bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
International Consensus on Antinuclear Antibody em Portugal
Authors: Sousa Maria José , Neves Esmeralda , Figueiras Otília , Cruz Ana Paula , Fernandes Isabel , Mendes Alexandra , Santos Maria do Céu , Cunha Rosário , Magueijo Lídia , Pratas Cláudia , Miranda Ana , Ribeiro Rita
Published: May 2021

Introdução: A pesquisa de autoanticorpos em células HEp-2 através de imunofluorescência indireta é o teste padrão atualmente aceite como a ferramenta central para o diagnóstico das doenças autoimunes sistémicas. O International Consensus on Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) Patterns tem como objetivo principal alcançar um consenso na nomenclatura e na descrição dos diferentes padrões morfológicos de anticorpos antinucleares. Este trabalho tem como objetivo ampliar o projeto do International Consensus on ANA Patterns de forma a estabelecer um consenso em Portugal para a sua nomenclatura, procurando contribuir para a harmonização no diagnóstico autoimune e promover a qualidade diagnóstica nas doenças reumáticas sistémicas autoimunes.Material e Métodos: Os laboratórios participantes identificaram cada designação de padrão citoplasmático e nuclear do International Consensus on ANA Patterns (incluindo o código padrão anti-célula), e fizeram corresponder a cada uma a respetiva nomenclatura portuguesa em uso. Os resultados foram agregados e serviram de base ao trabalho de harmonização da nomenclatura. Seguiram-se reuniões de consenso, num processo iterativo até à redação de uma proposta final consensualizada.Resultados: A concordância prévia entre laboratórios era superior a 75% para 23 do total de 29 padrões anti-célula. O grau em que cada laboratório está alinhado com a referência internacional do International Consensus on ANA Patterns varia entre 22,1% e 100%. Foi possível elaborar uma versão consensualizada da nomenclatura do International Consensus on ANA Patterns para Portugal.Discussão: Existia uma boa base de consenso para a nomenclatura do International Consensus on ANA Patterns, mas com diferenças importantes em algumas das traduções da terminologia. O estudo realça a necessidade de colaboração entre laboratórios para uma descrição inequívoca dos resultados laboratoriais.Conclusão: Este trabalho mostra o potencial positivo da colaboração entre laboratórios para gerar consensos que contribuam para a melhoria do diagnóstico e acompanhamento dos doentes.
Serviço Social e defesa de direitos na atenção primária à saúde
Authors: Paula Luciana Gonçalves Pereira de , Oliveira Karolina Adrienne Silva
Published: May 2021

O presente artigo propõe refletir acerca dos limites e das possibilidades que perpassam a garantia de direitos no trabalho dos assistentes sociais inseridos na Atenção Primária à Saúde, tendo por base a realidade do munícipio de Juiz de Fora – MG. O caminho metodológico utilizado compreendeu a realização de uma pesquisa empírica, de caráter qualitativo, obtendo dados coletados por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas que foram posteriormente organizados, analisados e relacionados com o arcabouço teórico pesquisado e estudado. A partir da reflexão sobre as respostas apresentadas, em vários momentos, surgem características do capitalismo contemporâneo, perpassado pelo ideário neoliberal, o qual estimula a expropriação de direitos, a atrofia do Estado e das políticas sociais. No Entanto, embora os assistentes sociais encontrem limites que rebatem em sua autonomia profissional é possível estabelecer estratégias – profissionais e políticas – pautadas na perspectiva da garantia de direitos dos usuários do SUS.
Apresentação
Authors: Santos Maria Odete
Published: May 2021

Apresentação do v. 2 n. 3 (1994).
Leitores de Luk´acs
Authors: Lessa Sergio
Published: May 2021

Comentário dos livros:
BROWNE, Paul. "Lukács later Ontology", in Science and Society, vol. 54, nº 2, 1990.
OLDRINI, Guido. "Gramsci e Lukács Avversari del Marxismo della II Internazionale", in Giornale Critico della Filosofia Italiana, fasc. II, Maio/Agosto, 1991.
OLDRINI, Guido. "Lukács e la via marxista al concetto di persona", in Marxismo Oggi, Julho, 1993.
TERTULIAN, Nicolas. "Le concept d'aliénation chez Heidegger et Lukács", in Archives de Philosophie, Julho/Setembro, 1993.
TERTULIAN, Nicolas. "Georg Lukács et le Stalinisme", in Les Temps Modernes, nº 563, Julho/Setembro, 1993.
Apresentação
Authors: Santos Maria Odete
Published: May 2021

Apresentação da Revista Temáticas volume 2, numero 4 de 1994.
Variações sobre um tema do saber do mito, da ideologia e da ciência
Authors: Azzan Júnior Celso
Published: May 2021

O objetivo deste texto é relacionar os conceitos de ciência e ideologia, numa interpretação de algumas de suas ocorrências epistemológicas específicas. Tomamos, para esta investida, o conceito de ideologia conforme aparece teorizado por Althusser, no final de seu Pour Marx.
Capitalismo, fordismo (pós-fordismo) e teoria da regulação
Authors: Fiuza de Mello Alex
Published: May 2021

O presente artigo tem como objetivo analisar e criticar a Teoria da Regulação apartir do referencial gramsciano.
Max Weber e a objetividade nas ciências sociais
Authors: Rocha Carlos Vasconcelos
Published: May 2021

O presente artigo analisa a discussão sobre objetividade nas Ciências Sociais apresentada por Max Weber.
Bismarckismo e bonapartismo
Authors: Rech Hildemar Luiz
Published: May 2021

