bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PARPBP is a prognostic marker and confers chemotherapeutic resistance to breast cancer
Authors: Chen Bo , Lai Jianguo , Dai Danian , Chen Rong , Liao Ning , Tang Hailin
Published: April 2020

Background: PARPBP (PARP1 Binding Protein) is an important homologous recombination inhibitor of human cells during DNA repair. But the expression and function of PARPBP in breast cancer remain unclear.Methods: We evaluated the expression and prognostic value of PARPBP in breast cancer by immunohistochemical analysis in our patients (n=137) and public available datasets. Multiple in vitro and in vivo animal models characterized its functions.Results: In the present study, we demonstrated that PARPBP was significantly upregulated in breast cancer tissues compared with normal breast tissues. PARPBP high expression group had poor overall survival (OS) compared to the PARPBP low expression group. Similar results got in TCGA and KM Plotter overall survival analysis. Knockdown of PARPBP suppressed breast cancer cell growth proliferation and colony formation. Furthermore, we found that high expression of PARPBP related with chemotherapy resistance in breast cancer. Depletion of PARPBP increases breast cancer cell apoptosis and DNA damage caused by chemotherapy drugs. Transcription factor forkhead box M1(FOXM1) activated PARPBP expression by directly binding to the promoter of PARPBP. Moreover, tumor xenograft experiments further demonstrated that PARPBP was involved in breast cancer chemoresistance. Conclusions: Taken together, our results highlight PARPBP is a prognostic marker and confers chemotherapeutic resistance to breast cancer.
Toehold Switch-Based Genetic Modulator for Tuning of Riboswitch Sensor
Authors: Hwang Yunhee , Kim Seong Gyeong , Jang Sungho , Kim Jongmin , Jung Gyoo Yeol
Published: April 2020

BackgroundSynthetic biological circuits are widely utilized to control microbial cell functions. Natural and synthetic riboswitches are attractive classes of sensor modules for use in synthetic biological applications. However, tuning the dose-response parameters of riboswitch circuits is challenging because considerable understanding of riboswitch mechanism and screening of mutant libraries are generally required. Therefore, novel molecular parts and strategies for controlling the dose-response parameters of riboswitch circuits are needed.ResultsHere, we developed a toehold switch-based genetic modulator that combines a previously reported hybrid input construct, which consists of riboswitch and transcriptional repressor, and de-novo-designed riboregulators named as toehold switches. First, the introduction of a pair of toehold switch and trigger as a downstream signal-processing module resulted in a functional riboswitch circuit. Next, several optimization strategies that focused on the stoichiometric ratio of RNA components greatly improved the fold-change. Finally, further characterizations confirmed low leakiness and high orthogonality for multiple toehold switches, indicating its applicability in riboswitch circuits in a seamless manner.ConclusionsThe toehold switch-based genetic modulator improved the dynamic range and dramatically shifted the operational range compared to the previous sensors only with hybrid input construct. The programmable RNA-RNA interactions amenable to in silico design and optimization can facilitate further development of RNA-based genetic modulators for flexible tuning of riboswitch circuitry and synthetic biosensors.
Enhanced Sensitivity of VEGF Detection Using Catalase-Mediated Chemiluminescence Immunoassay Based on CdTe QD/H2O2 System
Authors: Ghavamipour Fahimeh , Rahmani Hossein , Shanehsaz Maryam , Khajeh Khosro , Mirshahi Manouchehr , Sajedi Reza
Published: April 2020

Background
Since vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a major regulator of cancer angiogenesis, it is essential to develop a technology for its sensitive detection. Herein, we sensitized a chemiluminescence (CL) immunoassay through the combination of H2O2-sensitive TGA-CdTe quantum dot (QD) as signal transduction, dextran system as a cross-linker to prepare enzyme-labeled antigen and the ultrahigh bioactivity of catalase (CAT) as reporter enzyme.
Results
Under the optimized experimental conditions, the CL-ELISA method can detect VEGF in the excellent linear range of 2–35000 pg mL− 1, with a detection limit (S/N = 3) of 0.5 pg mL− 1 which was approximately 10 times lower than the commercial colorimetric immunoassay. This proposed method has been successfully applied to the clinical determination of VEGF in the human serum samples and the results illustrated the excellent correlation with the conventional ELISA method (R2 = 0.997). The suitable recovery rate of the method in the serum ranged from 97–107%, with a relative standard deviation of 1.2–13.4%.
Conclusions
The novel immunoassay proposes a highly sensitive, specific and stable method for very low levels detection of VEGF that can be used in primary diagnosis of tumor. With the well-designed sensing platform, this approach has a broad potential to be applied for quantitative analysis of numerous disease-related protein biomarkers for which antibodies are available.
Analysis of differential gene expression between right-sided and left-sided colon cancer by bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Chi Qiangwei , Chen Shizuan , Li Shaotang
Published: April 2020

Background

Colon cancer is a common tumor of the digestive tract worldwide. Recent researches have revealed that colon cancer exhibits distinct differences in clinical and biological characteristics depending on the location of the tumor. However, the underlying genetic and molecular mechanism of the differences between right-sided colon cancer (RCC) and left-sided colon cancer (LCC) are not fully understood. This study aimed to identify molecular potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for precise treatment of right-sided and left-sided colon cancer using bioinformatics analysis.
Methods

