bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular diversity of Bulinus species in Madziwa area, Shamva district in Zimbabwe: implications for urogenital schistosomiasis transmission
Authors: Mutsaka-Makuvaza Masceline Jenipher , Zhou Xiao-Nong , Tshuma Cremance , Abe Eniola , Manasa Justen , Manyangadze Tawanda , Allan Fiona , Chinómbe Nyasha , Webster Bonnie , Midzi Nicholas
Published: January 2020

Background

Bulinusspecies are freshwater snails that transmit the parasitic trematodeSchistosoma haematobium. Despite their importance, the diversity of these intermediate host snails and their evolutionary history is still unclear in Zimbabwe.Bulinus globosusandB. truncatuscollected from a urogenital schistosomiasis endemic region in the Madziwa area of Zimbabwe were characterized using molecular methods.

Methods

Malacological survey sites were mapped and snails were collected from water contact sites in four communities in the Madziwa area, Shamva district for a period of one year, at three-month intervals.Schistosoma haematobiuminfections in snails were determined by cercarial shedding and the partial mitochondrial cytochromecoxidase subunit 1 gene (cox1) was used to investigate the phylogeny and genetic variability of theBulinusspp. collected.

Results

Among the 1570Bulinusspp. snails collected, 30 (1.9%)B. globosuswere shedding morphologically identified schistosomes. None of theB. truncatussnails were shedding. The mitochondrialcox1 data from 166 and 16 samples forB. globosusandB. truncatus, respectively, showed genetically diverse populations within the two species. Twelvecox1 haplotypes were found from the 166B. globosussamples and three from the 16B. truncatussamples with phylogenetic analysis showing that the haplotypes fall into well-supported clusters within their species groups. BothB. truncatusandB. globosusclustered into two distinct lineages. Overall, significant negative values for both Tajima’s D statistic and the Fu’s Fs statistic were observed forB. globosusandB. truncatus.

Conclusions

The study provided new insights into the levels of genetic diversity withinB. globosusand additional information onB. truncatuscollected from a small geographical area in Zimbabwe. Low prevalence levels of infection observed in the snails may reflect the low transmission level of urogenital schistosomiasis in the area. Our results contribute towards the understanding of the distribution and population genetic structure ofBulinusspp. supporting the mapping of the transmission or risk of transmission of urogenital schistosomiasis, particularly in Zimbabwe.
An unsupervised learning approach to identify novel signatures of health and disease from multimodal data
Authors: Shomorony Ilan , Cirulli Elizabeth T. , Huang Lei , Napier Lori A. , Heister Robyn R. , Hicks Michael , Cohen Isaac V. , Yu Hung-Chun , Swisher Christine Leon , Schenker-Ahmed Natalie M. , Li Weizhong , Nelson Karen E. , Brar Pamila , Kahn Andrew M. , Spector Timothy D. , Caskey C. Thomas , Venter J. Craig , Karow David S. , Kirkness Ewen F. , Shah Naisha
Published: January 2020

Background

Modern medicine is rapidly moving towards a data-driven paradigm based on comprehensive multimodal health assessments. Integrated analysis of data from different modalities has the potential of uncovering novel biomarkers and disease signatures.

Methods

We collected 1385 data features from diverse modalities, including metabolome, microbiome, genetics, and advanced imaging, from 1253 individuals and from a longitudinal validation cohort of 1083 individuals. We utilized a combination of unsupervised machine learning methods to identify multimodal biomarker signatures of health and disease risk.

Results

Our method identified a set of cardiometabolic biomarkers that goes beyond standard clinical biomarkers. Stratification of individuals based on the signatures of these biomarkers identified distinct subsets of individuals with similar health statuses. Subset membership was a better predictor for diabetes than established clinical biomarkers such as glucose, insulin resistance, and body mass index. The novel biomarkers in the diabetes signature included 1-stearoyl-2-dihomo-linolenoyl-GPC and 1-(1-enyl-palmitoyl)-2-oleoyl-GPC. Another metabolite, cinnamoylglycine, was identified as a potential biomarker for both gut microbiome health and lean mass percentage. We identified potential early signatures for hypertension and a poor metabolic health outcome. Additionally, we found novel associations between a uremic toxin,p-cresol sulfate, and the abundance of the microbiome generaIntestinimonasand an unclassified genus in theErysipelotrichaceaefamily.

Conclusions

Our methodology and results demonstrate the potential of multimodal data integration, from the identification of novel biomarker signatures to a data-driven stratification of individuals into disease subtypes and stages—an essential step towards personalized, preventative health risk assessment.
Non-intrusive load monitoring and decomposition method based on decision tree
Authors: Lin Jiang , Ding Xianfeng , Qu Dan , Li Hongyan
Published: January 2020

In order to realize the problems of non-intrusive load monitoring and decomposition (NILMD) from two aspects of load identification and load decomposition, based on the load characteristics of the database, this paper firstly analyzes and identifies the equipment composition of mixed electrical equipment group by using the load decision tree algorithm. Then, a 0–1 programming model for the equipment status identification is established, and the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) is used to solve the model for equipment state recognition, and the equipment operating state in the equipment group is identified. Finally, a simulation experiment is carried out for the partial data of Question A in the 6th “teddy cup” data mining challenge competition.
On solutions of a class of three-point fractional boundary value problems
Authors: Bai Zhanbing , Cheng Yu , Sun Sujing
Published: January 2020

