bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intron length polymorphism of beta-tubulin genes in Ulmus pumila L. plants in the Steppe Prydniprov'ia
Authors: Pirko Ya. V. , Kalafat L. O. , Pirko N. M. , Rabokon A. N. , Privalikhin S. N. , Demkovych A. Ye. , Bilonozhko Yu. O. , Kravets O. A. , Alexeyeva A. A. , Khromykh N. O. , Lykholat Yu. V.
Published: August 2019

Aim. Using DNA markers related to the genes encoding β-tubulin in plants, to evaluate the intraspecific genetic polymorphism of Ulmus pumila L. in the Steppe Prydniprov'yia and compare it with the polymorphism of this species within the natural range. Method. Analysis of the intron length of polymorphism of β-tubulin genes (TBPmethod). Results. It was established that the plants differ from each other slightly in terms of the number of identified amplicons and the nature of their distribution when comparing electrophoretic profiles obtained on the basis of the TBP analysis for U. pumila. Half of the fragments found in the samples are rare. The average number of fragments (alleles) on the locus (Ne), Shannon information index (I) and polymorphism information content value (PIC) amounted respectively: 1.26, 0.27, 0.21, and were lower than in natural populations, analyzed using microsatellite markers. Conclusions. U. pumila plants growing in the Steppe Prydniprov'yi for the TBP markers have a lower level of genetic diversity than was found during the analysis of natural populations using other molecular markers. Among the possible reasons may be the nature (methodology) of the creation and age of the tree stands examined, as well as the nature of the genetic markers used to analyze the genetic polymorphism of the species.Keywords: TBP-method, introns, β-tubulin, Ulmus pumila, genetic diversity.
Molecular organization of 5S rDNA of Brunfelsia uniflora (Pohl.) D. Don
Authors: Shelyfist A. Y. , Tynkevich Y. O. , Volkov R. A.
Published: August 2019

Aim. The 5S rDNA represents a convenient model for studying of the molecular evolution of tandemly arranged repeated sequences. However, in many groups of angiosperms this genomic region still remains poorly studied. So far, in the family Solanaceae the 5S rDNA was described only for five genera. In order to elucidate the 5S rDNA organization in representatives of other genera of Solanaceae, we decided to explore organization of this region in Brunfelsia uniflora (tribe Petunieae). Methods. PCR amplification, cloning and sequencing of 5S rDNA. Results. Three clones of 5S rDNA of Brunfelsia uniflora were sequenced. It was found that only one class of repeats ranging in length from 343 to 347 bp is present in the genome of B. uniflora. The level of intragenomic similarity for the 5S rDNA intergeneric spacer regions (IGS) ranges from 86.7 to 96.4 %. The IGSs of B. uniflora and of other members of Solanaceae family differ significantly: the sequence homology was detected only for sequence motives required for RNA polymerase III transcription initiation and termination. Conclusions. The molecular evolution of the 5S rDNA IGS occurs at a high rate in the Solanaceae family. Accordingly, the comparison of the IGS should be used to clarify the phylogenetic relationship between taxa of low rank, in particular between species and genera of the tribe Petunieae. Keywords: 5S rDNA, intergeneric spacer, molecular evolution, Brunfelsia, Solanaceae.
Molecular organization of 5S rDNA of perennial ryegrass Lolium perenne L.
Authors: Ishchenko O. O. , Panchuk I. I.
Published: August 2019

Aim. Ribosomal DNA (rDNA) is an important tool for molecular taxonomy and represents a convenient model for studying the evolution of repeated sequences. However, for many groups of angiosperms, 5S rDNA remains poorly studied, in particular for such a large group as the Poaceae (Gramineae) family. Accordingly, it was decided to analyze the molecular organization of 5S rDNA in the widespread and economically important species Lolium perenne. Methods. DNA extraction, PCR amplification, cloning and sequencing. Results. Two clones of L. perenne 5S rDNA were sequenced. It was shown that only one variant of 5S rDNA repeats with a 188–189 bp-long intergenic spacer (IGS) is present in the genome of L. perenne. Putative RNA polymerase III promoter elements were detected in the IGS. The level of IGS sequence similarity between representatives of different genera of the tribe Poeae ranges from 46 to 63 %. Conclusions. Comparison of IGS can be used to clarify the phylogenetic relationship between taxa of low ranks, in particular, between species and genera of the tribe Poeae. Keywords: 5S rDNA, intergenic spacer, molecular evolution, Lolium, Poaceae.
Factors to Consider When Assessing the Diagnostic Accuracy of Synovial Leukocyte Count in Periprosthetic Joint Infection
Authors: Ottink Karsten D , Strahm Carol , Muller-Kobold Anneke , Sendi Parham , Wouthuyzen-Bakker Marjan
Published: August 2019

Abstract. Synovial white blood cell (WBC) count and the percentage of polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMN%) is one of the diagnostic criteria to diagnose a periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). Although the test is widely available, the diagnostic accuracy of proposed cut-off levels are influenced by several factors, such as: the affected joint, co-morbid conditions, the causative microorganism and the gathering and processing of samples in the laboratory. In this narrative review we provide an overview on how and to what extent these factors can affect the synovial WBC count and PMN% in synovial fluid.
Mycobacterium Avium Prosthetic Hip Infection on Abatacept Presenting as Fever of Unknown Origin
Authors: Sigler Rachel , Newman Jessica R.
Published: August 2019

