bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estradiol Replacement Improves High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity by Suppressing the Action of Ghrelin in Ovariectomized Rats
Authors: Yokota-Nakagi Naoko , Takahashi Haruka , Kawakami Mizuho , Takamata Akira , Uchida Yuki , Morimoto Keiko
Published: March 2020

This study aims to investigate the effects of estradiol replacement on the orexigenic action of ghrelin in ovariectomized (OVX) obese rats fed with a high-fat diet (HFD). Four weeks after OVX at 9 weeks of age, Wistar rats were subcutaneously implanted with either 17β-estradiol (E2) or placebo (Pla) pellets and started on HFD feeding. After 4 weeks, growth hormone-releasing peptide (GHRP)-6, a growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR) agonist injected intraperitoneally, induced changes in HFD intake, and c-Fos-positive neurons in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC) were measured in both groups. The ghrelin protein and mRNA levels, as well as GHSR protein in stomach, were analyzed by Western blotting and real-time PCR. HFD increased energy intake and body weight in the Pla group, while it temporarily reduced these in the E2 group. GHRP-6 enhanced HFD intake and activated neurons in the ARC only in the Pla group. Furthermore, gastric ghrelin and GHSR protein levels were lower in the E2 group than in the Pla group, but plasma acyl ghrelin levels were similar in both groups. Our results suggest that E2 replacement improves obesity by inhibiting the orexigenic action of ghrelin via downregulation of ghrelin and its receptor in stomach in HFD-fed OVX rats.
Moderate Weight Loss Modifies Leptin and Ghrelin Synthesis Rhythms but Not the Subjective Sensations of Appetite in Obesity Patients
Authors: Hernández Morante Juan José , Díaz Soler Inmaculada , Muñoz Joaquín S. Galindo , Sánchez Horacio Pérez , Barberá Ortega Mª del Carmen , Martínez Carlos Manuel , Morillas Ruiz Juana Mª
Published: March 2020

Obesity is characterized by a resistance to appetite-regulating hormones, leading to a misalignment between the physiological signals and the perceived hunger/satiety signal. A disruption of the synthesis rhythm may explain this situation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietary-induced weight loss on the daily rhythms of leptin and ghrelin and its influence on the daily variability of the appetite sensations of patients with obesity. Twenty subjects with obesity underwent a hypocaloric dietary intervention for 12 weeks. Plasma leptin and ghrelin were analyzed at baseline and at the end of the intervention and in 13 normal-weight controls. Appetite ratings were analyzed. Weight loss decreased leptin synthesis (pauc < 0.001) but not the rhythm characteristics, except the mean variability value (pmesor = 0.020). By contrast, the mean ghrelin level increased after weight loss. The rhythm characteristics were also modified until a rhythm similar to the normal-weight subjects was reached. The amount of variability of leptin and ghrelin was correlated with the effectiveness of the dietary intervention (p < 0.020 and p < 0.001, respectively). Losing weight partially restores the daily rhythms of leptin and modifies the ghrelin rhythms, but appetite sensations are barely modified, thus confirming that these hormones cannot exercise their physiological function properly.
Effects of Leucine Administration in Sarcopenia: A Randomized and Placebo-controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Martínez-Arnau Francisco M. , Fonfría-Vivas Rosa , Buigues Cristina , Castillo Yolanda , Molina Pilar , Hoogland Aldert J. , van Doesburg Femke , Pruimboom Leo , Fernández-Garrido Julio , Cauli Omar
Published: March 2020

Treating sarcopenia in older individuals remains a challenge, and nutritional interventions present promising approaches in individuals that perform limited physical exercise. We assessed the efficacy of leucine administration to evaluate whether the regular intake of this essential amino acid can improve muscle mass, muscle strength and functional performance and respiratory muscle function in institutionalized older individuals. The study was a placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind design in fifty participants aged 65 and over (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT03831399). The participants were randomized to a parallel group intervention of 13 weeks’ duration with a daily intake of leucine (6 g/day) or placebo (lactose, 6 g/day). The primary outcome was to study the effect on sarcopenia and respiratory muscle function. The secondary outcomes were changes in the geriatric evaluation scales, such as cognitive function, functional impairment and nutritional assessments. We also evaluated whether leucine administration alters blood analytical parameters and inflammatory markers. Administration of leucine was well-tolerated and significantly improves some criteria of sarcopenia in elderly individuals such as functional performance measured by walking time (p = 0.011), and improved lean mass index. For respiratory muscle function, the leucine-treated group improved significantly (p = 0.026) in maximum static expiratory force compared to the placebo. No significant effects on functional impairment, cognitive function or nutritional assessment, inflammatory cytokines IL-6, TNF-alpha were observed after leucine administration compared to the placebo. The use of l-leucine supplementation can have some beneficial effects on sarcopenia and could be considered for the treatment of sarcopenia in older individuals.
Effects of Diet on Sleep: A Narrative Review
Authors: Binks Hannah , E. Vincent Grace , Gupta Charlotte , Irwin Christopher , Khalesi Saman
Published: March 2020

