bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Composición corporal de cabras criollas neuquinas en distintas notas de condición corporal
Authors: Domingo E. , Abad A. , Lanari M. R. , Raiman R.
Published: February 2021

Se evaluó la relación existente entre las notas de condición corporal (CC) y la composición corporal en 20 cabras adultas de la raza Criolla Neuquina. Previo al sacrificio se registró el peso y la condición corporal lumbar (CCL), condición corporal esternal (CCE) y condición corporal caudal (CCC). Luego del sacrificio y el desuello, se separaron la grasa omental y mesentérica, procediendo luego a separar la grasa pericárdica. Finalmente se pesaron por separado todos los componentes grasos extraídos. La canal se pesó fresca y a las 24 h, luego del oreo. Se separó la grasa de pélvico-renal (KKCF), luego se dividió la canal en dos mitades iguales con sierra eléctrica y se pesó la canal izquierda. Para finalizar se llevó a cabo la disección de la media canal izquierda en sus componentes grasa subcutánea, grasa intermuscular, hueso y magro. Los valores del presente trabajo confirman la deposición prematura de la grasa intermuscular y mesentérica y tardía de la KKCF, subcutánea y omental. La mayor correlación correspondió a la KKCF, confirmando la conveniencia de utilizar este parámetro en la estimación del grado de engrasamiento. La mejor correlación entre las distintas notas de CC y los depósitos grasos expresados como proporción del peso vivo prefaena se obtuvo entre CCL y grasa total.
Efectos de los hábitos de crecimiento de leguminosas en la población de malas hierbas en mezclas pratenses gramíneas/leguminosas
Authors: Jolaosho A. O. , Anele U. Y. , Arigbede O. M. , Olanite J. A. , Onifade O. S.
Published: February 2021

Las praderas mixtas de gramíneas y leguminosas forman la base de muchos sistemas productivos de pastoreo. Se realizó un estudio para evaluar su capacidad para sofocar a las malas hierbas. En julio de 2004 se plantaron un total de 12 tratamientos a base de mezclas de gramíneas leguminosas. Se realizaron análisis del suelo anteriores y posteriores al estudio. Usando un cuadrado de 1 m2 se registraron datos agronómicos como altura de las plantas, número de hojas y población de malas hierbas presentes en las parcelas experimentales. Se registró un ligero incremento en el contenido de N del suelo en 2005, después del estudio. Las poblaciones de malas hierbas fueron mayores durante las tres primeras semanas después de la siembra. La población de malas hierbas se redujo drásticamente cada semana. Hubo diferencias significativas (p
Comportamiento fisiológico de pollos de engorde usando dietas con Tithonia diversifolia y
Authors: Roa M.L. , Corredor J.R. , Hernández M.C.
Published: February 2021

Los probióticos permiten establecer y controlar la microflora beneficiosa y gradualmente reducen la microflora patógena. Tithonia diversifolia (TD) es una alternativa para reemplazar la proteína de otras fuentes más caras en las dietas para aves de corral; por lo tanto, los tratamientos usaron reemplazos de TD con 0, 5, 10 y 15% con (WP) y sin adición de probióticos (W/OP): Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC), Lactobacillus Acidophilus (LA) and Bacillus subtilis (BS) y la mezcla de estos (MP) para estimar la digestibilidad in vivo. Se utilizaron 300 aves Cobb avian, con un peso promedio de 453.4 ± 24 g distribuidos aleatoriamente con un arreglo factorial 4x5x3x5. La digestibilidad de la materia seca (DM), proteína cruda (CP) y fibra (CF) se determinó mediante el método de recolección de heces totales; adicionalmente: se analizaron el hemograma (CBC) y la química sanguínea (BC). La digestibilidad de la DM aumentó con la proporción de TD (15%) en la dieta y alcanzó el 68% W/OP; mientras que esta variable aumentó a 70.67% con SC (P
Caracterización técnica y económica del sistema de producción de búfalos Bubalus bubalis en el departamento de Córdoba de Colombia
Authors: Martínez-Reina A.M. , Doria-Ramos M. , García-Jiménez J. , Salcedo-Carrascal E. , Herrera-Pérez N. , Carrascal-Triana E.L.
Published: February 2021

El objetivo de este trabajo fue realizar un estudio descriptivo que permitiera generar información básica tecnológica y socioeconómica de los sistemas de producción de búfalos en el departamento de Córdoba, Colombia. La recopilación de información se obtuvo por medio de un formulario de encuesta aplicada a 26 unidades productivas. Los indicadores estadísticos fueron tabulados y analizados con el programa SPSS. Se permite apreciar que el 63% de los sistemas de producción tienen una vocación de doble propósito donde predomina la raza Murrah (52%), con unidades productivas mayores a 100 hectáreas (77%). El 88% realizan plan sanitario en la finca, 35% de los encuestados reportan la mayor mortalidad en las crías y los problemas reproductivos se concentran en los abortos (26%). El tipo de apareamiento es continuo (96%), exponen un macho por cada 40 hembras (53%). El 96% de los encuestados efectúan palpación rectal por lo menos 2 veces al año. En más del 90% de las fincas llevan registros, en su mayoría usan software y mantienen control tanto de los aspectos técnicos, productivos, reproductivos y venta de productos. En los costos de producción, las labores que participan en un 70% sobre el total, las drogas veterinarias un 2%, los costos directos participan con el 76%. Los retornos económicos para una finca promedio de 250 hectáreas presentan un ingreso neto de $209.463.933 COP. La rentabilidad de 32% y el punto de equilibrio de 85% del total de la producción, demuestra que este sistema es eficiente y rentable.
Reciclagem biológica do fósforo a partir do efluente suíno originário da biodigestão anaeróbia: uma revisão
Authors: Adelson Costa A. , Da Silva Lima E. , Martins Soto F.R.
Published: February 2021