The gene microarray profile, named GSE44076, from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) public database was downloaded and processed to then select differentially expressed genes (DEGs) on the base of two sample groups of RCC and LCC. Also, gene ontology (GO) analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis, protein–protein interaction (PPI) network construction, module analysis, validation of hub genes, and survival analysis.
Results

Finally, we obtained 2259 DEGs between RCC and LCC, 1300 of which were upregulated in RCC and 945 of which were upregulated in LCC. The results of GO and KEGG analysis of the DEGs indicated that the biological functions of DEGs in RCC and LCC were significantly different. CTLA4, IL10, IL2RB, IFNG, NCAM1, EGFR, MYC, SRC, CUL3, and NCBP2 were identified from the PPI networks as the hub genes of RCC and LCC. Among the hub genes, the log-rank tests for overall survival (OS) and disease free survival (DFS) were applied. Moreover, all hub genes, except CUL3, had differential expression levels of miRNA between tumor group and normal group.
Conclusion

These hub genes and pathways identified based on bioinformatics analysis might conduce to explain the differences between RCC and LCC, and most of the hub genes were specific to the malignant tissues. Notably, these hub genes, especially the genes associated with immunotherapy such as CTLA4, might be potential specific targets or prognostic markers for precise treatment of colon cancer.
Identification of potential significant genes in HBV related hepatocellular carcinoma via bioinformatical analysis
Authors: Zhuang Yuan , Guan Yuanyue , Sun Bin , Ouyang Yabo , Liu Xiaoni , Chen Dexi , Wang Yanjun
Published: April 2020

Background: The mortality rate of hepatocellular carcinoma（HCC）is the third highest worldwide. Infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV）is an important risk factor for the development of HCC. The fact that there is no available target drug for the HCC highlights the necessity to further explore its underlying mechanism.Methods: Gene expression profiles of GSE121248, GSE55092 and GSE62232 were accessible from GEO database. From 129 HCC tissues and 138 normal tissues in the three profile datasets, we picked out differentially expressed genes (DEGs) using GEO2R and Venn diagram software，analyzed Gene and Genome (KEGG) pathway and gene ontology (GO) in DEGs through DAVID software, and simulated the interactions between DEGs using the plotting function of STRING database, as well as constructed a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network by Cytoscape software Consequently significant genes with potential poor prognosis were selected using UALCAN and validated in Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis.Results: In total of 103 DEGs in the three datasets, there were 26 up-regulated genes rich in regulation of attachment of spindle microtubules to kinetochore, protein localization to kinetochore, mitotic cytokinesis, cytokinesis, positive regulation of cytokinesis, Cell cycle and p53 signaling pathway while 77 down-regulated genes enriched in Retinol metabolism, Caffeine metabolism, Drug metabolism - cytochrome P450, Metabolism of xenobiotics by cytochrome P450, Chemical carcinogenesis, oxidation-reduction process, exogenous drug catabolic process, xenobiotic metabolic process, monocarboxylic acid metabolic process, epoxygenase P450 pathway and drug metabolic process. PPI network analyzed by Molecular Complex Detection (MCODE) plug-in, we found 14 hub genes including TOP2A, CCNB1, RACGAP1, DTL, PBK, NEK2, PRC1, CDK1, RRM2, BUB1B, ECT2, ANLN, HMMR, ASPM, among which demonstrated 13 genes (except PRC1) had a significantly worse prognosis based on UALCAN analysis. All of the 13 genes were highly expressed in HBV related HCC tissues compared to normal tissues through GEPIA analysis. Conclusion: The significant up-regulated DEGs found by using integrated bioinformatical methods could be potential therapeutic targets for HBV related HCC patients.
Impact of postoperative complications on long-term survival of gastric cancer patients: results from a high-volume institution in China
Authors: Pang Hua-Yang , Wang Hui , Zhao Lin-Yong , Chen Xiao-Long , Liu Kai , Zhang Wei-Han , Yang Kun , Chen Xin-Zu , Hu Jian-Kun
Published: April 2020

BackgroundThis study was aimed to evaluate the impact of postoperative complications (POCs) on long-term survival for gastric cancer (GC) patients with curative resection.MethodsFrom January 2009 to December 2014, a total of 1667 GC patients with curative gastrectomy were analyzed. Patients with any complications Clavien–Dindo (CD) grade II or higher were divided into complication group. Independent risk factors for the development of POCs and the relationship between POCs and long-term survival (excluding death within 90 days after surgery) were analyzed.ResultsOverall POCs CD ≥ 2 were diagnosed in 285 (17.10%) patients including infectious complications (ICs) in 231 (13.9%) and noninfectious complications (NICs) in 78 (4.68%) patients. Age ≥ 65 (P = 0.003), presence of comorbidity (P = 0.019), extensive lymphadenectomy (P = 0.027) and perioperative blood transfusion (P = 0.040) were independent risk factors of POCs. Multivariate analysis identified that presence of POCs (P < 0.001) was an independent prognostic factor and further analysis by complication type demonstrated that the deteriorated overall survival was mainly caused by ICs (P = 0.007) rather than NICs (P = 0.075), moreover, among all complications, pulmonary infection (P < 0.001) was the only significant prognostic factor.ConclusionPOCs may be an independent prognostic factor for long-term survival of GC patients and the risk is mainly driven by ICs, particular pulmonary infection.
A Unet-based Research on the Multi-Output Convolution Neural Network's Ability of Decreasing Mis-identification: Automatic Segmentation of Organs at Risk in Thorax
Authors: Zhang Jie , Yang Yiwei , Shao Kainan , Bai Xue , Fang Min , Shan Guoping , Chen Ming
Published: April 2020

