bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of effective protein extraction procedure to profile petiole of Moringa oleifera
Authors: Zulkifli Zetty Amirah , Rahmat Zaidah
Published: April 2020

Moringa oleifera is widely known as multipurpose tree since all of its parts confer multiple functions. The leaf is highly favourable among consumers while the petiole is mostly wasted. There are numerous studies on the flavonoid and antioxidant property of the stem and twig. However, study on the petiole has never been done. There-upon, this study was conducted to develop protein profiling of the petiole. In this study, 6 different protein extraction methods were tested on the fresh petiole before its protein quantity and quality were checked via Bradford assay and Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) respectively. The in-solution digestion was then done prior to LC-MS/MS analysis. The protein electrophoretic pattern from the SDS-PAGE proves that method 6 using Tris HCl buffer with incorporation of dithiothreitol (DTT) and phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF) confers the best quality of protein. It produced the highest number of visible individual bands compared to other methods. Meanwhile, 93 proteins were successfully identified via LCMS analysis where the protein, signal response and carbohydrate metabolism categories confer the highest percentage. High quality and content of the protein extracted from the petiole including the antioxidant, anticancer and antidiabetic protein identified suggested that consuming this part of the plant could enhance nutrients of human body.
Correlation between CDKAL1 rs10946398C>A single nucleotide polymorphism and type 2 diabetes mellitus susceptibility: A meta-analysis
Authors: Liang Yunyi , Shu Yi , Luo Haizhao , Chen Riqiu , Zeng Zhifu
Published: April 2020

Objective

The purpose of this meta analysis was to assess the correlation between CDKAL1 rs10946398C>A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) susceptibility by pooling the open published studies.

Method

Electronic searching of PubMed, EMBASE, Medline, Cochrane, China Biology Medicine disc (CBM) and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases were performed by two reviewers independently to collect the open published studies related to CDKAL1 rs10946398C>A single nucleotide polymorphism and T2DM susceptibility. The association between CDKAL1 rs10946398C>A single nucleotide polymorphism and T2DM susceptibility was expressed by odds ratio (OR) and the corresponding 95% confidence interval (95%CI).

Results

Thirteen studies with a total of 13,966 T2DM and 14,274 controls were finally included for analysis in this meta-analysis. Of the included 13 publications, 2 studies were carried out in Europe, 8 in Asia, 2 in Africa and 1 in Latin America. Being significant statistical heterogeneity, the data was pooled through random effect model. In a dominant genetic model, there was significant correlation between CDKAL1 rs10946398C>A SNP and T2DM risk (OR=1.22, P<0.05). In a dominant genetic model people with CC or CA genotype had increased risk of developing T2DM; Because of statistical heterogeneity for the included studies in a recessive genetic model (AA+CA vs CC), the data was calculated by random effect method. The combined data showed people with AA or CA genotype had decreased risk of developing T2DM compared to CC genotype (OR=0.83, P<0.05); For a homozygous genetic model (CC vs AA), the OR was calculated through random effect model for statistical heterogeneity among the included 13 studies. The combined OR was 1.33 which indicated people with CC genotype had increased risk of developing T2DM.

Conclusion

According to the present results, CDKAL1 rs10946398C>A single nucleotide polymorphism had correlation with the susceptibility of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
GENETIC DIVERSITY IN NON-OILSEED SUNFLOWER (Helianthus annuus L.) GENOTYPES / DIVERSIDAD GENETICA DE GENOTIPOS NO OLEAGINOSOS DEL GIRASOL (Helianthus annuus L.) / DIVERSITÉ GÉNÉTIQUE DANS LES GÉNOTYPES DE TOURNESOL NON-OLÉAGINEUX (Helianthus annuus L.)
Authors: Manjula K. , Nadaf H.L. , Giriraj K.
Published: April 2020

Genetic diversity was assessed in 46 non-oilseed sunflower genotypes for 14 characters by adopting D2 analysis. Oil content and plant height exhibited maximum contributions towards genetic divergence. The genotypes were grouped into 11 clusters. The inter-cluster D2 values ranged from 288.17 to 3972.34. The contribution of oil content towards genetic divergence in the 46 genotypes was confirmed when D2 analysis was performed for seed characteristics such as test weight, volume weight, hull content, kernel recovery, oil and protein content.
EFFECT OF OSMOTIC PRESSURE ON GERMINATION OF SUNFLOWER SEEDS (Helianthus annuus L.) / EFECTO DE LA PRESION OSMOTICA SOBRE LA GERMINACION DE SEMILLAS DEL GIRASOL (Helianthus annuus L.) / INFLUENCE DE LA PRESSION OSMOTIQUE SUR LA GERMINATION DE LA SEMENCE DE TOURNESOL (Helianthus annuus L.)
Authors: El Midaoui Mohammed , Talouizte Ahmed , Benbella Mohamed , Serieys Hervé , Griveau Yves , Bervillé André
Published: April 2020

