bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in the Content of Phenolic Compounds and Biological Activity in Traditional Mexican Herbal Infusions with Different Drying Methods
Authors: Jimenez-Garcia Sandra N. , Vazquez-Cruz Moisés A. , Ramirez-Gomez Xóchitl S. , Beltran-Campos Vicente , Contreras-Medina Luis M. , Garcia-Trejo Juan F. , Feregrino-Pérez Ana A.
Published: April 2020

Mexican spices are used in the supplementation of the human diet and as medicinal herbs for the particularly high amounts of compounds capable of deactivating free radicals. In addition, these spices can have beneficial effects on chronic, no-transmissible diseases such as type II diabetes and hypertension arterial. The objective of this study is to determine the content of phenolic compounds on the antioxidant activity and inhibitory enzymes of α-amylase, α-glucosidase and angiotensin-converting enzyme in melissa, peppermint, thyme and mint, which are subjected to microwave drying, conventional and freeze-drying to be used as alternative treatments. Spices were evaluated to determine total phenols, flavonoids, tannins, 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), (2,2′-azino-bis- (3-ethyl benzothiazolin-6-ammonium sulphonate) (ABTS) and Ferric Reducing/Antioxidant Power (FRAP), enzymatic activity. The investigation showed that conventional drying caused a decrease in antioxidant properties and inhibitory activity, in some species, while remained preserved in microwave drying and freeze-drying. The activity of polyphenol oxides and peroxidase decreases with high temperatures and these increase with the use of cold temperatures. This study aims to determine the extent of optimal drying required to preserve phenolic compounds, and the positive effect on antioxidant activity and enzymatic activity in in vitro models, which will produce benefits for the infusion processing industry and the pharmaceutical industry.
Phytostabilization of Pb-Zn Mine Tailings with Amorpha fruticosa Aided by Organic Amendments and Triple Superphosphate
Authors: Sikdar Ashim , Wang Jinxin , Hasanuzzaman Mirza , Liu Xiaoyang , Feng Shulin , Roy Rana , Sial Tanveer Ali , Lahori Altaf Hussain , Arockiam Jeyasundar Parimala Gnana Soundari , Wang Xiuqing
Published: April 2020

A greenhouse pot trial was conducted to investigate the effect of organic amendments combined with triple superphosphate on the bioavailability of heavy metals (HMs), Amorpha fruticosa growth and metal uptake from Pb-Zn mine tailings. Cattle manure compost (CMC), spent mushroom compost (SMC) and agricultural field soil (AFS) were applied to tailings at 5%, 10%, 20% and 30% w/w ratio, whereas sewage sludge (SS) and wood biochar (WB) were mixed at 2.5%, 5%, 10% and 20% w/w ratio. Triple superphosphate (TSP) was added to all the treatments at 4:1 (molar ratio). Amendments efficiently decreased DTPA-extracted Pb, Zn, Cd and Cu in treatments. Chlorophyll contents and shoot and root dry biomass significantly (p < 0.05) increased in the treatments of CMC (except T4 for chlorophyll b) and SMC, whereas treatments of SS (except T1 for chlorophyll a and b), WB and AFS (except T4 for chlorophyll a and b) did not show positive effects as compared to CK1. Bioconcentration factor (BCF) and translocation factor (TF) values in plant tissues were below 1 for most treatments. In amended treatments, soluble protein content increased, phenylalanine ammonialyase (PAL) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) decreased, and catalase (CAT) activity showed varied results as compared to CK1 and CK2. Results suggested that A. fruticosa can be a potential metal phytostabilizer and use of CMC or SMC in combination with TSP are more effective than other combinations for the in situ stabilization of Pb-Zn mine tailings.
Choline Chloride Based Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents as Extraction Media for Extracting Phenolic Compounds from Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa)
Authors: Islamčević Razboršek Maša , Ivanović Milena , Krajnc Peter , Kolar Mitja
Published: April 2020

For the isolation of selected phenolic compounds from dried chokeberries, natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) were investigated as a green alternative to conventionally used extraction solvents. Four types of NADESs were synthesised, with choline chloride as the hydrogen bond acceptor in combination with different hydrogen bond donors (sugars, organic acid and urea). Ultrasound-assisted extraction was used to improve the extractability of the phenolic compounds and the results were compared to those obtained with 80% methanol as the extraction media. The highest values of total phenols and total flavonoids were found in the extract obtained with choline chloride–fructose NADES (36.15 ± 3.39 mg gallic acid g−1 dry weight (DW) and 4.71 ± 0.33 mg rutin g−1 DW, respectively). The extraction recoveries for the individual phenolic compounds depended strongly on the phenolic compound’s structure, with relative mean values between 70% and 97%.
Characteristics of Potential Protein Nutraceuticals of Plant Origin with Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Szerszunowicz Iwona , Kłobukowski Jan
Published: April 2020

