bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physicochemical and antimicrobial assessment of Iranian Propolis gathered in Qazvin province
Authors: Samieerad Fatemeh , Gheibi Nematollah
Published: February 2020

Background: Propolis is one of the useful bee colony products that have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. In this study, the physicochemical characters and their antibacterial effect of Iranian Propolis collected from Qazvin province was assessed.Methods: In this study, Thin Layer Chromatography and Vacuum Liquid Chromatography to detect different compounds of the extract have been used. In the initial evaluation of Propolis extract, it was found that the extract includes variable compounds with different polarity; so, the initial classification of extract with different polarity solvents was essential. Finally, 0.1 gr hydro alcoholic Propolis was injected to the HPLC by ultrasound. The antibacterial effect of Iranian ethanol extract Propolis was measured using a microdilution method against Pseudomonas aeruginosa: P. aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus: S.aureus standard strains and the minimum bactericidal and inhibitory concentration were defined.Results: Primary analysis of the ethanol extract by analytical Thin Layer Chromatography, demonstrated the presence of flavonoid and phenol in it. Minimum inhibitory concentration and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration for Staphylococcus aureus: S.aureus standard strain was 2.5mg/ml. The same procedure was done for Pseudomonas aeruginosa: P. aeruginosa standard strain and the Minimum inhibitory concentration and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration were 50mg/ml of Propolis extracts.  Conclusion: According to the results, the alcoholic extract of propolis from Qazvin province of Iran provides significant antimicrobial activity. Its powerful activity may be due to high total phenolic and flavonoid contents.Keywords: Iranian propolis, Antibacterial activity, Phenolic compounds, Flavonoid compound
PENINGKATAN HASIL BELAJAR IPA MELALUI MODEL PEMBELAJARAN KOOPERATIVE TIPE JIGSAW
Authors: . Marliana
Published: February 2020

The purpose of this study is to improve mastery of subject matter that has been studied and accepted by students. This study uses action research developed by Kemmis and Mc Taggert that use a cycle of two rounds. Each round consists of four stages, namely: design, activity and observation, reflection, and refining. The target of this study were 28th grade students of SD Negeri 1 Bayeun. The data obtained in the form of formative test results, observation sheets of teaching and learning activities by processing qualitative values. From the results of the analysis it was found that student learning outcomes experienced an increase from the first cycle of the formative test scores of 72.86 students to 81.79 in the second cycle and students' learning completeness in the first cycle which was 67.86% to 92.86% in the second cycle. The conclusion of this study is that the use of cooperative models of the jigsaw type can positively influence learning motivation, collaboration and increase the value of learning outcomes of fifth grade students at SD Negeri 1 Bayeun, and this learning model can be used as an alternative science or science learning.
On New Difference Sequence Space and Their Generalised Almost Statistical Convergence
Authors: Kumar Singh Ajaya
Published: February 2020

The object of the present paper is to introduce the notion of generalised almost statistical (GAS) convergence of bounded real sequences, which generalises the notion of almost convergence as well as statistical convergence of bounded real sequences. We also introduce the concept of Banach statistical limit functional and the notion of GAS convergence mainly depends on the existence of Banach statistical limit functional. We prove the existence of Banach statistical limit functional. Also, the existence GAS convergent sequence, which is neither statistical convergent nor almost convergent. Lastly, some topological properties of the space of all GAS convergent sequences are investigated.
Mechanism and model of credit portfolio diversification
Authors: Orlova E. V.
Published: February 2020

Under conditions of demand for credit resources growing in Russian economy the importance of credit risks assessment and their influence on the credit organizations efficiency is increased. Empirical studies show that credit risks in the banking today are increasing nonlinearly relative to the main characteristics of the credit — the level of credit risk, credit terms, interest rate. Therefore, the formation of the most acceptable from the point of view of risk reducing of the bank’s credit portfolio is a scientifically based and practically important problem. The aim of the work is to justify the need for and develop a new mechanism for managing the bank's credit portfolio, ensuring its diversification and reduction of credit risks. The materials of the study were the statistical data of the Bank of Russia and Rosstat. Methods used in the work are: system analysis, control theory, statistical data processing and operational research. A mechanism for managing the quality of a bank credit portfolio is proposed, featuring a combination of quantitative and qualitative criteria for assessing the quality of the credit portfolio and allow to monitor of the credit portfolio, to make decisions on approving or rejecting a credit application in accordance with the permissible values of risk factors. A model has been developed for optimizing the structure of the credit portfolio, which makes it possible to form an optimal ratio of long-term and short-term credits, ensuring the maximum yield of the credit portfolio taking into account credit risk in the context of various credit policy types. A practical importance of the investigation are the positive results of the implementation of the proposed mechanism and model of credit portfolio management into the credit organization, ensuring the growth of its profitability and promoting an increase in competitiveness.
The level of lipid peroxidation products in the rats blood under prolonged cadmium and lead loading
Authors: Slobodian S. О. , Gutyj B. V. , Leskiv K. Y.
Published: February 2020

