bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
 Anatomy, Age and Origin of an Intramontane Top Basin Surface (Sorbas Basin, Betic Cordillera, SE Spain)
Authors: Stokes Martin , Mather Anne E. , Rodés Ángel , Kearsey Samantha H. , Lewin Shaun
Published: July 2018

Collisional mountain belts commonly develop intramontane basins from mechanical and isostatic subsidence during orogenic These frequently display a relict top surface, evidencing a change  interval from basin infilling  to erosion often via  capture  or overspill.  Such surfaces provide  markers  that  inform  on orogenic  growth patterns  via  climate  and  base level Here, we describe the top surface from the Sorbas Basin, a key intramontane basin within the Betic Cordillera (SE Spain). The surface is fragmentary comprising high elevation hilltops and discontinuous ridges developed onto the variably deformed final basin infill outcrop (Gochar Formation). We reconstruct surface configuration using DEM interpolation and apply 10Be/26Al cosmonuclides to assess surface formation The surface is an Early Pleistocene erosional pediment developed via autogenic switching of alluvial fan streams under stable dryland climate and base level Base level lowering since the Middle Pleistocene focused headwards incision up interfan drainages, culminating in fan head capture and fan morphological preservation within the abandoned Post abandonment erosion has lowered the basin surface by 31 m (average) and removed ~5.95 km3 of fill. Regional basin comparisons reveal a phase of Early Pleistocene surface formation, marking landscape stability following the most recent Pliocene-Early Pleistocene mountain Post-surface erosion rate quantification is low and in accordance with 10Be denudation rates typical of the low uplift Betic
Flood Prevention and Emergency Response System Powered by Google Earth Engine
Authors: Liu Cheng-Chien , Shieh Ming-Chang , Ko Ming-Hsun , Wang Kung-Hwa
Published: July 2018

This paper reports the efforts made and experiences gained in developing the Flood Prevention and Emergency Response System (FPERS) powered by Google Earth Engine, with focus on its applications at the three stages of floods. At the post-flood stage, FPERS integrates various remote sensing imageries, including Formosat-2 optical imagery, to detect and monitor barrier lakes, synthetic aperture radar imagery to derive an inundation map, and high-spatial-resolution photographs taken by unmanned aerial vehicles to evaluate damage to river channels and structures. At the pre-flood stage, a huge amount of geospatial data are integrated in FPERS and are categorized as typhoon forecast and archive, disaster prevention and warning, disaster events and analysis, or basic data and layers. At the during-flood stage, three strategies are implemented to facilitate the access of the real-time data: presenting the key information, making a sound recommendation, and supporting the decision-making. The example of Typhoon Soudelor in August of 2015 is used to demonstrate how FPERS was employed to support the work of flood prevention and emergency response from 2013 to 2016. The capability of switching among different topographic models and the flexibility of managing and searching data through a geospatial database are also explained, and suggestions are made for future works.
Hydrogen Sulfide-Releasing Fibrous Membranes: Potential Patches for Stimulating the Human Stem Cells Proliferation and Viability Under Oxidative Stress.
Authors: Cacciotti Ilaria , Ciocci Matteo , Di Giovanni Emilia , Nanni Francesca , Melino Sonia
Published: July 2018

The design of biomaterial platforms able to release bioactive molecules is mandatory in tissue repair and regenerative medicine. In this context, electrospinning is a user-friendly, versatile and low-cost technique, able to process different kinds of materials in micro- and nano-fibers with a large surface area-to-volume ratio for an optimal release of gaseous signalling molecules. Recently, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the endogenous gasotramsmitter hydrogen sulfide (H2S), as well as its ability to stimulate relevant biochemical processes on the growth of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), have been investigated. Therefore, in this work, new poly(lactic) acid fibrous membranes (PFM), doped and functionalized with H2S slow-releasing donors extracted from garlic, were synthetized. These innovative H2S-releasing mats were characterized for their morphological, thermal, mechanical and biological properties. Their antimicrobial activity and effects on the in vitro human cardiac MSC growth, either in the presence or in the absence of oxidative stress, were here assessed. On the basis of the results here presented, these new H2S-releasing PFM could represent promising and low-cost scaffolds or patches for biomedical applications in tissue repair.
Stress Relaxation Properties and Microscopic Deformation Structure in Bending of the C7025 and C7035 Alloy
Authors: Xiao Xiangpeng , Xu Hai , Huang Jian , Wang Junfeng , Zhang Jianbo
Published: July 2018

Stress relaxation tests in cantilever bending were performed on the C7025 and C7035 alloys at 298K and 393K，respectively. The effect of stress-relief treatments on stress relaxation properties was investigated. The structural changes associated with the stress relaxation process were examined using transmission electron microscope. The stress relaxation curve fits well to empirical formula σ*=[Kˊln(t+α0)+C]-n for stress relaxation. The curves can be split into two stages. The stress relax quickly in the first stage, slows down in the second stage, and tends to be a certain limit value after a long time. The curve and microstructure reveals that the C7035 alloy has a lower rate of stress relaxation and a higher anti-stress relaxation capacity than the C7025. The first reason is that the movement of vacancies required by spinodal decomposition is inhibited, and the quantity of cobalt -containing vacancies decreases dramatically in the C7035 alloy. The other reason is that the precipitated phases became uniformly diffused in the C7035 alloy. The precipitate phase uniformly distributes in the grain boundaries and the matrix, during the relaxed condition, and thus the dislocations moving is blocked by the precipitates.
Learning to See the Vibration: a Neural Network for Vibration Frequency Prediction
Authors: Liu Jiantao , Yang Xiaoxiang
Published: July 2018