This study used selected plant proteins and the tools available in the BIOPEP-UWM database to profile proteins and release antioxidant nutraceuticals from their primary structures. The frequency of the occurrence of fragments with antioxidant activity in a protein sequence (the A parameter) was determined. A simulated monocatalytic proteolysis was carried out using ficin or stem bromelain or pepsin (pH > 2), and the theoretical degree of hydrolysis (DHt) and the frequency (including relative frequency) of the release of fragments with a particular antioxidant activity by a selected enzyme (the AE and W parameters, respectively). Both barley hordoindolines and the protein group of “actins and other rice proteins” were characterised by the best antioxidant potential. On the other hand, among the main analysed cereal protein groups or species, the best nutraceutical sources included kafirins, rice glutelins and α-gliadins. Potentially the most nutraceutical molecules were released by pepsin (HL, VY, PHQ and PWQ biopeptides) from gliadins, but the most analysed proteins were hydrolysed (66% on average) and the DHt for ficin and bromelain amounted to 27% and 31%, respectively. However, based on the calculated AE mean values, it can be concluded that nutraceuticals were more frequently released from rice protein structures (IY and VY biopeptides), and less frequently released from barley and other cereal protein species, which may be of significance in the context of designing nutraceutical food.
Structure-Based Site of Metabolism (SOM) Prediction of Ligand for CYP3A4 Enzyme: Comparison of Glide XP and Induced Fit Docking (IFD)
Authors: Lokwani Deepak K. , Sarkate Aniket P. , Karnik Kshipra S. , Nikalje Anna Pratima G. , Seijas Julio A.
Published: April 2020

Metabolism is one of the prime reasons where most of drugs fail to accomplish their clinical trials. The enzyme CYP3A4, which belongs to the superfamily of cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP), helps in the metabolism of a large number of drugs in the body. The enzyme CYP3A4 catalyzes oxidative chemical processes and shows a very broad range of ligand specificity. The understanding of the compound’s structure where oxidation would take place is crucial for the successful modification of molecules to avoid unwanted metabolism and to increase its bioavailability. For this reason, it is required to know the site of metabolism (SOM) of the compounds, where compounds undergo enzymatic oxidation. It can be identified by predicting the accessibility of the substrate’s atom toward oxygenated Fe atom of heme in a CYP protein. The CYP3A4 enzyme is highly flexible and can take significantly different conformations depending on the ligand with which it is being bound. To predict the accessibility of substrate atoms to the heme iron, conventional protein-rigid docking methods failed due to the high flexibility of the CYP3A4 protein. Herein, we demonstrated and compared the ability of the Glide extra precision (XP) and Induced Fit docking (IFD) tool of Schrodinger software suite to reproduce the binding mode of co-crystallized ligands into six X-ray crystallographic structures. We extend our studies toward the prediction of SOM for compounds whose experimental SOM is reported but the ligand-enzyme complex crystal structure is not available in the Protein Data Bank (PDB). The quality and accuracy of Glide XP and IFD was determined by calculating RMSD of docked ligands over the corresponding co-crystallized bound ligand and by measuring the distance between the SOM of the ligand and Fe atom of heme. It was observed that IFD reproduces the exact binding mode of available co-crystallized structures and correctly predicted the SOM of experimentally reported compounds. Our approach using IFD with multiple conformer structures of CYP3A4 will be one of the effective methods for SOM prediction.
Targeted UHPLC–HRMS (Orbitrap) Polyphenolic and Capsaicinoid Profiling for the Chemometric Characterization and Classification of Paprika with Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) Attributes
Authors: Barbosa Sergio , Saurina Javier , Puignou Lluís , Núñez Oscar
Published: April 2020

Society’s interest in the quality of food products with certain attributes has increased, the attribute of a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) being an effective tool to guarantee the quality and geographical origin of a given food product. In Spain, two paprika production areas with PDO (La Vera and Murcia) are recognized. In the present work, targeted UHPLC-HRMS polyphenolic and capsaicinoid profiling through the TraceFinderTM screening software, using homemade accurate mass databases, was proposed as a source of chemical descriptors, to address the characterization, classification, and authentication of paprika. A total of 126 paprika samples from different production regions—Spain (La Vera PDO and Murcia PDO) and the Czech Republic, each including different flavor varieties, were analyzed. UHPLC-HRMS polyphenolic profiles showed to be good chemical descriptors to achieve paprika classification and authentication, based on the production region, through principal component analysis and partial least squares regression-discriminant analysis, with classification rates of 82%, 86%, and 100% for La Vera PDO, Murcia PDO, and the Czech Republic, respectively. In addition, a perfect classification was also accomplished among the flavor varieties for the Murcia PDO and Czech Republic samples. By employing the UHPLC-HRMS polyphenolic and capsaicinoid profiles as chemical descriptors, acceptable discrimination among La Vera PDO flavor varieties was also achieved.
Silacyclohexanes, Sila(hetero)cyclohexanes and Related Compounds: Structure and Conformational Analysis
Authors: Shainyan Bagrat A.
Published: April 2020

Conformational analysis of Si-mono- and Si,Si-disubstituted silacyclohexanes as well as their analogues with a heteroatom(s) in the ring is reviewed with the focus on the recent results. Experimental measurements in the gas phase (gas electron diffraction, GED) and low temperature NMR spectroscopy (LT NMR) on 1H, 13C and 29Si nuclei are described along with theoretical calculations at the DFT and MP2 levels of theory. Structural and conformational specific features are shown to be principally different from those of the carbon predecessors—the corresponding cyclohexanes, oxanes, thianes and piperidines. The role of various effects (steric, hyperconjugation, stereoelectronic, electrostatic) is demonstrated.
Analysis of the Gas Phase Acidity of Substituted Benzoic Acids Using Density Functional Concepts
Authors: Amador-Balderas Jorge A. , Martínez-Sánchez Michael-Adán , Ramírez Ramsés E. , Méndez Francisco , Meléndez Francisco J.
Published: April 2020

