bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Choice of an Effective Non-Viral System for the Delivery of siRNA to Multipotent Mesenchymal Stromal Cells
Authors: Bukharova Т.В. , Buianova A.A. , Davygora K.S. , Goldshtein D.V.
Published: August 2020

Multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) can be used as a model for the development of gene and cell technologies and as a means of delivering nucleic acids to the body, including as part of tissue-engineering constructs. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) molecules acting by the RNA interference mechanism are a high-precision tool for genetic silencing of target mRNA transcripts. The search for low toxic and highly efficient transfection agents for delivery of siRNA or other nucleic acids to MSCs is an urgent task for the development of therapy based on these molecules. A comparative evaluation of five transfection agents showed that compounds based on cationic polymers were more efficient in delivering siRNA molecules than liposomes, while the cytotoxicity of all tested reagents was independent of their chemical structure. For two of the three transfection agents selected according to their efficiency and belonging to different classes, TurboFect and Lipofectamine® 3000, a moderate effect on cell viability was revealed. The results obtained allow us to recommend TurboFect and Lipofectamine® 3000 as highly efficient and relatively low-toxic agents for transfection of MSCs cultures.

multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells, siRNA, transfection, lipofection, cationic lipids, cationic polymers, polyethyleneimine.

The authors are grateful to staff of functional genomics laboratory of Research Centre for Medical Genetics Skoblova M.Yu. and Krivosheeva I.A., for technical and methodological assistance.

The work was financially supported by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation within the state assignment for Research Centre for Medical Genetics.
A Model of Neutrophilic Bronchial Asthma in Mice as a Tool for Testing Personalized Drugs
Authors: Shilovskiy I.P. , Kovchina V.I. , Vishniakova L.I. , Barvinskaya E.D. , Bolotova S.I. , Yumashev K.V. , Khaitov M.R.
Published: August 2020

Bronchial asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the respiratory tract characterized by reversible bronchial obstruction and bronchial hyperreactivity. The neutrophilic endotype of bronchial asthma is associated with an aggressive course of the disease, severe tissue destruction and a low response to standard corticosteroid therapy. All of the above indicates the need to create new drugs for the treatment of neutrophilic asthma, which requires adequate animal models of this disease. We have proposed a protocol for the induction of experimental neutrophilic bronchial asthma in mice, which includes intraperitoneal immunization with a mixture of a model allergen of ovalbumin and Freund's adjuvant followed by aerosol challenge with the same allergen mixed with the lipopolysaccharide. This approach made it possible to reproduce the main manifestations of neutrophilic bronchial asthma: the production of IgE allergen-specific antibodies, the development of bronchial hyperreactivity, respiratory tract remodeling and the lung tissue infiltration with neutrophils.

bronchial asthma, murine model, neutrophils

The work was supported by the Grant of the President of the Russian Federation (no. MD-1578.2019.4).
Going to scale with rural water supply: a reflection on experiences from sustaining community managed piped water schemes in rural Zimbabwe
Authors: Dhoba L.
Published: August 2020

Access to safely managed water is a basic human right, yet rural water supply still remains a challenge in Zimbabwe. This study sought to assess sustainability of community managed piped water schemes developed under the rural WASH program as a model for rural water supply. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods were used in the collection of data. The program developed 33 schemes out of which 36.4% have since broken down. System failure is high amongst diesel and electricity powered schemes compared to solar powered. Alarmingly, all the schemes have water point committees set up and trained with support from the project. The current status-quo therefore reflects a capacity gap amongst the set water point committees. In many cases they have failed to operationalize the water fund, institute water demand management, support and retain pump operatives. Moving forward, the sector therefore needs to adopt a demand responsive approach when targeting schemes for rehabilitation. This will help address structural issues in the management of the schemes like social capital, ownership of the investment and cost recovery. Government should also consider going to scale with the solar powered schemes which are seemingly resilient and compatible with the community based management system.
Maintenance practices and water quality from rainwater harvesting in south-west Uganda
Authors: O'Hanlon Francesca , Lantagne Daniele S. , Morgan David , William Nkamuhebwa
Published: August 2020

Rainwater harvesting (RWH) provides household water supply to rural and peri-urban populations that do not have access to centralised water services. The climate in south-west Uganda is particularly well suited to RWH due to bi-annual rainy seasons, which allows for the collection of rainwater to occur over two periods throughout the year. Water quality from RWH, however, depends on how well risk of contamination (ROC), from catchment to consumption, is managed. Using a mixed-methods approach, we assessed the maintenance practices and water quality of 20 RWH installations in Uganda in the dry and rainy seasons. Both domestic and institutional RWH systems were assessed. Sanitary surveys, site inspections, key informant interviews and physiochemical and bacteriological tests were conducted to identify the factors that have an impact on water quality. Water quality test results were compared to guidelines recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO). We looked at measures that can reduce the ROC across the RWH system. We found that water quality at 75% of the sites met WHO standards. At these sites, end-users reported that they cleaned systems at least twice a year. Where training on system maintenance had been carried out, end-users reported more regular cleaning and maintenance of systems. Sanitary surveys highlighted an absence of first-flush or pre-filtration as the most prevalent ROC. Overall, we found that both access to technical specialists and capacity-building activities led to well-maintained RWH systems that provide acceptable water quality at both a household and community level.
Evaluation of River Chenab water quality with respect to its users, using different classification schemes
Authors: Kausar Firdaus , Qadir Abdul , Ahmad Sajid Rashid , Baqar Mujtaba , Sardar Fozia
Published: August 2020