Many processes are involved in sleep regulation, including the ingestion of nutrients, suggesting a link between diet and sleep. Aside from studies investigating the effects of tryptophan, previous research on sleep and diet has primarily focused on the effects of sleep deprivation or sleep restriction on diet. Furthermore, previous reviews have included subjects with clinically diagnosed sleep-related disorders. The current narrative review aimed to clarify findings on sleep-promoting foods and outline the effects of diet on sleep in otherwise healthy adults. A search was undertaken in August 2019 from the Cochrane, MEDLINE (PubMed), and CINAHL databases using the population, intervention, control, outcome (PICO) method. Eligible studies were classified based on emerging themes and reviewed using narrative synthesis. Four themes emerged: tryptophan consumption and tryptophan depletion, dietary supplements, food items, and macronutrients. High carbohydrate diets, and foods containing tryptophan, melatonin, and phytonutrients (e.g., cherries), were linked to improved sleep outcomes. The authors posit that these effects may be due in part to dietary influences on serotonin and melatonin activity.
Replacing Animal-Based Proteins with Plant-Based Proteins Changes the Composition of a Whole Nordic Diet—A Randomised Clinical Trial in Healthy Finnish Adults
Authors: Päivärinta Essi , Itkonen Suvi , Pellinen Tiina , Lehtovirta Mikko , Erkkola Maijaliisa , Pajari Anne-Maria
Published: March 2020

Increased consumption of plant-based foods and decreased consumption of animal-based foods is recommended for healthy diets and sustainable food production. We investigated the effects of partial replacement of dietary animal proteins with plant-based ones on intake of energy-yielding nutrients, fibre, and plasma lipoproteins. This 12-week randomised clinical intervention comprised 107 women and 29 men (20–69 years) in three diet groups with different dietary protein compositions (“ANIMAL”: Animal 70%/plant 30%; “50/50”: Animal 50%/plant 50%; “PLANT”: Animal 30%/plant 70%; all: Protein intake 17 E%). Nutrient intakes were assessed by 4-day food records. Saturated fat intake (E%) was lower and polyunsaturated fatty acid intake (E%) higher in the PLANT and 50/50 groups compared to the ANIMAL group (p < 0.001 for all). Fibre intake was higher in the PLANT (p ˂ 0.001) and 50/50 (p = 0.012) groups. Total and LDL cholesterol were lower in the PLANT than in the ANIMAL group (p = 0.003 for both) but no differences in HDL cholesterol or triglycerides were observed (p > 0.05). Replacing animal protein with plant protein sources in the diet led to an increased fibre intake and improved dietary fat quality as well as blood lipoprotein profile. Flexitarian diets could provide healthy and more sustainable alternatives for the current, predominantly animal-based diets.
The Relationship between the Infant Gut Microbiota and Allergy. The Role of Bifidobacterium breve and Prebiotic Oligosaccharides in the Activation of Anti-Allergic Mechanisms in Early Life
Authors: Cukrowska Bożena , Bierła Joanna B. , Zakrzewska Magdalena , Klukowski Mark , Maciorkowska Elżbieta
Published: March 2020

The increase in allergy prevalence observed in recent decades may be a consequence of early intestinal dysbiosis. The intestinal microbiota is formed in the first 1000 days of life, when it is particularly sensitive to various factors, such as the composition of the mother’s microbiota, type of delivery, infant’s diet, number of siblings, contact with animals, and antibiotic therapy. Breastfeeding and vaginal birth favorably affect the formation of an infant’s intestinal microbiota and protect against allergy development. The intestinal microbiota of these infants is characterized by an early dominance of Bifidobacterium, which may have a significant impact on the development of immune tolerance. Bifidobacterium breve is a species commonly isolated from the intestines of healthy breastfed infants and from human milk. This review outlines the most important environmental factors affecting microbiota formation and the importance of Bifidobacterium species (with a particular emphasis on Bifidobacterium breve) in microbiota modulation towards anti-allergic processes. In addition, we present the concept, which assumes that infant formulas containing specific probiotic Bifidobacterium breve strains and prebiotic oligosaccharides may be useful in allergy management in non-breastfed infants.
Motivations Influencing Caffeine Consumption Behaviors among College Students in Korea: Associations with Sleep Quality
Authors: Choi Jinkyung
Published: March 2020

Caffeinated beverages are a part of daily life. Caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea, energy drinks, and soft drinks are easy to purchase and are frequently consumed by young college students. Moreover, smoking influences the consumption of caffeinated beverages. The concentration of caffeine in these products is an attractive factor for individuals that desire the effects of caffeine; however, abusing such products may lead to poor sleep quality. The motivations that drive caffeinated beverage consumption were investigated in this study through a survey. Self-reported questionnaires were distributed on campus to students enrolled at a university in Korea. The motivations of the students for consuming each caffeinated beverage and their sleep quality were investigated. The results of exploratory factor analysis showed the motivations for caffeinated beverage consumption were alertness, taste, mood, socialization, health benefits, and habit. The motivations for consuming each caffeinated beverage product were different. For instance, coffee consumption was motivated by a desire for alertness (B = 0.107, SE = 0.049, t = 2.181, p < 0.05) and by habit (B = 0.345, SE = 0.046, t = 7.428, p < 0.001), whereas tea consumption was influenced by socialization (B = 0.142, SE = 0.060, t = 2.357, p < 0.05). Energy drink consumption was motivated by a desire for alertness (B = 0.100, SE = 0.034, t = 2.966, p < 0.01) and health benefits (B = 0.120, SE = 0.051, t = 2.345, p < 0.05), while the consumption of soft drinks was not motivated by any specific factors. Caffeinated beverage consumption did not show a significant relationship with sleep quality, although the general sleep quality of the respondents was poor. Smoking status showed significant differences in coffee and tea consumption as well as sleep quality. Smokers had a higher intake of coffee and a lower intake of tea than non-smokers. No interaction effect between smoking and coffee on sleep quality was found. Labeling detailing the amount of caffeine in products is necessary and a cautionary statement informing consumers that smoking cigarettes enhances the effects of caffeine should be included.
Food Supplements for Weight Loss: Risk Assessment of Selected Impurities
Authors: Figueiredo Alexandra , Costa Isabel Margarida , Fernandes Tânia Alexandra , Gonçalves Luísa Lima , Brito José
Published: March 2020