Background

To study a multi-output convolution neural network (CNN)’s capability of reducing mis-identification.
Material and Methods

To guarantee that the CNN’s output number was the only experiment variable, we used Unet as research object. By modifying it into a multi-output (MO) one, we got a MO-Unet and the conventional single-output Unet (SO-Uent) as a comparing object. All images involved in this study were computed tomography (CT) scans coming from 105 patients with thoracic tumor. 3 organs at risk (OARs), i.e. lung, heart and spinal cord, were delineated by experienced radiation oncologists and were used as ground truth. The two models were both trained with 1240 CTs (856 images for learning and 384 images for monitor) and under the same learning settings. They were both tested on other 886 images. Dice and mis-identification pixels’ number(n) were 2 metrics for evaluation.
Results

MO-Unet and SO-Unet achieved Dice of 0.9400 ± 0.0612 (average ± standard deviation) and 0.9451 ± 0.0618 for lung, 0.9143 ± 0.1119 and 0.9160 ± 0.1071 for heart, 0.8988 ± 0.0657 and 0.9020 ± 0.0624 for spinal cord respectively. The two models’ all average Dices were ≤ 0.005. For the normalized number of cases with n = 0, MO-Unet and SO-Unet had 97.29% and 96.84% for spinal cord, 88.49% and 90.86% for heart, 81.26% and 77.09% for lung respectively. Compared to SO-Unet, the mis-identification cases of MO-Unet mainly felled in the range of small n.
Conclusions

The Dice results showed that the two models had comparable overlap. The n results suggested that the MO-Unet was better in decreasing mis-identification. Besides, a MO network is light-weighted to implement more delineation under the same computing source. Therefore, a MO network is promising in segmenting OARs and has the potential for a widespread application in China.
DAB2IP predicts treatment response and prognosis of ESCC patients and modulates its radiosensitivity through enhancing IR-induced activation of the ASK1-JNK pathway
Authors: Li Yue , Xu Meng , Fang Weiyang , Chen Xiangcun , Xu Jifei , Xiao Liang , Pan Shuhao , Sheng Lei , Pan Huaguang , Chai Huiping , Zha Tianqi , Zhao Lei , Wang Fan , Xie Dan , Liang Chaozhao , Tong Zhuting
Published: April 2020

Background: Disabled homolog 2 interacting protein (DAB2IP) plays a tumor-suppressive role in several types of human cancers. However, the molecular status and function of the DAB2IP gene in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is rarely reported. Methods: We examined the expression dynamics of DAB2IP by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in 140 ESCC patients treated with definite chemoradiotherapy. A series of in vivo and in vitro experiments were performed to elucidate the effect of DAB2IP on the chemoradiotherapy (CRT) response and its underlying mechanisms in ESCC. Results: Decreased expression of DAB2IP in ESCCs correlated positively with ESCC resistance to CRT and was a strong and independent predictor for short disease-specific survival (DSS) of ESCC patients. Furthermore, the therapeutic sensitivity of CRT was substantially increased by ectopic overexpression of DAB2IP in ESCC cells. In addition, knockdown of DAB2IP dramatically enhanced resistance to CRT in ESCC. Finally, we demonstrated that DAB2IP regulates ESCC cell radiosensitivity through enhancing ionizing radiation (IR)-induced activation of the ASK1-JNK signaling pathway. Conclusions: Our data highlight the molecular etiology and clinical significance of DAB2IP in ESCC, which may represent a new therapeutic strategy to improve therapy and survival for ESCC patients. Keywords: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma; DAB2IP; chemoradiosensitivity; ASK1; JNK
Clinical analysis of 17 deaths associated with the 2019 novel coronavirus
Authors: zhang cheng , Hong Dandan , Chen Wenyue , Ren Qingling , Guan Qun
Published: April 2020

Background Since the end of December 2019, a pneumonia outbreak has occurred in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. An epidemiological survey showed that the pneumovirus infection was closely related to the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market in Wuhan, causing great panic among the general population. Through the isolation and whole-genome sequencing of the pneumovirus, an infection model of the pneumovirus in human airway epithelial cells was established, and the pneumovirus was identified as the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), which belongs to the β-coronavirus genus. This study focus on lethiferous processes of infections associated with the new virus.Methods The data of 17 deaths from 13 hospitals in Wuhan were obtained, and the initial symptoms, clinical features during the progression of the disease, and treatment processes were well analyzed. Results At the early phase of the outbreak of 2019-nCoV, the lack of effective drugs for pneumonia caused by the new coronavirus has led to lethal results in people who are often elderly with multiple diseases. Males were affected more than females. Fever, dry coughing, shortness of breath are the primary presentations, but not all. Chest images showed viral pneumonia. Symptomatic supportive treatment did not improve respiratory distress, leading to a sudden deterioration in the condition. The development of diseases are different from the other two cronoviruses.Conclusions Older people are at high risk of death due to 2019-nCoV infection, and protecting high-risk groups is an effective way to reduce the number of deaths. A large number of viral pneumonia in Wuhan within a short period of time suggest the outbreak caused by a new virus, virus nucleic acid test will make accurate diagnosis, and the diagnosis based on clinical manifestations and imaging results provides a basis for early treatments.
Overexpression of AGAMOUS-like gene PfAG5 promote early flowering in Polypogon fugax
Authors: Zhou Fengyan , Yu Qin , Zhang Yong , Yao Chuan-Chun , Han Yun-Jing , Shen Yan
Published: April 2020