Vibration measurement serves as the basis for various engineering practices such as natural frequency or resonant frequency estimation. As image acquisition devices become cheaper and faster, vibration measurement and frequency estimation through image sequence analysis continue to receive increasing attention. In the conventional photogrammetry and optical methods of frequency measurement, vibration signals are first extracted before implementing the vibration frequency analysis algorithm. In this work, we demonstrated that frequency prediction can be achieved using a single feed-forward convolutional neural network. The proposed method is verified using a vibration signal generator and excitation system, and the result obtained was compared with that of an industrial contact vibrometer in a real application. Our experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method can achieve acceptable prediction accuracy even in unfavorable field conditions.
Helical Actuators Inspired by Chiral Seedpod Opening and Tendril Coiling
Authors: Wan Guangchao , Jin Congran , Trase Ian , Zhao Shan , Chen Zi
Published: July 2018

Actuators are essential components for intelligent machines that can fulfill certain tasks in response to environmental stimuli. In recent years, actuators that can transform from a 2D ribbon shape to a 3D helical configuration under certain external stimuli have attracted significant attention due to the potential applications of the targeted helical structures in springs, propulsion generation, and artificial muscles. Inspired by the chiral opening of Bauhinia variegate‘s seedpods and the coiling of the Towel Gourd tendril with perversions, researchers have made significant breakthroughs in synthesizing state-of-the-art actuators capable of mimicking helical transformations. In this review, we give a brief overview of the shape evolution mechanisms of these two plant structures and then review recent progress in the fabrication of biomimetic helical actuators. These structures are categorized by the stimuli-responsive materials involved, including hydrogels, liquid crystal networks/elastomers, shape memory polymers, and multiwall carbon nanotubes. By providing this survey on important recent advances along with our perspectives, we hope to solicit new inspirations and insights on the development and fabrication of smart actuators, as well as the future development of interdisciplinary research at the interface of physics, engineering, and biology.
Polyetheroaryl Oxadiazole/Pyridine-Based Ligands: A Structural Tuning for Enhancing G-Quadruplex Binding
Authors: Doria Filippo , Pirota Valentina , Petenzi Michele , Teulade Fichou Marie-Paule , Verga Daniela , Freccero Mauro
Published: July 2018

Acyclic olygoheteroaryl-based compounds represent a valuable class of ligands for nucleic acid recognition. In this regard, acyclic pyridyl polyoxazoles and polyoxadiazoles were recently identified as selective G-quadruplex stabilizing compounds with high cytotoxicity and promising anticancer activity. Herein, we describe the synthesis of a new family of polyheteroaryl oxadiazole/pyridine-ligands targeting DNA G-quadruplexes. In order to perform a structure-activity analysis identifying determinants of activity and selectivity, we followed a convergent synthetic pathway to modulate the nature and number of the heterocycles (1,3-oxazole vs 1,2,4-oxadiazole and pyridine vs benzene). Each ligand was evaluated towards secondary nucleic acid structures, which have been chosen as a prototype to mimic cancer-associated G-quadruplex structures (e.g., the human telomeric sequence, c-myc and c-kit promoters). Interesting, heptapyridyl-oxadiazole compounds showed preferential binding towards the telomeric sequence (22AG) in competitive conditions vs duplex DNA. In addition, G4-FID assays suggest a different binding mode from the classical stacking on the external G-quartet. Additionally, CD titrations in the presence of the two most promising compounds for affinity, TOxAzaPy and TOxAzaPhen, display a structural transition of 22AG in K-rich buffer. This investigation suggests that the pyridyl-oxadiazole motif is a promising recognition element for G-quadruplexes, combining seven heteroaryls in a single binding unit.
Pan-Cancer Analysis Reveals Differential Susceptibility of Bidirectional Gene Promoters to DNA Methylation, Somatic Mutations, and Copy Number Alterations
Authors: Thompson Jeffrey A. , Christensen Brock C. , Marsit Carmen J.
Published: July 2018

Bidirectional gene promoters affect the transcription of two genes, leading to the hypothesis that they should exhibit protection against genetic or epigenetic changes in cancer. Therefore, they provide an excellent opportunity to learn about promoter susceptibility to somatic alteration in tumors. We tested this hypothesis using data from genome-scale DNA methylation (14 cancer types), simple somatic mutation (10 cancer types), and copy number variation profiling (14 cancer types). For DNA methylation, the difference in rank differential methylation between tumor and tumor-adjacent normal matched samples based on promoter type was tested by Wilcoxon rank sum test. Logistic regression was used to compare differences in simple somatic mutations. For copy number alteration, a mixed effects logistic regression model was used. The change in methylation between non-diseased tissues and their tumor counterparts was significantly greater in single compared to bidirectional promoters across all 14 cancer types examined. Similarly, the extent of copy number alteration was greater in single gene compared to bidirectional promoters for all 14 cancer types. Furthermore, among 10 cancer types with available simple somatic mutation data, bidirectional promoters were slightly more susceptible. These results suggest that selective pressures related with specific functional impacts during carcinogenesis drive the susceptibility of promoter regions to somatic alteration.
Pathogen Species Identification from Metagenomes in Ancient Remains: the Challenge of Identifying Human Pathogenic Species of Trypanosomatidae Via Bioinformatic Tools
Authors: Sereno Denis , Dorkeld Franck , Akhoundi Mohammad , Perrin Pascale
Published: July 2018

