bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The genome-wide supported CACNA1C gene polymorphisms and the risk of schizophrenia: an update meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Yongping , Wu Xue , Xia Xi , Yao Jun , Wang Bao-jie
Published: February 2020

Background: The CACNA1C gene was defined as the risk gene for schizophrenia in a large GWAS of European ancestory by Psychiatric Genomics Consortium. Previous meta-analyses have focused on the association between CACNA1C gene rs1006737 and schizophrenia. However, the present study focused on whether there was a racial difference in the effect of CACNA1C gene rs1006737 on schizophrenia. In addition, rs2007044 and rs4765905 were used to analyzed the risk of schizophrenia.Methods: The pooled analysis, subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis and publication bias were conducted.Results: A total of 18 studies met the inclusion criteria, 14 for rs1006737 (15,213 cases and 19,412 controls), 3 for rs2007044 (6007 cases and 6,518 controls), and 2 for rs4765905 (2,435 cases and 2,639 controls). Rs2007044 and rs4765905 were also related to schizophrenia in the only conducted allele model. For rs1006737, the allele contrast model, dominant model, recessive model, codominance models, and complete overdominance model were performed, and the overall meta-analysis showed significant differences between rs1006737 and schizophrenia. However, race-based subgroup analysis of rs1006737 and found that the genotypes GG and GG+GA were only protective factors for schizophrenia in European populations, while the GA genotype of rs1006737 only reduced the risk of schizophrenia in Asian populations.Conclusions: Rs1006737, rs2007044 and rs4765905 of CACNA1C gene were associated with susceptibility to schizophrenia. However, the influence model of rs1006737 on schizophrenia in Asian and European populations have both similarities and differences.
Exploiting bacterial outer membrane vesicles as a cross-protective vaccine candidate against avian pathogenic Escherichia coli
Authors: Hu Rujiu , Li Jing , Lin Hua , Liang Liu , Zhao Yuezhen , Wang Mimi , Liu Haojing , Gao Yupeng , Yang Mingming
Published: February 2020

Background: The well-known fact that avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) is harder to prevent due to its numerous serogroups has promoted the development of biological immunostimulatory materials as new vaccine candidates in poultry farms. Bacterial outer membrane vesicles (OMVs), known as spherical nanovesicles enriched with various immunostimulants, are naturally secreted by Gram-negative bacteria, and have gained much attention for developing effective vaccine candidates. Here, a novel multi-serogroup OMVs (MOMVs) vaccine was developed to achieve cross-protection against APEC infection in broiler chickens.Results: In this study, OMVs produced by three APEC strains were isolated, purified and prepared into MOMVs by mixing these three OMVs. By using SDS-PAGE and LC-MS/MS, 159 proteins were identified in MOMVs and the subcellular location and biological functions of 20 most abundant proteins were analyzed. The immunogenicity of MOMVs was evaluated, and the results showed that MOMVs could elicit innate immune responses, including internalization by chicken macrophage and production of immunomodulatory cytokines. Vaccination with MOMVs induced specific broad-spectrum antibodies as well as Th1 and Th17 immune responses. The animal experiment has confirmed that immunization with an appropriate dose of MOMVs could not cause any adverse effect and was able to reduce bacteria loads and pro-inflammatory cytokines production, thus providing eﬀective cross-protection against lethal infections induced by multi-serogroup APEC in chickens. Further experiments indicated that, although vesicular proteins were able to induce stronger protective efficiency than lipopolysaccharide, both vesicular proteins and lipopolysaccharide are crucial in MOMVs-mediated protection.Conclusions: The multi-serogroup nanovesicles produced by APEC strains will open up a new way for the development of next generation vaccines with low toxicity and broad protection in the treatment and control of APEC infection.
BIRC7 and STC2 expression is associated with tumorigenesis and poor outcome in extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Li Jiequn , Yang Zhulin , Huang Shengfu , Li Daiqiang
Published: February 2020

Background: Extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (EHCC) is a highly aggressive epithelial malignancy and has a poor prognosis for their insensitivity to therapies and difficulty in detection. Novel targets and biomarkers are urgently needed to develop for functional, diagnostic and prognostic application on EHCC. Methods: 100 EHCC tissues，30 peritumoral tissues, 10 adenoma and 15 normal biliary tract tissues were assayed using EnVision immunohistochemistry. Results: The expression of BIRC7 and STC2 proteins were higher in EHCC tissues than those in peritumoral tissues, adenoma and normal biliary tract tissues. The positive rates of BIRC7 and STC2 expression were significantly higher in cases with lymph node metastasis, invasion to surrounding tissues/organs, and TNM stage III and/or IV and unable to undergo resection (biopsy only). Kaplan-Meier survival curves demonstrated that the overall survival of positive-BIRC7 or positive-STC2 patients was significantly lower than those of negative-BIRC7 or negative-STC2, respectively. Cox-proportional regression analysis demonstrated that positive-BIRC7 and positive-STC2 expression, along with poor differentiation of EHCC, tumor size >3cm, lymph node metastasis, invasion to surrounding tissues/organs and unable to undergo resection are independent prognostic factors of EHCC patients. Conclusions: BIRC7 and STC2 are involved in the tumorigenesis and progression of EHCC, and positive expression of BIRC7 and STC2 are associated with poor prognosis in patients with EHCC. BIRC7 and STC2 might be a potential tumor biomarker for EHCC diagnosis and prognosis.
MicroRNA-103a curtails the stemness of non-small cell lung cancer cells by binding to OTUB1 through the Hippo signaling pathway
Authors: Hu Zhenzhen , Xiao Dan , Qiu Tingting , Li Jun , Liu Zhentian
Published: February 2020

