bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome-wide identification of expansin gene family reveals expansin genes are involved in fibre cells growth in cotton
Authors: Lv Limin , Zuo Dongyun , Wang Xingfen , Cheng Hailiang , Zhang Youping , Wang Qiaolian , Song Guoli , Ma Zhiying
Published: September 2019

Background : Expansins ( EXPs ), a group of proteins that loosen plant cell walls and cellulosic materials, are involved in regulating cell growth and diverse developmental processes in plants. However, the biological functions of this gene family are still unknown in cotton. Results: In this paper, we identified a total of 93 expansin genes in Gossypium hirsutum . These genes were classified into four subfamilies, including 67 GhEXPAs , eight GhEXPBs , six GhEXLAs , and 12 GhEXLBs , and divided into 15 subgroups. All 93 expansin genes are distributed over 24 chromosomes excluding Ghir_A02 and Ghir_D06. All GhEXP genes contain multiple exons and each GhEXP protein has multiple conserved motifs. Transcript profiling and qPCR analysis revealed that the expansin genes have distinct expression patterns in different stages of cotton fibre development. Among them, three genes ( GhEXPA4o , GhEXPA1A , and GhEXPA8h ) were highly expressed in the initiation stage, nine genes ( GhEXPA4a , GhEXPA13a , GhEXPA4f , GhEXPA4q , GhEXPA8f , GhEXPA2 , GhEXPA8g , GhEXPA8a , and GhEXPA4n ) had high expression during the fast elongation stage, while GhEXLA1c and GhEXLA1f were preferentially expressed in the transition stage of fibre development. Conclusions: Our results provide a solid basis for further elucidation of biological functions of expansin genes in cotton fibre development and valuable genetic resources used for crop improvement in the future.
Perinatal Assessment of Risk of Mental Illness: Experience of First-time Mothers and Clinicians, Australian Private Hospitals
Authors: Sims Deborah Jane , Fowler Cathrine , Catling Christine , Xu Fenglian
Published: September 2019

Background The many changes in becoming a mother increase the risk of developing a mental illness in the perinatal period. Comprehensive, psychosocial assessment for risk of mental illness is recommended as part of routine perinatal care for all women. In Australia, this assessment was less likely to be undertaken for women who gave birth in a private hospital compared to women who gave birth in a public hospital. Therefore this study aimed to explore the experience of perinatal assessment of risk of mental illness for first-time mothers who gave birth in a private hospital. Method The results are from an explanatory mixed-methods study on the risk of the development of a perinatal mental illness and its relationship with the delivery of, or lack thereof, a parenting support service. Interviews were conducted with first-time mothers, midwives, nurses, obstetricians and paediatricians at two Australian metropolitan private hospitals. Content analysis of the interview data provided exploration and interpret their experience of assessment of risk of mental illness. Results Interview data were gathered from 32 participants. Four themes on assessment of risk of mental illness for these women were described: part of routine perinatal care; comprehensive psychosocial assessment; coordination between care providers and lack of mental health resources. Conclusion For mothers who gave birth in a private hospital, comprehensive psychosocial assessment of risk of mental illness may not have been provided as part of the routine perinatal care and not coordinated between care providers. A lack of mental health resources cannot be regarded as a barrier to provision of these services.
Expression of cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript in the pancreas of the European bison
Authors: MOZEL SYLWIA , MATYSEK MAŁGORZATA , ZACHARKO-SIEMBIDA ANNA , SZALAK RADOSŁAW , KRZYSIAK MICHAŁ , ARCISZEWSKI MARCIN B.
Published: September 2019

Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) is a recently discovered neuropeptide thought to mainly act in most laboratory mammals and humans as anorexigenic factor. The expression of CART in wild living animals is barely known. In the present study immunohistochemical stainings were applied to identify CART-immunoreactive (IR) structures in the pancreas of European bison. Antibodies against neuronal marker Hu C/D were used to visualize intrapancreatic neurons. The expression of CART was detected in approx. 75% of Hu C/D-IR intrapancreatic neurons which may thus also act as interneurons. Additionally, in most intrapancreatic ganglia single CART-IR non-varicose nerve fibers running between neurons were found. Pancreatic blood vessels as well as intralobular ducts were sparsely innervated with CART-IR nerve fibers. Moderately numerous CART-IR nerve terminals were found to innervate the pancreatic endocrine and exocrine tissue. None of islet endocrine cells showed the expression of CART. No presence of CART-IR neuronal elements were found in external connective tissue capsule and septa penetrating inside to the organ. Our study is the first to outline the presence of some differences in CART-ergic innervation pattern of the pancreas between domestic and wild mammals. The lack of CART-IR endocrine islet cells in the pancreas of European bison is an interesting finding, nevertheless its significance is largely unknown at the moment and needs to be further investigated.
Effect of an iodophor-silicate disinfecting and cleaning agent on liver function tests, the structure of the small intestine, and bone parameters in a rat model study
Authors: MUSZYŃSKI SIEMOWIT , DOBROWOLSKI PIOTR , IVASHKIV YULIA , RUDYK HALYNA , BREZVYN OKSANA , KOTSYUMBAS IHOR , PASZKIEWICZ WALDEMAR
Published: September 2019