Existence results for the three-point fractional boundary value problem
$$\begin{aligned}& D^{\alpha}x(t)= f \bigl(t, x(t), D^{\alpha-1} x(t) \bigr),\quad 0< t< 1, \\& x(0)=A, \qquad x(\eta)-x(1)=(\eta-1)B, \end{aligned}$$ Dαx(t)=f(t,x(t),Dα−1x(t)),0<t<1,x(0)=A,x(η)−x(1)=(η−1)B, are presented, where $A, B\in\mathbb{R}$A,B∈R, $0<\eta<1$0<η<1, $1<\alpha\leq2$1<α≤2. $D^{\alpha}x(t)$Dαx(t) is the conformable fractional derivative, and $f: [0, 1]\times\mathbb{R}^{2}\to\mathbb{R}$f:[0,1]×R2→R is continuous. The analysis is based on the nonlinear alternative of Leray–Schauder.
Governance of sustainability in the German biogas sector—adaptive management of the Renewable Energy Act between agriculture and the energy sector
Authors: Thrän Daniela , Schaubach Kay , Majer Stefan , Horschig Thomas
Published: January 2020

Biomass is an integral part of the energy system being not only used in the chemical industry, but also as a basic raw material for the bio-economy sector, which is promoted worldwide. However, its potential can only be exploited sustainably if biomass is cultivated and governed appropriately. Consequently, governance systems are needed to ensure sustainability throughout the bioenergy value chain to maximise the benefits and minimise possible negative impacts. This study investigates how sustainability is put into effect in the German biogas market, the largest biogas market worldwide. The development of Germany’s biogas market is described according to the structure of a four-phase market model of Heuss: the introduction, expansion, maturing, and stagnation phase. Within each of these market phases, the most important German legislation for development of the biogas market was analysed, namely the Renewable Energy Act and legislation addressing associated sustainability issues. The development of the biogas market was controlled and steered by the adaptive Renewable Energy Act, particularly by incentivising cultivation of energy crops. Efforts to promote sustainability started during the transition from market expansion to market consolidation. The effects of these efforts on greenhouse gas emission reductions have been monitored and reported for more than 15 years, but assessment of other aspects of sustainability has varied. In general, legislation regulating the agriculture sector was changed to address new sustainability concerns with some delay. Sustainable development of the agricultural biogas market requires elements of governance, including adaptive legislation within the energy sector as well as monitoring and regular reporting of environmental impacts and related developments in areas of the agriculture sector, such as meat production. Rapid growth of capacity in the biogas sector combined with a significant increase in meat production, dependent on increased fodder production, created risks to sustainability. It can be concluded that the sustainable development of biogas requires additional instruments, possibly national regulation, in addition to legislation applied to the broader agricultural sector.
Smartphones in mental health: a critical review of background issues, current status and future concerns
Authors: Bauer Michael , Glenn Tasha , Geddes John , Gitlin Michael , Grof Paul , Kessing Lars V. , Monteith Scott , Faurholt-Jepsen Maria , Severus Emanuel , Whybrow Peter C.
Published: January 2020

There has been increasing interest in the use of smartphone applications (apps) and other consumer technology in mental health care for a number of years. However, the vision of data from apps seamlessly returned to, and integrated in, the electronic medical record (EMR) to assist both psychiatrists and patients has not been widely achieved, due in part to complex issues involved in the use of smartphone and other consumer technology in psychiatry. These issues include consumer technology usage, clinical utility, commercialization, and evolving consumer technology. Technological, legal and commercial issues, as well as medical issues, will determine the role of consumer technology in psychiatry. Recommendations for a more productive direction for the use of consumer technology in psychiatry are provided.
Fabrication of novel polymer-modified graphene-based electrochemical sensor for the determination of mercury and lead ions in water and biological samples
Authors: Raril Chenthattil , Manjunatha Jamballi G.
Published: January 2020

Background

This paper presents the application of polyglycine-modified graphene paste electrode (PGMGPE) for the electrochemical detection of Hg (II) and Pb (II) ions in the water and biological samples.

Method

The developed electrode was characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy. Electrochemical techniques such as cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry were used to study the behavior of metal ions.

Results

The modification process improves the electrochemical behavior of heavy metal ions. The peak current varied linearly with the increase of the concentration leading to a detection limit of 6.6 μM (Hg (II)) and 0.8 μM (Pb (II)), respectively.

Conclusion

The developed electrode exhibits good sensitivity, selectivity, stability, and lower detection limit, and was successfully applied to the determination of heavy metal ions in water and biological samples with a good recovery range.
Reconstructed spatial resolution and contrast recovery with Bayesian penalized likelihood reconstruction (Q.Clear) for FDG-PET compared to time-of-flight (TOF) with point spread function (PSF)
Authors: Rogasch Julian M. , Suleiman Said , Hofheinz Frank , Bluemel Stephanie , Lukas Mathias , Amthauer Holger , Furth Christian
Published: January 2020

Background

Bayesian penalized likelihood reconstruction for PET (e.g., GE Q.Clear) aims at improving convergence of lesion activity while ensuring sufficient signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). This study evaluated reconstructed spatial resolution, maximum/peak contrast recovery (CRmax/CRpeak) and SNR of Q.Clear compared to time-of-flight (TOF) OSEM with and without point spread function (PSF) modeling.