Background: Although dysfunction of microRNA-103a (miR-103a) has been implicated in various cancers, its relevance in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is unsettled. This study was designed with an aim to examine the molecular mechanism underlying the regulatory role of miR-103a in NSCLC. Methods: Kaplan-Meier analysis was carried out to study the correlation between overall survival of NSCLC patients and miR-103a expression. RT-qPCR and Western blot were applied to evaluate the expression of relevant genes in tissues and cells. Sphere formation, MTS, flow cytometry as well as Transwell assays were conducted for characterizing the stemness. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was applied to clarify the binding relationship between miR-103a and ovarian tumor domain-containing ubiquitin aldehyde binding protein 1 (OTUB1). Results: miR-103a expression was diminished in NSCLC tissues and cells, whereas OTUB1 expression was increased. The expression of miR-103a and OTUB1 mRNA was significantly negatively correlated in NSCLC tissues. After overexpression of miR-103a, the cell viability and stemness were diminished, while the cycle arrest and apoptosis rate were facilitated, and the expression of p-YAP decreased significantly. The opposite trend was observed after miR-103a silencing. miR-103a lowered the expression of OTUB1, while overexpression of OTUB1 blocked the inhibition effects of miR-103a on NSCLC. Conclusion: miR-103a/OTUB1/Hippo axis plays a possible role in modulating the malignant behavior and stemness of cells, which might function as a possible therapeutic option for management of NSCLC.
Endoscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion in the treatment of degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis
Authors: Yan Denglu , Zhang Zaiheng , Zhang Zhi
Published: February 2020

Background Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) has been widely accepted as a standard treatment option for the patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis with good clinical outcomes. However, some patients suffered from the back pain postoperatively. With the development of minimally invasive endoscopic methods in spine surgery, the current trend of evolution lumbar spinal surgery has been toward endoscopic procedures. Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes and efficacy of endoscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (ELIF) in the treatment of degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis by compare to the standard transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF). Methods A total of 93 patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis who had surgery from February 2016 to January 2018 were categorized into different groups depending on the procedure by ELIF or TLIF. The ELIF and TLIF procedures was performed, and the clinical outcomes of blood loss, operation times, hospital stay days, pain index, ODI score, the spondylolisthesis rate and reduction rate, and the disk height and intervertebral foramen height were recorded. Results In ends 86 cases had follow-up at least one year and seven cases lost, and the follow-up rate and followed time were no difference between two groups (P > 0.05). The operational time was longer in ELIF than TLIF (P < 0.01).The hospital days and blood loss were significant less in endoscopic group than TLIF (P < 0.01). The pain index and ODI score, the spondylolisthesis rate and reduction rate, and the disk height and intervertebral foramen height were better than preoperational (P < 0.01), and there were no difference between two groups (P > 0.05). All patients achieved spinal fusion with no cases of cage extrusion, and no infection, and no dural tear of cerebrospinal fluid leakage complication. There were one case of radiculitis (man) at endoscopic group. CT-myelogram revealed the radiculitis patients had normal radiologic findings, and the patient was recovered by neurotrophy drugs and functional exercises after 3 months. Conclusions Endoscopic lumbar decompression and interbody fusion procedures was an effective and safe measure in the treatment of the lumbar spondylolisthesis. Compare to open interbody fusion techniques, endoscopic lumbar interbody fusion was a minimally invasive surgery with less bold loss and earlier postoperative recovery.
Evaluation of spectral CT in differentiating metastatic from non-metastatic lymph nodes in non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC)
Authors: Wang Funan , Wang Yanwei , Guo Gang , Zhu Liuhong
Published: February 2020

Background Lung cancer is the main cause of tumor-correlated deaths, analysis of lymph nodes is crucial to staging of lung cancer. The purpose of the study is to explore the importance of spectral CT imaging in the difference prognostic of metastatic and non-metastatic mediastinal lymph nodes in non-small cell lung cancer. Methods A retrospective examination of 76 patients with non-small cell lung tumor who underwent spectral CT was performed. Quantifiable GSI (Gemstone spectral imaging) parameters (eg, 40 keV, iodine concentration, water concentration) were calculated in non-contrast, arterial and venous phase in 110 mediastinal lymph nodes using AW4.6 (GE HEALTHCARE, USA). Results The CT values ​​of 40 kev, λHU (The slope of Hounsfield unit curve) and IC(values of iodine concentration values), WC(values of water concentration) measured at the arterial or venous phase were not significantly different from those of metastatic growth lymph nodes (P > 0.05). The net value of Arterial phase (nIAP,net value of iodine concentration in Arterial phase) and vein phase (nIVP, net value of iodine concentration in vein phase) were calculated. The value of nIAP was the difference between IAP (iodine concentration of arterial phase) and INCP (iondine concentration of non-contrast phase), while the value of nIVP was the difference between IVP (iodine concentration of venous phase) and INCP. There stood no noteworthy difference in nIAP amid metastatic lymph nodes and non-metastatic lymph nodes (P = 0.110). There was a substantial difference in nIVP amid metastatic lymph nodes and non-metastatic lymph nodes (P = 0.001). Conclusions Compared with qualitative assessment with conventional CT imaging features, quantitative GSI parameters (nIVP) showed higher accuracy for the preoperative diagnosis of mediastal lymph nodal metastases in patients with NSCLC.
COVID-19 Orf3b protein: the putative biological function and the therapeutic target
Authors: Veljkovic Veljko , Paessler Slobodan
Published: February 2020