O efluente suíno (ES) apresenta elevado potencial poluidor, pois, mesmo após o processo de biodigestão anaeróbia, contém ainda concentrações variáveis de nutrientes, especialmente de fósforo (P). Este trabalho teve como objetivo investigar por meio de uma revisão de literatura a reciclagem biológica do P como alternativa para o tratamento de ES originário da biodigestão anaeróbia. Observou-se que o processo denominado de remoção biológica reforçada de fosfatos consiste no método mais utilizado na remoção do P presente em efluentes. Ele consiste na ciclagem da biomassa através de ambientes aeróbios e anaeróbios e envolve a incorporação do P no interior da célula das bactérias e, a subsequentemente remoção da massa enriquecida com P no lodo. Apesar de existirem muitos aspectos a serem esclarecidos a respeito destas tecnologias, destaca-se que a reciclagem e a recuperação do P presente no ES representam importantes avanços na promoção da sustentabilidade no uso deste recurso que está ligado diretamente à segurança alimentar global.
Motivos de lo siniestro en Trono de Sangre (Akira Kurosawa, 1957)
Authors:   Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Torres Hortelano Lorenzo J.
Published: February 2021

En este artículo analizamos textualmente algunas secuencias claves de Trono de sangre (Kumonosu-jō, Kurosawa, 1957) centrándonos en cómo emerge paulatinamente lo siniestro en el relato. En cuanto al concepto de lo siniestro, seguimos tanto la teorización que Freud propuso en su célebre artículo de 1919 “Lo ominoso”, cómo la lectura posterior que realizó Trías proponiendo unos motivos de los siniestro ―que iremos localizando en la película―, así como la de González Requena en torno al mismo tema. La pregunta que guiará nuestro análisis es si lo siniestro surge o retorna de lo familiar como algo reprimido, como apunta Freud (y Trías), o si, como afirma González Requena, lo siniestro es más bien algo rechazado o recusado. ¿Hay en Trono de sangre un secreto que requería permanecer oculto en el alma del protagonista y que sería revelado por la influencias de la araña femenina? O ¿es el propio héroe el que, extraviado por su ambición, cae en la tela de araña?
Lo siniestro en el audiovisual: caracterizaciones sonoras
Authors: Faure Carvallo Adrien , Calderón Garrido Diego , Gustems Carnicer Josep ,   Universidad de Barcelona
Published: February 2021

El sonido, la música e incluso su ausencia, tienen una dilatada tradición social y cultural en la caracterización de cualquier escena audiovisual, tanto en la trama argumental como en los personajes centrales de cada escena. En este sentido, las emociones de los espectadores son reforzadas y manipuladas a gusto del director gracias al sonido. Además, su uso en los audiovisuales ha ido parejo a la aceptación social del mal y la fealdad en sus múltiples facetas en los productos estéticos del siglo XX y XXI y la evolución que estos han tenido. En este artículo se hace un repaso de los principales recursos sonoros y musicales empleados en la caracterización del mal, ya sea en forma de conflicto, personaje o sentimiento, mediante un análisis sonoro de multitud de ejemplos audiovisuales de las últimas décadas. Los resultados obtenidos permiten distinguir evoluciones estéticas, tendencias y perfiles sonoros de lo siniestro, según el target al que pueda estar destinado el producto audiovisual.
Del amor a lo siniestro en Blade Runner 2049
Authors:   Universitat Jaume I, Ferrer Marcos Joaquín
Published: February 2021

El presente artículo aborda lo siniestro en Blade runner 2049 a partir de la presencia en la película de los elementos y temas que, según Freud, eran portadores del fenómeno. El objetivo es comprobar si la mera presencia de estos basta para que lo siniestro irrumpa, o si es necesario que su carga alcance a la materialidad fílmica, rasgando los códigos del modo de representación hegemónica, para que el fenómeno alcance toda la radicalidad de su manifestación. Para ello nos basaremos en diversas secuencias que establecen la relación entre Joi y `K´ y Deckard y Rachel, porque es en ellas donde lo siniestro toma forma a partir del amor y de la muerte en la figura de la mujer que retorna de la muerte. Pondremos el foco igualmente en la relación que se establece entre lo siniestro y aquello que surge entre la resistencia del sujeto y las imágenes de consumo capitalistas.
Narrar la extrañeza. El caso de Robledo Puch en el periodismo y el cine argentinos
Authors:   Universidad Austral, Fernández Damián
Published: February 2021

En el año 1972, contando 20 años, Robledo Puch fue detenido luego de haber cometido 11 asesinatos a personas indefensas. Desde entonces, el criminal más famoso del país, permanece en la cárcel, siendo noticia con frecuencia. Adolescente, de una familia de clase media, de un barrio burgués, bello y aniñado, se ha convertido en la representación del asesino serial, que atemoriza y seduce según diversos testimonios. El periodismo toma enfáticamente este caso conmocionante sin saber cómo emplazarlo en la estructura causal de las noticias. Así, el sensacionalismo, separa al delincuente del mundo normal y apela al estigma. El documental televisivo acude a archivos y testimonios de forenses y criminalistas para buscar una explicación científica del caso. El escritor Soriano, en cambio, había compuesto una antológica crónica, destacando la normalidad en la que emerge el asesino. En 2018, Ortega volvió a contar la historia en el film El Ángel, que estiliza la “siniestra inocencia” de Puch en el joven actor novel que lo encarna. A partir del análisis comparativo entre la película y textos precedentes, el artículo interpreta los efectos de sentido de los diversos programas narrativos que han buscado dotar de sentido a la extrañeza
Reviewing Cyclonic Low-Shear Choke and Control Valve Field Experiences
Authors: Husveg T. , Husveg R. , van Teeffelen N. , Verwey R. , Guinee P.
Published: February 2021

In hydrocarbon production and processing, choke and control valves mix and emulsify petroleum phases. The consequence is often that the efficiency of separation processes is affected and finally that the quality of oil and water phases is degraded. Over the last few years, low-shear valves targeting petroleum processes have emerged on the market.

