bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis in Early Pregnancy : A Case Report
Authors: Akhter Salma
Published: July 2019

Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis (CVST) in pregnancy is an uncommon condition and affects about 5 women per million. Actual etiology is difficult to confirm, a hypercoagulable state along with protein Sand C deficiency, hyperhomocystinaemia are the contributing factors. MRV like neuro imaging is the main stay of diagnosis. Treatment with Low molecular weight heparin throughout the pregnancy and post partum period can save the life of both mother and child.

Chatt Maa Shi Hosp Med Coll J; Vol.18 (1); Jan 2019; Page 54-56
Pharmacoeconomic Analysis of Alcohol-Dependent Patients Drug Therapy
Authors: Vaskova Larisa B , Maksimkina Elena A , Arabyan Manuk A
Published: July 2019

Methodologic approach to the pharmacoeconomic evaluation of the drug therapy for alcoholdependent patients in an inpatient facility in real clinical practice was proposed by the authors. The aim of the study was to perform a pharmacoeconomic analysis of the disease treatment cost in alcohol-dependent patients according to their primary diagnosis in an inpatient facility.During the period from 2015 to 2016, the authors analyzed 120 medical histories of patients with primary diagnosis F.10.2 (Alcohol dependence) – disease-related group (DRG) №1 and F.10.3 (Alcohol withdrawal syndrome) – DRG №2. In total, in 2015 there were 27 drugs from 15 PT groups indicated and in 2016 – 36 drugs from 16 PT groups. It was established that in 2015 the main budget share was spent on PTG antiepileptics and vitamins (68.14 USD or 21.24% and 59.23 USD or 18.46% of the total sun, respectively), and in 2016 - on PTG anxiolytics and antidepressants (99.41 USD or 16.67%).

Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 18(1): 39-42, 2019 (June)
Determination of Amino Acid Composition in the Harpagophytum procumbens Root
Authors: Kriukova AI , Vladymyrova IM , Levashova OL , Tishakova TS
Published: July 2019

The amino acid composition of the roots of Harpagophytum procumbens was investigated by the method of high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with preliminary derivatization. Sixteen free and thirteen bound amino acids were quantitatively determined. The content of protein-bound amino acids was calculated.

Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 18(1): 85-91, 2019 (June)
THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF THE POPULATION OF THE BAIKAL REGION
Authors: Leshchenko Ya. A.
Published: July 2019

The aim of the study is a comprehensive assessment of the quality of life of the population of the Baikal Region (BR) and its trends in the post-Soviet period. Methods. The analysis of life quality of the population of the Baikal Region was carried out on the basis of indicators evaluated in the framework of objective and subjective models. Criteria for differentiated assessment of the level of psychological distress of the population were worked out and used according to the degree of deviation of the suicide rate from the critical level - 20 °/оооо (WHO criterion). The data was analyzed for the territories of the Baikal Region, the Siberian Federal District and the Russian Federation for a period of 21-27 years. Results. All indicators of life quality on the territories of the Baikal Region differed for the worse from the corresponding average indicators in Russia. Clearly marked eastern vector of negative changes in the studied characteristics was revealed. Negative changes in the affective component of the quality of life, measured by the suicide rate, are the most pronounced on the territories of the Baikal Region. Thus, in the Irkutsk Region, an extremely high suicide rate was recorded for 6 years (1994-1995, 1999-2002). Indicators of extremely high suicide rates were observed: in the Republic of Buryatia for over 20 years; in the Trans-Baikal Territory - for 19 years. Consequently, the negative changes in social life that occurred in the observed period caused the greatest damage to the psychological sphere of the quality of life. Conclusions. The quality of life of the population of the Baikal Region is worse compared to many other regions of the Russian Federation. There are no tendencies towards the convergence of these levels. The results of the study show that the efforts of the authorities of all levels in the socio-economic development of Siberia are still not enough to raise the quality of life of the regional community to the average Russian indicators, and even more so to the level of social standards of developed countries.
UPAYA MENINGKATKAN HASIL BELAJAR OPERASI BILANGAN BULAT MELALUI MEDIA KONKRET DI SDN 4 MUARAKUANG
Authors: Sari Erna
Published: July 2019

The problem in this study is whether the use and application of concrete media can iprove students' skills in integer operations in class V of Muarakuang 04 Elementary School? The purpose of this study was to determine the improvement of student learning outcomes about integer operations through concrete media. Of the 24 students, there were 17 students who successfully achieved the KKM score. In addition, there are 7 students who have not yet reached KKM. This means that the completeness achieved in Cycle I is 71%. In cycle II, the researcher made a decision to complete the research action and did not need to continue the research at the Cycle III stage due to the fulfillment of 86% KKM. The conclusion of the results of this study is that the application of concrete media can improve learning outcomes about integer operations in Class V students of SDN 4 Muara Kuang
IMPLEMENTASI METODE UP SELLING PADA SISTEM INFORMASI PENJUALAN
Authors: Hadinata Novri , Kurniawan Kurniawan , Utami Inggri Ramadanti
Published: July 2019