The Chenab River has always offered a cradle for civilizations in Punjab province of Pakistan; however, in recent times, the quality of this river has been gradually degraded due to several point and non-point pollution sources being introduced in its water. The riverine water quality was evaluated to check the suitability of water for drinking, livestock and irrigation purposes. Water samples (n = 54) were collected across the river, over a period of three years (2012–2014) and subjected to physicochemical analysis. Water quality index rating revealed that the water of River Chenab fell under the marginal category for drinking and livestock watering, due to the presence of heavy metals pollution above safe limits. Irrigation suitability parameters, such as the sodium absorption ratio (SAR), residual sodium carbonate (RSC), Na (%), Kelley's ratio (KR), magnesium hazard (MH) and the permeability index (PI) were measured, and most of the samples were within the safe limit. The piper classification of hydro-chemical parameters revealed that the alkaline-earth metals and strong acids exceed the alkali metals and weak acids, respectively. A Wilcox diagram indicated the alkali hazard was low while salinity hazard has an increasing trend. Spatiotemporal distribution of the pollutants highlighted minimal pollution until Qadirabad site (S4) which gradually keeps worsening at the downstream sites. Two factors of water quality deterioration were identified as pollution addition from the point and nonpoint sources, and diversion of the water through canals. It is inevitable to manage water quality of the Chenab River by reducing point sources pollution, through law enforcement.
Kinetic and thermodynamic studies on the adsorption of Cu2+ ions from aqueous solution by using agricultural waste-derived biochars
Authors: Kaya Nihan , Arslan Ferhat , Yıldız Uzun Zeynep , Ceylan Selim
Published: August 2020

In this study, it was aimed to investigate the adsorption properties of the biochars obtained by pyrolysis of hazelnut and walnut shells for removal of copper ions from aqueous solutions. The characterization of raw biomasses and also biochars were performed using TGA-DTG, FT-IR, BET, SEM, partial and elemental analysis techniques. The optimum conditions were determined by investigating the effect of adsorption parameters (initial concentration, temperature, adsorbent amount, pH, contact time and mixing speed) for efficient removal of copper ions from aqueous solution by batch adsorption experiments carried out under different conditions. The highest adsorption efficiencies were recorded as 82 and 86% respectively for hazelnut and walnut shell biochars at pH 4, Co = 15 ppm, adsorbent dosage = 3 g/L and mixing speed = 600 rpm. Experimental results showed that the adsorption efficiency for copper ions increased with the increase of temperature (T = 45 °C) in studies only using biochar obtained from hazelnut shell. While the time of equilibrium in the aqueous solution containing copper ions was determined to be 75 min for walnut shell char, this duration was 30 min for hazelnut shell char. The experimental results were investigated in terms of Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin isotherm models. Together with the calculated thermodynamic parameters, the adsorption mechanism was explained. In order to determine the kinetic model of the adsorption process, the experimental data were applied to pseudo first-order, pseudo second-order and intra-particle diffusion models, and the model constants were investigated.
A critical review of the data pipeline: how wastewater system operation flows from data to intelligence
Authors: Therrien Jean-David , Nicolaï Niels , Vanrolleghem Peter A.
Published: August 2020

Faced with an unprecedented amount of data coming from evermore ubiquitous sensors, the wastewater treatment community has been hard at work to develop new monitoring systems, models and controllers to bridge the gap between current practice and data-driven, smart water systems. For additional sensor data and models to have an appreciable impact, however, they must be relevant enough to be looked at by busy water professionals; be clear enough to be understood; be reliable enough to be believed and be convincing enough to be acted upon. Failure to attain any one of those aspects can be a fatal blow to the adoption of even the most promising new measurement technology. This review paper examines the state-of-the-art in the transformation of raw data into actionable insight, specifically for water resource recovery facility (WRRF) operation. Sources of difficulties found along the way are pinpointed, while also exploring possible paths towards improving the value of collected data for all stakeholders, i.e., all personnel that have a stake in the good and efficient operation of a WRRF.
Zmiany w występowaniu piżmaka Ondatra zibethicus w centralnej i wschodniej Polsce w latach 1996 – 2007
Authors: Romanowski Jerzy , Karpowicz Karolina
Published: August 2020

Muskrat, Ondatra zibethicus (L. 1766), is an introduced species to European fauna. It is widespread in Poland, however signs of it decline were observed in last decades. While most of information on muskrat is based on questionnaires and bag record, in this paper results of field census for muskrat signs (tracks and feaces) at total of 1554 sites are presented. Signs of muskrats were present at 19,5% of 1111 sites surveyed from 1996-1998, and at 5,3% of 413 sites surveyed in 2007, Muskrats inhabited mostly small and medium rivers in western part of the study area. Decrease in occurrence of the species over a study period is best document by significant reduction in frequency of muskrat records at the 249 sites surveyed in 1996-1998 (present at 44% sites) and 2007 (7%). The decline of the muskrat population is most probably the effect of increasing predation by American mink Neovison vison.
Eksperyment medyczny przeprowadzany na organizmie ludzkim – aspekty prawa międzynarodowego, europejskiego i krajowego
Authors: Karski Leszek
Published: August 2020

