bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional Significance of SIGLECs Family in HCC and its Predictive Role in HCC Patients Undergoing Sorafenib
Authors: Yao Senbang , Chen Wenjun , Chen Tingting , Zuo He , Bi Ziran , Zhang Xiuqing , Pang Lulian , Jing Yanyan , Yin Xiangxiang , Cheng Huaidong
Published: September 2021

Background and Aims: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressively malignant type of cancer with a complex pathogenesis. For HCC patients, there is not only a deficiency of valuable therapeutic targets but also a deficiency of prognostic biomarkers. Although some progress has been made in the immunotherapy of HCC, sorafenib remains one of the irreplaceable therapeutic for advanced HCC patients. However, after 10 years of exploration on sorafenib clinical application, there are still no confirmed prognostic factors of therapeutic effect. Methods: The clinical significance and molecular work of the SIGLEC family were assessed by comprehensive bioinformatic analysis.The TCGA, GEO and HCCDB databases were used to explore the expression of SIGLEC family genes in HCC. The Kaplan-Meier Plotter database was analysed to discover the connection between SIGLEC family genes and prognosis of patients. Besides, possible connections between differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of SIGLEC family and tumor-associated immunity were evaluated using TIMER. Results: The outcomes showed that the mRNA levels of most SIGLEC family genes were significantly down-regulated in HCC compared with normal tissues. Low protein and mRNA expression of SIGLECs were found to be considerably correlated with tumor grade and clinical cancer stages in HCC patients. Tumor related SIGLECs family genes were associated with tumor immune infiltrating cell. To our surprise, the high expression of SIGLECs family is significantly related with the better prognosis of HCC patients treated with sorafenib.Conclusions: In conclusion, SIGLEC family genes have considerable prognostic value in HCC and they may play main roles in regulating cancer progress and the immune cell infiltration. More importantly, we revealed that SIGLEC family genes may become a predictive index for the efficacy evaluation of sorafenib someday.
Regulation of Indoleamine-3,5-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) in Lung Epithelial Cells by Coronaviruses (SARS-CoV) and Cytokine Signaling
Authors: Chilakamarti Ramana
Published: September 2021

Interferons (IFNs) and proinflammatory cytokines play an important role in the innate immune response to respiratory viruses, including coronaviruses (SARS-CoV). Metabolic profiling in the serum samples of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) patients revealed altered cholesterol and tryptophan metabolism. Indoleamine-3,5-dioxygenase (IDO1) is the key enzyme involved in the tryptophan catabolism and induced by interferons and inflammatory cytokines. The regulation of IDO1 in immune cells and cancer was extensively studied. In this study, IDO1 regulation in human lung epithelial cells by coronaviruses and respiratory viruses as well as inflammatory cytokines was investigated. SARS-CoV-2 was a potent inducer of IFN–regulated metabolic enzymes such as IDO1, Cholesterol-25-hydroxylase (CH25H), Spermidine acetyltransferase (SAT1), and Sterile alpha motif and histidine/aspartic acid domain-containing protein (SAMHD1) at RNA levels in Calu-3 cells. Reconstitution of A549 lung epithelial cells with Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) was necessary and sufficient to induce IDO1 at RNA levels. Influenza A virus (IAV) suppressed IDO1 RNA levels in a non-structural protein (NS1)-dependent manner in NHBE cells. In contrast, IDO1 RNA levels were dramatically induced in the lungs of mice infected with a reconstructed 1918 H1N1 influenza virus. Treatment of A549 cells with either type I or type II interferon induced IDO1 RNA levels. Furthermore, IDO1 levels were significantly higher in the lung tissues of COVID-19 patients in comparison with healthy controls. A mix of proinflammatory cytokines dramatically induced IDO1 and chemokine RNA levels in lung epithelial cells in a cell culture model, simulating the gene expression pattern in the lung tissue samples of COVID-19 patients. Furthermore, hypertonic saline solution (HTS) dramatically abrogated the gene expression induced by cytokine mix in human lung cells. The IDO1 protein interaction network included transcription factors STAT1 and STAT3. These studies suggest that IDO1 inhibition may be a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of viral and inflammatory diseases.
Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery After Corneal Refractive Surgery
Authors: Ahn Hyunmin , Jun Ikhyun , Seo Kyoung Yul , Kim Eung Kweon , Kim Tae-im
Published: September 2021

Cataract is the leading cause of blindness worldwide, and advanced cataract techniques such as femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) have been commercially available. Corneal refractive surgery (CRS) is one of the most popular surgeries for the correction of refractive errors. CRS changes the cornea not only anatomically but also pathophysiologically. However, there has been no clinical research analyzing the refractive and safety outcomes of FLACS after CRS. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether FLACS after CRS is more effective and safe than conventional PCS. Participants with a previous CRS history who underwent FLACS or conventional PCS were included in this study. The visual outcomes and the refractive outcomes including refractive, corneal, and ocular residual astigmatism were compared. The safety outcomes were then studied intraoperatively and postoperatively. A total of 102 patients with age-related cataract were enrolled. At 3 months postoperatively, UCVA, BCVA, and predictive error were not significantly different between the FLACS and conventional PCS groups. Reduction of refractive astigmatism was higher in FLACS. Postoperative ORA was significant lower in FLACS. Reduction of ORA was higher in FLACS. The intraoperative and postoperative complications were also not significantly different between the two groups. FLACS was found to be effective in patients with a previous history of CRS in terms of vision and refractive outcomes and was free from adverse effects. The competitive edge of FLACS in postoperative ORA, with the reduction of refractive astigmatism and ORA, may provide better visual quality than conventional PCS.
Vascular involvement in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension is associated with spirometry obstructive impairment
Authors: Yanagisawa Asako , Naito Akira , Sanada Takayuki-Jujo , Tanabe Nobuhiro , Ishida Keiichi , Matsumiya Goro , Suda Rika , Kasai Hajime , Sekine Ayumi , Sugiura Toshihiko , Shigeta Ayako , Sakao Seiichiro , Tatsumi Koichiro , Suzuki Takuji
Published: September 2021