Methods

The NEMA IEC Body phantom was scanned five times (3 min scan duration, 30 min between scans, background, 1.5–3.9 kBq/ml F18) with a GE Discovery MI PET/CT (3-ring detector) with spheres filled with 8-, 4-, or 2-fold the background activity concentration (SBR 8:1, 4:1, 2:1). Reconstruction included Q.Clear (beta, 150/300/450), “PSF+TOF4/16” (iterations, 4; subsets, 16; in-plane filter, 2.0 mm), “OSEM+TOF4/16” (identical parameters), “PSF+TOF2/17” (2 it, 17 ss, 2.0 mm filter), “OSEM+TOF2/17” (identical), “PSF+TOF4/8” (4 it, 8 ss, 6.4 mm), and “OSEM+TOF2/8” (2 it, 8 ss, 6.4 mm). Spatial resolution was derived from 3D sphere activity profiles. RC as (sphere activity concentration [AC]/true AC). SNR as (background mean AC/background AC standard deviation).

Results

Spatial resolution of Q.Clear150 was significantly better than all conventional algorithms at SBR 8:1 and 4:1 (Wilcoxon, each p < 0.05). At SBR 4:1 and 2:1, the spatial resolution of Q.Clear300/450 was similar or inferior to PSF+TOF4/16 and OSEM+TOF4/16. Small sphere CRpeak generally underestimated true AC, and it was similar for Q.Clear150/300/450 as with PSF+TOF4/16 or PSF+TOF2/17 (i.e., relative differences < 10%). Q.Clear provided similar or higher CRpeak as OSEM+TOF4/16 and OSEM+TOF2/17 resulting in a consistently better tradeoff between CRpeak and SNR with Q.Clear. Compared to PSF+TOF4/8/OSEM+TOF2/8, Q.Clear150/300/450 showed lower SNR but higher CRpeak.

Conclusions

Q.Clear consistently improved reconstructed spatial resolution at high and medium SBR compared to PSF+TOF and OSEM+TOF, but only with beta = 150. However, this is at the cost of inferior SNR with Q.Clear150 compared to Q.Clear300/450 and PSF+TOF4/16/PSF+TOF2/17 while CRpeak for the small spheres did not improve considerably. This suggests that Q.Clear300/450 may be advantageous for the 3-ring detector configuration because the tradeoff between CR and SNR with Q.Clear300/450 was superior to PSF+TOF4/16, OSEM+TOF4/16, and OSEM+TOF2/17. However, it requires validation by systematic evaluation in patients at different activity and acquisition protocols.
Socioeconomic development and life expectancy relationship: evidence from the EU accession candidate countries
Authors: Miladinov Goran
Published: January 2020

This paper investigates the effect of the socioeconomic development on life expectancy at birth as an indicator of mortality or longevity in five EU accession candidate countries (Macedonia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Albania). Using aggregate time series pool data on an annual level from UN and World Bank databases for the period 1990–2017 and Full Information Maximum Likelihood model, it was found that this connection between the socioeconomic conditions and life expectancy at birth is a prerequisite for longer life in all these five countries. Our dependent variable was the life expectancy at birth, and the background exploratory variables for the socioeconomic development were GDP per capita and infant mortality rate. The main results are that higher values of GDP per capita and lower values of infant mortality levels lead to higher life expectancy at birth suggesting that longevity of people in these five countries is increasing. These results are supported by our theoretical background and research framework hypotheses.
Implementing One Health approaches to confront emerging and re-emerging zoonotic disease threats: lessons from PREDICT
Authors:   PREDICT Consortium, Kelly Terra R. , Machalaba Catherine , Karesh William B. , Crook Paulina Zielinska , Gilardi Kirsten , Nziza Julius , Uhart Marcela M. , Robles Erika Alandia , Saylors Karen , Joly Damien O. , Monagin Corina , Mangombo Prime Mulembakani , Kingebeni Placide Mbala , Kazwala Rudovick , Wolking David , Smith Woutrina , Mazet Jonna A. K.
Published: January 2020

Recurring outbreaks of emerging and re-emerging zoonoses, such as Ebola virus disease, avian influenza, and Nipah virus, serve as a reminder that the health of humans, animals, and the environment are interconnected and that early response to emerging zoonotic pathogens requires a coordinated, interdisciplinary, cross-sectoral approach. As our world becomes increasingly connected, emerging diseases pose a greater threat, requiring coordination at local, regional, and global levels. One Health is a multisectoral, transdisciplinary, and collaborative approach promoted to more effectively address these complex health threats. Despite strong advocacy for One Health, challenges for practical implementation remain. Here we discuss the value of the One Health approach for addressing global health challenges. We also share strategies applied to achieve successful outcomes through the USAID Emerging Pandemic Threats Program PREDICT project, which serve as useful case studies for implementing One Health approaches. Lastly, we explore methods for promoting more formal One Health implementation to capitalize on the added value of shared knowledge and leveraged resources.
Primary tracheal synovial sarcoma: a rare clinical entity with diagnostic challenges
Authors: Kumar Navin , Kaushal Seema , Kanaklata Kanaklata , Gowda Manoj , Kumar Sunil
Published: January 2020

Background

The incidence of primary tracheal tumors is very low. Tracheal synovial sarcoma (SS) is even an extremely rare entity. Diagnosis of tracheal SS can be achieved with chromosomal translocation studies along with immunohistochemistry. Margin-free resection is the gold standard treatment.