No presente texto apresentamos algumas breves considerações a respeito da compreensão que Max Weber e Karl Marx expressam sobre a esfera do Estado e da Política no contexto da sociedade burguesa.
Pharmacokinetic Characteristics of a Nifedipine and Lidocaine Fixed Combination in the Form of Rectal Cream: Two Decades Data Analysis
Authors: Ottaiano Raffaele , Sebastiano Mara , Bondarenko Larysa , Iudina Oleksandra
Published: April 2021

The creation of medicines' fixed combinations from compounds with complementary effects is one of the most popular directions in modern pharmacology and pharmaceutics. In case of nifedipine and lidocaine fixed combination such approach is quite obvious. The present review article is devoted to the analysis of clinical and non-clinical studies results on the assessment of the pharmacokinetic characteristics of these medicines. Although the oral route is the most convenient for drug administration, there are a number of circumstances where this is not possible from either a clinical or pharmaceutical perspective. In these cases, the rectal route may represent a practical alternative and can be used to administer drugs for both local and systemic actions. Research data of last decades suggested that nifedipine, a calcium channel blocker, could be effective in reducing anal resting pressure and in healing chronic anal fissure and acute thrombosed hemorrhoids. Another component of fixed combination lidocaine is a local anesthetic usually used to relieve pain of anal fissures and symptomatic hemorrhoids. In combinations lidocaine and nifedipine have complementary actions. Analysis of all available studies (during last 2 decades) which were aimed to investigate pharmacokinetic characteristics of a nifedipine and lidocaine fixed combination in the form of rectal cream showed that following topical application, the active ingredients nifedipine and lidocaine are absorbed into the bloodstream in only small quantities that have no major implications for the safety of the product, and systemic absorption, if any, was incomparably lower than absorption following per os administration of the two active ingredients.
EARLY GROWTH OF JABON (Anthocephalus cadamba Miq) IN A DRAINED PEATLAND OF PELALAWAN, RIAU
Authors: Junaedi Ahmad , Mindawati Nina , Rochmayanto Yanto
Published: May 2021

The desirability to explore other tree species that can be used to substitute Acacia crassicarpa in forest plantation has increased. One of the early insights that must be known is the growth performances of tree species candidates, especially in planting conditions (site and silviculture) similar to A. crassicarpa plantation. This study evaluated the growth performance of jabon (A. cadamba Miq.) and its relationship with soil properties in a drained peatland. The research was conducted by establishing experimental plots of jabon in a drained peatland (DP) using a randomised complete block design with three spacing (2 m x 3 m, 2.5 m x 3 m, 3 m x 3 m) as treatment and three blocks as replications. The study observed survival, growth and soil chemical properties. At 24 months after planting (MaP), since the toxicity of soil micronutrients was excessive as one of the main factors; the mortality rate of jabon was high (62%), while its growth was poor (height = 259 cm and DBH = 3.74 cm) in drained peatland. However, the study observed that 7% of jabon had good growth, with a range of height growth at 24 MaP of 401–660 cm. These results indicated that though overall jabon did not show good growth in DP, however, it was found that 7% of jabon had promising growth; therefore, it was suggested that through tree improvement program and certain treatments to overcome micronutrient toxicity and weed suppression, the possibility of jabon was able to be developed in a DP for forest plantation is still.
REVIEW ASSESSMENT OF BIODIVERSITY LOSS OF SUNDARBAN FOREST: HIGHLIGHTS ON CAUSES AND IMPACTS
Authors: Khan Md. Shohel , Abdullah Shahriar , Salam Mohammed Abdus , Mandal Tanwee Rani , Hossain Md. Rajib
Published: May 2021

Sundarban, the world biggest mangrove forest, was announced as a World Heritage in 1997 and Ramsar Site in 2007. It's 62% lies in Bangladesh (Khulna, Bagerhat, Satkhira, Pirojpur, and Barguna Regions) and 38% in India, which become a vanguard for coastal communities. This ecosystem's floral and faunal structure incorporates 334 floral, 300 birds, 120 fish, 35 reptiles, and 32 mammals species. It contributes 41% of the total forest income of  Bangladesh. This paper is intended to recognize the significant reasons for biodiversity calamity and its related effects on lives and degradation of the environment. A total of  105 published articles and reports were identified by searching four keywords: degradation, biodiversity, Sundarban, and Bangladesh. By considering the scope, 28 articles and 17 reports were incorporated to satisfy the objectives. The study revealed that the prominent causes of biodiversity loss of  Sundarban might be due to intensified shrimp cultivation, increased dependency on forest and illicit felling, changing land use pattern, oil spillage, and pollution, forest fire, improper management practices, plant diseases, tourism activities, upstream withdrawal of river water, salinity intrusion, climate change, and some natural causes. The impacts were the loss of diversity of floral and faunal species subjected to regionally extinct, critically endangered, endangered, vulnerable, near threatened, and least concern condition. Occupational change and deterioration of the quality of life of surrounding communities are identified as impacts. Finally, the study recommended the formulation of  a special mangrove forest policy and proper management practices of  Sundarban with several environmental protection strategies that should be adopted to conserve this unique ecosystem.
Combination of Natural Language Understanding and Reinforcement Learning for Booking Bot
Authors: Permatasari Dinda Ayu , Maharani Devira Anggi
Published: April 2021