This paper presents four separate live-fluid experiences from low-shear valve installations, each surveyed and documented by an independent third party. Three of the installations refer to choke valves, whereas the fourth installation refers to a control valve. For each installation, standard choke and control valves were used as reference valves. In terms of downstream separation efficiency, the low-shear choke valves reduced oil-in-water concentrations respectively by 70, 45, and 60%, by total average. In the control valve application, the low-shear valve, which was located between the hydrocyclones and a compact flotation unit, reduced the oil-in-water concentration by 23%.

In sum, the field installations have demonstrated that low-shear valves significantly and consistently reduce oil-in-water concentrations and thus improve the produced water quality. The results signify that low-shear valves may be used in debottlenecking separation and produced water treatment processes, reducing the environmental influence from produced water discharges. Because the low-shear technology enables processing of petroleum phases with less effort, energy, and chemicals, it also reduces emissions to air.
Kinetic comparative study on Aerodynamic Characteristics of Hypersonic Reentry Vehicle from Near-continuous Flow to Free Molecular Flow
Authors: Li Jin , Jiang Dingwu , Geng Xiangren , Chen Jianqiang
Published: February 2021

A scaled model of the X38-like configuration was simulated under hypersonic conditions by the direct simulation Monte Carlo method and the unified gas kinetic scheme. The inflow conditions considered several different flow regimes, from the near-continuum though the slip-transitional to the free molecule regime. Flow fields and surface properties were compared in details between two methods. Not only the density and temperature contours distribution but also the surface pressure, heat flux, friction distribution, both kinetic methods give fairly consistent results. Aerodynamics of the model under hypersonic rarefied conditions were also obtained and compared. The results given by both methods agreed with each other very well. The effects of the Knudsen number and angle of attack were assessed. At the absence of experimental results, it is meaningful to carry out comparative studies and accelerate both methods to further progress.
Enhanced Lipid Metabolism Induces the Sensitivity of Dormant Cancer Cells to 5-aminolevulinic acid-based Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Nakayama Taku , Sano Tomonori , Oshimo Yoshiki , Kawada Chiaki , Kasai Moe , Yamamoto Shinkuro , Fukuhara Hideo , Inoue Keiji , Ogura Shun-ichiro
Published: February 2021

Cancer can develop into a recurrent metastatic disease with latency periods of years to decades. Dormant cancer cells, which represent a major cause of recurrent cancer, are relatively insensitive to most chemotherapeutic drugs and radiation. We previously demonstrated that cancer cells exhibited dormancy in a cell density-dependent manner. Dormant cancer cells exhibited increased porphyrin metabolism and sensitivity to 5-aminolevulinic acid-based photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT). However, the metabolic changes in dormant cancer cells or the factors that enhance porphyrin metabolism have not been fully clarified. In this study, we revealed that lipid metabolism was increased in dormant cancer cells, leading to ALA-PDT sensitivity. We performed microarray analysis in non-dormant and dormant cancer cells and revealed that lipid metabolism was remarkably enhanced in dormant cancer cells. In addition, triacsin C, a potent inhibitor of acyl-CoA synthetases (ACSs), reduced protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) accumulation and decreased ALA-PDT sensitivity. We demonstrated that lipid metabolism including ACS expression was positively associated with PpIX accumulation. This research suggested that the enhancement of lipid metabolism in cancer cells induces PpIX accumulation and ALA-PDT sensitivity.
A Collaborative Clinical Case Conference Model for Teaching Social and Behavioral Science in Medicine: An Action Research Study
Authors: Miyachi Junichiro , Iida Junko , Shimazono Yosuke , Nishigori Hiroshi
Published: February 2021

Background: Effective social and behavioral sciences teaching in medical education requires integration with clinical experience, as well as collaboration with social and behavioral sciences experts and clinical faculties. However, teaching models for achieving this integration have not been adequately established, nor has the collaboration process been described. This study aims to propose a collaborative clinical case conference model to integrate social and behavioral sciences and clinical experience. Additionally, we describe how social and behavioral science experts and clinical faculties collaborate during the development of the teaching method.Methods: A team of clinical teachers and medical anthropologists planned for the development of a case conference based on action research methodology. The initial model planned for a 3-hour session, similar to the Clinicopathological Conference structure. We evaluated each session based on fieldnotes taken by medical anthropologists, and post-session questionnaires that surveyed participants’ reactions and points of improvements. Based on the evaluation, a reflective meeting was held to discuss revisions for the next trial. We incorporated the development process into undergraduate medical curricula in clinical years and in a postgraduate and continuous professional development session for residents and certified family physicians in Japan. We repeated the plan-act-observe-reflection process more than 15 times between 2015 and 2018.Results: The development of the collaborative clinical case conference model is summarized in three phases: Quasi-CPC, Interactive, and Co-constructive with unique structures and underlying paradigms. The model successfully contributed to promoting the participants’ recognition of the clinical significance of social and behavioral sciences. The case preparation entailed a unique, significant learning of how social and behavioral sciences inform clinical practice. The model development process promoted the mutual understanding between clinical faculties and anthropologists, which might function as faculty development for teachers involved in social and behavioral sciences teaching in medical education. Conclusions: The application of fitting conference models and awareness of their underlying paradigm according to educational situations could promote the integration of social and behavioral sciences with clinical medicine education. Faculty development in social and behavioral sciences in medical education should focus on collaboration with scholars with different paradigmatic orientations.
Do We Need Fluid Restriction After Stapled Hemorrhoidopexy? A Pilot, Double-Blinded, Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Tsai Nien-Ying , Jao Shu-Wen , Chen Chao-Yang , Wen Chia-Cheng , Kao Chien-Chang , Lin Kuan-Ling , Wu Po-Hsien , Yu Chun-Wei , Cheng Yi-Chiao
Published: February 2021