In arid and semi arid areas, water is the most limiting factor of crop production. Germination is susceptible to water shortage. Experimentation was undertaken to study the effect of water stress on germination of seeds of three sunflower genotypes (Oro 9, Mirasol and Albena). Six PEG 6000 osmotic constraints were tested (0, -0.4, -0.6, -1, -1.2 and -1.6 MPa). Results showed no significant difference between germination percent of the control and -0.4 MPa treatment and between -0.8, -1 and -1.2 MPa treatments. Germination percent was most reduced at -1.6 MPa (-65%). Mean germination duration was also affected and the highest value was obtained for -1.6 MPa (4.95 days, related to an increase of 185%). Differences between genotypes were significant in the treatment at -1 MPa.
COMBINING ABILITY OF SUNFLOWER INBRED LINES FOR in vitro TRAITS / APTITUD COMBINATORIA DE LÍNEAS ENDOCRIADAS DE GIRASOL PARA CARACTERES in vitro / VALEUR EN COMBINAISON DE LIGNÉES DE TOURNESOL POUR CARACTÉRES in vitro
Authors: Nestares G. , Mayor M.L. , Zorzoli R. , Mroginski L. , Picardi L.
Published: April 2020

Six cytoplasmic male sterile lines used as females were crossed with four fertile lines used as males in a factorial design. The 24 F1 hybrids obtained were evaluated in vitro for their organogenesis ability from cotyledonary explants. The regeneration medium was MS supplemented with 200 mg/l of glutamine, 1 mg/l of indol-3-acetic acid and 2 mg/l of kinetin. The experimental design was a complete randomized block in 2 replications. General combining ability variances were significant for some of the in vitro traits, while the variance due to specific combining ability was nonsignificant in all cases. Some of these positive and negative values of general combining ability were significant for the studied traits. These results suggest the importance of the additive component in the genetic control of the studied in vitro traits.
VARIABILTY AND STABILTY OF TUBER YIELD OF JERUSALEM ARTICHOKE (Helianthus tuberosus L.) / VARIABILIDAD Y ESTABILIDAD DEL RENDIMIENTO DE TUBERCULOS DEL TOPINAMBO / VARIABILITÉ ET STABILITÉ DU RENDEMENT DU TUBERCULE DE TOPINAMBUR
Authors: Berenji Janoš , Sikora Vladimir
Published: April 2020

The objective of this paper was to estimate the genetic and ecological variation as well as the stability of tuber yield per plant, tuber number per plant and tuber size of Jerusalem artichoke based on the results of a variety trial carried out with 20 different Jerusalem artichoke varieties during the period of 1994-2000. Significant genetic as well as ecologycal variation was observed for all of the traits studied. The most promissing varieties showing high tuber yield combined with high yield stability were “BT-4”, “Violet Rennes” and “UKR 4/ 82”. It is encouraging that the highest yielding varieties exibited a rather stable performance over environments.
GAMMA RAY - INDUCED MITOTIC ABNORMALITIES IN Helianthus annuus L. VARIETY EKIZ 1 / LOS RAYOS DE GAMMA CAUSA ANORMALIDADES MITOTICAS EN Helianthus annuus L. VARIEDAD DE EKIZ 1 / LES ANORMALITÉS MITOTIQUES CHARGÉÉS DES RAYONS GAMMA
Authors: Arslan Orhan , Bal Şenol , Venice Nilgün , Mirici Semra
Published: April 2020

In this study, mitotic effects of gamma rays on Ekiz 1 variety belonging to Helianthus annuus L. (2n= 34) in the M0 (first irradiated seeds), M1 and M2 generations have been investigated. Seeds (M0) were irradiated with gamma rays at 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 kR doses. Percentage of total abnormalities in the M0, M1 and M2 generations increased parallel to the increasing dose of radiation. These abnormalites have been observed as C-metaphase, chromosome stickiness, laggards and bridges with or without fragment. Mitotic index (M.I.) in the M0, M1 and M2 generations has decreased parallel to the dose increase. When the generations are compared, both the amounts of decrease in mitotic index and in the percentage of mitotic abnormalities were mostly observed in M0.
CHEMICAL CONTROL OF SEED-BORNE FUNGAL PATHOGENS OF SUNFLOWER / CONTROL QUÍMICO DE PATÓGENOS DE SEMILLAS EN GIRASOL / MESURES DE DÉFENSE CONTRE LES CHAMPIGNONS PATHOGÈNES DU TOURNESOL TRANSMIS PAR LA SEMENCE
Authors: Rauf Bhutta A , Rahber Bhatti M.M. , Ahmad Iftikhar , Sultana Ishrat
Published: April 2020

Five fungicides, namely Tecto, Benlate, Bayton, Topsin and Derosal, were evaluated for their effect on seed germination and control of major seed-borne pathogens of sunflower. Two sunflower cultivars, HO-1 and NK-212, naturally infected with important seed-borne fungi were treated with these fungicides at 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0 g/kg. All the fungicides under study controlled the seed-borne fungi and increased the germination of sunflower seed to various levels. Tecto and Benlate in both cultivars gave better performance in reducing the fungal population and increasing seed germination. Topsin and Derosal also reduced the fungal population at higher dosage but there was no considerable improvement in germination. The use of fungicides at 2.5 g/kg provided almost complete elimination of fungi and 8-10 percent increase in seed germination as compared to the use of fungicides at 2 g/kg.
Antimicrobial activity of selected plants against fungal species isolated from South African AIDS patients and their antigonococcal activity
Authors: Maema Lesibana Petrus , Potgieter Martin , Masevhe Ndivhaleni Anox , Samie Amidou
Published: April 2020

Background

Sexually transmitted infections continue to be a major health concern in sub-Saharan Africa where antimicrobial drugs are becoming ineffective due to increasing resistance. Many healthcare seekers in lower socio-economic settings depend on invasive alien plants administered by traditional health practitioners to treat sexually transmitted infections.