At present, some popular messaging applications have evolved specifically with bots starting to emerge into development. One of the developments of chatbots is to help humans booking flight with Named Entity Recognition in the text, trace sentences to detect user intentions, and respond even though the context of the conversation domain is limited. This study proposes to conduct analysis and design chatbot interactions using NLU (Natural Language Understanding) with the aim that the bot understands what is meant by the user and provides the best and right response. Classification using Support Vector Machine (SVM) method with (erm Frequency-Inverse Document Frequency (TF-IDF) feature extraction is suitable combination methods that produce the highest accuracy value up to 97.5%. Conversation dialogue on chatbots developed using NLU which consists of NER and intent classification then dialog manager using Reinforcement Learning could make a low cost for computing in chatbots.
The Rights of Nursing Mothers at the Workplace in the Perspective of Public Service and Its Effect on Job Performance
Authors: Astuti Sri Juni Woro , Endarti Esa Wahyu
Published: April 2021

This study aimed to examine whether the rights of nursing mothers at work have been fulfilled from a public service perspective and how this will affect their job performance. Mother’s role determines the quality of the next generation that depends on the quality of education and health provided to her children from an early age. From a health aspect, a mother must provide adequate nutrition from an early age through breast milk.  Based on WHO recommendations, the Indonesian government recommends mothers to exclusively breastfeed for six months. From a legal aspect, the Indonesian government has provided protection rights for nursing mothers, as regulated in Law Number 13 of 2003 concerning Manpower. However, the phenomenon shows that more working mothers leave their children without breast milk and rely on their babies' nutrition from canned milk. This study uses a mixed methods. The population is female workers who have babies between 1 and 6 months age. Sample determined by a convenience method. Collecting data using questionnaires, interviews and secondary data. A total of 176 respondents have meet the criteria. In addition, we entered secondary data through digital document tracing. Data analysis was descriptive and triangulated with secondary data, then analyzed interactively to conclude. The results showed that the rights of mothers to breastfeed exclusively at work for 6 months have not been fulfilled properly. This finding supports the results of previous studies where adequate quality of care for nursing mothers will contribute to the performance of nursing mothers in the workplace.
METHODOLOGICAL BASES FOR STUDYING THE INDUSTRIAL COMPLEXES MODERNIZATION IN THE NEO-INDUSTRIALIZATION CONTEXT
Authors: Kuregyan S. , Lepesh G. , Makarova I. , Meleshko Yu. , Ugolnikova O.
Published: May 2021

The article is devoted to the development of a methodology that will form the basis of the theory of industrial complexes modernization in the neo-industrialization context. The modern conditions of modernization are described, a distinctive feature of which is global economic, technological and political instability. The neo-industrialization is substantively characterized as an economic phenomenon. This made it possible to develop the following principles for determining the directions and tools for the industrial complexes modernization in the context of neo-industrialization: priority of providing employment; the priority of the economic security of the enterprise in international industrial cooperation; the possibility of selling products on the domestic market.
L-concave derived internal relations and L-convex derived enclosed relations
Authors: Wu X.Y. , Li E.Q.
Published: May 2021

Derived operator plays an important role in describing algebraic properties of many mathematical structures such as topology, matroid, convergence and convex space. In this paper, we present the notions of L-concave derived internal relation space and L-convex derived enclosed relation space by which we characterize L-concave space and L-convex space. Based on this, we further introduce some other structures such as L-concave derived hull space and L-convex derived hull space. We find that these spaces are isomorphic to L-concave space and L-convex space.
Freshwater alga Raphidocelis subcapitata undergoes metabolomic changes in response to electrostatic adhesion by micrometer-sized nylon 6 particles
Authors: Murata Satomi Mizukami , Suzuki Yuji , Sakurai Kensuke , Yamashita Hiromasa
Published: April 2021

Nylon powders are a type of microplastic (MP) used in personal care products such as cosmetics and sunscreens. To determine the effects of nylon on freshwater microalgae, we investigated the effects of two types of micrometer-sized nylons, i.e., powdered nylon 6 (Ny6-P) and nylon 12 (Ny12), and four other micrometer-sized MPs, i.e., low-density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polystyrene, and ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene, on the microalga Raphidocelis subcapitata. The results showed that Ny6-P inhibited R. subcapitata growth more than the other MPs; R. subcapitata growth was inhibited by 54.2% with 6.25 mg/L Ny6-P compared with the control. Ny6-P in the culture media adhered R. subcapitata cells electrostatically, which disrupted growth and photosynthesis. Metabolomic analysis revealed that many metabolites related to the amino acid catabolic pathway and γ-glutamyl cycle were induced, which might reflect responses to avoid starvation and oxidative stress. Our study provides important information on the effects of Ny6-P on algae in freshwater environments.
Nutritional Status Alterations After Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell Therapy in Patients With Hematological Malignancies: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Ding Shuyi , Cai Lingxia , Jin Aiyun , Zhou Xiaoyu , Yan Jiali , Wang Linqin , Zhao Houli , Wang Tingting , Hu Yongxian
Published: April 2021