Background
Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a type of pulmonary hypertension caused by persistent thromboembolism of the pulmonary arteries. In clinical practice, CTEPH patients often show obstructive ventilatory impairment, even in the absence of a smoking history. Recent reports imply a tendency for CTEPH patients to have a lower FEV1.0; however, the mechanism underlying obstructive impairment remains unknown.
Methods
We retrospectively analyzed CTEPH patients who underwent a pulmonary function test (PFT) and respiratory impedance test to evaluate their exertional dyspnea during admission for right heart catheterization from January 2000 to December 2019. We excluded patients with a smoking history to rule out the effect of smoking on obstructive impairment.
Results
A total of 135 CTEPH patients were analyzed. The median FEV1.0/FVC was 76.0%, %FEV 1.0 had a negative correlation with the mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) and the CT Angiogram (CTA) obstruction score. A multivariate regression analysis revealed that the CTA obstruction score was an independent factor of a lower %FEV1.0. In the 54 patients who underwent pulmonary endarterectomy, %FEV1.0 was improved in some cases and was not in some. Mean PAP largely decreased after PEA in the better %FEV1.0 improved cases, suggesting that vascular involvement in CTEPH could be associated with spirometry obstructive impairment.
Conclusion
%FEV1.0 had a significant correlation with the CTA obstruction score. Obstructive impairment might have an etiological relationship with vascular involvement. Further investigations could shed new light on the etiology of CTEPH.
Progressive Decline in Xylem Inflow into Developing Plums
Authors: Khanal Bishnu P. , Acharya Indu , Knoche Moritz
Published: September 2021

Recent evidence suggests xylem functionality may decline in developing European plums. Loss of xylem function may have negative consequences for fruit quality. The aim of this study was to establish and localize the loss of xylem functionality, both spatially and temporally using detached fruit. Fruit were detached from the tree under water and fed through a capillary mounted on the cut end of the pedicel. The rate of water movement through the capillary was recorded. Fruit were held above dry silica gel [≈0% relative humidity (RH)] or above water (≈100% RH) to maximize or minimize transpiration, respectively. Water inflow rate depended on developmental stage. It increased from stage I to a maximum at early stage III and then decreased until maturity. Feeding acid fuchsin to developing fruit revealed a progressive decline in dye distribution. The decline progressed basipetally, from the stylar end toward the stem end. At the mature stage III, only the pedicel/fruit junction was stained. The same pattern was observed in four further plum cultivars at the mature stage III. The inflow into early stage III fruit decreased as the RH increased. In contrast, the inflow was less dependent of RH at the mature stage III. Abrading the fruit skin cuticle had no effect on water inflow during early and mature stage III but did markedly increase fruit transpiration rate. Decreasing the osmotic potential (more concentrated) of the feeding solution decreased the water inflow. Our results indicate a progressive loss of xylem functionality in European plum. Transpiration and osmotic pull are the main drivers of this xylem inflow.
Novel Plantibodies Show Promise to Protect Citrus from Greening Disease
Authors: Krystel Joseph , Liu Huawei , Hartung John , Stover Ed
Published: September 2021

Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas), the bacteria responsible for citrus greening disease [huanglongbing (HLB)], has become a worldwide threat to citrus (Citrus sp.) production. HLB has proven difficult to study and treat because of the complex interactions between CLas, the citrus host, and insect vectors. We have selected for single chain fragment variable (scFv) antibodies from a specialized bacteriophage library for binding activity against CLas proteins InvA and TolC. Portions of each protein were chosen as antigens based on predicted binding availability and theorized necessary functions in pathogenicity. Binding affinity for individual scFv-expressing clones was confirmed by phage enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The scFv sequences were stably transformed under the control of a tandem Cauliflower mosaic virus 35S (CaMV 2x35S) promoter by Agrobacterium tumefacien–mediated transformation into ‘Carrizo’ citrange (Citrus sinensis × Poncirus trifoliate), a citrus rootstock cultivar. Replicated plants of single transformations were inoculated by infestation with CLas positive asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri), a CLas vector. Inoculation and disease progression was monitored through quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Inoculated transgenic plants showed significantly reduced CLas titer compared with wild types. A subpopulation of transgenic plants displayed no measurable surviving bacteria after 12 months. Interestingly, individual replicated plants from the same transgenic events strongly segregated into two populations by resistance phenotype: a minority that were indistinguishable from wild-type plants and a majority that were highly resistant. Our results are the first step in developing a novel protection strategy for HLB.
TIBBİ MÜDAHALENİN HUKUKA UYGUNLUĞU: ENDİKASYON ŞARTI
Authors: KORU Onur
Published: September 2021