The analysis of the COVID-19 Orf3b performed by the informational spectrum methodology suggests that this protein acts as a modulator of the interferon signaling network by binding to Karyopherin proteins. The binding site for Karyopherins on the Orf3 protein (residues 15-29) is proposed as a possible therapeutic target for COVID-19.
Near binocular visual function after SMILE surgery for myopia
Authors: CHEN XIAOQIN , Wang Yan , Li Lihua
Published: February 2020

Purpose: To analyze the changes of near binocular vision function after small incision lenticule extraction and association with asthenopia.
Methods: This was a retrospective study．Twenty-five myopic patients who underwent small incision
lenticular extraction (SMILE) surgery from Tianjin Eye Hospital were included in this study．The values of parameters of near binocular vision function were measured at preoperative, 1 week, 1 month and 3 months postoperatively including near heterophoria, near point convergence (NPC), horizontal base-in fusional reserves (BIFR) and base-out fusional reserves (BOFR). The patients were grouped by the preoperative symptoms scores. The comparisons among different follow-up periods were conducted by the repeated measures analysis of variance. The Pearson correlation coefficient (r) was used to evaluate the linear fit of the relationship between variables. Multiple linear regressions were used to analyze the relationship between asthenopia and parameters of binocular and accommodative function.
Results: The NPC significantly increased at 1 week and 1 month after SMILE and then get back to the level of preoperatively in 3 months postoperatively. Near heterophoria significantly decreased at 1 week after SMILE and then remained stable in 3 months postoperatively. In the regression analysis, there was no significant association between the values of the fatigue questionnaire at different stages after SMILE operation and the parameters of near binocular visual function (P>0.05). However, there was significant positive correlation among each visit with the preoperative visual fatigue questionnaire（P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the parameters of binocular visual function between the normal group and the fatigue group. For the visual fatigue group, there was positive correlation between the score of visual fatigue questionnaire 1 week after SMILE surgery and the difference in near horizontal phoria between 1w postoperative and that preoperative (r=0.523, P=0.046), and significant negative correlation with the recovery point of BOFR at 1 week (r=-0.581, P=0.023).
Conclusion: SMILE surgery wouldn’t influence the binocular vision in the short term. Since there was no significant association between binocular vision function and visual fatigue, factors of asthenopia in the early period of SMILE surgery should be further studied.
Use of the product of driving pressure and respiratory rate for predicting failure of weaning from mechanical ventilator in medical patients
Authors: Gong Ju , Zhang Bibo , Huang Xiaowen , Li Bin , Huang Jian
Published: February 2020

Background : Respiratory workload increment in the process of mechanical ventilation withdrawal is critical for the determination of weaning outcome. Pressure, tidal volume (Vt) and respiratory rate (RR ) are considered as patient’s respiratory power, albeit being affected by excessive respiratory load. We aimed to evaluate the performance of driving pressure (DP)×RR to predict the outcome of weaning. Methods : Plateau pressure (Pplat) and positive end-expiratory pressure tot (PEEPtot) were measured during mechanical ventilation, viz., (1) brief deep sedation, (2) on volume support ventilation of MV with Vt 6 ml/kg and a PEEP of 0 cm H 2 O, (3) Pplat and PEEPtot were measured by holding breath for 2s after inhalation and exhalation, respectively. The DP was determined as Pplat minus PEEPtot. The highest RR was recorded within 3 min during spontaneous-breathing trial (SBT). Patients that were able to tolerate SBT for 1 h were directly extubated. These measurements correlated well with weaning outcome. Notably, patients in the “failure” group failed the SBT, died, while others required reintubation or noninvasive ventilation within 48 h of extubation. Results : Out of the 61 patients studied, 22 failed weaning. During the withdrawal of ventilation, DP×RR was 134.2±33.2 cmH 2 O ·breaths/min and 238.5±61.7 cmH 2 O·breaths/min ( P =0.00), DP was 7.9±1.6 cmH 2 O and 9.7±2.3 cmH 2 O ( P =0.00), in the “success” and “failure” groups, respectively. The DP×RR index greater than 170 cmH 2 O·breaths/min had a sensitivity of 95.5% and a specificity of 89.7%, while DP index greater than 8.1 cmH 2 O had 81.8% sensitivity and 64.1% specificity to predict weaning failure. Conclusions : Measurement of DP×RR during withdrawal of ventilation may help predict weaning outcome. Noticeably, high DP×RR increased the likelihood of weaning failure.
Sero-prevalence of leptospirosis among presumptive malaria patients in a secondary health facility in Oyo state, Southwest Nigeria
Authors: Besong Mathias Ayuk , Awosanya Emmanuel , Adeyanju Olusoji , Adigun A. Adedayo , Micchael Charles Akatobi , Balogun Muhammed Shakir , Ogundipe Gabriel
Published: February 2020