Case presentation

We report a case of tracheal SS, which presented with stridor with a history of chronic cough and was diagnosed with a battery of clinical investigations and managed successfully with tracheal resection surgery. In histology, it may mimic Ewing’s sarcoma. Immunohistochemically, SS stains positive for cytokeratin, epithelial membrane antigen, vimentin, and S100. Chromosomal translocation t(X;18) (p11;q11) is found in almost all SS. This genetic signature is the gold standard diagnostic modality for these tumors.

Conclusion

Diagnosis of tracheal synovial sarcoma is challenging because of the rarity of the disease and common presenting symptoms to other tracheal pathology and is supplemented with chromosomal translocation study along with histopathology and immunohistochemistry. Tumor coring before definite surgical resection facilitates lung perfusion in obstructive tracheal pathology. A multidisciplinary team approach for diagnosis and management along with long-term follow-up are warranted.
Unenhanced breast MRI: could it replace dynamic breast MRI in detecting and characterizing breast lesions?
Authors: Khalil Reham , Osman Noha Mohamed , Chalabi Nivine , Abdel Ghany Enas
Published: January 2020

Background

We aimed to evaluate the unenhanced MRI of the breast (UE-MRI) as an effective substitute for dynamic contrast-enhanced breast MRI (DCE-MRI) in both detecting and characterizing breast lesions. We enrolled in our retrospective study 125 females (232 breasts, as 18 patients had unilateral mastectomy) with breast mass at MRI of variable pathologies. Routine DCE-MRI protocol of the breast was conducted. We compared the conventional unenhanced images including STIR, T2, and DWIs to the DCE-MRI by two blinded radiologists, to detect and characterize breast lesions, and then we compared their results with the final reference diagnoses supplied by the histopathology or serial negative follow-ups. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and diagnostic accuracy for UE-MRI and DCE-MRI were calculated. UE-MRI results of each observer were also compared with DCE- MRI.

Results

The calculated UE-MRI sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and diagnostic accuracy for the first observer were 95%, 80%, 83%, 94%, and 89% respectively, and for the second observer, they were 94%, 79%, 81%, 93%, and 86%. On the other hand, those for the DCE-MRI by the first observer were 98%, 82%, 84%, 98%, and 90% and were 97%, 81%, 84%, 97%, and 89% by the second observer. The intraobserver agreement between the UE-MRI and DCE-MRI results of each observer was 94% and 95%, while the interobserver agreement for each section was 97.4% for UE-MRI and 98.3% for DCE-MRI.

Conclusion

UE-MRI of the breast can be a reliable and effective substitute for breast DCE-MRI. It can be used with comparable accuracy to DCE-MRI whenever contrast administration is not feasible or contraindicated.
Voxel-based morphometry in patients with mood disorder bipolar I mania in comparison to normal controls
Authors: Yousef Hosam Abozaid , ElSerogy Yasser Mohamed Bader-Eldein , Abdelal Sherif Mohamed , Abdel-Rahman Shaza Ragab
Published: January 2020

Background

Neuroimaging is used to study brain structural alterations in neuropsychiatric diseases including bipolar disorder (BD). Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) quantifies structural changes detected in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The aim of this study was to identify brain structural changes in patients with mood disorder bipolar I mania, compared to healthy controls; and detect any correlations between volumetric findings and different clinical aspects of the disease. VBM was used to identify structural changes in 24 patients with bipolar I mania compared to 16 controls. Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) was used to evaluate clinical severity of BD. t test was used to compare differences in volumetric data and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient was used to detect potential correlations between volumetric data and clinical parameters of BD.

Results

Compared to controls, BD patients had significantly larger right globus pallidus and right lateral ventricle. There was significant correlation between volumetric data of different brain structures and clinical criteria of BD including age of onset, illness duration, YMRS, number of manic attacks, and duration of the last attack.

Conclusions

VBM could address specific structural findings in bipolar I mania that may contribute to pathophysiology of the disease and show significant correlation with different clinical aspects of the disease.

Trial registration

This clinical trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under registration number NCT03181698, registered 11 June 2017.
Cascading After Peridiagnostic Cancer Genetic Testing: An Alternative to Population-Based Screening
Authors: Offit Kenneth , Tkachuk Kaitlyn A. , Stadler Zsofia K. , Walsh Michael F. , Diaz-Zabala Hector , Levin Jeffrey D. , Steinsnyder Zoe , Ravichandran Vignesh , Sharaf Ravi N. , Frey Melissa K. , Lipkin Steven M. , Robson Mark E. , Hamilton Jada G. , Vijai Joseph , Mukherjee Semanti
Published: January 2020

PURPOSE

Despite advances in DNA sequencing technology and expanded medical guidelines, the vast majority of individuals carrying pathogenic variants of common cancer susceptibility genes have yet to be identified. An alternative to population-wide genetic screening of healthy individuals would exploit the trend for genetic testing at the time of cancer diagnosis to guide therapy and prevention, combined with augmented familial diffusion or “cascade” of genomic risk information.