İnsan vücuduna yönelik müdahalede bulunmak yasaktır. Bu yasağın istisnalarından birisi, tıbbi müdahalelerdir. Tıbbi müdahalenin hukuka uygun kabul edilebilmesi için bazı şartları taşıması gerekir. Bu şartlardan biri, tıbbi müdahalenin hukuken öngörülmüş amaçlara yönelmiş olmasıdır. Bu doğrultuda, tıbbi müdahale ancak tıbbi zorunluluğun varlığı halinde hukuka uygun olacaktır. Buna öğretide endikasyon denilmektedir. Endikasyon olmaksızın yapılan tıbbi müdahaleler, hukuka aykırıdır. Dolayısıyla hukuki ve cezai müeyyideler ile karşılaşırlar. Endikasyonsuz müdahalede bulunan hekim, müdahalesi hukuka uygunluğun diğer şartlarını taşısa dahi hukuki ve cezai anlamda sorumlu tutulacaktır. Ancak bazı müdahalelerde tıbbi endikasyonun yerini sosyal veya psikolojik endikasyonlar alabilmektedir. Endikasyon şartı, bazı durumlarda diğer hukuka uygunluk şartlarının önüne geçmektedir. Bazı durumlarda ise diğer şartlar ile yarışmaktadır. Acil durumlarda tıbbi müdahalenin hukuka uygunluğu için rızanın varlığı aranmamaktadır. Bu hallerde tıbbi müdahalenin rıza beklenmeksizin bir an önce yapılması, endikasyon şartının gereğidir. Tıbbi müdahalenin hukuka uygunluğunun şartlarından en önemlisinin endikasyon olduğu, diğer şartların ek şartlar olduğu söylenilebilir. Dolayısıyla tıbbi müdahalenin hukuka uygun olup olmadığının tespiti için ilk bakılacak şart, endikasyon şartıdır.
Inter-Strain Hybridization of Kluyveromyces lactis for creating efficient lactose-fermenting Yeast
Authors: Naumova E.S.
Published: September 2021

A molecular genetic study of Kluyveromyces lactis yeasts isolated from various dairy products in the countries of the former Soviet Union and other regions of the world has been carried out. Based on physiological tests, four strains were selected that carry different LAC loci and are characterized by good fermentation intensity: VKM Y-1339 (LAC3), VKM Y-1333 (LAC3), NRRL Y-1118 (LAC1), and NRRL Y-1140 (LAC2). Eleven hybrids of the selected strains with different rates of lactose fermentation were obtained. No correlation was found between the intensity of lactose fermentation and the amino acid sequences of the LAC12 lactose permease gene of the LAC1, LAC2, and LAC3 loci. Apparently, a specific combination of genotypes of crossed strains has a more significant effect on the fermentation activity. The results obtained showed that inter-strain hybridization of K. lactis dairy yeast is an effective method for creating new strains with high fermentation capacity. Hybrids H2-3 (NRRL Y-1118 × VKM Y-1333) and H3-3 (NRRL Y-1140 × VKM Y-1333) with the highest ability to ferment lactose are of interest for further molecular genetic research and breeding programs.

Key words: Kluyveromyces lactis, β-galactosidase, lactose permease, LAC4, LAC12, LAC1 locus, LAC2 locus, LAC3 locus, inter-strain hybridization, lactose fermentation, heterosis

Acknowledgment - The authors are grateful to the Genomic Center of the Kurchatov Institute SRC---GosNIIgentika for sequencing the nucleotide sequences of the LAC12 genes for lactose permease on the Applied Biosystems 3730 automated analyzer.

Funding - This work was supported by an internal grant from the National Research Center Kurchatov Institute (order of the National Research Center Kurchatov Institute No. 1779).
Autocriticismo e tentativas de suicídio em indivíduos com experiência de doença mental
Authors: Campos Rui , Rainha Ana
Published: September 2021

This research examined the role of self-criticism as a personality dimension in suicide risk, assessed through the presence of at least one suicide attempt. Ninety-two adults participated, ranging in age from 20 to 65 years (M = 42.73, SD = 12.95), divided into three groups: 22 individuals with a psychiatric disorder and who previously attempted suicide, 39 individuals with a psychiatric disorder without a prior suicide attempt and 31 individuals from the community. Participants answered the Depressive Experiences Questionnaire – Short form - and the Brief Symptom Inventory. The groups were compared using an ANOVA and an ANCOVA, considering psychopathology as a co-variable. Results indicate that individuals who have attempted suicide and individuals with a psychiatric disorder without previous suicide attempts presented significantly higher levels of self-criticism compared to community individuals. No significant differences were found between the clinical groups.
Development of water reuse: a global review with the focus on India
Authors: Goyal Kirti , Kumar Arun
Published: September 2021

The availability of freshwater is evolving as a serious threat to the living community throughout the world due to rapid industrialization, urbanization, and rising population. The depletion of groundwater due to excessive water withdrawal and reduced recharge and pollution of the water sources also contributes to this water crisis. The rising pressure on water supplies encourages the use of treated wastewater as an alternative resource. In this study, a global outlook of the developments in water reuse is presented with a focus on the Indian scenario. It can be observed that though there is a scope for water reuse in India owing to the generation of a high volume of wastewater, it is often squandered due to limited research and guidance, and unreliable institutional framework. It is suggested that the reuse of wastewater requires the development of an integrated approach considering all the factors related to technical feasibility, financial viability, and social acceptance together with a guiding management structure that may augment the existing water supplies.
Wetland classification and inventory in fluvial basins: the case of the Yaguarí creek, North-Eastern Argentina
Authors: Rodríguez Leticia , Ramonell Carlos , García Daniela , Veizaga Emiliano , Graciani Silvio , Giraudo Alejandro , Mihura Enrique
Published: September 2021