Lipid peroxidation is a form of tissues respiration. This process is characteristic of normal tissues and occurs, as a rule, after the construction of lipid membrane structures, their updates and during the biosynthesis of many hormones. However, free radical oxidation can be activated in an unfavorable environmental situation, since in our case it happened under the action of Cadmium and Lead. The purpose of the work was to investigate the Cadmium and Lead effects on the lipid peroxidation processes intensity in rats. The experiments were carried out on 200 – 220 g male “Wistar” rats, from which 4 groups of animals were formed: 1) control group – animals were administered drinking water through a metal probe in bulk, which is equivalent to the volume of aqueous salt solution Cd2+ і Pb2+; 2) experimental group 1 – animals were administered 0.029 % an aqueous solution of cadmium chloride in a dose 4.0 mg/kg; 3) experimental group 2 – animals were administered 16.6 % aqueous lead acetate solution at a dose 200 mg/kg; 4) experimental group 3 – animals were administered 16.6 % aqueous lead acetate solution at a dose 100 mg/kg and 0.029 % an aqueous solution of cadmium chloride in a dose 2.0 mg/kg. Throughout the experiment, rats were kept in a balanced diet containing all the necessary components, the animals were given drinking water without restrictions from 0.2 liter glass bowls. Based on our research, we detected activation of lipid peroxidation (LPO) products in the blood of rats under lead-cadmium loading, as indicated by the growth of intermediate and final products in comparison with the group of intact animals. Probable level increase of LPO products was observed from the first day of the experiment. For the 7th day of the experiment, the level of diene conjugates in the blood of the third experimental group increased by 88.9 %, and the level of Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) increased by 31.8 %. At 14 and 21 days of the experiment, the level of of LPO products in the rats blood under the lead-cadmium load was the highest. These changes in the LPO products level indicate an increase in the intensity of radical formation processes. Peroxide oxidation forms, at almost all stages of its course, a number of products that result from the interaction of free radicals with each other and with biological macromolecules.
The current state of fishing and extracting the living aquatic resources in the Black Sea region of Ukraine
Authors: Burgaz M. I. , Matviienko T. I. , Soborova O. M. , Bezyk K. I. , Kudelina O. Y.
Published: February 2020

The development of open spaces and resources of the Black Sea is one of the main directions of the Black Sea region (the Odessa, Mykolaiv and Kherson regions). The essence of the region policy allows to cooperate with the most countries of the world community and brings an income both to the budget of the regions and to the state budget. Industrial fisheries is an extractive branch of the fishing industry that uses the natural resources of the oceans, seas, lakes, rivers, reservoirs: various species of fish, marine mammals, shellfish, crustaceans and aquatic vegetation. Fisheries can be considered as one type of nature using which consists in the extraction of fish and other sea products (fish, invertebrates, algae, etc.). The purpose of the work was to find out a current state of fishing and extracting the living aquatic resources in the Black Sea region, namely in the Odessa, Mykolaiv and Kherson regions. An assessment of a current state of extracting the aquatic bioresources in general and in the inland water bodies in the Black Sea region, namely in the Odessa, Mykolaiv and Kherson regions for the period from 2010 to 2018, was carried out on the basis of specialized literature. The state of extracting the aquatic bioresources in general and in the inland water bodies from 2010 to 2018; the amount of caught fish in this region; the state of fisheries of the studied region were investigated. Fish farming is a branch of the national economy that is engaged in farming, increasing and improving a quality of the fish stocks in the water bodies and filling the fish resources. In order to maintain and increase the stocks of valuable industrial fish in our country the extensive measures for artificial fish farming, improving the conditions of natural reproduction of fish, as well as the development of lake and pond fisheries for the commercial fish production are being taken. Much work is being done to acclimatize valuable industrial fish species and other fishing objects, aimed at expanding a fish species composition and increasing the fish stocks. It was found that according to the statistics of the State Statistics Committee of Ukraine, the analysis of the exraction of fish and aquatic biological resources in the Black Sea region (Odesa, Mykolaiv and Kherson regions) showed that an increase in the volume of fish catching and extracting the living aquatic resources occurred only due to inland waters.
'Some like it alien': predation on invasive ring–necked parakeets by the long–eared owl in an urban area
Authors: Mori E. , Malfatti L. , Le Louarn M. , Hernández–Brito D. , ten Cate B. , Ricci M. , Menchetti M.
Published: February 2020

Predation pressure by native species may limit the spread of alien invasive species, thus playing a pivotal role in the impact and implementation of management strategies. The ring–necked parakeet Psittacula krameri is one of the most widespread alien bird species in Europe, with nearly 70 established populations. Predators of this species include diurnal raptors, synanthropic corvids, and rodents. Here we report for the first time that long–eared owls Asio otus might have preyed upon parakeets in their night roosts. Analysis of 167 owl pellets showed that ring–necked parakeets made up over 10 % of the total volume of the diet of these owls in winter (32.93 % of absolute frequency), representing the most important prey species after murid rodents and passerine birds. Further studies are needed to investigate whether parakeet consumption by long–eared owls is only a local occurrence or whether it is widespread in European cities. If so, predation by long–eared owl may eventually lead to a form of parakeet control and may limit the impact of this introduced parakeet on native biodiversity.
التقدير الضبابي الحصين لمعلمة الموقع
Authors: محمد حسين محمد جاسم
Published: February 2020

في هذه البحث تم اقتراح ثلاثة مقدرات ضبابية حصينة لمعلمة الموقع استنادًا إلى اسلوب Buckley، في حالة وجود القيم المتطرفة، وتمت المقارنة بين هذه المقدرات باستخدام معيار التباين للأرقام الضبابية، ومن خلال المقارنة تبين ان المقدرات الثلاثة المقترحة كانت أفضل من مقدر Buckley، وان أفضل مقدر من بين هذه كان الوسيط الضبابي في حالة حجوم البيانات الصغيرة والمتوسطة ام في حالة حجم العينة الكبيرة فكان الوسط الحسابي الضبابي المشذب هو الأفضل.
قياس تكامل الافصاح عن نموذج الاعمال مع الخصائص النوعية للمعلومات المحاسبية (الملائمة والتمثيل الصادق)
Authors: يحيى التميمي عباس حميد , عبد الامير زيني حسين زهير
Published: February 2020

يهدف البحث الى تحقيق التكامل بين الافصاح عن نماذج اعمال الشركات مع الخصائص النوعية للمعلومات المحاسبية، ولتحقيق ذلك ينبغي تحديد عناصر أنموذج الاعمال والافصاح عنها، ومن ثم دراسة امكانية تحقيق التكامل بين الافصاح عن أنموذج الاعمال مع الخصائص النوعية للمعلومات المحاسبية .