The aim of the study was to assess the risk of using an iodophor disinfecting and cleaning agent based on clinoptilolite intended for dry disinfection in the presence of non-ruminants. In a rat model study, a suspension containing 103.3 mg/kg b. w. of the disinfectant (a dose of 0.1 of LD50) was administrated per os for a period of 21 days. Its toxicity was assessed on the basis of liver function tests. The effects of the disinfectant on the histological parameters of the duodenum and jejunum and on the properties of long bones were determined. Although the agent showed no toxicity, at the end of the experiment the experimental animals had lower body weights than the control group animals (P < 0.01). The disinfectant exerted an adverse effect on the histological parameters of the jejunum, reducing the length of the intestinal villi (P < 0.01) and the absorption area (P < 0.05) and increasing the crypt depth (P < 0.05). On the other hand, the presence of clinoptilolite positively influenced the parameters of long bones, increasing their mass (P < 0.001), length (P < 0.001), density (P < 0.01), and ash content (P < 0.01). In the bone metaphysis and epiphysis root, a significant increase was found in the trabecular bone volume (P < 0.001) and the trabecular number (P < 0.05). Bone fracture strength was also increased (P < 0.05) in the experimental animals. The results obtained show that iodophores and clinoptilolite can be used in veterinary practice as components of low-toxic disinfecting and absorbing agents. However, the reduced body mass of the experimental animals suggests the need for further comprehensive tests aimed at determining the amount of the iodophor disinfecting and cleaning agent that does not impair performance parameters.
Role of trophic factors in development and regeneration of skeletal muscles
Authors: CIECIERSKA ANNA , SADKOWSKI TOMASZ , MOTYL TOMASZ
Published: September 2019

The process of skeletal muscle development is regulated by many biologically active factors, which are responsible for stimulating the proliferation and differentiation of muscle cells. Biologically active factors function in paracrine, autocrine and endocrine manner to control myogenesis. The main regulators include hormones, growth and differentiation factors, as well as cytokines. The process of skeletal muscle regeneration associated with the activation of satellite cells for their proliferation and differentiation requires the involvement of many growth factors secreted by the surrounding tissue, including inflammatory cells, blood vessels and damaged muscle fiber, as well as extracellular matrix. A number of trophic factors regulating the activity of satellite cells during muscle regeneration have been identified, e.g. fibroblast growth factors, transforming growth factors-β, insulin-like growth factors, hepatocyte growth factor, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6. These factors are responsible for maintaining a balance between the processes of proliferation and differentiation of satellite cells in order to restore the proper architecture and functioning of muscle tissue.
Aero-hydrodynamic loads investigations for different constructions in turbulent flows with special verification approach
Authors: Kaplunov Saveliy , Valles Natalya , Shitova Lidya , Foursov Valeriy
Published: September 2019

The paper is devoted to the analysis of numerical modeling data exact as it possible to determine aero-hydrodynamic loads from high-speed trains on different constructions and objects of transport infrastructure. These investigations include pressure and flow velocities distributions definition on the surfaces for specified objects and also with special investigation of amplitude-frequency characteristics for the individual construction elements. According to proposed special verification methodical approach it confirms efficiency and correctness of the results obtained by authors. This includes too the application of the main original combined numerical approach as for calculation process so as for effective verification of these results with support of special analysis in case of different proposed verification schemes.
Development of intravascular stent robot with cross type receiver
Authors: Araie Toshitake , Toyama Shigeki
Published: September 2019

This study proposes a stent motor as a medical device. A stent is a medical instrument inserted in a constricted part of a blood vessel to expand the blood vessel. However, the problem is that plaque accumulates around the installed stent and causes the blood vessel to narrow again. A stent motor is used to remove plaque. A stent motor consists of a receiver part to receive ultrasonic vibration and a stator part to drive the motor in the blood vessel. The purpose of this study was to develop a stent motor and determine its optimum design. It was possible to drive a stent motor by subjecting a disk-shaped receiver to strong ultrasonic vibrations. Experiments were performed on the stent motor with several types of receivers by changing their size and shape, and the efficiency was evaluated. Correlation between the design of the stent motor, such as the number of turns in the stator and the shape of the receiver, and the rotational speed was clarified.
Knee anterior cruciate ligament bio stiffness measuring instrument
Authors: Ni Gaofeng , Cui Ze , Chen Zenghao , Yang Hongxin , Huang Saishuai
Published: September 2019

Aiming at the lack of timely and effective evaluation of knee anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, a knee ACL force and displacement measuring instrument was developed. Test experiments were carried out using a laboratory-made test platform and a robotic arm. Firstly, the importance of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery is introduced. The necessity of this kind of measuring instrument is proposed. The reliability of the lower stiffness measuring instrument under different measurement conditions in space is verified by the mechanical model of the previous ACL in-situ measurement. Then the design structure and measurement system of the instrument are introduced in detail. Finally, using the laboratory-made test platform and the UR5 robot arm and stiffness measuring instrument for the displacement and force test accuracy experiments, and the pig bone anterior cruciate ligament test and postoperative evaluation experiments, prove that the measuring instrument can be used for ACL Assessment of reconstructive surgery.
On application of dynamical system methods in biomedical engineering
Authors: Ampilova Natalia , Sergeev Vladislav , Soloviev Igor
Published: September 2019