Proper species identification from ancient DNA samples is a difficult task that sheds light on the evolutionary history of pathogenic microorganisms. The field of palaeomicrobiology has undoubtedly benefited from the advent of untargeted metagenomic approaches that use next-generation sequencing methodologies. Nevertheless, assigning ancient DNA at the species level is a challenging process. Recently, the gut microbiome analysis of three pre-Columbian Andean mummies [1](Santiago-Rodriguez et al. 2016) has called into question the identification of Leishmania in South America. Here, the metagenomic data filed in MG-RAST (Metagenomics RAST server) were used for a further attempt to identify members of the Trypanosomatidae family infecting these ancient remains. For this purpose, we used two metagenomic analysis tools. In the first step, data were analysed using the ultrafast metagenomic sequence classifier, based on exact alignment of k-mers (Kraken). In the second step, we used Bowtie2, an ultrafast and memory-efficient tool for aligning sequencing reads to long reference sequences. We then compared the output results. These approaches highlight some interesting findings on potential infections by human pathogenic trypanosomatids in these three pre-Columbian mummies.
ANALISIS KOMPETENSI PAMONG BELAJAR DI SANGGAR KEGIATAN BELAJAR (SKB) JAWA TENGAH
Authors: Sukarman Sukarman
Published: July 2018

The purpose of this research is to know the correlation of the competence of learning mentors in District Learning Center and the contribution of education level, job experience, training, attitude to the profession and working climate toward the learning mentorâ€™s competence. The population covers 328 learning mentors and the samples include 92 learning mentors from 11 out of 29. The data are collected using questionaires and analyzed using partial correlations and multiply regression techniques. The finding shows, signficant correlations betwen those four variables and the competence of the learning mentors.
KONSEP PENILAIAN BAGI PARA PAMONG BELAJAR DALAM RANGKA PENGENDALIAN MUTU DAN DAMPAK PROGRAM PNF
Authors: Akbar Maâ€™ruf
Published: July 2018

Learning mentor has an important role in implementing NFE programs, especially as a technical functional operator, learning model developer, instructor and evaluator. They should be able to do the evaluation in order to control the quality and the implementation impact of NFE programs. NFE provides educational services which have to be improved continuously in the aspects of planning, implementation, learning achievment and the outcome.
MENYAMBUT SEKOLAH RUMAH (HOMESCHOOLING) DALAM SISTEM PENDIDIKAN NASIONAL DI INDONESIA
Authors: Rasyid Harun Al
Published: July 2018

Homeschooling practice in Indonesia has just started in 2006. There are many reasons and philosophies in the presence of home schooling, both internally such as family and students, and externally such as educational considerations. In at least, there are three types of homeschooling, they are: (1) homeschooling for pre-school children, (2) homeschooling as the substitution and complementation to formal school and (3) homeschooling as a sustainable education program. As a new category in the formal education practice in Indonesia, the presence of homeschooling should immediately be set up its connectivity model with national education system within its holistic view. It will need a comprehensively conceptual, theoretical, and philosophical consideration being the foundation of homeschooling practice so that homeschooling may run in the normative path of education. In the other hand, there is a necessity for supporting regulations, policies and action plan, which would guarantee the continuity and development of homeschooling in Indonesia. Therefore, homeschooling contributions within national education system may soon be used effectively in the efforts of promoting the intellectual life of the nation.
PEMBINAAN DIRI PTK-PNF BERWAJAH HUMANIS KOMUNIKATIF
Authors: Mulyana Enceng
Published: July 2018

This article describes that self management preferably needs to be done by all human, including PTK PNF. The performance of humanistic and communicative behavior determines the success of professional tasks. The principles to be used are emotional control, active reaction, and refreshing and to confirm the learning process to be active, creative, effective, joyful, and also innovative.
MODEL HIPOTESIS PENERAPAN SATUAN KREDIT KOMPETENSI (SKK) PADA PROGRAM PENDIDIKAN KESETARAAN
Authors: Supriyono Supriyono
Published: July 2018

Based on the regulation of Minister of National Education, No. 14 of 2007 about the standard content for the program of A, B, and C packages, the attainment of learning achievement competence, named as the unit of competence credit (SKK) has been regulated. The system of SKK at equivalency is education in different from semester credit system (SKS) at higher education. This article discusses SKK introducing an implementation model by distributing the learning loads on each competence unit or sub unit into SKK unit. SKK system will enable to implement various flexibility competence and excellence competence of nonformal education. Besides, several learning models in nonformal education can be integrated in one interconnected system, i.e. SKK and national examination of equivalency education.
MİMAR CEVAT ÜLGER’İN YAŞAMI VE SANAT ANLAYIŞI
Authors: Oral Bülent , Erçetin Sedat
Published: July 2018