Background: Herbicides are the major tool for controlling large populations of yield depleting weeds. However, overreliance on herbicides has resulted in weed adaptation and herbicide resistance. In recent years, early flowering weed species related to herbicide resistance is emerging, which may cause seed loss before crop harvest, creating a new problem for non-chemical weed management. However, mechanisms regulating early flowering in weedy species is rarely investigated. Results: The MADS-box gene family plays an important role in flowering time regulation and floral organogenesis. In this study, a homolog gene of AGAMOUS sub-family (referred to as PfAG5) of the MADS-box family was cloned from plants of an early flowering Polypogon fugax population resistant to the ACCase inhibitor herbicide (clodinafop-propargyl). The PfAG5 gene was functionally characterized in Arabidopsis thaliana. Over-expression of the PfAG5 gene in Arabidopsis resulted in early flowering with abnormal flowers (e.g. small petals, short plants and reduced seed set) compared to the wild type. The expression of the PfAG5 gene was high in leaves and flowers, but low in pods in transgenic Arabidopsis. The PfAG5 gene was earlier and higher expressed in the resistant (R) than the susceptible (S) P. fugax plants. Furthermore, one protein (FRIGIDA-like protein) interacting with PfAG5 in R P. fugax was identified by the yeast two-hybrid system with relevance to flowering time regulation. Conclusions: These results suggest that the PfAG5 gene is prominently involved in modulating early flowering in P. fugax. This study provides the first evidence for the regulation mechanism of early flowering in an herbicide resistant weed species.
Musculoskeletal pain management in the emergency department
Authors: Seremeti Kyriaki , Vasilopoulos Georgios , Toylia Georgia , Kadda Olga , Kourousi Evangelia , Karimali Dimitra , Kalogianni Antonia
Published: April 2020

Introduction: The intensity of acute musculoskeletal pain is underestimated by health providers. Analgesia in adults that receive treatment for acute musculoskeletal pain varies from 11-29%. The timely and effective treatment of pain should become priority for the adequate pain management.Aim: The aim of the present study was to explore musculoskeletal pain management in the emergency department (ED).Material and Method: This is a descriptive study. The studied sample consisted of 82 patients, who admitted in the ED of Athen’s general hospital, due to acute musculoskeletal pain. For data collection, a special designed registration form was used. Related measurements were completed at two time points; the first time point was during patients’ admission to ED and the second one, 30 minutes post treatment or post ED discharge.Results: Patients average pain score was 7.25 ± 1.85 (first time point) and 3.76 ± 2.66 (second time point). Analgesia was provided to 51.2% of the sample and non-invasive methods were used in 51.2%. As for the frequency of the administrated drugs, analgesics were mostly preferred (29.3%), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) at 25.6% and opioids were used only at 9.8%. The mean time to first anministrated analgesic therapy was 16.56 ± 32.89 min.Conclusions: In spite of the extensive research and international guidelines for pain management, the fulfillment of the patients’ expectations for adequate and timely relief remains a challenge. The key for successful pain management lies to further education of medical stuff.
A proteomic model of SARS-COV2 infection by comparing the interactomes of BRD4 with BET-inhibition and SARS-COV2 viral proteins – implications for re-purposing approved drugs or ubiquitin-mediated degradation of select candidates
Authors: NALLUR GIRISH
Published: April 2020

The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19 respiratory disease, has infected 2,029,930 people worldwide and caused 136,320 deaths. Consequently, the hunt for drugs showing efficacy against this deadly disease, or vaccines for prevention, are being intensely investigated. Unfortunately, there is a scarcity of research data on the molecular mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 infection for quickly finding effective therapies, or repurposing existing drugs approved by the US FDA. This report models existing knowledge of SARS-COV2 viral proteins and the cellular proteins they interact with by comparisons with BRD4 interacting proteins identified from B cells, with or without BET inhibition. The E protein of SARS-COV2 interacts with BRD4, and the Spike (S) protein with CANX. Extensive similarities were observed with published cellular interactants of 13 SARS-COV2 proteins resulting in 47 BRD4-interacting protein candidates, with or without BET inhibition. 61 cellular protein targets and 132 FDA approved drugs which use these proteins as targets are proposed, which can be investigated for efficacy against SARS-COV2 infections. The implications to SARS-COV2 disease diagnosis, therapy and vaccine creation are discussed.
A SARS-CoV-2 surrogate virus neutralization test (sVNT) based on antibody-mediated blockage of ACE2-spike (RBD) protein-protein interaction
Authors: Tan Chee Wah , Chia Wan Ni , Chen Mark I-C , Hu Zhiliang , Young Barnaby E. , Tan Yee-Joo , Yi Yongxiang , Lye David C. , Anderson Danielle E. , Wang Lin-Fa
Published: April 2020