Methods

Roots of selected plants were analysed for phytoconstituents using standard methods. Both the disc diffusion model and microdilution technique were used to determine the inhibition zone and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of plant extracts against six clinical fungal strains and standard strain of Neisseria gonorrhoea. One-way ANOVA was used to find significant differences.

Results

Different phytoconstituents such as alkaloids, steroids, cardiac glycosides, terpenes, flavonoids, tannins and saponins were qualitatively detected, depending on plant species. Acetone extracted the highest number of phytoconstituents in Senna didymobotrya, while methanol revealed most from Ricinus communis. Senna didymobotrya showed significant inhibition against Candida glabrata, C. krusei, C. parapsilosis and C. tropicalis. Dichloromethane extract of Catharanthus roseus and methanol extract of S. didymobotrya demonstrated excellent MIC values of 0.03 and 0.08 mg/mL, respectively, against C. glabrata. Catharanthus roseus, Opuntia ficus-indica and Ricinus communis demonstrated moderate to good antigonococcal activity, with all exhibiting more than 63% inhibition. Catharanthus roseus had the best antigonococcal activity with a moderate MIC value of 0.63 mg/mL.

Conclusion

Some of the plant extracts demonstrated potency towards clinically isolated fungal strains and against N. gonorrhoea, which validate the notion that some of the species need further pharmacological studies for isolation and characterisation of active compounds.
An energy residual-based approach to gradient effects within the mechanics of generalized continua
Authors: Polizzotto Castrenze , Pisano Aurora A.
Published: April 2020

Generalized continua exhibiting gradient effects are addressed through a method grounded on the energy residual (ER)-based gradient theory by the first author and coworkers. A main tool of this theory is the Clausius-Duhem inequality cast in a form differing from the classical one only by a nonstandard extra term, the (nonlocality) ER, required to satisfy the insulation condition (its global value has to vanish or to take a known value). The ER carries in the nonlocality features of the mechanical problem through a strain-like rate field, being the specific nonlocality source, and a concomitant higher-order long-range stress (or microstress) field. The thermodynamic restrictions on the constitutive equations are determined by the latter inequality with no need for microstress equilibrium equations, whereas the principle of virtual power (PVP) is left in a standard format. The derived state equations include a set of partial differential equations involving the nonlocality-source strain-like quantity and the related long-range stress, as well as the associated higher-order boundary conditions determined by the insulation condition. Second-grade materials within gradient elasticity, gradient plasticity and crystal plasticity, as well as materials with microstructure (micromorphic and Cosserat materials) are considered to derive the pertinent constitutive equations. The proposed ER-based approach to gradient effects is shown to constitute a more straightforward and “economic” way to formulate the relevant constitutive equations than the PVP-based one.
Probing the mechanical properties of dental porcelain through nanoindentation
Authors: Manda Marianthi , Moschakis Nikolaos , Konstantinidis Avraam , Christophilos Demetrios , Papadopoulou Lambrini , Koidis Petros , Aifantis Elias
Published: April 2020

The purpose of this short communication is to report on some micro/nanoscale aspects of the mechanical behavior of dental porcelain. Specimens were characterized by micro-Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Massive nanoindentation experiments on the surface of the specimens were performed, and typical load-displacement or load-depth (P-h) curves were obtained, which in turn were used to determine the Young modulus (E) and nanoindentation hardness (n-H), based on the Oliver-Pharr method [1]. Statistical analyses were carried out to determine the Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient (Spearman’s ρ), along with non-parametric linear regression analysis by employing Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Two-Step Cluster tests. Densification due to grain boundary diffusion and open-pore elimination was revealed by SEM. EDS analysis indicated a leucite-dispersed silicate glass matrix, as well as its contamination by traces of other minerals. Raman spectroscopy supported the EDS assignments. The P-h curves suggested that inelastic deformation and material flow increases at larger depths. Spearman’s ρ value showed strong dependence of E and n-H on h, indicating the occurrence of a size effect. The logarithmic data of E and n-H as functions of h were fitted by using linear regression analysis. The data did not obey a normal distribution (as the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test showed) due to the chemical heterogeneity involved. The Two-Step Cluster analysis indicated clustering in four groups associated with the chemical heterogeneity of the surface. Similar works using nanoindentation to determine the mechanical properties of dental materials can be found, for example, in [2, 3]. Corresponding methods for extracting the values of E and n-H from P-h experimental curves can be found, for example, in [4–6].
Analysis of damped vibrations of thin bodies embedded into a fractional derivative viscoelastic medium
Authors: Rossikhin Yury A. , Shitikova Marina V.
Published: April 2020

Damped vibrations of elastic thin bodies, such as plates and circular cylindrical shells, embedded into a viscoelastic medium, the rheological features of which are described by fractional derivatives, are considered in the present article. Besides the forces of viscous friction, a thin body is subjected to the action of external forces dependent on the coordinates of the middle surface and time. The boundary conditions are proposed in such a way that the governing equations allow the Navier-type solution. The Laplace integral transform method and the method of expansion of all functions entering into the set of governing equations in terms of the eigenfunctions of the given problem are used as the methods of solution. It is shown that as a result of such a procedure, the systems of equations in the generalized coordinates could be reduced to infinite sets of uncoupled equations, each of which describes damped vibrations of a mechanical oscillator based on the fractional derivative Kelvin-Voigt model.
Temporal scaling in fatigue life of materials and incorporation of temporal events in Paris’s law
Authors: Frantziskonis George N.
Published: April 2020