Background: Leptospirosis is a neglected tropical zoonoses that presents with fever and can be misdiagnosed, with fatal outcomes. Its incidence has been on the increase in recent times with 1 million cases and over 60,000 deaths reported annually worldwide. We determined the seroprevalence of leptospirosis and associated risk factors among presumptive malaria patients in a secondary health facility in Ibadan.Methods: We used Leptospira Rapid Diagnostic Test kit to estimate the seroprevalence of leptospirosis among 143 patients who presented at the study center between 27th April and 15th May 2019 whom a physician had seen and tentatively diagnosed malaria. We used one drop of blood for the test from blood collected by trained laboratory technicians for malaria diagnosis. Data on patients’ demographics and risk factors were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. We calculated frequencies, means and proportion. We did bivariate analyses at α0.05 to test for associations.Result: The median age of the participants was 34 years (range: 6 months-80 years). Eighty-nine (62.2%) of them were females. Of the 143 tested, 12 (8.4%) were positive for Leptospira IgM/IgG antibodies. Eleven (7.7%) patients were positive for malaria. One (0.7%) was positive for both malaria and leptospirosis. None of the risk factors measured was significantly associated with leptospirosis.Conclusion: we confirmed Leptospirosis among febrile patients at the study center We found that the seroprevalence of leptospirosis is same as that of malaria among the sampled population. However, leptospirosis/malaria co-infection was low. We recommend a review of the diagnostic protocol to include leptospirosis as a differential.
Dynamics of antimalarial antibodies in non-immune patients during and after a first and unique P. falciparum malaria episode
Authors: Bisoffi Zeno , Bertoldi Marco , Silva Ronaldo , Bertoli Giulia , Ursini Tamara , Marocco Stefania , Piubelli Chiara , Pomari Elena , Buonfrate Dora , Gobbi Federico
Published: February 2020

BackgroundMalaria is a major travel medicine issue. Retrospective confirmation of a malaria episode diagnosed in an endemic area can have relevant implications in trasfusional medicine in Europe, where blood donors are excluded from donation on the basis of positive malaria serology. However, there is scarce evidence on the dynamics of antimalarial antibodies after a first malaria episode in non immune individuals. First aim of this study was to describe the dynamics of antimalarial antibodies in a first malaria episode in non immune travellers. Secondary objectives were to assess the sensitivity of serology for a retrospective diagnosis in non immune travellers diagnosed while abroad and to discuss the implications in transfusional medicine.MethodsRetrospective analysis of the results of an indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT) for malaria available for patients with a first malaria episode by Plasmodium falciparum and admitted at the IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria hospital in a 14-year period. The antibody titres were collected at baseline and during further follow up visits. Epidemiological, demographic and laboratory test results (including full blood count and malaria parasite density) were anonymously recorded in a study specific electronic Case Report Form created with OpenClinica software. Statistical analysis was performed with SAS software version 9.4. ResultsThirty-six patients were included. Among them, all but two were Europeans (one African and one American). Median length of fever before diagnosis was two days (IQR 1-3). Thirty-five patients had seroconversion between day 1 and day 4 from admission, and the titre showed a sharply rising titre, often to a very high level in a few days. Only a single patient remained negative in the first 5 days from admission, after which he was no more tested. Six patients were followed up for at least two months, and they all showed a decline in IFAT titre, tending to seroreversion (confirmed in one patient with the longest follow up, almost four years). ConclusionsSerology demonstrated reliable for retrospective diagnosis in non immune travellers. The decline in the antimalarial titre might be included in the screening algorithms of blood donors, but further studies are needed.
Contextualizing motivations and perceived barriers of healthy nutrition and lifestyle behaviours among Malaysian adults with metabolic syndrome
Authors: MAHADZIR MUHAMMAD DANIEL AZLAN , Quek Kia Fatt , Ramadas Amutha
Published: February 2020

Background Nutrition and lifestyle behaviour of individuals have been associated with the risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS). In order to better control the prevalence of MetS nationwide, an effective health promotion program must provide age-appropriate care information that addresses critical factors such as physiological function, social psychology, and emotional and health literacy in order to empower these patients to self-manage their condition and to enhance their self-care-related motivation and confidence. This study qualitatively analysed FGD involving Malaysian adults with MetS to explore their understanding of MetS and their perceived motivation and barriers of healthy nutrition and lifestyle behaviour. Methods A qualitative study with four focus groups (21 purposively sampled respondents) was conducted with adults diagnosed with MetS whom attending MONASH Medical Precinct in 2018. An interview protocol consolidating both responsive interviewing model and health belief model were prepared. The focus groups were audio recorded and transcribed. The data were analysed by emergent themes analysis. Data saturation was achieved in the fourth focus group. Results Seven main themes; three motivations and three perceived barriers and one subtheme on healthy nutrition and lifestyle behaviour were identified in the analysis of FGD. Motivations for healthy nutrition and lifestyles behaviour were (i) weight gain and physical appearances; (ii)personal experience of adverse complications and (iii) good family and social support. The identified perceived barriers were (i) healthcare as a business model; (ii) healthy change is difficult and expensive and (iii) cultural influence on food intake. Inadequate knowledge on MetS as most respondents were unaware of MetS as a clustering of risk factors but were able to identify the components individually was also a strong theme identified in this study. Conclusion Nutrition and lifestyle behaviours of adults with MetS were highly affected by the several potent motivations and perceived barriers among individuals. Information delivery and lifestyle promotion should address these aspects to increase program adoption and adherence, ensuring success of a community-based lifestyle intervention.
Rural Development Through Communal-based Enterprises In Selected Districts Of Lesotho
Authors: Makhetha Leseko , Liphoto Ramakae , Mahamo Makara , Manong Nkopane , Mokhethi Motlalepula
Published: February 2020