The article is designed to provide readers with a legal context of medical experimentation. Medical research involving humans needs careful regulation. Although international law, European law, and domestic law are usually described as separate sources of law, they are increasingly interdependent. Their interaction produces a layering effect of laws that address medical experimentation. The paper begins with an overview of the content of soft international law. In the next section, the author addresses the issue of hard law, i.e. the Geneva Conventions, provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. The Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Dignity of the Human Being with regard to the Application of Biology and Medicine is the subject of analysis in the third part of the paper. The next section discusses selected issues related to regulations of European Union law. At the national level, the Polish Constitution provides for a medical research principle. In order to provide deeper insight, the next part of the analysis is based on domestic criminal law. The final section discusses the role of the physician in medical research in light of the norm included in the 1996 Act on the professions of the physician and dentist.
Preliminary report on human remains from Tell Masaikh and Tell Ashara. Season 2008
Authors: Tomczyk Jacek
Published: August 2020

In the Middle Euphrates Valley, excavations are currently carried out at Tell Hariri (ancient Mari) and several sites near Tell Ashara. Our research area is Terqa and its surroundings. Terqa lies on the right bank of the Euphrates, about 60 km to the north-west from the ancient city of Mari. In 1996, excavation work was extended beyond ancient Terqa onto the area 6 km away to the north, to Tell Masaikh. Initially, it was rescue excavation, but with time it became regular archaeological work. This paper is a summary of anthropological research conducted in 2008. We have been excavated 82 human skeletons (58 individuals from Tell Masikh, and 24 from Tell Ashara).
Preliminary report on human remains from Tell Masaikh and Tell Ashara. Season 2009*
Authors: Tomczyk Jacek
Published: August 2020

The middle Euphrates valley (Syria) is a very interesting and important region for the history of Mesopotamia. The excavations are currently carried out at Tell Ashara and Tell Masaikh. The first site is primarily the remains of a Bronze Age (2700–1500 BC). At Tell Masaikh were discovered the remains of a settlement from the Chalcolithic (4500 BC), and the Middle Bronze Age, as well as a huge governor’s palace from the times of the Assyrian empire’s days of glory (800–650 BC). The paper is a summary of anthropological research conducted in 2009. We have been excavated 80 human skeletons (50 individuals from Tell Masikh, and 30 from Tell Ashara).
Marcusa Vogta próba integracji zasad ekorozwoju z Katolicką Nauką Społeczną
Authors: Czekalski Rafał
Published: August 2020

In this article, we have attempted to answer the question of the possibilities of integrating the principles of eco-development with Catholic social teaching. We have done so on the basis of the works of a German moral theologian M. Vogt. The integration of the principles of eco-development with the Catholic social teaching may take place in a dialogue between the theology of creation together with its implications and the knowledge of nature. Considering the issue from the socio-ethical perspective it is vital to work out a new social agreement, which would take into account justified, although unspecified, claims of future generations. The integration of the principles of eco-development with Catholic social teaching is by no means impossible, although Vogt warns against treating the concept of eco-development as a superior issue - it is not a solution itself, but rather a key to the solution of contemporary problems at an intersection of three dimensions: social, economic and ecological. The proposed principle of eco-development shall become autonomous not in isolation to the traditional principles of Catholic social teaching, but in relation to them. The novelty of this principle is more about a new perspective, where man has to learn to see himself as part of creation as a whole. The principle also calls for a new way of thinking, which is the transition from a linear to a network way of thinking.
Administrative and environmental determinants of Agricultural Policy of the European Union
Authors: Jabłoński Maciej
Published: August 2020

Development of Agricultural Policy of the European Union is a good example of historical and ideological changes that took place recently in Europe. At first largely socialist it has changed over the decades into a policy that promotes active participation. The increased spending on rural development has increased both awareness and, as a result, compliance with environmental standards.
Od etologii zwierząt do ekologii człowieka
Authors: Łepko Zbigniew
Published: August 2020

The title "From the ethology of animals to human ecology" acknowledges both the theories of evolution developed in numerous scientific fields of science and the academic achievements of Konrad Lorenz and his partners, the development of which are shown through the order of studies they published, from the scope of classical ethology and the row of humanities to philosophy and human ecology. Lorenz conducted an ethological examination of human culture, thereby uncovering its biological bases, its dynamics, social pathologies, and means for overcoming them. Thanks to this Lorenz gained an insight into the character of the crisis of contemporary civilization, described and diagnosed it, presented the causes, and proposed a cure. Lorenz recommended mobilizing efforts to create an ecological ethos for those surviving on Earth. Today it isn't possible to predict the future of Homo sapiens on our planet, however, we have a duty to prepare for our struggle to survive. It is not only about survival but to the preservation of the human way of life. This is a matter of biological and spiritual survival. Therefore, Lorenz's ethological humanism takes on the mantle of a new 'evolutionary humanism".
Environmental education with particular reference to management of municipal
Authors: Zalewska Sabina
Published: August 2020