Cumhuriyet’in ilanından
sonraki gelişmeler, Osmanlı Devleti’nin son dönemlerinde başlayan güçlü değişim
taleplerinin kurumsal ve hukuki zeminini yaratmıştır. Bu dönemde modern,
klasik, ulusal ve eklektik yaklaşımlar gösteren mimar sanatçılar yetişmiştir. Bu
sanatçı mimarlardan biri de Cevat Ülger’dir. Cevat Ülger mimari, resim, hat,
tasarım ve karikatür gibi çok çeşitli ilgi alanlarına sahip bir kişidir. Ülger,
çoğunlukla geleneksel bir anlayış içinde olmakla beraber özgün nitelikte
çizgisel özellikler gösteren yaklaşımlara sahip çalışmaların da bulunduğu
mimari yapılar inşa etmiştir. Cevat Ülger içinde bulunduğu dönemin sanat
koşullarını iyi analiz etmiş ve bu paralelde eserler verme çabası içinde olmuştur.
Mimari detaylarda Ülger çoğunlukla geleneksel mimari çizgiler ile modern mimari
yaklaşımları buluşturmaya yönelik yaklaşımlar sergilenmiştir. Mimari yapıları
dışındaki çalışmalarında modern sanatın etkileri daha belirgindir. Ülger erken
denebilecek bir yaşta hayatını kaybetmiş olmasına karşın yaşadığı sürece özgün
bir sanat anlayışı oluşturma çabası içinde tutarlı bir gelişim göstermiştir.
Novel composite sorbents based on carbon fibers decorated with ferric hydroxides – simultaneous removal of antimonate and arsenate from aqueous solutions
Authors: Simsek Esra Bilgin , Demircivi Pelin , Novak Ivan , Berek Dusan , Beker Ulker
Published: July 2018

The competitive adsorption of antimonate and arsenate on carbon fibers decorated with ferric hydroxide (CF-Fe) has been investigated at different pH and temperatures. Tap and drinking water samples spiked with unitary and binary solutions were subjected to kinetic tests and compared with distilled water media. As the required time for attaining the arsenate concentration permitted by law, the legal limit was found as 3 hours for drinking and tap water systems. It was shown that arsenate can be adsorbed more strongly than antimonate. Such multiple adsorption/desorption cycles showed that the CF-Fe sample had approximately 96% of the first antimonate adsorption at the seventh cycle. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses were performed in order to obtain insight into the adsorption mechanism.
Effect of inorganic salt ions on the adsorption of quinoline using coal powder
Authors: Bian Yue , Sun Hao , Luo Yunxiao , Gao Qieyuan , Li Guosheng , Wang Yongtian
Published: July 2018

In this study, coal powder was used as the adsorbent for quinoline. The effect of inorganic salt ions on the adsorption was explored, and the results suggest that the addition of inorganic salt ions can enhance both the removal rate and the amount of quinoline adsorbed. The removal rate and adsorbed amount of quinoline were 83.87% and 1.26 mg/g without inorganic salt ions. Under the same adsorption conditions, the removal rate and adsorbed amount of quinoline could reach 90.21% and 1.35 mg/g when Na+ was present in the solution, and 94.47% and 1.42 mg/g with the presence of Ca2+. In addition, the adsorption of quinoline using coal fitted the Freundlich isothermal adsorption model. Changes in the Gibbs free energy, entropy and heat of adsorption were all negative, indicating that the adsorption was spontaneous and exothermic. The changes in the absolute value of Gibbs free energy under both Na+ and Ca2+ were higher than that in the blank(without inorganic salt ions). The pseudo-second-order kinetic model was found to fit the adsorption kinetic data well, and the activation energy of adsorption under Na+ and Ca2+ were lower than that in the blank. These indicate that the addition of inorganic salt ions was beneficial to the adsorption process.
Reconstruction of atrophic maxilla with the use of allogenic bone graft and platelet concentrate – clinical case report
Authors: Santos Julio Cesar Maurer dos , Cruz Tórtora Gabriela Da Conceição , Andrade Carla Frehner , Scariot Rafaela , Zielak João César , Delberador Tatiana Miranda
Published: July 2018

Introduction: The use of allogenic bone has the advantage of not producing donor area in the patient, which can decrease the morbidity. However, there is an important vascularization demand for this type of graft, which can be increased with the use of platelet concentrate. Objective: To report a case of atrophic maxilla reconstruction with particle allogenic bone associated with Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF). Case report: A female patient, who presented a maxilla with a reduced alveolar ridge and pneumatization of the maxillary sinuses, underwent surgery to lift the maxillary sinuses and reconstruct thealveolar ridge, with macro and micro particulate allogenic bone associated with fluid/injectable PRF (i-PRF), and total covering of the graft with PRF membranes, for better accommodation and graft protection. The graft was osseointegrated and able to receive the implants. Conclusion: The technique was effective, presenting several advantages in relation to reconstruction with autologous bone, such as shorter surgical time, amount of material for the graft, and less surgical trauma.
Amyloid and Tau Positron Emission Tomography in Suggested Diabetesrelated Dementia
Authors: Takenoshita Naoto , Fukasawa Raita , Ogawa Yusuke , Shimizu Soichiro , Umahara Takahiko , Ishii Kenji , Shimada Hitoshi , Higuchi Makoto , Suhara Tetsuya , Hanyu Haruo
Published: July 2018

Background:

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) has been shown to increase the risk for cognitive
decline and dementia, such as Alzheimer disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VaD). In addition to
AD and VaD, there may be a dementia subgroup associated with specific DM-related metabolic abnormalities
rather than AD pathology or cerebrovascular disease, referred to as diabetes-related dementia
(DrD).

Method:

We studied 11C-PiB and 11C-PBB3 positron emission tomography (PET) in 31 subjects with
DrD and 5 subjects with AD associated with DM to assess amyloid and tau deposits in the brain.