A theoretical study of the effect of the substituent Z on the gas phase acidity of substituted benzoic acids ZC6H4COOH in terms of density functional theory descriptors (chemical potential, softness and Fukui function) is presented. The calculated gas phase ΔacidG° values obtained were close to the experimental ones reported in the literature. The good relationship between the ΔacidG° values and the electronegativity of ZC6H4COOH and its fragments, suggested a better importance of the inductive than polarizability contributions. The balance of inductive and resonance contributions of the substituent in the acidity of substituted benzoic acids showed that the highest inductive and resonance effects were for the -SO2CF3 and -NH2 substituents in the para- and ortho-position, respectively. The Fukui function confirmed that the electron-releasing substituent attached to the phenyl ring of benzoic acid decreased the acidity in the trend ortho > meta > para, and the electron-withdrawing substituent increased the acidity in the trend ortho < meta < para.
PET Imaging of the Adenosine A2A Receptor in the Rotenone-Based Mouse Model of Parkinson’s Disease with [18F]FESCH Synthesized by a Simplified Two-Step One-Pot Radiolabeling Strategy
Authors: Schröder Susann , Lai Thu Hang , Toussaint Magali , Kranz Mathias , Chovsepian Alexandra , Shang Qi , Dukić-Stefanović Sladjana , Deuther-Conrad Winnie , Teodoro Rodrigo , Wenzel Barbara , Moldovan Rareş-Petru , Pan-Montojo Francisco , Brust Peter
Published: April 2020

The adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) is regarded as a particularly appropriate target for non-dopaminergic treatment of Parkinson’s disease (PD). An increased A2AR availability has been found in the human striatum at early stages of PD and in patients with PD and dyskinesias. The aim of this small animal positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance (PET/MR) imaging study was to investigate whether rotenone-treated mice reflect the aspect of striatal A2AR upregulation in PD. For that purpose, we selected the known A2AR-specific radiotracer [18F]FESCH and developed a simplified two-step one-pot radiosynthesis. PET images showed a high uptake of [18F]FESCH in the mouse striatum. Concomitantly, metabolism studies with [18F]FESCH revealed the presence of a brain-penetrant radiometabolite. In rotenone-treated mice, a slightly higher striatal A2AR binding of [18F]FESCH was found. Nonetheless, the correlation between the increased A2AR levels within the proposed PD animal model remains to be further investigated.
Effect of Experimental Parameters on the Extraction of Grape Seed Oil Obtained by Low Pressure and Supercritical Fluid Extraction
Authors: de Souza Rita de Cássia , Machado Bruna Aparecida Souza , Barreto Gabriele de Abreu , Leal Ingrid Lessa , Anjos Jeancarlo Pereira dos , Umsza-Guez Marcelo Andrés
Published: April 2020

Grape seeds are an important byproduct from the grape process. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of experimental parameters (temperature and time of pretreatment with ultrasound) to obtain grape seed oil using low pressure (Soxhlet-Sox and Bligh Dyer-BD) and high pressure (supercritical carbon dioxide-SFE) methods. The best condition for pretreatment of samples was 30 min of sonication at 30 °C before extraction by Sox or BD. Ultrasound pretreatment was efficient to increase oil extraction yield by 32.10 (Sox), 20.31 (BD) and 12.54% (SFE), depending on the extraction method used as well as, and certainly influenced the total phenolic concentration in 311 (Sox), 234 (BD), and 184 (SFE)%. Ten fatty acids were identified in the oils, the major ones being 18:2ω-6cis (linoleic 52.39%–63.12%), 16:0 (palmitic 20.22%–26.80%) and 18:0 (stearic 8.52%–13.68%). The highest epicatechin concentration was identified in the BD sample: 30-30 (150.49 ± 5.98mg/kg), which presented a concentration of ≥3 times compared to the control (56.68 ± 1.81mg/kg). Ultrasound pretreatment also contributed positively (56% and 99% increase) in the α-tocopherol content of the SFE: 30-30 and BD: 30-30 samples, respectively. The results indicate that the ultrasound pretreatment is a suitable technology to improve the quality of the oil from the grape seed.
p-Aminobenzoate Organic Salts as Potential Plant Growth Regulators for Tomatoes
Authors: Sumalan Radu-Liviu , Croitor Lilia , Petric Mihaela , Radulov Isidora , Bourosh Paulina , Sumalan Renata-Maria , Crisan Manuela
Published: April 2020

The discovery of environmentally friendly and inexpensive plant growth regulators (PGRs) for agronomically important crops is a necessity and must be considered a priority worldwide. This study provides the synthesis, structure determination and the biological evaluation of two binary organic salts as potential PGRs. New compounds have dual biological activity and are based on natural metabolite p-aminobenzoic acid (pABAH) and different alkanolamines. Studied compounds exhibit hydrogen-bonded 3D supramolecular architectures with different crystal packing due to the formation of one homosynthon and various heterosynthons. The biological profile of new compounds was investigated in laboratory and greenhouse on Solanum lycopersicum L., revealing the efficiency in promoting plant rooting and plant productivity. The results may have a positive impact on agricultural economics, developing new sustainable PGRs for tomatoes.
An FMRFamide Neuropeptide in Cuttlefish Sepia pharaonis: Identification, Characterization, and Potential Function
Authors: Zhu Yang , Sun Lian-lian , Wu Jun-hong , Liu Hui-hui , Zheng Li-bing , Lü Zhen-ming , Chi Chang-feng
Published: April 2020