In the pursuit of success, stuck in the shadow of reality, we often forget that every day we use goods of the environment which surrounds us. We do not realize that the behavior of particular people, their families, and social groups influence the elements of natural history. This article focuses on the adjustment of our lifestyle to the idea of balanced development. That is why environmental education, which supports understanding the correlation between man, his products, and the environment, should be offered to all people, in particular the youngest, who will be able to direct the patterns of pro-environmental behavior to the elderly people.
Selected problems of holistic management of the natural environment with the concept of sustainable development, as the basis for the establishment of a scientific environmental protection discipline
Authors: Sandner Jan
Published: August 2020

The article addresses a very important issue, being the lack of a specific environmental protection scientific discipline in Poland. The actual situation in this extent is analyzed and compared to the solutions of the EU based on the systematic basis accepted by the OECD. The author presents methodological solutions in his study, which may serve as the basis for the creation of a substantive framework for the designation of a separate environmental protection scientific discipline. These assumptions are supported by holistic elements, which are essential to environmental management with regard to the concept of sustainable development.
Wady środowiskowe jako etyczne i antropologiczne źródła kryzysu środowiskowego
Authors: Dzwonkowska Dominika
Published: August 2020

The root of the environmental crisis is not only the failure to recognize the intrinsic value of the non-human world, but it can also be perceived as a failure in moral excellence and in the cultivation of virtue. The word “virtue” is an old-fashioned one, representing tradition, and today we mostly associate it with academic discussion. However, the term is not only connected with traditional ethical reflection; nowadays, we can witness a revival of virtue discourse in environmental ethics, namely in environmental virtue ethics. The paper analyzes the problem of cardinal virtue and vices and tries to answer which vices are the most responsible for the environmental crisis. Thus the five crucial environmental vices are defined as egoism, greed, arrogance, ignorance, and apathy.
„Rozstępy” przyszłości: o trudnych powiązaniach technologii, kultury i natury
Authors: Jewdokimow Marcin , Markowska Barbara
Published: August 2020

Based on an interpretation of selected texts concerning ambient technology (AmI) the article critically discusses the relationship between technology, culture, and nature. A posthumanist approach to the analysis is adopted, allowing for the unveiling of the ruptures and splits related to such issues as subjectivity, culture-nature dichotomy, and technological development.
Organizacja administracji ochrony środowiska w Polsce i Unii Europejskiej
Authors: Jabłoński Maciej
Published: August 2020

The organization of environmental protection in Poland and the European Union is a mutual connection of competencies and a correlation of systems and rights according to national and EU laws. The legal system of the EU is the result of decades of cooperation undertaken by the will of the Member States known as the acquis communautaire. EU law has primacy over national law, which in practice means that in the event of a conflict between the provisions of national law and EU law, the national law is deemed inapplicable and needs to be adjusted by the Member State.
Zmiany w prawie europejskim implikujące zmiany w sposobie wytwarzania, składzie chemicznym i dystrybucji paliw
Authors: Kamiński Arkadiusz
Published: August 2020

This article presents an analysis of legal actions taken to determine fuel quality requirements, emission standards adapted to meet global and European health and environmental protection programs, including the World Wide Fuel Charter and other relevant directives. The series of subsequent consecutive legal regulations, including more and more restrictive automotive fuel requirements, aimed at decreasing the negative impact of vehicle usage on the natural environment and human health. The results of the assessment of the implementation of the mentioned regulations in Poland are presented as well.
Synthesis and Evaluation of Cytotoxicity of Novel Coumarin Peptide Alcohol Derivatives
Authors: Pawar Digamber S. , Chabukswar Vasant V. , Tapase Savita R. , Kodam Kisan M. , Chabukswar Anurudhha , Adhav Pravin B. , Diwate Balasaheb B. , Gawali Sunita S. , Dallavalle Sabrina , Jagdale Swati C.
Published: August 2020

Background:

Coumarins are naturally occurring biologically active heterocyclic molecules
endowed with a wide range of biological properties, including antibacterial, antifungal, and antitumor
activities.

Objective:

The present work aimed to synthesize new coumarin-containing compounds and to investigate their cytotoxic
activity.

Methods:

Coumarin peptide and coumarin amino alcohols were prepared by treating epoxidecontaining
coumarin derivatives with suitable aromatic amines and peptides in trifluoroethanol as a
solvent at 50°C. These derivatives were evaluated for their cytotoxic activity on three different cell
lines: HeLa, MDA-MB-231 and L-132. Cell viability was determined by MTT (3-(4,5-
dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay.

Results:

A new protocol was developed for the synthesis of thirteen novel coumarin peptide and
coumarin amino alcohol derivatives. Among the tested compounds, three derivatives showed significant
activity against all the tested cell lines. Docking studies indicated favorable interactions of the
disubstituted peptide coumarin derivatives with the Asp 351 and Thr 347 amino acids at the active
site of the human estrogen receptor.