The spectrum of various methods and tools used for solving bioengineering problems is sufficiently wide. Dynamical systems (including the symbolic ones) in many cases become a base for design and implementation of methods of investigation and computer modeling complex processes. Whereas for solving direct problems we have many well-developed methods, results for inverse problems are much more modest. We discuss two methods for such tasks: Takens’ method for reconstruction attractor by a time series, and the based on ideas of symbolic dynamics method for digital image analysis using stationary flow on graph and weighted entropy. The results of numerical experiments are given.
Oat Protein Concentrate As Part of Curd Product for Sport Nutrition
Authors: Каширских Егор , Kashirskich Egor , Бабич Ольга , Babich Olga , Кригер Ольга , Kriger Olga , Иванова Светлана , Ivanova Svetlana
Published: September 2019

The industry of sport nutrition is actively developing worldwide and includes a wide range of functional products. Healthy lifestyle is being actively promoted, hence the development of new types of products for athletes. Protein mixtures and amino acid complexes occupy a leading position in this market sector. Nutrition plays an important role in physical training, since athletic activity requires a lot of energy and causes neuro-psychological stress. A standard diet cannot meet the needs of athletes, so this group of people uses fortified foods and biologically active food supplements. Today, sport nutrition is widely represented on

the shelves of mass markets. However, most of the products are imported. The qualitative composition of the protein is important in determining its suitability for human diet. Products of animal origin have been a traditional source of protein in the diet and, despite its balanced amino acid composition, still have several disadvantages. Plant sources of protein have recently attracted the interest of scientists and nutritionists. Such products possess sufficient biological potential and are more affordable for production and processing. Oats is actively used in the food industry due to its beneficial properties. The present paper features the biological

potential of the curd product fortified with an oat protein concentrate and its role in sport nutrition. The paper introduces a new technology for the production of a curd product fortified with an oat protein concentrate. The finished product contains 23.5% of protein and all essential amino acids, which meets the requirements of sport nutrition. A comparative analysis of the content of amino acids in popular sport nutrition products and the developed curd product proved the competitiveness of the latter. Its biological potential appeared to be not inferior to the characteristics of popular commercial products. The curd product fortified with an oat

protein concentrate demonstrated a balanced amino acid, vitamin, macro, and microelement composition, which makes it possible to recommend it as a functional food product for people who are actively involved in sports.
Technology for a New Food Additive Based on Biotechnologically Modified Soybean Raw Materials
Authors: Стаценко Екатерина , Statsenko Ekaterina
Published: September 2019

Soybeans are used in various sectors of food and processing industry as an additive that increases the nutritional and biological value of traditional food products. The research objective was to create a technology for a new protein-vitamin-mineral ingredient (PVMI). The new PVMI is a flour based on biotechnologically modified soybeans. The research featured soybeans of Kitrossa variety developed at the All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Soybeans (Blagoveshchensk, Russia). The technology included four main stages: preparation of soybeans, germination, drying, and grinding. The process of germination was performed in wet paper using a thermostat at a relative humidity of 85%. The experiment provided the optimal regimes for germination (26°C, 24 h) and drying (50°C, 270 min). The new technology made it possible to increase the protein content in the additive by 7.3 %, lipids – by 2.3 %, and dietary fibers – by 3.6–8.4 %, if compared to the initial soybeans. Regardless of the germination regime, the additive demonstrated the optimal ratio of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) ω-6 and ω-3, which was 6.3:1–8.1:1. The PVMI also increased the content of vitamin B1 by 1.6–1.7 times, vitamin E – by 1.7 times, and vitamin C – by 2.2 times, if compared to their

content in the original soybeans. The activity of trypsin inhibitor in the PVMI decreased by 21.4–35.6%. The resulting soybean grain and food additive were rich in minerals (7.0–7.6 g per 100 g) with a water content of 9.3–9.8 g per 100 g. The sensory properties of the obtained nutritional additive had an average score of 5.0. The research resulted in a set of technical documentation, which included Standard STO 9146-001-00668442-2018 ‘Protein-vitamin-mineral ingredient. Food additive’ and technological procedures for its production.
Functional and Technological Properties of Sorghum Syrup and Its Use in Ice Cream Technology
Authors: Голубева Любовь , Golubeva Lyubov , Пожидаева Екатерина , Pozhidaeva Ekaterina
Published: September 2019