ولتحقيق ذلك الهدف استند البحث على مؤشرات الافصاح عن أنموذج الاعمال لمجلس معايير المحاسبة الدولية، وذلك لقياس الافصاح عن أنموذج الاعمال، وايضاً استعمال مجموعة من النماذج الاحصائية لبيان مدى التكامل مع الخصائص النوعية للمعلومات المحاسبية .

وقد توصل البحث الى مجموعة من الاستنتاجات تمثلت اهمها بما يأتي:

اولاً : ان المؤشرات الواردة في اطار الافصاح عن أنموذج الاعمال طبقاً لـ ( IASB 2010 ) تفسر أنموذج الاعمال للمصارف عينة البحث، اذ بينت نتائج استعمال هذه المؤشرات ان المصارف العينة افصحت بنسب متفاوتة عن أنموذج الاعمال، وان اقل المؤشرات، التي افصحت عنها المصارف عينة البحث كانت تتعلق بنتائج العمليات والآفاق، و مقاييس الأداء الحرجة) .

ثانياً: ان النتائج تظهر امكانية صياغة علاقة تكامل بين الافصاح عن أنموذج الاعمال والخصائص النوعية للمعلومات المحاسبية الاساسية، اذ ان اضافة الافصاح عن أنموذج الاعمال الى خاصية الملائمة ادى الى تعزيز هذه الخاصية وزيادة القيمة المعنوية للأنموذج، بينما لا يظهر تأثير كبير عند اضافة الافصاح عن أنموذج الاعمال الى خاصية التمثيل الصادق.

وقد استخلص البحث مجموعة من التوصيات من اهمها:

اولاً : ضرورة الزام جميع الشركات على الافصاح عن أنموذج الاعمال طبقاً لاطار IASB 2010.

ثانياً: ينبغي تطوير الاطار المفاهيمي للابلاغ المالي وخاصة فيما يتعلق بالخصائص النوعية للمعلومات المحاسبية، بما يتناسب مع اهمية الافصاح عن أنموذج الاعمال، وكيف ينعكس ذلك في تعزيز الابلاغ المالي، وبالتالي تلبية متطلبات معايير الابلاغ المالي الدولية .
Journal clubs in Australian medical schools: prevalence, application, and educators’ opinions
Authors: Ianno Damian James , Mirowska-Allen Kelly , Kunz Stephen Anthony , O’Brien Richard
Published: February 2020

Purpose: Medically-focused journal clubs have been used as an educational tool for over 100 years, with research indicating that they improve knowledge, reading behaviour, and critical appraisal skills. However, it is unknown how widespread they are in Australian medical schools, nor the opinions of medical education leaders as to their value.Methods: A nationwide cross-sectional study was performed among academic leaders from every Australian medical school. Individuals were asked to complete a survey detailing their attitudes towards journal clubs using single- or multiple-answer questions, Likert scales, and ranked data. They were asked whether students at their institutions were able to partake in journal clubs, and if so, provided details on their implementation.Results: At least 1 response was collected from 18 of 19 Australian medical schools. The response rate was 40.8% (60 of 147), and 36 responses (60.0%) were from heads of clinical schools. Respondents from 15 of 18 institutions (83.3%) stated that their institution had a journal club. Of these, 23 (65.7%) were metropolitan institutions and 12 (34.3%) were rural institutions. Eighteen (51.4%) journal clubs were clinician-led, 13 (37.1%) were run through specific hospital departments, and 23 (65.7%) occurred during clinical years. Most respondents (20 [57.1%]) stated that the primary aim of the journal club was to develop critical appraisal skills.Conclusion: Journal clubs are a highly regarded educational tool in the armoury of medical school educators, with significant heterogeneity in their structure, geographic prevalence, and intended purpose. Further studies of their efficacy in teaching evidence-based medicine is warranted.
Amino Acid Metabolism in Human Embryos
Authors: DRÁBKOVÁ P. , ANDRLOVÁ L. , HAMPL R. , KANĎÁR R.
Published: February 2020

The aim of this study was to find some relationship between amino acid metabolism and the embryo morphokinetic parameters studied via time-lapse analysis. Study included 48 human embryo samples and their culture media. Two groups of embryos were identified: embryos reached the 8-cell stage on day 3 (n=34) and embryos failed to develop at any point during the incubation (n=14). Amino acids levels were measured on day 3 of embryo development; using time-lapse analysis, the precise timing of embryo cleavage, synchrony of division, grade of fragmentation etc. were established. No statistically significant differences between dividing and arresting embryos were observed in terms of amino acids production/consumption and turnover. Amino acids which were part of the culture medium did not exhibit any statistically significant correlation with kinetic parameters with the exception of the grade of fragmentation on day 3; there were negative correlation with glutamate, and positive with glutamine, glycine and taurine. In some dividing and in some arresting embryos appeared new amino acids which strongly correlated with each other, with methionine, but not with any other amino acid that is a regular part of the culture medium.
Influence of Endothelin 1 Receptor Blockers and a Nitric Oxide Synthase Inhibitor on Reactive Oxygen Species Formation in Rat Lungs
Authors: KLENIEWSKA P. , GORĄCA A.
Published: February 2020