In an attempt to improve the livelihoods of rural households, different approaches to rural development have been adopted in different economies. The most broadly adopted approaches have been technocratic, the radical and the reformist approach. These approaches are unique in that they aim at achieving different rural developmental objectives. Despite different approaches that are been used in the literature, in this paper, central to rural community development is the communal-based enterprises approach with an implicit research objective of assessing how Basotho Enterprises Development Corporation can contribute in enhancing livelihood development and thus sustaining the community at large. The results show that enthusiasm is high in all villages as a majority of interviewees showed a positive initiative capacity in which the only barrier pulling them back is a pushing force. This barrier can be justified as the majority of people have no knowledge of Basotho Enterprises Development Corporation and the services they provide.
Measurement of 3He analyzing power for p-3He scattering using the polarized 3He target
Authors: Watanabe Atomu , Nakai Shinnosuke , Sekiguchi Kimiko , Akieda Tomomi , Etoh Daijiro , Inoue Minami , Inoue Yoshinori , Kawahara Kenta , Kon Hiroshi , Miki Kenjiro , Mukai Tomoyuki , Sakai Daisuke , Shibuya Shun , Shiokawa Yuta , Taguchi Takahiro , Umetsu Hiroo , Utsuki Yuta , Wada Yasunori , Watanabe Morihiro , Itoh Masatoshi , Ino Takashi , Wakui Takashi , Hatanaka Kichiji , Kanda Hiroki , Ong Hooi Jin , Tran Dinh Trong , Goto Shuhei , Hirai Yuma , Inomoto Daiki , Kasahara Hina , Mitsumoto Shinji , Oshiro Hisanori , Wakasa Tomotsugu , Maeda Yukie , Nonaka Kotaro , Sakai Hideyuki , Uesaka Tomohiro
Published: February 2020

Proton–^33He
scattering is one of the good probes to study the
T=3/2T=3/2
channel of three–nucleon forces. We have measured
^33He
analyzing powers for p-^3p−3He
elastic scattering with the polarized ^33He
target at 7070
and 100100
MeV. In the conference the data were compared with the theoretical
predictions based on the modern nucleon–nucleon potentials. Large
discrepancies were found between the data and the calculations at the
angles where the ^33He
analyzing power takes the minimum and maximum values.
Hyperons - a strange key to the strong interaction
Authors: Schoenning Karin
Published: February 2020

Hyperons provide new insights into two of the most challenging
problems in contemporary physics: a coherent and quantitative
description of the strong interaction, and the matter-antimatter
asymmetry of the Universe. In these proceedings, I will demonstrate the
merits of hyperons as a diagnostic tool using two recent measurements by
the BESIII experiment as an illustrative example. Furthermore, I will
highlight the prospect of future hyperon studies with the
next-generation experiment PANDA at FAIR.
Efficient removal of lead ions from aqueous solutions using ZnSe/ZnO/Bio-CaCO3
Authors: Yan Yi , Yang Shuai , Jiang Feng , Luo Yuwei , Gao Hejun , Liao Yunwen
Published: February 2020

The sheet-like adsorbent of the eggshell wastes was prepared by the thermal hydrolysis method. The structure of the adsorbent was characterized by scanning electron microscope, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscope, and X-ray photoelectron spectrometer. The adsorption capacity was investigated in a Pb2+ solution. The effects of initial pH, salt concentration, contact time, and adsorbate concentration on the adsorption of lead ions were investigated in detail. The morphology of the adsorbent was sheet-like microspheres. Zinc selenide/zinc oxide could be uniformly loaded onto the eggshell waste surface, which could effectively enhance the specific surface area of the eggshell wastes. The adsorption kinetics and isotherm followed the pseudo-second-order and Langmuir–Freundlich isotherm model, respectively. The synthesized adsorbent showed a maximum lead adsorption capacity of 1,428.78 mg/g at room temperature. Ion-exchange was the main adsorption mechanism.
Sokrates jako wychowawca. Sokratejskie rozmyślania Jana Patočki
Authors: Bęben Dariusz
Published: February 2020

Przedmiotem analizy jest rola Sokratesa jako wychowawcy w ujęciu czeskiego fenomenologa Jana Patočki. Operując ontologicznymi kategoriami ruchu i wstrząsu, próbuje on zbudować filozofią wychowania. Punktem wyjścia jest Sokratejskie pytanie, którego celem jest uświadomienie sobie niepewności i problematyczności świata. Taki negatywny aspekt filozofowania (wychowania) pozwala jednak wznieść się ku transcendencji, w poczuciu, że przekraczając świat, stajemy się sobą samym.
Dojrzałe macierzyństwo a kształtowanie więzi emocjonalnej z dzieckiem w okresie prenatalnym
Authors: Czarnecka Martyna
Published: February 2020