Nowadays, food supplements are widely consumed, often without any medical supervision. In this study, 25 food supplements for weight loss, randomly purchased from five different suppliers in the European Union, were analysed by Wavelength Dispersive X ray Fluorescence spectrometry (WDXRF). The aim of this study was the risk assessment of trace elements and the mixture of elements present in food supplements for weight loss. The obtained Hazard Index (0.11) showed no potential risk of non-carcinogenic effects to human health. However, since humans are frequently exposed by different routes and/or sources to toxic metals, the additional consumption of these products may cause potential toxicological risks that cannot be ignored. In one analysed food supplement (FS), the simultaneous presence of Pb and Mn in high concentrations was detected. In two, FS chromium concentrations were above the reference daily dose. Unconformities were detected between the labelled and the detected values, which emphasises the misinformation of labels. This highlights the need for a deeper surveillance of food supplements.
Human Spotted Fever Group Rickettsia Infecting Yaks (Bos grunniens) in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Area
Authors: Jian Yingna , Li Jixu , Adjou Moumouni Paul Franck , Zhang Xueyong , Tumwebaze Maria Agnes , Wang Geping , Cai Qigang , Li Xiuping , Wang Guanghua , Liu Mingming , Li Yongchang , Ma Liqing , Xuan Xuenan
Published: March 2020

The Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Area (QTPA) is a plateau with the highest average altitude, located in Northwestern China. There is a risk for interspecies disease transmission, such as spotted fever rickettsioses. However, information on the molecular characteristics of the spotted fever group (SFG) Rickettsia spp. in the area is limited. This study performed screenings, and detected the DNA of human pathogen, SFG Rickettsia spp., with 11.3% (25/222) infection rates in yaks (Bos grunniens). BLASTn analysis revealed that the Rickettsia sequences obtained shared 94.3–100% identity with isolates of Rickettsia spp. from ticks in China. One Rickettsia sequence (MN536161) had 100% nucleotide identity to two R. raoultii isolates from Chinese Homo sapiens, and one isolate from Qinghai Dermacentor silvarum. Meanwhile, another Rickettsia sequence (MN536157) shared 99.1–99.5% identity to one isolate from Dermacentor spp. in China. Furthermore, the phylogenetic analysis of SFG Rickettsia spp. ompA gene revealed that these two sequences obtained from yaks in the present study grouped with the R. slovaca and R. raoultii clades with isolates identified from Dermacentor spp. and Homo sapiens. Our findings showed the first evidence of human pathogen DNA, SFG Rickettsia spp., from animals, in the QTPA.
Neurological Aspects of HIV-1/HTLV-1 and HIV-1/HTLV-2 Coinfection
Authors: Araujo Abelardo Q.-C.
Published: March 2020

Simultaneous infection by human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV) and human T-lymphotropic viruses (HTLV) are not uncommon since they have similar means of transmission and are simultaneously endemic in many populations. Besides causing severe immune dysfunction, these viruses are neuropathogenic and can cause neurological diseases through direct and indirect mechanisms. Many pieces of evidence at present show that coinfection may alter the natural history of general and, more specifically, neurological disorders through different mechanisms. In this review, we summarize the current evidence on the influence of coinfection on the progression and outcome of neurological complications of HTLV-1/2 and HIV-1.
Persistent Calyxes in Postbloom Fruit Drop: A Microscopy and Microanalysis Perspective
Authors: Rodrigues Marques João Paulo , Bellato Spósito Marcel , Amorim Lilian , Sgarbiero Montanha Gabriel , Silva Junior Geraldo José , Pereira de Carvalho Hudson Wallace , Appezzato-da-Glória Beatriz
Published: March 2020

Citrus postbloom fruit drop, caused by Colletotrichum spp., is an important disease in the Americas. The pathogen infects citrus flowers, produces orange-brown lesions on petals, and may cause the abscission of young fruit. In diseased flowers, the calyxes remain attached to the peduncle after the young fruit drop. No anatomical and microanalysis studies have been conducted to determine whether calyx tissues can be infected by Colletotrichum spp. and why calyxes remain attached to the peduncle. Based on light microscopy, we demonstrate that the ovary abscission zone exhibits a separation region composed of layers of thickened lignified walled cells, indicating that abscission involves the disruption of cell walls. The first layers of the protective zone (PZ) are composed of densely packed cells with suberized walls produced by the wound meristem. Beneath the PZ, there is a compact mass of small cells that accumulate starch grains. X-ray fluorescence microanalysis (µ-XRF) confirmed the increased accumulation of calcium in the receptacle of the persistent calyxes compared to non-inoculated citrus flowers. Moreover, the peduncle pith and the receptacle exhibit hypertrophied cells with thick walls that may be related to calyx retention. Fungal structures are not observed inside the persistent calyx tissues.
The Neuropathic Itch Caused by Pseudorabies Virus
Authors: Laval Kathlyn , Enquist Lynn W.
Published: March 2020

