions of the substrate, but the main components for growth were always present. We propose using this novel method for measuring initial fungal growth by following the variation of the number of objects over time. The methodology may be applied to the examination of other filamentous fungi.
Soil Nitrogen Fertilization Increases Yeast Assimilable Nitrogen Concentrations in ‘Golden Russet’ and ‘Medaille d’Or’ Apples Used for Cider Production
Authors: Karl Adam D. , Brown Michael G. , Ma Sihui , Sandbrook Ann , Stewart Amanda C. , Cheng Lailiang , Mansfield Anna Katharine , Peck Gregory M.
Published: July 2020

The recent growth in the U.S. hard-cider industry has increased the demand for cider apples (Malus ×domestica Borkh.), but little is known about how to manage orchard soil fertility best to optimize horticultural performance and juice characteristics for these cultivars. To assess whether nitrogen fertilizer applied to the soil can improve apple juice and cider quality, calcium nitrate (CaNO3) fertilizer was applied at different rates to the soil beneath ‘Golden Russet’ and ‘Medaille d’Or’ trees over the course of three growing seasons. The experiment started when the trees were in their second leaf. The trees were cropped in their third and fourth leaf. At the end of the first growing season of the experiment, the greatest fertilizer rate increased tree trunk cross-sectional area (TCSA) by 82% relative to the control, but this difference did not persist through to the end of the study. Yield and crop load were unaffected by the nitrogen fertilization treatments. Increasing the nitrogen fertilizer rate correlated positively with more advanced harvest maturity in ‘Golden Russet’ fruit, which resulted in greater soluble solid concentration (SSC). Fruit from the greatest fertilizer rate treatment had an average starch pattern index (SPI) that was 1 U greater than in the control, and an SSC that was 3% greater than the control. The fertilizer treatments did not affect juice pH, titratable acidity (TA), or total polyphenol concentrations. Yeast assimilable nitrogen (YAN) concentrations were increased by nitrogen fertilization for both cultivars in both harvest years. The greatest fertilizer treatment increased juice primary amino nitrogen by 103% relative to the control. Greater nitrogen fertilization rates correlated positively with less hydrogen sulfide production during the fermentation of ‘Golden Russet’ juice from the first, but not the second, harvest. During the first year, cumulative hydrogen sulfide production for the ‘Golden Russet’ control treatment was 29.6 μg·L–1 compared with the ‘Golden Russet’ high treatment, which cumulatively produced 0.1 μg·L–1. Greater maximum fermentation rates and shorter fermentation durations correlated positively with increased fertilization rate for both cultivars after the second harvest. High treatment fermentations had maximum fermentation rates 110% greater, and fermentation durations 30% shorter than the control. Other horticultural and juice-quality parameters were not affected negatively by the CaNO3 treatments. In orchards producing apples specifically for the hard-cider industry, nitrogen fertilizer could increase juice YAN, thus reducing the need for exogenous additions during cider production.
Foliar Urea Applications Increase Yeast Assimilable Nitrogen Concentration and Alcoholic Fermentation Rate in ‘Red Spy’ Apples Used for Cider Production
Authors: Karl Adam D. , Brown Michael G. , Ma Sihui , Sandbrook Ann , Stewart Amanda C. , Cheng Lailiang , Mansfield Anna Katharine , Peck Gregory M.
Published: July 2020