Conclusions:

The results suggest that the newly synthesized compounds may be promising candidates in the research of
new antitumor compounds.
Application of the Westgard Multi-rule Theory to Internal Quality Control Evaluation of Voriconazole for Therapeutic Drug Monitoring
Authors: Li Houli , Zhang Di , Cheng Xiaoliang , Sultan Marwa Fath Abdulqawi , Xiong Lilong , Ma Ying , Wang Maoyi , Feng Weiyi
Published: August 2020

Background:

There is no worldwide recognized reference internal quality control method
for Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM) of voriconazole (VCZ) by Liquid Chromatography (LC). In
this study, we aimed to develop an internal quality control method for TDM of VCZ, evaluate it by the
Westgard multi-rule theory, and guarantee the analytical quality of the assays.

Methods:

The plasma concentration of VCZ was detected by two-dimensional liquid chromatography
with ultraviolet detection (2D-LC-UV) method. The internal quality control results accompanying with
TDM of VCZ in our laboratory from July 2019 to January 2020 were collected and retrospectively
studied. The Levey-Jennings quality chart and Z-score quality chart were drawn and Westgard multirules
of 12s/13s/22s/R4s/41s/10x were applied to assess the suitable quality control method for TDM of
VCZ.

Results:

The 2D-LC-UV method was well suited to monitor the plasma concentration of VCZ and increase
the real-time capability of TDM for VCZ. Combined with Westgard multi-rules, the quality control
charts of Levery-Jennings and Z-score both can timely discover and judge the systematic errors
and random errors for the internal quality control results. 86 batches of quality control products were
assessed and 7 times warnings and 6 times out of control were detected.

Conclusion:

The Westgard multi-rules, with high efficacy in determining detection errors, has important
application value in the internal quality control for TDM of VCZ. The developed quality control
method can improve the accuracy and reliability for VCZ measurement by the 2D-LC-UV method
and further promote the clinical rational use of the drug.
Stimulation of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-Gamma (PPARγ) using Pioglitazone Decreases the Survival of Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia Cells through Up-Regulation of PTEN Expression
Authors: Esmaeili Shadi , Safaroghli-Azar Ava , Pourbagheri-Sigaroodi Atieh , Salari Sina , Gharehbaghian Ahmad , Hamidpour Mohsen , Bashash Davood
Published: August 2020

Background:

The intertwining between cancer pathogenesis and aberrant expression of either oncogenes
or tumor suppressor proteins ushered the cancer therapeutic approaches into a limitless road of modern
therapies. For the nonce and among the plethora of promising anticancer agents, intense interest has focused on
pioglitazone, a first in-class of Thiazolidinedione (TZD) drugs that is currently used to treat patients with diabetes.

Objective:

Intrigued by the overexpression of PPARγ in Acute Promylocytic Leukemia (APL), this study was
designed to investigate the effects of pioglitazone in APL-derived NB4 cells.

Methods:

To assess the anti-leukemic effect of pioglitazone on myeloid leukemia cell lines, we used MTT and
trypan blue assays. Given the higher expression level of PPARγ in NB4 cells, we then expanded our experiments
on this cell line. To ascertain the molecular mechanism action of pioglitazone in APL-derived NB4 cells,
we evaluated the expression levels of a large cohort of target genes responsible for the regulation of apoptosis,
autophagy and cell proliferation. Afterward, to examine whether there is a correlation between PPARγ and the
PI3K signaling pathway, the amount of Akt phosphorylation was evaluated using western blot analysis.

Results:

Our results showed that pioglitazone exerted its cytotoxic effect in wild-type PTEN-expressing NB4
cells, but not in leukemic K562 cells harboring mutant PTEN; suggesting that probably this member of TZD
drugs induced its anti-leukemic effects through a PTEN-mediated manner. Moreover, we found that not only
pioglitazone reduced the survival rate of NB4 through the induction of p21-mediated G1 arrest, also elevated the
intracellular level of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) which was coupled with upregulated FOXO3a. Notably,
this study proposed for the first time that the stimulation of autophagy as a result of the compensatory activation of
PI3K pathway may act as a plausible mechanism through which the anti-leukemic effect of pioglitazone may be
attenuated; suggestive of the application of either PI3K or autophagy inhibitors along with pioglitazone in APL.

Conclusion:

By suggesting a mechanistic pathway, the results of the present study shed more light on the favorable
anti-leukemic effect of pioglitazone and suggest it as a promising drug that should be clinically investigated in
APL patients.
Effect of Duration of Use of a Toothbrush on its Filament’s Tapering and Plaque Removal Efficacy
Authors: Behfarnia Parichehr , Hasheminejad Seyedeh Marzieh , Izadi Mozhgan , Shahin Nahid , Sepahi Zahra , Mirghaderi Seyed Amir
Published: August 2020

Background and Objectives:

Dental professionals often recommend changing toothbrushes every three months due to their wear and decreased plaque removal efficacy. This study aimed to assess the correlation of duration of use of a toothbrush and its wear and then the relationship of wear of toothbrush and Plaque Index (PI) of users and tapering of toothbrush filaments after three months of use was evaluated as well.

