bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nephroprotective effect of mesenchymal stem cells in therapy of kidney disease induced by toxicant
Authors: Zhou Tianbiao , Lin Shujun , Liao Chunling , Lin Wenshan , Zhong Hongzhen
Published: April 2020

Background Renal damage caused by drug toxicity is becoming more and more common in clinic. How to avoid and treat kidney damage caused by drug toxicity is essential to maintain patient health and reduce social economic burden. In this study, we performed a meta-analysis to assess the nephroprotective effect of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in therapy of kidney disease induced by toxicant. Methods Cochrane Library, Embase, ISI Web of Science and PubMed databases were searched up to Dec 31, 2019 to identify the studies and extract the data to assess the efficacy of MSCs for kidney disease induced by toxicant using Cochrane Review Manager Version 5.3. Results 27 studies were eligible and recruited for this meta-analysis. The results showed that the difference of Scr between MSCs treatment group and control group was notable for 2 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6-8 days, 10-15 days, ≥42 days (2 days: WMD =-0.88, 95%CI: -1.34, -0.42, P=0.0002; 4 days: WMD=-0.69, 95%CI: -0.99, -0.39, P<0.00001; 5 days: WMD=-0.46, 95%CI: -0.67, -0.25, P<0.0001; 6-8 days: WMD=-0.51, 95%CI: -0.79, -0.22, P=0.0005; 10-15 days: WMD =-0.38, 95%CI: -0.56, -0.20, P<0.0001; ≥42 days: WMD =-0.22, 95%CI: -0.39, -0.06, P=0.007). Furthermore, the difference of BUN between MSCs treatment group and control group was notable for 2-3 days, 4-5 days, 6-8 days, ≥28 days. The results also indicated that MSCs treatment can alleviate the inflammatory cells, necrotic tubule, regenerative tubules, renal interstitial fibrosis in kidney disease induced by toxicant. Conclusion: MSCs might be a promising therapeutic agent for kidney disease induced by toxicant.
The Effects of METTL3-Mediated Regulations of the Adipogenic Differentiations of Bone Marrow MSCs Targeting PI3K/AKT Pathways on the Chemo-Resistance of AML
Authors: Huang Huifang , Pan Zhipeng , Wang Bin , Hou Diyu , You Ruolan , Wang Xiaoting , Xie Wenhui
Published: April 2020

Background: The adipogenic differentiations of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) result in the promotion of the chemo-resistance of AML cells. When compared with bone marrow MSCs from healthy donors (HD-MSCs), it has been observed that the MSCs from AML (AML-MSCs) displayed enhanced adipogenic differentiation abilities. However, the underlying mechanism remains elusive. METTL3-mediated modifications of m6A mRNA play key roles in the regulation of stem cell differentiation. Unfortunately, there has been no research to date which has reported the fact that the increases of adipogenic differentiation of AML-MSCs are regulated by the m6A. The goal of this study was to investigate the critical role of METTL3 in the adipogenesis of AML-MSCs for promoting the chemo-resistance of AML.Methods: This study detected the m6A levels of the MSCs total RNA, and then investigated METTL3 functions in the adipogenic differentiations of MSCs using knockdown and overexpression experimental methods. The effects of the adipogenic differentiations of HD-MSCs/AML-MSCs on the chemo-resistance to AML were also examined. In addition, the gene transcriptome and m6A epigenetic changes of AML-MSCs from four AML patients, and the HD-MSCs from three healthy donors, were analyzed in this study. The differentially expressed genes and pathways were successfully identified, and clinical specimens were used to adjust gene expressions in order to determine their effects on the adipogenic differentiations of MSC.Results: The results demonstrated that METTL3 could significantly inhibit the adipogenic differentiations of MSCs. It was found that when compared with the HD-MSCs, the expressions of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathways in the AML-MSCs were significantly increased. Meanwhile, the levels of m6A were significantly decreased. Therefore, it was indicated that by blocking the PI3K/AKT signaling pathways with AKT inhibitors, the adipogenic differentiations of the MSCs could be significantly inhibited. Moreover, the increased adipogenic differentiations induced by the METTL3 could significantly increase the chemo-resistance of the AML.Conclusions: It was found that the METTL3 had enhanced the modification levels of m6A in the PI3K/AKT signaling pathways, and then reduced its expression. Subsequently, the adipogenic differentiations were inhibited. Then, the bone marrow microenvironments, as well as chemo-resistance of the AML, were successfully changed.
Novel ethanol production using biomass preprocessing to increase ethanol yield and reduce overall costs
Authors: Pascoli Danielle Uchimura , Suko Azra , Gustafson Rick , Bura Renata
Published: April 2020