Background: Conventional hemorrhoidectomy leads to a high urinary retention rate and fluid restriction is commonly recommended to minimize complications. However, the need for postoperative fluid restriction among patients who have undergone stapled hemorrhoidopexy is unclear. We aimed to determine whether fluid restriction after stapled hemorrhoidopexy with/without partial external hemorrhoidectomy could reduce urinary retention and postoperative pain.Patients And Methods: In this prospective, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial, we enrolled patients who had grade III or IV hemorrhoids and underwent stapled hemorrhoidopexy with/without partial external hemorrhoidectomy; 250 mL/12 h of sterile 0.9% saline was administered to the fluid restriction group after the operation, and 1000 mL/12 h was given to the non-fluid-restriction group. We focused on the need for fluid restriction after stapled hemorrhoidopexy.Results: Fifty patients were studied in two groups. The surgical outcomes of the two groups were no different. The median subjective pain scores at 0, 8, 16, 24 h after the operation showed no significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.55 at 0 h; p = 0.38 at 8 h; p = 0.98 at 16 h; and p = 0.66 at 24 h). The mean times to first urination after the operation were 700.04 ± 455.03 min in the non-fluid-restriction group and 737.16 ± 426.32 min in the fluid-restriction group (no significant difference; p = 0.67). No postoperative urinary retention was found in either group of patients.Conclusions: Fluid restriction after stapled hemorrhoidopexy is unnecessary.Trial registration: This study was reviewed and approved by the Tri-Service General Hospital Institutional Review Board for human subjects (No. 2-106-05-063). This study also had trial registration with clinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT04459039).
Patient-derived Tumor Xenograft and Organoid Models Established from Resected Pancreatic, Duodenal and Biliary Cancers
Authors: Pham Nhu-An , Radulovich Nikolina , Ibrahimov Emin , Martins-Filho Sebastiao , Li Quan , Pintilie Melania , Weiss Jessica , Raghavan Vibha , Cabanero Michael , Denroche Robert , Wilson Julie M. , Metran-Nascente Cristiane , Borgida Ayelet , Hutchinson Shawn , Dodd Anna , Begora Michael , Chadwick Dianne , Serra Stefano , Knox Jennifer , Gallinger Steven , Hedley David W. , Muthuswamy Lakshmi , Tsao Ming-Sound
Published: February 2021

Patient-derived xenograft (PDX) and their xenograft-derived organoid (XDO) models that recapitulate the genotypic and phenotypic landscape of patient cancers could help to advance research and lead to improved clinical management. PDX models were established from 276 pancreato-duodenal and biliary cancer resections. Initial, passage 0 (P0) engraftment rates were 59% (118/199) for pancreatic, 86% (25/29) for duodenal, and 37% (17/48) for biliary ductal tumors. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), had a P0 engraftment rate of 62% (105/169). KRAS mutant and wild-type PDAC models were molecularly profiled, and XDO models were generated to perform initial drug response evaluations. Subsets of PDAC PDX models showed global copy number variants and gene expression profiles that were retained with serial passaging, and they showed a spectrum of somatic mutations represented in patient tumors. PDAC XDO models were established, with a success rate of 71% (10/14). Pathway activation of KRAS-MAPK in PDXs was independent of KRAS mutational status. Four wild-type KRAS models were characterized by one with EGFR (L747-P753 del), two with BRAF alterations (N486_P490del or V600E), and one with triple negative KRAS/EGFR/BRAF. Model OCIP256, characterized by BRAF (N486-P490 del), had activated phospho-ERK, which was effectively suppressed when using a combination of a pan-RAF inhibitor (LY3009120) and a MEK inhibitor (trametinib), and showed significant inhibition of growth in its XDO and corresponding PDX models. In conclusion, PDAC/duodenal adenocarcinoma have high success rates forming PDX/organoid and retain their phenotypic and genotypic features. These models may be effective tools to evaluate novel drug combinations therapies.
Short-Term Survival and Safety of Apatinib Combined With Oxaliplatin and S-1 in the Conversion Therapy of Unresectable Gastric Cancer
Authors: Ye Zaisheng , Zeng Yi , Wei Shenghong , Wang Yi , Lin Zhitao , Chen Shu , Wang Zhiwei , Chen Shanshan , Chen Luchuan
Published: February 2021