This study was designated to estimate protective role of ETA and ETB receptor antagonist against endothelin 1 (ET-1)-induced oxidative stress in lungs and determine whether these effects are mediated by nitric oxide (NO) synthase. Experiments were performed on Wistar rats divided into the following groups: I – saline (0.9 % NaCl); II – ET-1 (3 μg/kg b.w.), III – BQ123 (1 mg/kg b.w.) + ET-1 (3 μg/kg b.w.), IV – BQ788 (3 mg/kg b.w.) + ET-1 (3 μg/kg b.w.), V – N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) (5 mg/kg b.w.) + ET-1 (3 μg/kg b.w.). ETA and ETB receptor antagonists or L-NAME were administered 30 min before ET-1 injection. The levels of the following substances were measured in the lungs homogenates: thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), reduced glutathione (GSH) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). The results showed that ET-1 significantly increased TBARS, H2O2 (respectively: p<0.001, p<0.02) and TNF-α levels (p<0.02) and decreased the GSH level (p<0.01) vs. control group. On the other hand, prior administration of ETA receptor blocker (BQ123) significantly attenuated TBARS (p<0.01), H2O2 (p<0.02), TNF-α (p<0.02) and increased GSH (p<0.02) levels vs. ET-1. However, prior administration of ETB receptor blocker BQ788 did not cause significant changes in the: TBARS, H2O2 and TNF-α (p>0.05) levels, but significantly increased the GSH level and GSH/GSSG ratio (p<0.05). Administration of L-NAME significantly attenuated TBARS (p<0.001), H2O2 (p<0.05), TNF-α (p<0.01) and increased GSH (p<0.05) levels vs. ET-1. In conclusion, we demonstrated that ET-1 induced oxidative stress in the lungs is mediated by ETA receptors. ETA receptor blockage inhibited generation of free radicals and TNF-α and ameliorated antioxidant properties. Moreover, generation of reactive oxygen species is mediated by NOS in the lungs.
GFAP Expression in the Cerebral Cortex during the Development of Cerebral Hypoxia in Rats Showing Different Results in the Morris Water Maze
Authors: Chrishtop V. V. , Rumyantseva T. A. , Pozhilov D. A.
Published: February 2020

The state of cognitive functions in cerebrovascular disorders is one of the most urgent healthcare problems. Recently obtained data convincingly indicate the participation of astrocytes in the formation of cognitive functions of the brain. We conducted a study on 88 Wistar rats. Following the results of testing the rats in a Morris water maze, all animals were divided into two subgroups: those with a high (HLA) and low (LLA) level of spatial situational learning abilities in the Morris water maze test. The animals in the experimental group (48 animals) underwent bilateral ligation of both carotid arteries. The animals were removed from the experiment on the 21st, 60th and 90th day after the operation. Glial ﬁbrillar acidic protein (GFAP), a marker of mature astrocytes, was detected using primary polyclonal rabbit antibodies on histological sections of the precentral gyrus of the brain. Data were obtained on a more pronounced decrease in the numerical density of astrocyte bodies and the number of astrocyte main processes in HLA and LLA animals in earlier (on the 21st day) and later (on the 90th day) stages of the experiment, respectively. The growth of the area occupied by the astrocyte processes occurred earlier in HLA animals (on the 60th day after the simulation) compared to LLA animals (on the 90th day after the simulation). The conducted factor analysis conﬁrmed the presence of two factors associated with the dynamics of the studied parameters. The conclusion is made about alternative variants of changes in the studied groups. The HLA subgroup predominantly demonstrated changes of an alterational character in earlier experimental stages, while adaptive changes were observed in the later stages of the experiment. Conversely, in the LLA subgroup, alterations and adaptations occurred in later and earlier experimental stages, respectively.
Tobacco Plant Detection in RGB Aerial Images
Authors: Sun Xingping , Peng Jiayuan , Shen Yong , Kang Hongwei
Published: February 2020

Tobacco is an essential economic crop in China. The detection of tobacco plants in aerial images plays an important role in the management of tobacco plants and, in particular, in yield estimations. Traditional yield estimation is based on site inspections, which can be inefficient, time-consuming, and laborious. In this paper, we proposed an algorithm to detect tobacco plants in RGB aerial images automatically. The proposed algorithm is comprised of two stages: (1) A candidate selecting algorithm extracts possible tobacco plant regions from the input, (2) a trained CNN (Convolutional Neural Network) classifies a candidate as either a tobacco-plant region or a nontobacco-plant one. This proposed algorithm is trained and evaluated on different datasets. It demonstrates good performance on tobacco plant detection in aerial images and obtains a significant improvement on AP (Average Precision) compared to faster R-CNN (Regions with CNN features) and YOLOv3 (You Only Look Once v3).
Human IgA Monoclonal Antibodies That Neutralize Poliovirus, Produced by Hybridomas and Recombinant Expression
Authors: Puligedda Rama Devudu , Vigdorovich Vladimir , Kouiavskaia Diana , Kattala Chandana Devi , Zhao Jiang-yang , Al-Saleem Fetweh H. , Chumakov Konstantin , Sather D. Noah , Dessain Scott K.
Published: February 2020