Temporal scaling in mechanical strength of materials is vital for long-term effects such as fatigue. The fatigue crack length α is related to the change in the stress intensity factor ΔK by the omnipresent Paris’s law, which works well for cyclic fatigue of specific frequency and amplitude. The paper considers time scaling in fatigue and through it incorporates the effects of temporal events such as unexpected or accidental loads, impact loads, and rare events such as earthquake loads. This is achieved by theoretically incorporating the effects of delta-function type loads into fatigue. Since the time-scale decomposition of such a load contains information at all scales, the theoretical framework is easily extended to include general types of loads.
Complexity theory, time series analysis and Tsallis q-entropy principle part one: theoretical aspects
Authors: Pavlos George P.
Published: April 2020

In this study, we present the highlights of complexity theory (Part I) and significant experimental verifications (Part II) and we try to give a synoptic description of complexity theory both at the microscopic and at the macroscopic level of the physical reality. Also, we propose that the self-organization observed macroscopically is a phenomenon that reveals the strong unifying character of the complex dynamics which includes thermodynamical and dynamical characteristics in all levels of the physical reality. From this point of view, macroscopical deterministic and stochastic processes are closely related to the microscopical chaos and self-organization. The scientific work of scientists such as Wilson, Nicolis, Prigogine, Hooft, Nottale, El Naschie, Castro, Tsallis, Chang and others is used for the development of a unified physical comprehension of complex dynamics from the microscopic to the macroscopic level. Finally, we provide a comprehensive description of the novel concepts included in the complexity theory from microscopic to macroscopic level. Some of the modern concepts that can be used for a unified description of complex systems and for the understanding of modern complexity theory, as it is manifested at the macroscopic and the microscopic level, are the fractal geometry and fractal space-time, scale invariance and scale relativity, phase transition and self-organization, path integral amplitudes, renormalization group theory, stochastic and chaotic quantization and E-infinite theory, etc.
The effect of the outlet angle β
2 on the thermomechanical behavior of a centrifugal compressor blade
Authors: Allali Ahmed , Belbachir Sadia , Alami Ahmed , Boucham Belhadj , Lousdad Abdelkader
Published: April 2020

The objective of this work lies in the three-dimensional study of the thermo mechanical behavior of a blade of a centrifugal compressor. Numerical modeling is performed on the computational code "ABAQUS" based on the finite element method. The aim is to study the impact of the change of types of blades, which are defined as a function of wheel output angle β
2, on the stress fields and displacements coupled with the variation of the temperature.

This coupling defines in a realistic way the thermo mechanical behavior of the blade where one can note the important concentrations of stresses and displacements in the different zones of its complex form as well as the effects at the edges. It will then be possible to prevent damage and cracks in the blades of the centrifugal compressor leading to its failure which can be caused by the thermal or mechanical fatigue of the material with which the wheel is manufactured.
Propagation of longitudinal waves in non-homogeneous four-parameter viscoelastic rods
Authors: Sethi Munish , Gupta Kishan Chand
Published: April 2020

The purpose of this paper was to study the propagation of longitudinal waves in non-homogeneous four-parameter viscoelastic rods of arbitrary thickness. The rods were initially supposed to be unstressed and at rest. Apart from a sudden rising traction uniformly applied over the boundary of the opening and parallel to the faces of the plates, which is steadily maintained thereafter, the rods are otherwise free from loading. Methods for treating reflection at the free end of the finite rod and reflection and transmission at an interface between two media in the semi-infinite bi-viscoelastic rod are also presented. Asymptotic techniques are used throughout, and formal asymptotic wave-front expansions of the solution functions are obtained.
Application of Big Data Analytics in Customization of E-mass Service: Main Possibilities and Obstacles
Authors: Baranauskas Gedas
Published: April 2020

The paper is based on a scientific literature analysis and, by examining scientific insights, it focuses on the assumption that Big Data Analytics (BDA) is an alternative used in modern organizations in decision making at e-mass service customization. An overall orientation to BDA application in management processes is presented as a useful construct not only for improving the decision-making procedure but also as a relevant source for strategic planning, process and cost optimization activities as well as for changes in supply chain and risk management. The data was obtained through the scientific literature analysis and systematized theoretical insights of the BDA influence in both possibility and obstacle dimensions to e-mass service customization.
Economic Policy and Open Innovation Ecosystems: Biomedicine Case
Authors: Kvedaravičienė Giedrė
Published: April 2020

The paper overviews different perspectives of innovations in the economy. Taking empirical data of the biomedicine sector, the EU policy insights on innovation, as well as Lithuania’s data of the public healthcare sector, the paper provides insights aiming to define the specificity of innovations in the biomedicine sector and to suggest further research directions which could contribute economic theory and practice.
Multi-faceted insights of entrepreneurship facing a fast-growing economy: A literature review
Authors: Vuong Quan Hoang , La Viet Phuong , Vuong Thu Trang , Hoang Phuong Hanh , Ho Manh Toan , Ho Manh Tung , Nguyen Hong Kong To
Published: April 2020

