bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
BK Virus Infection:A Hidden Threat for Renal Transplant Recipients
Authors: Nessa Afzalun , Mannan Nustrat , Tabassum Shahina , Sultana Sharimin , Islam K.M Shahidul
Published: July 2018

BK virus (BKV) infection has become an important concern for renal transplant recipients, as it may cause nephropathy in transplant patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy resulting in renal dysfunction and possibly, graft loss. This crosssectional study was carried out at the Department of Virology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) from March 2015 to June 2016, aimedto detect the incidence of BKV infection among transplant recipients from Bangladesh. A total of 30randomly selected adult renal transplant recipients and 15 healthy controls were included in this study.Their blood and urine samples were collected at 4 and 12 weeks of post transplantation, and tested for BKV DNA by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The serum creatinine levels were measured along with other routine investigations at the Department Biochemistry, BSMMU.Virological analysis showed, 8 (26.6%) patients had detectable BKV DNA at 4 weeks (1 month). Of them, 23.3% (7/30) had viruria and 3.3% (1/30) had viraemia. No BKV DNA was detected either in blood or in urine samples of healthy controls. Incidence of BKV infection found significantly higher (p<0.02) in transplant patients than healthy controls. However, their serum creatinine value was not significantly higher than that of the BKV DNA negative patients. At third month (12 weeks post transplantation), BKVviruria and/or viraemia were detected among 23.3% (7/30) patients where 13.3% (4/30) patients were newly detected who were previously ( at 4 weeks of transplant) negative; only 1 (3.3%) patient had both viraemia and viruria. There was significant variation (p<0.05) in mean serum creatinine value of BKV DNA positive and BKV DNA negative recipients at third month follow-up.Significantly higher incidence of BKV infection among transplant patients indicates thatit is very likely occurring in transplantation recipients, andBKV screening test should be included in routine postoperative follow-up investigations for early detection; and thus prevent the graft loss due to BKV nephropathy.
Hepatitis: Knowledge and Awareness among the Infected Population
Authors: Jobayer Mohammad , Afroz Zeenat , Rahman Mizanur , Akter Nadira , Shamsuzzaman SM , Islam KM Shahidul
Published: July 2018

Hepatitis viruses are serious global public health problem and rapidly spreading in the developing countries due to factors like illiteracy, lack of health education, poverty. The aim of this study was to assess the level of knowledge and awareness of hepatitis infected people toward the disease, its consequences, routes of transmission of virus and preventive measures including vaccination. This cross-sectional study was carried out in the Department of Microbiology of Dhaka Medical Collage, Dhaka, Bangladesh from February to August 2013 among 2254 male jobseekers to Malaysia. History was taken and information was collected from HBsAg and anti-HCV positive persons by a predesigned questionnaire. Prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection in adult population was 2.35% and appears to be on decline and prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection was 0.13% that is still low in Bangladesh. No significant relationship was found between the demographic profile like religion, locality, occupation of the study population and hepatitis infection. In majority of the positive jobseekers, routes of transmission of viruses were not well established. Among infected population about 90% had educational status below secondary level, they were from low income group, and 60% of them were unemployed. Three fourth of them did not have proper knowledge about the disease, only about 10% of them properly knew about routes of transmission of hepatitis viruses and 91% did not have adequate knowledge about the preventive measures including vaccination. Knowledge about hepatitis was poor among infected population and they were not much aware about the disease; so measures should be taken to create awareness among the population about hepatitis and the preventive measures to halt the transmission of such infections.
Testimony and Fellowship for a Continuous Conversion in the East African Revival
Authors: Moon Daewon
Published: July 2018

The East African Revival emphasised the so-called conversion experience, including an individual's conviction of sin and experience of forgiveness. The revivalists asserted that evidence of one's conversion would be – and had to be – discernable at both the personal level and the communal level. One distinctive feature of the Revival was that in revival meetings or marketplaces, converts shared testimony that re-enacted their original conversion experiences, in order to demonstrate the genuineness of their conversion and maintain its continuing efficacy in their daily lives. A second distinctive feature of the Revival was its strong focus on fellowship with other converts. Structured opportunities for fellowship facilitated the ongoing process of identity reorientation and provided a safe, embracing environment in which new converts could receive spiritual and practical support from other members of the Revival. This article examines the significant roles of fellowship and testimony in the East African Revival and how they upheld the authenticity of a person's initial conversion experience while also cultivating ongoing conversion through involvement in this new religious community. More broadly, the article also explores the interplay of race and religion, the dynamics of conversion narratives and identity reorientation.
Factors Affecting the Household Succession in Agricultural Occupation in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand
Authors: Rayasawath Chacattrai
Published: July 2018