Pseudorabies virus (PRV) is an alphaherpesvirus related to varicella-zoster virus (VZV) and herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV1). PRV is the causative agent of Aujeskzy’s disease in swine. PRV infects mucosal epithelium and the peripheral nervous system (PNS) of its host where it can establish a quiescent, latent infection. While the natural host of PRV is the swine, a broad spectrum of mammals, including rodents, cats, dogs, and cattle can be infected. Since the nineteenth century, PRV infection is known to cause a severe acute neuropathy, the so called “mad itch” in non-natural hosts, but surprisingly not in swine. In the past, most scientific efforts have been directed to eradicating PRV from pig farms by the use of effective marker vaccines, but little attention has been given to the processes leading to the mad itch. The main objective of this review is to provide state-of-the-art information on the mechanisms governing PRV-induced neuropathic itch in non-natural hosts. We highlight similarities and key differences in the pathogenesis of PRV infections between non-natural hosts and pigs that might explain their distinctive clinical outcomes. Current knowledge on the neurobiology and possible explanations for the unstoppable itch experienced by PRV-infected animals is also reviewed. We summarize recent findings concerning PRV-induced neuroinflammatory responses in mice and address the relevance of this animal model to study other alphaherpesvirus-induced neuropathies, such as those observed for VZV infection.
Modeling of the HIV-1 Life Cycle in Productively Infected Cells to Predict Novel Therapeutic Targets
Authors: Shcherbatova Olga , Grebennikov Dmitry , Sazonov Igor , Meyerhans Andreas , Bocharov Gennady
Published: March 2020

There are many studies that model the within-host population dynamics of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1) infection. However, the within-infected-cell replication of HIV-1 remains to be not comprehensively addressed. There exist rather few quantitative models describing the regulation of the HIV-1 life cycle at the intracellular level. In treatment of HIV-1 infection, there remain issues related to side-effects and drug-resistance that require further search “...for new and better drugs, ideally targeting multiple independent steps in the HIV-1 replication cycle” (as highlighted recently by Tedbury & Freed, The Future of HIV-1 Therapeutics, 2015). High-resolution mathematical models of HIV-1 growth in infected cells provide an additional analytical tool in identifying novel drug targets. We formulate a high-dimensional model describing the biochemical reactions underlying the replication of HIV-1 in target cells. The model considers a nonlinear regulation of the transcription of HIV-1 mediated by Tat and the Rev-dependent transport of fully spliced and singly spliced transcripts from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. The model is calibrated using available information on the kinetics of various stages of HIV-1 replication. The sensitivity analysis of the model is performed to rank the biochemical processes of HIV-1 replication with respect to their impact on the net production of virions by one actively infected cell. The ranking of the sensitivity factors provides a quantitative basis for identifying novel targets for antiviral therapy. Our analysis suggests that HIV-1 assembly depending on Gag and Tat-Rev regulation of transcription and mRNA distribution present two most critical stages in HIV-1 replication that can be targeted to effectively control virus production. These processes are not covered by current antiretroviral treatments.
Improved Surface Display of Human Hyal1 and Identification of Testosterone Propionate and Chicoric Acid as New Inhibitors
Authors: Lengers Isabelle , Herrmann Fabian , Le Borgne Marc , Jose Joachim
Published: March 2020

Degradation of high molecular weight hyaluronic acid (HA) in humans is mainly catalyzed by hyaluronidase Hyal1. This enzyme is involved in many pathophysiological processes and therefore appears an interesting target for drug discovery. Until now, only a few inhibitors of human Hyal1 are known due to obstacles in obtaining active enzymes for inhibitor screening. The aim of the present work was to provide a convenient enzyme activity assay and show its feasibility by the identification of new inhibitors. By autodisplay, Escherichia coli F470 can present active Hyal1 on its surface. In this study, the inducible expression of Hyal1 on the cell surface of E. coli under the control of a rhamnose-dependent promoter (Prha) was performed and optimized. Enzyme activity per single cell was increased by a factor of 100 compared to the constitutive Hyal1 surface display, as described before. An activity of 6.8 × 10−4 mU per single cell was obtained under optimal reaction conditions. By this modified activity assay, two new inhibitors of human Hyal1 were identified. Chicoric acid, a natural compound belonging to the phenylpropanoids, showed an IC50 value of 171 µM. The steroid derivative testosterone propionate showed and IC50 value of 124 ± 1.1 µM. Both values were in the same order of magnitude as the IC50 value of glycyrrhizic acid (177 µM), one of the best known inhibitors of human Hyal1 known so far. In conclusion, we established a new enzyme activity assay for human Hyal1 and identified new inhibitors with this new assay method.
Efficacy of Panax ginseng Meyer Herbal Preparation HRG80 in Preventing and Mitigating Stress-Induced Failure of Cognitive Functions in Healthy Subjects: A Pilot, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Trial
Authors: Mariage Pierre-Antoine , Hovhannisyan Areg , Panossian Alexander G.
Published: March 2020