Yeast assimilable nitrogen (YAN) can be a limiting nutritional factor for Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast when fermenting apple (Malus ×domestica Borkh.) juice into hard cider. Endogenous YAN concentrations in apples are often below the recommended thresholds to completely use all of the fermentable sugar and minimize the production of off-flavors, such as hydrogen sulfide. Cider producers supplement apple juice with exogenous nitrogen to increase YAN. Urea, commonly applied to apple orchards to increase fruit size and yields, was tested for its ability to increase endogenous apple juice YAN. Starting 6 weeks before harvest in 2017 and 2018, a 1% urea solution was applied to ‘Red Spy’ apple trees one, three, or five times to create low-, medium-, and high-rate treatments, respectively. Relative to the control, the high treatment increased YAN by 229% in 2017 and by 408% in 2018. More than 90% of the YAN in all juice samples was composed of primary amino nitrogen (PAN). Among all treatments, PAN mostly comprised asparagine, and as urea applications increased, the relative concentration of asparagine also increased. Aspartic acid and then glutamic acid were the second and third most abundant amino acids in all treatments, respectively, but comprised less of the total PAN as the number of urea applications increased. Soluble solid concentration, pH, titratable acidity, and total polyphenol concentration were not different among treatments. There was a positive correlation between increased urea application rate and the maximum fermentation rate, which resulted in a shorter fermentation duration. Increasing the number of urea applications was also correlated with greater hydrogen sulfide (H2S) production in juice fermented from fruit harvested in 2017 but not for fruit harvested in 2018. No residual H2S was found in the finished cider from any treatment. Increasing the number of urea applications was estimated to be less expensive than supplementing the juice with Fermaid O™. There would have been no cost savings if Fermaid K™ was used as an exogenous nitrogen source. Foliar urea applications were estimated to be more expensive than supplementing juice with diammonium phosphate. This study demonstrated that foliar urea applications can effectively increase YAN concentration in cider apples while not negatively affecting other juice quality attributes.
RESEARCH OF THE EFFECT OF AGING PROCESS ON DISPERSION OF AIR PHASE AND ICE CRYSTALS IN MILK ICE CREAM
Authors: Tvorogova A. A. , Sitnikova P. B. , Shobanova T. V. , Zakirova R. R.
Published: July 2020

In this research the results of analytical studies are presented, which prove the lack of data on influence of aging process on dispersion of structural elements in ice cream with fat mass fraction of 6% or less, and experimental studies on definition of dispersion of air phase and ice crystals in milk ice cream. It was found that the process of the mix aging doesn’t significantly affect the dispersion of air phase and ice crystals in ice cream with fat mass fraction of 3%. In ice cream with fat mass fraction of 6%, made from a mix, the dispersion of the air phase increased along with the aging process, and the size of almost all air bubbles were less than 50 microns. At the same time the dispersion of ice crystals increased by no more than 10%. The decrease in dispersion of the air phase during the storage period was observed, mostly in ice cream with a fat mass fraction of 6% produced of the cured mix. The research results have the practical importance as they justify the need for the aging process in the production of ice cream with a low mass fraction of fat and determine the necessity of further research in this area.
INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES BASED ON FRUIT DISTILLATES
Authors: Dubinina E. V. , Andrievskaya D. V. , Tomgorova S. M. , Nebezhev K. V.
Published: July 2020

One of the promising raw materials types for alcoholic beverages production, which have a peculiar aroma and taste, is the ashberry (red), widespread throughout the Russian Federation. The aim of the research was to develop an innovative technology for alcoholic beverages from the red ashberry based on the study of the raw materials biochemical composition transformation during its processing, maceration, fermentation, distillation, as well as its effect on the volatile components composition of distillate and the processing conditions of the finished alcoholic beverage. Fermented pulp of red ashberry, distillates and alcoholic beverage blends from ashberry were used as objects of the study. To determine the organoleptic and physico-chemical indicators in the work, standardized analysis methods and certified methods were used. The effect of various yeast races and fermentation conditions on the change in biochemical composition of the red ashberry pulp was studied. For this raw material type fermentation, recommended Siha 3 yeast race. The positive effect of the Vitamon Combi fermentation activator on the fermentation efficiency and the formation of qualitative characteristics of the fermented pulp, including its amino acid composition, is shown. It was established that the optimal conditions for fermentation is the anaerobic regimen at a temperature of no higher than 22 ºС. The effect of fractional distillation operating parameters in a direct distillation unit on the volatile components’ composition and concentration in ashberry distillate is studied. It is recommended to obtain a high-quality distillate to carry out the selection of the head fraction in the amount of 2.5% of the distilled pulp volume, and the selection of the tail fraction to start when the strength in distillate reaches 45% vol. It is shown that within 30 days of exposure in the distillate, a certain chemical equilibrium is achieved and its taste and aromatic characteristics are harmonized. The blending conditions of the alcoholic beverage are determined and the technological processing modes are established to ensure its high consumer properties. The conducted studies have allowed to develop innovative technology for a new alcoholic beverage from red ashberry.
СONCEPT AND CALCULATION OF THE LIMIT TRANSVERSE SIZE OF CAPILLARIES
Authors: Zhukov V. G. , Lukin N. D.
Published: July 2020