This research aims to determine the factors affecting the succession of youths from farming households in agricultural occupations within Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand. Primary information was collected from 400 farm households using a structured questionnaire. Binary logistic regression analysis shows that five variables significantly influence the decision of the new generation on succession in agricultural occupation: Their experience in agricultural work, attitude towards agriculture as an occupation, the number of agricultural labor within a household, marital status, and if they faced problems with the agricultural resources in the past. The results also imply the need for agriculture-related agencies and other relevant sectors to focus on the promotion of agricultural occupation succession by educating, creating awareness, and attitude shifting for the new generation, to make them realize both the significance and benefits gained from taking up agriculture as an occupation. Moreover, publicizing the Young Smart Farmers Program—youths who are successful in agriculture—would also help promote youths’ succession in agricultural occupation in households.
Renewable Energy Output Tracking Control Algorithm Based on the Temperature Control Load State-Queuing Model
Authors: Wu Xin , Liang Kaixin , Han Xiao
Published: July 2018

With poor peak load regulating capacity, renewable energy generation is intermittent and fluctuating, which results in the insufficient acceptance capacity of the power grid. Based on the state-queuing model of aggregate air conditioning loads, this paper develops a control algorithm to achieve renewable energy consumption and output tracking. The load curves of the aggregate air conditioning loads can be controlled by changing the initial temperature distribution. Under different temperature distributions, the load curves represent a fixed fluctuation, which is the basis of output tracking. A virtual load curve set is established based on the state-queuing model. Regarding the load curves as basic signals, the expected renewable energy output can be tracked via an optimal combination of the basic load curves. The validity of the algorithm is testified by numerical emulation data.
Centrosome Remodelling in Evolution
Authors: Ito Daisuke , Bettencourt-Dias Mónica
Published: July 2018

The centrosome is the major microtubule organizing centre (MTOC) in animal cells. The canonical centrosome is composed of two centrioles surrounded by a pericentriolar matrix (PCM). In contrast, yeasts and amoebozoa have lost centrioles and possess acentriolar centrosomes—called the spindle pole body (SPB) and the nucleus-associated body (NAB), respectively. Despite the difference in their structures, centriolar centrosomes and SPBs not only share components but also common biogenesis regulators. In this review, we focus on the SPB and speculate how its structures evolved from the ancestral centrosome. Phylogenetic distribution of molecular components suggests that yeasts gained specific SPB components upon loss of centrioles but maintained PCM components associated with the structure. It is possible that the PCM structure remained even after centrosome remodelling due to its indispensable function to nucleate microtubules. We propose that the yeast SPB has been formed by a step-wise process; (1) an SPB-like precursor structure appeared on the ancestral centriolar centrosome; (2) it interacted with the PCM and the nuclear envelope; and (3) it replaced the roles of centrioles. Acentriolar centrosomes should continue to be a great model to understand how centrosomes evolved and how centrosome biogenesis is regulated.
In Situ Plasma Monitoring of PECVD nc-Si:H Films and the Influence of Dilution Ratio on Structural Evolution
Authors: Hsieh Yu-Lin , Kau Li-Han , Huang Hung-Jui , Lee Chien-Chieh , Fuh Yiin-Kuen , Li Tomi T.
Published: July 2018

We report plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) hydrogenated nano-crystalline silicon (nc-Si:H) thin films. In particular, the effect of hydrogen dilution ratio (R = H2/SiH4) on structural and optical evolutions of the deposited nc-Si:H films were systematically investigated including Raman spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and low angle X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD). Measurement results revealed that the nc-Si:H structural evolution, primarily the transition of nano-crystallization from the amorphous state to the nanocrystalline state, can be carefully induced by the adjustment of hydrogen dilution ratio (R). In addition, an in situ plasma diagnostic tool of optical emission spectroscopy (OES) was used to further characterize the crystallization rate index (Hα*/SiH*) that increases when hydrogen dilution ratio (R) rises, whereas the deposition rate decreases. Another in situ plasma diagnostic tool of quadruple mass spectrometry (QMS) also confirmed that the “optimal” range of hydrogen dilution ratio (R = 30–40) can yield nano-crystalline silicon (n-Si:H) growth due to the depletion of higher silane radicals. A good correlation between the plasma characteristics by in situ OES/QMS and the film characteristics by XRD, Raman and FTIR, for the transition of a-Si:H to nc-Si:H film from the hydrogen dilution ratio, was obtained.
Videoscope-Assisted Minimally Invasive Surgery (VMIS) for Bone Regeneration around Teeth and Implants: A Literature Review and Technique Update
Authors: Harrel Stephen K.
Published: July 2018

Background—The literature related to minimally invasive periodontal surgery is reviewed. This includes the original minimally invasive surgery (MIS) procedure for bone regeneration, the modification of MIS for the minimally invasive surgery technique (MIST) and modified MIST (M-MIST) procedures, and the introduction of the videoscope for oral surgical procedures and the ability to perform videoscope-assisted minimally invasive surgery (VMIS). The evolution from MIS through MIST to the current VMIS is reviewed. The results from studies of each of these methods are reported. Conclusion—The use of small incisions that produce minimal trauma and preserve most of the blood supply to the periodontal and peri-implant tissues results in improved regenerative outcomes, minimal to absent negative esthetic outcomes, and little or no patient discomfort. Minimally invasive procedures are a reliable method to regenerate periodontal tissues.
Effects of Fire Severity and Topography on Soil Black Carbon Accumulation in Boreal Forest of Northeast China
Authors: Huang Wentao , Hu Yuanman , Chang Yu , Liu Miao , Li Yuehui , Ren Baihui , Shi Sixue
Published: July 2018