Background: Ethanol biorefineries need to lower their overall production costs to become economically feasible. Two strategies to achieve this are to reduce costs by using cheaper feedstocks or to increase the ethanol production yield. Low-cost feedstocks usually have high non-structural components (NSC) content, therefore a new process is necessary to accommodate these feedstocks and overcome the negative effects of NSC. This study developed a novel ethanol biorefinery process including a biomass preprocessing step that enabled the use of lower-cost feedstocks while improving ethanol production without detoxification (overliming). Two types of poplar feedstocks were used, low-quality whole-tree chips (WTC) and high-quality clean pulp chips (CPC), to determine if the proposed process is effective while using feedstocks with different NSC contents. Results: Technical assessment showed that acidic preprocessing increased the monomeric sugar recovery of WTC from 73.2% (untreated) to 87.5% due to reduced buffering capacity of poplar, improved sugar solubilization during pretreatment, and better enzymatic hydrolysis conversion. Preprocessing alone significantly improved the fermentability of the liquid fraction from 1-2% to 49-56% for both feedstocks, while overliming improved it to 45%. Consequently, it was proposed that preprocessing can substitute for the detoxification step. The economic assessment revealed that using poplar WTC via the new process increased annual ethanol production of 10.5 million liters when compared to using CPC via overliming (base case scenario). Also, savings in total operating costs were about $10 million per year when using cheaper poplar WTC instead of CPC, and by using recycled water for preprocessing lowered its total operating costs by 45-fold. Conclusions: The novel process developed in this study was successful in increasing ethanol production while decreasing overall costs, thus facilitating the feasibility of lignocellulosic ethanol biorefineries. Key factors to achieving this outcome included substituting overliming by preprocessing, enabling the use of lower-quality feedstock, increasing monomeric sugar recovery and ethanol fermentation yield, and using recycled water for preprocessing. In addition, preprocessing enabled the implementation of an evaporator-combustor downstream design, resulting in a low-loading waste stream that can be treated in a wastewater treatment plant with a simple configuration.
Analysis of profit efficiency among smallholder sheep farmers of N8 development corridor Free State, South Africa
Authors: Nyam Yong Sebastian , OJO TEMITOPE , Belle Amate Johannes , Ogundeji Abiodun , Adetoro Adetoso
Published: April 2020

The livestock sector is the largest agricultural-sub sector in South Africa contributing approximately 30% to the agricultural output. The aim of this research is to measure the profit efficiency of smallholder sheep farmers and to identify the factors affecting profit efficiency of the farmer, in order to propose better strategies for sustainable livestock production among smallholder farmers in the Free State. A stochastic profit frontier approach was used to evaluate the profitability and efficiency of 217 smallholders in the N8 development corridor Free State, South Africa. The results found that the farmers are not efficiency and have great capacity to improve profitability in sheep production. The result showed that Profit efficiencies of the farmers varied between 15.5% and 80.4% with a mean of 65.1% implying that an estimated 34.9% of the profit is lost due to a combination of economic and allocative inefficiencies in sheep production. The study found that profit efficiency is positively influenced by level of education and household size (members below 18 years old) while gender and sheep loss increase profit inefficiency. Profit efficiency of the farmers can be significantly increased through effective education and training of farmers.
Suppression of CCT3 inhibits the proliferation and migration in breast cancer cells
Authors: Xu Gang , Bu Shanshan , Wang Xiushen , Zhang He , Ge Hong
Published: April 2020

Background

CCT3 is a subunit of chaperonin-containing TCP-1 (CCT), which folds many proteins involved in cancer development and plays an important role in many cancers. However, the role of CCT3 in breast cancer is still unclear.