General Sudirman eye center is a clinic that is engaged in optics and pharmacies offer various types of eyewear items needed by customers. but sometimes customers find it difficult to choose the type of glasses they want and cannot know the price of similar items because there is no online website in the Sudirman eye center so customers must come directly to the clinic sometimes there is no recommendation system for goods from company employees to prospective customers, this results in the loss of opportunities for profit because customers may choose to buy elsewhere. This leads to consumer discontent with the service and has an impact on the decline in sales turnover, by building an online website that implements an up selling method which is a system to offer goods that are one level above that provides opportunities for prospective customers to choose products related to the product provided by the seller . Prospective customers who have chosen the product category will be given a choice of some similar or more expensive products.
PENINGKATAN HASIL BELAJAR IPA MELALUI METODE PROBLEM BASED LEARNING PADA SISWA KELAS VI SDN 17 BENGKALIS
Authors: Ismail Ismail
Published: July 2019

This research is in the background by the still low student learning outcomes and students' learning interest that is still lacking, thus causing learning completeness students are not able to achieve the completeness value that has been set by the school. The form of this research is classroom action research in order to improve the learning process in the classroom. This study aims to improve the learning outcomes of science in class VI SDN 017 Bengkalis. The results of the study were by applying the problem based learning learning model, the learning outcomes of science improved. Data obtained after research on teacher activity in the first cycle of the 1st meeting with a percentage of 63%, the second meeting with a percentage of 77%, in the second cycle at the third meeting percentage by 80%, and at the 4th meeting the percentage obtained 94%. Student observation data in this study obtained the percentage of the first cycle of the first meeting was 67%, the second meeting was 80%, in the second cycle the third meeting was 85%, and the 4th meeting obtained a percentage of 90% this proved that student activity has increased. Data on the increase in student learning outcomes in class VI SDN 017 Bengkalis in the initial data obtained an average of 65, on the daily test I obtained a class average of 80, and in the daily test II obtained an average of 95 this proves that the use of problem learning models based learning can improve learning outcomes of class VI SDN 017 Bengkalis.
Metabolic Reprogramming Promotes Myogenesis During Aging
Authors: Belli Roberta , Bonato Agnese , De Angelis Luciana , Mirabilii Simone , Ricciardi Maria Rosaria , Tafuri Agostino , Molfino Alessio , Gorini Stefania , Leigheb Massimiliano , Costelli Paola , Caruso Maurizia , Muscaritoli Maurizio , Ferraro Elisabetta
Published: July 2019

Sarcopenia is the age-related progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength finally leading to poor physical performance. Impaired myogenesis contributes to the pathogenesis of sarcopenia, while mitochondrial dysfunctions are thought to play a primary role in skeletal muscle loss during aging. Here we studied the link between myogenesis and metabolism. In particular, we analyzed the effect of the metabolic modulator trimetazidine (TMZ) on myogenesis in aging. We show that reprogramming the metabolism by TMZ treatment for 12 consecutive days stimulates myogenic gene expression in skeletal muscle of 22-month-old mice. Our data also reveal that TMZ increases the levels of mitochondrial proteins and stimulates the oxidative metabolism in aged muscles, this finding being in line with our previous observations in cachectic mice. Moreover, we show that, besides TMZ also other types of metabolic modulators (i.e., 5-Aminoimidazole-4-Carboxamide Ribofuranoside-AICAR) can stimulate differentiation of skeletal muscle progenitors in vitro. Overall, our results reveal that reprogramming the metabolism stimulates myogenesis while triggering mitochondrial proteins synthesis in vivo during aging. Together with the previously reported ability of TMZ to increase muscle strength in aged mice, these new data suggest an interesting non-invasive therapeutic strategy which could contribute to improving muscle quality and neuromuscular communication in the elderly, and counteracting sarcopenia.
Development of a Scoring System to Assess Feather Damage in Canadian Laying Hen Flocks
Authors: Decina Caitlin , Berke Olaf , van Staaveren Nienke , Baes Christine F. , Harlander-Matauscheck Alexandra
Published: July 2019

Feather damage (FD) due to feather pecking behavior is an ongoing welfare concern among commercial egg-laying hens. Canada’s current transition from conventional cage housing to alternative housing systems, where FD can spread easily within large flocks, underlines the need for frequent and accurate assessment of plumage condition. A standardized methodology for assessing FD in Canada does not yet exist. To improve FD assessment on commercial farms, a FD scoring system and visual scoring guide for farmers were developed. Two existing plumage scoring systems, LayWel and AssureWel, which differ in level of detail and bird handling, were assessed for ease of use, and intra- and inter-observer reliability. Practical application of the AssureWel scoring system was greatest, with strong intra- and inter-observer reliability for the back region of the body (weighted kappa = 0.88 for both measures) in small-scale flocks. This informed the creation of a modified version of the AssureWel system, which included three scoring levels and the visual assessment of 50 birds per flock. An accompanying guide was developed including sampling instructions and depictions of the scoring scheme, both written and visual. This simplified scoring system can serve as a benchmarking tool for FD prevalence, and can allow for future effectiveness assessments of management strategies to prevent and control FD; however, farmers should be trained to apply this system under commercial conditions.
The Influence of in Vitro Gastrointestinal Digestion of Brassica oleracea Florets on the Antioxidant Activity and Chlorophyll, Carotenoid and Phenolic Content
Authors: Scrob Teodora , Hosu Anamaria , Cimpoiu Claudia
Published: July 2019