Black carbon (BC) from incomplete combustion of biomass and fossil fuel is widespread in sediments and soils because of its high stability in nature and is considered an important component of the global carbon sink. However, knowledge of BC stocks and influencing factors in forest ecosystems is currently limited. We investigated soil BC contents in burned boreal forests of the Great Khingan Mountains, northeast China. We collected soil samples from 14 sites with different fire severities, slope positions and aspects. The samples were analyzed by the chemo-thermal oxidation method to obtain their BC concentrations. The BC concentrations of the studied soils ranged from 0.03 to 36.91 mg C g−1, with a mean of 1.44 ± 0.11 mg C g−1. BC concentrations gradually decline with depth, and that was significantly less in the 20–30 cm layer compared to all shallower layers. Forests burned by moderate-severity fires had the highest soil BC, the shady aspect had higher soil BC than the sunny aspect. Our results provide some basic data for evaluating the soil BC sink in boreal forests, which is a useful amendment to current carbon budget and carbon cycle in boreal forest ecosystems.
The GDPR beyond Privacy: Data-Driven Challenges for Social Scientists, Legislators and Policy-Makers
Authors: Vestoso Margherita
Published: July 2018

While securing personal data from privacy violations, the new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) explicitly challenges policymakers to exploit evidence from social data-mining in order to build better policies. Against this backdrop, two issues become relevant: the impact of Big Data on social research, and the potential intersection between social data mining, rulemaking and policy modelling. The work aims at contributing to the reflection on some of the implications of the ‘knowledge-based’ policy recommended by the GDPR. The paper is thus split into two parts: the first describes the data-driven evolution of social sciences, raising methodological and epistemological issues; the second focuses on the interplay between data-driven social research, rule-making and policy modelling, in the light of the policy model fostered by GDPR. Some theoretical reflections about the role of evidence in rule-making will be considered to introduce a discussion on the intersection between data-driven social research and policy modelling and to sketch hypotheses on its future evolutions.
Investigating the Sediment Yield Predictability in Some Italian Rivers by Means of Hydro-Geomorphometric Variables
Authors: Grauso Sergio , Pasanisi Francesco , Tebano Carlo , Grillini Marcello , Peloso Alessandro
Published: July 2018

In the present work, preliminary results are reported from an ongoing research study aimed at developing an improved prediction model to estimate the sediment yield in Italian ungauged river basins. The statistical correlations between a set of hydro-geomorphometric parameters and suspended sediment yield (SSY) data from 30 Italian rivers were investigated. The main question is whether such variables are helpful to explain the behavior of fluvial systems in the sediment delivery process. To this aim, a broad set of variables, simply derived from digital cartographic sources and available data records, was utilized in order to take into account all the possible features and processes having some influence on sediment production and conveyance. A stepwise regression analysis pointed out that, among all possibilities, the catchment elevation range (Hr), the density of stream hierarchical anomaly (Da), and the stream channel slope ratio (ΔSs) are significantly linked to the SSY. The derived linear regression model equation was proven to be satisfactory (r2-adjusted = 0.72; F-significance = 5.7 × 10−8; ME = 0.61), however, the percentage standard error (40%) implies that the model is still affected by some uncertainties. These can be justified, on one hand, by the wide variance and, on the other hand, by the quality of the observed SSY data. Reducing these uncertainties will be the effort in the follow-up of the research.
Older African American Men’s Perspectives on Factors That Influence Type 2 Diabetes Self-Management and Peer-Led Interventions
Authors: Hawkins Jaclynn , Mitchell Jamie , Piatt Gretchen , Ellis Deborah
Published: July 2018

Older African American men are at increased risk of Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) but demonstrate high rates of poor illness management. They also participate in interventions targeting illness management at extremely low rates and are at high risk for dropout from clinical trials. One modifiable factor that has been identified in the literature that contributes to these disparities is health beliefs particular to men. Yet, despite the fact that illness management interventions have been developed to meet the needs of African Americans, none have followed recommendations to use gender-sensitive programming to meet the needs of men. The primary aim of this study was to advance our understanding of the intersection of age, race/ethnicity and gender on T2D self-management among older African American men, and to explore their preferences for a peer-led T2D self-management intervention. Two focus groups were conducted with older African American men (n = 12) over a 6-month period. Sessions lasted 90 min, were audiotaped, and analyzed using thematic content analysis techniques. The most prominent themes included: (a) the influence of gendered values and beliefs on health behavior; (b) quantity and quality of patient-provider communication; (c) social and structural barriers to T2D self-management; and (d) preferences for peer-led T2D self-management interventions. Results suggest that these themes may be particularly salient for T2D self-management in older African American men, and that this population may be receptive to a peer-led T2D self-management intervention.
Occurrence and Toxicological Risk Assessment of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Heavy Metals in Drinking Water Resources of Southern China
Authors: Yan Muting , Nie Huayue , Wang Wenjing , Huang Yumei , Wang Jun
Published: July 2018