Methods

CCT3 expression was knocked down by transfecting breast cancer cells with lentiviral shRNA. The proliferation of breast cancer cells (HCC1937 and MDA-MB-231) was detected by Celigo image cytometry and MTT assay, the migration of the cells was measured by Transwell analysis, cell cycle distribution and apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry, and changes in signal transduction proteins were detected by western blot analysis.

Results

The expression of CCT3 was significantly suppressed by transduction with lentiviral shRNA; CCT3 knockdown significantly reduced the proliferation and metastasis ability of breast cancer cells (HCC 1937 and MDA-MB-231), increased the proportion of cells in S phase, and decreased the proportion of cells in G1 phase compared to those in shControl cells. There was no significant change in the number of cells in the G2/M phase. Apoptosis analysis showed that knockdown of CCT3 induced apoptosis in breast cancer cells. Western blot analysis showed that the expression of many signal transduction proteins was changed after suppression of CCT3.

Conclusion

CCT3 is closely related to the proliferation and migration of breast cancer and may be a novel therapeutic target.
Predictive Factors of Quality of Life in Adults with Long-standing Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Castellano-Guerrero Ana , Guerrero Raquel , Ruiz-Aranda Desiree , Perea Sofia , Pumar Alfonso , Relimpio Federico , Mangas Miguel Angel , Losada Fernando , Martínez-Brocca Maria Asuncion
Published: April 2020

Background: To determine gender differences in Quality of life (QoL) perception and to identify sociodemographic, clinical and psychological characteristics associated with impaired QoL in adults with long-standing type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1). Methods: Cross-sectional evaluation in a random cohort of DM1 adult patients from a tertiary care hospital. QoL was evaluated using translated and validated self-administered Diabetes QoL questionnaire (Es-DQoL), and results transformed into a 0-100 scale. Psychological assessment included a planned psychological interview and self-reported questionnaires (Beck Depression Inventory II, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Form Y, Fear of hypoglycaemia Scale, Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey). Results: A total of 312 patients (51.6% male; 38.2 ± 12.7 years; HbA 1c 7.5 ± 1.1% (58.5 ± 14.2 mmol/mol); 20.4 ± 12.0 years of DM1) were included in the analysis. Male and female subgroups showed similar sociodemographic and diabetes-related features and comparable social support. Among female patients, higher frequency of depression (31.7% vs. 14.9%, p<0.05) and anxiety (23.2% vs. 13.0%, p<0.05) and severity of depressive and anxious symptoms were also found. Compared to male patients, female patients showed a lower perception of QoL (75 [65-85] vs. 80 [69-87], p<0.05) and scored significantly worse in subscale Diabetes-related worries (69 [50-81] vs. 75 [62-88], p<0.05). Fear of hypoglycemia and severity of depressive and anxious symptoms, as well as the presence of macrovascular complications and high frequency of glycemic excursions were predictive factors of QoL. Conclusions: Adult women with long-standing DM1 showed a worse QoL perception probably related to higher frequency of psychopathological syndromes. Exposure to glycemic excursions and depressive and anxious symptoms were identified as modifiable, QoL-related variables. Educational, technological and psychological interventions aimed at reducing glycemic variability and improving psychological status are needed in order to improve QoL in DM1 patients.
Natural compounds as potential inhibitors of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) main protease: An in silico study
Authors: Mishra Amaresh , Pathak Yamini , Tripathi Vishwas
Published: April 2020