Abstract. Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are well-described pulmonary pathogens in patients with underlying lung disease. Extra-pulmonary infections with NTM are rare. We describe a prosthetic hip infection with Mycobacterium avium complex. Increased immunosuppressing medications and number of total joint replacements are expected to increase the prevalence of NTM infections in the future.
L’Association des archivistes du Québec à travers « ses » histoires
Authors: Gagnon-Arguin Louise
Published: August 2019

À partir d’une approche historiographique, cet article reprend les différents textes ou publications qui ont porté sur l’histoire de l’Association des archivistes du Québec (AAQ), de 1974 à nos jours, en soulignant les grandes lignes de leur contenu. Il signale, entre autres, les articles écrits à l’occasion des anniversaires de la fondation de l’Association et présentés particulièrement dans la revue Archives. Il mentionne aussi les textes publiés dans d’autres revues québécoises ou étrangères. En faisant cette synthèse, l’article veut témoigner de l’évolution de l’AAQ et de ses préoccupations à travers le temps.
L’utilisation des médias sociaux pour la dotation du personnel : enjeux juridiques
Authors: Michaud Renée , Foucher Roland , Bourgault Julie
Published: August 2019

Une pratique de recrutement et de sélection devenue usitée, soit la consultation des profils individuels publiés sur les médias sociaux, suscite des questions quant à sa légitimité, particulièrement en ce qui a trait aux critères à respecter pour qu’elle soit conforme aux exigences légales. C’est pourquoi nous avons examiné trois enjeux juridiques s’y rapportant : le respect de la vie privée des utilisateurs de médias sociaux; l’obtention, lorsqu’il est requis, de leur consentement pour consulter leur profil; et le respect du droit à l’égalité en emploi. L’exploration de la doctrine et de la jurisprudence québécoises a inspiré les conclusions suivantes. La consultation des médias sociaux pour recruter et sélectionner est interprétée différemment selon les contextes; ainsi, il n’y a pas de réponse univoque à la question sur l’atteinte à la vie privée car celle-ci dépend de l’expectative de vie privée, variable selon les attentes de chaque utilisateur et les circonstances. Une certitude : la consultation des profils n’est justifiée que par la recherche de renseignements non discriminatoires permettant d’étayer la capacité des candidats d’occuper l’emploi postulé. Toutefois, il est difficile de prouver qu’un motif interdit de discrimination tiré du profil paru sur les médias sociaux explique le rejet d’une candidature.
L’application de la Loi sur l’équité salariale : un droit négocié ?
Authors: Hallée Yves , Anctil Amélie
Published: August 2019

Depuis l’introduction de la Loi sur l’équité salariale[1], des exercices d’équité salariale ont eu cours dans les entreprises privées et publiques du Québec. La plupart d’entre elles sont rendues à l’étape du maintien de l’équité salariale. D’autres, qui sont affectées par une modification de leur structure juridique par fusion ou autre, voient leurs obligations « déterminées en fonction de l’entreprise qui comptait le plus grand nombre de salariés » (art. 76.11 par. 2). Aussi, les entreprises nouvellement créées doivent établir un exercice d’équité salariale selon les différentes modalités prévues par la LÉS. C’est la situation qui prévalait pour l’organisation du secteur public lorsque l’exercice a débuté et dont les résultats sont présentés dans le présent article. Cette recherche prend appui sur une observation in situ d’un exercice en comité d’équité salariale. Elle a pour objectif de déterminer si les parties présentes en comité d’équité salariale adoptent ou non des comportements de négociation pour l’application de la LÉS et l’atteinte de l’équité salariale. Cet article n’a pas pour objet de remettre en question le caractère fondamental du droit à un programme d’équité salariale, mais bien de vérifier si l’application de la LÉS résulte d’une perspective normative de respect intégral du principe d’équité salariale ou est plutôt négociée, en cherchant à identifier des comportements et des caractéristiques de la négociation traditionnelle. L’idée selon laquelle cette négociation devrait être un enjeu distinct de négociation en raison de son caractère fondamental sera également discutée. Les résultats montrent que durant la période observée, nous pouvons dire que l’exercice d’équité salariale répond davantage aux caractéristiques de la négociation.
Human influence on predator-prey relationship: Red Panda and Snow Leopard
Authors: Kafle Jagat
Published: August 2019

This paper is a mathematical model based upon the human influence on the predator-prey relationship between Red Panda and Snow Leopard, which are the major species in the mountain ecosystem. It explores if these species get extinct in a certain area due to imbalance in their interaction. First, simple model of the species is discussed with no interaction between the species. Interactive model is then introduced to simulate their population when they interact with each other. The human influence is then introduced to the interactive model to observe if the species get extinct. The data in this paper are approximated for a certain area based upon the population density and habitat of the two species. All the models are simulated in python programs using Euler's method.
Ancestral reconstruction reveals mechanisms of ERK regulatory evolution
Authors: Sang Dajun , Pinglay Sudarshan , Wiewiora Rafal P , Selvan Myvizhi E , Lou Hua Jane , Chodera John D , Turk Benjamin E , Gümüş Zeynep H , Holt Liam J
Published: August 2019