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals exposure is related to a variety of diseases and cancer development, posing a great health risk to humans. In this study, water samples were collected from nine important water sources in Guangdong, Guangxi and Hainan provinces to determine the degree of PAHs and heavy metals contamination. Overall, the total contents of 16 PAHs and heavy metals were found within the permissible levels. In human health risk assessment, the benzo(a)pyrene equivalent concentration (BaPeq) presented a much lower level than the guideline values announced by Chinese Environmental Protection Agency (CEPA) and United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), demonstrating that the PAHs contamination level in drinking water was mostly acceptable. For heavy metals, the Chronic daily intake (CDI), hazard quotient (HQ) or hazard index (HI) suggested that the water quality in nine water sources was desirable and did not present a risk to human health.
Epidemiology of Suicide and the Psychiatric Perspective
Authors: Bachmann Silke
Published: July 2018

Suicide is a worldwide phenomenon. This review is based on a literature search of the World Health Organization (WHO) databases and PubMed. According to the WHO, in 2015, about 800,000 suicides were documented worldwide, and globally 78% of all completed suicides occur in low- and middle-income countries. Overall, suicides account for 1.4% of premature deaths worldwide. Differences arise between regions and countries with respect to the age, gender, and socioeconomic status of the individual and the respective country, method of suicide, and access to health care. During the second and third decades of life, suicide is the second leading cause of death. Completed suicides are three times more common in males than females; for suicide attempts, an inverse ratio can be found. Suicide attempts are up to 30 times more common compared to suicides; they are however important predictors of repeated attempts as well as completed suicides. Overall, suicide rates vary among the sexes and across lifetimes, whereas methods differ according to countries. The most commonly used methods are hanging, self-poisoning with pesticides, and use of firearms. The majority of suicides worldwide are related to psychiatric diseases. Among those, depression, substance use, and psychosis constitute the most relevant risk factors, but also anxiety, personality-, eating- and trauma-related disorders as well as organic mental disorders significantly add to unnatural causes of death compared to the general population. Overall, the matter at hand is relatively complex and a significant amount of underreporting is likely to be present. Nevertheless, suicides can, at least partially, be prevented by restricting access to means of suicide, by training primary care physicians and health workers to identify people at risk as well as to assess and manage respective crises, provide adequate follow-up care and address the way this is reported by the media. Suicidality represents a major societal and health care problem; it thus should be given a high priority in many realms.
A Multi-Stakeholder Perspective on the Integration of Safety in University Nursing, Education, and Engineering Curricula
Authors: Rothmore Paul , Saniotis Arthur , Pisaniello Dino
Published: July 2018

Improvement in workplace safety is dependent upon the active engagement of workforce leaders and designers. The university sector plays a key role in the education of these future leaders, and there is an expectation that safety education in universities will encompass more than just a safe learning environment—that is the nurturing of broader safety attitudes and awareness. However, with the exception of dedicated safety training programs, safety education is often delivered and assessed on an ad-hoc basis and at academic discretion. This is partly due to the absence of a simple tool with which curricula can be evaluated from a safety perspective. In a qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews were undertaken with multiple stakeholders (academics, professional organizations, and students) to determine their views on existing safety content in university curricula and on the level of preparedness, from a safety perspective, for workforce entry. University participants came from nursing, mechanical engineering, and education schools at three universities. A simple curriculum evaluative tool was also validated. Results indicated there were divergent views on the level of preparedness for workforce entry both between schools and stakeholder groups. However, the limitations of university curricula were acknowledged. The evaluation tool was shown to provide positive feedback on existing, but previously unacknowledged, safety content and also highlighted areas for future improvement and integration. However, voluntary utilization of the tool was a challenge for busy academics.
To Buy or Not to Buy? Consumer Attitudes and Purchase Intentions for Suboptimal Food
Authors: Wong Song-Lin , Hsu Cheng-Chin , Chen Han-Shen
Published: July 2018

Food system and food safety have drawn spontaneous global attention due to the effect of substantial environmental concerns. Three billion tons of food are wasted every year, estimated as being a third of all produced food. The production of much of this waste is directly linked to the unwillingness to sell, purchase, and consume suboptimal food that have deviated from regular products in terms of appearance standards, date labeling, or damaged packaging. Yet empirical research on this issue is scarce. This study aims to develop an extended Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) research model, which includes environmental concern and sensory appeal to predict consumers’ purchase intention to suboptimal foods. A total of 539 respondents collected in Taiwan as data input. The empirical results of structural equation modeling (SEM) indicate that consumers’ attitude was the main predictor of their intention to purchase suboptimal foods. Interestingly, this research showed that both perceived behavioral control and subjective norms were not significant predictors of intention. Furthermore, adding environmental concern and sensory appeal as the additional constructs to the TPB significantly increased the explanatory power of the standard model. These findings provide important insights for suboptimal food and useful recommendations for marketing channels, suggesting that promotion of suboptimal food may be the key to potential business.
miR-196a Is Able to Restore the Aggressive Phenotype of Annexin A1 Knock-Out in Pancreatic Cancer Cells by CRISPR/Cas9 Genome Editing
Authors: Belvedere Raffaella , Saggese Pasquale , Pessolano Emanuela , Memoli Domenico , Bizzarro Valentina , Rizzo Francesca , Parente Luca , Weisz Alessandro , Petrella Antonello
Published: July 2018