COVID-19 pandemic, a novel coronavirus disease is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus, SARS-CoV-2. It was first reported in Wuhan, China and has now expanded to more than 190 countries across the world. Till date, there is no specific medication available to prevent or target SARS CoV-2 infection. Very recently, the crystal structure of COVID- 19 main protease (Mpro) was revealed by Liu et al. (2020). SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) is a key enzyme that plays a crucial role in viral replication and transcription. Thus, Mpro could be a promising target to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection. Natural compounds due to their structural diversity and safety are considered as an excellent source of antiviral drugs. In this study, we selected Herbacetin, Rhoifolin, Pectolinarin, Apigenin, Luteolin, Amentoflavone, Daidzein, Puerarin, Epigallocatechin, Gallocatechin gallate, Resveratrol, Maslinic acid, Piperine and Ganomycin B to target the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) using in silico tools. These compounds were examined based on ADME, drug likeness, docking studies, MD simulations using CABS-flex 2.0, and prediction of major toxicity parameters (hepatotoxicity & cytotoxicity) to check the safety aspects of the selected compounds. We also investigated the similarity of these compounds, if any, with FDA approved drugs using Swiss similarity. The docking results were found in the order of Amentoflavone (-9.13 kcal/mol), Ritonavir (-8.52 kcal/mol), Lopinavir (-8.5 kcal/mol), Puerarin (-7.97 kcal/mol), Maslinic acid (-7.97 kcal/mol), Piperine (-7.65 kcal/mol), Gallocatechin gallate (-7.59 kcal/mol), Luteolin (-7.58 kcal/mol), Apigenin (-7.42 kcal/mol), Resveratrol (-7.41 kcal/mol), Herbacetin (-7.4 kcal/mol), Daidzein (-7.32 kcal/mol), Rhoifolin (-6.71 kcal/mol), Ganomycin B (-6.46 kcal/mol), Epigallocatechin (-6.13 kcal/mol), and Pectolinarin (-5.88 kcal/mol). Among these selected natural compounds, Amentoflavone and Puerarin were the two top leads which showed the lowest binding energies. Interestingly, Amentoflavone showed highest binding affinity among all the selected compounds. Our promising findings based on in-silico studies warrants further clinical trial in order to use these compounds as potential inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 protease.
Long-term trends in colorectal cancer: incidence, localization, and presentation
Authors: Høydahl Øystein , Edna Tom-Harald , Xanthoulis Athanasios , Lydersen Stian , Endreseth Birger Henning
Published: April 2020

Purpose The purpose of this study was to assess trends in incidence and presentation of colorectal cancer (CRC) over a period of 37 years in a stable population in Mid-Norway. Secondarily, we wanted to predict the future burden of CRC in the same catchment area. Methods All 2268 patients diagnosed with CRC at Levanger Hospital between 1980 and 2016 were included in this study. We used Poisson regression to calculate the incidence rate ratio (IRR) and analyse factors associated with incidence. Results The incidence of CRC increased from 43/100,000 person-years during 1980–1984 to 84/100,000 person-years during 2012–2016. Unadjusted IRR increased by 1.8% per year, corresponding to an overall increase in incidence of 94.5%. Changes in population (ageing and sex distribution) contributed to 28% of this increase, whereas 72% must be attributed to primary preventable factors associated with lifestyle. Compared with the last observational period, we predict a further 40% increase by 2030, and a 70% increase by 2040. Acute colorectal obstruction was associated with tumours in the left flexure and descending colon. Spontaneous colorectal perforation was associated with tumours in the descending colon, caecum, and sigmoid colon. The incidence of obstruction remained stable, while the incidence of perforation decreased throughout the observational period. The proportion of earlier stages at diagnosis increased significantly in recent decades. Conclusion CRC incidence increased substantially from 1980 to 2016, mainly due to primary preventable factors. The incidence will continue to increase during the next two decades, mainly due to further ageing of the population.
Health-seeking behavior of patients with COVID-19 infection
Authors: Tian Sijia , Li Dou , Lou Jing , Niu Shengmei , Lian Huixin , Kang Xuqin , Zhang Luxi , Zhang Jinjun
Published: April 2020