Neuropeptides are released by neurons that are involved in a wide range of brain functions, such as food intake, metabolism, reproduction, and learning and memory. A full-length cDNA sequence of an FMRFamide gene isolated from the cuttlefish Sepia pharaonis (designated as SpFMRFamide) was cloned. The predicted precursor protein contains one putative signal peptide and four FMRFamide-related peptides. Multiple amino acid and nucleotide sequence alignments showed that it shares 97% similarity with the precursor FMRFamides of Sepiella japonica and Sepia officinalis and shares 93% and 92% similarity with the SpFMRFamide gene of the two cuttlefish species, respectively. Moreover, the phylogenetic analysis also suggested that SpFMRFamide and FMRFamides from S. japonica and S. officinalis belong to the same sub-branch. Tissue expression analysis confirmed that SpFMRFamide was widely distributed among tissues and predominantly expressed in the brain at the three development stages. The combined effects of SpFMRFamide+SpGnRH and SpFLRFamide+SpGnRH showed a marked decrease in the level of the total proteins released in the CHO-K1 cells. This is the first report of SpFMRFamide in S. pharaonis and the results may contribute to future studies of neuropeptide evolution or may prove useful for the development of aquaculture methods for this cuttlefish species.
Complex, Critical and Caring: Young People’s Diverse Religious, Spiritual and Non-Religious Worldviews in Australia and Canada
Authors: Halafoff Anna , Shipley Heather , Young Pamela D. , Singleton Andrew , Rasmussen Mary Lou , Bouma Gary
Published: April 2020

Recent scholarly and media perspectives on religion and youth have often depicted young people as being apathetic when it comes to religion. The methods used in research on religion are also typically informed by outdated, fixed idea of religious identity that are no longer applicable, especially to young people. This paper confronts these issues by applying contemporary theories of religious diversity, including lived religion and religious complexity, to the findings of the Canadian Religion, Gender and Sexuality among Youth in Canada (RGSY) study, the Australian Interaction multifaith youth movement project, and the Worldviews of Australian Generation Z (AGZ) study. These three studies revealed that young people negotiate their worldview identities in complex, critical and caring ways that are far from ambivalent, and that are characterised by hybridity and questioning. We thereby recommend that policies and curricula pertaining to young people’s and societies’ wellbeing better reflect young people’s actual lived experiences of diversity.
“Unparking”: How can Smart Mobility Reduce Parking Demand in Our Cities to the Minimum? (Beirut Case Study)
Authors: Haydar Adib
Published: April 2020

Beirut is a car-dependent city, with 80% of Beirut citizens using their private cars to move across the city (the rate of car ownership is higher than regional and global benchmarks: 627 cars/1000 in Beirut, 550/1000 in Dubai and 170/1000 in Singapore). This reality causes two related impacts: an increased parking demand and decreased public transportation usage. Furthermore, in order to discuss these aspects, our study addresses the following question: How can the municipality’s interventions and mobility system reforms, such as smart public transportation systems and shareable mobility, reduce parking demand? As our methodology, it consists of three sections: (1) determine Beirut's parking problems by estimating parking demand and supply; (2) assess the potential effects of Beirut municipality policies in comparison to international experiences; and (3) evaluate the potential impacts of the smart public transportation system and shareable mobility in reducing parking demand. This paper studies parking growth in developing countries, such as Lebanon, and can help planners, decision-makers, and the Beirut municipality to make more informed decisions about parking policies, and to meet growing parking demand by introducing smart interventions that have high local potentials.
Chemical Constituents Involved in E-Cigarette, or Vaping Product Use-Associated Lung Injury (EVALI)
Authors: Muthumalage Thivanka , Friedman Michelle R. , McGraw Matthew D. , Ginsberg Gary , Friedman Alan E. , Rahman Irfan
Published: April 2020

The Centers for Disease Control declared e-cigarette, or vaping, product use-associated lung injury (EVALI) a national outbreak due to the high incidence of emergency department admissions and deaths. We have identified chemical constituents in e-cig counterfeit cartridges and compared these to medical-grade and CBD containing cartridges. Apart from vitamin E acetate (VEA) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), other potential toxicants were identified including solvent-derived hydrocarbons, silicon conjugated compounds, various terpenes, pesticides/plasticizers/polycaprolactones, and metals. This study provides additional insights into the chemicals associated with EVALI cartridges and thus may contribute to the underlying disease mechanism of acute lung injury.
The improvement of the providing system of dental health of teenagers
Authors: Shakirova R. R. , Moiseeva M. V. , Melchukova Z. A. , Ursegov A. A.
Published: April 2020

Relevance. Forming of dental health of child population is one of the key problems of stomatology at the modern stage. Purpose. To determine the efficiency of comprehensive prevention and treatment measures on dental status of teenagers being at different stages of orthodontic treatment.

Materials and methods. 68 children at the age of 15 with pathology of dentoalveolar system being at the preparation stage and at the beginning stages of the orthodontic treatment were examined. The first group included 22 patients with abnormalities of soft tissue at the surgical preparation stage; 19 patients of the second group had accompanying hearing and speech impairments in need of orthodontic treatment at the therapeutic preparation; 27 patients of the third group were at the beginning stages of orthodontic treatment with integral technique. Intensity and the rate of tooth decay intensity, indexes Silness-Loe, РМА (C. Parma, 1960), SBI, physicochemical properties of saliva (secretion speed, saliva surface tension, pH potential) as well and Tooth-Enamel Resistance test were defined.

Results. Children of 15 years old with pathology of dentition system displayed high degree of decay intensity 0,63 ± 0,05, low degree of oral hygiene (1,861 ± 0,102 points by Silness-Loe, PI index), mild degree of gingivitis by РМА index 14,22 ± 1,18% and increase degree of bleeding (SBI 0,111 ± 0,0083 points) on the background of changing of rheological properties of saliva (secretion speed, saliva surface tension) and its pH potential 6,62 ± 0,076. The efficiency of use of parodontax line of hygiene products was studied.