Annexin A1 (ANXA1) is a Ca2+-binding protein that is involved in pancreatic cancer (PC) progression. It is able to mediate cytoskeletal organization maintaining a malignant phenotype. Our previous studies showed that ANXA1 Knock-Out (KO) MIA PaCa-2 cells partially lost their migratory and invasive capabilities and also the metastatization process appeared affected in vivo. Here, we investigated the microRNA (miRNA) profile in ANXA1 KO cells finding that the modification in miRNA expression suggests the significant involvement of ANXA1 in PC development. In this study, we focused on miR-196a which appeared down modulated in absence of ANXA1. This miRNA is a well known oncogenic factor in several tumour models and it is able to trigger the agents of the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), like ANXA1. Our results show that the reintroduction in ANXA1 KO cells of miR-196a through the mimic sequence restored the early aggressive phenotype of MIA PaCa-2. Then, ANXA1 seems to support the expression of miR-196a and its role. On the other hand, this miRNA is able to mediate cytoskeletal dynamics and other protein functions promoting PC cell migration and invasion. This work describes the correlation between ANXA1 and specific miRNA sequences, particularly miR-196a. These results could lead to further information on ANXA1 intracellular role in PC, explaining other aspects that are apart from its tumorigenic behaviour.
Schisandra chinensis Fructus and Its Active Ingredients as Promising Resources for the Treatment of Neurological Diseases
Authors: Zhang Minyu , Xu Liping , Yang Hongjun
Published: July 2018

Neurological diseases (NDs) are a leading cause of death worldwide and tend to mainly affect people under the age of 50. High rates of premature death and disability caused by NDs undoubtedly constrain societal development. However, effective therapeutic drugs and methods are very limited. Schisandra chinensis Fructus (SCF) is the dry ripe fruit of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill, which has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. Recent research has indicated that SCF and its active ingredients show a protective role in NDs, including cerebrovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, or depression. The key neuroprotective mechanisms of SCF and its active ingredients have been demonstrated to include antioxidation, suppression of apoptosis, anti-inflammation, regulation of neurotransmitters, and modulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) related pathways. This paper summarizes studies of the role of SCF and its active ingredients in protecting against NDs, and highlights them as promising resources for future treatment. Furthermore, novel insights on the future challenges of SCF and its active ingredients are offered.
The Production of Human β-Glucocerebrosidase in Nicotiana benthamiana Root Culture
Authors: Naphatsamon Uthailak , Ohashi Takao , Misaki Ryo , Fujiyama Kazuhito
Published: July 2018

Gaucher disease is caused by a deficiency of the enzyme glucocerebrosidase (GCase). Currently, enzyme-replacement therapy using recombinant GCase produced in mammalian cells is considered the most effective treatment. Plants are an attractive alternative host for recombinant protein production due to the low cost of large-scale production and lack of risk of contamination by human pathogens. Compared to whole plants, root cultures can grow faster. Therefore, this study aimed to produce recombinant GCase in a Nicotiana benthamiana root culture. Root culture of a GCase-producing transgenic plant was induced by indole-3-acetic acid at the concentration of 1 mg/L. Recombinant GCase was successfully produced in roots as a functional protein with an enzyme activity equal to 81.40 ± 17.99 units/mg total protein. Crude proteins were extracted from the roots. Recombinant GCase could be purified by concanavalin A and phenyl 650C chromatography. The productivity of GCase was approximately 1 µg/g of the root. A N-glycan analysis of purified GCase was performed using nano LC/MS. The Man3XylFucGlcNAc2 structure was predominant in purified GCase with two plant-specific glycan residues. This study presents evidence for a new, safe and efficient system of recombinant GCase production that might be applied to other recombinant proteins.
Abnormal Hippocampal Melatoninergic System: A Potential Link between Absence Epilepsy and Depression-Like Behavior in WAG/Rij Rats?
Authors: Moyanova Slavianka , De Fusco Antonio , Santolini Ines , Celli Roberta , Bucci Domenico , Mastroiacovo Federica , Battaglia Giuseppe , Nicoletti Ferdinando , Tchekalarova Jane
Published: July 2018

Absence epilepsy and depression are comorbid disorders, but the molecular link between the two disorders is unknown. Here, we examined the role of the melatoninergic system in the pathophysiology of spike and wave discharges (SWDs) and depression-like behaviour in the Wistar Albino Glaxo from Rijswijk (WAG/Rij) rat model of absence epilepsy. In WAG/Rij rats, SWD incidence was higher during the dark period of the light-dark cycle, in agreement with previous findings. However, neither pinealectomy nor melatonin administration had any effect on SWD incidence, suggesting that the melatoninergic system was not involved in the pathophysiology of absence-like seizures. Endogenous melatonin levels were lower in the hippocampus of WAG/Rij rats as compared to non-epileptic control rats, and this was associated with higher levels of melatonin receptors in the hippocampus, but not in the thalamus. In line with the reduced melatonin levels, cell density was lower in the hippocampus of WAG/Rij rats and was further reduced by pinealectomy. As expected, WAG/Rij rats showed an increased depression-like behaviour in the sucrose preference and forced swim tests, as compared to non-epileptic controls. Pinealectomy abolished the difference between the two strains of rats by enhancing depression-like behaviour in non-epileptic controls. Melatonin replacement displayed a significant antidepressant-like effect in both WAG/Rij and control rats. These findings suggest that a defect of hippocampal melatoninergic system may be one of the mechanisms underlying the depression-like phenotype in WAG/Rij rats and that activation of melatonin receptors might represent a valuable strategy in the treatment of depression associated with absence epilepsy.
Quantum Mechanics/Molecular Mechanics Studies on the Relative Reactivities of Compound I and II in Cytochrome P450 Enzymes
Authors: Postils Verònica , Saint-André Maud , Timmins Amy , Li Xiao-Xi , Wang Yong , Luis Josep M. , Solà Miquel , De Visser Sam P.
Published: July 2018