BackgroundTo investigate the short-term efficacy and safety of apatinib combined with oxaliplatin and S-1 in the treatment of unresectable gastric cancer.Patients and methodsPreviously untreated patients with unresectable HER-2-negative advanced gastric cancer were selected. All the patients received six cycles of S-1 and oxaliplatin and five cycles of apatinib, which were administered at intervals of three weeks. The surgery was performed after six cycles of drug treatment. The primary endpoints were radical resection (R0) rate and safety. This study was registered with the China Trial Register, number ChiCTR-ONC-17010430(01/12/2016-01/12/2022).ResultsA total of 39 patients were enrolled. Efficacy evaluation was feasible for 37 patients. One patient achieved complete response (CR, 2.7%), 26 patients achieved partial response (PR, 70.3%), three patients had stable disease (SD, 8.1%) and seven patients had progressive disease (PD, 18.9%). The objective response rate (ORR) was 73.0% and the disease control rate (DCR) was 81.1%. 22 patients underwent surgery, among which 14 patients underwent radical resection (R0), with a R0 resection rate of 63.6%. The 1-year survival rate of the surgical group (22 patients) was 71.1% and the 2-year survival rate was 41.1%. The median survival time was 21 months. The incidence of adverse reactions (AEs) was 100%. Leucopenia (65.3%) and granulocytopenia (69.2%) were the most common hematological AEs. The most common non-hematological AEs were fatigue (51.3%) and oral mucositis (35.9%).ConclusionApatinib combined with oxaliplatin and S-1 showed good short-term survival and acceptable safety in the conversion therapy of unresectable gastric cancer.
Improved Chondrogenic Performance With Protective Tracheal Design of Chitosan Membrane Surrounding 3D-Printed Trachea
Authors: Kim Hyeonji , Lee Jae Yeon , Han Hyeonseok , Cho Won-Woo , Han Hohyeon , Kim Jae Yun , Park Jeong Hun , Park Sun Hwa , Kim Sung Won , Kim Dong Sung , Cho Dong-Woo
Published: February 2021

In recent tracheal tissue engineering, limitations in cartilage reconstruction, caused by immature delivery of chondrocyte-laden components, have been reported beyond the complete epithelialization and integration of the tracheal substitutes with the host tissue. In an attempt to overcome such limitations, this article introduces a protective design of tissue-engineered trachea (TraCHIM) composed of a chitosan-based nanofiber membrane (CHIM) and a 3D-printed biotracheal construct. The CHIM was created from chitosan and polycaprolactone (PCL) using an electrospinning process. Upon addition of chitosan to PCL, the diameter of electrospun fibers became thinner, allowing them to be stacked more closely, thereby improving its mechanical properties. Chitosan also enhances the hydrophilicity of the membranes, preventing them from slipping and delaminating over the cell-laden bioink of the biotracheal graft, as well as protecting the construct. Two weeks after implantation in Sprague-Dawley male rats, the group with the TraCHIM exhibited a higher number of chondrocytes, with enhanced chondrogenic performance, than the control group without the membrane. This study successfully demonstrates enhanced chondrogenic performance of TraCHIM in vivo. The protective design of TraCHIM opens a new avenue in engineered tissue research, which requires faster tissue formation from 3D biodegradable materials, to achieve complete replacement of diseased tissue.
Human Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin: A New Biomarker in Asthma-COPD Overlap Syndrome
Authors: Duru Serap , UÇAR FATMA , Kurt Emine Bahar
Published: February 2021

AIM

Human neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is a protein considered as a noninvasive prognostic biomarker in Asthma-COPD overlap syndrome (ACO). In this study we aimed to show the usability of NGAL as a biomarker in ACO characterized with airway inflammation.
MATERIAL-METHOD:

Three patient groups (Group I: COPD, n: 50, Group II: Asthma, n:50, Group III: ACO, n:50) and a healhty non smoker group (Group IV, n:50) are taken into study. The serum NGAL levels of groups are compared. In addition, in Group I,II,III the level of serum NGAL is compared with the age, duration of smoking (pocket/year), number of attack per year, respiratory function values, serum C reaktive protein (CRP, mg/dL), serum IgE (IU/mL), serum neutrophil (%) and serum lymphocyte (%), blood neutrophil-to-lymphocyte rate and atopy.
FINDINGS:

In patients having ACO when the maximum level of serum exist, it is observed that serum NGAL level is increased as the number of attacks is increased (p = 0.002). On the other hand in the patients having ACO there was also positive correlation between NLR and serum NGAL level (p < 0.05). There was no other relation found among the other variables.
CONCULISION:

In the chronic inflamatuar lung diseases the findings of increase in serum NGAL levels while the severity of the disease suggest us serum NGAL levels might be used as a biomarker for evaluating the inflammation.
Comparison of The Periodontal Status in the Patients with Active and Inactive Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Owlia Fatemeh , Sohanian Shabnam , Karimian Elnaz , Sadrabad Maryam Jalili
Published: February 2021

Introduction: Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is the most common chronic inflammatory joint disease. Periodontitis is also an inflammatory disease that affects the periodontal tissue. The former studies have been suggested probable relationship between them. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relation of severity of Periodontitis and RA activity. Materials and Methods: In this study 50 patients who referred to the Rheumatology Department of the Khatamolanbia clinic of Yazd considering inclusion criteria were enrolled in the study. After obtaining the informed consent, based on rheumatologic criteria such as Sedimentation (ESR and Clinical features they were divided into two groups; active and inactive RA. Topics were compared based on age, sex, Rheumatoid Factor, Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate, Hemoglobin Level for RA Bleeding on Probing, Clinical Attachment Loss, Pocket Depth, and Tooth Loss for periodontitis. Results: The results of this study showed that there was no significant relationship between the variables studied in the active and inactive RA subgroups (p> 0.05). Conclusion: According to the present study while all RA patients show some degree of periodontitis, the periodontitis severity is not correlated with RA activity.
Orbital Edelstein effect in topological insulators
Authors: Osumi Ken , Zhang Tiantian , Murakami Shuichi
Published: February 2021