Conclusions. The usage of the complex of prevention and treatment measures with inclusion of parodontax toothpastes and the mouth rinses at different stages of orthodontic treatment of the teenagers normalizes hygienic condition of cavity, stabilizes parodontal indexes on the background of reliable shift of saliva pH to alkaline side and rheological characteristics of saliva.
A modern method of treating initial caries for children using the infltration method
Authors: Zamurayeva A. U. , Supiyeva Е. T. , Orynbayeva B Sh.
Published: April 2020

Relevance. The modern method of infiltration provides an opportunity to stop the spread of pathogenic bacteria and the development of caries at the white spot stage, replacing the destroyed enamel cells with special polymers having low viscosity and high penetrating ability. The stabilization of the process is achieved in a short time with the maximum safety of their tissues. Purpose. Treatment of initial tooth decay in children by infiltration, assessment of the effectiveness and advantages of modern technology. Materials and methods. Clinical examination was carried out according to generally accepted methods. Additionally, a laser diagnostic method was used using the KaVo DIAGNOdent device (Germany). The LLP Dentistry Center «Zhaik Dent» and the LLP «Concept» used the Icon system for the treatment of initial caries and after orthodontic treatment for 25 children with 54 teeth. Results. At the end of tooth treatment with the Icon infiltration method, parents and the child were given recommendations: from the next day, brush your teeth 2 times a day, rinse your mouth regularly after eating, do not drink drinks, products with coloring substances. To monitor the result of treatment, the child was prescribed for reexamination after 7-10 days, after one month, in the following periods – once a year.After working with the material of the Icon system, the authors noted the pronounced effects of the treatment of initial caries by the method of infiltration.

Conclusions. 1. The method of infiltration is a modern and promising technology for the treatment of dental caries at an early stage without losing healthy tissues. 2. The Icon infiltration method makes it possible to stop the spread of pathogenic bacteria and develop tooth decay at the white spot stage, replacing the destroyed enamel cells with special polymers having low viscosity and high penetrating ability. 3. The stabilization of the carious process is achieved in a short time with the maximum preservation of the tooth's tissues.
THEORETICAL MODEL OF STREET SPORT OBJECTS IN KHANTY-MANSI AUTONOMOUS OKRUG-YUGRA
Authors: Zarubskaya E.
Published: April 2020

The modern theoretical basis of street sports in Russia requires the working out of recommendations for the design of architectural objects in accordance with the relevant practice. New masterplans based on the theoretical model of the unified network of street sports objects will allow to fill the missing typological links and to expand the use of architectural and town-planning potential of the cities. The results of research contain the elements of a three-level model of street sports objects for Russian Federation and provide the following steps of implementation:

- inside the country with competent distribution by regions,

- inside of each separately considered area,

- inside of each settlement.

The special importance in Russia should take the uniform distribution of street sports centers between the northern regions, where overcoming the influence of extreme living conditions by each and every resident is one of the daily tasks and requires appropriate compensations.

The proposed conception for the introduction of a unified system for the placement of street sports centers in the region contains 3 models for vertical replication (from small to large project) and 4 models for horizontal implementation of street sports objects:

- «focused on big sports development»,

- «focused on mass sports development»,

- «recreational»,

- «city-forming».
Metal Levels, Genetic Instability, and Renal Markers in Electronic Waste Workers in Thailand
Authors: Neitzel Richard L , Sayler Stephanie K , Arain Aubrey L , Nambunmee Kowit
Published: April 2020

Background: Informal electronic waste (e-waste) recycling is an increasingly important industry worldwide. However, few studies have studied the health risks in this group of workers. Objective: To assess the associations between occupational exposures to metals and genetic instability and renal markers among e-waste recycling workers. Methods: We recruited informal e-waste recycling workers from a community in northeastern Thailand. Participants completed a questionnaire, several health measurements, and provided urine and blood samples, which we then analyzed for a number of metals including lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and manganese (Mn). Samples were analyzed for a marker of RNA and DNA damage (ie, oxidative stress), 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG). Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and fractional excretion of calcium (FECa%) were measured as markers of renal function. Correlations and regression models were used to assess associations between these various factors. Results: We found significantly higher levels of Cd and Pb in blood of men compared with those in women. Men who worked >48 hours/week had significantly higher levels of 8-OHdG compared with men who worked ≤48 hours/week. Smoking was significantly associated with higher blood Pb and Cd concentrations among men. Conclusion: Our results suggest gender differences in both blood concentrations of metals associated with e-waste recycling and smoking and highlight potentially elevated oxidative stress associated with longer work hours. Health promotion efforts are needed among informal e-waste recyclers to reduce possible risks of renal damage and cancer
Demonstration of Subclinical Early Nephrotoxicity Induced by Occupational Exposure to Silica among Workers in Pottery Industry
Authors: Mourad Basma Hussein , Ashour Yasmin Adel
Published: April 2020