Sorghum syrup has a saturated carbohydrate composition, which includes cellobiose, maltose, mannose, rhamnose, ribose, fructose, glucose, and sucrose. The present research featured the physicochemical properties of sugar sorghum syrup, i.e. average molecular weight, density, solubility in water, and melting point, and its prospective use in the production of soft ice cream. The carbohydrate composition of sugar sorghum syrup was defined by the method of normal-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. The antioxidant activity of sorghum syrup was determined using the amperometric method. The study of its physicochemical properties proved that it can be used in soft ice cream technology. The sweetness coefficient was determined in comparison with sugar solution and by a taste panel. With an average number of panelists equal to 5, the value of equivalent sweetness was 1.5. This sweetness of sorghum syrup was equivalent to the sweetness of the sucrose solution with minimal concentration. The assessment of the antioxidant activity of sorghum syrup indicated the possibility of its use in functional products with antioxidant properties. The paper introduces a recipe for soft ice cream: cream (20% of fat), milk (3.2% of fat), skimmed milk powder, sorghum syrup, stabilizer ‘Cremodan® SE 334 VEG’, Citri-Fi dietary fiber. The overrun was studied by the method of determining the volume fraction of air; the acidity was determined by the titrimetric method. The resistance to melting was assessed using a cylindrical sample with a diameter of 35 mm and a height of 5 cm. The sample was thermostated at 25 ± 1°C, while the sample area was fixed at regular intervals. The overrun of soft ice cream was 85%, the resistance to melting equaled 20 minutes. Soft ice cream is a popular product among all groups of the population and is widespread in cafes, restaurants, and health-resorts.
Non-Traditional Raw Materials in Pasta Production of High Nutrition Value
Authors: Смирнов Станислав , Smirnov Stanislav , Фазуллина Олия , Fazullina Oliya
Published: September 2019

The article features the problems of improving the range of pasta products. The quality of food and the overall balance of the human diet are crucial in the state of health and quality of life. Macaroni products are in great demand among all population groups, so it can be considered as an object for the introduction of enriching and functional components. Pasta industry produces scores fortified products with dietary and/or functional orientation, but their percentage remains insignificant. Given the popularity of pasta, it can be a promising direction to include non-traditional raw materials in the pasta dough in order to change its chemical composition and increase nutritional value. The research employed methods of systematization, analysis, and generalization. The research was conducted on the premises of the Scientific Research Institute of Food-Concentrate Industry and Special Food Technology, Branch of Federal Research Center of Nutrition and Biotechnology. The article contains an overview of the scientific works by Russian and foreign researchers on improving the range of pasta products, namely pasta with functional properties, using non-traditional raw materials. It also describes some ways of expanding the use of existing raw materials, new formulations and technologies for the production of functional pasta with non-traditional raw materials. The research revealed some problems and trends in the pasta industry. The study is of theoretical importance and can be useful for scientists and producers in the development of new formulations and/or technologies of pasta with desired functional properties using non-traditional raw materials.
A vogal epentética inicial em encontros consonantais /sc/ por aprendizes de inglês como l2
Authors: Gomes Almir Anacleto de Araujo , Lucena Rubens Marques de
Published: September 2019

Este estudo descreve e analisa o processo variável de inserção da vogal [ɪ] epentética em palavras iniciadas por encontros consonantais na língua inglesa por aprendizes brasileiros, do estado da Paraíba, de inglês como segunda língua (L2), tendo como base pesquisas realizadas a respeito desse fenômeno como: Escartín (2005) com aprendizes hispânicos de inglês como LDE e fenômenos semelhantes Cardoso (2004, 2008, 2009). O objetivo dessa pesquisa é, então, identificar a frequência da ocorrência de inserção da vogal de apoio na posição inicial das palavras em língua inglesa que se iniciam com um dos seguintes clusters /sp/, /st/, /sk/, /sl/, /sm/, e /sn/ por aprendizes brasileiros de inglês como L2. O corpus da pesquisa é constituído por 18 informantes paraibanos, aprendentes de inglês como LDE, pertencentes aos níveis de proficiência na LDE: básico, intermediário e avançado. Para a coleta dos dados de fala foi gravada a leitura de vinte e oito frases e um texto em inglês. O tratamento estatístico mostra, em ordem decrescente de significância, que as variáveis sonoridade do cluster, nível de proficiência, consciência fonológica do informante, contexto precedente ao cluster são as que se mostram mais relevantes à realização da epêntese vocálica inicial em cluster sC.
O ensino de gramática: reflexões e propostas
Authors: Araújo Oliveira Fábio
Published: September 2019

Neste trabalho, refletimos sobre o ensino de gramática nas aulas de língua portuguesa do ensino básico e apresentamos propostas para a sua eficácia. Para isso, consideramos a importância tanto da reflexão linguística quanto do funcionamento da gramática no texto. Além disso, consideramos que tal ensino precisa respeitar os saberes linguísticos dos alunos e se adequar ao seu nível de escolaridade. Nesse sentido, defendemos a ideia de que a reflexão gramatical e o uso da gramática, guardadas as devidas proporções, obviamente, devem fazer parte tanto do letramento profissional do professor de língua portuguesa quanto do letramento escolar do aluno do ensino básico, já que qualquer uso linguístico envolve saberes gramaticais. Se o professor dominar o conhecimento necessário para melhor ensinar gramática, e o aluno dominar para melhor usar a gramática, conseguiremos contribuir na formação de sujeitos mais eficientes em seus usos linguísticos.
Personagens despedaçados: o trauma em a desumanização, de Valter Hugo Mãe
Authors: Silveira Lilian Greice dos Santos Ortiz da , Ávila Neto de Farias Ariane
Published: September 2019