We theoretically propose a gigantic orbital Edelstein effect in topological insulators and interpret the results in terms of topological surface currents. We numerically calculate the orbital Edelstein effect for a model of a three-dimensional Chern insulator as an example. Furthermore, we calculate the orbital Edelstein effect as a surface quantity using a surface Hamiltonian of a topological insulator, and numerically show that it well describes the results by direct numerical calculation. We find that the orbital Edelstein effect depends on the local crystal structure of the surface, which shows that the orbital Edelstein effect cannot be defined as a bulk quantity. We propose that Chern insulators and Z2 topological insulators can be a platform with a large orbital Edelstein effect because current flows only along the surface. We also propose candidate topological insulators for this effect. As a result, the orbital magnetization as a response to the current is much larger in topological insulators than that in metals by many orders of magnitude.
Synthetic hydrogel nanoparticles for sepsis therapy
Authors: Shea Kenneth , Koide Hiroyuki , Okishima Anna , Hoshino Yu , Kamon Yuri , Yoshimatsu Keiichi , Saito Kazuhiro , Yamauchi Ikumi , Ariizumi Saki , Oku Naoto , Asai Tomohiro , Zhou Yuqi , Xiao Ting-Hui , Goda Keisuke Goda Keisuke
Published: February 2021

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition caused by the extreme release of inflammatory mediators into the blood in response to infection (e.g., bacterial infection, COVID-19), resulting in the dysfunction of multiple organs. Currently, there is no direct treatment for sepsis. Here we report an abiotic hydrogel nanoparticle (HNP) as a potential therapeutic agent for late-stage sepsis. The HNP captures and neutralizes all variants of histones, a major inflammatory mediator released during sepsis. The highly optimized HNP has high capacity and long-term circulation capability for the selective sequestration and neutralization of histones. Intravenous injection of the HNP protected mice against a lethal dose of histones through the inhibition of platelet migration into the lungs. In vivo administration in murine sepsis model mice resulted in near complete survival. These results establish the potential for synthetic, nonbiological polymer hydrogel sequestrants as a new intervention strategy for sepsis therapy and adds to our understanding of the importance of histones to this condition.
Effectiveness of Deep Hyperthermia Combined with Dynamic Traction in the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Wang Lichun , Lv Liu , Zhang Hongli , Chen Hua , Li Fei , Zhao Jianyong , Yao Kaixuan , Feng Xiaochen
Published: February 2021

Background: Different treatments with varying clinical efficacies have been applied to treat knee osteoarthritis (KOA). This study observes the effectiveness of deep hyperthermia combined with dynamic traction in KOA treatment. Methods: Deep hyperthermia and dynamic traction was administered to 60 patients with KOA. The pretreatment and 20- and 40-day post-treatment visual analog scale (VAS) and Lysholm score, knee joint cavity effusion, synovium thickness, and synovial blood flow signal (by high-frequency ultrasound) of the patients were recorded. The pretreatment and 20- and 40-day post-treatment Lysholm scores were 47.17 ± 5.07, 63.22 ± 3.44, and 81.98 ± 3.30 (P < 0.001), respectively. Results: The pretreatment and 20- and 40-day post-treatment VAS scores were 5.67 ± 0.91, 2.92 ± 0.81, and 0.60 ± 0.72 (P < 0.001), respectively. The pretreatment and 20- and 40-day post-treatment articular effusion was 5.41 ± 0.46 mm, 4.34 ± 0.34 mm, and 2.32 ± 0.32 mm (P < 0.001), respectively. The pretreatment and 20- and 40-day post-treatment synovial thickness was 3.44 ± 0.31 mm, 2.79 ± 0.15 mm, and 2.32 ± 0.32 mm (P < 0.001), respectively. The pretreatment and 20- and 40-day post-treatment grades of synovial blood flow signal exhibited a significant difference (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Deep hyperthermia combined with dynamic traction can significantly improve the clinical symptoms and pain degree in KOA, reduce joint cavity effusion, synovium thickness, and internal blood flow, and the effect improves with time. The changes in soft tissues observed by high-frequency ultrasound are reliable and consistent with clinical signs.
Tumor Suppressor SMAR1 Regulates PKM Alternative Splicing by HDAC6 Mediated Deacetylation of PTBP1
Authors: Choksi Arpankumar , Parulekar Apoorva , Pant Richa , Shah Vibhuti Kumar , Nimma Ramakrishna , Firmal Priyanka , Singh Smriti , Kundu Gopal C. , Shukla Sanjeev , Chattopadhyay Samit
Published: February 2021