This study explores entrepreneurship research in Vietnam, a lower-middle-income country in Southeast Asia that has witnessed rapid economic growth since the 1990s but has nonetheless been absent in the relevant Western-centric literature. Using an exclusively developed software, the study presents a structured dataset on entrepreneurship research in Vietnam from 2008 to 2018, highlighting: low research output, low creativity level, inattention to entrepreneurship theories, and instead, a focus on practical business matters. The scholarship remains limited due to the detachment between the academic and entrepreneur communities. More important are the findings that Vietnamese research on entrepreneurship, still in its infancy, diverges significantly from those in developed and emerging economies in terms of their content and methods. These studies are contextualized to a large extent to reflect the concerns of a developing economy still burdened by the high financial and nonfinancial costs.
Neurodevelopmental Stimulation of a Child with a Noonan Syndrome with a Non-Frequent Mutation in RAF1 Gene — Case Report
Authors: Kaczan Teresa , Śmigiel Robert , Kazimierska-Zając Magdalena , Dymarek Robert , Rosińczuk Joanna
Published: April 2020

Introduction. Noonan syndrome (NS) is a genetically determined disease, inherited from autosomal dominant. About 50% of patients have a mutation in the PTPN11 gene, and mutations in the other genes are much less frequent, up to 10–15% for SOS1, RAF1, and RIT1, as well as up to 1–2% for others.Aim. To present the clinical picture of a child with NS with a non-frequent mutation in the RAF1 gene and to describe a proposal of good practice based on the multi-specialty child care procedures used from birth to 3 years of age.Case Report. The paper presents a boy with NS and his psychomotor and linguistic development during the 36 months of his life. The infant was born by cesarean section in average general condition and with features of macrosomia. Castillo-Morales rehabilitation techniques were used to improve the coordination of suction, swallowing and breathing. Bobath Neurodevelopmental Treatment was also used on the hospital ward. The NS child’s development was assessed using the Munich Functional Developmental Diagnostics (MFDD). At the age of 36 months, the boy presents psychomotor development appropriate for the age of a healthy child. He remains under multidisciplinary team care and is intensively rehabilitated accordingly to both movement and linguistic functions.Discussion. Management of NS should be comprehensive and multidisciplinary, and continuous monitoring of patients is crucial. Although a number of patients experience learning difficulties and a mild form of mental impairment, the diagnosis of NS does not predispose to mental disorders.Conclusions. NS is a multi-symptomatic disease that manifests itself in the expression of clinical symptoms requiring the interdisciplinary cooperation of many specialists. The fact is that the identified mutation in the RAF1 gene in patients with NS does not mean they are predestined to develop psychomotor disorders. (JNNN 2019;8(2):78–85)
Clinimetric Evaluation of Functional Capacity and Quality of Life of Stroke Patients — Study Review
Authors: Filipska Karolina , Skrzypek-Czerko Marcelina , Cwiekala-Lewis Klaudia , Ślusarz Robert
Published: April 2020

Stroke is the second most common cause of death in the world after ischemic heart disease and is often associated with various long-term physical and neuropsychological consequences. Because stroke is one of the most common causes of disability, interest from researchers arCNSd the world is focused on assessing the functional capacity and quality of life among these patients. Many assessment tools, covering various functional areas, are available to clinicians and researchers working with people who have had a stroke. The presented analysis of research results of various authors indicates that stroke significantly affects physical and mental performance. The change in functional abilities, mood disorders, cognitive impairment and reduced social interactions are often observed in these patients. In stroke patients, the simultaneous use of several different scales for assessing patients’ conditions creates the possibility of correct qualification for rehabilitation, long-term forecasting, estimation of needs for possible care and an objective, more detailed analysis of the obtained results and changes occurring during the treatment process. (JNNN 2019;8(2):86–90)
SGTA associates with nascent membrane protein precursors
Authors: Leznicki Pawel , High Stephen
Published: April 2020

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a major site for membrane protein synthesis in eukaryotes. The majority of integral membrane proteins are delivered to the ER membrane via the co‐translational, signal recognition particle (SRP)‐dependent route. However, tail‐anchored proteins employ an alternative, post‐translational route(s) that relies on distinct factors such as a cytosolic protein quality control component, SGTA. We now show that SGTA is selectively recruited to ribosomes synthesising a diverse range of membrane proteins, suggesting that its biosynthetic client base also includes precursors on the co‐translational ER delivery pathway. Strikingly, SGTA is recruited to nascent membrane proteins before their transmembrane domain emerges from the ribosome. Hence, SGTA is ideally placed to capture these aggregation prone regions shortly after their synthesis. For nascent membrane proteins on the co‐translational pathway, SGTA complements the role of SRP by reducing the co‐translational ubiquitination of clients with multiple hydrophobic signal sequences. On this basis, we propose that SGTA acts to mask specific transmembrane domains located in complex membrane proteins until they can engage the ER translocon and become membrane inserted.
Acromegaly: ‘You must know it to think of it’
Authors: Boguszewski Cesar Luiz
Published: April 2020