Background: The aim of this pilot study was to compare the efficacy of hydroponically cultivated red Panax ginseng Meyer root preparation (HRG80) and traditionally harvested six-year-old white P. ginseng standard preparation (PGS) with placebo in preventing symptoms of stress. Methods: The effects of HRG80, PGS, and placebo capsules were studied in 50 tired healthy subjects in a three-arm, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled crossover trial. Efficacy-outcome measures included the accuracy of processing the d2 test for cognitive functions, obtained accuracy score in a computerized memory test, and the perceived-stress (PS) score. Results: A statistically significant interaction effect between time and treatment (p < 0.0001) was observed in the attention d2 and memory tests, indicating that HRG80 treatment was more beneficial than that with a placebo. The effects of PGS were better than those of the placebo, but the difference was not statistically significant. There was significant difference between the effects of HRG80 and PGS (p < 0.0001) that were observed after single (Day 1) and repeated administrations on Days 5 and 12 of treatment. Conclusion: Overall, HRG80 treatment was significantly superior compared to that with the PGS and placebo regarding attention, memory, and PS scores after single and repeated administrations for 5 and 12 days.
Pharmacists’ Role in Managing Patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: Chen Kevin Y. , Brunk Kelly M. , Patel Bianka A. , Stocker Kurtis J. , Auten Jessica J. , Buhlinger Kaitlyn M. , Muluneh Benyam
Published: March 2020

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a hematologic malignancy that has seen significant advances in care over the last 5 years with the approval of oral agents such as ibrutinib and venetoclax for the treatment of this disease. As such, there has been a substantial shift away from the traditional chemotherapy infusions which have allowed patients greater autonomy with oral cancer therapies. This paradigm shift poses new challenges for the medical team, including drug–drug interactions, adherence counseling, and financial toxicity. Pharmacists are uniquely trained and equipped to help to manage the changing landscape of CLL care. From identifying common medications which may impair ibrutinib clearance to ensuring patients are on the appropriate anti-infective prophylaxis while receiving obinutuzumab, pharmacists can play a vital role in ensuring the highest quality of patient care. Furthermore, additional credentialing of clinical pharmacists in select states allows for independent visits with the pharmacists, allowing for greater involvement, particularly for initiation of venetoclax and management of ibrutinib-induced toxicities. Pharmacists are essential to both expanding and enhancing the care of patients with CLL and should be leveraged to improve patient outcomes whenever possible.
Orbital Instability of Chaotic Laser Diode with Optical Injection and Electronically Applied Chaotic Signal
Authors: Ebisawa Satoshi , Komatsu Shinichi
Published: March 2020

We numerically studied the chaotic dynamics of a laser diode (LD) system with optical injection, where a chaotic signal, which is generated by an LD with optical feedback, is applied to the drive current of the master LD. To quantify the orbital instability of the slave LD, the Lyapunov exponent was calculated as a function of the optical injection ratio between the master and slave LDs and the optical feedback ratio of the applied signal. We found that the Lyapunov exponent was increased and the orbital instability was enhanced by applying a chaotic signal when the inherent system without the applied signal was in a “window”. Next, we investigated the orbital instability of the slave LD in terms of statistical and dynamical quantities of the applied chaotic signal. The maximal value of the Lyapunov exponent for a certain range of the injection ratio was calculated and we showed that a chaotic pulsation is suitable for enhancing the orbital instability of the LD system. We then investigated chaos synchronization between the LDs. It is concluded that the orbital instability of an LD with optical injection can be enhanced by applying chaotic pulsation without chaos synchronization.
How Frequently Are Articles in Predatory Open Access Journals Cited
Authors: Björk Bo-Christer , Kanto-Karvonen Sari , Harviainen J. Tuomas
Published: March 2020

Predatory journals are Open Access journals of highly questionable scientific quality. Such journals pretend to use peer review for quality assurance, and spam academics with requests for submissions, in order to collect author payments. In recent years predatory journals have received a lot of negative media. While much has been said about the harm that such journals cause to academic publishing in general, an overlooked aspect is how much articles in such journals are actually read and in particular cited, that is if they have any significant impact on the research in their fields. Other studies have already demonstrated that only some of the articles in predatory journals contain faulty and directly harmful results, while a lot of the articles present mediocre and poorly reported studies. We studied citation statistics over a five-year period in Google Scholar for 250 random articles published in such journals in 2014 and found an average of 2.6 citations per article, and that 56% of the articles had no citations at all. For comparison, a random sample of articles published in the approximately 25,000 peer reviewed journals included in the Scopus index had an average of 18, 1 citations in the same period with only 9% receiving no citations. We conclude that articles published in predatory journals have little scientific impact.
Centrality of Religiosity as a Resource for Therapy Outcome?
Authors: Friedrich-Killinger Sonja
Published: March 2020

The present intervention study tested the following hypothesis: the influence of one’s personal religious construct system is more intense and broader on therapy outcome if it stays central within the personality or becomes more central throughout psychotherapeutic in-treatment. The clinic concept included standard psychotherapy and religious contents. In a pre–post design, participants (N = 208) completed measures of centrality of religiosity and mental health. The hypothesis was tested by treating centrality of religiosity as a categorical variable with reference to a typological distinction. The results indicate that therapy outcome is statistically significantly higher for the groups in which the religious construct system stayed or became more central throughout psychotherapeutic treatment in comparison to the groups with a subordinate position of the religious construct system. These results suggest that the importance and intensity of an individual’s religiosity can play an important role in answering the question of whether religiosity is a resource for improved therapy outcome.
Portable XRF Quick-Scan Mapping for Potential Toxic Elements Pollutants in Sustainable urban Drainage Systems: A Methodological Approach
Authors: Venvik Guri , Boogaard Floris C.
Published: March 2020