Porous medium are products of processing in food, agricultural, chemical and many other industries. Calculations of processes with wet porous medium are based on capillary properties of the liquid in a pore space. The capillary properties of liquids in porous media are established in pore models in the form of thin tubes of circular or slit transverse sections. The intensity of the processes occurring in it depends on the nature of the filling of the pore space with liquid. Filling with liquid and the formation of a capillary layer is possible only in small pores. However, there is no analytical justification for the transverse pore size, more than which it cannot be filled with liquid by capillary forces. With this in mind, the concept of the limiting transverse size of a capillary for a liquid under conditions of complete wetting is introduced. The limiting size calculation is based on two conditions: the shape of the axial section of the meniscus surface has the appearance of a semicircle and its extremum point is located at the level of the free surface of the fluid supplying the capillary. A capillary column cannot form in larger pores. The absence of formulas for calculating capillaries of the limiting sizes can introduce a significant error into the analytical calculation of the moisture content in the capillary layer of a liquid in porous media and moisture transfer processes. The aim of the study was to obtain formulas for calculating the limiting (largest) sizes of capillaries of a circular, flat slit section and annular transverse sections with complete wetting of their walls. For the conditions above, it was identified that the limiting distance between the walls was independent from annular capillary diameter. The formulas for the limiting transverse sizes of the flat slit and annular capillaries turned out to be the same under the assumptions above. This indicates a weak dependence of the limiting size of a slit capillary on the curvature of its transverse section. Examples of calculations of capillaries of the limiting sizes are performed.
Universal bounds on transport in holographic systems with broken translations
Authors: Baggioli matteo , Li Wei-Jia
Published: July 2020

We study the presence of universal bounds on transport in homogeneous
holographic models with broken translations. We verify numerically that,
in holographic systems with momentum dissipation, the viscosity to
entropy bound might be violated but the shear diffusion constant remains
bounded by below. This confirms the idea that
\eta/sη/s
loses its privileged role in non-relativistic systems and that, in order
to find more universal bounds, one should rather look at diffusion
constants. We strengthen this idea by showing that, in presence of
spontaneously broken translations, the Goldstone diffusion constant
satisfies a universal lower bound in terms of the Planckian relaxation
time and the butterfly velocity. Additionally, all the diffusive
processes in the model satisfy an upper bound, imposed by causality,
which is given in terms of the thermalization time – the imaginary part
of the first non-hydrodynamic mode in the spectrum – and the speed of
longitudinal sound. Finally, we discuss the existence of a bound on the
speed of sound in holographic conformal solids and we show that the
conformal value acts as a lower (and not upper) bound on the speed of
longitudinal phonons. Nevertheless, we show that the stiffness
\partial p/\partial \epsilon∂p/∂ϵ
is still bounded by above by its conformal value. This suggests that the
bounds conjectured in the past have to be considered on the stiffness of
the system, related to its equation of state, and not on the propagation
speed of sound.
Computer tools for solving the traveling salesman problem
Authors: Pekár Juraj , Brezina Ivan , Kultan Jaroslav , Ushakova Iryna , Dorokhov Oleksandr
Published: July 2020