Results:

All subjects with AD showed both positive PiB and PBB3. However, only 12 out of 31 subjects
(39%) with DrD showed positive PiB, whereas 17 out of 21 subjects (81%) who underwent PBB3 PET
showed positive PBB3. Depending on the positivity of PiB and PBB3, we classified 21 subjects into a
negative PiB and a positive PBB3 pattern (11 cases, 52%), indicating tauopathy, a positive PiB and a
positive PBB3 pattern (6 cases, 29%), indicating AD pathology, or a negative PiB and a negative PBB3
pattern (4 cases, 19%). Among 11 subjects showing a negative PiB and a positive PBB3 pattern, there
were 2 PBB3 deposit patterns, including the medial temporal lobe only and extensive neocortex beyond
the medial temporal lobe.

Conclusion:

DrD showed variable amyloid and tau accumulation patterns in the brain. DrD may be associated
predominantly with tau pathology, in addition to AD pathology and non-amyloid/non-tau neuronal
damage due to DM-related metabolic abnormalities.
Tumor-dependent Effects of Proteoglycans and Various Glycosaminoglycan Synthesizing Enzymes and Sulfotransferases on Patients’ Outcome
Authors: Subbarayan Karthikeyan , Seliger Barbara
Published: July 2018

Background: The small leucine-rich proteoglycans (SLRPs) biglycan (BGN) and decorin (DCN) linked with sulfated glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chains exhibit oncogenic or tumor suppressive potentials depending on the cellular context and association with GAGs.  Objective: We hypothesized that structural alterations and expression levels of BGN, DCN and their associated chondroitin sulfate (CS) polymerizing enzymes, dermatan sulfate (DS) epimerases and various sulfatases might be correlated with the tumor (sub)type and patients’ survival.  Methods: We acquired breast cancer (BC) and glioma patients’ datasets from cBioPortal and R2 Genomics. Structural alterations and the expression pattern of CS polymerizing enzymes, DS epimerases and carbohydrate sulfotransferases (CHST) were compared to that of BGN and DCN and correlated to their clinical relevance.  Results: In BC, no mutations, but amplifications (0.2 – 2.1 %) and deletions (0.05 – 0.4 %) were found in BGN, DCN and CS/DS enzymes. In contrast, missense and/or truncated mutations (0.1 – 0.5 %), but a reduced amplification rate (0 – 1.5 %) were found in glioma. When compared to BC, the structural abnormalities caused altered mRNA expression levels of BGN, DCN, GAG synthesizing enzymes and CHST. Mutations in SLPRs, CHSY1, CHST4 and CHSY3 were correlated with a poor prognosis in glioma, while lack of mutations and copy number variations in the SLRPs, CHSY3, CHST15 and DSE displayed an increased survival in BC.  Conclusion: A distinct association of BGN and DCN with CHST, CS polymerizing enzymes and DS epimerases was found in BC and glioma. Thus, a unique pattern of structural alterations and expression, which has clinical relevance, was found for PGs and GAG synthesizing enzymes and CHST in BC and glioma, which might help to identify high-risk patients and to develop personalized therapeutics.
Menopausal Hormone Therapy and Cardiovascular Risk: Where are we Now?
Authors: Anagnostis Panagiotis , Paschou Stavroula A. , Katsiki Niki , Krikidis Dimitrios , Lambrinoudaki Irene , Goulis Dimitrios G.
Published: July 2018

Transition to menopause is associated with an increase in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, mainly attributed to lipid and glucose metabolism dysregulation, as well as to body fat redistribution, leading to abdominal obesity. Indeed, epidemiological evidence suggests that both early menopause (EM, defined as age at menopause <45 years) and premature ovarian insufficiency (POI, defined as age at menopause <40 years) are associated with 1.5-2-fold increase in CVD risk. Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) exerts a favorable effect on CVD risk factors (with subtle differences regarding oestrogen dose, route of administration, monotherapy or combination with progestogen and type of progestogen). Concerning CVD morbidity and mortality, most studies have shown a beneficial effect of MHT in women at early menopausal age (<10 years since the final menstrual period) or younger than 60 years. MHT is strongly recommended in women with EM and POI, as these women, if left untreated, are at risk of CVD, osteoporosis, dementia, depression and premature death. MHT has also a favorable benefit/ risk profile in perimenopausal and early postmenopausal women, provided that the patient is not at a high CVD risk (as assessed by 10-year calculation tools). Transdermal oestrogens have a lower risk of thrombosis compared with oral regimens. Concerning progestogens, natural progesterone and dydrogesterone have a neutral effect on CVD risk factors. In any case, the decision for MHT should be individualized, tailored according to the symptoms, patient preference and the risk of CVD, thrombotic episodes and breast cancer.
Lead Optimization Studies Towards Finding NS2B/NS3 Protease Targetspecific Inhibitors as Potential Anti-dengue Drug-like Compounds
Authors: Gurusamy Murugaboopathi , Abdul Jainul Fathima
Published: July 2018

Background:

Dengue Fever is a major threatening global health issue caused by a
mosquito-borne pathogen. Even though some anti-viral drugs are now available to reduce the disease
severity. Still, there is a need of better drug compound to combat with dengue fever. The NS2B/NS3
protease is a major therapeutic drug target for Insilco drug discovery.