Purpose: The influence of innovative chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy for hematological malignancies on nutritional status remains unknown. Therefore, we aim to explore the alterations of nutritional status after CAR-T therapy in patients with hematological malignancies.Methods: We retrospectively collected the data of patients with acute leukemia (AL), lymphoma and multiple myeloma (MM), who underwent CAR-T therapy at our hospital from 2018 to 2020. The serum albumin, triglyceride and cholesterol before and 7, 14 and 21 days after CAR-T cells infusion were compared and analyzed.Result: A total of 117 patients were enrolled, consisting of 39 AL, 23 lymphoma and 55 MM patients. The baseline albumin, triglyceride and cholesterol were 37.43±5.08 mg/L, 1.63±0.74 mmol/L and 3.62±1.03 mmol/L, respectively. The lowest albumin level was found at 7 days after CAR-T infusion compared with baseline (P<0.001), while the levels of triglyceride increased at 14 and 21 days (P<0.001, P=0.036). The levels of cholesterol at 7, 14, 21 days after CAR-T infusion were lower than baseline (all P<0.05). Spearman correlation coefficient showed cytokine release syndrome grade was negatively correlated with the levels of albumin at 7 days and cholesterol at 21 days after CAR-T infusion (r=-0.353, P<0.001; r=-0.395, P=0.002).Conclusion: Serum albumin and total cholesterol concentration decreased at the lowest level 7 days after CAR-T cells infusion, while triglyceride increased at 14 and 21 days after infusion. The levels of albumin and total cholesterol after CAR-T cells infusion were negatively correlated with the grade of cytokine release syndrome.
Nicotine-mediated OTUD3 downregulation inhibits VEGF-C mRNA decay to promote lymphatic metastasis of human esophageal cancer
Authors: Song Libing , Wang Meng , Li Yue , Xiao Yunyun , Yang Muwen , Jian Yunting , Shi Dongni , Chen Xiangfu , Ouyang Ying , Kong Lingzhi , Huang Xinjian , Bai Jiewen , Lin Chuyong
Published: April 2021

Nicotine addiction and the occurrence of lymph node spread are two major significant factors associated with esophageal cancer's poor prognosis; however, nicotine's role in inducing lymphatic metastasis of esophageal cancer remains unclear. Here we showed that OTU domain-containing protein 3 (OTUD3) was downregulated by nicotine and correlated with poor prognosis in heavy-smoking esophageal cancer patients. Nicotine-mediated OTUD3 downregulation promoted lymphatic metastasis by inducing substantial tumor-induced lymphangiogenesis. At the mechanistic level, OTUD3 directly interacted with ZFP36 ring finger protein (ZFP36) and stabilized it by inhibiting FBXW7-mediated K48-linked polyubiquitination. ZFP36 bound with the VEGF-C 3-'UTR and recruited the RNA degrading complex to induce its rapid mRNA decay. Thus, downregulation of OTUD3 and ZFP36 was essential for nicotine-induced VEGF-C production and lymphatic metastasis in esophageal cancer. This study establishes that the OTUD3/ZFP36/VEGF-C axis plays a vital role in nicotine addiction-induced lymphatic metastasis. It also suggests that OTUD3 may serve as a prognostic marker, and induction of the VEGF-C mRNA decay might be a potential therapeutic strategy against human esophageal cancer.
Obsessive-compulsive symptoms in young women affected with anorexia nervosa and their relationship with personality, psychopathology and attachment style
Authors: Amianto Federico , Arletti Luca , Davico Chiara , Secci Ilaria , Vitiello Benedetto
Published: April 2021

Purpose
Obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OC) are associated with greater morbidity and worse prognosis in anorexia nervosa (AN). We assessed the presence of non-eating OC in participants with AN and related them with their psychopathology, personality, and attachment style features.
Methods
Young women with AN (N = 41, 30 restricter and 11 binge-purging type) were assessed on the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS). Participants with AN and 82 healthy controls (HC) completed the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI), Eating Disorder Inventory-2 (EDI-2), Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL- 90), Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), and Attachment Style Questionnaire (ASQ), and were compared to underscore the AN features. Y-BOCS scores were correlated to psychopathology, personality, and attachment features in AN participants.
Results
AN had significantly higher scores than HC on EDI-2, SCL-90, TAS-20, ASQ-Need for Approval, and TCI-Harm Avoidance and Self-directedness. The Y-BOCS scores were significantly correlated with ASQ-Need for Approval, TAS-20-Difficulty in Describing Feelings, SCL-90-Phobic Anxiety, and Anxiety, EDI-2-Drive to Thinness and Asceticism. Need for Approval displayed the strongest and broadest correlation pattern with OC symptoms. Difficulty in describing feelings displayed the strongest correlation with compulsive OC symptoms.
Conclusions
OC traits in participants with AN are primarily associated with measures of insecure attachment rather than to their eating and general psychopathology. Therapeutic approaches to correcting insecure attachment may be considered a possible choice to treat OC symptoms in AN. The study suggests a new psychopathological perspective to understand the meaning of obsessive-compulsive symptoms in AN.
Manufacturing Migration and Trade Embodied Carbon Transfer: Empirical Evidence From China and Thailand
Authors: wu jian , Cui Chunying , Mei Xiaolong , Xu Qingsong , Zhang Pu
Published: April 2021

At present, China's carbon emissions rank first in the world, which not only brings huge challenges to the sustainable development of China's economy, but also brings more pressure from public opinion in the international community. In 2020, ASEAN has become China's largest trading partner, and Thailand, due to its unique industrial structure and investment environment, will surely become one of the main ASEAN countries to undertake the transfer of China's manufacturing industry. Over the years, the shift of carbon emissions by the continuous transfer of a large number of basic manufacturing industries from China to Thailand promoted the release of China's carbon emission pressure. In this article, on the basis of the data of import and export commodities between China and Thailand from 2012 to 2017, the input-output model is carried out to analyze the energy consumption of China's various industries, and three periods, namely 2012, 2015, and 2017, are used to be key periods to calculate the embodied carbon of China's manufacturing migration and Sino-Thailand trade. The empirical results show that the transfer of China's manufacturing to Thailand from 2012 to 2017 has continued to rise. The transfer of Chinese manufacturing to Thailand is positively correlated with the carbon emissions of trade between the two countries, which has promoted the relief of China's pressure on energy conservation and emission reduction. Therefore, government departments should formulate differentiated and stable domestic manufacturing policies; spend on the development of advanced manufacturing industries with low energy consumption and high technology density; encourage the relocation of industries with low technology density and high carbon emissions to effectively reduce environmental pressure in China.
Antibacterial and Wound Healing Activities of Silver Nanoparticles Embedded in Cellulose Compared to Other Polysaccharides and Protein Polymers
Authors: Alavi Mehran , Varma Rajender S.
Published: April 2021