At this critical moment of the international response to the COVID-19 outbreak, there is an urgent need for a robust serological test to detect neutralizing antibodies to SARS-CoV-2. Such a test is not only important for contact tracing, but for determining infection rate, herd immunity and predicted humoral protection. The current gold standard is a virus neuralization test (VNT) requiring live virus and a biosafety level 3 (BSL3) laboratory. On the other hand, the ELISA- or lateral flow-based assays are for the detection of binding antibodies, which does not directly correlate with their neutralizing ability. Here we report a SARS-CoV-2 surrogate virus neutralization test (sVNT) that is designed to detect total neutralizing antibodies in an isotype- and species-independent manner. Our simple and rapid test is based on antibody-mediated blockage of virus-host interaction between the ACE2 receptor protein and the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the viral spike protein. The test has been validated with two COVID-19 patient cohorts in two different countries, achieving 100% specificity and 95-100% sensitivity and is capable of differentiating antibody responses from other known human coronaviruses. Importantly, the sVNT does not require BSL3 containment, thereby making the test immediately accessible to the global community.
Improving the option pricing performance of GARCH models in inefficient market
Authors: Lahouel Noureddine , Hellara Slaheddine
Published: April 2020

Understanding the relation between option pricing and market efficiency is important. Indeed, emphasizing this relation generates new insights that are appropriate in practice. These insights give a better understanding of the current limitations of the option pricing and hedging methods. This article thus aims to improve the performance of the option pricing approach. To start, the relation between the option pricing methodology and the informational market efficiency was discussed. It is, therefore, useful, before proceeding to apply the standard risk-neutral approach, to check the efficiency assumption. New modified GARCH processes were used to model the dynamics of the asset returns in the option pricing framework. The new considered approaches allow describing the dynamic of returns when the market is inefficient. Using real data on CAC 40 index, the performance of different models as a function of maturity and moneyness was studied. The in-sample analysis, interested in the stability of the pricing models across time, showed that the new approach, developed under the affine GARCH process, is the most accurate. The study of the out-of-sample performance, which aims to evaluate the forecasting ability of different approaches, confirmed the results of the in-sample analysis. For the optional portfolio hedging, always the best hedging approach is that obtained under the affine GARCH model. After a regression study, it was found that the difference between theoretical and observed option values can be explained by factors, which are not taken into account in the proposed pricing formulae.
Competition Assessment as a Marketing Decisions Factor on Regional B2C Markets: Methodological Aspect
Authors: Mamontov Sergey , Chernobaeva Gulnara
Published: April 2020

Many companies use methods based on official statistical data to assess the state of competition. However, the peculiarities of the development of regional consumer markets require taking into account the marketing assessment of competition from both manufacturers and end-consumers. The research objective was to substantiate the competition assessment model and method in the development and adoption of marketing decisions on the regional B2C markets. The behavioral approach made it possible to develop a marketing-oriented methodology for competition assessment. The main idea was to identify the inconsistencies in the subjective perception of the state and the development of competition by different members of the regional market. The authors constructed a matrix of market competition types and described a model for competition assessment by consumers. The article features variables and methods for data analysis. The authors also described the specifics of perception and evaluation of competition by manufacturers. The methods of interpretation of similarities and differences between the competition assessment by consumers and sellers served as a basis for development or adjustment of marketing decisions. The new method is not an alternative to other methods of competition assessment in the development of strategic marketing decisions. However, it is a useful adjunct for marketing management of regional companies.
Classification of Ecotourism Objects and its Perspective in Azerbaijan
Authors: Khalilov H.
Published: April 2020

Ecotourism is an important sector of tourism. The present article introduces a classification of its material and non-material objects. They are natural, anthropogenic, and fossil-anthropogenic monuments, which serve as information transmitters, and thereby play a significant role for local history. Objects of ecotourism are unique, attractive, and aesthetically appealing sights and samples of cultural heritage that stimulate ecotourism and the sustainable development of the region. The paradigm of ecotourism is modern, promising, profitable, and environmentally friendly. It presupposes a thorough in-depth study of its objects, as well as their development and classification. Azerbaijan boasts a considerable variety of physical and geographical conditions. This territory possesses both natural resources and the cultural heritage. Therefore, the country demonstrates a huge long-term potential for ecotourism.
The Political Dimension of the Nord Stream – 2 Project
Authors: Manoilo Andrey , Katkov Ilya
Published: April 2020

The research featured the political role of the Nord Stream 2 project in Russian foreign policy and in building constructive relations with Russia's partners in the European Union. The paper describes the strategy, tactics, forms, and methods involved in the cross-border pipeline project implemented by Russia and its foreign partners. The focus is on the political relations between the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Russian state-owned corporations, foreign governments, and foreign multinational corporations, i.e. the negotiations within the international consortium. The research objective was to identify the role of cross-border pipeline projects in Russian foreign policy in Europe. The methodological basis included system and comparative-political approaches, as well as the methods of analysis, synthesis, induction, and deduction. The methods of political comparativistics revealed how the competing parties were able to affect the negotiations and implementation of Nord Stream 2. The method of system analysis made it possible to examine the interactions between the state structures and the oil and gas companies. The authors identified the conflict directions between the supporters and the opponents of the project, as well as between the Russian Federation and the United States of America. The paper describes the political tools that promote the interests of the project in conditions of acute rivalry in the energy area. The Russian Federation and Gazprom managed to bring the project to its final stage. However, the success would have been impossible without the help of their European partners.
Development of Indicators to Assess the Prospects of Integrated Innovation Structures at University
Authors: Vasetskaya Natalia
Published: April 2020