Acromegaly is a debilitating and disfiguring chronic disease, which occurs in both sexes at any age, associated with multiple comorbidities and increased mortality. It is typically caused by a GH-secreting pituitary adenoma that promotes exposure of body tissues to increased concentrations of GH and IGF-I. The diagnosis of acromegaly is still made very late in a substantial number of patients when the disease is already in advanced stages. An epidemiological study from Sweden has elegantly demonstrated that the longer the diagnostic delay in acromegaly, the higher the number of comorbidities. Moreover, about 25% of the Swedish patients had 10 years or more of diagnostic delay and in this group mortality rate was significantly increased. These results reinforce the importance of shortening the latency period between disease onset, diagnosis and treatment to improve patient outcomes. This commentary article discusses strategies to be embraced by the endocrine community to allow early identification of acromegaly among public and health professionals, as internists, primary care clinicians, different specialists and dentists are the first point of contact for most of the patients. We emphasize that acromegaly should be presented as a sporadic, rather than rare, insidious disease, meaning that there is a considerable chance for health professionals to see a patient with acromegaly throughout their careers. The motto ‘you must know it to think of it’ is advocated in awareness efforts to reduce time to diagnosis, which results in lower rates of morbidity and mortality and might positively impact healthcare costs.
Offsets in practice: The experience of South Africa
Authors: Holden Paul Edward
Published: April 2020

Numerous countries require that defense manufacturers commit to substantial offsets when defense materiel is purchased. However, there is extremely limited data regarding the economic efficacy or rationality of offsets. Recent disclosures related to South Africa’s controversial 1999 “Arms Deal” about the economic performance of its sizeable offset obligations provides solid evidence that the manipulation of offset scoring systems allowed defense manufacturers to invest far less than originally contracted. The South African experience indicates that there are likely to be structural features inherent in all civilian offsets flowing from defense contracts that exert a downward pressure on the actual economic investments delivered by defense manufacturers.
Factor humano en la productividad empresarial: un enfoque desde el análisis de las competencias transversales
Authors: Hinojo Lucena Francisco Javier , Aznar Díaz Inmaculada , Romero José María
Published: April 2020

Los cambios constantes en el mercado laboral han repercutido en las acciones y medidas que han tomado las organizaciones empresariales, donde han tenido que adaptarse a los nuevos modelos emergentes para asegurar la continuidad de su actividad. Este trabajo tiene por objetivo establecer un decálogo de las competencias transversales relacionadas con la productividad empresarial, como un factor humano para aumentar el nivel de eficacia de las organizaciones, poniendo el foco de atención en las personas. Para ello, se ha seguido una estrategia metodológica de corte cualitativo, utilizando como instrumento de recogida de datos el método Delphi en una muestra de 15 expertos en orientación laboral, formación y recursos humanos de Granada, España. Los resultados muestran que entre las competencias más destacadas se encuentran aquellas esenciales para el establecimiento de pautas a corto, medio y largo plazo, mientras que las menos puntuadas se relacionan con ejercer el rol de liderazgo en el puesto laboral. Finalmente, la implicación de este tipo de estudios contribuye a la mejora de las organizaciones, dotándolas de conocimiento útil para poder aplicar sistemas formativos basados en competencias que implican un mayor rendimiento empresarial.
La comparabilidad de la información financiera en Colombia tras su convergencia con los IFRS. El caso de las propiedades, planta y equipo de las empresas cotizantes
Authors: Rico-Bonilla Carlos Orlando , Montoya-Ocampo Luz Dary , Franco-Navarrete Blanca Myrian , Laverde-Sarmiento Miguel Ángel
Published: April 2020

El presente estudio tiene por objeto examinar el efecto de la implementación de los Estándares Internacionales de Información Financiera (IFRS, por sus siglas en inglés), en términos de la comparabilidad de la información financiera de las empresas que cotizan en la Bolsa de Valores de Colombia, entre el periodo previo (2011 y 2013) y el de aplicación de los estándares (2015 y 2017). Por lo tanto, se parte de una metodología en la que se analizan los estados financieros anuales de 65 de estas corporaciones, en lo referente a las políticas, los tratamientos contables y las revelaciones del rubro de propiedades, planta y equipo; de igual modo, se establecen índices de Herfindahl para calcular el grado de armonización material de estas prácticas. En la investigación se encuentra que, en el corto plazo, se ha generado un aumento relevante en la divulgación de la información financiera bajo IFRS; no obstante, aún se tiene bastante potencial de mejora en aspectos como la presentación de la medición posterior por el modelo de la revaluación, los métodos de depreciación y el deterioro de estos activos.
The Chloraea from Lima, a little-known species but described several times
Authors: Trujillo Delsy , Paredes-Burneo Diego
Published: April 2020

During the botanical expedition carried out in Peru by Ruiz and Pavón, later by Raimondi’s explorations and finally by Weberbauer’s, specimens of a Chloraea species were collected in localities around Lima and used to describe Chloraea pavonii, C. undulata and C. peruviana. In this study we reviewed original materials, protologues, drawings, additional herbarium specimens and living material to clarify the taxonomic status of C. pavonii. A description, illustration, photographs, and distribution of the species are provided. We also point out the morphological features that distinguish C. pavonii from C. densipapillosa and C. septentrionalis. Lectotypes for C. undulata and C. peruviana are here designated.