Background: Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) emerged across the world, and the disease course can be affected by health-seeking behavior of patients. This study aimed to explore the influence of the health-seeking behavior of patients with COVID-19 on disease process.Methods: A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the health-seeking behavior of discharged patients with COVID-19 infection. Patients were categorized into three groups based on the times of visiting hospital, and the Mann-Whitney U and the Chi-square test were used to compare the difference.Results: 138 discharged patients infected with COVID-19 were enrolled in our study as of Feb 20th, 2020. 68(49.3%) patients were male, with the median age of 40 years old. There were significant difference in contact history of being to Wuhan in last 14 days (A=6.799, P=0.033), contacting with confirmed case in last 14 days (b=9.321, P=0.009) and the type of hospital first visited (s=29.317, P<0.001).The health-seeking behavior can significantly affect the duration between the first hospital visit and confirmed diagnosis (t=6.445, P=0.002), symptoms onset and confirmed diagnosis (r=4.591, P=0.012), as well as symptoms onset and hospitalization (a=4.404, P=0.014). As the epidemic developed, the time interval from symptom onset to first hospital visit had been decreased gradually from Jan 12 to Feb 15.Conclusions: Health-seeking behavior of patients were different as the epidemic developed and the strategies taken by government. It’s necessary to improve epidemic acknowledge and awareness of citizens to contain the outbreak.
Mechanism of baricitinib supports artificial intelligence-predicted testing in COVID-19 patients
Authors: Stebbing Justin , Krishnan Venkatesh , de Bono Stephanie , Ottaviani Silvia , Casalini Giacomo , Richardson Peter J. , Monteil Vanessa , Lauschke Volker M. , Mirazimi Ali , Terres Jorge A. Ross , Nickoloff Brian J. , Higgs Richard E. , Rocha Guilherme , Byers Nicole L. , Schlichting Douglas E. , Cardoso Anabela , Corbellino Mario
Published: April 2020

Baricitinib, is an oral Janus kinase (JAK)1/JAK2 inhibitor approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) that was independently hypothesized, using artificial intelligence (AI)-algorithms, to be useful for the treatment of COVID-19 infection via a proposed anti-cytokine effects and as an inhibitor of host cell viral propagation1,2. We validated the AI-predicted biochemical inhibitory effects of baricitinib on human numb-associated kinase (hNAK) members measuring nanomolar affinities for AAK1, BIKE, and GAK. Inhibition of NAKs led to reduced viral infectivity with baricitinib using human primary liver spheroids, which express hAAK1 and hGAK. We evaluated the in vitro pharmacology of baricitinib across relevant leukocyte subpopulations coupled to its in vivo pharmacokinetics and showed it inhibited signaling of cytokines implicated in COVID-19 infection. In a case series of patients with bilateral COVID-19 pneumonia, baricitinib treatment was associated with clinical and radiologic recovery, a rapid decline in SARS-CoV-2 viral load, inflammatory markers, and IL-6 levels. This represents an important example of an AI-predicted treatment showing scientific and clinical promise during a global health crisis. Collectively, these data support further evaluation of the AI-derived hypothesis on anti-cytokine and anti-viral activity and supports its assessment in randomized trials in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
Machine learning: a predication model of outcome of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia
Authors: Wu Gang , Zhou Shuchang , Wang Yujin , Li Xiaoming
Published: April 2020

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has resulted in thousands of deaths in the world. Information about prediction model of prognosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection is scarce. We used machine learning for processing laboratory findings of 110 patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia (including 51 non-survivors and 59 discharged patients). The maximum relevance minimum redundancy (mRMR) algorithm and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) logistic regression model were used for selection of laboratory features. Seven laboratory features selected by machine learning were: prothrombin activity, urea, white blood cell, interleukin-2 receptor, indirect bilirubin, myoglobin, and fibrinogen degradation products. The signature constructed using the seven features had 98% [93%, 100%] sensitivity and 91% [84%, 99%] specificity in predicating outcome of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. Thus it is feasible to establish an accurate prediction model of outcome of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia with machine learning.
Risk factors associated with fatal outcomes of novel coronavirus infection pneumonia (COVID-19): A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Can , Yan Danying , Zhou Yuqing , Tian Guo , Wu Jie , Liu Xiaoxiao , Huang Chenyang , Fu Xiaofang , Ding Cheng , Lan Lei , Wang Chencheng , Wu Wei , Hecht Robert , Zhu Changtai , Li Lanjuan , Yang Shigui
Published: April 2020