Protein kinases are crucial to coordinate cellular decisions and therefore their activities are strictly regulated. Previously we used ancestral reconstruction to determine how CMGC group kinase specificity evolved (Howard et al., 2014). In the present study, we reconstructed ancestral kinases to study the evolution of regulation, from the inferred ancestor of CDKs and MAPKs, to modern ERKs. Kinases switched from high to low autophosphorylation activity at the transition to the inferred ancestor of ERKs 1 and 2. Two synergistic amino acid changes were sufficient to induce this change: shortening of the β3-αC loop and mutation of the gatekeeper residue. Restoring these two mutations to their inferred ancestral state led to a loss of dependence of modern ERKs 1 and 2 on the upstream activating kinase MEK in human cells. Our results shed light on the evolutionary mechanisms that led to the tight regulation of a kinase that is central in development and disease.
Imaging of glucose metabolism by 13C-MRI distinguishes pancreatic cancer subtypes in mice
Authors: Kishimoto Shun , Brender Jeffrey R , Crooks Daniel R , Matsumoto Shingo , Seki Tomohiro , Oshima Nobu , Merkle Hellmut , Lin Penghui , Reed Galen , Chen Albert P , Ardenkjaer-Larsen Jan Henrik , Munasinghe Jeeva , Saito Keita , Yamamoto Kazutoshi , Choyke Peter L , Mitchell James , Lane Andrew N , Fan Teresa WM , Linehan W Marston , Krishna Murali C
Published: August 2019

Metabolic differences among and within tumors can be an important determinant in cancer treatment outcome. However, methods for determining these differences non-invasively in vivo is lacking. Using pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma as a model, we demonstrate that tumor xenografts with a similar genetic background can be distinguished by their differing rates of the metabolism of 13C labeled glucose tracers, which can be imaged without hyperpolarization by using newly developed techniques for noise suppression. Using this method, cancer subtypes that appeared to have similar metabolic profiles based on steady state metabolic measurement can be distinguished from each other. The metabolic maps from 13C-glucose imaging localized lactate production and overall glucose metabolism to different regions of some tumors. Such tumor heterogeneity would not be not detectable in FDG-PET.
PHLPP1 counter-regulates STAT1-mediated inflammatory signaling
Authors: Cohen Katsenelson Ksenya , Stender Joshua D , Kawashima Agnieszka T , Lordén Gema , Uchiyama Satoshi , Nizet Victor , Glass Christopher K , Newton Alexandra C
Published: August 2019

Inflammation is an essential aspect of innate immunity but also contributes to diverse human diseases. Although much is known about the kinases that control inflammatory signaling, less is known about the opposing phosphatases. Here we report that deletion of the gene encoding PH domain Leucine-rich repeat Protein Phosphatase 1 (PHLPP1) protects mice from lethal lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge and live Escherichia coli infection. Investigation of PHLPP1 function in macrophages reveals that it controls the magnitude and duration of inflammatory signaling by dephosphorylating the transcription factor STAT1 on Ser727 to inhibit its activity, reduce its promoter residency, and reduce the expression of target genes involved in innate immunity and cytokine signaling. This previously undescribed function of PHLPP1 depends on a bipartite nuclear localization signal in its unique N-terminal extension. Our data support a model in which nuclear PHLPP1 dephosphorylates STAT1 to control the magnitude and duration of inflammatory signaling in macrophages.
Grazing effects on woody and herbaceous plant biodiversity on a limestone mountain in northern Tunisia
Authors: Kirk David Anthony , Hébert Katherine , Goldsmith Frank Barrie
Published: August 2019

Mediterranean maquis vegetation is highly biodiverse, but widespread grazing poses a challenge for management and conservation. We sampled woody and herbaceous plants separately on a limestone mountain with strong mesic-xeric gradients in Tunisia’s Parc National de L’Ichkeul, assessed grazing pressure (on a scale of 1–3), and asked whether grazing had a significant effect on plant compositional abundance before and after controlling for environmental covariates. Sites on the more mesic lakeside face of the mountain were most compositionally unique, and forbs contributed most to the herbaceous beta-diversity on the mountain. We used variance partitioning to separate the collective and individual effects of the abiotic environment, grazing, human activity, and space on herbaceous and woody beta-diversity. However, the individual effect of grazing on overall plant community composition was confounded with space, due to the spatially autocorrelated grazing pressure on the mountain. Importantly, we found that herbaceous and woody communities responded differently to increasing levels of grazing intensity: herbaceous beta-diversity was highest between sites with no grazing pressure, while woody beta-diversity peaked under light grazing. Herbaceous community composition was sensitive to any intensity of grazing pressure, and biotic homogenization occured under moderate-to-high grazing pressure. On the other hand, woody community composition remained relatively similar under no to light grazing pressure, but differed under moderate-to-heavy grazing. Using a one-way permutational analysis of variance analysis, we showed that grazing had a significant effect when controlling for abiotic and spatial covariates. Our findings offer insight into the effects of grazing on maquis vegetation at Jebel Ichkeul, acting as a microcosm of similar conservation and management issues elsewhere in the Mediterranean. We suggest that a combination of monitoring and carefully controlled grazing may enhance plant diversity and maintain the region’s biodiverse maquis vegetation, potentially maintaining a key climate refugium for vulnerable endemic species. Importantly, our study provides a useful baseline of the plant assemblages at Jebel Ichkeul with which to compare future vegetation changes.
Mitochondrial DNA in human identification: a review
Authors: Amorim António , Fernandes Teresa , Taveira Nuno
Published: August 2019