O presente artigo propõe-se a discutir os acontecimentos traumáticos do passado como marcas significativas no desenvolvimento da subjetividade das personagens Einar e Halla do romance do escritor português, Valter Hugo Mãe, A desumanização (2017). A perda da irmã gêmea desencadeia um sentimento de tristeza e melancolia em Halla. O passado nebuloso de Einar, que não consegue relembrar o trauma que o assombra, o coloca em um movimento constante de busca pela rememoração de seu passado, de suas memórias. O ato de narrar, para a história de Einar, representará a sua libertação do passado. Ademais, o sentimento de não pertencimento à Islândia trabalha como elemento de união das duas mencionadas personagens esfaceladas pelos eventos traumáticos, abrindo espaço para uma relação importante no movimento de libertação final tanto de Halla quando de Einar. Isto posto, refletiremos acerca das marcas do trauma nas personagens mencionadas a partir dos teóricos Maurice Halbwachs (2006), Márcio Seligmann-Silva (2003) e Paul Ricoeur (2007).
Leitura e mediação: uma análise das estratégias de mediação utilizadas em uma aula de leitura no 6º ano do ensino fundamental
Authors: Nogueira Ruthlana Dutra , De Lima Arrais Maria Nazareth
Published: September 2019

O presente artigo tem como tema a leitura e a mediação pedagógica. O objetivo aqui é analisar como ocorre o processo de mediação em uma aula de leitura no 6º ano do Ensino Fundamental. A fundamentação teórica é a Sociolinguística Interacionista Escolar. Trata-se de uma pesquisa etnográfica e qualitativa e o corpus foi levantado na Escola Municipal de Ensino Infantil e Educação Fundamental Dr. José Dantas Pinheiro, localizada na cidade de São João do Rio do Peixe – PB em uma turma do 6º ano do Ensino Fundamental. Os resultados obtidos apontam que as estratégias de mediação utilizadas pelo docente foram produtivas para a construção de sentido do texto, já que os alunos tiveram a oportunidade de verbalizar o seu pensamento e serem leitores ativos no desenvolvimento da leitura. Outro ponto é que o professor realizou intervenções positivas durante o enquadre interativo da aula, utilizando as pistas de contextualização ao desenvolver o processo de andaimagem que auxiliaram os alunos no processo de compreensão da leitura. 

 

PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Sociolinguística Interacionista Escolar. Leitura. Mediação.
Overexpression of miR-340-5p Inhibits Skin Fibroblast Proliferation by Targeting Kruppel-like Factor 2
Authors: Chen Ling , Li Qian , Lu Xun , Dong Xiaohua , Li Jingyun
Published: September 2019

Objective: MicroRNA (miR)-340-5p has been identified to play a key role in several cancers.
However, the function of miR-340-5p in skin fibroblasts remains largely unknown.

Methods: Gain of function experiments were performed by infecting normal skin fibroblast cells with
a lentivirus carrying 22-bp miR-340-5p. Cell proliferation was detected by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8)
assay. To uncover the mechanisms, mRNA-seq was used. Differentially expressed mRNAs were further
determined by Gene Ontology and KEGG pathway analyses. The protein levels were analysed by
Western blotting. A dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to detect the direct binding of miR-340-5p
with the 3'UTR of Kruppel-like factor 2 (KLF2).

Results: MiR-340-5p lentivirus infection suppressed normal skin fibroblast proliferation. The mRNAseq
data revealed that 41 mRNAs were differentially expressed, including 22 upregulated and 19
downregulated transcripts in the miR-340-5p overexpression group compared with those in the control
group. Gene Ontology and KEGG pathway analyses revealed that miR-340-5p overexpression correlated
with the macromolecule biosynthetic process, cellular macromolecule biosynthetic process,
membrane, and MAPK signalling pathway. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assays
showed that miR-340-5p binds to the 3'UTR of KLF2. Forced expression of miR-340-5p decreased the
expression of KLF2 in normal skin fibroblasts. Overexpression of KLF2 restored skin fibroblast proliferation
in the miR-340-5p overexpression group.

Conclusion: This study demonstrates that miR-340-5p may suppress skin fibroblast proliferation, possibly
through targeting KLF2. These findings could help us understand the function of miR-340-5p in
skin fibroblasts. miR-340-5p could be a therapeutic target for preventing scarring.
From Receptor Selectivity to Functional Selectivity: The Rise of Biased Agonism in 5-HT1A Receptor Drug Discovery
Authors: Sniecikowska Joanna , Newman-Tancredi Adrian , Kolaczkowski Marcin
Published: September 2019

:

Despite extensive efforts to design serotonin 5-HT1A receptor compounds, there are currently
no clinically available selective agonists to explore the therapeutic potential of activating this receptor.
Commonly used drugs targeting 5-HT1A receptors, such as buspirone or other azapirone compounds, possess
only limited selectivity over cross-reacting sites, act as partial agonists for 5-HT1A receptor activation,
and are metabolically labile, generating active metabolites. In addition, drug discovery has been
hampered by the multiplicity of 5-HT1A receptor subpopulations, expressed in different brain regions, that
are coupled to distinct molecular signaling mechanisms and mediate a wide variety of physiological responses,
both desired and undesired.