The task of the traveling salesman, which is to find the shortest or least costly circular route, is one of the most common optimization problems that need to be solved in various fields of practice. The article analyzes and demonstrates various methods for solving this problem using a specific example: heuristic (the nearest neighbor method, the most profitable neighbor method), metaheuristic (evolutionary algorithm), methods of mathematical programming. In addition to classic exact methods (which are difficult to use for large-scale tasks based on existing software) and heuristic methods, the article suggests using the innovative features of the commercially available MS Excel software using a meta-heuristic base. To find the optimal solution using exact methods, the Excel (Solver) software package was used, as well as the specialized GAMS software package. Comparison of different approaches to solving the traveling salesman problem using a practical example showed that the use of traditional heuristic approaches (the nearest neighbor method or the most profitable neighbor method) is not difficult from a computational point of view, but does not provide solutions that would be acceptable in modern conditions. The use of MS Excel for solving the problem using the methods of mathematical programming and metaheuristics enabled us to obtain an optimal solution, which led to the conclusion that modern tools are an appropriate addition to solving the traveling salesman problem while maintaining the quality of the solution.
Long-Tailed Macaques (Macaca fascicularis) and Humans Interactions in Grojogan Sewu Natural Park (TWA GS), Karanganyar Regency, Central Java Province
Authors: Syah Moh. Jafron
Published: July 2020

Macaca fascicularis is one species of primate that easily adapts to various habitats, such as disturbances habitat, like a natural park. The conflict between M. fascicularis and human increases due to changes in ecology. In Borneo, Sumatra, Malaysia, Mauritus, and Thailand, M. fascicularis has become pests because destroyed orchards and plantations. Interaction between M. fascicularis and human, which occurred at several natural parks in Singapura and Kaliurang caused by M. fascicularis’s attraction to food brought by humans. This research aimed to study the interaction between M. fascicularis with the humans in Grojogan Sewu Natural Park (TWA GS) by direct observation and also an interview with visitors, workers, and villagers. Based on direct observation, frequency of affiliation interaction between humans and M. fascicularis (55.56%) is higher than agonistic interaction (44.4%). The dominant affiliation interaction was sitting nearby the visitors (42.96%); meanwhile, the most dominant agonistic interaction was stealing (54.12%) because the M. fascicularis attracted to food (67.02%). Workers reported having more nuisance problem with M. fascicularis than visitors and villagers. Almost all of the respondents thought that M. fascicularis needs to be kept alive in the park, and consider conservation and protection of the macaques are essential.
Wax Apple (Syzygium samarangense (Blume) Merr. & L.M. Perry): A Comprehensive Review in Phytochemical and Physiological Perspectives
Authors: Mukaromah Arnia Sari
Published: July 2020

Wax apple (Syzygium samarangense (Blume) Merr. & L.M. Perry) is a tropical non-climacteric fruit and belongs to Myrtaceae. It has high diversity in cultivars, metabolite content, and its biological activities. In this comprehensive review, research findings had revealed that various metabolites found in the wax apple have biological activities. The said biological activities such as: antioxidant, immunomodulatory, antibacterial, anticancer, anti-glycation, anti-inflammation, anti-hypertriglyceridemic, anti-hyperglycemic, relaxant, and spasmolytic activities. Other potential use for the metabolites also includes the treatments for neurodegenerative abnormality, analgesic, and central nervous system (CNS) depression agent. Furthermore, wax apple physiological and phytochemical characteristics can be enhanced by girdling technique, hydrogen peroxide treatment, plant growth regulators treatment, and fruit bagging treatment. Meanwhile, postharvest technology of wax apple fruit utilizes nitric oxide treatment, oxalic acid treatment, cold treatment, and Aloe vera gel coating. Wax apple has also been evolved as an ointment, anti-acne cream, and nata de guava. However, environmental stress becomes a challenge in the wax apple plantation. Therefore, the development of molecular biology, chemistry, and postharvest technology will solve those challenges. This review concludes that wax apple (S. samarangense) is a tropical fruit that promises to support the nutritional values and human health.
Enhancing the performance of microbial desalination cells using δMnO2/graphene nanocomposite as a cathode catalyst
Authors: Elawwad Abdelsalam , Ragab Mostafa , Hamdy Ahmed , Husein Dalal Z.
Published: July 2020