The cytochromes P450 are drug metabolizing enzymes in the body that typically react with substrates through a monoxygenation reaction. During the catalytic cycle two reduction and protonation steps generate a high-valent iron (IV)-oxo heme cation radical species called Compound I. However, with sufficient reduction equivalents present, the catalytic cycle should be able to continue to the reduced species of Compound I, called Compound II, rather than a reaction of Compound I with substrate. In particular, since electron transfer is usually on faster timescales than atom transfer, we considered this process feasible and decided to investigate the reaction computationally. In this work we present a computational study using density functional theory methods on active site model complexes alongside quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics calculations on full enzyme structures of cytochrome P450 enzymes. Specifically, we focus on the relative reactivity of Compound I and II with a model substrate for O–H bond activation. We show that generally the barrier heights for hydrogen atom abstraction are higher in energy for Compound II than Compound I for O–H bond activation. Nevertheless, for the activation of such bonds, Compound II should still be an active oxidant under enzymatic conditions. As such, our computational modelling predicts that under high-reduction environments the cytochromes P450 can react with substrates via Compound II but the rates will be much slower.
A Child with a c.6923_6928dup (p.Arg2308_Met2309dup) SPTAN1 Mutation Associated with a Severe Early Infantile Epileptic Encephalopathy
Authors: Rapaccini Valentina , Esposito Susanna , Strinati Francesco , Allegretti Mariella , Manfroi Elisabetta , Miconi Francesco , Pitzianti Mariabernarda , Prontera Paolo , Principi Nicola , Pasini Augusto
Published: July 2018

Early infantile epileptic encephalopathies (EIEEs) are a group of neurological disorders characterized by early-onset refractory seizures, severe electroencephalographic abnormalities, and developmental delay or intellectual disability. Recently, genetic studies have indicated that a significant portion of previously cryptogenic EIEEs are single-gene disorders. SPTAN1 is among the genes whose mutations are associated with EIEE development (OMIM# 613477). Here, a case of the c.6923_6928dup (p.Arg2308_Met2309dup) SPTAN1 mutation associated with a severe EIEE is reported. This case shows that mutations in the α20 repeat in the C-terminal of αII spectrin can be associated with EIEE. Duplication seems essential to cause EIEE. This causation is not demonstrated for amino acid deletions in the same spectrin residues. Reportedly, children with p.(Asp2303_Leu2305del) and p.(Gln2304_Gly2306del) deletions have childhood-onset epilepsy and no or marginal magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities, suggesting that not only the location but also the type of mutation plays a role in conditioning nervous system damage. Further studies are needed for a better understanding of the phenotype/genotype correlation in SPTAN1-related encephalopathies.
Gold Nanoparticles in Diagnostics and Therapeutics for Human Cancer
Authors: Singh Priyanka , Pandit Santosh , Mokkapati V.R.S.S. , Garg Abhroop , Ravikumar Vaishnavi , Mijakovic Ivan
Published: July 2018

The application of nanotechnology for the treatment of cancer is mostly based on early tumor detection and diagnosis by nanodevices capable of selective targeting and delivery of chemotherapeutic drugs to the specific tumor site. Due to the remarkable properties of gold nanoparticles, they have long been considered as a potential tool for diagnosis of various cancers and for drug delivery applications. These properties include high surface area to volume ratio, surface plasmon resonance, surface chemistry and multi-functionalization, facile synthesis, and stable nature. Moreover, the non-toxic and non-immunogenic nature of gold nanoparticles and the high permeability and retention effect provide additional benefits by enabling easy penetration and accumulation of drugs at the tumor sites. Various innovative approaches with gold nanoparticles are under development. In this review, we provide an overview of recent progress made in the application of gold nanoparticles in the treatment of cancer by tumor detection, drug delivery, imaging, photothermal and photodynamic therapy and their current limitations in terms of bioavailability and the fate of the nanoparticles.
Building up and Characterization of Calcined Marl-Based Geopolymeric Cement
Authors: El-Habaak Galal , Askalany Mohamed , Abdel-Hakeem Mahmoud
Published: July 2018