METHODS

Using a multiple linear regression model, we derived the time interval to detect an estimated 3.9 million individuals in the United States with a pathogenic variant in 1 of 18 cancer susceptibility genes. We analyzed the impact of the proportion of incident patients sequenced, varying observed frequencies of pathogenic germline variants in patients with cancer, differential rates of diffusion of genetic information in families, and family size.

RESULTS

The time to detect inherited cancer predisposing variants in the population is affected by the extent of cascade to first-, second-, and third-degree relatives (FDR, SDR, TDR, respectively), family size, prevalence of mutations in patients with cancer, and the proportion of patients with cancer sequenced. In a representative scenario, assuming a 7% prevalence of pathogenic variants across cancer types, an average family size of 3 per generation, and 15% of incident patients with cancer in the United States undergoing germline testing, the time to detect all 3.9 million individuals with pathogenic variants in 18 cancer susceptibility genes would be 46.2, 22.3, 13.6, and 9.9 years if 10%, 25%, 50%, and 70%, respectively, of all FDR, SDR, and TDR were tested for familial mutations.

CONCLUSION

Peridiagnostic and cascade cancer genetic testing offers an alternative strategy to achieve population-wide identification of cancer susceptibility mutations.
Motherhood and Anesthesiology: A Survey of the American Society of Anesthesiologists
Authors: Kraus Molly B. , Dexter Franklin , Patel Perene V. , Dodd Sarah E. , Thomson Holly M. , Girardo Marlene E. , Hertzberg Linda B. , Pearson Amy C. S.
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND:

The proportion of women medical school graduates in the United States has grown substantially; however, representation of women in anesthesiology lags behind. We sought to investigate factors associated with women recommending against a career in anesthesiology due to obstacles related to motherhood.

METHODS:

We surveyed 9525 women anesthesiologist members of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) with a web-based survey distributed via e-mail. Associations between whether women would counsel against anesthesiology due to obstacles related to motherhood and 34 related categorical variables were estimated. Fisher exact test was used for categorical binary variables, and Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test was used for ranked variables.

RESULTS:

The response rate for the primary question was 19.2%. Among the 1827 respondents to the primary question, 11.6% would counsel a female medical student against a career in anesthesiology due to obstacles pertaining to motherhood. Counseling against an anesthesiology career was not associated with ever being pregnant (P = .16), or whether a woman was pregnant during residency or fellowship training (P = .41) or during practice (P = .16). No association was found between counseling against anesthesiology and training factors: total number of weeks of maternity leave (P = .18), the percentage of women faculty (P = .96) or residents (P = .34), or the number of pregnant coresidents (P = .66). Counseling against a career in anesthesiology was significantly associated with whether respondents’ desired age of childbearing/motherhood and desired number of children were adversely affected by work demands (with Bonferroni adjustment for the 34 comparisons, both P < .0001). The risk ratio of respondents whose desired childbearing age and desired number of children were affected by work demands counseling against a career in anesthesiology was 5.1 compared to women whose desired childbearing age and desired number of children were not affected (99% confidence interval [CI], 3.3–7.9; P < .0001; odds ratio, 6.2).

CONCLUSIONS:

In this study of 1827 women anesthesiologists, approximately 1 in 10 would counsel a student against a career in anesthesiology due to obstacles pertaining to motherhood, and this was associated with altering one’s timing and number of children due to job demands. Further research is needed to understand how women’s perception of a career in anesthesiology is related to factors influencing personal choices. Understanding women’s perceptions of motherhood in anesthesiology may help leaders support career longevity and personal satisfaction in this growing cohort of anesthesiologists.
Synthesis of Preyssler-Type Phosphotungstate with Sodium Cation in the Central Cavity through Migration of the Ion
Authors: Wihadi Muh Nur Khoiru , Hayashi Akio , Ozeki Tomoji , Ichihashi Katsuya , Ota Hiromi , Fujibayashi Masaru , Nishihara Sadafumi , Inoue Katsuya , Tsunoji Nao , Sano Tsuneji , Sadakane Masahiro
Published: January 2020

Thermal migration of sodium cation in the cavity of Preyssler-type phosphotungstate is reported here. Heating of a Preyssler-type compound, [P5W30O110Na(side)(H2O)]14−, in which a sodium cation occupies one of the two side cavities, at 300 °C forms a new compound, [P5W30O110Na(center)]14−, in which the sodium cation is encapsulated in the central cavity. Characterization by single crystal X-ray structure analysis, NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, IR, and ESI-MS confirmed the structure of the compound. The thermal displacement ellipsoid of the central sodium, estimated by the crystallographic study, is elongated along the direction perpendicular to the equatorial plane of the Preyssler molecule. These results confirmed prediction using DFT calculation by López and Poblet (ref. 21, J. Am. Chem. Soc.2007, 129, 12244.) that the most stable site for sodium is the central cavity with a slight shift from the center of the molecule.
Exploring Inhibitory Mechanisms of Green Tea Catechins as Inhibitors of a Cancer Therapeutic Target, Nuclear Factor-κB (NF-κB)
Authors: Suhail Mohd , parveen Asma , Husain Amjad , Rehan Mohd
Published: January 2020

Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), a transcription factor is a well-established cancer therapeutic target. NF-κB’s linkage with cancer is known through the constitutive activation of NF-κB in several cancer types. The most important role of NF-κB as a transcription factor is its ability to promote cell survival through the induction of transcription of target pro-survival genes and thus inhibition of programmed cell death (PCD) by resulting proteins in both malignant and normal cells. Current findings have unveiled that green tea catechins exert anticancer effect by inhibiting the activity of various receptors including NF-κB. The current study is designed to gain the structural insights for inhibitory mechanism of catechin derivatives against NF-κB. The major green tea catechins include (-)-epicatechin (EC), (-)-epigallocatechin (EGC), (-)-epicatechin gallate (ECG), and (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and are included in the current study. The study explored the binding pose, interacting residues, molecular interactions, and predicted binding energy and dissociation constant for the catechin derivatives. Our results showed that the catechin derivatives bound well in the DNA binding site with adequate binding strength scores. The study suggested that the four catechin derivatives may act as potential inhibitors of NF-κB and thus, may inhibit the progression of various cancer types.
Investigation of Some Antioxidant Enzyme Activities in Cherry Fruit
Authors: Gür Tuğba , Karahan Fatih , Demir Halit , Demir Canan
Published: January 2020

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase enzyme (CAT) activities with strong antioxidant properties were determined in cherry fruits obtained from different regions such as Aegean, Mediterranean and Marmara. The cherry fruit extract was prepared and some antioxidant activities were determined. Cherry (prunus avium) is a fruit belonging to the family of rosaceae. Its homeland is asia minor. Many varieties are grown in Turkey. There are more than a hundred culture forms grown in north america with temperate regions of europe and asia. Its body is in the form of a flat-shell tree. Cherry is a fruit rich in vitamin C. They do not contain fat and cholesterol. It contains essential minerals such as fiber, vitamin A, iron, calcium, protein as well as abundant potassium. Red cherries also contain melatonin, which helps combat harmful toxins. Due to its antioxidant properties, it has many benefits such as prevention of some types of cancer, reduction of inflammation, prevention of gout and removal of muscle pain. For this purpose, it is aimed to determine some enzyme activities which are thought to be found in cherry fruit. In this study, antioxidant enzyme activities in cherry fruit were determined by spectrophotometric method. Additonaly the findings were analyzed by using multidimensional statistical methods and the results were discussed in a multidimensional manner. It is obtained that the highest catalase enzyme activity was determined in the Aegean region (4.330 U/L), while the highest superoxide dismutase enzyme activity was found in the Mediterranean region (7.176 U/L).
Isolation and Assessment of Metabolic Potentials of Bacteria Endophytic to Carnivorous Plants Drosera burmannii and Utricularia spp.
Authors: Chaudhuri Madhubanti , Paul A.K. , Pal Arundhati
Published: January 2020

Carnivorous plants with unique mode of nutrition and physiology have attracted the attention of the microbiologists in studying the microbial diversity inherent in their internal environment. This work is aimed to study the culturable endophytic diversity of the carnivorous plants Drosera burmannii Vahl., Utricularia stellaris L. f. and U. exoleta R. Br. collected from different districts of West Bengal, India. During the study, a total of 168 phenotypically distinct endophytic bacteria were isolated and their colonization frequency, isolation rate, Shanon-Weaver, Gleason and Simpson diversity indices were analyzed. The metabolic activities of these endophytic isolates have been evaluated following standard microbiological methods. A preliminary screening have led to the selection of nineteen bacterial isolates having potent antimicrobial, antioxidant, proteolytic and plant growth promoting activities involving IAA and siderophore production as well as phosphate solubilization. Detailed phenotypic characterization followed by the determination of simple matching coefficient has tentatively assigned these potent endophytic bacterial isolates to the genera Bacillus, Acetobacterium, Pseudomonas, Klebsiella, Alcaligens and Xanthomonas. The metabolic attributes of these bacterial endophytes leading to the production of bioactive compounds therefore deserve special attention in understanding the survival and growth strategies of the carnivorous hosts in nutrient deficient environment as well as exploring their biosynthetic products in human health and hygiene.
Neglected femoral neck fractures in cerebral palsy: a narrative review
Authors: Toro Giuseppe , Moretti Antimo , Paoletta Marco , De Cicco Annalisa , Braile Adriano , Panni Alfredo Schiavone
Published: January 2020

Hip fractures are severe conditions with a high morbidity and mortality, especially when the diagnosis is delayed, and if formulated over 30 days after the injury, is termed a ‘neglected femoral neck fracture’ (NFNF). Cerebral palsy (CP) is probably one of the major risk factors for NFNF in Western countries, mainly because of both cognitive and motor impairments. However, considering the high prevalence of fractures in these patients, the incidence of NFNF in this population is probably underestimated, and this condition might result in persistent hip or abdominal pain. Several techniques are available for the treatment of NFNF (i.e. muscle pedicle bone graft, fixation with fibular graft, valgisation osteotomy), but most of them could affect motor function. Motor function must be preserved for as long as possible, in order to enhance the quality of life of CP patients. After discussing published NFNF cases in CP patients and available treatment options, a practical approach is proposed to facilitate the orthopaedic surgeon to both early identify and appropriately manage these challenging fractures.

Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2020;5:58-64. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.5.190019
Rhododendrons: A major resource of fuelwood in high altitude region of Arunachal Himalaya, India
Authors: Paul Ashish , PIJUSH KUMAR DUTTA  , MOHAMED LATIF KHAN  , ASHESH KUMAR DAS
Published: January 2020

Abstract. Paul A, Dutta PK, Khan ML, Das AK. 2019. Rhododendrons: A major resource of fuelwood in high altitude region of Arunachal Himalaya, India. Biodiversitas 20: 2628-2635. This study highlights rhododendrons consumption for fuelwood in Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh. Rhododendron spp. contributed the highest (60% and 58%), Quercus spp. (33% and 40%) while Alnus species (7% and 2%) of the total fuelwood consumption in villages between 1800-2100 m and 2100-2400 m altitude, respectively. Consumption was recorded highest (3.45 kg/capita/day) in villages between 2100-2400 m than 1800-2100 m altitude (3.24 kg/capita/day). Fuelwood consumption was not significantly varied with altitudes (U = 364, p = 0.864). However, it was significantly different among species at altitude 1800-2100 m (F = 6.205, p < 0.05) and 2100-2400 m (χ2 = 31.319, p < 0.001). Irrespective of altitude, consumption was significantly different among the species (χ2 = 41.289, p < 0.001). Rhododendron arboreum and Rhododendron thomsonii with a mean rank of 47.35 and 49.88, respectively, were the most used fuelwood, followed by Quercus griffithii (33.08), Quercus sp. (26.04) and Alnus sp. (8.65). The remote villages, mostly use fuelwood for boiling, cooking and space heating. Intensive consumption pressure will lead to habitat degradation and mount fuelwood crisis in coming years. The present pilot study could be a basis to develop suitable conservation and management of energy resources, particularly the rhododendrons.
Chemical compound isolated from antioxidant active extract of endophytic fungus Cladosporium tenuissimum in Swietenia mahagoni leaf stalks
Authors: Fadhillah Fadhillah , ELFITA  , MUHARNI  , HENI YOHANDINI  , HARY WIDJAJANTI
Published: January 2020

Abstract. Fadhillah, Elfita, Muharni, Yohandini H, Widjajanti. 2019. Chemical compound isolated from antioxidant active extract of endophytic fungus Cladosporium tenuissimum in Swietenia mahagoni leaf stalks. Biodiversitas 20: 2645-2650. Swietenia mahagoni L. Jacq is a medicinal plant that widely used as an antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, anticancer, antitumor, and antidiabetic. Several bioactive compounds have been reported to be associated with this plant that supports its treatment activities. Flavonoid content of the S. mahagoni has antioxidant activity. Therefore the plant is widely used to treat degenerative diseases caused by free radical activity in the body. Scientists have proven that the medicinal plants have a symbiotic relationship with the number of microorganisms that can produce bioactive compounds. One of the symbiotic microorganisms is endophytic fungi believed to be associated with every plant on earth. In this paper, we report a secondary metabolite compound from endophytic fungi isolated from S. mahagoni. The endophytic fungi (DMG1-DMG4) were isolated from leaf stalks of S. mahagoni. Antioxidant activity of endophytic fungi extracts was tested by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method. The chemical compound from the active extract was isolated by the chromatographic method, and the structure was elucidated by spectroscopic methods including UV, IR, NMR 1D (1H-NMR and 13C-NMR), NMR 2D (HMQC and HMBC). Antioxidant activity test showed the endophytic fungus (DMG3) has the highest activity. The chemical compound from DMG3 was identified as 5-hydroxy-2-oxo-2H-piran-4-yl) methyl acetate). The phylogenetic method used to molecular analysis of DMG3 confirmed the fungus as Cladosporium tenuissimum.
Species diversity and prey items of amphibians in Yoddom Wildlife Sanctuary, northeastern Thailand
Authors: Thongproh Prapaiporn , PRATEEP DUENGKAE  , PRAMOTE RATREE  , EKACHAI PHETCHARAT  , WASSANA KINGWONGSA  , WEEYAWAT JAITRONG  , YODCHAIY CHUAYNKERN  , CHANTIP CHUAYNKERN
Published: January 2020

Abstract. Thongproh P, Duengkae P, Ratree P, Phetcharat E, Kingwongsa W, Jaitrong W, Chuaynkern Y, Chuaynkern C. 2019. Species diversity and prey items of amphibians in Yoddom Wildlife Sanctuary, northeastern Thailand. Biodiversitas 20: 2718-2732.  Amphibian occurrence within Yoddom Wildlife Sanctuary, which is located along the border region among Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos, is poorly understood. To determine amphibian diversity within the sanctuary, we conducted daytime and nocturnal surveys from 2014 to 2017 within six management units. We recorded 26 amphibian species and two additional unidentified taxa from two orders (Anura and Gymnophiona) and six families. Four of the encountered species are new records for Ubon Ratchathani, (Kalophrynus interlineatus, Microhyla berdmorei, Micryletta inornata, and Chiromantis nongkhorensis). In addition to observational surveys, we investigated amphibian prey items via fecal pellet analyses. Prey items comprised mainly animals (85% from class Insecta), but 9% of species consumed both plants and animals. Among insects, Coleoptera and Hymenoptera were the most abundant prey (35% and 31%, respectively). In addition, we observed one case of Ichthyophis kohtaoensis consuming an earthworm and an incident of cannibalism in Sylvirana mortenseni. Finally, due to illegal logging activities and active landmines, surveys were limited to the secure regions within the sanctuary. Thus, we noted that further species might remain unidentified within Yoddom Wildlife Sanctuary due to this limitation.
The The effects of decomposing mangrove leaf litter and its tannins on water quality and the growth and survival of tiger prawn (Penaeus monodon) post-larvae
Authors: Sulaiman Sri rejeki , MARCEL MIDDELJANS  , Wiidowati Lestari Lakhsmi , Ariyati Restiana Wisnu , TITA ELFITASARI  , Bosma Roel H
Published: January 2020