Sustainable urban drainage systems (SuDS) such as swales are designed to collect, store and infiltrate a large amount of surface runoff water during heavy rainfall. Stormwater is known to transport pollutants, such as particle-bound Potential Toxic Elements (PTE), which are known to often accumulate in the topsoil. A portable XRF instrument (pXRF) is used to provide in situ spatial characterization of soil pollutants, specifically lead (Pb), zink (Zn) and copper (Cu). The method uses pXRF measurements of PTE along profiles with set intervals (1 m) to cover the swale with cross-sections, across the inlet, the deepest point and the outlet. Soil samples are collected, and the In-Situ measurements are verified by the results from laboratory analyses. Stormwater is here shown to be the transporting media for the pollutants, so it is of importance to investigate areas most prone to flooding and infiltration. This quick scan method is time and cost-efficient, easy to execute and the results are comparable to any known (inter)national threshold criteria for polluted soils. The results are of great importance for all stakeholders in cities that are involved in climate adaptation and implementing green infrastructure in urban areas. However, too little is still known about the long-term functioning of the soil-based SuDS facilities.
Populism and Independence Movements in Europe: The Catalan-Spanish Case
Authors: de las Heras-Pedrosa Carlos , Jambrino-Maldonado Carmen , Iglesias-Sánchez Patricia P. , Millán-Celis Elena
Published: March 2020

The most powerful countries in the world are immersed in a process of economic and cultural globalization. As an effect of action and reaction, there is an increasing emergence of nationalistic phenomena. This investigation undertakes an analysis of the current situation in Europe and places particular focus on the case of the Catalan independence movement, subjacent to the history of Spain, which has been growing notably in recent times. With 3600 articles reviewed, this study investigates the repercussions and communicative strategies from the point of view of the principal Spanish digital media. The results reveal two parallel universes, clearly differentiated by their perspective of the conflict, their contradictory headlines, and their parallel truths. This text presents key findings that are relevant for the study of political communication in the context of media studies.
Pedogenic Processes in a Posidonia oceanica Mat
Authors: Piñeiro-Juncal Nerea , Leiva-Dueñas Carmen , Serrano Oscar , Mateo Miguel Ángel , Martínez-Cortízas Antonio
Published: March 2020

Scientists studying seagrasses typically refer to their substratum as sediment, but recently researchers have begun to refer to it as a soil. However, the logistics of sampling underwater substrata and the fragility of these ecosystems challenge their study using pedological methods. Previous studies have reported geochemical processes within the rhizosphere that are compatible with pedogenesis. Seagrass substratum accumulated over the Recent Holocene and can reach several meters in thickness, but studies about deeper layers are scarce. This study is a first attempt to find sound evidence of vertical structuring in Posidonia oceanica deposits to serve as a basis for more detailed pedological studies. A principal component analysis on X-Ray Fluorescence-elemental composition, carbonate content and organic matter content data along a 475 cm core was able to identify four main physico-chemical signals: humification, accumulation of carbonates, texture and organic matter depletion. The results revealed a highly structured deposit undergoing pedogenetical processes characteristic of soils rather than a mere accumulation of sediments. Further research is required to properly describe the substratum underneath seagrass meadows, decide between the sediment or soil nature for seagrass substrata, and for the eventual inclusion of seagrass substrata in soil classifications and the mapping of seagrass soil resources.
Model Independent Diagnostics in Interacting Dark Energy Models
Authors: Jiang Ying , Han Zhongxu , Zhang Qian , Yang Weiqiang , Wu Yabo , Li Jinyang , Lou Han , Zhao Chenchen , Wang Yan
Published: March 2020

In this paper, we have explored non-gravitational interaction dark energy model between dark energy and cold dark matter (CDM). The main purpose of this work is to explore the deviations from Λ C D M and to distinguish the evolution trajectory of the interaction dark energy model with different parameters. Six forms of interaction were focused on. We have analyzed the deceleration parameters of the coupled model and explored the theoretical models through s t a t e f i n d e r h i e r a r c h y and the O m diagnostic. We have considered that the Equation of State (EoS) parameter w and parameter ξ take different values on the interaction dark energy model respectively and keep another parameter unchanged. It was found that q ( z ) is the worst of the four diagnoses. O m , S 3 ( 1 ) and S 4 ( 1 ) are good tools to distinguish the interaction dark energy model from Λ C D M . S 3 ( 1 ) is a better diagnostic tool when the state parameter w changes and the coupling parameter ξ is fixed, while S 4 ( 1 ) works better when the coupling parameter ξ changes and the state parameter w is fixed.
Isolation and Characterisation of Alongshan Virus in Russia
Authors: Kholodilov Ivan S. , Litov Alexander G. , Klimentov Alexander S. , Belova Oxana A. , Polienko Alexandra E. , Nikitin Nikolai A. , Shchetinin Alexey M. , Ivannikova Anna Y. , Bell-Sakyi Lesley , Yakovlev Alexander S. , Bugmyrin Sergey V. , Bespyatova Liubov A. , Gmyl Larissa V. , Luchinina Svetlana V. , Gmyl Anatoly P. , Gushchin Vladimir A. , Karganova Galina G.
Published: March 2020