The aggregation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in colloidal solution and the oxidative cytotoxicity towards human cells are two major hindrances for their thriving medicinal applications. Their incorporation in natural polymers such as cellulose, chitosan, alginate, collagen, gelatin, silk fibroin, carrageenan, hyaluronic acid, keratin and starch may be an alluring alternative strategy to sidestep these complications and attaining the advantageous wound dressings. Biocompatibility, bioavailability, biodegradability, and inherent therapeutic properties known for theses polymers, would accelerate the healing of infected chronic wounds. However, the low thermal stability, mechanical strength, rapid biodegradation, and weak washing resistance properties are some of the limitations for these polymers. Herein, recent advances, present challenges and future perspective for AgNPs incorporated nanocomposites (NCs) are discussed to realize ideal antibacterial activities by exploiting the abundant natural biopolymers.
Flavopiridol Mitigates the Progression of Monocrotaline-Induced Pulmonary Hypertension in Rats by Targeting Cyclin-dependent Kinase 9
Authors: Jia Qi , Hu Zhiqiang , Song Nannan , Mao Weike
Published: April 2021

Purpose: To investigate the role of cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) and the therapeutic potential of CDK9 inhibitor (flavopiridol) in monocrotaline (MCT)-induced pulmonary hypertension.Methods: In vivo experiments, pulmonary hypertension rats were established by a single intraperitoneal injection of MCT (60 mg/kg) for 2 weeks and treated with flavopiridol (5 mg/kg, i.p., twice a week) or vehicle for 2 weeks. In vitro experiments, human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (HPASMCs) were treated with flavopiridol (0.025-1μM) or vehicle under hypoxic condition. Hemodynamic recording, right ventricle and lung histology, isolation of pulmonary arterial tissues were performed. The expressions of CDK9, RNA polymerase II, c-Myc, Mcl-1 and survivin were determined by qRT-PCR and western blotting, proliferation and apoptosis of PASMCs were also assayed.Results: CDK9 was upregulated in both rat pulmonary arterial tissues and HPASMCs. Upregulation of CDK9 increased the phosphorylation of the C-terminal domain (CTD) of RNA polymerase II (RNA pol II) on serine-2, promoting the expression of prosurvival and antiapoptotic proteins (c-Myc, Mcl-1 and survivin). Furthermore, treatment with flavopiridol (5 mg/kg) significantly alleviated pulmonary artery remodeling and partially reversed the progression of monocrotaline-induced pulmonary hypertension. Consistently, flavopiridol (0.5 μM) treatment decreased the proliferation and induced the apoptosis of cultured HPASMCs under hypoxic conditions. As a result of CDK9 inhibition and subsequent inhibition of RNA pol II CTD phosphorylation at serine 2, flavopiridol decreased c-Myc, Mcl-1 and survivin expressions in isolated pulmonary small arteries, leading to cell growth inhibition and apoptosis. Conclusion: Flavopiridol mitigates the progression of monocrotaline-induced pulmonary hypertension in rats by targeting cyclin-dependent kinase 9.
Pathological Effects of Graded Doses of Aflatoxin B1 on the Development of Testes in Juvenile White Leghorn Males
Authors: Ashraf Anas , Saleemi Muhammad Kashif , Mohsin Mashkoor , Gul Shafia Tehseen , zubair muhammad , Muhammad Faqir , Bhatti Sheraz Ahmad , Hameed Muhammad Raza , Imran Muhammad , Irshad Hamid , Zaheer Iqra , Ahmed Ishtiaq , Raza Ahmad , Qureshi Anas Sarwar , Khan Ahrar
Published: April 2021

Current experiment was planned to investigate the deleterious effects of the graded dose of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) on White Leghorn Male Birds. For this purpose, 100 birds of 8 week age were divided into 4 equal groups and reared on feed contaminated with different doses of AFB1 for 10 weeks. Group A was kept as a control group and was fed with normal toxin free diet, group B, C, and D were offered feed containing 100 ppb, 200 ppb, and 400 ppb of AFB1 respectively. The birds were euthanized at the 4th and 10th week of the experiment. Clinical signs, behavioral changes, absolute and relative organ weight of testes, sperm motility were measured. Cellular immune response was observed through CCA, P-HAP, and antibody response against SRBC. Results showed a dose-dependent decline in the immune response of birds with the increase in the level of AFB1 in the feed. A significant decrease in the serum levels of testosterone, prolactin, and LH was observed. Grossly, testicular size and volume were reduced in ABF1 fed birds while histological examination showed mild to moderate and severe necrosis of testicular parenchyma, with partial to complete arrest of spermatogenesis. Very few spermatozoa were found in group C while they were almost absent in group D which was offered a diet containing 400 ppb AFB1. The above-mentioned results showed that AFB1 had severe toxic effects on the reproductive and immunological parameters of WLH birds in a dose-dependent manner.
Predictive Ability of the G8 Screening Test to Determine Probable Sarcopenia and Abnormal Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment in Older Patients with Solid Malignancies
Authors: Cavusoglu Cagatay , Tahtaci Gozde , Dogrul Rana Tuna , Ileri Ibrahim , Yildirim Funda , Candemir Burcu , Kizilarslanoglu Muhammet Cemal , Uner Aytug , Goker Berna
Published: April 2021