Background: For many years, several studies drew attention to the possible nephrotoxic effects of silica and distinct renal dysfunction involving glomerular and renal tubules in workers exposed to silica. Objective: To determine the early signs of subclinical nephrotoxic effects among some Egyptian workers exposed to silica in the pottery industry. Methods: This study was carried out in El-Fawakhir handicraft pottery area, in Greater Cairo, Egypt. The studied population included 29 non-smoking male workers occupationally exposed to silica in addition to 35 non-smoking administrative male subjects who represented the comparison group in the study. Measured urinary parameters were concentrations of total protein (TP), microalbumin (Malb), activities of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), g-glutamyl transferase (g-GT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), and silicon (Si). Results: Silica-exposed workers showed significantly (p<0.05) increased levels of urinary TP, Malb, ALP, g-GT, LDH, and KIM-1 compared with the comparison group. Among the silicaexposed group, increased urinary Si levels were positively and significantly correlated (Spearman's ρ>0.60, p<0.001 for all variables) with the elevated urinary proteins (including KIM-1) and enzymes levels. All measured urinary parameters were positively and significantly correlated (ρ>0.75, p<0.001 for all variables) with the duration of work among exposed subjects. No significant correlation was observed between the measured variables and the age of workers. Conclusion: There is associated subclinical glomerular and tubular affection among silicaexposed workers, which is related to the duration and intensity of exposure.
The Effect of Remineralizing Agents With/Without CO2 Laser Irradiation on Structural and Mechanical Properties of Enamel and its Shear Bond Strength to Orthodontic Brackets
Authors: Ghadirian Hannaneh , Geramy Allahyar , Shallal Waleed , Heidari Soolmaz , Noshiri Nooshin , Keshvad Mohammad Ali
Published: April 2020

Introduction: Remineralizing agents may be used for the treatment of white spot lesions (WSLs) prior to bracket bonding. However, some concerns exist regarding their possible interference with the etching and bonding process, negatively affecting the bond strength. This study aimed to assess the effect of two remineralizing agents with/without CO2 laser irradiation on the mechanical properties and shear bond strength (SBS) of demineralized enamel to the orthodontic bracket. Methods: This study evaluated 60 premolar teeth in 6 groups (n=10) as follows: (I) sound enamel, (II) demineralized enamel, (III) Nupro remineralizing agent (N), (IV) Nupro and CO2 laser (N/L), (V) Teethmate remineralizing agent (T), and (VI) Teethmate and CO2 laser (T/L). The remineralizing agents were applied to the enamel surfaces after their immersion in a demineralizing solution for 5 days. In groups IV and VI, the CO2 laser with a 10.6 μm wavelength, 10 ms pulse duration, a 50 Hz repetition rate, 0.3 mm beam diameter and 0.7 W power was irradiated after applying the remineralizing agents. Brackets were bonded to the enamel surfaces and SBS was measured by a universal testing machine. For the assessment of enamel microhardness, 20 sections of molar teeth were divided into 4 groups (n=5; N, N/L, T, T/L) and their microhardness was measured before demineralization, after demineralization and after remineralization. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and energy-dispersive spectrometry (EDS) were carried out to assess the formation of hydroxyapatite. The atomic percentages of the C, O, P, Ca, Na, Si, F and Ca/P ratio were determined by EDS analysis. Results: The SBS significantly decreased in group II (P<0.001). There was no significant difference among the groups I, III, IV, V and VI (P<0.05). This finding was similar to the microhardness results, which showed an increase in microhardness after remineralization (P<0.05), with no difference among the remineralizing agents. The Ca/P ratio was the highest in the Nupro group and the lowest in the demineralized group. Conclusion: Remineralizing agents can significantly improve the microhardness and structural properties of demineralized enamel to a level similar to that of sound enamel with no adverse effect on SBS to orthodontic brackets.
The Effect of the Bioactive Glass and the Er:YAG Laser on the Remineralization of the Affected Dentin: A Comparative In Vitro Study
Authors: Moghaddas Mohammad Javad , Moosavi Horieh , Yaghoubirad Sara , Chiniforush Nasim
Published: April 2020

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of the bioactive glass, the glass ionomer, and the Erbium YAG laser as liners on the remineralization of the affected dentin. Methods: The present study was conducted on 64 healthy extracted human molars divided into 4 groups, 1 control group and 3 experimental groups. After artificially inducing dentinal caries lesions, each of the experimental groups was applied to the cavity floor and then restored with a composite. The samples were stored after thermocycling in an incubator for two months. Finally, the hardness of the cavity floor was measured at 3 depths of 20, 50 and 100 μm by the Vickers microhardness tester. The dentin conditions underneath the liners were also evaluated with FESEM. Statistical analysis was performed by two-way ANOVA and the post-hoc Games-Howell test (P<0.05). Results: Among the groups, the lowest microhardness value was in the control group (P<0.05) except at a depth of 100 μm; therefore, there was no significant difference between the control group and the bioactive glass (P>0.05). The laser group had the highest microhardness value, which was significantly different from the control group (P<0.05). There was a significant difference between the laser and bioactive glass (P<0.05), except at a depth of 20 μm. The laser and glass ionomer had only a significant difference at a depth of 100 μm (P<0.05). The microhardness value induced by glass ionomer was higher than bioactive glass, which in no depth was significant (P>0.05). Partial dentinal tubule occlusion was observed with FESEM in each of the experimental groups as compared to the control group. Conclusion: The microhardness values were higher in all groups than in the control group. The laser might be more successful in remineralization than the other ones.
Microshear Bond Strength of a Self-adhesive Composite to Erbium Laser-Treated Primary Enamel
Authors: Zarabian Tara , Azadi Mood Saba , Kiomarsi Nazanin , Noorollahian Homa , Hakimiha Neda
Published: April 2020