:

In this context, advances in 5-HT1A receptor drug discovery have attracted attention of novel ‘biased agonists’
that are selective, efficacious and preferentially target the brain regions that mediate therapeutic
activity without triggering side effects. The prototypical first-in-class compound NLX-101 (a.k.a.
F15599; 3-chloro-4-fluorophenyl-[4-fluoro-4-[[(5-methylpyrimidin-2-ylmethyl)amino]methyl]piperidin-
1-yl]methanone), preferentially activates 5-HT1A receptors in cortical regions and exhibits potent, rapidacting
and sustained antidepressant-like and procognitive properties in animal models.

:

Here the background has been reviewed that led to the discovery of the class of 1-(1-benzoylpiperidin-4-
yl)methanamine derivatives, including NLX-101, as well as recent advances in discovery of novel 5-HT1A
receptor biased agonists, notably aryloxyethyl derivatives of 1‑(1-benzoylpiperidin-4yl)methanamine
which show promising pharmacological activity both in vitro and in vivo.

:

Overall, the results suggest that opportunities exist for innovative drug discovery of selective 5-HT1A receptor
biased agonists that may open new avenues for the treatment of CNS disorders involving dysfunction
of serotonergic neurotransmission.
Nanoantibiotic Formulations to Combat Antibiotic Resistance - Old Wine in a New Bottle
Authors: Rana Rachna , Awasthi Rajendra , Sharma Bhupesh , Kulkarni Giriraj T.
Published: September 2019

:

Antibiotic resistance is becoming one of the major obstacles to treatment success in various
pathological conditions. Development process of a new antimicrobial agent is slow and difficult,
whereas bacterial resistance is decreasing the arsenal of existing antibiotics. Therefore, there is a need to
develop novel antibiotic formulations to combat the resistance of existing antibiotics. Nanoparticles are
investigated as novel antibiotic formulation, but are often inefficient in practical applications.
Nanotechnology presents a new frontier to overcome the issue of antibiotic resistance through the development
of functionalized particles. Balance of physicochemical characteristics such as small particle
size and high drug loading capacity along with improved stability are the challenges associated with
large scale manufacturing of nanoantibiotic formulations. In the last 1-2 decades, a gradual increase in
patents on nanoantibiotic formulations has been noted to address the resistance issues of antibiotic. The
aim of this review is to consolidate recently-investigated nanoantibiotic formulations to combat antibiotic
resistance.
Role of a Dentist in the Diagnosis of Child Abuse and Neglect: A Literature and Narrative Review
Authors: Melo Maria , Ata-Ali Fadi , Cobo Teresa , Diago José , Chofré-Lorente María Teresa , Bagán Leticia , Sanchez-Recio Cristina , Ata-Ali Javier
Published: September 2019

Background:

Child Abuse (CA) is defined as any physical or psychological harm inflicted upon children. The most commonly affected anatomical region in these cases is the orofacial complex, thereby placing dentists in a dominant position for detecting CA. The statistical figures referred to CA are high, and many cases go unreported.

Objective:

To determine the level of knowledge, the aptitudes and capacity of dentists in reporting cases of CA; the barriers facing the reporting of cases; and the key clinical characteristics for the detection of CA.

Methodology:

A search was made of the PubMed (MEDLINE), ScienceDirect, LILACS and SciELO databases for articles published up until March 2019, involving analytical observational and descriptive studies relevant to the objectives of our study. All articles were independently reviewed by two authors.

Results:

Injuries caused by CA are largely located in the orofacial region – the most prevalent being caries, burns and fractures. The most frequently identified risk factor is behavioral alterations on the part of the parents or caregivers. The reviewed studies reflect a discrepancy between suspected and reported cases of CA.

Conclusion:

Although dentists are able to detect injuries, there is a great lack of knowledge about how to report cases of CA to the authorities. It is interesting to establish guidelines for the detection and reporting of suspicious cases. Improved training in forensic and legal dentistry is needed, together with the establishment of detection and reporting protocols. The clinical signs detected in the case of CA and neglect include untreated caries, poor oral hygiene, traumatisms, burns, lacerations and biting. The recognition of such signs and correct case history compilation are essential for the detection of CA.
Surface Roughness and Necessity of Manual Refinishing Requirements of CAD/CAM-Manufactured Titanium and Cobalt-Chrome Bars – A Pilot Study
Authors: Gehrke Peter , Dinkel Jochen , Fischer Carsten , Schmenger Kai , Sader Robert
Published: September 2019

Background:

Due to their increased precision, CAD/CAM generated bars (Computer-Aided Design/ Computer-Aided Manufacturing) are increasingly utilized in implant prosthodontics. For optimal clinical results, surface morphology should promote the integration of soft tissue while minimizing plaque and bacterial retention.

Objective:

Despite their clinical use, only limited information on the biological and clinical surface quality of CAD/CAM milled bars is available. The aim of the study was therefore to characterize the surface topography of bars of different manufacturers based on the profilometric analysis and the need for manual post-processing in the laboratory.