Materials & Methods:

Previously, we have performed a pharmacophore features based virtual
screening studies, which has led to the identification of ZINC92615064 compound as a potent
NS2B/NS3 protease inhibitor and demonstrated its potential to act as anti-dengue drug-like compound
using computational approaches. In this present study, the identified lead compound ZINC92615064
has been made to undergo scaffold hopping based novel library generation, and the resulted novel
library of compounds has been virtually screened on to NS2B/NS3 protease towards identifying novel
proprietary scaffold of compound which is acting as a potent inhibitor for the given drug target of
NS2B/NS3.

Result & Conclusion:

A total of 16,847 novel designed compounds library was generated using the
scaffold hopping technology based on the structure of the lead compound ZINC92615064. Out of
which, compound design no. 3718 has shown the best binding potential with a predicted IC50 value
of 417.13 nM along with a permissible range of ADMET properties based on its descriptor values.
This NS2B/NS3 protease in complex with compound 3718 was subjected to a rigorous molecular
dynamic simulation study to further validate this complex thermodynamic stability, along with the
aim to reveal the underlying molecular level interactions and potential mode of action.
Renin–Angiotensin–Aldosterone System Gene Polymorphisms and Type 2 Diabetic Nephropathy in Asian Populations: An Updated Meta-analysis
Authors: Ahmad Norfazilah , Jamal Rahman , Shah Shamsul Azhar , Gafor Abdul Halim Abdul , Murad Nor Azian Abdul
Published: July 2018

Background:

The association of polymorphisms in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system candidate genes, namely Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Insertion/Deletion (I/D), Angiotensinogen (AGT) M235T and Angiotensin II Receptor Type 1 (AGTR1) A1166C with Diabetic Nephropathy (DN) has been studied for decades.

Objective:

This meta-analysis aimed to assess the updated pooled effects of these polymorphisms with DN among Asian populations with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods:

The PubMed electronic database was searched without duration filter until August 2017 and the reference list of eligible studies was screened. The association of each polymorphism with DN was examined using odds ratio and its 95% confidence interval based on dominant, recessive and allele models. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on region, DN definition and DM duration.

Results:

In the main analysis, the ACE I/D (all models) and AGTR1 A1166C (dominant model) showed a significant association with DN. The main analysis of the AGT M235T polymorphism did not yield significant findings. There were significant subgroup differences and indication of significantly higher odds for DN in terms of DM duration (≥10 years) for ACE I/D (all models), AGT M235T (recessive and allele models) and AGTR1 A1166C (recessive model). Significant subgroup differences were also observed for DN definition (advanced DN group) and region (South Asia) for AGTR1 A1166C (recessive model).

Conclusion:

In the Asian populations, ACE I/D and AGTR1 A1166C may contribute to DN susceptibility in patients with T2DM by different genetic models. However, the role of AGT M235T needs to be further evaluated.
Prediction of the Omp16 Epitopes for the Development of an Epitope-based Vaccine Against Brucellosis
Authors: Rezaei Marzieh , Rabbani-khorasgani Mohammad , Zarkesh-Esfahani Sayyed Hamid , Emamzadeh Rahman , Abtahi Hamid
Published: July 2018

Background:

Brucellosis is an infectious disease caused by Brucella bacteria that cause disease in animals and humans. Brucellosis is one of the most common zoonotic diseases transmitted from animals-to-human through direct contact with infected animals and also consumption of unpasteurized dairy products. Due to the wide incidence of brucellosis in Iran and economical costs in industrial animal husbandry, Vaccination is the best way to prevent this disease. All of the available commercial vaccines against brucellosis are derived from live attenuated strains of Brucella but because of the disadvantage of live attenuated vaccines, protective subunit vaccine against Brucella may be a good candidate for the production of new recombinant vaccines based on Brucella Outer Membrane Protein (OMP) antigens. In the present study, comprehensive bioinformatics analysis has been conducted on prediction software to predict T and B cell epitopes, the secondary and tertiary structures and antigenicity of Omp16 antigen and the validation of used software confirmed by experimental results.

Conclusion:

The final epitope prediction results have proposed that the three epitopes were predicted for the Omp16 protein with antigenicity ability. We hypothesized that these epitopes likely have the protective capacity to stimulate both the B-cell and T-cell mediated immune responses and so may be effective as an immunogenic candidate for the development of an epitope-based vaccine against brucellosis.
Impact of Electron Beam Irradiation on the Bioactive Principles of Seeds of Coastal Sand Dune Wild Legumes (Canavalia spp.)
Authors: Supriya Prabhavathi , Sridhar Kandikere R.
Published: July 2018

Background: Recent patents reveal that vegetable ingredients have several applications
in novel food formulations. Many so-called antinutritional components (e.g. tannins, saponins, lectins
and protease inhibitors) have nutraceutical as well as pharmaceutical significance. Seeds of two
wild legumes of the genus Canavalia inhabitants of the coastal sand dunes of Southwest India are
known for a variety of bioactive principles (e.g. phenolics, tannins, canavanine, concanavalin and
phytohemagglutinins).

Objective: This study evaluates the impact of Electron Beam (EB) irradiation on the bioactive
components of seeds of two coastal sand dune wild legumes Canavalia cathartica and C. maritima.

Methods: The dry seeds of C. cathartica and C. maritima were EB irradiated with different doses
(2.5, 5, 10 and 15 kGy) to follow changes in six bioactive principles (total phenolics, orthodihydric
phenols, tannins, canavanine, trypsin inhibitors and phytohemagglutinins) in comparison to control
seeds. One-way ANOVA was employed to follow the variation in bioactive components of seeds in
control and different doses of irradiation.