In preparation for the National Wetland Inventory, the Secretary for the Environment and Sustainable Development of Argentina defined pilot cases for their characterization and suggested methodologies for their classification. The results obtained on the pilot site of A° Yaguarí fluvial basin, Corrientes, are synthesized and presented in this paper. It is considered a pilot site due to the increasing anthropic activities: rice cultivation/irrigation and cattle grazing over implanted pastures that impact the natural wetlands. The identification of the types of wetlands was accomplished through the analysis of background information, visual interpretation of satellite images, identification of wet hydrologic periods, and wetland identification by direct field observation and reconnaissance. All these aspects were integrated to define the wetland types using a simple,hierarchical and open classification system, to establish the areal extent of the wetlands, and characterize their distinctive features at field scale. The elements of the selected hierarchical structure are: Ambient–Region-System-Unit Element. The ambient is continental, and the region belongs to Chaco-Mesopotamic Fluvial Corridor. Anthropogenic systems (units: ponds, rice fields, irrigation water reservoirs), and fluvial systems (units: floodplains, minor tributaries headwaters) are identified. The elements that can be found are: riparian forests, marshes behind river banks, ditches, paleo-channels, springs and riverbeds. The developed methodology can be replicated in similar basins using these tools for the inventory, evaluation and management of Argentinean wetlands.
Environmental isotope concepts of precipitation and surface water and groundwater in the Central Andes: A review
Authors: Valdivielso Sonia , Vázquez-Suñé Enric , Custodio Emilio
Published: September 2021

A preliminary review of existing information on the isotopic composition of oxygen (δ18O) and hydrogen (δ2H) of the water molecule in the northern sector of the Chilean Andes, between 17°30´ S and 25°30´ S, is presented. During the austral summer, the winds from the east favour the arrival of Atlantic humidity, dominantly through the Amazonas Basin, which produces more than the 80% of the annual precipitation. The Central Andes cordillera acts as a barrier to the wet air from the south-eastern Atlantic and in the Chilean northern coast produces the driest climatic area of the Earth. What is known about isotopic hydrology is briefly reviewed. This knowledge has allowed answers to questions such as the origin of precipitation, the possible links between basins, and the detection of processes that modify water isotopy, such as evaporation and geothermal effects. It has been observed in the surface water, groundwater and rainfall of northern Chile, that there is an enrichment in heavy isotopes in the north-south direction, from the region of Arica and Parinacota to the Antofagasta region. Continuing the research on precipitation and surface and groundwater isotopy is essential to achieve sustainable management of water resources and to understand current climate conditions and the past and future variations.
Molduras para fragmentos da história do século XX: Quadros de formaturas e memórias escolares de colégios católicos brasileiros no século XX
Authors: Silva Samara Mendes Araújo
Published: September 2021

A trajetória dos sujeitos escolares está impregnada por diversidades de rituais; estes progressivamente sofreram alterações nos significados e momentos de realização, contudo, preservaram riquezas de simbolismos, profusão de sentidos e produção de bens materiais e imateriais, sendo capazes de evocar variedades de sentimentos e revolver as memórias. Dentre os rituais escolares a formatura destaca-se: ainda que tenha sofrido modificações resguarda, na contemporaneidade, conexões com os significados e simbolismos herdados das solenidades de séculos anteriores, especialmente no século XX. Estudo dos quadros de formatura, em particular, os existentes em colégios católicos brasileiros, possibilitam apreender, além da cultura escolar e as memórias inscritas pelos estudantes nesses documentos, a configuração do contexto sociocultural e histórico, e identificar a teia social na qual os colégios se imiscuíam. Analisamos 26 quadros de formaturas produzidos entre as décadas de 1930 a 1970, para celebrar a colação de grau em diferentes cursos em dois colégios confessionais católicos brasileiros dedicados exclusivamente à escolarização feminina. Para compreensão destas fontes históricas se utilizou referencial da História Cultural.
As Ciências Sociais e o desafio da Antropologia na prática docente na Educação Básica
Authors: Silva Eliane Anselmo da , Barbosa Raoni Borges , Cunha Lidiane Alves da
Published: September 2021

As Ciências Sociais demarcam sua importância na construção da identidade plural e democrática da sociedade moderna, cujos princípios civilizadores foram historicamente representados no processo de elaboração do discurso sociológico, antropológico e politológico do progresso civilizacional. No Brasil, nos últimos anos, começam a se pautar debates mais aprofundados em torno do ensino das Ciências Sociais na Educação Básica. A partir da obrigatoriedade do ensino da Sociologia, compreendida enquanto espaço formativo das Ciências Sociais no Ensino Médio, a sociedade brasileira passou a refletir sobre o lugar da Antropologia na escola. Nessa perspectiva se originam nossas pesquisas, no intuito de compreender o processo de ensino/aprendizagem da Antropologia no âmbito da Educação Básica. A proposta deste artigo é refletir sobre as contribuições do saber antropológico e das Ciências Sociais no contexto escolar, pensando seus desafios e contribuições na prática docente e na construção da reflexividade crítica sobre a sociedade e a cultura.
Intraocular Exosomes in Eye Diseases
Authors: Zhang Hui , Zhang Xiaomin , Li Xiaorong
Published: September 2021