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) presents several characteristics useful for forensic studies, especially related to the lack of recombination, to a high copy number, and to matrilineal inheritance. mtDNA typing based on sequences of the control region or full genomic sequences analysis is used to analyze a variety of forensic samples such as old bones, teeth and hair, as well as other biological samples where the DNA content is low. Evaluation and reporting of the results requires careful consideration of biological issues as well as other issues such as nomenclature and reference population databases. In this work we review mitochondrial DNA profiling methods used for human identification and present their use in the main cases of humanidentification focusing on the most relevant issues for forensics.
Developing sport expertise in youth sport: a decision training program in basketball
Authors: Gil-Arias Alexander , Garcia-Gonzalez Luis , Del Villar Alvarez Fernando , Iglesias Gallego Damián
Published: August 2019

Background

This study has analyzed the impact of applying a decision training program, in which video-feedback and questioning were used, on the development of decision-making, skill execution and procedural knowledge in basketball players.

Methods

Participants were eleven male players aged between 12 and 13 years old (Mage = 12.75, SDage = .65), who were assigned to an experimental or control group within a pre-test/intervention test/retention test quasi-experimental design. The decision training program was applied over 11 weeks. Throughout this intervention, players had to analyze the causes and reasons for the decision made, using video feedback and questioning to this end. Decision-making and skill execution variables were analyzed using the French & Thomas (1987) observation instrument, while a validated questionnaire was used to assess procedural knowledge in basketball.

Results

The results reported that sport expertise improved in players from the experimental group, who had significantly higher intervention test scores for successful decisions and skill executions when compared to players in the control group. In the intra-group analysis, the experimental group significantly improved in the intervention test compared to the pre-test, in terms of some of the variables of decision-making, skill execution and procedural knowledge.

Discussion

These results reinforce the idea of including cognitive tools in training, such as video-feedback and questioning, to improve sport expertise in players’ formative stages, and presumably to improve their performance whilst maintaining decision training throughout time.
Dynamics of a methanol-fed marine denitrifying biofilm: 2—impact of environmental changes on the microbial community
Authors: Villemur Richard , Payette Geneviève , Geoffroy Valérie , Mauffrey Florian , Martineau Christine
Published: August 2019

Background

The biofilm of a methanol-fed, marine denitrification system is composed of a multi-species microbial community, among whichHyphomicrobium nitrativoransandMethylophaga nitratireducenticrescensare the principal bacteria involved in the denitrifying activities. To assess its resilience to environmental changes, the biofilm was cultivated in artificial seawater (ASW) under anoxic conditions and exposed to a range of specific environmental conditions. We previously reported the impact of these changes on the denitrifying activities and the co-occurrence ofH. nitrativoransstrain NL23 andM. nitratireducenticrescensin the biofilm cultures. Here, we report the impact of these changes on the dynamics of the overall microbial community of the denitrifying biofilm.

Methods

The original biofilm (OB) taken from the denitrification system was cultivated in ASW under anoxic conditions with a range of NaCl concentrations, and with four combinations of nitrate/methanol concentrations and temperatures. The OB was also cultivated in the commercial Instant Ocean seawater (IO). The bacterial diversity of the biofilm cultures and the OB was determined by 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequences. Culture approach was used to isolate other denitrifying bacteria from the biofilm cultures. The metatranscriptomes of selected biofilm cultures were derived, along with the transcriptomes of planktonic pure cultures ofH. nitrativoransstrain NL23 andM. nitratireducenticrescensstrain GP59.

Results

High proportions ofM. nitratireducenticrescensoccurred in the biofilm cultures.H. nitrativoransstrain NL23 was found in high proportion in the OB, but was absent in the biofilm cultures cultivated in the ASW medium at 2.75% NaCl. It was found however in low proportions in the biofilm cultures cultivated in the ASW medium at 0–1% NaCl and in the IO biofilm cultures. Denitrifying bacterial isolates affiliated toMarinobacterspp. andParacoccusspp. were isolated. Up regulation of the denitrification genes of strains GP59 and NL23 occurred in the biofilm cultures compared to the planktonic pure cultures. Denitrifying bacteria affiliated to theStappiaspp. were metabolically active in the biofilm cultures.

Conclusions

These results illustrate the dynamics of the microbial community in the denitrifying biofilm cultures in adapting to different environmental conditions. The NaCl concentration is an important factor affecting the microbial community in the biofilm cultures. Up regulation of the denitrification genes ofM. nitratireducenticrescensstrain GP59 andH. nitrativoransstrain NL23 in the biofilm cultures suggests different mechanisms of regulation of the denitrification pathway in the biofilm. Other denitrifying heterotrophic bacteria are present in low proportions, suggesting that the biofilm has the potential to adapt to heterotrophic, non-methylotrophic environments.
Developing the Youth through Technical Vocational Education and Training for Sustainable Development in Nigeria
Authors: TamBari Deebom, MtormaBari
Published: August 2019