The present study mainly investigates the synthesis of calcined marl-based geopolymeric cement under different synthesis conditions including NaOH concentration, sodium silicate (SS)/sodium hydroxide (SH) mass ratios, solid (S)/liquid (L) mass ratios, calcination temperatures, curing temperatures, curing times, and aging intervals. The studied head sample was obtained from the Abu-Tartur phosphate mine in the Western Desert of Egypt and subjected to chemical and mineralogical characterizations using X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform–infrared spectroscopy (FT–IR). Regarding calcination, this was conducted at 550, 650, 750, and 850 °C for one hour and resulted in thermal decomposition of calcite and saponite and the formation of new mineral phases including anthophyllite, wollastonite, and silica. On the other hand, the geopolymerization process was initiated by mixing the calcined marl sample with the alkali activation solution at different mixing ratios and varying curing conditions. The compressive strength measurements indicate that 750 °C, 12 M NaOH, 0.6 SS/SH mass ratio, 2 S/L mass ratio, 80 °C curing temperature, 12 h curing time, and 28 days aging time are considered all to be the optimum synthesis conditions of the Abu-Tartur calcined marl-based geopolymer.
Asymptomatic Host Plant Infection by the Widespread Pathogen Botrytis cinerea Alters the Life Histories, Behaviors, and Interactions of an Aphid and Its Natural Enemies
Authors: Ngah Norhayati , Thomas Rebecca L. , Shaw Michael W. , Fellowes Mark D. E.
Published: July 2018

Plant pathogens can profoundly affect host plant quality as perceived by their insect herbivores, with potentially far-reaching implications for the ecology and structure of insect communities. Changes in host plants may have direct effects on the life-histories of their insect herbivores, which can then influence their value as prey to their natural enemies. While there have been many studies that have explored the effects of infection when plants show symptoms of disease, little is understood about how unexpressed infection may affect interactions at higher trophic levels. We examined how systemic, asymptomatic, and seed-borne infection by the ubiquitous plant pathogen Botrytis cinerea, infecting two varieties of the lettuce Lactuca sativa, affected aphids (the green peach aphid, Myzus persicae) and two widely used biocontrol agents (the parasitoid Aphidius colemani and the ladybird predator Adalia bipunctata). Lettuce varieties differed in host plant quality. Asymptomatic infection reduced chlorophyll content and dry weight of host plants, irrespective of plant variety. Aphids reared on asymptomatic plants were smaller, had reduced off-plant survival time and were less fecund than aphids reared on uninfected plants. Parasitoids showed reduced attack rates on asymptomatically infected plants, and wasps emerging from hosts reared on such plants were smaller and showed reduced starvation resistance. When given a choice in an olfactometer, aphids preferentially chose uninfected plants of one variety (Tom Thumb) but showed no preference with the second (Little Gem) variety. Parasitoids preferentially chose aphids on uninfected plants, irrespective of host plant variety, but ladybirds did not show any such preference. These results suggest that the reduced quality of plants asymptomatically infected by Botrytis cinerea negatively affects the life history of aphids and their parasitoids, and alters the behaviors of aphids and parasitoids, but not of ladybirds. Fungal pathogens are ubiquitous in nature, and this work shows that even when host plants are yet to show symptoms, pathogens can affect interactions between insect herbivores and their natural enemies. This is likely to have important implications for the success of biological control programs.
On the Structure and Mechanical Properties of Multilayered Composite, Obtained by Explosive Welding of High-Strength Titanium Alloys
Authors: Lazurenko Daria V. , Bataev Ivan , Maliutina Iulia , Kuz’min Ruslan , Mali Vyacheslav , Esikov Maksim , Kornienko Elena
Published: July 2018

One of the ways to simultaneously increase the strength and the fracture and impact toughness of structural materials is by producing multilayered materials. In this paper we discuss the structure and properties of a seven-layer composite obtained by explosive welding of high-strength titanium alloys. The structure of the composite was characterized using light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). At the interfaces between plates, formation of waves and vortices was observed. The wave formation is discussed with respect to the kinetic energy loss. The vortices consisted of a mixture of two alloys and possessed a martensitic structure comprising α′ and β phases of titanium. Localized plastic deformation occurred along the interfaces during explosive welding by formation of shear bands. The most intensive shear banding occurred in the vicinity of the upper interfaces. The local hardness at the interfaces increased due to the formation of the quenched structures. The interfaces between titanium alloys positively influenced the impact toughness of the composite, which increased in comparison with that of bulk titanium alloys by a factor of 3.5. The strength characteristics of the composite remained at the same level as that of the bulk material (1100–1200 MPa).
Highly Ductile and Ultra-Thick P-Doped FeSiB Amorphous Alloys with Excellent Soft Magnetic Properties
Authors: Li Zongzhen , Zhou Shaoxiong , Zhang Guangqiang , Zheng Wei
Published: July 2018