Przedmiotem rozważań niniejszego opracowania jest dojrzałe macierzyństwo w aspekcie kształtowania się więzi emocjonalnej z dzieckiem w okresie prenatalnym. Więź emocjonalna pełni w życiu człowieka znaczącą rolę. Wpływa na rozwój jednostki, zwłaszcza na płaszczyźnie emocjonalnej, społecznej i osobowości. Jest systemem biologicznie uwarunkowanym i stanowi istotny element egzystencji człowieka. Kształtuje się już na etapie prenatalnym i determinuje zachowania względem dziecka. Współcześnie kobiety decydują się na macierzyństwo znacznie później, niż miało to miejsce jeszcze kilka lat temu. Przyczyny tego stanu rzeczy są różnorodne. Wśród najważniejszych zalicza się chęć osiągnięcia stabilizacji życiowej we wszystkich obszarach funkcjonowania człowieka. Początkowo kobiety pragną uzyskać stabilizację zawodową, następnie partnerską. Doświadczanie macierzyństwa jest elementem uzupełniającym egzystencję kobiety. Nie zajmuje kluczowej roli w jej życiu, lecz jest również ważne. Autor w niniejszym opracowaniu przedstawi dane empiryczne ukazujące proces kształtowania się więzi emocjonalnej z dzieckiem w trakcie trwania ciąży u kobiet doświadczających późnego macierzyństwa. W części teoretycznej zdefiniuje kluczowe pojęcia, scharakteryzuje przyczyny późnego macierzyństwa oraz proces kształtowania się więzi emocjonalnej w okresie prenatalnym.
ADVANCED OXIDATION PROCESSES (AOPS) ALTERNATIVE METHODS FOR DEGRADATION OF TOXIC POLLUTANTS FROM WASTEWATER
Authors: Nitoi Ines , Constantin Lucian Alexandru , Cristea Ionut , Constantin Mirela Alina
Published: February 2020

The degradation of some toxic pollutants like chlorobenzenes, nitrobenzene and 4-chloroaniline in various advanced oxidation system such as: UV/ H2O2, UV-VIS/Fe-TiO2 and UV-VIS/TiO2/ H2O2 were studied. The influence of working conditions (pH0, H2O2 dose, photocatalyst dose, pollutant initial concentration and irradiation time) on pollutant degradation rate constant and efficiency were investigated. For any studied advanced oxidation systems, pollutant degradation followed a pseudo first order kinetics. The degradation pathway of chlorinated and nitro aromatic pollutants includes initial •OH radicals attack to aromatic ring with hydroxylated intermediates formation, followed by their step by step oxidation up to carboxylic acids. Inorganic ions like Cl-, NO3-, NH4+ are also formed as mineralization products.
A Study on Serological Reactivity Profile of Different Antigen Preparations with Bancroftian filariasis Human Infection Sera
Authors: Saeed Mohd , Kushwaha Vikas , Faisal Syed Mohd , Verma Richa , Ahmad Irfan , Mustafa Huma , Ganash Magdah , Kamal Mohammad Amjad , Ashraf Ghulam Md
Published: February 2020

Background:

Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) is one of the incapacitating and mosquito-borne sicknesses that on progression may prompt a few recognizable types of clutters like extreme lymphedema, hydrocele, and elephantiasis.

Methods:

Antigenic preparations of B. malayi adult (BmA), S. cervi adult parasites and microfilariae (mf) total parasite extract were used to analyze the serological reactivity profile with human infectious sera collected from endemic areas of Bancroftian filariasis by performing Western blot and ELISA analysis. Sera from healthy human subjects were also included in the study to determine the variation incurred in the reactivity due to the filariasis infection. Gelelectrophoresis analysis of the crude-extract of BmA revealed seven protein bands while more than ten bands were recognized in S. cervi.

Results:

our results represent a clear variation in protein patterns among the crude-antigens. ELISA results showed highest prevalence of IgG, IgM and IgG4 antibodies against all antigen preparations when recorded among microfilaraemic chronic infected patients. In both the antigenic preparations, the positive reactions were in the order of microfilaraemic>endemic normal>chronic>acute>nonendemic normal subjects. All sera of Mf+ patients were uniformly positive, while sera of both chronic and endemic normal subjects showed less reactivity.

Conclusion:

In the present study, we endeavoured to establish the extent of cross-reactivity of antigens derived from animal filarial parasites such as B. malayi and S. cervi with W. bancrofti filariasis sera of human patients. Besides, we further analyzed antibody-isotype profile of IgG, IgG4 and IgM in various human infection sera of bancroftian filarial subjects reactive to heterologous parasite antigens derived from adult worms of S. cervi from bovine and B. malayi from bovine and jirds.
A Spectrum of Topics for 2019: Advances in Neuroinflammation, Oxidative Stress, Obesity, Diabetes Mellitus, Cardiovascular Disease, Autism, Exosomes, and Central Nervous System Diseases
Authors: Banks William A.
Published: February 2020

Advances in various fields were discussed in the reviews and original research articles published in 2019 in Current Pharmaceutical
Design. Here, I review some of the major highlights for selected areas. A better understanding of disease mechanisms was a
prominent recurrent theme and new therapeutic targets based on those mechanisms are highlighted here. Inflammation and oxidative
stress are major features of many diseases, therefore, interventions to address these processes are reviewed. Although repurposing of old
drugs occurred in several fields, drug targeting and drug delivery, especially of nanoparticles, also continues to be a major area of interest.
Cu-Catalyzed Cascade Reaction of Isoxazoles with Diaryliodonium Salts for the Synthesis of Acridines
Authors: Zhu Shangrong , Lu Xuechen , Xu Qiuneng , Li Jian , Yan Shenghu
Published: February 2020