Key Words: Chloraea, Lima, Peru, lectotypification, lomas ecosystem
Resistencia a compresión versus tiempo de curado en concreto hidráulico a partir de cementos modificados
Authors: Rojas Einer Rodríguez , Hernández Mora Luis Felipe , Muñoz Umaña Flor De María
Published: April 2020

Este artículo presenta una síntesis de los resultados experimentales obtenidos al ensayar la evolución de la resistencia a la compresión en concretos hechos con distintos cementos modificados, a diferentes edades. Se incluye la caracterización de dos agregados de procedencias distintas (río y tajo) y tres tipos de cemento modificado. Los cementos ensayados corresponden al MM/C(P-C)-28, MM/C(C-P)-28 y MC/A-AR. El objetivo del estudio fue generar las curvas estándar de desarrollo de resistencia de seis mezclas de concreto usando estos cementos y agregados. Las pruebas de caracterización se llevaron a cabo siguiendo los estándares del Instituto de Normas Técnicas de Costa Rica (INTECO) y la Sociedad Americana de Pruebas y Materiales (ASTM). El curado de especímenes de concreto se realizó en cámara húmeda a 4 edades diferentes (3, 7, 28 y 56 días). La resistencia del concreto se obtuvo por medio de ensayos en la Máquina Universal, posteriormente, se procesó y validó estadísticamente los resultados, utilizando los parámetros de aceptación del informe del Instituto Americano del Concreto (ACI 214-2002). A partir del análisis realizado, se logró generar las curvas de desarrollo estándar de resistencia para todos los cementos en estudio, según dos procedencias de agregados e incluyendo un análisis estadístico inferencial para los resultados de resistencia de los concretos. Se concluyó que, al variar la procedencia del agregado para un mismo cemento, su resistencia es significativamente diferente (en términos estadísticos), al igual que para un mismo agregado, cuando se cambia el tipo de cemento.
Comparación del desempeño en laboratorio de tratamientos superficiales elaborados a partir de las metodologías de diseño de TxDOT y Austroads
Authors: Herra Gómez Luis Diego
Published: April 2020

Los tratamientos superficiales son una alternativa para preservar el estado actual de una carretera y mejorar algunas de sus características como impermeabilidad y textura superficial. A pesar de sus beneficios, actualmente no existe un método de ensayo formalmente definido para evaluar el desempeño en laboratorio de tratamientos superficiales elaborados a partir de distintos materiales o metodologías de diseño. Por tal razón, en el presente artículo, a partir de una serie de modificaciones realizadas al ensayo ASTM D7000, se compara el desempeño de tratamientos superficiales elaborados a partir de las metodologías de diseño adoptadas por las agencias de transporte TxDOT y Austroads. Estas metodologías parten de las dos líneas de pensamiento fundamentales para el diseño de tratamientos superficiales, los principios de Hanson, utilizados en el método de Austroads y los principios de Kearby, utilizados en el método de TxDOT. A partir de los ensayos realizados se determinó que la metodología de Austroads propicia la elaboración de tratamientos superficiales que tendrían una mayor cantidad de agregado remanente, luego de simular los efectos del tránsito vehicular sobre las muestras de tratamientos superficiales elaboradas, siendo éste un aspecto que podría incidir positivamente en su desempeño.
Influence of VEGF deprivation upon vascular formation by endothelium in the presence of macrophages
Authors: Kozyreva A. R. , Lvova T. Yu. , Markova K. L. , Simbirtsev A. S. , Ischenko A. M. , Selkov S. A. , Sokolov D. I.
Published: April 2020

Development of angiogenesis depends on the functional state of endothelial cells, as well as on the balanced secretion of cytokines, growth factors and chemokines by endothelial cells and cells of microenvironment. Macrophages represent an essential component of the microenvironment and take part in the formation of blood vessels both due to the production of cytokines and due to contact interactions with endothelial cells. VEGF is among the most important cytokines that control angiogenesis at all its stages. Currently, the role of VEGF in the intercellular interactions of endothelial cells and macrophages is not well described. The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of VEGF deprivation using monoclonal antibodies on angiogenesis under conditions of co-cultivation of endothelium and macrophages. Materials and methods: monoclonal antibodies to VEGF-A were used for VEGF deprivation in monoculture of endothelial cells and in co-culture of endothelial cells with macrophages. The IL-1β, IL-6 and TNFα cytokines were used as inducers. When VEGF-A was removed from the medium, endothelial cells show plasticity and form longer vessels, they modify the expression of VEGF receptors. Macrophages regulate endothelial cell activity through the secretion of cytokines, including VEGF, and through contact interactions with endothelial cells. THP-1 cells increase the sensitivity of endothelial cells to VEGF by stimulating the VEGFR1 and VEGFR3 expression, this effect is VEGF-A-independent. The IL-1β, IL-6, TNFa cytokines independently stimulate non-branching angiogenesis, increasing the length of the vessels. At the same time, IL-ip increases the VEGFR1 expression on the surface of endothelial cells. In contrast, IL-6 and TNFα decrease it, thereby regulating the sensitivity of endothelial cells to VEGF. The effects of these cytokines are not dependent on VEGF-A. The IL-1β, IL-6, TNFα cytokines promote acquisition of anti-angiogenic properties by THP-1 cells that is independent on VEGF-A, as well as on expression of its receptors by endothelial cells. Thus, VEGF is an important, but not the sole factor controlling angiogenesis. Under conditions of VEGF-A deficiency, either endothelial cells or microenvironment cells are able to compensate for its functional load due to the production of other growth factors.
Банковское кредитование как источник финансирования экологических инвестиций
Authors: Сотникова Людмила Николаевна , Бичева Елена Евгеньевна , Маслова Ирина Николаевна
Published: April 2020