In recent decades, many new flavi-like viruses have been discovered predominantly in different invertebrates and, as was recently shown, some of them may cause disease in humans. The Jingmenvirus (JMV) group holds a special place among flaviviruses and flavi-like viruses because they have a segmented ssRNA(+) genome. We detected Alongshan virus (ALSV), which is a representative of the JMV group, in ten pools of adult Ixodes persulcatus ticks collected in two geographically-separated Russian regions. Three of the ten strains were isolated in the tick cell line IRE/CTVM19. One of the strains persisted in the IRE/CTVM19 cells without cytopathic effect for three years. Most ALSV virions purified from tick cells were spherical with a diameter of approximately 40.5 nm. In addition, we found smaller particles of approximately 13.1 nm in diameter. We obtained full genome sequences of all four segments of two of the isolated ALSV strains, and partial sequences of one segment from the third strain. Phylogenetic analysis on genome segment 2 of the JMV group clustered our novel strains with other ALSV strains. We found evidence for the existence of a novel upstream open reading frame in the glycoprotein-coding segment of ALSV and other members of the JMV group.
The Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) Genome is Differentially Targeted in TSWV-Infected Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) with or without Sw-5 Gene
Authors: Olaya Cristian , Fletcher Stephen J. , Zhai Ying , Peters Jonathan , Margaria Paolo , Winter Stephan , Mitter Neena , Pappu Hanu R.
Published: March 2020

Tospoviruses cause significant losses to a wide range of agronomic and horticultural crops worldwide. The type member, Tomato spotted wilt tospovirus (TSWV), causes systemic infection in susceptible tomato cultivars, whereas its infection is localized in cultivars carrying the Sw-5 resistance gene. The response to TSWV infection in tomato cultivars with or without Sw-5 was determined at the virus small RNA level in the locally infected leaf. Predicted reads were aligned to TSWV reference sequences. The TSWV genome was found to be differentially processed among each of the three-viral genomic RNAs—Large (L), Medium (M) and Small (S)—in the Sw-5(+) compared to Sw-5(−) genotypes. In the Sw-5(+) cultivar, the L RNA had the highest number of viral small-interfering RNAs (vsiRNAs), whereas in the Sw-5(−) cultivar the number was higher in the S RNA. Among the three-viral genomic RNAs, the distribution of hotspots showed a higher number of reads per million reads of vsiRNAs of 21 and 22 nt class at the 5′ and 3′ ends of the L and the S RNAs, with less coverage in the M RNA. In the Sw-5(−) cultivar, the nature of the 5′ nucleotide-end in the siRNAs varied significantly; reads with 5′-adenine-end were most abundant in the mock control, whereas cytosine and uracil were more abundant in the infected plants. No such differences were seen in case of the resistant genotype. Findings provided insights into the response of tomato cultivars to TSWV infection.
Development of a Honey Bee RNA Virus Vector Based on the Genome of a Deformed Wing Virus
Authors: Ryabov Eugene V. , Christmon Krisztina , Heerman Matthew C. , Posada-Florez Francisco , Harrison Robert L. , Chen Yanping , Evans Jay D.
Published: March 2020

We developed a honey bee RNA-virus vector based on the genome of a picorna-like Deformed wing virus (DWV), the main viral pathogen of the honey bee (Apis mellifera). To test the potential of DWV to be utilized as a vector, the 717 nt sequence coding for the enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP), flanked by the peptides targeted by viral protease, was inserted into an infectious cDNA clone of DWV in-frame between the leader protein and the virus structural protein VP2 genes. The in vitro RNA transcripts from egfp-tagged DWV cDNA clones were infectious when injected into honey bee pupae. Stable DWV particles containing genomic RNA of the recovered DWV with egfp inserts were produced, as evidenced by cesium chloride density gradient centrifugation. These particles were infectious to honey bee pupae when injected intra-abdominally. Fluorescent microscopy showed GFP expression in the infected cells and Western blot analysis demonstrated accumulation of free eGFP rather than its fusions with DWV leader protein (LP) and/or viral protein (VP) 2. Analysis of the progeny egfp-tagged DWV showed gradual accumulation of genome deletions for egfp, providing estimates for the rate of loss of a non-essential gene an insect RNA virus genome during natural infection.
Proteome Analysis in a Mammalian Cell Line Reveals that PLK2 Is Involved in Avian Metapneumovirus Type C (aMPV/C)-Induced Apoptosis
Authors: Quan Rong , Wei Li , Hou Lei , Wang Jing , Zhu Shanshan , Li Zixuan , Lv Moran , Liu Jue
Published: March 2020

Avian metapneumovirus subtype C (aMPV/C) causes an acute respiratory disease that has caused serious economic losses in the Chinese poultry industry. In the present study, we first explored the protein profile in aMPV/C-infected Vero cells using iTRAQ quantitative proteomics. A total of 921 of 7034 proteins were identified as significantly altered by aMPV/C infection. Three selected proteins were confirmed by Western blot analysis. Bioinformatics GO analysis revealed multiple signaling pathways involving cell cycle, endocytosis, and PI3K-Akt, mTOR, MAPK and p53 signaling pathways, which might participate in viral infection. In this analysis, we found that PLK2 expression was upregulated by aMPV/C infection and investigated whether it contributed to aMPV/C-mediated cellular dysfunction. Suppressing PLK2 attenuated aMPV/C-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and p53-dependent apoptosis and reduced virus release. These results in a mammalian cell line suggest that high PLK2 expression correlates with aMPV/C-induced apoptosis and viral replication, providing new insight into the potential avian host cellular response to aMPV/C infection and antiviral targets.
Autophagy Induced by Simian Retrovirus Infection Controls Viral Replication and Apoptosis of Jurkat T Lymphocytes
Authors: Zhu Jingting , Yang Lingyan , Zhang Qibo , Meng Jia , Lu Zhi-Liang , Rong Rong
Published: March 2020