A straightforward and efficient synthesis of acridine derivatives via a copper-catalyzed cascade
reaction among isoxazoles and diaryliodonium salts is achieved. Various mono-, multi-substituted
and 9-substituted acridine derivatives could be obtained in moderate to good yields. The process has
gone through tandem double arylation and Friedel-Crafts reactions.
Synthesis, Cytotoxic and Heparanase Inhibition Studies of 5-oxo-1-arylpyrrolidine-3- carboxamides of Hydrazides and 4-amino-5-aryl-4H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiol
Authors: Hari Swetha , Swaroop Toreshettahally R. , Preetham Habbanakuppe D. , Mohan Chakrabhavi D. , Muddegowda Umashakara , Basappa Salundi , Vlodavsky Israel , Sethi Gautam , Rangappa Kanchugarakoppal S.
Published: February 2020

Design of chemically novel, biologically potent small heterocyclic molecules with anticancer
activities, which targets the enzyme heparanase has gained prominent clinical interest. We have synthesized a
novel class of carboxamide derivatives by coupling various substituted aromatic acid hydrazides and triazoleamine
with pyrrolidine carboxylic acid by using coupling agents. The synthesized compounds are characterized
by spectroscopic techniques such as FT-IR, HRMS and NMR. These compounds are investigated for
cytotoxicity on different cancer cell lines and heparanase inhibitory activity. Most of them showed moderate
heparanase inhibitory activity and good cytotoxicity.
Rational Design of Hyper-glycosylated Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Analogs (A Bioinformatics Approach)
Authors: Nabizadeh Zahra , Minuchehr Zarrin , Shabani Ali Akbar
Published: February 2020

Background:

Protein pharmaceuticals routinely display a series of intrinsic physicochemical instabilities during their production and administration that can unfavorably affect their therapeutic effectiveness. Glycoengineering is one of the most desirable techniques to improve the attributes of therapeutic proteins. One aspect of glycoengineering is the rational manipulation of the peptide backbone to introduce new N-glycosylation consensus sequences (Asn-X-Ser/Thr, where X is any amino acid except proline).

Methods:

In this work, the amino acid sequence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) was analyzed to identify suitable positions in order to create new N-glycosylation sites. This survey led to the detection of 46 potential N-glycosylation sites. The N-glycosylation probability of all the potential positions was measured with the NetNGlyc 1.0 server. After theoretical reviews and the removal of unsuitable positions, the five acceptable ones were selected for more analyses. Then, threedimensional (3D) structures of the selected analogs were generated and evaluated by SPDBV software. The molecular stability and flexibility profile of five designed analogs were examined using Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations.

Results:

Finally, three analogs with one additional N-glycosylation site (V68T, V79N and R67N) were proposed as the qualified analogs that could be glycosylated at the new sites.

Conclusion:

According to the results of this study, further experimental investigations could be guided on the three analogs. Therefore, our computational strategy can be a valuable method due to the reduction in the number of the expensive, tiresome and time-consuming experimental studies of hCG analogs.
Delirium Secondary to Lamotrigine Toxicity
Authors: Sanchez Deborah L. , Fusick Adam J. , Gunther Steven R. , Hernandez Michael J. , Sullivan Gregory A. , Catalano Maria C. , Catalano Glenn
Published: February 2020

Background:

Lamotrigine is a phenyltriazine medication that has been approved by the
United States Food and Drug Administration as monotherapy and as an adjunctive agent for the
treatment of seizure disorder. It was later approved by the FDA for the treatment of bipolar disorder.
Lamotrigine is generally well tolerated by patients, but some serious symptoms can occur during
treatment. These severe side effects include rashes and multi-organ failure. Lamotrigine has also
been associated with the development of mental status changes, frequently when used concurrently
with other medications that may impact the metabolism of lamotrigine.

Objective:

To present the case of a 65-year-old man being treated with lamotrigine and valproic acid
who developed mental status changes after the addition of sertraline to his medication regimen,
and to compare this case to existing cases reported in the literature.

Discussion:

Our case adds to the existing literature by demonstrating that patients may experience
adverse medication effects despite lamotrigine levels that are normally considered to be in the therapeutic
range, highlighting the importance of clinical correlation when obtaining medication levels.

Conclusion:

Clinicians should use caution interpreting lamotrigine levels when working up delirium,
as normal levels may not rule out the development of lamotrigine toxicity.
Azacitidine Loaded PLGA Nanoparticles and their Dual Release Mechanism
Authors: Kashyap Kanchan , Handa Mayank , Shukla Rahul
Published: February 2020

Background:

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a belligerent brain tumor constituting
about 67% of primary brain tumours. The current therapy for glioblastoma multiforme
is surgery, radiations and chemotherapy though the success rate is quite limited. Azacitidine
is a hydrophilic anti-cancer agent which acts by demethylation and is used in the
treatment of both acute and chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia along with GBM.

Objective:

Formulation of stable Azacitidine loaded poly-lactide-co-glycolide (PLGA)
nanoparticles (NPs) with tailor-made release profiles.

Methods:

Preparation of Azacitidine loaded PLGA nanoparticles was done by double
emulsion (w/o/w) solvent evaporation technique. PLGA was used in the formulation, as it
is biocompatible and biodegradable. Polyvinyl alcohol worked as an emulsifier while
Span 80 decreased the interfacial tension among two immiscible phases (aqueous and organic),
resulting in increased stability of the formulation.

Results:

Polymer concentration was directly proportional to the entrapment and drug
loading and inversely proportional to particle size. Azacitidine loaded PLGA NPs showed
a biphasic release model. At the first stage, burst release was observed, followed by sustained
release. About 43.93 ± 0.69% drug was released in 1 hour and the remaining drug
was released in 48 hours.