Background:Highly proliferating cancer cells exhibit the Warburg effect by regulation of PKM alternative splicing and promoting the expression of PKM2. Majority of the alternative splicing events are known to occur in the nuclear matrix where various MARBPs actively participate in the alternative splicing events. SMAR1, being a MARBP and an important tumor suppressor, is known to regulate the splicing of various cancer-associated genes. This study focuses on the regulation of PKM alternative splicing and inhibition of the Warburg effect by SMAR1.Methods:Immunohistochemistry was performed in breast cancer patient samples to establish the correlation between SMAR1 and PKM isoform expression. Further, expression of PKM isoforms upon modulation in SMAR1 expression in breast cancer cell lines was quantified by qRT-PCR and western blot. The acetylation status of PTBP1 was estimated by immunoprecipitation along with its enrichment on PKM pre-mRNA by CLIP in SMAR1 knockdown conditions. The role of SMAR1 in tumor metabolism and tumorigenesis was explored by in vitro enzymatic assays and functional assays upon SMAR1 knockdown. Besides, in vivo tumor formation by injecting adeno-SMAR1 transduced MDA-MB-231 cells in NOD/SCID mice was performed. Results:The expression profile of SMAR1 and PKM isoforms in breast cancer patients revealed that SMAR1 has an inverse correlation with PKM2 and a positive correlation with PKM1. Further quantitative PKM isoform expression upon modulation in SMAR1 expression also reflects that SMAR1 promotes the expression of PKM1 over tumorigenic isoform PKM2. SMAR1 deacetylates PTBP1 via recruitment of HDAC6 resulting in reduced enrichment of PTBP1 on PKM pre-mRNA. SMAR1 inhibits the Warburg effect, tumorigenic potential of cancer cells and in vivo tumor generation in PKM2 dependent manner.Conclusions:SMAR1 regulates PKM alternative splicing by causing HDAC6 dependent deacetylation of PTBP1, resulting in reduced enrichment of PTBP1 on PKM pre-mRNA. Additionally, SMAR1 suppresses glucose utilization and lactate production via repression of PKM2 expression. This suggests that tumor suppressor SMAR1 inhibits tumor cell metabolism and tumorigenic properties of cancer cells via regulation of PKM alternative splicing.
Serum Metabolic Profiling Identifies a Biomarker Panel for Improvement of Prostate Cancer Diagnosis
Authors: Xu Huan , Chen Junyi , He Jingyi , Ji Jin , Cao Zhi , Chen Xi , Xu Yalong , He Xing , Xu Guowang , Zhou Lina , Wei Xuedong , Hou Jianquan , Wang Zhong , Yang Bo , Wang Fubo
Published: February 2021

Objectives: To identify and validate a biomarker panel by serum metabolic profiling for improvement of PCa diagnosis. Materials and Methods: Totally, 134 individuals were included in this study. Among them, 39 PCa patients and 45 control patients (negative prostate biopsy) were involved in the discovery phase and 50 healthy controls were enrolled for validation phase of metabolomics study. LC-MS Analysis was used for the identification of the serum metabolites of patients. Results: Logistics regression analysis shows that 5 metabolites (dMePE(18:0/18:2), PC(16:0/20:2), PS(15:0/18:2), SM(d16:0/24:1), Carnitine C14:0) were significantly changed in PCa patients compared with control patients. A metabolic panel (MET) was calculated, showing a significantly higher diagnostic performance than PSA in differentiating PCa from control patients (AUC [MET vs. PSA]: 0.823 ± 0.046 vs. 0.712 ± 0.057, p<0.001). Moreover, this panel was superior to PSA in distinguishing PCa from negative prostate biopsies when PSA levels were less than 20ng/ml (AUC [MET vs. PSA]: 0.836 ± 0.050 vs. 0.656 ± 0.067, p<0.001). In the validation set, the MET panel yielded an AUC of 0.823 in distinguishing PCa patients from healthy controls, showing a significant improvement of PCa detection. Conclusions: The metabolite biomarker panel discovered in this study presents a good diagnostic performance for the detection of PCa.
Population Genomics Provides Insights into the Population Structure and Climate-driven Adaptation of Collichthys Lucidus
Authors: Zhao Linlin , Qu Fangyuan , Song Na , Han Zhiqiang , Gao Tianxiang , Zhang Zhaohui
Published: February 2021

Background: Understanding the genetic structure and local adaptive evolutionary mechanisms of marine organisms is crucial for the conservation and management of biological resources. Collichthys lucidus is an ideal candidate for investigating population differentiation and local adaptation under heterogeneous environmental pressure. Results: To elucidate the fine-scale genetic structure and local thermal adaptation of C. lucidus, we performed restriction site-associated DNA tag sequencing (RAD-seq) of 177 individuals from 8 populations, and a total of 184,708 high-quality single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified. All the results revealed significant population structure with high support for two distinct genetic clusters, namely, the northern group (populations DL, TJ, LYG, NT, ZS, and WZ) and southern group (populations XM and ZH). The genetic diversity of the southern group was evidently lower than that of the northern group, which indicated that the southern group was possibly under climate-driven natural selection. In addition, a total of 314 SNPs were found to be significantly associated with temperature variation. Annotations of temperature-related SNPs suggested that genes involved in material (protein, lipid, and carbohydrate) metabolism and immune responses were critical for adaptation to spatially heterogeneous temperatures in natural C. lucidus populations. Conclusion: In the context of anthropogenic activities and environmental change, the results of the present population genomic work could make important contributions to the understanding of genetic differentiation and adaptation to changing environments.
Optimization of Fermentation Conditions for Recombinant Lipase Expression At Small Scale Using Response Surface Methodology for Preliminary Production In Two Bioreactor Platforms.
Authors: López Angela Liliana Meza , Acosta-González Alejandro , Manrique Ingrid Yamile Pulido , Correa Rosa Erlide Prieto , Junca Carlos Jimenez
Published: February 2021