Nigeria is a country characterized with natural resources in its abundance which can cater for the well-being of the citizens, yet the citizens especially the youths are living below poverty level as many are victims of unemployment and cannot offer meaningful and positive contribution to the development of the nation. The unemployment rate is as a result of the abandonment of Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) that can offer skills to the youths for self-reliance and employment. In this vein, this paper seeks to address how a developed TVET programme can develop the youths in order to build the nation for sustainable national development in Nigeria. The following outlines provide a guide to the content of this paper; the concept of sustainable development, the meaning of TVET and its role in sustainable development, how to develop TVET for sustainable development in Nigeria. Others were the definition of youth and the concept of TVET for youth development. The researcher suggests that TVET can be developed for sustainable development in Nigeria through making a flexible TVET policies, establishment of TVET special training centres on local basis, improvement of the linkages between training institutions and the industries, provision of adequate training facilities, giving of grants to individual who successfully complete TVET training, granting of soft loans to established business, establishment and effective management of financial institutions such as Micro-Finance Banks, Bank of Industries (BOI), employment in both public. The implementation of these strategies will enhance the development and sustainability of TVET programmes in Nigeria. Based on the discussion made in this paper, the study recommends that the period of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) should be converted to be a compulsory training period for all graduates on different types and kinds of TVET skills, For non-graduates youths, there should be a skill training organized and supervised through government agencies such as Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), National Directorate of Employment (NDE) and other commissions, Government should grant soft loan to those venturing into TVET as this will enable the establishment of the acquire skills. Also, loan should be given to graduates who have completed a training programme for easy establishment.
Deeply Analysis on French Rules of Conflict of Laws
Authors: Ciss Desiree Roffee
Published: August 2019

The law, in a general way, has the role of regulating life in society. From this same Law, several rights with branches facilitate their explanation and use in our social life to establish order. This being life in society could be seen as a kind of contract to the extent that it would be difficult for the individual to live without maintaining relationships with others. So, from the moment that there is this exchange between individuals there is what we could call contract. As we know, the contract is defined in law as an agreement by which one or more persons agree to one or more other persons to give, do or not to do something. It should also be specified that there are several kinds of contracts, but the one that will be the main focus of our development is the international contract. An international contract is understood to mean this contract, which, unlike the internal contract, presents an element of extraneity, in other words an international character. For example, a contract between two individuals of different nationality.

The contract thus concluded, the contracting parties may indeed encounter difficulties that may arise at any time, most often due to non-compliance with the terms of the contract. These problems or disputes are often very difficult to resolve because the parties are from different origins, residing in different countries, or bound by commitments made in a country other than their country of residence, hence the existence of different laws. and the birth of what is called a conflict of laws.

This being so, by conflict of laws is meant to be one of the main problems with private international law (the branch of law which deals with the settlement of disputes of private rights having at least an extraneous character). Thus, the question arises as to which law would be applicable in the event of a conflict of laws in the matter of contract, that is, how to choose or determine the applicable law in the course of a dispute with a foreign element? Thus, once the French judge is seized of the dispute, it will be necessary to find the law applicable to the questions of law asked. Assuming that the French judge can apply a foreign law, and that the various foreign laws with links to the litigation have a theoretical vocation to apply, were developed what are called conflict of laws rules which is an abstract rule, indirect (it does not solve the substantive question asked, but only to determine the law competent to resolve this substantive legal issue), and neutral (the substantive solution is not taken into account in the determination of the applicable law).

In order to give answers to our questioning, we will focus on how to choose the law applicable to conflict of laws in matters of contract and this, in the light of French law, the Rome Convention of 19 June 1980 and the Rome 1 Regulation on the law applicable to international contractual obligations.
Antimicrobial Activities of Teucrium creticum against Reference Microbial Strains and Multi-drug Resistant Bacteria Isolated at an Oncology Ward
Authors: Al-Masri Motasem , Omar Ghadeer , Taha Adham , Alsoud Amira Abu , Tawafsha Eman , Basheer Reem , Al-Akhras Manar , Taradeh Rashad
Published: August 2019

Aim: To determine antimicrobial activity of Teucrium creticum (T. creticum) leaves extract against bacterial and fungal reference strains and multidrug resistant bacteria isolated at an oncology ward.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in department of biology and biotechnology in An-Najah National University in cooperation with the laboratory of the hospital of the university.  An-Najah National University is located in West Bank in Palestine. The research was performed from 8th of February to the 15th of April 2017. 

Methodology: Teucrium creticum plant leaves were collected in Palestine, from which aqueous and methanolic extracts were prepared. Antimicrobial activities of T. creticum extracts were determined against reference bacterial and fungal strains as well as against 8 multidrug resistant bacteria isolated at an oncology ward.  Antibacterial and anti-yeast activities were determined by Micro broth dilution method, while anti-mold activities were determined by agar dilution method. Teucrium creticum methanolic extract strongly inhibited the growth of the studied reference bacterial strains, which were Staphylococcus aureus (MIC= 1.56 mg/ml) and Shigella sonnie (MIC=3.125 mg/ml).  In addition, most of the 8 multi-drug resistant bacterial strains isolated from patients with cancer (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia Coli and Enterobacter cloacae) were also highly susceptible to methanolic extract (MIC=3.125 mg/ml).  Both the Staphylococcus aureus and Shigella sonnie reference strains were inhibited at lower level by the aqueous extract (MIC=12.5 mg/ml). All the bacterial strains isolated from patients with cancer were susceptible to aqueous extract at different levels (3.125 – 25 mg/ml).  Epidermophyton floccosum mold and Candida albicans yeast were strongly inhibited by aqueous extract, where the MIC values were 1.56 and 3.125 mg/ml, respectively.  