Brassica oleracea L. var. Italica is known to contain a wide variety of antioxidants and due to the protection against various diseases its consumption has been increasing over the years. Thus, knowledge of the changes that occur during the digestion process is of great interest. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of in vitro gastrointestinal digestion of broccoli on antioxidant activity and on the chlorophyll, carotenoid and phenolic content. First, the ultrasound-assisted extraction of bioactive compounds was optimized and the kinetic model was evaluated. Then, the broccoli was subjected to a static simulated digestion. The antioxidant activity was monitored by ABTS [2,2’-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate)] assay and the contents of target compounds were investigated by UV-Vis spectrophotometry and thin-layer chromatography. The optimum conditions were: solvent—ethanol; time—20 min and temperature—30 °C, and a second order kinetic model was found to describe the mechanism of extraction. The antioxidant activity and carotenoid, chlorophyll and total phenolic content was significantly decreased after simulated gastric and intestinal digestion. The gastric digestion considerably decreased carotenoid and chlorophyll content, meanwhile the intestinal digestion significantly decreased the total phenolic content (TPC). The antioxidant activity was equally affected by both gastric and intestinal digestion.
Serum Paraoxonase-1-Related Variables and Lipoprotein Profile in Patients with Lung or Head and Neck Cancer: Effect of Radiotherapy
Authors: Rodríguez-Tomàs Elisabet , Murcia Mauricio , Arenas Meritxell , Arguís Mònica , Gil Miriam , Amigó Núria , Correig Xavier , Torres Laura , Sabater Sebastià , Baiges-Gayà Gerard , Cabré Noemí , Luciano-Mateo Fedra , Hernández-Aguilera Anna , Fort-Gallifa Isabel , Camps Jordi , Joven Jorge
Published: July 2019

We investigated alterations in the levels of the antioxidant paraoxonase-1 (PON1) and the lipoprotein profile (analyzed by nuclear magnetic resonance) in patients with lung cancer (LC) or head and neck cancer (HNC), and the effects produced thereon by radiotherapy (RT). We included 33 patients with LC and 28 patients with HNC. Before irradiation, and one month after completion of RT, blood samples were obtained. The control group was composed of 50 healthy subjects. Patients had significantly lower serum PON1 activity and concentration before RT than the control group. PON1-related variables were good predictors of the presence of LC or HNC, with analytical sensitivities and specificities greater than 80%. Patients showed a significant increase in the number of particles of all subclasses of very-low-density lipoproteins (large, medium and small). However, these changes were not maintained when adjusted for age, sex, and other clinical and demographic variables. Irradiation was associated with a significant increase in PON1 concentration and, only in patients with HNC, with an increase in high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol concentration. Our results suggest that determinations of the levels of PON1-related variables may constitute good biomarkers for the evaluation of these diseases. Studies with a larger number of patients are needed to fully confirm this hypothesis.
Avian Stress-Related Transcriptome and Selenotranscriptome: Role during Exposure to Heavy Metals and Heat Stress
Authors: Seremelis Isidoros , Danezis Georgios P. , Pappas Athanasios C. , Zoidis Evangelos , Fegeros Kostas
Published: July 2019

Selenium, through incorporation into selenoproteins, is one of the key elements of the antioxidant system. Over the past few years there has been increased interest in exploring those molecular mechanisms in chicken, responsible for the development of this protection system. In more detail, Cd/Pb poisoning and heat stress increase oxidation, mRNA levels of inflammatory proteins, and apoptotic proteins. Selenium seems to enhance the antioxidant status and alleviates these effects via upregulation of antioxidant proteins and other molecular effects. In this review, we analyze avian transcriptome key elements with particular emphasis on interactions with heavy metals and on relation to heat stress.
Restricted Boltzmann Machine Vectors for Speaker Clustering and Tracking Tasks in TV Broadcast Shows
Authors: Khan Umair , Safari Pooyan , Hernando Javier
Published: July 2019

Restricted Boltzmann Machines (RBMs) have shown success in both the front-end and backend of speaker verification systems. In this paper, we propose applying RBMs to the front-end for the tasks of speaker clustering and speaker tracking in TV broadcast shows. RBMs are trained to transform utterances into a vector based representation. Because of the lack of data for a test speaker, we propose RBM adaptation to a global model. First, the global model—which is referred to as universal RBM—is trained with all the available background data. Then an adapted RBM model is trained with the data of each test speaker. The visible to hidden weight matrices of the adapted models are concatenated along with the bias vectors and are whitened to generate the vector representation of speakers. These vectors, referred to as RBM vectors, were shown to preserve speaker-specific information and are used in the tasks of speaker clustering and speaker tracking. The evaluation was performed on the audio recordings of Catalan TV Broadcast shows. The experimental results show that our proposed speaker clustering system gained up to 12% relative improvement, in terms of Equal Impurity (EI), over the baseline system. On the other hand, in the task of speaker tracking, our system has a relative improvement of 11% and 7% compared to the baseline system using cosine and Probabilistic Linear Discriminant Analysis (PLDA) scoring, respectively.
A New Diffuse Optics Emitter for High Visual Diffuse Transmission Density Measurement
Authors: Liu Zilong , Li Yuxiao , Jiang Yiqin , Li Jin , Liu Ruping , Zhang Shuguo , Zhang Qiaoxiang , Chen Rui
Published: July 2019