:

Exosomes, nanosized extracellular vesicles with a size of 30–150nm, contain
many biological materials, such as messenger RNA (mRNA), microRNA (miRNA),
proteins, and transcription factors. It has been identified in all biological fluids and
recognized as an important part of intercellular communication. While the role of
exosomes in cancer has been studied in-depth, our understanding of their relevance for
ocular tissues has just begun to evolve. Intraocular fluids, including aqueous humor and
vitreous humor, play a role in nourishing eye tissues and in expelling metabolites. In the
pathological state, intraocular exosomes can mediate pathological processes such as
ECM remodeling, retinal inflammation, and blood-retinal barrier dysfunction. Herein, we
reviewed the latest advances of intraocular exosomes in the research of several eye
diseases, including glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, myopia, and ocular
tumors, and discuss how intraocular exosomes contribute to the pathogenesis and
progression of multiple eye diseases.
Omega-3 Nutrition Therapy for the Treatment of Diabetic Sensorimotor
Polyneuropathy
Authors: Menon Deepak , Lewis Evan J.  H. , Perkins Bruce A. , Bril Vera
Published: September 2021

Despite advances in clinical and translational research, an effective therapeutic option
for diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy (DSP) has remained elusive. The pathomechanisms of
DSP are diverse, and along with hyperglycemia, the roles of inflammatory mediators and lipotoxicity
in the development of microangiopathy have been well elucidated. Omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated
fatty acids (PUFA) are essential fatty acids with a vital role in a number of physiological processes,
including neural health, membrane structure integrity, anti-inflammatory processes, and
lipid metabolism. Identification of n-3 PUFA derived specialised proresolving mediators (SPM),
namely resolvins, neuroprotectin, and maresins which also favour nerve regeneration, have positioned
n-3 PUFA as potential treatment options in DSP. Studies in n-3 PUFA treated animal models
of DSP showed positive nerve benefits in functional, electrophysiological, and pathological indices.
Clinical trials in humans are limited, but recent proof-of-concept evidence suggests n-3 PUFA
has a positive effect on small nerve fibre regeneration with an increase in the small nerve fiber
measure of corneal nerve fibre length (CNFL). Further randomized control trials with a longer duration
of treatment, higher n-3 PUFA doses, and more rigorous neuropathy measures are needed to
provide a definitive understanding of the benefits of n-3 PUFA supplementation in DSP.
A Comprehensive Review of the Use of Antioxidants and Natural Products in Cancer Patients Receiving Anticancer Therapy
Authors: Sur Daniel , Gorzo Alecsandra , Sabarimurugan Shanthi , Krishnan Saravana Murali , Lungulescu Cristian Virgil , Volovat Simona Ruxandra , Burz Claudia
Published: September 2021

:

Cancer is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. The side effects of cancer treatment affect the quality of life. Cancer patients search for antioxidant dietary supplements and natural products during or after conventional cancer treatment for the alleviation of side effects, improvement of the benefits of treatment, and promotion of well-being. However, the efficacy and safety of these products remain controversial; moreover, previous data do not support the standardized use of those alternative treatments in clinics. The current study reviewed the manuscripts reporting the administration of antioxidants and natural products during cancer treatment and revised preclinical and clinical studies on various types of cancer. Most of the positive results were obtained from experimental animal models; however, human clinical studies are discouraging in this regard. Therefore, further precise and distinguishable studies are required regarding antioxidant dietary supplementation. Future studies are also needed to clarify dietary supplements’ mechanism of action and pharmacokinetics in a suitable cancer patient population that will benefit the therapeutic regimens. Despite the popularity of dietary supplements, clinicians and patients should always consider their potential benefits and risks. Patients should discuss with their physician before taking any dietary antioxidant supplements or natural products.
GC-MS Characterization, In Vitro Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory and
Potential Antidermatophytic Activity of Citrullus lanatus Seed Oil
Authors: Pathania Ruhi , Chawla Prince , Sharma Abhishek , Kaushik Ravinder , Khan Mohammed Azhar
Published: September 2021

Background:

Dermatophytes are well-known fungus having the capability to invade kerat-inized tissues of nails, skin, and hair, of humans and other animals, causing dermatophytosis. Citrullus lanatus (watermelon) seed is a rich source of vitamin E, essential fatty acids, and minerals, bearing var-ious health benefits. Despite the presence of many useful components, the oil is not much explored. Accordingly, the study was planned to investigate the fatty acid profiling, in vitro antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and potential antidermatophytic activity of Citrullus lanatus seed oil against dermato-phytic strains.

Methods:

The C. lanatus oil was extracted from seeds, and fatty acid profiling was characterized by GC-MS. Further, the oil was subjected to DPPH scavenging activity, and the anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated from Bovine serum albumin assay. The antidermatophytic screening against Microsporum canis, Trichophyton rubrum, and Trichophyton mentagrophytes was carried out by agar well diffusion, broth microdilution assay, and growth kinetics assay.