Conclusion: T. creticum plant extracts showed promising antimicrobial activities against multidrug resistant bacterial isolates as well as against reference bacterial and fungal strains.
Amaranth Response to Water Stress
Authors: Silva Josilaine Gonçalves da , Bianchini Aloisio , Costa Patrícia M. Crivelari , Lobo Francisco De Almeida , Almeida Jean Pierre Moreira de , De Moraes Milton Ferreira
Published: August 2019

Amaranth is a species that has rapid growth, tolerates drought and produces grains of high food value. In this work the potential for dry season cropping in the Brazilian savannah of two amaranth species (Amaranthus caudatus e Amaranthus cruentus) was studied, subjecting them to three different periods of water availability at the beginning of the crop. Weekly data were collected on height, dry matter mass of shoot, panicle and roots, and at the end of the cultivation, yield, harvest index, thousand-grain weight, water-productivity. It was also determined the falling plant estimation. In the dry matter production evaluation, it was observed that the water deficit caused the reduction of the shoot, but significant increase of the root. The A. caudatus Inca did not show a significant productivity difference between the treatments, with a mean of 1,591.0 kg ha-1 and reached harvest point at 63 days. The A. cruentus BRS Alegria had better productivity in the treatment without water restriction, average of 2,008.6 kg ha-1 and reached harvest point at 86 days. Both species have potential for dry season cropping in the Brazilian savannah.
Road Condition Monitoring of Major and Minor Route in Part of Ibadan Metropolis Using Geo-spatial Approach
Authors: Adesola Babatunde, Akeem , Kehinde Adewuyi, Gbola , Adewale Oyekola, Martins
Published: August 2019

Major and minor road conditions of part of Ibadan metropolis was assessed to analyze the effectiveness and efficiency of the road network system. The major objectives of the study are to locate and identify the road networks within the study area, evaluate the road conditions such as an area with defects such as potholes and crack, evaluate the features that observe and did not observe the right of way using geospatial approach. Single-frequency Hi-target differential global positioning system (DGPS), a steel tape was used for field observations and measurements. Google earth satellite imagery was used to determine the route and spatial location of potholes and cracks within the study area. Generally from the study, it revealed a total number of 81 potholes, 29 cracks and the result from the right of way showed that none of the features observed the specification of right of way thou some of those features exists before converting the road into two lanes for easy passage and flow of vehicle in order to avoid constant traffic congestions. Therefore, proper monitoring should be done by State and local government agency in charge of road construction/maintenance to avoid the improper location of features by an individual, corporate organization etc. along both the major and minor route from time to time and adequate checking on roads.
Prioritization of candidate cancer drugs based on a drug functional similarity network constructed by integrating pathway activities and drug activities
Authors: Di Jieyi , Zheng Baotong , Kong Qingfei , Jiang Ying , Liu Siyao , Yang Yang , Han Xudong , Sheng Yuqi , Zhang Yunpeng , Cheng Liang , Han Junwei
Published: August 2019

Due to the speed, efficiency, relative risk, and lower costs compared to traditional drug discovery, the prioritization of candidate drugs for repurposing against cancers of interest has attracted the attention of experts in recent years. Herein, we present a powerful computational approach, termed prioritization of candidate drugs (PriorCD), for the prioritization of candidate cancer drugs based on a global network propagation algorithm and a drug–drug functional similarity network constructed by integrating pathway activity profiles and drug activity profiles. This provides a new approach to drug repurposing by first considering the drug functional similarities at the pathway level. The performance of PriorCD in drug repurposing was evaluated by using drug datasets of breast cancer and ovarian cancer. Cross‐validation tests on the drugs approved for the treatment of these cancers indicated that our approach can achieve area under receiver‐operating characteristic curve (AUROC) values greater than 0.82. Furthermore, literature searches validated our results, and comparison with other classical gene‐based repurposing methods indicated that our pathway‐level PriorCD is comparatively more effective at prioritizing candidate drugs with similar therapeutic effects. We hope that our study will be of benefit to the field of drug discovery. In order to expand the usage of PriorCD, a freely available R‐based package, PriorCD, has been developed to prioritize candidate anticancer drugs for drug repurposing.
Real‐life Tolerability and Effectiveness of Adalimumab Biosimilar in Ankylosing Spondylitis: the Adalimumab Biosimilar Patient Registry Data
Authors: Kapoor Sanjiv , Kaushik Viswanath V. , Jain Rahul , Rao Vijay K.R. , Gharia Mihir
Published: August 2019

Objective

Adalimumab is a well‐established anti–tumor necrosis factor therapy for patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). An indigenously developed biosimilar adalimumab (bADA) (ZRC‐3197; Exemptia) is approved for prescribing in India. In this article, we present the effectiveness and tolerability of this bADA in real‐life Indian patients with AS from the Adalimumab Biosimilar Patient Registry (ASPIRE) (ISRCTN: 16838474).

Methods

ASPIRE is a postmarketing observational registry for evaluating the real‐world experiences of patients with autoimmune inflammatory disorders across multiple centers in India who were prescribed 40 mg of Exemptia subcutaneously every fortnight. For this report, data available until 24 weeks of bADA treatment for patients with AS who were included in the registry were evaluated.