In visual diffuse transmission density measurement, it is hard to measure optical density (OD) up to 6.0 because the signal to noise is more than 10E-06. Thus, there are only two methods to find the measurement. One is using a highly sensitive detector with low background noise, and the other is improving the incident light flux with a wide spectrum, including visual scope. A new diffuse optics emitter was designed to realize OD measurements up to 6.0. It uses 235 optical fibers on a hemisphere to collect and feed in the incident flux, then emits this flux by a diffuse opal. Thus, an incident light with a high diffuse coefficient and high incident flux was realized for high OD measurement. This emitter has been used in the new national reference of National Institute of Metrology, China (NIM) for diffuse transmission optical density. According to the measurement result in this reference, the OD can be measured up to 6.6.
A Comparative Study of the Fitness and Trueness of a Three-Unit Fixed Dental Prosthesis Fabricated Using Two Digital Workflows
Authors: Jang Daehee , Son Keunbada , Lee Kyu-bok
Published: July 2019

The purpose of this study was to measure and correlate the fitness and trueness of a 3-unit fixed dental prosthesis (FDP) fabricated using two digital workflows. The 3-unit FDPs were fabricated using two digital workflows (N = 15). The digital workflows were divided into chairside (closed type) and in-lab (open type) groups. The scanning, computer-aided design (CAD), and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) processes were conducted with 3shape E1 scanner, exocad CAD software, and DDS EZIS HM, respectively, in the in-lab group; and with CEREC omnicam intraoral scanner, CEREC CAD software, and CEREC MC XL, respectively, in the chairside group. The fitness of the fabricated 3-unit FDPs was evaluated by scanning the silicone replica of the cement space and analyzing the thickness of the silicone replica in the three-dimensional (3D) inspection software (Geomagic control X). The trueness of the milling unit was analyzed by 3D analysis of the CAD reference model, which is the design file of the 3-unit FDP, and the CAD test model, which is the scanned file of the 3-unit FDP. In the statistical analysis, comparison of the two groups was conducted by Mann–Whitney U test, and the correlation between the fitness and trueness was conducted by Pearson correlation test (α = 0.05). The marginal and internal fit were significantly lower in the in-lab group at all measurement positions (p < 0.001). The trueness of the milling unit was significantly higher in the in-lab group compared to the chairside group (p < 0.001). There was a positive correlation between the trueness and internal fit (correlation coefficient = 0.621) in the in-lab group (p = 0.013). The use of appropriate equipment in an in-lab (open type) digital workflow enables a better fabrication of 3-unit FDPs than a chairside (closed type) digital workflow, and poor trueness on the inner surface of the crown adversely affects the internal fit.
Positron Impact Excitation of the 2S State of Atomic Hydrogen
Authors: Bhatia A.K.
Published: July 2019

The excitation cross-sections of the 2S state of atomic hydrogen at low (near threshold energy) to high incident positron energies (10.30 to 300 eV) have been calculated using the variational polarized-orbital method. Nine partial waves have been used to obtain converged cross-sections in the above energy range. The cross sections compared to the electron-impact excitation of the S state of atomic hydrogen are larger in the present case. The maximum cross section is 3.63(−1) π a 0 2 at 16.5 eV compared to 1.37(−1) π a 0 2 at 11.14 eV for the electron-impact excitation. The present results are compared with other calculations. Cross-sections have also been calculated in the Born approximation in which the polarization of the target has been included. Differential cross sections were calculated at k = 1.0 (13.6eV), 2.5 (85 eV), 3.483 (200 3V), and 4.696 (300 eV).
High Proton Conducting Polymer Blend Electrolytes Based on Chitosan:Dextran with Constant Specific Capacitance and Energy Density
Authors: Aziz Shujahadeen B. , Hamsan M. H. , Karim Wrya O. , Kadir M. F. Z. , Brza M. A. , Abdullah Omed Gh.
Published: July 2019

Polymer blend electrolytes based on chitosan: dextran (CS:Dext) incorporated with various amounts of ammonium fluoride (NH4F) with constant specific capacitance (12.4 F/g) and energy density over 100 cycles were prepared using a solution cast technique. The blend electrolyte samples exhibit broader amorphous humps in X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectra compared to pure CS:Dext film. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) study indicates the complex formation of the added ammonium salt with the polymer blend functional groups through the shifting and decrease in the intensity of FTIR bands. The impedance plots were used to determine the conductivity of the samples. The field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) images support the conductivity behavior of the samples. The impedance plots were applied in the determination of the conductivity of the samples in which the relatively highest conductivity was gained to be 1 × 10−3 S/cm. The transference number measurement (TNM) of the conducting electrolyte was 0.88, which portrays the dominancy of ion in the conduction process. Linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) verified the chemical stability and showed it to be 1.7 V and an effective electrical double layer capacitor (EDLC) that is applicable in electrochemical devices. The performance of the EDLC cell was examined using both cyclic voltammetry and constant current charge–discharge techniques at ambient temperature. The semi-rectangular shape of the cyclic voltammetry (CV) plot and no redox peak was observed. The charge-discharge process of the fabricated EDLC is durable over 100 cycles with an equivalent circuit resistance and power density of 194.5 Ω and 428 W/kg, respectively. Two main outcomes, the specific capacitance and energy densities of 12.4 Farad/g and 1.4 Wh/kg, respectively, are almost constant over 100 cycles.
Live Simultaneous Monitoring of Mineral Deposition and Lipid Accumulation in Differentiating Stem Cells
Authors: De Melo Nigel , McGinlay Sarah , Markus Robert , Macri-Pellizzeri Laura , Symonds Michael E. , Ahmed Ifty , Sottile Virginie
Published: July 2019