Methods:

A custom mandibular edentulous cast with four anterior implants was used as a reference cast and reproduced eight times. On each reproduction cast, corresponding scan flags were positioned and digitized. Acrylic 3D printed bar frameworks were produced and sent to the respective production center along with the digital files of the CAD bars for milling. In the course of profilometric analysis, all bars were examined in three critical Regions of Interest (ROI): Transmucosal, labial, basal. Sa and Ra values of each construction were determined. To evaluate the necessary refinishing time eight dental technicians macroscopically evaluated the bars by performing a subjective visual inspection. Kruskal-Wallis H-tests and Tukey and Kramer's post hoc tests were applied to detect differences between the samples.

Results:

After profilometric examination, three specimens (Dentsply Sirona: ZDC; Straumann: ZST; CAMLOG: ZCC) demonstrated surface roughness values in the biological acceptable range (Sa 0.2-0.4 μm) in the transmucosal region and provided optimal conditions for a reliable soft tissue adaptation. The Ra measurements revealed values beyond the acceptable threshold in the transmucosal region for three bars (Straumann: ZST; Dentsply Sirona: ZDC; Amann Girrbach: LAC). Four bars (LAC: Amann Girrbach; ZBC: BEGO; Datron: LDC & LDT; Zirkonzahn: ZZC) needed undesirable extensive manual rework. The evaluation of quality and time for manual post-processing by dental technicians confirmed the measurement-based ranking of the bars.

Conclusion:

It is desirable to define a clear roughness threshold for the clinical acceptance of transmucosal CAD/CAM generated surfaces. Clinical studies with profilometric data could help to further improve the surface quality of CAD/CAM milled bars and reduce the need for manual reworking time and effort.
Low Prevalence of Common Sexually Transmitted Infections Contrasting with High Prevalence of Mycoplasma Asymptomatic Genital Carriage: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Survey in Adult Women Living in N’Djamena, Chad
Authors: Compain Fabrice , Nodjikouambaye Zita A. , Sadjoli Damtheou , Moussa Ali M. , Adawaye Chatté , Bouassa Ralph-Sydney M. , Koyalta Donato , Tonen-Wolyec Serge , Péré Hélène , Podglajen Isabelle , Bélec Laurent
Published: September 2019

Background:

We herein report a cross-sectional study which consecutively enrolled adult women from the community living in N'Djamena, Chad. The aim of the study was to estimate the burden of asymptomatic genital carriage of common curable sexually transmitted infections (STIs) (including Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Mycoplasma genitalium and Trichomonas vaginalis) and genital Mycoplasma spp., as well as to assess their possible associated risk factors.

Methods:

A total of 251 women were consecutively included and screened for common curable STIs as well as for genital mycoplasma carriage by multiplex real-time PCR.

Results:

Only seven (2.8%) women were found to be infected with at least one common STI by multiplex real-time PCR: C. trachomatis, N. gonorrhoeae, M. genitalium and T. vaginalis were recovered from 3 (1.2%), 1 (0.4%), 4 (1.6%) and 1 (0.4%) women, respectively. No sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics could be associated in multivariate analysis with the genital carriage of the four detected common curable STIs. In contrast, the prevalence of genital mycoplasmas was much higher (54.2%) with a predominance of Ureaplasma parvum (42.6% of the total population).

Conclusion:

Our study shows a low prevalence of common STIs in contrast with a high prevalence of mycoplasmas among asymptomatic adult women recruited on a community basis in Chad. These observations highlight the need for etiologic management of STIs relying on PCR-based techniques rather than a syndromic approach in resource-limited countries.
Psoriasis Vulgaris: Relationship between Oral and Periodontal Conditions and Disease Severity
Authors: Ligia Méndez Gaviria , Leira Solis , Constanza Rodríguez , Lorena Chila-Moreno , Rosa Buenahora María , Nathaly Delgadillo , Andrés Prieto , Luis A Castro , Consuelo Romero-Sánchez
Published: September 2019

Introduction:

Psoriasis has been associated with other diseases, or comorbidities, within which the oral cavity is involved. However, there is no consensus regarding the clinical description. The objective of this study was to establish the oral and periodontal status in a group of patients withPsoriasis vulgarisin relation to markers of clinical severity.

Materials and Methods:

Descriptive, cross-sectional, and observational study. 71 Patients diagnosed with psoriasis at the Hospital Militar Central. The indexes PASI and DLQI to determine their clinical activity were evaluated. We also evaluated serum markers of activity, A direct observation, ganglion palpation, extraoral, intraoral examination, and periodontal clinical index. Chi-squared test for associations was performed, All analyses involved a significance level of 5% and were carried out using the statistical analysis program STATA, version 11.1.

Results:

Periodontal disease was present in 70% of our patients with a moderate degree of severity in most cases. The presence ofP. gingivaliswas detected in 23% of patients, 9% of patients withP. gingivalispresented with severe psoriasis (p: 0.189); of these patients, 55% also had periodontal disease (p: 0.189); although this was not statistically significant. Furthermore, 91% of our patients presented with some form of lesion or anatomical variation in the oral cavity; of these, 28% had a single lesion, 63% had multiple lesions and 81.80% of the subjects showed lesions with strong psoriatic association (p = 0.033), including fissured tongue (60.87%; p = 0.034), angular cheilitis (14.49%; p = 0.03) and oral erythematous lesions (13.04%; p = 0.023).