Conclusion:

Dual release behavior first delivered an ample amount of dose which provided
cytotoxic dose, followed by the maintenance dose for sustaining the cytotoxic drug
levels. Future prospective requires In-vitro cell viability evaluation of tailor-made polymeric
nanoparticles along with In-vivo evaluation for therapeutic intervention in a glioblastoma
tumor model.
House Stork. De reconstructie van een mesolithische hut
Authors: de Raaff Yannick
Published: February 2020

House Stork. The reconstruction of a Mesolitic hut.

In the summer of 2017 a group of archaeology students of the University of Groningen built a reconstruction of a Late-Mesolithic hut (6500 – 5200/4400 cal BP) at the archaeological park Swifterkamp. It was based on the plans of huts excavated by Raymond Newell at Bergumermeer. This article explains the background of the project, the building process, and several observations regarding the use of material and the amount of labour invested in it. Lastly, it offers a number of ways in which the project will proceed in the summer of 2018.
De Vendelhelm uit Hallum: een experimentele reconstructie
Authors: Nicolay Johan , Pelsmaeker Sebastiaan
Published: February 2020

The Vendel helmet from Hallum: an experimental reconstruction.

The bronze animal heads presented in Paleo-aktueel 28 were taken as the starting point for the reconstruction of a Vendel helmet to which they originally belonged. After a selection of more-or-less intact Vendel helmets from Swedish boat graves at Vendel, Valsgärde and Ulltuna are described shortly, the individual stages of the reconstruction are presented. During this experimental process all kind of choices had to be made, leading to new insights about the manufacture of the helmet crest (forged instead of cast), about the fastening of the central bow (with the help of both animal heads), and about the probable re-use of stamped bronze foils to produce new matrices. How the presence of a Swedish-type helmet in Friesland should be explained, is the subject of a forthcoming paper.
Ethnoarcheologie in Noord-Canada: hoe klimaatverandering en kolonialisme de traditionele manier van leven van de Inuit hebben beïnvloed van 1300 n.Chr. tot nu
Authors: Desjardins Sean P.A.
Published: February 2020

Ethnoarchaeology in Arctic Canada: Exploring how climate change and colonialism impacted traditional Inuit life, ca. AD 1300 to present.

Over the past several hundred years, traditional practices of indigenous peoples across the circumpolar Arctic have been heavily impacted by ecological and social stresses, including episodes of dramatic climate change, as well as colonialist policies that restricted residential mobility and eventually encouraged year-roundsedentism and cultural assimilation. Given its abundance of archaeological sites and the presence of a resilient, active subsistence hunting economy, the Foxe Basin region of arctic Canada is an ideal place in which to explore these issues. In this paper, I describe recent archaeological work I have carried out in the region, and outline my plans for ethnoarchaeological investigations there in the coming years.
Uitputtend onderzoek. De ontdekking van een vergeten 19de-eeuwse welput te Boazum (Fr.)
Authors: van Popta Yftinus , Bronkhorst Remco
Published: February 2020

Wishing well. The discovery of a forgotten 19th-century water well at Boazum (FR).

On the 16th of July 2017, a large hole opened up in the garden of a family in the Frisian village of Boazum, the Netherlands. The residents soon realised that it was the result of a collapse above a previously unknown brick-lined well in an overall good state of conservation. The construction was documented by using photogrammetry, and the resulting 3D model proved valuable for a further constructional and functional analysis. The well dates from the 19th century. It probably served to cool a nearby milk-cellar of an older farm that was demolished sometime after 1881.
Aardewerk van klooster Yesse: sober of chic?
Authors: Mulder Fardau
Published: February 2020

Pottery from the Yesse convent: sober or chic? Between 1215 and 1594, a Cistercian convent for women was situated on the current boundary between Haren and Groningen. In recent years, new research (including excavations by the GIA) has increased our knowledge about the monastic buildings as well as daily life at the convent. An important point of interest in this research is to what extent the nuns of Yesse followed the rules regarding the sobriety of monastic life. In this article I discuss the pottery found at Yesse and what it can tell us about the ideas regarding sobriety at the convent. I argue that the (slightly) increasing amount of luxurious and decorated pottery that is found in the final period might be linked to the problems that affected conventual life because of the decreasing popularity of monasticism in the region, and not necessarily to the nuns’ ignorance of the sobriety ideal.
Dat mag in de krant! Archeohistorisch onderzoek naar de ondergang van een 19de-eeuwse tjalk op de Zuiderzee
Authors: van Popta Yftinus
Published: February 2020

This must be in the newspaper! Archaeo-historical research into the wreck of a 19th century sailing barge on the Zuiderzee. This paper focuses on a flat-bottomed sailing barge (known as a tjalk) built in the 19th-century that was wrecked on the Zuiderzee, the Netherlands. The wreck of the tjalk was discovered and excavated in the 1970s on lot ZQ 18 near Zeewolde (province of Flevoland). Inside the wreck, hundreds of objects were discovered, including more than 30 scraps of printed paper that were initially interpreted as being part of a bible. New research, based on keyword analyses in digital archives, has revealed the identity of almost all of these scraps. Most of them come from several editions (1890 and 1892) of the local newspaper, called the Nieuwe Veendammer Courant. Clearly, the ship was connected to the surroundings of Veendam. This newly available information was successfully used to examine historical records that mentioned shipwrecks on the Zuiderzee from 1892 onwards. The shipwreck ZQ 18 turned out to be that of the Drie Gezusters, owned by captain W. Meijer of Wildervank, which sank on the Zuiderzee during the night of June 19, 1893.