Materials and Methods:

In this study, 60 female students were enrolled according to the eligibility criteria and received a new set of toothbrush and toothpaste. They were requested to brush their teeth using the Bass technique twice a day for 2 minutes and the Ramfjord PI was measured at baseline and after 3 months. The wear of 47 toothbrushes after three months of use was evaluated using the Rawls index. Of collected 47 toothbrushes, 30 were randomly chosen and inspected under an electron microscope to determine the degree of tapering of bristles. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 via Spearman’s correlation coefficient, paired t-test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient (alpha=0.05).

Results:

After 3 months, the mean PI score significantly decreased (paired t-test, P=0.034). The PI at 3 months after use had no significant correlation with the toothbrush wear score (Spearman’s correlation coefficient, P=0.61) but the toothbrush wear score had a significant correlation with tapering of bristles (Spearman’s correlation coefficient, P=0.04). No significant association existed between PI at 3 months after use and tapering of bristles (Pearson’s correlation coefficient, P=0.69).

Conclusion:

The duration of use and wear of toothbrush alone do not affect the quality of plaque removal. Practicing Oral hygiene can affect the quality of plaque removal.
iMPT-FRAKEL: A Simple Multi-label Web-server that Only Uses Fingerprints to Identify which Metabolic Pathway Types Compounds can Participate In
Authors: Jia Yanjuan , Chen Lei , Zhou Jian-Peng , Liu Min
Published: August 2020

Background:

Metabolic pathway is one of the most basic biological pathways in living organisms. It consists of a series of chemical reactions and provides the necessary molecules and energies for organisms. To date, lots of metabolic pathways have been detected. However, there still exist hidden participants (compounds and enzymes) for some metabolic pathways due to the complexity and diversity of metabolic pathways. It is necessary to develop quick, reliable, and non-animal-involved prediction model to recognize metabolic pathways for any compound.

Methods:

In this study, a multi-label classifier, namely iMPT-FRAKEL, was developed for identifying which metabolic pathway types that compounds can participate in. Compounds and 12 metabolic pathway types were retrieved from KEGG. Each compound was represented by its fingerprints, which was the most widely used form for representing compounds and can be extracted from its SMILES format. A popular multi-label classification scheme, Random k-Labelsets (RAKEL) algorithm, was adopted to build the classifier. Classic machine learning algorithm, Support Vector Machine (SVM) with RBF kernel, was selected as the basic classification algorithm. Ten-fold cross-validation was used to evaluate the performance of the iMPT-FRAKEL. In addition, a web-server version of such classifier was set up, which can be assessed at http://cie.shmtu.edu.cn/impt/index.

Results:

iMPT-FRAKEL yielded the accuracy of 0.804, exact match of 0.745 and hamming loss of 0.039. Comparison results indicated that such classifier was superior to other models, including models with Binary Relevance (BR) or other classification algorithms.

Conclusion:

The proposed classifier employed limited prior knowledge of compounds but gives satisfying performance for recognizing metabolic pathways of compounds.
Markus Wolf: Gerechtigkeit als Dekonstruktion
Authors: Gebhardt Mareike
Published: August 2020

Rezension zu Markus Wolf, Gerechtigkeit als Dekonstruktion. Zur kulturellen Form von Recht und Demokratie nach Jacques Derrida. Konstanz: Konstanz University Press 2019. 375 Seiten.
Estimación del carbono almacenado en el bosque natural en la cuenca media - baja. Municipio de río quito chocó, colombia
Authors: Hurtado Cristian C , Corte Carlos , Triana Max A
Published: August 2020

En el ecosistema de bosque natural del Helobioma Pacífico –Atrato situado en la cuenca Media y Baja del municipio de Río Quito, se estimó la cantidad de biomasa aérea y carbono almacenado para el ecosistema y diez especies con mayor valor de importancia. Este ecosistema presenta precipitaciones anuales de 4000 a 8000 mm. Los cálculos se realizaron con base en trece modelos alométricos que estiman biomasa en función del diámetro y altura total. Se utilizó un muestreo bietápico sobre 250 parcelas circulares de 0.05 ha. Los modelos seleccionados se basaron en los recomendados por el IPCC (2005); para la mayoría de las especies el modelo de mejor ajuste fue el de Chave et al. (2001). El cálculo del carbono almacenado se estimó con base en la fracción del 50% de la biomasa aérea. Los resultados obtenidos de biomasa y carbono fueron de 439.72 t/0.05 ha para biomasa y 219.86 t/0.05 ha para carbono almacenado siendo la especie de mayor aporte en biomasa Osteophloeum platyspermum con un 12.14% del total del ecosistema y el carbono almacenado fue de 26.70 t/0.05 ha. Las especies Osteophloeum platyspermum y Michropholis guyanensis presentan mayor número de individuos por hectárea.
Descubrimiento de patrones de navegación en open edx – una aproximación arquitectónica
Authors: Anacona Fabian , Solarte Mario , Ramírez Gustavo
Published: August 2020