In this work, δMnO2 was anchored into graphene nanosheets via a mediated simple and eco-friendly approach to be used as a potential low-cost cathodic catalyst in microbial desalination cells (MDC). MnO2/G based MDC revealed a faster start-up and stable performance during the operation compared with the catalyst-free control MDC. The average chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiencies were 85.11 ± 5.13 and 86.20 ± 4.85% and average columbic efficiencies throughout the operation cycles were 1.52 ± 0.32% and 0.70 ± 0.35% for MnO2/G based reactor and control reactor, respectively. The average desalination efficiencies were 15.67 ± 3.32 and 13.21 ± 2.61% for MnO2/G based reactor and control reactor, respectively. The superior catalytic performance of MnO2/G based cathode improved current generation which is the key desalination stimulus. MnO2/G based reactor revealed a lower internal resistance of 430 Ω compared with 485 Ω for the catalyst-free control reactor and, similarly, the maximum power densities were found to be 12.5 and 6.5 mW/m2, respectively. MnO2/G catalyst offered an improved MDC performance, however, still with uncompetitive performance in comparison with platinum group metals catalysts.
Advances in L-Type Calcium Channel Structures, Functions and Molecular Modeling
Authors: Xu Lei , Sun Lilei , Xie Liangxu , Mou Shanzhi , Zhang Dawei , Zhu Jingyu , Xu Peng
Published: July 2020

L-type Calcium Channels (LTCCs), also termed as Cav1, belong to voltage-gated calcium
channels (VGCCs/Cavs), which play a critical role in a wide spectrum of physiological processes, including
neurotransmission, cell cycle, muscular contraction, cardiac action potential and gene expression.
Aberrant regulation of calcium channels is involved in neurological, cardiovascular, muscular and
psychiatric disorders. Accordingly, LTCCs have been regarded as important drug targets, and a number
of LTCC drugs are in clinical use. In this review, the recent development of structures and biological
functions of LTCCs are introduced. Moreover, the representative modulators and ligand binding sites of
LTCCs are discussed. Finally, molecular modeling and Computer-aided Drug Design (CADD) methods
for understanding structure-function relations of LTCCs are summarized.
Artificial Intelligence and Medicine: History, Current State, and Forecasts for the Future
Authors: Yasnitsky Leonid. N.
Published: July 2020

This article traces the history of the development of artificial intelligence as a science
that constantly responds to current problems that arise in medical practice. Attention is drawn to the
fact that almost all modern neural systems of medical diagnostics are static. This means that they do
not have a time axis, and therefore, can only make diagnoses of diseases at the current time. As a
result, doctors have to make prescriptions for prevention and treatment courses without checking on
computer models what this may lead to in the future. Thus, consciously or unconsciously, doctors
have to experiment on patients, which is an ethical problem. This article shows that this centuriesold
ethical problem can be solved by further development and application of modern methods of
artificial intelligence. Optimal selection of prevention and treatment courses can be made by virtual
predictive experimentation on dynamic computer models of patients.
Imaging of Soft Tissue Tumors
Authors: Tsukamoto Shinji , Mavrogenis Andreas F. , Tanaka Yasuhito , Errani Costantino
Published: July 2020

Differentiation of malignant from benign soft tissue tumors is challenging with imaging alone, including that by magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography. However, the accuracy of this differentiation has increased owing to the development of novel imaging technology. Detailed patient history and physical examination remain essential for differentiation between benign and malignant soft tissue tumors. Moreover, measurement only of tumor size based on Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors criteria is insufficient for the evaluation of response to chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Change in metabolic activity measured by 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography or dynamic contrast enhanced-derived quantitative endpoints can more accurately evaluate treatment response compared to change in tumor size. Magnetic resonance imaging can accurately evaluate essential factors in surgical planning such as vascular or bone invasion and “tail sign”. Thus, imaging plays a critical role in the diagnosis and treatment of soft tissue tumors.
Synthesis and in Vitro Cytotoxicity Evaluation of Phenanthrene Linked 2,4- Thiazolidinediones as Potential Anticancer Agents
Authors: Yadav Upasana , Vanjari Yogesh , Laxmikeshav Kritika , Tokala Ramya , Niggula Praveen K. , Kumar Manoj , Talla Venu , Kamal Ahmed , Shankaraiah Nagula
Published: July 2020

Objective:

To synthesize a series of phenanthrene-thiazolidinedione hybrids and explore their cytotoxic potential against human cancer cell lines of A-549 (lung cancer), HCT-116 and HT-29 (colon cancer), MDA MB-231 (triple negative breast cancer), BT-474 (breast cancer) and (mouse melanoma) B16F10 cells.