Autophagy and apoptosis are two important evolutionarily conserved host defense mechanisms against viral invasion and pathogenesis. However, the association between the two pathways during the viral infection of T lymphocytes remains to be elucidated. Simian type D retrovirus (SRV) is an etiological agent of fatal simian acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (SAIDS), which can display disease features that are similar to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in humans. In this study, we demonstrate that infection with SRV-8, a newly isolated subtype of SRV, triggered both autophagic and apoptotic pathways in Jurkat T lymphocytes. Following infection with SRV-8, the autophagic proteins LC3 and p62/SQSTM1 interacted with procaspase-8, which might be responsible for the activation of the caspase-8/-3 cascade and apoptosis in SRV-8-infected Jurkat cells. Our findings indicate that autophagic responses to SRV infection of T lymphocytes promote the apoptosis of T lymphocytes, which, in turn, might be a potential pathogenetic mechanism for the loss of T lymphocytes during SRV infection.
Inter-Lineage Variation of Lassa Virus Glycoprotein Epitopes: A Challenge to Lassa Virus Vaccine Development
Authors: Ibukun Francis Ifedayo
Published: March 2020

Lassa virus (LASV), which causes considerable morbidity and mortality annually, has a high genetic diversity across West Africa. LASV glycoprotein (GP) expresses this diversity, but most LASV vaccine candidates utilize only the Lineage IV LASV Josiah strain GP antigen as an immunogen and homologous challenge with Lineage IV LASV. In addition to the sequence variation amongst the LASV lineages, these lineages are also distinguished in their presentations. Inter-lineage variations within previously mapped B-cell and T-cell LASV GP epitopes and the breadth of protection in LASV vaccine/challenge studies were examined critically. Multiple alignments of the GP primary sequence of strains from each LASV lineage showed that LASV GP has diverging degrees of amino acid conservation within known epitopes among LASV lineages. Conformational B-cell epitopes spanning different sites in GP subunits were less impacted by LASV diversity. LASV GP diversity should influence the approach used for LASV vaccine design. Expression of LASV GP on viral vectors, especially in its prefusion configuration, has shown potential for protective LASV vaccines that can overcome LASV diversity. Advanced vaccine candidates should demonstrate efficacy against all LASV lineages for evidence of a pan-LASV vaccine.
Interleukin 34 Serves as a Novel Molecular Adjuvant against Nocardia Seriolae Infection in Largemouth Bass (Micropterus Salmoides)
Authors: Hoang Huy Hoa , Wang Pei-Chi , Chen Shih-Chu
Published: March 2020

DNA vaccines have been widely employed in controlling viral and bacterial infections in mammals and teleost fish. Co-injection of molecular adjuvants, including chemokines, cytokines, and immune co-stimulatory molecules, is one of the potential strategies used to improve DNA vaccine efficacy. In mammals and teleost fish, interleukin-34 (IL-34) had been described as a multifunctional cytokine and its immunological role had been confirmed; however, the adjuvant capacity of IL-34 remains to be elucidated. In this study, IL-34 was identified in largemouth bass. A recombinant plasmid of IL-34 (pcIL-34) was constructed and co-administered with a DNA vaccine encoding hypoxic response protein 1 (Hrp1; pcHrp1) to evaluate the adjuvant capacity of pcIL-34 against Nocardia seriolae infection. Our results indicated that pcIL-34 co-injected with pcHrp1 not only triggered innate immunity and a specific antibody response, but also enhanced the mRNA expression level of immune-related genes encoding for cytokines, chemokines, and humoral and cell-mediated immunity. Moreover, pcIL-34 enhanced the protection of pcHrp1 against N. seriolae challenge and conferred the relative percent survival of 82.14%. Collectively, IL-34 is a promising adjuvant in a DNA vaccine against nocardiosis in fish.
FORMATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF PHARMACEUTICAL EDUCATION IN KHARKIV
Authors: Melentyeva Tatiana , Kulakova Oksana
Published: March 2020

The paper analyzes the documents of the formative education meetings, the resolutions of the People’s Commissariat of Health Care in Ukraine, resulted the creation of plans for preparation of pharmacists and opening of the first pharmaceutical institute in Ukraine. The basic stages of development of pharmaceutical institute and changes in the program of training of specialists are considered. Changes in the forms of organization of the educational process have been observed.
BORSA İSTANBUL’DA İŞLEM GÖREN FİRMALARIN YÖNETİM KURULLARINDAKİ KADIN ÜYE VARLIĞI İLE FİRMA KÂRLILIĞI ARASINDAKİ İLİŞKİNİN İNCELENMESİ
Authors: YURT Nihan
Published: March 2020

Bu
çalışmanın amacı 2012-2017 yılları arasında Borsa İstanbul’da işlem gören
firmaların yönetim kurullarında yer alan kadın üye varlığı ile firma kârlılığı
arasındaki ilişkiyi araştırmaktır. Analiz sonuçlarına göre yönetim
kurullarındaki kadın üye oranı ile kadın üye varlığının, firma kârlılığı ile
arasında anlamlı bir ilişkisi olmadığı bulunmuştur. Çalışmadan elde edilen
bulgular, farklı modeller ve değişkenler kullanılması durumunda da benzerlik
göstermektedir.