Introduction: Advances have been made in the composition of flowable composites in recent years and self-adhering composites, which do not require a bonding agent, have recently been introduced to the market. This study aimed to assess the microshear bond strength (µSBS) of a self-adhering flowable composite (Vertise) to primary enamel treated with a graphite disc with silicon carbide particles (SIC) and laser irradiation, the result of which was compared to that of a conventional flowable composite (Premise). Methods: In this in vitro, experimental study, 72 samples of sound primary enamel were evaluated. A smooth enamel surface was obtained using a graphite disc. Next, the erbium chromium yttrium scandium gallium garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser was used for enamel surface treatment in half of the samples (n=36). All the samples were then randomly divided into 4 groups of (i) Premise flowable composite (PF) without laser (n=18), (ii) Vertise flowable composite (VF) without laser (n=18), (iii) PF with laser (n=18), and (iv) VF with laser (n=18). The teeth were then incubated at 37°C for 24 hours and were then subjected to thermocycling. The µSBS of samples was measured using a universal testing machine and reported in megapascal (MPa). Data were analyzed using SPSS via the two-way ANOVA and independent-samples t test at P<0.05. Results: The mean µSBS of VF was significantly higher to the laser-treated samples (13.60±5.47) compared with the non-treated samples (5.89±2.42) (P<0.001). However, no significant difference was noted in the µSBS of PF to the laser-treated (13.18±3.45) and non-treated samples (16.06±3.52) (P=0.058). Conclusion: The µSBS of the conventional flowable composite is higher than that of the selfadhering flowable composite to the enamel of primary teeth. Enamel surface treatment with laser irradiation increases the µSBS of self-adhering flowable composites.
RIZOBACTERIAS NATIVAS EN JAMAICA ANTAGONISTAS A Phytophthora parasitica Dastur: AISLAMIENTO Y CARACTERIZACIÓN
Authors: Meléndez-Monroy Magnolia , Aranda-Ocampo Sergio , Carrillo-Castañeda Guillermo , Hernández-Morales Javier , Soto-Rojas Lauro
Published: April 2020

Las comunidades microbianas en la rizosfera son importantes en la nutrición y sanidad de las plantas. En esta investigación se estudiaron las poblaciones bacterianas cultivables nativas en la rizosfera de jamaica (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) var. Tecoanapa en los estados fenológicos de crecimiento inicial, desarrollo de botones florales y floración, en las localidades: Las Ánimas, Saucitos, Pueblo Largo, Santa Rosa y Xalpatláhuac municipio de Tecoanapa, Guerrero, con el objetivo de caracterizar fenotípica y genotípicamente rizobacterias antagonistas in vitro a Phytophthora parasitica. La densidad de población bacteriana total en la rizosfera fue log 3.50 y 6.56 UFC g-1 de raíz. El estudio comparativo entre sitios mostró que el promedio de UFC g-1 de raíz en la etapa de crecimiento inicial fue estadísticamente mayor (P > 0.05) y que el magnesio (r = 0.93) y el fósforo en el suelo (r = 0.81) tienen una correlación significativa con los valores de UFC. El antagonismo de 450 aislados bacterianos a P. parasitica mediante ensayos in vitro generó 18 cepas bacterianas eficientes. La caracterizaron de las bacterias mostró que 100 % de ellas expresaron actividad enzimática lipolítica y proteolítica, 88.9 % produjeron sideróforos, 44.4 % produjeron ácido indol-3 acético, y 72.2 % solubilizaron fosfatos. De las 18 cepas iniciales, seis expresaron las cinco actividades relacionadas con el antagonismo o promoción del crecimiento. Las cepas (n = 18) se identificaron genéticamente por la técnica de reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR, por sus siglas en inglés) mediante la amplificación y secuenciación de la región 16S rADN con los iniciadores 27F y 1492R. Los géneros identificados en la rizosfera de jamaica y con actividad antagonista a P. parasitica y promotoras del crecimiento vegetal fueron Serratia, Pseudomonas y Stenotrophomonas con una homología del 99 %. Este estudio es el primero que se ha publicado sobre las comunidades bacterianas cultivables nativas en la rizosfera de jamaica.
POTENCIAL DENDROCRONOLÓGICO DE Juniperus monticola MARTÍNEZ EN EL MONTE TLÁLOC, MÉXICO
Authors: Villanueva-Díaz José , Vázquez-Selem Lorenzo , Gómez-Guerrero Armando , Cerano-Paredes Julián , Aguirre-González Noé A. , Franco-Ramos Osvaldo
Published: April 2020

Se desarrolló una cronología de anillo anual de 264 años (1750 a 2013) con 33 series derivadas de 50 especímenes de Juniperus monticola Martínez (enebro, cedro blanco) del Monte Tláloc, en un intervalo altitudinal de 3980 a 4060 m. A pesar de la irregularidad de las secciones transversales y de la variabilidad en el ancho del anillo anual, los parámetros dendrocronológicos de COFECHA y ARSTAN como sensibilidad media (0.41), inter-correlación entre series (0.55) y relación señal-ruido (1.24) indicaron que la especie es viable para estudios dendrocronológicos. La correlación de la serie cronológica con la temperatura media anual fue estadísticamente significativa (r = 0.45, n = 54, P < 0.01), y también se encontró una correlación significativa (P < 0.01) con series fechadas de Pinus hartwegii de los volcanes Iztaccíhuatl y Pico de Orizaba, lo que confirma su potencial dendrocronológico. Asimismo, se obtuvieron correlaciones significativas con índices SOI (r = -0.27, P < 0.01, n = 113) y con el PDSI reconstruido para junio en el centro de México (r = 0.25, P < 0.01, n = 109), lo que es una prueba de la factibilidad para interpretar fenómenos climáticos a partir de anillos de enebro en altitudes elevadas (> 3500 msnm) del centro de México. Para la especie estudiada la temperatura media fue la variable más correlacionada con su crecimiento radial. Los años intensos de El Niño, que producen sequías severas en el centro de México, se asociaron con mayores incrementos radiales. El enebro es idóneo para realizar estudios de la influencia de este fenómeno y para comprender la variabilidad climática histórica de alta y baja frecuencia.
PARTIAL ROOTZONE DRYING ADVANCES FRUIT MATURITY OF ROYAL GALA APPLE
Authors: Zegbe Jorge A. , Behboudian M. Hossein , Lang Alexander
Published: April 2020