Poliovirus (PV)-specific intestinal IgAs are important for cessation of PV shedding in the gastrointestinal tract following an acute infection with wild type or vaccine-derived PV strains. We sought to produce IgA monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) with PV neutralizing activity. We first performed de novo IgA discovery from primary human B cells using a hybridoma method that allows assessment of mAb binding and expression on the hybridoma surface: On-Cell mAb Screening (OCMS™). Six IgA1 mAbs were cloned by this method; three potently neutralized type 3 Sabin and wt PV strains. The hybridoma mAbs were heterogeneous, expressed in monomeric, dimeric, and aberrant forms. We also used recombinant methods to convert two high-potency anti-PV IgG mAbs into dimeric IgA1 and IgA2 mAbs. Isotype switching did not substantially change their neutralization activities. To purify the recombinant mAbs, Protein L binding was used, and one of the mAbs required a single amino acid substitution in its κ LC in order to enable protein L binding. Lastly, we used OCMS to assess IgA expression on the surface of hybridomas and transiently transfected, adherent cells. These studies have generated potent anti-PV IgA mAbs, for use in animal models, as well as additional tools for the discovery and production of human IgA mAbs.
Antioxidant Capacity of Thistle (Cirsium japonicum) in Various Drying Methods and their Protection Effect on Neuronal PC12 cells and Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Jang Miran , Kim Kee-Hong , Kim Gun-Hee
Published: February 2020

The aim of this study was, firstly, to evaluate the phenol profile of thistle (Cirsium japonicum, CJ) by High performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization–mass spectrometry (HPLC–ESI–MS), dried by different methods (90 °C hot-air, 70 °C hot-air, shade-, and freeze-drying). Secondly, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between phenolic compounds content and antioxidant properties. CJ contained chlorogenic acid, linarin, and pectolinarin. Total phenolic contents of CJ significantly decreased under hot-air-drying condition, especially chlorogenic acid contents in CJ have been reduced by 85% and 60% for 90 °C and 70 °C hot-air-drying, respectively. We evaluated the protective effect on adrenal pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells and Caenorhabditis elegans using shade-dried CJ, which has the largest phenolic contents and the strongest antioxidant property. CJ-treated PC 12 cells dose-dependently exhibited the protective effects against reactive oxygen species (ROS), while cell viability increases, lactate dehydrogenase release decreases, and ROS formation decreases. Furthermore, CJ has also shown protection against ROS in C. elegans. Consequently, CJ contributed to lifespan extension under ROS stress without influencing the physiological growth.
Chemical, Nutritional and Antioxidant Characteristics of Different Food Seeds
Authors: Senila Lacrimioara , Neag Emilia , Cadar Oana , Kovacs Melinda Haydee , Becze Anca , Senila Marin
Published: February 2020

The objective of this study was to determine the chemical composition of five different food seeds (sunflower, poppy, hemp, flax and sesame) regarding fatty acid, mineral (Fe, Cu, Zn, Na, Mg, K, Ca, Al) and protein content. In addition, the total antioxidant capacity of the seeds was evaluated using the photochemiluminescent assay. The food seeds were subjected to lipid extraction and converted into fatty acid methyl esters before the gas chromatography analysis. In all food seeds, the saturated (SFAs), monounsaturated (MUFAs) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) were identified, respectively. PUFAs were the most abundant fatty acids (61.2% ± 0.07% and 84.8% ± 0.08% of total fatty acids), with the highest content in flax and hemp seed oil. Also, high amounts of omega-3 from PUFAs were determined in flax and hempseed oil. Based on the obtained results the sunflower, sesame and poppy seeds are good sources of omega-6, while flax and hemp seeds are good sources of omega-3. All samples are rich in minerals (Na, K, Ca, Mg) and have more than 20% protein content.
Nanomaterials for Skin Delivery of Cosmeceuticals and Pharmaceuticals
Authors: Souto Eliana B. , Fernandes Ana Rita , Martins-Gomes Carlos , Coutinho Tiago E. , Durazzo Alessandra , Lucarini Massimo , Souto Selma B. , Silva Amélia M. , Santini Antonello
Published: February 2020

Skin aging is described as dermatologic changes either naturally occurring over the course of years or as the result of the exposure to environmental factors (e.g., chemical products, pollution, infrared and ultraviolet radiations). The production of collagen and elastin, the main structural proteins responsible for skin strength and elasticity, is reduced during aging, while their role in skin rejuvenation can trigger a wrinkle reversing effect. Elasticity loss, wrinkles, dry skin, and thinning are some of the signs that can be associated with skin aging. To overcome skin aging, many strategies using natural and synthetic ingredients are being developed aiming to reduce the signs of aging and/or to treat age-related skin problems (e.g., spots, hyper- or hypopigmentation). Among the different approaches in tissue regeneration, the use of nanomaterials loaded with cosmeceuticals (e.g., phytochemicals, vitamins, hyaluronic acid, and growth factors) has become an interesting alternative. Based on their bioactivities and using different nanoformulations as efficient delivery systems, several cosmeceutical and pharmaceutical products are now available on the market aiming to mitigate the signs of aged skin. This manuscript discusses the state of the art of nanomaterials commonly used for topical administration of active ingredients formulated in nanopharmaceuticals and nanocosmeceuticals for skin anti-aging.
Influence of Quasi-Periodic Oscillation of Atmospheric Variables on Radiation Fog over A Mountainous Region of Korea
Authors: La Inyeob , Yum Seong Soo , Gultepe Ismail , Yeom Jae Min , Song Jae In , Cha Joo Wan
Published: February 2020