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are progenitors for bone-forming osteoblasts and lipid-storing adipocytes, two major lineages co-existing in bone marrow. When isolated in vitro, these stem cells recapitulate osteoblast or adipocyte formation if treated with specialised media, modelling how these lineages interact in vivo. Osteogenic differentiation is characterised by mineral deposits accumulating in the extracellular matrix, typically assessed using histological techniques. Adipogenesis occurs with accumulation of intracellular lipids that can be routinely visualised by Oil Red O staining. In both cases, staining requires cell fixation and is thus limited to end-point assessments. Here, a vital staining approach was developed to simultaneously detect mineral deposits and lipid droplets in differentiating cultures. Stem cells induced to differentiate produced mixed cultures containing adipocytes and bone-like nodules, and after two weeks live cultures were incubated with tetracycline hydrochloride and Bodipy to label mineral- and lipid-containing structures, respectively. Fluorescence microscopy showed the simultaneous visualisation of mineralised areas and lipid-filled adipocytes in live cultures. Combined with the nuclear stain Hoechst 33258, this approach further enabled live confocal imaging of adipogenic cells interspersed within the mineralised matrix. This multiplex labelling was repeated at subsequent time-points, demonstrating the potential of this new approach for the real-time high-precision imaging of live stem cells.
BiomiMETRIC Assistance Tool: A Quantitative Performance Tool for Biomimetic Design
Authors: Terrier Philippe , Glaus Mathias , Raufflet Emmanuel
Published: July 2019

This article presents BiomiMETRIC, a quantitative performance tool for biomimetic design. This tool is developed as a complement to the standard ISO 18458 Biomimetics—terminology, concepts, and methodology to quantitatively evaluate the biomimetics performance of a design, a project, or a product. BiomiMETRIC is aimed to assist designers, architects, and engineers to facilitate the use of the biomimetic approach beyond the existing frameworks, and to provide an answer to the following question: How can a quantitative evaluation of biomimetic performance be carried out? The biomimetic quantitative performance tool provides a method of quantitative analysis by combining the biomimetic approach with the impact assessment methods used in life-cycle analysis. Biomimetic design is divided into eight steps. The seventh step deals with performance assessment, verifying that the concept developed is consistent with the 10 sustainable ecosystem principles proposed by the Biomimicry Institute. In the application of the biomimetic quantitative performance tool, stone wool and cork are compared as insulation materials used in biomimetic architecture projects to illustrate the relevance and added value of the tool. Although it is bio-based, cork has a lower biomimetic performance according to the indicators used by the biomimetic quantitative performance tool presented in this article.
Self-Evaluation Dimensions of Criminal Activity and Prospects Simulation of Persons Serving Custodial Sentence
Authors: Juodraitis Adolfas , Bubnys Remigijus , Šapelytė Odeta
Published: July 2019

The article presents the self-evaluation indicators of the causes of criminal behavior committed by persons serving a custodial sentence at X institution, focusing on imprisonment and modeling of life prospects after release from prison. The main idea of the study is to reveal the subjective self-evaluation experience of persons serving custodial sentence with regard to criminal activity and simulation of future prospects. The scientific discussion of the article presents incarcerated persons’ (N = 58) subjective self-evaluation data collected during the qualitative research and their theoretical-practical interpretation. Convicted persons’ subjective self-evaluation and prospects simulation data enable stating certain features showing the discrepancy between their disposition and achievement of resocialization goals. This confirms the insufficiently interiorized reasonableness of punishment, personal perception, and realized motivation to change.
Furanoic Lipid F-6, A Novel Anti-Cancer Compound that Kills Cancer Cells by Suppressing Proliferation and Inducing Apoptosis
Authors: Al-Hassan Jassim M. , Fang Liu Yuan , Khan Meraj A. , Yang Peiying , Guan Rui , Wen Xiao-Yan , Afzal Mohammad , Oommen Sosamma , Paul Bincy M. , Nair Divya , Palaniyar Nades , Pace-Asciak Cecil
Published: July 2019