The research featured integrated innovative scientific and educational structures at university. The research objective was to develop indicators to assess the prospects of these structures. The methods involved content analysis, comparison, and systematization. In the conditions of innovative economy, transformation processes in higher education are becoming especially relevant. The university is an economic entity of the higher education system. It forms new types of units in its structure. The activities of these units are based on integration processes in the educational, scientific, and industrial spheres. New scientific and educational structures depend on the form of interaction between the university, scientific organizations, and real economy enterprises. Therefore, the innovative structures can be represented by joint laboratories, basic departments, scientific and educational centers, and research laboratories. Their prospects can be estimated using a set of indicators based of the analysis of the goals and expected outcome in the sphere of innovations, science, and education. The most important indicators of the prospects of these innovative structures include academic degrees of the employees, their average age, the prospects of development of scientific areas, training of qualified personnel, quality of infrastructure, wage levels, number of staff, etc. Assessment of the prospects of the innovative structures is useful for strategic planning of educational and scientific activities of the university, as well as addressing financial and structural integrity issues.
Drops in the city: the puzzle of water privatization and consumption deficiencies in urban Ghana
Authors: Twum Kwaku Owusu , Abubakari Mohammed
Published: April 2020

The water industry in Ghana has recently experienced a massive proprietary change, from its public monotonic system to a public–private system mixed with localized private participation options. Although these changes have contributed to local and national revenue generation, the consumption bracket continually de-equalizes due to inaccessibility and unavailability patterns of water provision. This has made water a scarce commodity for some, whilst others are over-supplied and over-satisfied. In this research, the manifestation of private sector participation in Ghana's urban water sector in the midst of the public water system and its implications on water supply have been investigated using both secondary and primary data. The study reveals significant deficiencies in urban water needs and wider inequality outcomes amongst urbanites despite government's neo-liberal interventions in the water sector. The major proposals include the need for re-alignment of private sector engagements characterized by proper state's regulatory control mechanisms and encouragement of community/neighborhood joint water supply systems to complement state and private interventions in order to reverse the access and consumption deficiencies in the urban water sector.
Membrane distillation crystallization using PVDF membrane incorporated with TiO2 nanoparticles and nanocellulose
Authors: Tan Hoi-Fang , Tan Why-Ling , Hamzah N. , Ng M. H. K. , Ooi B. S. , Leo C. P.
Published: April 2020

Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane was improved using TiO2 nanoparticles and nanocellulose for membrane distillation crystallization in this work. Besides the addition of TiO2 nanoparticles and nanocellulose, PVDF membrane was post-modified with octadecyltrichlorosilane after phase inversion using a dual coagulation bath. The addition of hydrophilic TiO2 nanoparticles and nanocellulose reduced membrane hydrophobicity, but the dispersed TiO2 nanoparticles assisted silane modification to improve surface hydrophobicity. Besides reducing the agglomeration of TiO2 nanoparticles, nanocellulose induced the formation of larger pore size and higher porosity as proven in SEM images and gravimetric measurement, respectively. The abundant moieties of nanocellulose accelerated the exchange between solvent and non-solvent during phase inversion for the formation of large pore size and porosity, but membrane thickness increased due to the thickening effects. The modified membrane showed higher water permeate flux in membrane distillation with salt rejection greater than 97%. Severe fouling in membrane distillation crystallization was not observed.
El comercio internacional de productos agrícolas en los ochenta y las consecuencias para México
Authors: Vidali Carlos
Published: April 2020

El trabajo tiene como propósito analizar la evolución reciente y las tendencias del comercio agropecuario, las políticas de subsidios a la producción y exportación de los países desarrollados, el impacto de estas políticas en el tercer mundo y los planteamientos y negociaciones en el seno del GATT paza intentar el planteamiento de opciones productivas paza los países en desarrollo y en particular para México.
Batallando con fronteras: estrategias migratorias en tránsito de participantes en caravanas de migrantes
Authors: Torre Cantalapiedra Eduardo , Mariscal Nava Dulce María
Published: April 2020

A finales de 2018, varias caravanas de migrantes ingresaron a México con el propósito de llegar a Estados Unidos. Sus integrantes, mayormente del denominado Norte de Centroamérica —particularmente de Honduras— huían de la pobreza y la violencia en sus países de origen. Este trabajo analiza las estrategias migratorias en tránsito de los participantes en tales caravanas para vencer los obstáculos en su camino hacia el Norte, especialmente en su paso por México. Para este propósito se realizaron 47 entrevistas a personas centroamericanas en albergues temporales en la ciudad de Tijuana, Baja California. Concluimos que la participación en tales caravanas constituyó una nueva estrategia migratoria en tránsito que pone de manifiesto, a la vez que desafía, la capacidad de agencia de los migrantes para el logro de sus objetivos migratorios.
Proposição de uma Escala de Consumo de Objetos Artesanais
Authors: Grangeiro Rebeca da Rocha , Carneiro Jailson Santana , Silva Lucas Emmanuel Nascimento , Gomes Neto Manoel Bastos
Published: April 2020