Abstract. Rejeki S, Middeljans M, Widowati LL, Ariyati RW, Elfitasari T, Bosma RH. 2019. The effects of decomposing mangrove leaf litter and its tannins on water quality and the growth and survival of tiger prawn (Penaeus monodon) post-larvae. Biodiversitas 20: 2750-2757. Shrimp farming in Demak, Indonesia is often practiced in silvo-aquaculture systems in which mangrove trees are planted on pond bunds. As such, mangrove leaves and its substrates may have impact on penaeid shrimp production. In this area, mangrove re-growth proceeded with Avicennia marina while planting is mostly done with Rhizophora apiculata. We compared the effects of decomposing fresh leaves of A. marina and R. apiculata on water quality and on the performance of Penaeus monodon postlarvae (PL). A hundred of PL21 (postlarvae aged 21 days with weight of 0.28 g) were stocked in each of 30 aerated tanks containing 800 liters of brackish water (salinity of 21 ppt) for 37 days. Five treatments with three replicates for each mangrove species were assigned by adding into the tanks of 0.125, 0.25, and 0.5 g L-1 of air-dried leave, 0.125 of g L-1 minced leave and 0.125 g L-1 of leachate of minced leaves. The PLs were fed 3 times daily with pellets at 10 % of initial total body weight. Water quality parameters were recorded daily. Tannin, H2S and NH3-N concentrations were measured every ten days. Prawn's body weight (BW) was measured and specific growth rate (SGR, % day-1) and survival rate (SR, %) were calculated after the end of experiment. Results were analyzed with ANOVA and Pearson's correlation. The results showed that tannin in decomposing mangrove leaf litter up to a concentration of 0.5 mg g-1 did not have a significant effect on water quality and on the growth and survival of P. monodon PL. However, increasing leaf litter concentrations showed an increase in NH3-N concentration due to organic matter degradation. The accumulation of NH3-N may have caused the slow growth of shrimp PL in A. marina treatment. Shrimp PL in leaf litter leachates treatment has a higher growth rate than those PL in regular leaf litter in relation to nutritional value. Survival and growth varied from 62 ±14 to 70 ± 8% and 3.1±2.1 to 5.5±1.2% day-1, respectively. Although decomposing mangrove leaves of A. marina and R. apiculata had no toxic effects on P. monodon PL up to a concentration of 1.25 g L-1, but causing severe mortality for shrimp in tanks without water exchange. As a conclusion, the present of mangrove leaves in brackish water ponds with insufficient water exchange can be harmful to shrimps. However, if the water exchange is good, decomposed mangrove leaves can become organic fertilizer that beneficial for the growth of natural food for the shrimps
Short Communication: Genetic diversity of Indonesian’s sugarcane varieties (Saccharum officinarum) based on RAPD molecular markers
Authors: RINA SRI KASIAMDARI  , Aristya Ganies Riza , HERI PRABOWO  , MUHAMMAD FAUZI ARIF  , Ariesta Christy
Published: January 2020

Abstract. Kasiamdari RS, Aristya GR, Prabowo H, Ariesta C, Arif MF. 2019. Genetic diversity of Indonesian’s sugarcane varieties (Saccharum officinarum) based on RAPD molecular markers. Biodiversitas 20: 3005-3010. Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) belongs to the Poaceae family which are widely used for sweeteners production. In Indonesia, the need for sugarcane continues to increase along with its increased use in the production of bioethanol from molasses, a by-product of sugar production. However, the supply for sugar is still far from enough. Improvement of sugarcane productivity can be done by selecting superior varieties to form a new superior hybrid. Maintaining high genetic diversity in a population is essential. Selection of varieties is important because it can increase productivity without increasing the cost of crop production. Even the selected pest-resistant varieties can reduce the cost of crop production. Indonesia had produced many superior sugarcane plant varieties, but studies on their characters and genetic relationship are still lacking. Several molecular markers have been used to elucidate the genetic diversity among sugarcane varieties. Random Amplified Polymorphism DNA (RAPD) is one of the molecular markers that have been proven to describe genetic diversity among sugarcane plants. This study aimed to determine the genetic diversity among 22 superior sugarcane varieties in Indonesia based on eight RAPD molecular markers. The superior sugarcane varieties in Indonesia in this study were obtained from Indonesian Sweetener and Fiber Crops Research Institute (ISFRI), Malang and Madukismo Sugar Factory, Yogyakarta. DNA products were visualized by using gel electrophoresis and resolved bands were scored as binary data as presence (1) and absence (0). Linkage distance was done based on Jaccard’s similarity coefficient, and clustering analysis was performed based on the unweighted pair- group average (UPGMA) method. Polymorphism Information Content (PIC) analysis showed a high degree of polymorphism ranging from 0.76 to 0.92. Cluster analysis showed that 22 sugarcane varieties were divided into two main clusters and four sub-clusters based on their origin.