To enhance our understanding of fog processes over complex terrain, various fog events that occurred during the International Collaborative Experiments for Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympics and Paralympics (ICE-POP) campaign were selected. Investigation of thermodynamic, dynamic, and microphysical conditions within fog layers affected by quasi-periodic oscillation of atmospheric variables was conducted using observations from a Fog Monitor-120 (FM-120) and other in-situ meteorological instruments. A total of nine radiation fog cases that occurred in the autumn and winter seasons during the campaign over the mountainous region of Pyeongchang, Korea were selected. The wavelet analysis was used to study quasi-period oscillations of dynamic, microphysical, and thermodynamic variables. By decomposing the time series into the time-frequency space, we can determine both dominant periods and how these dominant periods change in time. Quasi-period oscillations of liquid water content (LWC), pressure, temperature, and horizontal/vertical velocity, which have periods of 15–40 min, were observed during the fog formation stages. We hypothesize that these quasi-periodic oscillations were induced by Kelvin–Helmholtz instability. The results suggest that Kelvin–Helmholtz instability events near the surface can be explained by an increase in the vertical shear of horizontal wind and by a simultaneous increase in wind speed when fog forms. In the mature stages, fluctuations of the variables did not appear near the surface anymore.
Spatial and Temporal Variations of Atmospheric CO2 Concentration in China and Its Influencing Factors
Authors: Lv Zhenghan , Shi Yusheng , Zang Shuying , Sun Li
Published: February 2020

Over the past few decades, concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO2), a key greenhouse gas, have risen at a global rate of approximately 2 ppm/a. China is the largest CO2 emitter and is the principle contributor to the increase in global CO2 levels. Based on a satellite-retrieved atmospheric carbon dioxide column average dry air mixing ratio (XCO2) dataset, derived from the greenhouse gas observation satellite (GOSAT), this paper evaluates the spatial and temporal variations of XCO2 characteristics in China during 2009–2016. Moreover, the factors influencing changes in XCO2 were investigated. Results showed XCO2 concentrations in China increased at an average rate of 2.28 ppm/a, with significant annual seasonal variations of 6.78 ppm. The rate of change of XCO2 was greater in south China compared to other regions across China, with clear differences in seasonality. Seasonal variations in XCO2 concentrations across China were generally controlled by vegetation dynamics, characterized by the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). However, driving factors exhibited spatial variations. In particular, a distinct belt (northeast–southwest) with a significant negative correlation (r < −0.75) between XCO2 and NDVI was observed. Furthermore, in north China, human emissions were identified as the dominant influencing factor of total XCO2 variations (r > 0.65), with forest fires taking first place in southwest China (r > 0.47). Our results in this study can provide us with a potential way to better understand the spatiotemporal changes of CO2 concentration in China with NDVI, human activity and biomass burning, and could have an enlightening effect on slowing the growth of CO2 concentration in China.
Human Cytomegalovirus Infection Induces High Expression of Prolactin and Prolactin Receptors in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Rahbar Afsar , AlKharusi Amira , Costa Helena , Pantalone Mattia Russel , Kostopoulou Ourania N. , Cui Huanhuan L. , Carlsson Joseph , Rådestad Angelique Flöter , Söderberg-Naucler Cecilia , Norstedt Gunnar
Published: February 2020

One of the potential biomarkers for ovarian cancer patients is high serum level of prolactin (PRL), which is a growth factor that may promote tumor cell growth. The prolactin receptor (PRLR) and human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) proteins are frequently detected in ovarian tumor tissue specimens, but the potential impact of HCMV infection on the PRL system have so far not been investigated. In this study, HCMV’s effects on PRL and PRLR expression were assessed in infected ovarian cancer cells (SKOV3) by PCR and Western blot techniques. The levels of both PRL and PRLR transcripts as well as the corresponding proteins were highly increased in HCMV-infected SKOV3 cells. Tissue specimens obtained from 10 patients with ovarian cancer demonstrated high expression of PRLR, HCMV-IE, and pp65 proteins. Extensive expression of PRLR was detected in all examined ovarian tumor tissue specimens except for one from a patient who had focal expression of PRLR and this patient was HCMV-negative in her tumor. In conclusion, PRL and PRLR were induced to high levels in HCMV-infected ovarian cancer cells and PRLR expression was extensively detected in HCMV-infected ovarian tissue specimens. Highly induced PRL and PRLR by HCMV infection may be of relevance for the oncomodulatory role of this virus in ovarian cancer.
Retinoprotective Effect of 2-Ethyl-3-hydroxy-6-methylpyridine Nicotinate
Authors: Peresypkina Anna , Pazhinsky Anton , Danilenko Lyudmila , Lugovskoy Sergey , Pokrovskii Mikhail , Beskhmelnitsyna Evgeniya , Solovev Nikolai , Pobeda Anna , Korokin Mikhail , Levkova Elena , Gubareva Victoria , Korokina Liliya , Martynova Olga , Soldatov Vladislav , Pokrovskii Vladimir
Published: February 2020