Identifying novel anti-cancer drugs is important for devising better cancer treatment options. In a series of studies designed to identify novel therapeutic compounds, we recently showed that a C-20 fatty acid (12,15-epoxy-13,14-dimethyleicosa-12,14-dienoic acid, a furanoic acid or F-6) present in the lipid fraction of the secretions of the Arabian Gulf catfish skin (Arius bilineatus Val.; AGCS) robustly induces neutrophil extracellular trap formation. Here, we demonstrate that a lipid mix (Ft-3) extracted from AGCS and F-6, a component of Ft-3, dose dependently kill two cancer cell lines (leukemic K-562 and breast MDA MB-231). Pure F-6 is approximately 3.5 to 16 times more effective than Ft-3 in killing these cancer cells, respectively. Multiplex assays and network analyses show that F-6 promotes the activation of MAPKs such as Erk, JNK, and p38, and specifically suppresses JNK-mediated c-Jun activation necessary for AP-1-mediated cell survival pathways. In both cell lines, F-6 suppresses PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway specific proteins, indicating that cell proliferation and Akt-mediated protection of mitochondrial stability are compromised by this treatment. Western blot analyses of cleaved caspase 3 (cCasp3) and poly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP) confirmed that F-6 dose-dependently induced apoptosis in both of these cell lines. In 14-day cell recovery experiments, cells treated with increasing doses of F-6 and Ft-3 fail to recover after subsequent drug washout. In summary, this study demonstrates that C-20 furanoic acid F-6, suppresses cancer cell proliferation and promotes apoptotic cell death in leukemic and breast cancer cells, and prevents cell recovery. Therefore, F-6 is a potential anti-cancer drug candidate.
Molecular Basis of Tumor Heterogeneity in Endometrial Carcinosarcoma
Authors: Leskela Susanna , Pérez-Mies Belen , Rosa-Rosa Juan Manuel , Cristobal Eva , Biscuola Michele , Palacios-Berraquero María L. , Ong SuFey , Matias-Guiu Guia Xavier , Palacios José
Published: July 2019

Endometrial carcinosarcoma (ECS) represents one of the most extreme examples of tumor heterogeneity among human cancers. ECS is a clinically aggressive, high-grade, metaplastic carcinoma. At the morphological level, intratumor heterogeneity in ECS is due to an admixture of epithelial (carcinoma) and mesenchymal (sarcoma) components that can include heterologous tissues, such as skeletal muscle, cartilage, or bone. Most ECSs belong to the copy-number high serous-like molecular subtype of endometrial carcinoma, characterized by the TP53 mutation and the frequently accompanied by a large number of gene copy-number alterations, including the amplification of important oncogenes, such as CCNE1 and c-MYC. However, a proportion of cases (20%) probably represent the progression of tumors initially belonging to the copy-number low endometrioid-like molecular subtype (characterized by mutations in genes such as PTEN, PI3KCA, or ARID1A), after the acquisition of the TP53 mutations. Only a few ECS belong to the microsatellite-unstable hypermutated molecular type and the POLE-mutated, ultramutated molecular type. A common characteristic of all ECSs is the modulation of genes involved in the epithelial to mesenchymal process. Thus, the acquisition of a mesenchymal phenotype is associated with a switch from E- to N-cadherin, the up-regulation of transcriptional repressors of E-cadherin, such as Snail Family Transcriptional Repressor 1 and 2 (SNAI1 and SNAI2), Zinc Finger E-Box Binding Homeobox 1 and 2 (ZEB1 and ZEB2), and the down-regulation, among others, of members of the miR-200 family involved in the maintenance of an epithelial phenotype. Subsequent differentiation to different types of mesenchymal tissues increases tumor heterogeneity and probably modulates clinical behavior and therapy response.
Targeting Cancer Stem Cells in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Park So-Yeon , Choi Jang-Hyun , Nam Jeong-Seok
Published: July 2019

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly aggressive form of breast cancer that lacks targeted therapy options, and patients diagnosed with TNBC have poorer outcomes than patients with other breast cancer subtypes. Emerging evidence suggests that breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs), which have tumor-initiating potential and possess self-renewal capacity, may be responsible for this poor outcome by promoting therapy resistance, metastasis, and recurrence. TNBC cells have been consistently reported to display cancer stem cell (CSC) signatures at functional, molecular, and transcriptional levels. In recent decades, CSC-targeting strategies have shown therapeutic effects on TNBC in multiple preclinical studies, and some of these strategies are currently being evaluated in clinical trials. Therefore, understanding CSC biology in TNBC has the potential to guide the discovery of novel therapeutic agents in the future. In this review, we focus on the self-renewal signaling pathways (SRSPs) that are aberrantly activated in TNBC cells and discuss the specific signaling components that are involved in the tumor-initiating potential of TNBC cells. Additionally, we describe the molecular mechanisms shared by both TNBC cells and CSCs, including metabolic plasticity, which enables TNBC cells to switch between metabolic pathways according to substrate availability to meet the energetic and biosynthetic demands for rapid growth and survival under harsh conditions. We highlight CSCs as potential key regulators driving the aggressiveness of TNBC. Thus, the manipulation of CSCs in TNBC can be a targeted therapeutic strategy for TNBC in the future.
RETRACTED: Chen et al. Catalytic Combustion Characteristics of Methane-Air Mixtures in Small-Scale Systems at Elevated Temperatures. Catalysts 2018, 8, 439
Authors:   Catalysts Editorial Office
Published: July 2019

We have become aware that figures and experimental data in the published article [...]
Physical Exercise Inhibits Inflammation and Microglial Activation
Authors: Mee-inta Onanong , Zhao Zi-Wei , Kuo Yu-Min
Published: July 2019