Objetivo do estudo: O presente estudo possui como objetivo desenvolver e validar uma escala de consumo de objetos artesanais. Metodologia/Abordagem: Utilizou-se de estudos da área de marketing e de entrevistas com seis consumidores de artesanato para ajudar na elaboração dos itens, que passaram pela validação de juízes. As amostras da primeira e da segunda coleta compreenderam, respectivamente, 209 e 442 respondentes. Foram realizadas análises fatoriais e de correlação e extração do Alpha. Adicionalmente, para a segunda coleta foi realizada Análise Fatorial Confirmatória, a partir da utilização do software AMOS. Principais resultados: Como resultado, obtivemos uma escala composta por quatro dimensões, cada uma com quatro itens. Duas dimensões pertencem ao momento pré-compra e dizem respeito às influências e características do bem artesanal que motivaram a compra; a terceira dimensão se encaixa no momento da compra propriamente dito e se refere ao serviço; a quarta remete ao momento posterior à compra e versa sobre a divulgação do bem adquirido. Contribuições práticas: A escala pode ser usada para mensuração do consumo de artesanatos de maneira geral e em contexto mais específico, desde que as devidas adaptações sejam feitas. Contribuições sociais: Em relação às implicações gerenciais, esse instrumento contribui, especialmente, para o conhecimento sobre o consumo de um produto cultural. Também se constitui como uma alternativa para os profissionais que querem saber mais sobre o consumo de suas peças, bem como gestores públicos que possam realizar pesquisas relacionadas ao turismo. Originalidade: A pesquisa se justifica por sua originalidade, uma vez que não foi encontrada na literatura medida com propósito semelhante.
Extensão Universitária: Avaliar para Evoluir
Authors: Kienetz Taiani Bacchi , Vieira Kelmara Mendes , Visentini Monize Sâmara
Published: April 2020

Objetivo: Dentre os três pilares do ensino superior, a extensão é o mais carente de um sistema de avaliação. A construção de sistemas de avaliação e indicadores para a extensão perpassa pela necessidade de avaliação por diferentes atores sociais nas diversas etapas do processo. Este trabalho propõe um instrumento multidimensional de avaliação da extensão, considerando diversas etapas do processo (registro, avaliação e acompanhamento da ação), tendo em vista a percepção dos diferentes atores envolvidos. Metodologia: Aplicou-se uma observação estruturada em 63 sites de universidades federais brasileiras não sendo possível identificar modelos de indicadores já consolidados para as avaliações das ações de Extensão. Principais Resultados: Assim, foi proposto o instrumento composto de 3 dimensões, 12 critérios de análise e 43 questões. Contribuições Práticas: O instrumento pode ser aplicado tanto às instituições de ensino superiores públicas quanto privadas; permitindo a avaliação ao longo de todo o processo e; identificando a percepção tanto dos agentes internos envolvidos quanto da sociedade atendida.
Recent Advances in Nanotherapeutic Interventions for the Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Dogra Anmol , Narang R.S. , Narang Jasjeet K.
Published: April 2020

Alzheimer’s disease (AD), with impairment of learning and memory as the common clinical manifestations,
is one of the most challenging diseases affecting individuals, their families and society as a whole. The
fact that its prevalence is escalating rapidly, with the total number of AD patients estimated to reach 115.4 million
by 2050, has made the disease a very challenging ailment worldwide. Several biological barriers like the bloodbrain
barrier (BBB), drug efflux by P-glycoprotein and the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier restrict the delivery
of conventional AD drugs to the central nervous system (CNS), thereby limiting their effectiveness. In order to
overcome the above physiological barriers, the development of nanomedicines has been extensively explored.
The present review provides an insight into the pathophysiology of AD and risk factors associated with AD. Besides,
various nanoformulations reported in the literature for the diagnosis and treatments of AD have been classified
and summarised. The patented nanoformulations for AD and details of nanoformulations which are in clinical
trials are also mentioned. The review would be helpful to researchers and scientific community by providing
them with information related to the recent advances in nanointerventions for the diagnosis and treatment of AD,
which they can further explore for better management of the disease. However, although the nanotherapeutics for
managing AD have been extensively explored, the factors which hinder their commercialisation, the toxicity
concern being one of them, need to be addressed so that effective nanotherapeutics for AD can be developed for
clinical use.
Dietary Opinion Beyond Biotin Intakes
Authors: Sattar Tabinda
Published: April 2020

:

Biotin (Vitamin-H) intake is usual in individuals taking balanced diet on regular basis as
biotin is present in common dietary substances. Regarding its intakes some recommendations must
be keep in mind in order to avoid any inconvenience. Although biotin deficiency is rare but may occur
under some special circumstances. Biotin creates hindrance in results of many medical tests reports
so while taking biotin as diet or supplements, your consultant should aware of your biotin intakes.
Some specific diseased conditions can be avoided only by excessive biotin intakes in dietary
forms also.
A Review on Lossless Compression Techniques for Wireless Capsule Endoscopic Data
Authors: Babu Caren , Chandy D. Abraham
Published: April 2020

Background:

The videos produced during wireless capsule endoscopy have larger data size causing difficulty
in transmission with limited bandwidth. The constraint on wireless capsule endoscopy hinders the performance
of compression module.