An important task of pharmacology is to find effective agents to improve retinal microcirculation and resistance to ischemia. The purpose of the study is to pharmacologically evaluate the retinoprotective effect of 2-ethyl-3-hydroxy-6-methylpyridine nicotinate in a rat model of retinal ischemia–reperfusion. A retinal ischemia–reperfusion model was used, in which an increase in intraocular pressure (IOP) to 110 mmHg was carried out within 30 min. The retinoprotective effect of 2-ethyl-3-hydroxy-6-methylpyridine nicotinate at a dose of 3.8 mg/kg, in comparison with nicotinic acid at a dose of 2 mg/kg and emoxipine at a dose of 2 mg/kg, was estimated by the changes in the eye fundus during ophthalmoscopy, the retinal microcirculation level with laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF), and electroretinography (ERG) after 72 h of reperfusion. The use of 2-ethyl-3-hydroxy-6-methylpyridine nicotinate prevented the development of ischemic injuries in the fundus and led to an increase in the retinal microcirculation level to 747 (median) (lower and upper quartiles: 693;760) perfusion units (p = 0.0002) in comparison with the group that underwent no treatment. In the group with the studied substance, the b-wave amplitude increased significantly (p = 0.0022), and the b/a coefficient increased reliably (p = 0.0002) in comparison with the group with no treatment. Thus, 2-ethyl-3-hydroxy-6-methylpyridine nicotinate has established itself as a potential retinoprotector.
Association between the APOA2 rs3813627 Single Nucleotide Polymorphism and HDL and APOA1 Levels Through BMI
Authors: Boughanem Hatim , Bandera-Merchán Borja , Hernández-Alonso Pablo , Moreno-Morales Noelia , Tinahones Francisco José , Lozano José , Morcillo Sonsoles , Macias-Gonzalez Manuel
Published: February 2020

Background: The interaction between obesity and genetic traits on high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels has been extensively studied. The variance of serum HDL has a strong genetic heritability, although the studied variant only explains a small part of this variation. The goal of this study was to investigate the associations between the apolipoprotein type 2 (APOA2) rs3813627 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and anthropometric and biochemical variables, though body mass index (BMI). Methods: This study included 153 subjects (91 overweight/obese (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) and 62 non-obese individuals (BMI < 25 kg/m2)). The APOA2 rs3813627 SNP was selected and genotyped. Genotype analysis was performed to analyze the associations between APOA2 SNPs and anthropometric and biochemical variables through BMI. Results: The APOA2 rs3813627 TT genotype was associated with low HDL levels in comparison with the APOA2 rs3813627 GG and GT genotype in overweight/obese individuals, but not in the non-obese subjects (p < 0.05). The same trend was observed in the apolipoprotein type 1 (APOA1) protein levels (p < 0.05). Correlation analysis revealed a negative correlation between HDL and APOA1 levels and APOA2 rs3813627 SNP under recessive model (p < 0.05). The odds ratio for low HDL levels was 3.76 and 3.94 for low APOA1 levels. The mediation analysis of APOA2 rs3813627 SNP through BMI showed a full mediation on HDL and partial mediation on APOA1 levels (p < 0.05). Bioinformatic analysis showed that rs3813627 lies in the APOA2 promoter and overlaps motifs for several bound transcription factors. Conclusions: On the basis of these data, the APOA2 rs3813627 SNP is associated with low HDL and APOA1 levels susceptibility, and this effect was mediated by an increased BMI.
Stress Hyperglycemia as Predictive Factor of Recurrence in Children with Febrile Seizures
Authors: Costea Raluca Maria , Maniu Ionela , Dobrota Luminita , Neamtu Bogdan
Published: February 2020

Stress hyperglycemia and hyperlactatemia are commonly referred to as markers of stress severity and poor outcome in children with severe acute illness or febrile seizures. Our prospective study aimed to explore the risk factors for stress hyperglycemia and the predictive value of stress hyperglycemia for febrile seizure recurrence. We evaluated as risk factors for blood glucose level, serum lactate, acid–base status, and the clinical parameters relevant to the severity of the infectious context or to febrile seizure event: fever degree, fever duration, seizure type and aspect, seizure duration, and recurrence. Among 166 febrile seizures events in 128 children, the prevalence of stress hyperglycemia (blood glucose >140 mg/dl) was 16.9%. The comparison of the stress versus non-stress hyperglycemia groups revealed lower pH (median (interquartile range): 7.46 (7.37, 7.53) vs. 7.48 (7.42, 7.53), p = 0.049), higher lactate levels (30.50 mg/dl (15, 36) vs. 19.50 mg/dl (15, 27), p = 0.000), slightly lower HCO3 (20.15 (20.20, 21.45) vs. 21.35 (20, 22.40), p = 0.020) in the stress hyperglycemia group. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that prolonged febrile seizures (>15 min), recurrent febrile seizure (>1 seizure), focal seizure type, body temperature ≥39.5 °C and higher lactate values were significantly associated with stress hyperglycemia. These findings suggest a particular acute stress reaction in febrile seizures, with stress hyperglycemia playing an important role, particularly in patients with a recurrent seizure pattern. A more complex future approach linking pathogenic mechanisms and genetic traits would be advised and could provide further clues regarding recurrence pattern and individualized treatment.
Non-Survivor Ischemic Stroke Patients Maintain High Serum Caspase-Cleaved Cytokeratin-18 Levels
Authors: Lorente Leonardo , Martín María M. , Pérez-Cejas Antonia , González-Rivero Agustín F , Sabatel Rafael , Ramos Luis , Argueso Mónica , Solé-Violán Jordi , Cáceres Juan J. , Jiménez Alejandro , García-Marín Victor
Published: February 2020