Los MOOC (Massive Open Online Courses) se han convertido en una estrategia educativa disruptiva en la última década, caracterizada por dar soporte a procesos formativos a gran escala y generalmente de forma gratuita; a pesar de su éxito igualmente tienen debilidades como la rigidez pedagógica pues generalmente las actividades de aprendizaje son las mismas sin importar el perfil y número de los estudiantes. Desde hace algunos años se aplican técnicas de adaptación; pero sin un referente claro sobre cómo realizarla. Este trabajo presenta una aproximación a una arquitectura para descubrir patrones de navegación en los estudiantes en MOOC soportados en la plataforma Open edX, a través del modelo de espacio vectorial y el algoritmo LexRank con Umbral
Efecto de los decodificadores en la calidad de la solución para un problema de distribución de instalaciones UA-FLP
Authors: Urango Wilmer D. , Hernández Helman E.
Published: August 2020

En este trabajo se propuso una comparación entre dos decodificadores diferentes para un problema de distribución de planta de áreas desiguales y dimensiones fijas UA-FLP; los decodificadores utilizados  son el decodificador en espiral y el decodificador en abanico. Para realizar este  trabajo se seleccionaron 6 instancias encontradas en la literatura y el problema se resolvió por medio de una metaheurística muy conocida en la comunidad científica como lo es el algoritmo genético básico. El objetivo principal de este estudio fue demostrar si existían diferencias en la calidad de la solución propuesta por cada uno de los decodificadores. Entre los resultados encontrados se evidencio que el decodificador en espiral ofrece mejores resultados en comparación con el decodificador  en abanico, en efecto  se logró demostrar que los  decodificadores tienen gran influencia  en la calidad de la  solución para este tipo de problemas.
Modelo de aprendizaje social basado en analiticas: un enfoque para la colaboración cientifica
Authors: Salas Daniel J. , Baldiris Silvia M. , Gómez Jorge E.
Published: August 2020

Este trabajo describe  la estructura de un modelo de aprendizaje social  basado en un enfoque analíticas para apoyar la adquisición de competencias científicas  mediante procesos colaborativos, es decir, se busca  definir el sistema de medición  representado en analíticas, constructos, variables e indicadores que permitan evaluar la participación y/o aportes de los supervisores y  el grado de relevancia de la participación de los investigadores aprendices en la construcción de un trabajo científico.  Se ha definido un conjunto  de fases que soportan el modelo constituido por tres partes fundamentales, la primera está asociada con el proceso de generación de analíticas, la segunda hace referencias a los actores para el proceso de elaboración de propuestas científicas y la tercera hace referencia al sistema de edición colaborativo y las herramientas de interacción social.
Estilos de aprendizaje y minería de datos: un estudio preliminar en el contexto universitario
Authors: Vergara Cruz , Oviedo Ana , Carmona Claudia , Vélez Gloria , Amón Iván .
Published: August 2020

Este articulo presenta hallazgos preliminares de la investigación en curso sobre estilos de aprendizaje y rendimiento académico en estudiantes de ingeniería de la Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana; para ello se ha hecho uso de la minería de datos como técnica para el ordenamiento y análisis de datos. La investigación se articula a la apuesta de la Universidad por prevenir la deserción estudiantil y mejorar las practicas pedagógicas de los docentes universitarios, teniendo como marco de referencia la apuesta del Ministerio de Educación Nacional (MEN-Colombia) de fortalecer las ciudades inteligentes. En la aproximación teórica inicial, se identificó como instrumento principal para evaluar estilos de aprendizaje el cuestionario (CHAEA) de Honey y Alonso, con este cuestionario se inicia la recopilación de datos que posteriormente serán analizados con ayuda de diferentes algoritmos aplicados en analítica de datos. Esta fase inicial de la investigación permitió evidenciar que la Minería de datos ha sido usada con frecuencia en estudios relacionados con rendimiento académico y deserción universitaria, en especial la técnica de árbol de problemas; no obstante, resulta de interés resaltar  que aunque hay estudios sobre estilos de aprendizaje y minería de datos, no se encuentran estudios que ofrezcan a los docentes estrategias pedagógicas para mejorar su práctica en el aula, en su mayoría los estudios se quedan en una fase descriptiva.
LÍNEA DE TIEMPO DE LA EVOLUCIÓN DE LOS MOOC
Authors: Cerón Jhoni R. , Quintero Jairo H.
Published: August 2020

Los cursos MOOC (Massive Online Open Courses), han despertado un interés mundial en las instituciones de educación superior más representativas, como es el caso de Stanford u Oxford. En este trabajo se define una línea de tiempo de la evolución de los MOOC, con el objetivo de identificar las acciones y eventos más representativos desde su creación en el año 2008 hasta junio de 2018. La línea de tiempo realizada permite identificar el nivel de importancia de los MOOC y tener una perspectiva de lo que puede seguir aconteciendo en este campo.
Exploración del uso de modelos celulares con la estrategia de clase invertida
Authors: Quiroga Andrés Javier , Freyre Bernal Sofía Isabel
Published: August 2020

En el contexto de aprendizaje significativo se realizó exploración y diseño de una estrategia didáctica basada en el Desarrollo de modelos de biología celular y molecular para problemas relacionados con el habla, audición y el lenguaje, con una estrategia de aula invertida en estudiantes de fonoaudiología – ciencias de la salud de la Universidad del Cauca. Se muestran algunos ejemplos de resultado de la aplicación de esta estrategia.
Perceptions of Mobile Apps for Smoking Cessation Among Young People in Community Mental Health Care: Qualitative Study
Authors: Gowarty Minda A , Kung Nathan J , Maher Ashley E , Longacre Meghan R , Brunette Mary F
Published: August 2020

Background

Young adults with serious mental illness are over twice as likely to have tobacco use disorder than those in the general population and are less likely to utilize proven treatment methods during quit attempts. However, little research has evaluated the efficacy of interventions for this group. Smartphone apps may be an underutilized tool for tobacco use disorder among young adults with serious mental illness.