Objectives:

The objectives of this paper are as follows: (i) to have an extensive review on the lossless
compression techniques and (ii) to find out the limitations of the existing system and the possibilities for
improvement.

Method:

The literature review has been done with a focus on the compression schemes satisfying minimum
computational complexity, less power dissipation and low memory requirements for hardware implementation.
A thorough study on various lossless compression techniques is done under two perspectives, i.e., techniques
applied on Bayer CFA and RGB images. The details of the various stages of wireless capsule endoscopy
compression are looked into to have a better understanding. The suitable performance metrics for evaluating the
compression techniques are listed from various literatures.

Result:

In addition to the Gastrolab database that is widely, WEO clinical endoscopy atlas and Gastrointestinal
atlas found to be better alternatives for experimentation. Pre-processing operations, especially new subsampling
patterns need to be given more focus to exploit the redundancies in the images. Investigations shows encoder
module can be modified to bring more improvement towards compression. The real-time endoscopy still exists
as a promising area for exploration.

Conclusion:

This review presents a research update on the details of wireless capsule endoscopy compression
together with the findings as an eye-opener and guidance for further research.
Difference of Chemical Compositions in Fu Zheng Fang with Different Dosage Forms Based on HPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap/MS Combined with Multivariate Statistical Analysis
Authors: Hua Yujiao , Xie Fen , Zhou Shijun
Published: April 2020

Background:

Fu Zheng Fang (FZF) is an important Chinese medicine prescription for tumor treatment in
our hospital, which has two different types, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) decoction pieces and TCM formula
granules.

Objective:

This study aimed to determine the effective composition of the drug FZF.

Methods:

In this research, FZF decoction pieces and FZF formula granules were collected and their
composition, determined by HPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap/MS, and multivariate statistical analysis, was
applied to distinguish differential metabolite patterns between two groups.

Results:

A clear cut difference in the composition of the two groups was observed. 124 differential chemical
compositions could be identified in positive mode, while 59 differential chemical compositions could be identified in
negative mode. The differential chemical compositions were mainly concentrated in flavonoids, organic acids, fatty
acids, amino acids compounds, and presenting different change rules, mainly involved in the flavonoid biosynthesis,
flavone and flavonol biosynthesis two metabolic pathways.

Conclusion:

This study provides basic information that may be of use in the formulation of the drug in
different dosages and in the examination of their efficacy.
Concise Synthesis of 1,1-Diarylvinyl Sulfones and Investigations on their Antiproliferative Activity via Tubulin Inhibition
Authors: Reddy Lavanya , Dharmabalan Suja T. , Manupati Kanakaraju , Yeeravalli Ragini , Vijay Lakshmi D. , Donthiboina Kavitha , Naik Vadithe Lakshma , Das Amitava
Published: April 2020

Background:

Discovery of small molecules that inhibit tubulin polymerization is an attractive strategy
for the development of new and improved anti-proliferative agents.

Objective:

A series of novel 2-sulfonyl-1,1-diarylethenes were designed towards this end keeping in view the
favorable chemical and pharmacological virtues of unsaturated sulfones.

Methods:

Rapid, convenient and efficient two-step assembly of the designed molecules was achieved by the
vicinal iodo-sulfonylation-Suzuki coupling sequence.

Results:

As hypothesized, these compounds showed good anti-proliferative activity against different tissuespecific
cancer cell lines: MCF-7, DU-145, A-549, HepG2, and HeLa. The most active compound, pnitrophenyl
ring-bearing analog, exhibited an IC50 value of 0.90μM against A-549 cells. Flow cytometry studies
on this derivative revealed that it arrests the cell cycle of A-549 cells at the G2/M phase. This compound exhibited
molecular binding to tubulin as well as tubulin polymerization inhibition comparable to that of colchicine.

Conclusion:

A new class of potent, tubulin binding anticancer agents based on 1,1,-diarylvinyl sulfone scaffold
has been designed and synthesized.
Encapsulation and Bioavailability of Lactobacillus spp. in Electrospun Fibers
Authors: Soares Juliana M.D. , da Costa Mateus M. , de Oliveira Helinando P.
Published: April 2020

Some species of Lactobacillus (Gram-positive bacilli) are promising probiotics with positive
physiological effects on the prevention and treatment of diseases. A critical drawback related to the action
of these microorganisms refers to the sustainable viability of the cells at adverse conditions (under
storage, packing and at gastrointestinal tract flux) - the high humidity conditions inhibit the prolonged
viability of the cells. As a consequence, the encapsulation in oxygen-free or impermeable micro containers
represents an additional protective procedure to preserve bioactive living cells, providing targeted
release of microorganisms at specific parts of the organism. Herein, this mini-review investigates
the alternative encapsulation of Lactobacillus spp. by polymeric electrospun fibers. The use of polymeric
solutions as templates for electrospinning procedure may increase not only the stability of Lactobacillus
spp. but also provide hydrophobic pockets that protect probiotics against adverse conditions.
Besides, the electrospun fibers can control the release of species, favoring the therapeutic benefits of
probiotics, increasing the viability and stability of Lactobacillus spp.