Background: Pre-treatment evaluation for sarcopenia is recommended in cancer patients. We aimed to investigate whether the G8 screening test can detect probable sarcopenia and is valid and reliable compared to comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) in Turkish older adults with solid cancers.Methods: We included solid cancer patients referred to a single center. Probable sarcopenia and abnormal CGA were defined as low handgrip strength and impairment in at least one of the CGA tests, respectively. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses evaluated the test’s predictive ability. Intra-rater and inter-rater reliabilities were assessed.Results: The median age of the 76 patients included was 72 (65–91) years. There was a moderate correlation between handgrip strength and the G8 test total score. The sensitivity and specificity of the G8 test to detect probable sarcopenia alone were 50% and 92%, respectively (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.747; p<0.001); to determine abnormal CGA plus probable sarcopenia were 93.33% and 86.89%, respectively (AUC: 0.939; p<0.001), and to detect abnormal CGA alone were 79.63% and 95.45%, respectively (AUC: 0.893; p<0.001). The G8 test results agreed with those of CGA (κ=0.638; p<0.001). Both inter- and intra-rater assessments of G8 scores revealed a strong agreement (Interclass correlation coefficient (ICC)=0.979, p<0.001 and ρ=0.994, p<0.001, respectively). Conclusions: The Turkish version of the G8 test is a good screening tool to detect probable sarcopenia alone and in conjunction with abnormal CGA in older patients with solid malignancies. The G8 screening tool may be useful in detecting probable sarcopenia in Turkish older adults with solid cancers.
Silodosin as a predisposing factor of Intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome (IFIS): an observational propensity score-matching cohort study
Authors: Christou Chrysanthos D. , Kourouklidou Marianna , Mataftsi Asimina , Oustoglou Eirini , Ziakas Nikolaos , Tzamalis Argyrios
Published: April 2021

Purpose: To evaluate the correlation between silodosin and Intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome (IFIS) and compare it with other a1- adrenergic receptor antagonists (a1-ARAs) and other factors predisposing to IFIS.Methods: From the cases who underwent phacoemulsification between 2014 and 2020, we identified all patients who, during their preoperative assessment, reported an a1-ARAs intake (exposed group). These patients were matched utilizing a propensity score matching analysis, with an otherwise homogenous group of patients (control group), based on demographics and systemic/ocular comorbidities.Results: 350 patients were included in each group. In the exposed group, 177 (50.6%) patients were exposed to tamsulosin, 105 (30%) to alfuzosin, 43 (12.2%) to silodosin. Regarding IFIS, it was observed in 21.5% of patients on tamsulosin (38/177), 11.4% on alfuzosin (12/105), 37.2% on silodosin (16/43), and 3.4% in the controlled group (12/350). In a multiple regression model analysis, the only two factors that were significantly associated with IFIS development were silodosin and tamsulosin yielding an adjusted odds ratio of 8.471 (95%CI: 4.005-17.920), and 3.803 (95%CI: 2.231-6.485), respectively.Conclusion: Silodosin has been demonstrated as a predisposing factor, strongly correlated with IFIS development. These results should increase awareness to cataract surgeons, to carefully assess their patients preoperatively for exposure to silodosin, and employ the appropriate prophylactic measures to ameliorate the impact of silodosin intake on the surgical outcome.
Quantum Dot Assisted Luminescent Hexarhenium Cluster Dye for a Transparent Luminescent Solar Concentrator
Authors: Choi Jun , Kim Kyungkon , Kim Sung-Jin
Published: April 2021

A luminescent solar concentrator (LSC) is a solar-light harvesting device that concentrates light on a photovoltaic cell placed at the edge of an LSC panel to convert it into electricity. The nano-sized inorganic-organic cluster complex (dMDAEMA)4[Re6S8(NCS)6] (where dMDAEMA is 2-dimethyl amino ethyl methacrylate) is a promising candidate for LSC luminophores due to its downshifted broad photoluminescence suitable for photovoltaic cells. However, the low quantum yield (QY) of RMC limits the performance. Here, zinc-doped CuGaS/ZnS core/shell quantum dots (ZQD) were used as energy transferring donor with high QY to improve the performance of the LSC. The two metal chalcogenide luminophores, RMC and ZQD, are chemically suitable for dispersion in an amphiphilic polymer matrix, producing a transparent waveguide with suppressed reabsorption and extended harvesting coverage of the solar spectrum. We achieved an ηopt of 3.47% and a PCE of 1.23% while maintaining greater than 80% transparency in the visible range. The high performance of this dual-dye LSC with suppressed reabsorption, and scattering losses is not only due to uniform dispersion of dyes in a polymer matrix, but also energy transfer from ZQD to RMC. This report suggests a new possibility for promising various multi-dye LSCs for use in building-integrated photovoltaic windows.
Effects of Dietary Protein and Lipid Levels on Growth, Body Composition, Blood Biochemistry, Antioxidant Capacity and Ammonia Excretion of European Grayling (Thymallus Thymallus)
Authors: Rahimnejad Samad , Dabrowski Konrad , Izquierdo Marisol , Malinovskyi Oleksandr , Kolářová Jitka , Policar Tomas
Published: April 2021