Results

Data from 308 patients with AS from the registry (median age of 35.0 [range 17‐68] years, 19% women) were analyzed. In analyzable patients with complete data, there was a gradual and significant decrease (P < 0.001) in the primary disease outcome scores (the mean Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index [BASDAI] score [n = 107] improved from 6.2 ± 1.54 to 2.1 ± 0.64, and the median visual analogue scale [VAS] score [n = 101] improved from 8 to 2) after 24 weeks of bADA therapy. BASDAI score was lower than 4 in about 94% of patients after 24 weeks of therapy, and 95% of patients achieved BASDAI50 response. The overall global assessment for efficacy and tolerability was ‘good’ to ‘excellent’ for a majority of the patients (≥98%), as rated by physicians as well as patients. The therapy was tolerated well, and there were no new unexpected adverse reactions with the biosimilar's use during this study.

Conclusion

This report demonstrates the tolerability and effectiveness of bADA (Exemptia) after its clinical use for 24 weeks in real‐world patients with AS from Indian clinical practice.
Semitransparent Perovskite Solar Cells: From Materials and Devices to Applications
Authors: Shi Biao , Duan Linrui , Zhao Ying , Luo Jingshan , Zhang Xiaodan
Published: August 2019

Semitransparent solar cells (ST‐SCs) have received great attention due to their promising application in many areas, such as building integrated photovoltaics (BIPVs), tandem devices, and wearable electronics. In the past decade, perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have revolutionized the field of photovoltaics (PVs) with their high efficiencies and facile preparation processes. Due to their large absorption coefficient and bandgap tunability, perovskites offer new opportunities to ST‐SCs. Here, a general overview is provided on the recent advances in ST‐PSCs from materials and devices to applications and some personal perspectives on the future development of ST‐PSCs.
Lasing from Mechanically Exfoliated 2D Homologous Ruddlesden–Popper Perovskite Engineered by Inorganic Layer Thickness
Authors: Liang Yin , Shang Qiuyu , Wei Qi , Zhao Liyun , Liu Zhen , Shi Jia , Zhong Yangguang , Chen Jie , Gao Yan , Li Meili , Liu Xinfeng , Xing Guichuan , Zhang Qing
Published: August 2019

2D Ruddlesden–Popper perovskites (RPPs) have aroused growing attention in light harvesting and emission applications owing to their high environmental stability. Recently, coherent light emission of RPPs was reported, however mostly from inhomologous thin films that involve cascade intercompositional energy transfer. Lasing and fundamental understanding of intrinsic laser dynamics in homologous RPPs free from intercompositional energy transfer is still inadequate. Herein, the lasing and loss mechanisms of homologous 2D (BA)2(MA)n−1PbnI3n+1 RPP thin flakes mechanically exfoliated from the bulk crystal are reported. Multicolor lasing is achieved from the large‐n RPPs (n ≥ 3) in the spectral range of 620–680 nm but not from small‐n RPPs (n ≤ 2) even down to 78 K. With decreasing n, the lasing threshold increases significantly and the characteristic temperature decreases as 49, 25, and 20 K for n = 5, 4, and 3, respectively. The n‐engineered lasing behaviors are attributed to the stronger Auger recombination and exciton–phonon interaction as a result of the enhanced quantum confinement in the smaller‐n perovskites. These results not only advance the fundamental understanding of loss mechanisms in both inhomologous and homologous RPP lasers but also provide insights into developing low‐threshold, substrate‐free, and multicolor 2D semiconductor microlasers.
Reversible and Irreversible Modulation of Tubulin Self‐Assembly by Intense Nanosecond Pulsed Electric Fields
Authors: Chafai Djamel Eddine , Sulimenko Vadym , Havelka Daniel , Kubínová Lucie , Dráber Pavel , Cifra Michal
Published: August 2019

Tubulin self‐assembly into microtubules is a fascinating natural phenomenon. Its importance is not just crucial for functional and structural biological processes, but it also serves as an inspiration for synthetic nanomaterial innovations. The modulation of the tubulin self‐assembly process without introducing additional chemical inhibitors/promoters or stabilizers has remained an elusive process. This work reports a versatile and vigorous strategy for controlling tubulin self‐assembly by nanosecond electropulses (nsEPs). The polymerization assessed by turbidimetry is dependent on nsEPs dosage. The kinetics of microtubules formation is tightly linked to the nsEPs effects on structural properties of tubulin, and tubulin‐solvent interface, assessed by autofluorescence, and the zeta potential. Moreover, the overall size of tubulin assessed by dynamic light scattering is affected as well. Additionally, atomic force microscopy imaging reveals the formation of different assemblies reflecting applied nsEPs. It is suggested that changes in C‐terminal modification states alter tubulin polymerization‐competent conformations. Although the assembled tubulin preserve their integral structure, they might exhibit a broad range of new properties important for their functions. Thus, these transient conformation changes of tubulin and their collective properties can result in new applications.
Bulk and Few‐Layer 2D, p‐MnPS3 for Sensitive and Selective Moisture Sensing
Authors: Kumar Rajat , Jenjeti Ramesh Naidu , Sampath Srinivasan
Published: August 2019