Conclusion:

We did not detect statistically significant associations between the severity of psoriasis and periodontal disease but our findings related to oral changes could have good relevance for this type of patients. Our data indicate the need for multidisciplinary management between the clinician and specialists in periodontics and oral pathology.
Behavior of Concrete-Filled Single and Double-Skin uPVC Tubular Columns Under Axial Compression Loads
Authors: Woldemariam Abraham M. , Oyawa Walter O. , Nyomboi Timothy
Published: September 2019

Background:

There is an increased demand for high-performance materials in the construction industry due to the high cost, the difficulty of sourcing and shortcomings of the existing construction materials. Some of the deficiencies are corrosion of steel, brittle failure and rapid deterioration of reinforced concrete structures in a harsh environment. Nowadays, there is also a move from one material to another due to the difficulty of sourcingi.e.timber electric poles to concrete poles due to the difficulty of sourcing native hardwood. These situations have triggered the interest to develop an alternative structural system.

Objective:

This paper presents the behavior of unconfined concrete, Concrete-Filled Single Skin uPVC Tubular (CFSUT) and concrete-filled double skin uPVC tubular (CFDUT) members under axial compression loads.

Method:

The unconfined concrete cylinders, CFSUT and CFDUT specimens were prepared from a concrete class of C25 and tested using a UTM machine at a rate of 0.2MPa/s. The parameters considered where thickness to diameter ratio (2t/D), aspect ratio (h/D) and hollow ratio (d/D). Also, a model was developed to predict the peak strength of CFSUT and CFDUT specimens.

Results:

The result shows that both CFSUT and CFDUT specimens exhibited improved strength, ductility, and energy absorption capacity. For CFSUT and CFSUT specimens, the strength, ductility, and energy absorption capacity increased by more than 1.32, 3.75 and 14.75 times compared to the unconfined concrete specimens, respectively. It is found that the strength decreased as the h/D and d/D ratios increased. The result also shows that the strain of CFSUT and CFDUT at the peak strength increased by more than 3.16 times compared to the unconfined concrete specimens. The proposed model accurately predicted the peak strength with AAE of 2.13%.

Conclusion:

The uPVC confinement provided a remarkable improvement on the strength, ductility and energy absorption of concrete. Therefore, uPVC tubes can be used as confining material for bridge piers, piles, electric poles, and building columns to increase the strength, ductility and energy absorption of concrete structures.
Marine Actinomycetes Derived Pyrrolo Compounds Mediated Green Synthesis of AgO and Ag2O3 Nanoparticles and its Antidermatophytic Activity
Authors: Ravi Lokesh , Chocalingam Riven , Menta Vignesh , Krishnan Kannabiran
Published: September 2019

Background:

Antimicrobial potential of silver nanoparticles synthesised by using
various biological sources was already been reported by many researchers. The green synthesis of
silver nanoparticles using microbial sources has been proved to be more effective.

Methods:

In this study, anti-dermatophytic silver nanoparticles were synthesised by using pyrrolo
metabolites producing actinomycetes as a green catalyst. Different characterization methods such
as UV-Visible, XRD, and AFM were used to identify the physiochemical characteristics of synthesised
nanoparticles.

Results:

The synthesised nanoparticles showed λ-max at 427 nm and 402 nm, respectively. The
XRD analysis based on the JCPDS database identified the two synthesized nanoparticles as silver
oxide nanoparticles (AgO NPs) and silver peroxide nanoparticles (Ag2O3 NPs). The size of these
nanoparticles was found to be in the range of 40-44 nm (AgO NPs) and 23-25 nm (Ag2O3 NPs),
respectively. The synthesized nanoparticles demonstrated significant anti-fungal activity against
dermatophytic fungi Trichophyton mentagrophyes with the zone of inhibition of 38 mm by AgO
NP and 17 mm by Ag2O3 NPs.

Conclusion:

Screening of marine actinomycetes LG003 and LG005 revealed the presence of
pyrrolo derivatives as the major metabolites, suggesting that these pyrrolo derivatives could be responsible
for synthesis and stabilization of AgO and Ag2O3NPs. Among the synthesized NPs, the
AgO NPs showed great potential as an anti-dermatophytic agent. This study provides further research
opportunities for AgONPs as anti-fungal agents.
Critical surface coning due to a line sink in a vertical drain containing a porous medium
Authors: Al-Ali Suha , Hocking Graeme Charles , Farrow Duncan E.
Published: September 2019

The withdrawal of water with a free surface through a line sink from a two-dimensional, vertical sand column is considered using the hodograph method and a novel spectral method. Hodograph solutions are presented for slow flow and for critical, limiting steady flows, and these are compared with spectral solutions to the steady problem. The spectral method is then extended to obtain unsteady solutions and hence the evolution of the phreatic surface to the steady solutions when they exist. It is found that for each height of the interface there is a unique critical coning value of flow rate, but also that the value obtained is dependent on the flow history.

doi:10.1017/S1446181119000099