Цель : определение проблем экологического кредитования в России и разработка мероприятий, направленных на повышение эффективности банковского кредитования экологических инвестиционных проектов. Обсуждение : экологические инвестиции – это особый их тип вложений, направленный на охрану окружающей среды, а также рациональное использование ресурсов природы. Объем инвестиций в основной капитал, направленных на охрану окружающей среды и рациональное использование природных ресурсов в России, за последние восемь лет увеличивается, в большей степени в динамике увеличиваются инвестиции, направленные на охрану атмосферного воздуха. Финансирование природоохранных мероприятий и экологических программ осуществляется за счет разнообразных источников, в том числе банковского кредитования. Экологический инвестиционный кредит – это долгосрочный вид займа, который предлагают финансово-кредитные учреждения для юридических или физических лиц, чтобы те направили полученные деньги на реализацию экологической инвестиционной программы с соблюдением принципов банковского кредитования. Эффективная система кредитного финансирования экологических инвестиций должна приносить выгоды как организации-заемщику в виде положительных эффектов от проводимых природоохранных мероприятий, так и банкам, предлагающим соответствующие кредитные продукты. Одним из основных механизмов системы кредитного финансирования экологических инвестиций является механизм льготных процентных ставок по кредитам на приобретение средозащитного оборудования и внедрение малоотходных технологий. Для повышения эффективности экологического управления должны быть предусмотрены дотации для финансирования льготных процентных ставок по кредитам на природоохранные цели. Тогда операции по кредитованию природоохранных мероприятий станут равновыгодными по сравнению с другими кредитами. Результаты : авторами предложены конкретные мероприятия по повышению эффективности привлечения экологических кредитов для финансирования экологических инвестиционных проектов.
Некоторые аспекты развития регионального рынка труда в условиях актуализации практики фриланса
Authors: Коломиец Маргарита Алексеевна
Published: April 2020

Цель : статья посвящена рассмотрению сущности фриланса как инновационной тенденции на современном рынке труда. Обсуждение : выявлена и сформулирована проблематика фриланса с точки зрения структуры рынка труда. Описаны такие понятия, как электронный фрилансер, биржа фриланса, самозанятые. Обозначены основные сферы распространения фриланса на российском рынке труда с учетом регионального аспекта. Представлена проблематика работникафрилансера с точки зрения мониторинга рынка труда. Описаны методы государственной борьбы с идентификацией фрилансеров, освещена проблема установления специального налогового режима в рамках борьбы с уклонением от уплаты налогов, а также с целью легализации работников в сфере фриланса. Результаты : выявлены и обоснованы преимущества и недостатки фриланса, а также представлен анализ статистических результатов опроса Национального агентства финансовых исследований в региональном аспекте.
Экономический анализ профессионально-квалификационного потенциала работников
Authors: Федченко Анна Александровна
Published: April 2020

Цель : анализ профессионально-квалификационного потенциала работников и выявление способа его повышения применительно к российской практике. Обсуждение : выделены наиболее важные позиции экономического анализа профессионально-квалификационного потенциала работников: анализ ориентации труда работника на многофункциональность и анализ рациональности использования рабочего времени. Актуальность анализа ориентации труда работника на многофункциональность и рациональность повышается в связи с цифровизацией экономики и развитием нестандартных форм занятости. Результаты : предложена методика экономического анализа профессионально-квалификационного потенциала работников, учитывающая современную трансформацию форм занятости, ориентированную на многофункциональную деятельность. В результате использования предложенной методики выявляется синергетический эффект, достигаемый от совместной деятельности, и может быть рассчитана экономическая выгода, полученная в виде экономии на затратах в связи с отказом от привлечения работников со стороны.
Evaluation of anticancer properties of human amniotic membrane v1
Authors: Zeleznik Ramuta Taja , Dragin Jerman Urška , Tratnjek Larisa , Janev Aleksandar , Magatti Marta , Vertua Elsa , Bonassi Signoroni Patrizia , Silini Antonietta , Parolini Ornella , Erdani Kreft Mateja
Published: April 2020

Bladder cancer is one of the most common cancers among men in industrialized countries and on the global level incidence and mortality rates are increasing. In spite of progress in surgical treatment and chemotherapy, the prognosis remains poor for patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Therefore, there is a great need for the development of novel therapeutic approaches. The human amniotic membrane (hAM) is a multi-layered membrane that comprises the innermost part of the placenta. It has unique properties that make it suitable for clinical use, such as the ability to promote wound healing and decrease scarring, low immunogenicity, and immunomodulatory, antimicrobial and anticancer properties. This study aimed to investigate the effect of i) hAM-derived cells and ii) hAM scaffolds on the growth dynamics, proliferation rate, and invasive potential of muscle-invasive bladder cancer T24 cells.
Modified Nasal Swab For Detection of Sars-Cov2 v1
Authors: Patterson Joseph , Cole-Strauss Allyson , Beck John , Sortwell Caryl , Lipton Jack
Published: April 2020

The common methods of sample collection for the detection of SARS-Cov2 are either pharyngeal or nasopharyngeal. Both these methods require specific swabs that are in short supply, and both methods are not easily self-administered. A nasal swab can also be used to collect samples and is relatively easy to self-administer, yet obtaining nasal specific swabs can now also be a challenge. In order to address these issues, our group has optimized a protocol for self-administered nasal collection using buccal swabs that are not currently in high demand. With this method, we have been able to collect human samples with reliable results in RNA extraction based on RNaseP, and can detect SARS-Cov2 in known positive cases of COVID-19.