Results:

The C. lanatus seed oil exhibited good antioxidant activity close to ascorbic acid, i.e., IC50- 52.22 μg/ml, 35.72 μg/ml, respectively, and the oil exhibited moderate anti-inflammatory ac-tivity (315.2 μg/ml) as that of the standard drug diclofenac sodium (174.3μg/ml). The fatty acid profiling indicates the presence of eight main compounds, out of which ç-tocopherol, butylated hy-droxytoluene, and hexadecanoic acid are predominantly present. The C. lanatus seed oil showed promising activity against T. rubrum with a lower minimum inhibitory concentration value with re-spect to positive controls, Fluconazole and Ketoconazole. The oil also had a strong effect on time-dependent kinetic inhibition against T. rubrum. This was the first report of C. lanatus seed oil against any dermatophyte.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the study supports the exploitation of C. lanatus seed oil and its main compounds as a source of natural antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and as a novel agent against dermatophytes for curing superficial fungal infections in the near future.
Co-administration of Saffron and Chamomile Give Additive Effects of Antidiabetic and Antioxidant Activity with In vivo Augmentation of Brain BDNF, Acetylcholine Levels and Cognitive Functions in Streptozotocininduced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Ahmad Saara , Khan Asra , Tabassum Saiqa , Batool Zehra , Ahmed Saad Bilal , Khaliq Saima , Ahuja Akash Kumar , Hashmi Amrah , Rafiq Hamna , Haider Saida
Published: September 2021

Objectives:

Co-administration of chamomile and saffron is effective against diabetes and related complications.

Background:

Diabetes mellitus refers to comorbidities associated with reduced release of the brain-derived neurotropic factor and disruption in the metabolism of neurotransmitters leading to depression and cognitive impairment. Allopathic medications are available for the treatment of diabetes, but there is no cure and multiple adverse effects adhere to it. The therapeutic effects of co-administered chamomile with saffron may reverse diabetes and its complications.

Methods:

The present study sought to test the hypothesis, conducted on eighty Sprague-Dawley rats randomly divided into eight groups (n=10), including healthy controls, diabetic controls, methanolic extract treatment groups and water decoction treatment groups with respective dosage once a day for two weeks. The dose of a single herb group in methanolic extract and water decoction was saffron 10 mg/kg and chamomile 30 mg/kg, while co-administered groups received both herbs in half doses, saffron 5 mg/kg and chamomile 15 mg/kg. Two widely used tests for the assessment of memory (elevated plus maze and novel object recognition) were used to assess the mood and memory (cognitive) performance after the treatment.

Results:

It was observed that all treatment groups exhibited antidiabetic effects with improved mood and enhanced memory, high antioxidant profile, increased brain-derived neurotropic factor and acetylcholine concentration. However, the effects were greater in the co-administered groups of saffron and chamomile, especially the combined water decoction group.

Conclusion :

The study provides the successful results of co-administration of chamomile and saffron to alleviate diabetes and related complications.
High-density Fiberboard from Wood and Keratin Fibers: Physical and
Mechanical Properties
Authors: Acda Menandro N.
Published: September 2021

Background:

High-density Fiberboards (HDF) are widely used as a substitute for solid
wood in furniture, cabinet, construction materials, etc. Wood fibers are often used in the production
of HDF but the use of renewable materials has gained worldwide interest brought about by
global pressure to pursue sustainable development. An abundant source of renewable fibers that
can be used to produce HDF is keratin from waste chicken feathers. The goal of the study is to
investigate the use of keratin fibers in combination with wood fibers to produce HDF. No or limited
studies have been conducted in this area and if successful, it could offer an alternative utilization
for the billions of kilograms of waste feather produced by the poultry industry. HDF is a high
volume feather utilization that can reduce pollution and help solve solid waste disposal problems
in many countries.

Methods:

A series of dry-formed HDFs containing varying ratios of wood and keratin fibers
bonded by polyurethane resin were produced. The physical and mechanical properties of the
HDFs were determined.

Results :

The properties of the HDFs were affected by varying ratios of wood particles and keratin
fibers. Dimensional stability as indicated by low levels of thickness swelling (<4.6%) and water
absorption (<10%) was observed. Internal bond (2.47 MPa), MOE (5.8 GPa) and MOR (45 MPa)
values were higher or comparable to those reported in the literature.

Conclusion:

HDF formed using a combination of wood and keratin fibers bonded together by
polyurethane resin to as much as 50% keratin fibers were dimensionally stable with stiffness and
strength above the minimum requirements for general use HDF as prescribed by EN 622-5.
A Non-iterative Inverse Method for the Identification of Time and Space-Dependent Heat Sources of Multi-dimensional GMs by Boundary Temperature Data
Authors: Xu Chuang , Dong Chunying
Published: September 2021

Background:

Detection of heat sources is frequently encountered in many fields of sci-ence and engineering and plays a significant role in monitoring and control of many engineering thermal systems.

Objective:

The objective of this paper is to estimate the space and time-dependent heat sources in multi-dimensional functionally graded materials using boundary temperature data.

Methods:

First, the dimensionless temperature at the measurement points on the boundary is ob-tained by a direct process. Then, the objective function is obtained by a series of matrix operations, and the relationship between the temperature at the measurement points and the unknown parame-ters is established. After that, the strength of the heat sources can be inversed directly by the least-square error method, then the location and number of the heat sources can be obtained directly from the strength distribution of heat sources. The coefficient expansion method and truncated singular value decomposition method are applied to reduce the ill-posed degree of the inverse process.