Objective

The aim of this study was to explore attitudes toward smoking cessation apps and preferences regarding app design in young adult smokers with serious mental illness.

Methods

Five focus groups involving 25- to 35-year-old adults with serious mental illness receiving treatment at a community mental health center were conducted between May 2019 and August 2019. Three researchers independently coded transcripts and identified themes using thematic analysis.

Results

Participants (n=22) were individuals who smoke daily: 10 (46%) self-identified as female, 18 (82%) self-identified as White, and 9 (41%) had psychotic disorders. Key themes that emerged included a general interest in using health apps; a desire for apps to provide ongoing motivation during a quit attempt via social support, progress tracking, and rewards; a desire for apps to provide distraction from smoking; concerns about app effectiveness due to a lack of external accountability; and concerns that apps could trigger cravings or smoking behavior by mentioning cigarettes or the act of smoking.

Conclusions

Apps have the potential to support smoking cessation or reduction efforts among young adults with serious mental illness. However, they may require tailoring, optimization, and clinical support to effectively promote cessation in this population.
Development of a Social Network for People Without a Diagnosis (RarePairs): Evaluation Study
Authors: Kühnle Lara , Mücke Urs , Lechner Werner M , Klawonn Frank , Grigull Lorenz
Published: August 2020

Background

Diagnostic delay in rare disease (RD) is common, occasionally lasting up to more than 20 years. In attempting to reduce it, diagnostic support tools have been studied extensively. However, social platforms have not yet been used for systematic diagnostic support. This paper illustrates the development and prototypic application of a social network using scientifically developed questions to match individuals without a diagnosis.

Objective

The study aimed to outline, create, and evaluate a prototype tool (a social network platform named RarePairs), helping patients with undiagnosed RDs to find individuals with similar symptoms. The prototype includes a matching algorithm, bringing together individuals with similar disease burden in the lead-up to diagnosis.

Methods

We divided our project into 4 phases. In phase 1, we used known data and findings in the literature to understand and specify the context of use. In phase 2, we specified the user requirements. In phase 3, we designed a prototype based on the results of phases 1 and 2, as well as incorporating a state-of-the-art questionnaire with 53 items for recognizing an RD. Lastly, we evaluated this prototype with a data set of 973 questionnaires from individuals suffering from different RDs using 24 distance calculating methods.

Results

Based on a step-by-step construction process, the digital patient platform prototype, RarePairs, was developed. In order to match individuals with similar experiences, it uses answer patterns generated by a specifically designed questionnaire (Q53). A total of 973 questionnaires answered by patients with RDs were used to construct and test an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm like the k-nearest neighbor search. With this, we found matches for every single one of the 973 records. The cross-validation of those matches showed that the algorithm outperforms random matching significantly. Statistically, for every data set the algorithm found at least one other record (match) with the same diagnosis.

Conclusions

Diagnostic delay is torturous for patients without a diagnosis. Shortening the delay is important for both doctors and patients. Diagnostic support using AI can be promoted differently. The prototype of the social media platform RarePairs might be a low-threshold patient platform, and proved suitable to match and connect different individuals with comparable symptoms. This exchange promoted through RarePairs might be used to speed up the diagnostic process. Further studies include its evaluation in a prospective setting and implementation of RarePairs as a mobile phone app.
Are men dying more than women by COVID-19? (Preprint)
Authors: Melo Thaise Pinto De , Silva Delvan Alves , Barbosa Alexandre Naime
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

In the last few months we have been experiencing a serious epidemic, which has spread throughout the world. The COVID-19 virus has already killed and infected thousands of people. A question that arises is about the risk groups, and if men would be more susceptible to this disease than women. In addition, what secondary factors would have the greatest impact on infection and death rates?

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to clarify if the infection and death rate by COVID-19 differ among gender in the top 50 countries with the highest death rates.

METHODS

we applied meta-analysis and meta-regression approaches in public data from a total of 50 countries that presented the highest death rate by COVID-19.

RESULTS

There was not significative difference between men and women to be infected by COVID-19 (P = 0.42), though a significative difference was observed for death rate (P < 0.0001). High heterogeneity was observed among countries. For both infection and death rates this variability was mainly explained by the HDI (42.3% and 54.2%), average age (40.9% and 40.3%) and temperature (30.1% and 39.3%). Man are dying more than women around the word by COVID-19.

CONCLUSIONS

Men are dying more than women. No significant difference was observed for infection rate between genders. HDI was the most important factor affecting both infection and death rates. Countries with highest HDI present less difference between sexes. This could be an evidence of the importance of public politics to promote the general well-being of the population equally.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

RR2-10.1101/2020.07.06.20147629