Results: Seeds of both legumes were devoid of orthodihydric phenols and trypsin inhibitors. In
C. cathartica, the total phenolics showed significant dose-dependent increase up to 5 kGy and decreased
thereafter. Tannin content was not altered up to 10 kGy followed by significant decrease at
15 kGy. There was no significant change in canavanine content and the phytohemagglutinin activity
against human erythrocytes was not altered. Seeds of C. maritima did not show significant
changes in total phenolics as well as tannin contents. The content of canavanine showed significant
dose-dependent increase up to 5 kGy followed by significant decrease. There was no variation in
phytohemagglutinin activity against erythrocytes A, B and O, while against AB, the activity decreased
at 2.5 kGy and further decrease was constant at higher doses.

Conclusion: The EB irradiation doses employed have selectively altered the bioactive principles of
Canavalia seeds and such treatments may facilitate to maneuver desired medicinal, nutritional,
functional and cooking properties. Besides selective changes in bioactive components the seeds
have extended shelf life.
Telemonitoring to Manage Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Systematic Literature Review (Preprint)
Authors: Kruse Clemens , Pesek Brandon , Anderson Megan , Brennan Kacey , Comfort Hilary
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of death throughout the world. Telemedicine has been utilized for many diseases and its prevalence is increasing in the United States. Telemonitoring of patients with COPD has the potential to help patients manage disease and predict exacerbations.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this review is to evaluate the effectiveness of telemonitoring to manage COPD. Researchers want to determine how telemonitoring has been used to observe COPD and we are hoping this will lead to more research in telemonitoring of this disease.

METHODS

This review was conducted in accordance with the Assessment for Multiple Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) and reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Authors performed a systematic review of the PubMed and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) databases to obtain relevant articles. Articles were then accepted or rejected by group consensus. Each article was read and authors identified barriers and facilitators to effectiveness of telemonitoring of COPD.

RESULTS

Results indicate that conflicting information exists for the effectiveness of telemonitoring of patients with COPD. Primarily, 13 out of 29 (45%) articles stated that patient outcomes were improved overall with telemonitoring, while 11 of 29 (38%) indicated no improvement. Authors identified the following facilitators: reduced need for in-person visits, better disease management, and bolstered patient-provider relationship. Important barriers included low-quality data, increased workload for providers, and cost.

CONCLUSIONS

The high variability between the articles and the ways they provided telemonitoring services created conflicting results from the literature review. Future research should emphasize standardization of telemonitoring services and predictability of exacerbations.
Nature and Diffusion of Gynecologic Cancer-Related Misinformation on Social Media (Preprint)
Authors: Chen Liang , Wang Xiaohui , Peng Taiquan
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

Over last two decades, the incidence and mortality rates of gynecologic cancers have increased in China and have become one of the most serious threats to women’s health there. With the widespread use of the Internet, an increasing number of individuals use social media to seek out and share a large amount of cancer-related information. However, health information on social media is not always accurate. Health, and especially cancer-related, misinformation has been widely spread on social media, which can affect individuals’ responses to cancer.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this paper was to examine the nature and diffusion of gynecologic cancer-related misinformation on Weibo, the Chinese equivalent of Twitter.

METHODS

A total of 2,691 tweets related to gynecologic cancers posted on Weibo from June 2015 to June 2016 were extracted using the Python Web Crawler. Two medical school graduate students with expertise in gynecologic diseases were recruited to code the tweets in order to differentiate between true and false information as well as to identify the types of falsehoods. Next, a social network analysis was used to examine the diffusion cascades of misinformation through comparisons with true information.

RESULTS

The findings revealed that while most of the gynecologic cancer-related tweets provided medically accurate information, approximately 30% of them contained misinformation. Furthermore, the results showed that tweets about cancer treatment contained a higher percentage of misinformation than prevention-related tweets. The prevention-related misinformation diffused significantly more broadly and deeply than true information on social media.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study indicate that social media service providers and medical professionals should evaluate online resources regularly to control the production and diffusion of cancer misinformation on social media. More specifically, it is important to correct falsehoods related to the prevention of gynecologic cancers on social media and increase individuals’ abilities to assess the veracity of online information in order to limit the spread of prevention-related misinformation and to minimize the consequences of cancer-related misinformation.
Perfil fisiológico de los nanomateriales
Authors: Gonzalez Carmen , Navarro Tovar Gabriela , Ramírez Lee Manuel Alejandro
Published: July 2018

Hoy en día uso de nanomateriales (NMs), ha proporcionado aplicaciones en múltiples áreas como la medicina, cosmetología, electrónica y otras, dando lugar a la generación de exitosos productos comerciales. Sin embargo, aún existe controversia en la toxicología promovida por los NMs, debido a que la naturaleza del material, su tamaño, concentración e interacción con estructuras fisiológicas, podría afectar de manera negativa al organismo. En este sentido, las investigaciones en nanotoxicología, incluyen modelos fisiológicos ex vivo, que permiten obtener información del efecto biológico de los NMs en órganos y tejidos, por ejemplo corazón, hígado, riñón, vasos sanguíneos, aparato digestivo, respiratorio, entre otros. Los resultados de dichos abordajes fisiológicos se obtienen de forma relativamente rápida, con un costo comparativamente bajo y proporcionan información importante de los mecanismos de acción involucrados en el órgano diana. En esta revisión, se describen algunos modelos fisiológicos que pueden aportar información relevante en el campo de la nanotoxicolgía y como se podrían complementar a través de modelos in silico. Asimismo, se presenta como caso de estudio, el trabajo realizado por nuestro grupo de investigación en referencia al efecto biológico de las nanopartículas de plata (AgNPs) haciendo uso modelos de corazón aislado y perfundido, anillos aislados de vasos sanguíneos y de vías respiratorias. 
Prevalencia de síntomas del reflujo gastroesofágico y factores asociados: una encuesta poblacional en las principales ciudades de Colombia
Authors: Páramo Hernández David Benigno , Albis Rosario , Galiano María Teresa , Mendoza de Molano Belén , Rincón Reynaldo , Pineda Ovalle Luis Fernando , Rodríguez Varón Alberto , Otero Regino William , Hani Albis Cecilia , Sabbagh Luis Carlos , Sandoval-Salinas Carolina , Sánchez-Pedraza Ricardo
Published: July 2018