Background: The COVID-19 infection has caused 111652 deaths worldwide as of 13 April 2020. Risk factors for fatal outcomes of COVID-19 have varied across studies due to limited samples and have lacked effective qualitative and quantitative measurements. We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate risk factors for fatal outcomes of COVID-19.Methods: Data on demographic, clinic, laboratory findings and complications were extracted. Quantitative and qualitative synthesis was conducted for weighted-mean-difference (WMD) and odds-ratio (OR).Results: A total of 30 studies involving 5741 survivors and 1670 deaths were included. The death cases were significantly older than survivors (WMD=15.36, 95% CI: 12.90-17.82), male and smoking history showed higher risk to develop fatal outcome (OR=3.37, 95% CI: 2.27-5.01; OR=1.37, 95% CI: 1.02-1.83, respectively). The clinical symptoms including dyspnea (OR=4.63, 95% CI: 2.85-7.54), hemoptysis (OR=3.11, 95% CI: 1.26-7.56), malaise (OR=2.44, 95% CI: 1.49-3.97). comorbidities with coronary heart disease (OR=4.36, 95% CI: 1.91-9.97), COPD (OR=3.70, 95% CI: 2.03-6.73) and cardiovascular disease (OR=3.45, 95% CI: 2.54-4.70). Compared to survivors, many laboratory indexes increased in deaths group, including serum ferritin (WMD=741.47, 95% CI: 566.77-916.16), lactate dehydrogenase (WMD=226.86, 95% CI: 177.08-276.64) and myoglobin (WMD=102.58, 95% CI: 65.12-140.04), and the decreased indexes included PaO2/FiO2 (WMD=-71.61, 95% CI: -134.11 to -9.11), platelets (WMD=-41.09, 95% CI: -47.33 to -34.85) and PaO2 (WMD=-26.09, 95% CI: -38.9 to -13.29). Main complications contributed to the fatal outcome included sepsis (OR=184.61, 95% CI: 33.43-1019.42), shock (OR=133.76, 95% CI: 36.86-485.34) and respiratory failure (OR=47.37, 95% CI: 20.65-108.66). Conclusion: The main risk factors associated with fatal outcome of COVID-19 involved male, older age, smoking history, chronic medical conditions including coronary heart disease, COPD and cardiovascular disease, clinical symptoms including dyspnea, hemoptysis and malaise, the increased laboratory indexes including serum ferritin, lactate dehydrogenase and myoglobin, the decreased indexes including PaO2/FiO2, platelets and PaO2, main complications including sepsis, shock and respiratory failure. These factors could be considered in triaging patients and allocating medical resources when such medical resources are scarce, devising improved protocols for patient diagnosis and management, and developing new drugs and other therapies to treat COVID-19 patients.
Hydrodynamic conceptual model of groundwater in the headwater of the Rio de Oro, Santander (Colombia) by geochemical and isotope tools
Authors: Cetina M. , Taupin J-D. , Gómez S. , Patris N.
Published: April 2020

Metamorphic, igneous and sedimentary rocks, with low to no primary porosity, outcrop in the La Moza micro-basin stream (headwater of the Rio de Oro). In this high mountain system, water isotopic composition of rainwater, water isotopes and geochemistry of groundwater (springs) and surface water were determined. Groundwater flows are associated to phreatic aquifers in relationship with secondary porosity generated by fracturing, which is increased by dissolution processes in case of carbonate formation producing karstic systems and by the weathering phenomenon mainly affecting granodioritic rocks. Water geochemistry shows low to medium electrical conductivity (EC) depending on the geological formation, but a unique calcium bicarbonate facies. Spring water EC shows limited temporal variations. The isotopic composition of spring indicates a meteoric origin, local infiltration and groundwater flows with low residence time. A conceptual model of the recharge zone is proposed that crosses the surface watershed and covers part of the adjacent Rio Jordán basin, where the Berlin Paramo is located.
Experimental results of the hydrological performance of a permeable pavement laboratory rig
Authors: Ioannidou Vasiliki G. , Arthur Scott
Published: April 2020