Background: This study evaluated growth, body composition, blood biochemistry, antioxidant capacity, innate immunity and ammonia excretion of European grayling (Thymallus thymallus) fed diets containing different protein and lipid contents. Six diets were produced to contain 30, 40 or 50% protein with 10 or 20% lipid and fed to triplicate groups (100 fish per replicate) of fish (25.2 ± 0.28 g) to visual satiety twice daily for 12 weeks. Results: Fish growth was enhanced (P ˂ 0.05) as protein increased from 30 to 40% and plateaued thereafter. Enhancing protein and lipid content of diet led to reduced feed intake and improved feed efficiency. Moreover, protein efficiency ratio increased at higher lipid level while lower values were recorded at higher protein levels. Increasing dietary lipid content led to the enhancement of viscerosomatic index and intraperitoneal fat ratio. An interaction of protein and lipid was found on whole-body lipid, and muscle lipid was responsive to dietary lipid level. Muscle ARA, EPA and Ʃn-6 LC-PUFA contents enhanced by increasing dietary protein level. Moreover, increasing fat content of diet led to enhanced muscle linoleic acid, linolenic acid, ƩMUFA, Ʃn-6, DHA/EPA and n-6/n-3. However, EPA, DHA, Ʃn-6 LC-PUFA, Ʃn-3, Ʃn-3 LC-PUFA and EPA/ARA decreased at higher dietary lipid level. Serum triglyceride (TG) concentration and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity decreased as dietary protein level increased while an opposite effect was observed for cholesterol (CHO) concentration. Increasing fat content of diet led to enhanced serum TG, CHO and glucose concentrations and reduced alanine aminotransferase, aspartate amino transferase and LDH activities. Serum malondialdehyde concentration was enhanced by increasing both dietary protein and lipid contents. Furthermore, serum myeloperoxidase activity was enhanced at higher dietary lipid level. Water total ammonium nitrogen (TAN) concentration was measured after 5 and 24 h of last feeding, and the results indicated the reduction of ammonia excretion as dietary lipid content increased. Conclusions: These findings suggest that 40% dietary protein can support optimal growth of juvenile European grayling and increasing lipid content from 10 to 20% can improve feed utilization and reduce ammonia excretion to the rearing water.
Piperine Improves Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE) in Lewis Rats through its Neuroprotective, Anti-inflammatory and Anti-Oxidant Effects
Authors: Nasrnezhad Reza , Halalkhor Sohrab , Sadeghi Farzin , Pourabdolhossein Fereshteh
Published: April 2021

Inflammation, demyelination, glial activation, and oxidative damage are the most pathological hallmarks of multiple sclerosis (MS). Piperine, a main bioactive alkaloid of black pepper, possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties whose therapeutic potential has been less studied in the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) models. In this study, the efficiency of peprine on progression of EAE model and myelin repair mechanisms was investigated. EAE was induced in female Lewis rats and piperine and its vehicle were daily administrated intraperitoneally from day 8 to 29 post immunization. We found that peperine alleviated neurological deficits and EAE disease progression. Luxol fast blue and H&E staining and immuno-staining of lumbar spinal cord cross sections confirmed that piperine significantly reduced the extent of demyelination, inflammation and immune cell infiltration and inhibited microglia and astrocyte activation. Gene expression analysis in lumbar spinal cord showed that piperine treatment decreased the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β) and iNOS and enhanced IL-10, Nrf-2, HO-1and MBP expressions. Piperine supplementation also enhanced the total antioxidant capacity (FRAP) and reduced the level of oxidative stress marker (MDA) in the CNS of EAE rats. Finally, we found that piperine has anti-apoptotic and neuroprotective effect in EAE through reducing caspase-3 (apoptosis marker) and enhancing BDNF and NeuN expressing cells. This study strongly indicates that piperine has a beneficial effect on the EAE progression and could be considered as a potential therapeutic target for MS treatment. Upcoming clinical trials will provide the deep understanding of piperine’s role for the treatment of the MS.
Age Estimation of Arabian Mares by Incisors Morphometry and Dentition Changes
Authors: Khazaeel Kaveh , Pesarakli Hamid , Mashhadi Alireza Ghadrdan , Borujeni Mahdi Pourmahdi
Published: April 2021

Accurate estimation of horse's age based on the condition of the tooth status is necessary as a scientific and artistic technique, which has not been performed so far in genuine Arabian horses of Khuzestan (southern west of Iran). The purpose of study was to investigate the age-dependent changes in morphology and morphometry of the incisors in the Arabian mares of Khuzestan in order to age estimation and to compare the estimated dental age with ancestral age. In this study, eighty-four Arabian mares of Khuzestan were examined at a number of equestrian clubs. Then, images were taken with a digital camera from the vestibular and occlusal surfaces of the lower incisors. Parameters of deciduous and permanent teeth eruption and their number, occlusal surface changes in lower incisors including appearance and disappearance of cup, enamel spot, dental star and appearance and changes of Galvayne’s groove in upper corner incisor were investigated. Comparison of clinical crown length of incisors in each group showed that first, second and third incisors (I1, I2, and I3) had the maximum to minimum crown length, respectively. The correlation between ancestral age and clinical crown length was strong in I1 (r = 0.73, p ≤ 0.001), I2 (r = 0.8, p ≤ 0.001) and I3 (r = 0.81, p ≤ 0.001) in the Arabian mares of Khuzestan. The correlation of estimated dental age with ancestral age in the Arabian mares of Khuzestan was very strong (r = 0.992, p ≤ 0.001). Therefore, the dental age estimation in the Arabian mares of Khuzestan seems to be very close to the actual age of the animal.
Formation and recycling of an active epigenetic mark mediated by cell cycle-specific RNAs
Authors: Tenen Daniel , Ebralidze Alexander , Angarica Vladimir , Liu Yanjing , Kappei Dennis , Tenen Danielle , Monteleone Emanuele , Coffey Rory , Magallanes Roberto , Ummarino Simone , Wanet Anais , Bassal Mahmoud , Trinh Bon , Sheen Mee Rie , Benoukraf Touati , Robinson Colyn Crane , Ruscio Annalisa Di , Budnik Bogdan , Zhang Haoran , Poli Valeria , Zhang Yanzhou
Published: May 2021