Accumulating evidence indicates that exercise can enhance brain function and attenuate neurodegeneration. Besides improving neuroplasticity by altering the synaptic structure and function in various brain regions, exercise also modulates multiple systems that are known to regulate neuroinflammation and glial activation. Activated microglia and several pro-inflammatory cytokines play active roles in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. The purpose of this review is to highlight the impacts of exercise on microglial activation. Possible mechanisms involved in exercise-modulated microglial activation are also discussed. Undoubtedly, more studies are needed in order to disclose the detailed mechanisms, but this approach offers therapeutic potential for improving the brain health of millions of aging people where pharmacological intervention has failed.
Autophagy in Neurotrauma: Good, Bad, or Dysregulated
Authors: Wu Junfang , Lipinski Marta M.
Published: July 2019

Autophagy is a physiological process that helps maintain a balance between the manufacture of cellular components and breakdown of damaged organelles and other toxic cellular constituents. Changes in autophagic markers are readily detectable in the spinal cord and brain following neurotrauma, including traumatic spinal cord and brain injury (SCI/TBI). However, the role of autophagy in neurotrauma remains less clear. Whether autophagy is good or bad is under debate, with strong support for both a beneficial and detrimental role for autophagy in experimental models of neurotrauma. Emerging data suggest that autophagic flux, a measure of autophagic degradation activity, is impaired in injured central nervous systems (CNS), and interventions that stimulate autophagic flux may provide neuroprotection in SCI/TBI models. Recent data demonstrating that neurotrauma can cause lysosomal membrane damage resulting in pathological autophagosome accumulation in the spinal cord and brain further supports the idea that the impairment of the autophagy–lysosome pathway may be a part of secondary injury processes of SCI/TBI. Here, we review experimental work on the complex and varied responses of autophagy in terms of both the beneficial and detrimental effects in SCI and TBI models. We also discuss the existing and developing therapeutic options aimed at reducing the disruption of autophagy to protect the CNS after injuries.
Single Cell Gene Co-Expression Network Reveals FECH/CROT Signature as a Prognostic Marker
Authors: Chen Xin , Hu Lingling , Wang Yuan , Sun Weijun , Yang Chao
Published: July 2019

Aberrant activation of signaling pathways is frequently observed and reported to be associated with the progression and poor prognosis of prostate cancer (PCa). We aimed to identify key biological processes regulated by androgen receptor (AR) using gene co-expression network from single cell resolution. The bimodal index was used to evaluate whether two subpopulations exist among the single cells. Gene expression among single cells revealed averaging pitfalls and bimodality pattern. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to identify modules of highly correlated genes. Twenty-nine gene modules were identified and AR-regulated modules were screened by significantly overlapping reported androgen induced differentially expressed genes. The biological function “generation of precursor metabolites and energy” was significantly enriched by AR-regulated modules with bimodality, presenting differential androgen response among subpopulations. Integrating with public ChIP-seq data, two genes FECH, and CROT has AR binding sites. Public in vitro studies also show that androgen regulates FECH and CROT. After receiving androgen deprivation therapy, patients lowly express FECH and CROT. Further survival analysis indicates that FECH/CROT signature can predict PCa recurrence. We reveal the heterogeneous function of “generation of precursor metabolites and energy” upon androgen stimulation from the perspective of single cells. Inhibitors targeting this biological process will facilitate to prevent prostate cancer progression.
Mucosa–Environment Interactions in the Pathogenesis of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Lucchino Bruno , Spinelli Francesca Romani , Iannuccelli Cristina , Guzzo Maria Paola , Conti Fabrizio , Franco Manuela Di
Published: July 2019

Mucosal surfaces play a central role in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Several risk factors, such as cigarette smoking, environmental pollution, and periodontitis interact with the host at the mucosal level, triggering immune system activation. Moreover, the alteration of microbiota homeostasis is gaining increased attention for its involvement in the disease pathogenesis, modulating the immune cell response at a local and subsequently at a systemic level. Currently, the onset of the clinical manifest arthritis is thought to be the last step of a series of pathogenic events lasting years. The positivity for anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs) and rheumatoid factor (RF), in absence of symptoms, characterizes a preclinical phase of RA—namely systemic autoimmune phase- which is at high risk for disease progression. Several immune abnormalities, such as local ACPA production, increased T cell polarization towards a pro-inflammatory phenotype, and innate immune cell activation can be documented in at-risk subjects. Many of these abnormalities are direct consequences of the interaction between the environment and the host, which takes place at the mucosal level. The purpose of this review is to describe the humoral and cellular immune abnormalities detected in subjects at risk of RA, highlighting their origin from the mucosa–environment interaction.
Size-Controlled Transparent Jute Fiber for Replacing Transparent Wood in Industry Production Area
Authors: Feng Tianshi , Qin Jiankun , Shao Yali , Jia Lili , Li Qi , Hu Yingcheng
Published: July 2019

Transparent jute fiber (TJF) was prepared from delignified jute fiber (DJF) and was subjected to various surface knitting densities (190 and 340 g/m2) before epoxy resin (ER) impregnation under vacuum. The preparation process and properties of TJF were evaluated. The mechanical properties and surface morphology of the jute fiber samples were also studied. The mechanical properties were compared with transparent coir fiber (TCF) and transparent balsa wood (TBW). Optical properties, such as surface color, optical transmittance, and visual haze, of natural jute fiber (JF) and TJF were measured to better understand the influence of delignification. The experimental results showed transparency of 51% even for dense jute fiber cloth, and the maximum transmittance was as high as 60% with a low surface density. TJF had similar tensile strength as TBW but was higher than TCF, indicating a maximum tensile strength of 43.25 MPa with a surface density of 340 g/m2. These results suggest that TJF has the potential to meet the particular optical and mechanical properties of transparent wood. Transparent jute fiber can replace transparent wood for industrial production because of the simple preparation process and lower price.
Enhancement of Tribological Behavior of Rolling Bearings by Applying a Multilayer ZrN/ZrCN Coating
Authors: Clavería Isabel , Lostalé Aleida , Fernández Ángel , Castell Pere , Elduque Daniel , Mendoza Gemma , Zubizarreta Cristina
Published: July 2019