Objective: Caspase-cleaved cytokeratin (CCCK)-18 could appear in blood during apoptosis. In two different studies, on day 1 of cerebral infarction and at 72 h of cerebral infarction, respectively, higher circulating CCCK-18 levels were found in non-surviving than in surviving patients. The objective of this study was to analyze the ability of these levels to predict mortality at any time during the first week of cerebral infarction. Methods: Patients with malignant middle cerebral artery infarction (MMCAI) were included and the diagnosis criteria were the presence, observed in a computed tomography, of an acute cerebral infarction in at least 50% of this territory and midline shift, and an acute neurological deterioration with a Glasgow Coma Scale ≤ 8. Serum CCCK-18 levels at days 1, 4 and 8 of MMCAI were determined. Results: Serum concentrations of CCCK-18 at days 1, 4 and 8 of MMCAI were higher in non-surviving (n = 34) than in surviving patients (n = 34). Serum CCCK-18 concentrations at days 1, 4 and 8 of MMCAI had an area under curve (95% CI) used to predict a 30-day mortality of 0.83 (0.72 –0.91; p < 0.001), 0.78 (0.65–0.89; p < 0.001) and 0.82 (0.68–0.92; p < 0.001). Conclusions: The novel finding is that serum levels of CCCK-18 levels at any time after the first week of MMCAI could help predict 30-day mortality.
Radiation and Magnetic Field Impacts on Time-Dependent Mixed Convection Flow and Heat Transmission of Maxwellian Fluid Past A Stretching Sheet
Authors: Haider Sajjad , Syed Muhammad Imran , Li Yun-Zhang , Faraz  , Saeed Butt Adnan
Published: February 2020

The current study was devoted to explicating the impacts of heat transmission in an unsteady mixed convection flow of an upper convected Maxwell (UCM) fluid passing over a continuously stretching surface under the influence of radiation and magnetic field. Appurtenant similarity transmutations were adopted in order to express the constitutive boundary layer Equations of flow and heat transmission in non-dimensionalized form. The reduced system of partial differential Equations was solved by implementing the implicit finite difference method (IFDM). Our center of attention was to scrutinize the behavior of influential flow parameters on some significant features of flow and heat transmission, which were briefly examined, discussed, and presented in both graphical and tabular formats. Finally, a comparison was established with existing literature in limiting cases to support the present results, and a good agreement was found, corroborating our work. It was predicted that the thermal diffusion rate could be controlled by varying the Prandtl number. Moreover, a rise in radiation and magnetic field parameters reduced the skin friction coefficient and led to enhance the heat transmission rate at the surface. The outcomes of the study might have viable implementations in order to improve the quality of industrial products.
Aesthetic Effects on Granite of Adding Nanoparticle TiO2 to Si-Based Consolidants (Ethyl Silicate or Nano-Sized Silica)
Authors: Pozo-Antonio J. Santiago , Noya Daniel , Montojo Cristina
Published: February 2020

Considering that consolidant products are commonly used in the cultural heritage field and the titanium oxide nanoparticles (TiO2) have been used to develop photocatalyst films to induce self-cleaning property, the scientific research on consolidants doped with TiO2 is justified. However, the addition of TiO2 can affect to the physical properties of the cultural heritage object, questioning the adequacy of the procedure. In this paper, we evaluated the influence of nanoparticle TiO2 addition to two different commercial consolidant products (ethyl silicate or nano-sized silica) on the appearance and the color of a granite and the penetration through its fissure system. The stone was previously subjected to high temperature simulating the effect of a fire and the subsequent tap water jet to cool down. Therefore, different concentrations of nanocrystalline TiO2 (0.5, 1, and 3 wt %) were considered. The different compositions were also studied considering the compactness, the extent and the thickness of the superficial xerogel coating, and as well the penetration of the consolidant. The minimal TiO2 concentration tested (0.5 wt %) implied a low-medium risk of incompatibility as an intervention in cultural heritage field, because its low-medium potential as inducer of visible color changes of the granite surface. Regardless of the TiO2 content, the nano-sized silica induced surface xerogel coatings more compact and continue than those formed in the ethyl silicate coated surfaces. Higher penetration rates were identified in the granite treated with nano-sized silica colloidal solution, while ethyl silicate was only found in the first few µm. It was found that penetration could depend on the application procedure, the solvent of the consolidant and the silica particle size. The TiO2 addition reduced the penetration of the nano-sized silica consolidant.
Evaluation of Self-Healing Systems: An Analysis of the State-of-the-Art and Required Improvements
Authors: Ghahremani Sona , Giese Holger
Published: February 2020

Evaluating the performance of self-adaptive systems is challenging due to their interactions with often highly dynamic environments. In the specific case of self-healing systems, the performance evaluations of self-healing approaches and their parameter tuning rely on the considered characteristics of failure occurrences and the resulting interactions with the self-healing actions. In this paper, we first study the state-of-the-art for evaluating the performances of self-healing systems by means of a systematic literature review. We provide a classification of different input types for such systems and analyse the limitations of each input type. A main finding is that the employed inputs are often not sophisticated regarding the considered characteristics for failure occurrences. To further study the impact of the identified limitations, we present experiments demonstrating that wrong assumptions regarding the characteristics of the failure occurrences can result in large performance prediction errors, disadvantageous design-time decisions concerning the selection of alternative self-healing approaches, and disadvantageous deployment-time decisions concerning parameter tuning. Furthermore, the experiments indicate that employing multiple alternative input characteristics can help with reducing the risk of premature disadvantageous design-time decisions.