Methods:

A new series of phenanthrene-thiazolidinedione hybrids was synthesized via Knoevenagel condensation of phenanthrene-9-carbaldehyde and N-alkylated thiazolidinediones. The cytotoxicity (IC50) of the synthesized compounds was determined by MTT assay. Apoptotic assays like (AO/EB) and DAPI staining, cell cycle analysis, JC-1 staining and Annexin V binding assay studies were performed for the most active compound (Z)- 3-(4-bromobenzyl)-5-((2,3,6,7-tetramethoxyphenanthren-9-yl)methylene)thiazolidine-2,4-dione (17b). Molecular docking, dynamics and evaluation of pharmacokinetic (ADME/T) properties were also carried out by using Schrödinger.

Results and Discussion:

From the series of tested compounds, 17b unveiled promising cytotoxic action with an IC50value of 0.985±0.02μM on HCT-116 human colon cancer cells. The treatment of HCT-116 cells with 17b demonstrated distinctive apoptotic morphology like shrinkage of cells, horseshoe-shaped nuclei formation and chromatin condensation. The flow-cytometry analysis revealed the G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest in a dosedependent fashion. The AO/EB, DAPI, DCFDA, Annexin-V and JC-1 staining studies were performed in order to determine the effect of the compound on cell viability. Computational studies were performed by using Schrödinger to determine the stability of the ligand with the DNA.

Conclusion:

The current study provides an insight on developing a series of phenanthrene thiazolidinedione derivatives as potential DNA interactive agents which might aid in colon cancer therapy.
Plant Lectins as Insecticidal Agents Against Cotton Leafworm Spodoptera littoralisand Their Potential Applications in Crop Protection
Authors: Mohsen Soad F.E. , Abbassy Moustafa A. , Abou-Taleb Hamdy K , Rabea Entsar I.
Published: July 2020

Background:

The production of insecticidal proteins is one of the greatest vital direct defense
responses in plants against the attack by phytophagous insects. One particular class of the entomotoxic
proteins present in many plant species is lectins that is used against a wide range of important
insects.

Aim:

The insecticidal activity of two lectins from seeds of white kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris)
and soybean (Glycine max) on the growth, development and survival of the cotton leafworm,
Spodoptera littoralis Boisd. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) was studied.

Methods:

Lectin products were isolated and purified using ammonium sulfate precipitation. Insecticidal
activity, growth-inhibitory and physiological effects on the differential haemocyte count of lectin
products were evaluated against S. littoralis. In vivo effects of lectin products on some S. littoralis
enzymes were also determined.

Results:

Lectin contents in 250 g seeds were 700 and 500 mg in soybean and white kidney bean, respectively.
The total protein concentrations were 160-163 and 118-120 mg/mL in soybean and white
kidney bean, respectively. The insecticidal activity of lectin products exerted a strong effect on the
larval weight gain and the reduction of the weight reached to 75.25%. Furthermore, the other developmental
stages of pupation and adult formation were also affected. An elongated larval duration
was noticed since larval duration was 24.8 days compared with control (12.0 days). Complete pupation
(100%) was recorded in the control; however, a significant decrease in pupation was found to be
54.0% in treated larvae. Lectin products increased the average number of 123.9 haemocytes (123.9)
compared to the control (94.4 haemocytes/field). In addition, lectin products inhibited the activity of
total proteases, α-amylase, GST and total esterases.

Conclusion:

It can be concluded that the lectins have high potential in pest control strategies based
on their activity towards the cotton leafworm, S. littoralis. These findings suggest that lectin products
are interesting tools for integrated pest management in important agriculture crops.