Herein, we demonstrate the successful synthesis of novel Fe80Si9B(11−x)Px (x = 0, 1, 3, 5, 7) ultra-thick amorphous ribbons by planar flow casting. The influence of P alloying on glass forming ability (GFA), microstructure, thermal stability, soft magnetic properties, and ductility has been systematically investigated. The results reveal that introduction of P into Fe80Si9B11 alloy can remarkably enhance the GFA and increase critical thickness (tc) of the alloy from 45 to 89 um. Furthermore, the annealed FeSiBP amorphous alloys exhibited excellent soft magnetic properties, including high saturation magnetic flux density of 1.54 T, the low coercivity of 1.5 A/m, and low core losses of 0.15 W/kg. In addition, the representative Fe80Si9B8P3 ultra-thick amorphous alloy demonstrate excellent ductility even after annealing at 400 °C for 10 min, which indicates the superior performance of P-doped FeSiB alloys as compared to the commercial Fe78Si9B13 (Metglas 2605 S2) alloy. The combination of high GFA, excellent ductility, and low core losses of newly developed FeSiBP amorphous soft magnetic alloys makes them attractive candidates for magnetic applications in the high-frequency and high-speed electric devices.
Surface Modifications of Nanoparticles for Stability in Biological Fluids
Authors: Guerrini Luca , Alvarez-Puebla Ramon A. , Pazos-Perez Nicolas
Published: July 2018

Due to the high surface: volume ratio and the extraordinary properties arising from the nanoscale (optical, electric, magnetic, etc.), nanoparticles (NPs) are excellent candidates for multiple applications. In this context, nanoscience is opening a wide range of modern technologies in biological and biomedical fields, among others. However, one of the main drawbacks that still delays its fast evolution and effectiveness is related to the behavior of nanomaterials in the presence of biological fluids. Unfortunately, biological fluids are characterized by high ionic strengths which usually induce NP aggregation. Besides this problem, the high content in biomacromolecules—such as lipids, sugars, nucleic acids and, especially, proteins—also affects NP stability and its viability for some applications due to, for example, the formation of the protein corona around the NPs. Here, we will review the most common strategies to achieve stable NPs dispersions in high ionic strength fluids and, also, antifouling strategies to avoid the protein adsorption.
Transsphenoidal surgery for prolactinomas: results and prognosis
Authors: Šinkūnas Kęstutis , Rastenytė Daiva , Deltuva Vytenis , Knispelis Robertas , Tamašauskas Arimantas
Published: July 2018

Objective. The aim of this study was to explore the long-term outcomes of surgery for transsphenoidal prolactinomas and the factors that influence them. Material and methods. Transsphenoidal approach for pituitary adenomas has been applied to 329 patients in the Department of Neurosurgery of Kaunas University of Medicine Hospital in the period of 1995 to 2006. Of these, 85 patients were operated for prolactinomas. Results. Of the 85 patients operated on for prolactinomas, 68 (80%) were females and 17 (20%) were males. Thirty-two microprolactinomas and 36 macroprolactinomas were diagnosed in women and 16 and 1, respectively, in men. Twenty (23.5%) patients (16 women and 4 men) had visual field defects before the operation. Dopamine agonist therapy was administered in 50 patients (38 women and 12 men) before the operation. Of 10 women, in whom microadenoma was diagnosed and no dopamine agonist therapy was prescribed, remission was achieved in 9 (90%) patients after the operation, while of 22 women, who was treated with dopamine agonists before the operation, remission was achieved only in 10 (45.5%) (P=0.01). Each year of age decreased the chance of remission by 8%. Conclusions. Remission after the surgical treatment was achieved in 11.8% of men and 47.1% of women hyperprowith prolactinomas. Remission rate was very high (90%) among women with microprolactinoma not treated with dopamine agonist before the surgical treatment. The probability of a good outcome of surgery among women with prolactinoma was related to younger age of the patient, noninvasive tumor growth, plasma prolactin level less than 2309 mU/L, and no use of dopamine agonist before the surgical treatment.
Changes of electrocardiographic and echocardiographic data after early and late mechanical recanalization of infarct-related artery with and without stent implantation
Authors: Kalinauskienė Eglė , Naudžiūnas Albinas , Navickas Ramūnas , Jankauskienė Laima , Pilvinis Vidas , Janavičius Arnoldas , Grinius Virginijus , Unikas Ramūnas
Published: July 2018

Objective. To show differences in the changes of electrocardiographic and echocardiographic data after early and late mechanical recanalization of infarct related artery with and without stent implantation and to assess the value of QRS score in the follow-up period. Material and methods. A total of 248 consecutive patients were divided into these groups: early angioplasty (≤24 hours) without stents (n=114) or with stents (n=6) and later (>24 hours) angioplasty without stents (n=114) or with stents (n=14). The changes in QRS score and echocardiographic left ventricular ejection fraction during the hospital and 3-month follow-up periods were compared between the groups. Results. QRS score did not increase in a hospital in early or late angioplasty with stents groups, while in the groups without stents especially of early angioplasty increased (2.6±2.5 vs. 3.6±2.4, P=0.001). Left ventricular ejection fraction increased after 3 months only in early angioplasty groups especially with stents (30.0±3.5 vs. 38.4±5.2, P=0.008), but there were no significant differences between the QRS score at discharge and after 3 months (5.4±4.3 vs. 5.0±1.9). Conclusions. Myocardial injury did not increase in a hospital in the cases of early or late angioplasty with stents, while in the cases without stents increased. Left ventricular ejection fraction increased after 3 months only in the cases of early angioplasty especially with the stent implantation, but the QRS score showed no differences, so the QRS score may be not predictive of improvement in ejection fraction at follow-up.