Results:

Through the analysis of typical 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional examples, the influence of various factors such as the type of basis functions, the circular supported radius and the meas-urement noise on the inversion results is discussed, which shows that this method can identify the strength, location and number of heat sources of FGMs well.

Conclusion:

A non-iterative inverse method based on precise integration finite element method and least-square error method is established to estimate the strength, location and number of the un-known heat sources of functionally graded materials using boundary temperature data.
Censoring poetics through translation: the filtered reception of Sylvia Plath in Franco’s Spain
Authors: Rodriguez Sofia Monzon
Published: September 2021

Inthis article I analyze Sylvia Plath’s reception in Spain during the Francoist dictatorship. Considering the feminist features that the author and her oeuvrepresent, I examine the conclusions drawn by the Censorship Board when the Spanish publishing houses requested to issue Plath’s works in translation. The censorship and import files stored at the General Archive of the Administrationin Madrid confirm thatseveral publishers repeatedly applied for permission to translate her only novel, The Bell Jar, into Spanish and Catalan from 1967 to 1982; a Spanish compilation of her poems in 1974; and to import her famous poetry collection, Ariel,in 1968. Nevertheless, the censors’ notes and verdicts reveal that her literary depth was neither admired nor understood by the ones who authorized, censored, or rejected the different editions of her work.
Mattutat/Nigro/Schiel/Stubenrauch: What's Legit?
Authors: Rickert Imke
Published: September 2021

Rezension von Liza Mattutat, Roberto Nigro, Nadine Schiel und Heiko Stubenrauch (Hg.): What’s Legit? Critiques of Law and Strategies of Rights. Zürich: Diaphanes 2020.
Crescimento de mudas de Poincianella pluviosa (DC.) L.P.Queiroz em diferentes substratos e lâminas de irrigação
Authors: Vieira Fantaus Pinto Victória , Marques Bueno Mateus , De Sousa Antunes Luiz Fernando , Makhlouta Alonso Jorge , Wyse Abaurre Gustavo
Published: September 2021

O Brasil tem hoje uma demanda por 21 milhões de hectares de restauração florestal, e como consequência, uma enorme demanda por mudas nativas. Desta forma, torna-se essencial o uso de técnicas que possam maximizar o uso dos substratos e da água de irrigação, visando a produção de mudas de alta qualidade. Diante deste cenário, o presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o crescimento de mudas de Poincianella pluviosa (DC.) L.P.Queiroz produzidas em quatro substratos elaborados a partir de diferentes resíduos (subsolo, lodo de esgoto, serragem compostada e moinha de carvão) e sob duas lâminas de irrigação (0,03 L/h e 0,05 L/h) por dia. O experimento foi conduzido em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com esquema fatorial 4 × 2 (quatro tipos de substratos e duas lâminas d’água), totalizando oito tratamentos. Os substratos foram avaliados quanto às suas características físicas e químicas. Foram mensuradas a altura, o diâmetro de colo e a massa seca da parte aérea e radicular das mudas após 105 dias de emergência. Os substratos S1- lodo de esgoto puro e S4- lodo de esgoto + serragem (1:1) apresentaram melhores características físicas e os substratos S1- lodo de esgoto puro e S3-lodo de esgoto + moinha de carvão (1:1) exibiram melhor composição nutricional. Para crescimento em altura não foram observadas diferenças entre os substratos e lâminas de irrigação testados. Os substratos constituídos por 50% de lodo e 50% de moinha de carvão ou serragem e com a maior lâmina de irrigação resultaram em mudas com maior diâmetro, biomassa e qualidade, sendo os mais indicados à produção de P. pluviosa.
Monitoring your weight-loss process online: prior weight-loss experiences, online social support and subsequent weight-loss success (Preprint)
Authors: Li Lun , Yin Qiuju , Yan Zhijun
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND

Online weight-loss communities (OWCs) have been becoming increasingly popular for weight management, which enable individuals to monitor (i.e. self-monitoring) and discuss (i.e. social interaction) their weight-loss experiences. However, there has been limited understanding of the role of individuals’ prior weight-loss experiences in subsequent weight-loss success, especially in online settings.

OBJECTIVE

To address the significant literature gap, this study investigates the relationship between prior weight-loss experiences (success or failure), online social support and subsequent weight-loss success in the contexts of OWCs based on self-determination theory.

METHODS

The data of 1650 users from one popular OWC is collected using a python crawler procedure, including individuals’ characteristics (e.g. gender, age, friends, posts, membership duration) and weight-loss diary information. Two logit regression models are deployed to estimate the effects of prior weight-loss experiences and social support on subsequent weight-loss success, as well as the moderation effect of social support.

RESULTS

The results reveal that prior successful weight-loss experiences are positively related to subsequent weight-loss success (β=0.376,p<0.01) while the relationship between prior failed weight-loss experiences and subsequent weight-loss success is negative (β=-0.225,p<0.05). Meanwhile, online social support can not only influence positively subsequent weight-loss success directly (β=0.441,p<0.01) but also undermine the negative effect of prior failed weight-loss experiences (β=0.025,p<). Nevertheless, social support has no significant moderating effect on the relationship between prior successful weight-loss experiences and subsequent weight-loss success (β=0.104,p>0.1).