The mechanisms by which epigenetic modifications are established in gene regulatory regions of active genes remain poorly understood. The data presented show that the establishment and recycling of a major epigenetic mark, the acetylated form of the replacement histone H2A.Z, is regulated by cell cycle-specific long noncoding RNAs encoded in regions adjacent to the promoters of active genes. These transcripts, termed SPEARs (S Phase EArly RNAs), are induced in early S phase: their expression precedes that of the downstream genes on which they exert their regulatory action. SPEARs drive the modification and deposition of the acetylated form of histone H2A.Z by bringing together the replacement histone and the histone acetyl transferase TIP60. This widespread bimodal pathway constitutes a novel RNA-mediated mechanism for the establishment of epigenetic marks and cell-specific epigenetic profiles, thereby providing a unifying explanation for the accuracy and persistence of epigenetic marks on chromatin.
Effect of the Variability of Wind Forcing on ENSO Simulation in an OGCM: Case of Canonical and Protracted Event
Authors: Arora Anika
Published: April 2021

This study is an attempt to understand the onset and evolution of canonical El Niño (~ 18–24 months; CE) and protracted El Niño (> greater than 3 years; PE) compared to the normal state (NS) in an ocean model. Indo-Pacific warm pool indicates higher values of SST before the onset of strong canonical El Niño compared to the normal state and protracted El Niño. The ocean model used in the study shows systematic SST bias in the Indo-Pacific Ocean with higher (cooler) values of temperature in western (eastern) Pacific during NS, CE, and PE exhibiting La Niña like conditions. The ocean model exhibits deeper thermocline depth in the western equatorial Pacific Ocean (PO) during PE and CE compared to NS indicating higher values of heat content (warm water volume). Despite the presence of higher warm water volume in the western PO before the onset of El Niño, the difference in the variability of surface wind forcing during the preceding months determines the type of El Niño. The interplay of surface wind forcing among the NS, PE, and CE states without altering the ocean state can modify the subsurface propagation in the equatorial Pacific Ocean. A change in longitudinal extent of upwelling Kelvin waves towards eastern PO along with the change in surface wind forcing decides the fate of El Niño in the eastern Pacific.
Assessment of Modified Cerebral Blood Flow and Its Connectivity With Migraines Without Aura During Interictal Periods by Arterial Spin Labeling
Authors: Zhang Di , Huang Xiaobin , Mao Cunnan , Chen Yuchen , Miao Zhengfei , Liu Chunmei , Xu Chenjie , Wu Xinying , Yin Xindao
Published: April 2021

Background: Migraine constitutes a global health burden, and its pathophysiology is not well-understood; research evaluating cerebral perfusion and altered blood flow between brain areas using non-invasive imaging techniques, such as arterial spin labeling, have been scarce. This study aimed to assess cerebral blood flow (CBF) and its connectivity of migraine.Methods: This study enrolled 40 patients with episodic migraine without aura (MwoA), as well as 42 healthy patients as control (HC). Two groups of normalized CBF and CBF connectivity were compared, and the relationship between CBF variation and clinical scale assessment was further evaluated.Results: In comparison to HC subjects, MwoA patients exhibited higher CBF in the right middle frontal orbital gyrus (ORBmid.R) and the right middle frontal gyrus, while that in Vermis_6 declined. The increased CBF of ORBmid.R was positively correlated with both the Visual Light Sensitivity Questionnaire-8 (VLSQ-8) and the monthly attack frequency score. In MwoA, significantly decreased CBF connectivity was detected between ORBmid.R and the left superior frontal gyrus, the right putamen, the right caudate, as well as the right angular gyrus. In addition, increased CBF connectivity was observed between the left calcarine cortex and ORBmid.R. Conclusions: Our results indicate that migraine patients exhibit abnormalities in regional CBF and feature CBF connection defects at the resting state. The affected areas involve information perception, information integration, and emotional, pain and visual processing. Our findings might provide important clues for the pathophysiology of migraine.
DNA Sonification For Public Engagement in Bioinformatics
Authors: Plaisier Heleen , Meagher Thomas Robert , Barker Daniel
Published: April 2021

Objective: Visualisation methods, primarily color-coded representation of sequence data, have been a predominant means of representation of DNA data. Algorithmic conversion of DNA sequence data to sound – sonification – represents an alternative means of representation that uses a different range of human sensory perception. We propose that sonification has value for public engagement with DNA sequence information because it has potential to be entertaining as well as informative. We conduct preliminary work to explore the potential of DNA sequence sonification in public engagement with bioinformatics. We apply a simple sonification technique for DNA, in which each DNA base is represented by a specific note. Additionally, a beat may be added to indicate codon boundaries or for musical effect. We report a brief analysis from public engagement events we conducted that featured this method of sonification.Results: We report on use of DNA sequence sonification at two public events. Sonification has potential in public engagement with bioinformatics, both as a means of data representation and as a means to attract audience to a drop-in stand. We also discuss further directions for research on integration of sonification into bioinformatics public engagement and education.