Background: Pseudomonas lipases are widely used in industrial applications due to its unique biochemical properties, but one of the biggest limitations are the low yields obtained in native strains therefore, organisms as E. coli are used for the recombinant lipase overexpression. However, the recombinant lipase is accumulated as inclusion bodies and it affects biological activity, making that researchers evaluate different fermentation conditions to improve the activity of recombinant enzymes. In this study, a statistical experimental design was implemented to evaluate the effects of temperature, agitation rate and osmolyte concentration on the recombinant lipase activity produced in E. coli BL21 (DE3). Once the significant variables were identified, an optimization by a Response Surface Methodology was applied to maximize the lipase production. Results: The Box-Behnken designs revealed different optimal fermentation conditions for each osmolyte experiment. The glycerol showed the highest specific lipase activity compared to the other osmolytes and 0.1 M of osmolyte glycerol,5°C and 110 rpm showed the highest significant increase on the specific lipase activity and the data fitted the model very well. The validation showed that 452.01 U/mg of specific lipase activity was obtained which was significantly higher compared to the group where no glycerol was added (271.38 U/mg). The relative recombinant lipase expression was 2.7-fold lower at 5°C compared to 25 °C, but at 5°C the lipase activity was significantly higher. In addition, when the 3 L shaken Erlenmeyer Bioreactor was used to produce the recombinant lipase based on the power input parameter, the specific lipase activity was not significantly different from that found in Schott (408,4 U/mg and 452 U/mg, respectively), which means that this Bioreactor platform should be used for future scale-up processes.Conclusion: Low temperatures, low agitation rates and 0.1 M of glycerol in the autoinduction media enhanced the activity of the recombinant lipase produced in E. coli BL21(DE3). The optimized conditions and the 3 L shaken Erlenmeyer Bioreactor can be used to produce the recombinant enzyme in a higher volume based on the power input parameter. Further studies using this strategy may lead to the identification of optimal culture conditions for a given recombinant enzyme facilitating the large-scale bioprocess implementation.
Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles and Their Biocontrol Potentials Against Aspergillus Niger and Fusarium Udum
Authors: Sikka Aneesh , Sodimalla Triveni , YALAVARTHI NAGARAJU
Published: February 2021

Silver nanoparticles can be biosynthesized from bacteria, fungi, and plant extracts but due to their ability to synthesize nanoparticles in varying sizes and shapes at ease, bacterial has drawn interest. Bacterial based biosynthesis is effective, inexpensive, and simple thus, Pseudomonas fluorescence cell filtrates were used to synthesize silver nanoparticles in the present study. The chromatic shifts (yellow to brown) in the media after overnight incubation and the absorption of UV-Vis spectra at 420 nm confirmed the biosynthesis of AgNP’s. Besides that, the SPR analysis of AgNP’s showed a 400–500 nm band width, supporting the formation of silver nanoparticles and their small size with a uniform shape. AgNP’s transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images confirmed their shape as quasi spherical, mean size as 30 nm and anisotropy. From the Zeta potential analysis (-42.7 mV at pH = 7 with a single peak), highly repulsive nature of nanoparticles was confirmed. On the other hand, bio-fabricated silver nanoparticles were tested for antifungal activity against Fusarium udum and Aspergillus niger under in vitro conditions. At 150 ppm concentration of AgNP’s, Fusarium udum and Aspergillus niger were inhibited up to 100 and 80.50 %, respectively. In conclusion, synthesis of nanoparticle with aqueous Pseudomonas fluorescence extract is simple and environmentally benign.
Risk Factors for Acute Postoperative Sort Throat (POST) After Supraglottic Device Use 
Authors: Huang Yanzhe , Chen Kaizheng , Shen Xia
Published: February 2021

Background. To identify risk factors for acute postoperative sort throat (POST) after general anesthesia using a supraglottic airway device (SAD) in adults undergoing elective tympanoplasty.Methods. The medical records of 1424 adults who underwent elective tympanoplasty under general anesthesia using an SAD were reviewed retrospectively. Patients received one of four SADs at the discretion of the anesthesiologists: flexible reinforced LMA (FLMA), Ambu AuraFlex FLMA, or two local brand devices (Tuoren FLMA or Tuoren Esophageal Drainage LMA). POST upon discharge from the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) was measured using a visual analog sale (VAS) and categorized as no pain, mild pain, and moderate to severe pain. Data regarding potential risk factors for POST were collected from the medical records. Results. The mean patient age was 43.24 years; 622 patients were male and 802 were female. The overall incidence of POST during the PACU stay was 38.1%. Female sex, certain types of SAD, higher intracuff pressure, and longer duration of surgery were independent risk factors for POST on multivariate logistic regression analysis. Compared to FLMA, both the Tuoren FLMA and the Tuoren Esophageal Drainage LMA were risk factors for POST. The Tuoren Esophageal Drainage LMA was the strongest independent risk factor for moderate to severe POST.Conclusions. Use of local brand SADs contributed to the development of POST after elective tympanoplasty under general anesthesia. The Tuoren Esophageal Drainage LMA was the strongest predictor of moderate to severe POST.
The Application of Ozonated Water Rearranges the Transcriptome of the Vitis Vinifera L. Fruit
Authors: Campayo Ana , Savoi Stefania , Romieu Charles , López-Jiménez Alberto José , Hoz Kortes Serrano de la , Salinas Rosario , Torregrosa Laurent , Alonso Gonzalo
Published: February 2021

Ozonated water has become an innovative, environmentally friendly tool for controlling the development of fungal diseases in the vineyard or during grape postharvest conservation. However, little information is currently available on the effects of ozonated water sprayings on the grapevine physiology. Using the microvine model, we studied the transcriptomic response of leaf and fruit organs to this treatment. The response to ozone was observed to be organ and developmental stage-dependent, with a decrease of the number of DEGs (differentially expressed genes) in the fruit from the onset of ripening to later stages. The most highly up-regulated gene families were heat-shock proteins and chaperones. Other up-regulated genes were involved in oxidative stress homeostasis such as those of the ascorbate-glutathione cycle and glutathione S-transferases. In contrast, genes related to cell wall development and secondary metabolites (carotenoids, terpenoids, phenylpropanoids / flavonoids) were generally down-regulated after ozone treatment, mainly in the early stage of fruit ripening. This down-regulation may indicate a possible carbon competition favouring the re-establishment and maintenance of the redox homeostasis rather than the synthesis of secondary metabolites at the beginning of ripening, the most ozone responsive developmental stage.