This paper focuses on the tribological behaviour of ZrN/ZrCN coating on bearing steel substrates DIN 17230, 100Cr6/1.3505. Coatings are applied at room temperature processes by means of Cathodic Arc Evaporation (CAE), a kind of Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) technique. In order to achieve a satisfactory compromise between coating-substrate adhesion and the surface roughness requirement of the bearing rings, a polish post-processing is proposed. Different polish post-processing times and conditions are applied. The coated and polished bearing rings are tested under real friction torque test protocols. These tests show that the application of the coating does not entail a significant improvement in friction performance of the bearing. However, fatigue tests in real test bench are pending to evaluate the possible improvement in bearing life time.
Distance, Speed and High Intensity Characteristics of 0 to 24-Goal, Mixed and Women’s Polo
Authors: Best Russ , Standing Regan
Published: July 2019

This dataset presents information pertaining to the spatiotemporal characteristics of Polo play from a 0 to 24-goal level. Data were collected by player worn GPS units, across a New Zealand Polo season. The dataset comprises observations from 466 chukkas of Polo, across mixed and women’s only Polo and is curated by cumulative player handicap. Data are presented for distance, speed and high intensity metrics, which have further categorised into five equine-based speed zones. The purpose of this dataset is to provide a detailed quantification of a range of Polo performance levels, advancing the scope and size of previous Polo literature that has employed GPS technology. This dataset may be of value to equine scientists and trainers, veterinary practitioners and sports scientists.
A Portal Offering Standard Visualization and Analysis on top of an Open Data Cube for Sub-National Regions: The Catalan Data Cube Example
Authors: Maso Joan , Zabala Alaitz , Serral Ivette , Pons Xavier
Published: July 2019

The amount of data that Sentinel fleet is generating over a territory such as Catalonia makes it virtually impossible to manually download and organize as files. The Open Data Cube (ODC) offers a solution for storing big data products in an efficient way with a modest hardware and avoiding cloud expenses. The approach will still be useful up to the next decade. Yet, ODC requires a level of expertise that most people who could benefit from the information do not have. This paper presents a web map browser that gives access to the data and goes beyond a simple visualization by combining the OGC WMS standard with modern web browser capabilities to incorporate time series analytics. This paper shows how we have applied this tool to analyze the spatial distribution of the availability of Sentinel 2 data over Catalonia and revealing differences in the number of useful scenes depending on the geographical area that ranges from one or two images per month to more than one image per week. The paper also demonstrates the usefulness of the same approach in giving access to remote sensing information to a set of protected areas around Europe participating in the H2020 ECOPotential project.
Smartphone Application with Virtual Reality Goggles for the Reliable and Valid Measurement of Active Craniocervical Range of Motion
Authors: Chang Ke-Vin , Wu Wei-Ting , Chen Mei-Chu , Chiu Yi-Chi , Han Der-Sheng , Chen Chih-Cheng
Published: July 2019

Objective: This study aimed to determine the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability and validity of a hybrid device, combining virtual reality goggles, a magnetometer and an inclinometer application for smartphones, to measure craniocervical range. Summary of Background Data: Accurate evaluation of craniocervical range of motion is important for early detection of certain diseased conditions and monitoring the progress of interventions. The universal goniometer is widely used for the measurement but it requires experienced practitioners. Whether a combination of virtual reality goggles and smartphone applications can provide the same or better performance compared with the goniometer is still unknown. Methods: Forty-one healthy adults from the department of physical medicine and rehabilitation were recruited for craniocervical range examination (flexion, extension, side-bending to the right or left and rotating to the right or left) by using the hybrid device and universal goniometer. Using the hybrid device, repeated measurements were performed twice by a primary rater and once by a second rater. The primary rater also conducted a measurement using the universal goniometer in the same cohort. The intra-rater and inter-rater reliability (intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC)) were calculated using the two-way random effect model, whereas the validity was examined by the Pearson correlation coefficient and Bland-and-Altman plot. The interval between the first and second sessions of the measurement for intra-rater reliability was set at 30 min. Results: Excellent intra-rater (ICC ≥ 0.925) and inter-rater (ICC ≥ 0.880) reliability was noted for the hybrid device. The minimal detectable changes from intra-observer and inter-observer comparisons ranged between 4.12° and 7.42° in all six directions. The Bland-and-Altman plot revealed small mean differences (≤1.68°) between the hybrid device and universal goniometer. Both instruments had highly correlated measurements of craniocervical motion (r values ≥ 0.918). Conclusion: For healthy participants, excellent intra-rater and inter-rater reliability was noted for the hybrid device, and the measurements were consistent with the universal goniometer measurements. Future studies are needed to examine whether the device can perform similarly for patients with neck disorders.