In this study, the humidity sensing properties of two dimensional (2D), few‐layer p‐MnPS3 is explored. Few‐layer of p‐MnPS3 is obtained by exfoliating highly oriented bulk crystals and assembled as thin films on various substrates. The performance of p‐MnPS3 thin film sandwiched between two similar metal electrodes (Ag or Au) toward various levels of moisture under ambient conditions is investigated. The results depict that p‐MnPS3 nanosheets based humidity sensors are highly sensitive and show fast response and recovery times with good repeatability. It is observed that the resistance of the films decreases five to six orders of magnitude with a change in relative humidity (RH) from 0% to 98%. A fast response time of ≈1–2 s and recovery time of ≈4 s are observed. The mechanism of sensing is understood based on AC impedance spectroscopy. Extrinsic mechanism such as filamentary conduction is ruled out based on the data obtained using devices with different channel lengths. Ionic conduction within the channel is mainly responsible for the observed increase in conductivity in presence of moisture. The humidity sensors are shown to be effective in monitoring human respiration as well as water evaporation on skin without physical contact.
Biologically Targeted Photo‐Crosslinkable Nanopatch to Prevent Postsurgical Peritoneal Adhesion
Authors: Mi Yu , Yang Feifei , Bloomquist Cameron , Xia Youli , Sun Bo , Qi Yanfei , Wagner Kyle , Montgomery Stephanie A. , Zhang Tian , Wang Andrew Z.
Published: August 2019

Peritoneal adhesion occurs in a majority of patients following abdominal surgery and can result in significant side effects and complications. Current strategies to minimize adhesions involve the use of nontargeted anatomical barriers that are either inefficient in protecting injured areas or lacking the adequate residence time to prevent adhesions. Herein, the development of a biologically targeted photo‐crosslinkable nanopatch (pCNP) is reported that can prevent postsurgical adhesion. It is demonstrated that pCNP can form a compact protective barrier over surfaces with exposed collagen IV. Using a rat parietal peritoneal excision adhesion model, it is showed that pCNP is highly effective and safe in preventing postsurgical adhesions. This work presents a novel approach to preventing peritoneal adhesion with nanomaterials.
Biallelic and De Novo Variants in DONSON Reveal a Clinical Spectrum of Cell Cycle‐opathies with Microcephaly, Dwarfism and Skeletal Abnormalities
Authors: Karaca Ender , Posey Jennifer E. , Bostwick Bret , Liu Pengfei , Gezdirici Alper , Yesil Gozde , Coban Akdemir Zeynep , Bayram Yavuz , Harms Frederike L. , Meinecke Peter , Alawi Malik , Bacino Carlos A. , Sutton V. Reid , Kortüm Fanny , Lupski James R.
Published: August 2019

Co‐occurrence of primordial dwarfism and microcephaly together with particular skeletal findings are seen in a wide range of Mendelian syndromes including microcephaly micromelia syndrome (MMS, OMIM 251230), microcephaly, short stature, and limb abnormalities (MISSLA, OMIM 617604), and microcephalic primordial dwarfisms (MPDs). Genes associated with these syndromes encode proteins that have crucial roles in DNA replication or in other critical steps of the cell cycle that link DNA replication to cell division. We identified four unrelated families with five affected individuals having biallelic or de novo variants in DONSON presenting with a core phenotype of severe short stature (z score < −3 SD), additional skeletal abnormalities, and microcephaly. Two apparently unrelated families with identical homozygous c.631C > T p.(Arg211Cys) variant had clinical features typical of Meier‐Gorlin syndrome (MGS), while two siblings with compound heterozygous c.346delG p.(Asp116Ile*62) and c.1349A > G p.(Lys450Arg) variants presented with Seckel‐like phenotype. We also identified a de novo c.683G > T p.(Trp228Leu) variant in DONSON in a patient with prominent micrognathia, short stature and hypoplastic femur and tibia, clinically diagnosed with Femoral‐Facial syndrome (FFS, OMIM 134780). Biallelic variants in DONSON have been recently described in individuals with microcephalic dwarfism. These studies also demonstrated that DONSON has an essential conserved role in the cell cycle. Here we describe novel biallelic and de novo variants that are associated with MGS, Seckel‐like phenotype and FFS, the last of which has not been associated with any disease gene to date.
A Nitrogen‐Doped Hexapole [7]Helicene versus Its All‐Carbon Analogue
Authors: Guo Xiaoyu , Yuan Ziyong , Zhu Yanpeng , Li Zhihao , Huang Ruikang , Xia Zeming , Zhang Weixiong , Li Yang , Wang Jiaobing
Published: August 2019

Two synthetic nanographenes (NGs),N‐H7HandC‐H7H, were prepared.N‐H7His doped with nitrogen, andC‐H7His the all‐carbon analogue. Both are hexapole [7]helicenes (H7Hs), and their structures were identified by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Sharp contrasts in absorption (absλmax, 683 vs. 593 nm), emission (emλmax, 894 vs. 777 nm), and electrochemical behavior (oxE1, 0.28 vs. 0.53 V) were observed betweenN‐H7HandC‐H7H, and the origin of these differences was rationalized by theoretical calculations. Studies onN‐H7HandC‐H7Hset a clear example to elucidate the remarkable effects of N‐doping on the physical properties of NGs.