CONCLUSIONS

This study contributes to literature on prior experiences and online social support in the context of OWCs, and provides valuable insights for OWCs’ designs to improve users’ engagement and their weight-loss success.
Current Knowledge, Satisfaction, and Use of E-health Mobile Application (Seha) among the General Population of Saudi Arabia: A National Survey (Preprint)
Authors: Aldhahir Abdulelah Mastour , Alqahtani Jaber Saud , Althobiani Malik A. , Alghamdi Saeed M. , Alanazi Abeer F. , Alnaim Norah , Alqarni Abdullah A. , Alwafi Hassan
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND

Background: The Saudi Ministry of Health (MOH) decided to enhance telemedicine provision by introducing the Seha mobile app; however, the perception of the Seha app has not been extensively explored from the perspective of the general population

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to explore the current knowledge, satisfaction, and barriers to the use of the Seha app among the general population in Saudi Arabia.

METHODS

A cross-sectional online survey was distributed among the general population of Saudi Arabia. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the respondents’ characteristics. Categorical variables were reported as frequencies and percentages. A chi-square (χ2) test was conducted to assess the statistical difference between respondents’ demographic characteristics and their knowledge and use of the Seha app.

RESULTS

2,921 (58%) of the respondents had heard of the app, although only 1,286 (25%) had used Seha. Higher users were noticed among those above 51 years of age and females, 67 (35%) and 804 (28%), respectively. Highest Seha users were from the western region, 388 (29%: P <0.05). Consulting a doctor was the most frequently used service, 576 (58%). Respondents strongly agreed, 402 (41%), or agreed, 470 (48%), that Seha was easy to use. Moreover, 538 (54%) strongly agreed and 343 (35%) agreed that they would recommend Seha to others. The most common barrier to using the Seha app was a lack of knowledge about the app and its benefits, 1,556 (35%).

CONCLUSIONS

Conclusion: Utilization of the Seha app in Saudi Arabia is very low due to a lack of knowledge about the app and its benefits. Demographic factors and awareness were predictors for higher utilization. Seha was easy to use, and the majority would recommend it to others. Future studies are needed to explore the factors associated with the low rate of use.
Correction: The Characteristics and Risk Factors of Web-Based Sexual Behaviors Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in Eastern China: Cross-sectional Study (Preprint)
Authors: Chen Lin , Chen Wanjun , Jiang Tingting , Ni Zhikan , Ma Qiaoqin , Pan Xiaohong
Published: September 2021

UNSTRUCTURED

REMOVED
New Paradigm on Plant Quarantine System for Protection of Biological Diversity in Indonesia
Authors: Tasrif Arifin , Taufik Muhammad , Nazaruddin Nazaruddin
Published: September 2021

Plant quarantine system becomes an important pillar in the protection of biological diversities from the threat of plant pests and diseases. The implementation of plant quarantine system currently covers prevention of spread of quarantine pests, food safety, food quality, genetic resources and bio-agents, as well as invasive alien species and genetically modified organism. During 2014 to 2018, a total of 232 frequency intercepted of quarantine pests of viruses, bacteria, fungi, nematodes, insects, and weeds have been detected. These pests associated with plant materials from various countries in Asia, Europe, the United States, Australia and Africa that may potentially threaten biological diversities when dispersed within Indonesian territory. Implementation of risk analysis and appropriate level of protection consideration can be clustered in to pre-border, at-border, and post-border activities in order to mitigate the risk of quarantine pests and biosafety monitoring into Indonesian territory. Utilizing advances in pest detection technology in the industrial era 4.0 could provide benefits in the agricultural sectors. Various detection technologies using drones and bio-sensors have contributed in the field of plant protection, especially as pest detection and monitoring tools in the field. Furthermore, the establishment of proficiency certification agency for plant quarantine systems may contribute efficient and effective operations in the near future.
Diagnosing Chronic Glaucoma Using Watershed and Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Fathima Naureen
Published: September 2021

Abstract: Glaucoma is a disease that relates to the vision of human eye,Glaucoma is a disease that affects the human eye's vision. This sickness is regarded as an irreversible condition that causes eyesight degeneration. One of the most common causes of lifelong blindness is glaucoma in persons over the age of 40. Because of its trade-off between portability, size, and cost, fundus imaging is the most often utilised screening tool for glaucoma detection. Fundus imaging is a two-dimensional (2D) depiction of the three-dimensional (3D), semitransparent retinal tissues projected on to the imaging plane using reflected light. The idea plane that depicts the physical display screen through which a user perceives a virtual 3D scene is referred to as the "image plane”. The bulk of current algorithms for autonomous glaucoma assessment using fundus images rely on handcrafted segmentation-based features, which are influenced by the segmentation method used and the retrieved features. Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) are known for, among other things, their ability to learn highly discriminative features from raw pixel intensities. This work describes a computational technique for detecting glaucoma automatically. The major goal is to use a "image processing technique" to diagnose glaucoma using a fundus image as input. It trains datasets using a convolutional neural network (CNN). The Watershed algorithm is used for segmentation and is the most widely used technique in image processing. The following image processing processes are performed: region of interest, morphological procedures, and segmentation. This technique can be used to determine whether or not a person has Glaucoma. Keywords: Recommender system, item-based collaborative filtering, Natural Language Processing, Deep learning.