Partial rootzone drying (PRD) is a feasible irrigation strategy for saving water, which might save up to 50 % water, while maintaining apple (Malus domestica Borkh) yield. More information is available on the effect of PRD on yield and fruit quality than on fruit maturity advancement (FMA). Therefore, the effect of PRD on FMA of Royal Gala apples grown in a dry area of New Zealand was studied. The irrigation treatments were commercial irrigation (CI) and PRD. Fruit growth and FMA were measured. FMA was estimated based on mean fresh mass of fruit (MFMF), fruit skin color (FSC), fruit diameter (FD), fruit volume (FV), fruit density (FDen), flesh firmness (FF), total soluble solids concentration (TSSC), dry mass concentration of fruit (DMCF), and starch pattern index (SPI). MFMF, FSC, FD, FV, FDen, and DMCF were similar between CI and PRD fruit. However, compared to CI fruit, PRD fruit showed a tendency for enhancing FF and TSSC. SPI was higher in PRD fruit than in CI fruit. Canonical discriminant analysis showed that fruit quality attributes collectively accounted for the significant separation between CI and PRD fruit. The separation was weighed toward higher SPI, which was indicative of FMA in PRD treatment. This has important implications for early marketing. So, PRD application may improve FMA and save irrigation water by 52 %. The PRD could therefore be recommended for similar agro-ecological areas of the world.
CONDUCTIVIDAD HIDRÁULICA EN TALLOS FLORALES DE ROSA CV. POLO CON DIFERENTE LONGITUD
Authors: Arriaga-Frías Alberto , De-la-Cruz-Guzmán Gumercindo H. , Mandujano-Piña Manuel
Published: April 2020

La longitud del tallo floral es un criterio de calidad en rosas de corte (Rosa hybrida L.) ya que los tallos largos tienen más área seccional en el punto de corte para la absorción de agua con respecto a los cortos. De esta manera, un tallo corto muestra un área xilemática menor que puede influir sobre el flujo de agua e hidratación de los tejidos y vida de florero (VF). Por lo anterior, el objetivo de este trabajo fue describir las características de los vasos de xilema y su relación con la capacidad de conducción de agua y la VF en tallos largos (50 cm), medianos (35 cm) y cortos (25 cm) de rosa cv. Polo. Se calcularon el índice de vulnerabilidad y la conductividad hidráulica relativa, además del flujo de agua en fracciones de tallo y unidad floral, y la VF. Al comparar los diámetros de vasos de xilema de los tallos más cortos con los medianos y largos se obtuvieron valores de 4.41, 12.4 y 12.51 µm respectivamente; en el mismo orden, los índices de vulnerabilidad fueron de 0.14, 0.83 y 1.29 y la conductividad hidráulica relativa fue de 898, 25,269 y 19,628, respectivamente. En relación con las variables fisiológicas, los tallos de menor longitud también registraron un reducido flujo y consumo tanto en las fracciones de tallo como en las unidades florales. La VF en los tallos largos y medianos fue de 11.4 y 10.6 d comparado con 7.3 d obtenidos en los tallos de longitud corta. Se concluyó que los vasos de xilema de diámetro corto con una conductividad hidráulica reducida tienen una influencia negativa sobre la hidratación de los tejidos y la VF.
VARIABILIDAD GENOTÍPICA EN MAÍZ NATIVO PARA EFICIENCIA Y RESPUESTA A FÓSFORO EN ETAPA DE FLORACIÓN
Authors: Flores-Torres Enrique , Ochoa-Cadavid Iván , Preciado-Ortíz Ricardo E. , Bayuelo-Jiménez Jeannette S.
Published: April 2020

La reducida disponibilidad de fósforo (P) en el suelo limita el rendimiento de los cultivos. El desarrollo de cultivares con tolerancia a la deficiencia de P puede representar una solución más sostenible que la que depende solamente de la aplicación de fertilizantes fosforados. Se estudió la variabilidad genotípica de maíz (Zea mays L.) de la Meseta P’urhépecha en Michoacán, México para eficiencia y respuesta a P, en la etapa de floración. El estudio incluyó cuatro localidades con 27 genotipos cultivados en suelos con deficiencia de P, con una dosis de fertilización reducida (25 kg P2O5 ha-1) (BP) y alta (50 kg P2O5 ha-1) (AP). Los genotipos de maíz difirieron en crecimiento vegetativo y eficiencia a P, definida como el crecimiento sostenido en condiciones de baja disponibilidad de P. Los 27 genotipos se agruparon en tres categorías de eficiencia con base en sus parámetros de crecimiento en BP y sus valores relativos al tratamiento de AP y en cuatro categorías de acuerdo con el valor del índice de eficiencia a P en combinación con la respuesta en crecimiento en AP. La distribución de los genotipos entre los tres grupos de eficiencia y respuesta a P fue estable en todas las localidades. Los genotipos SHUI-2 (6), ZR-6 (75), Paso del Muerto (113), Tepetate (206) y Macho II-04 (230) fueron los más eficientes en BP y los que respondieron a la alta fertilización. Los genotipos eficientes tuvieron una mayor producción de materia seca y contenido de P en la planta y una mayor eficiencia en la absorción de P. La maduración tardía de los genotipos eficientes propició un incremento en la adquisición de P del suelo y mayor crecimiento en BP. Estos resultados indican que existe variabilidad genotípica para la eficiencia y respuesta a P en el germoplasma de maíz.