Problema: el reflujo gastroesofágico es un proceso fisiológico que en algunas personas puede tornarse pato- lógico y que produce molestias y lesiones esofágicas y extraesofágicas que afectan la calidad de vida de los individuos que lo presentan. Actualmente no se cuenta con estadísticas sobre la frecuencia de esta condición en Colombia. Objetivo: cuantificar la prevalencia de síntomas de enfermedad por reflujo gastroesofágico (ERGE) en los adultos de cuatro ciudades principales de Colombia utilizando el cuestionario GERDQ, y explorar la asociación de variables sociodemográficas y antropométricas con esta enfermedad. Metodología: estudio de corte transversal de base poblacional. Se incluyeron 6842 personas, mayores de 18 años y menores de 80 años de edad, residentes en Bogotá, Cali, Medellín y Barranquilla. La muestra fue seleccionada por muestreo aleatorio estratificado. Se aplicó una encuesta telefónica que incluía el cues- tionario GERDQ para la identificación de síntomas de reflujo en la última semana. Se calculó la prevalencia de reflujo por estratos teniendo en cuenta el punto de corte de la encuesta (8 o más puntos) y se realizaron comparaciones entre ellos utilizando la prueba de x2. Se exploró la asociación de variables sociodemográfi- cas y antropométricas mediante análisis bivariados y modelos de regresión logística. Resultados: se obtuvieron 6842 encuestas. La prevalencia estimada de síntomas de reflujo en general fue del 11,98% (IC 95%: 11,05-12,97). En el análisis por ciudades, Barranquilla presentó la frecuencia más alta (16,22%; IC 95%: 14,58-18,01) y Bogotá, la más baja (10,75; IC 95%: 9,30-12,38). Para los síntomas evaluados con el cuestionario GERDQ, la prevalencia estimada fue: pirosis, 13,6% (IC 95%: 12,50-14,60); regurgitación, 16,9% (IC 95%: 15,74-17,99); epigastralgia, 16,67% (IC 95%: 15,54-17,80): náuseas, 11,4% (IC 95%: 10,46-12,35); dificultad para dormir por presentar pirosis o regurgitación, 8,17% (IC 95%: 7,36-8,97); y consumo de medicamentos adicionales a los formulados por el médico, 6,68% (IC 95%: 6,01-7,35). El sexo femenino, el vivir en Barranquilla o Medellín y el presentar una comorbilidad se asociaron estadísticamente con la presencia de reflujo. Conclusión: la prevalencia de síntomas de reflujo en cuatro ciudades capitales de Colombia, medida con el cuestionario GERDQ, de 11,98% (IC 95%: 11,05-12,97), es similar a la reportada en otros países de Latinoamérica, siendo las comorbilidades (particularmente hipertensión arterial [HTA]) el factor que más se asoció con esta condición en todos los estratos del estudio.
Polimorfismos en genes implicados en el desarrollo de cáncer gástrico: revisión
Authors: Rosero Carol Yovanna , Corredor Mauricio , Mejía Lizeth
Published: July 2018

El carcinoma o linfoma gástrico es una de las principales causas de mortalidad por cáncer en el mundo. Esta enfermedad es el resultado final de un largo proceso multifactorial en el que interviene un elevado número de factores ambientales y genéticos. Como enfermedad genética, la variación individual en riesgo de cáncer ha sido asociada con variantes alélicas específicas de diferentes genes (polimorfismos), en los cuales se hallan los mecanismos moduladores que dan respuesta a la carcinogénesis y el riesgo de progreso de la misma. De esta manera, las investigaciones a nivel molecular se han enfocado en la detección de las alteraciones en la conformación de bases sobre genes de predisposición al desarrollo y progresión del cáncer gástrico. Estos es- tudios fueron realizados en diversas poblaciones donde la enfermedad es recurrente, basados inicialmente en la selección individual de polimorfismo de nucleótido simple (SNP) en genes candidatos. Importantes marcadores moleculares han sido descritos y propuestos como marcadores pronóstico en este tipo de pacientes y permiten así el avance en el entendimiento del proceso neoplásico. Esta revisión pretende dar una mirada de actualización en los estudios recientes en polimorfismos de genes implicados en procesos inmunogenéticos, en mecanismos de reparación de ADN, en la respuesta a la desintoxicación de compuestos carcinógenos y en mecanismos de supresión tumoral o que intervienen en la apoptosis, procesos que están involucrados en el desarrollo de cáncer gástrico. Datos de marcadores moleculares asociados con esta enfermedad de genomas de colombianos y foráneos ya almacenados en las bases de datos del proyecto 1000 Genomes son también reportados.