There is an increasing number of everyday flood incidents around the world, the impact of which poses a challenge to society, the economy and the environment. Under the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC), green infrastructure through the use of sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) is the recommended policy to manage and treat storm water runoff. Given the limited published experimental information on permeable interlocking concrete block pavements (PICPs), this paper presents novel results from an experimental laboratory study on a permeable interlocking concrete block pavement rig, investigating the short-term hydrology of the pavement, and water quality aspects related to the retention capacity of suspended solids (SS) through the pavement structure. Results of the volume analysis demonstrate high capability of the permeable structure to reduce the concentration time and attenuate the storm. Water quality testing was employed mainly as an indicator of the tendency of the suspended solids retention by the structure, indicating increasing tendency in the sediment mass retention progressively after each rainfall event. Experimental results obtained in the present study have direct application on the implementation of PICPs in car parking lots, urbanised pavement structures and pedestrianised walkways.
Water treatment in rural Guatemala: factors associated with the use of biosand water filters
Authors: Wu Chi-Fang , Piedra Lissette M. , Matthew Lenore E. , Rhodes Emily C. , Nguyen Thanh H.
Published: April 2020

Point-of-use water filters are a means to provide clean water vital to the health of people in developing countries. The factors that influence the adoption of this technology include hygiene knowledge, health beliefs related to the use of new technology, and technical issues with using the filter (e.g., water taste and breakage). This study examines how people in Mayan communities in rural Guatemala perceived biosand filters they had received and what factors related to their filter use. Based on the survey and interviewer observations, approximately 53% were regular filter users, 28% were irregular filter users, and 19.4% were non-filter users. The observational data revealed that actual filter use is lower than self-reported use, reflecting complexities in the adoption of technology. One such complexity can be seen in the connection between health beliefs and behavior. The belief that believing drinking filtered water is salubrious does not necessarily coincide with filter use, but education and hygienic practices correlated with regular filter use. Furthermore, regular users typically depend on family members for a daily reminder to use the filter, suggesting that education should foster peer support as well as imparting knowledge.
Development of a minimalist conceptual numerical model for flood forecasting and management under GIS environment
Authors: Boudani Mustapha Rabie , Mazour Mohamed , Mazighi Hichem , Djoukbala Omar
Published: April 2020

The floods that Algeria has experienced in recent years are among the most significant natural disasters recorded by the country. These disasters, whose amplitude and frequency have tended to become increasingly irregular in space and time, in the current context of global climate change, encourage us to improve our flood management and forecasting strategies, notably through the re-evaluation of protection structure capacities, designed on the basis of hydrological data analyzed by statistical adjustment of past rainfall hazards. The objective of this study is to develop a minimalist conceptual numerical model for flood forecasting and management under GIS environment for the north-east region of Algeria. This model was developed by analyzing hydrographic data that can be adapted to climate data collected in real time, to predict short-term flood hydrographs in all segments of the hydrographic network, based on the Sokolovsky model for construction of synthetic hydrographs, combined with the Horton architecture for basin discretization. We obtained accuracy on past rainfall hazard simulations around 65.2% for peak flow amplitudes and 88.3% for surface runoff base times. This low-cost simple model opens the way to more possibilities in flood management, and can be improved through better spatialization and calibration with more field data.
Integrated assessment of the influence of climate change on current and future intra-annual water availability in the Vaal River catchment
Authors: Remilekun Akanbi T. , Thando Ndarana , Nerhene Davis , Archer Emma
Published: April 2020

Increasing water demand due to population growth, economic expansion and the need for development puts a strain on the supply capacity of the Vaal River catchment in South Africa. Climate change presents additional challenges in the catchment which supports the country's economic hub, more than 30% of its population and over 70% of its maize production. This study evaluates the influence of climate change on current and future intra-annual water availability and demand using a multi-tiered approach where climate scenarios, hydrological modelling and socio-economic considerations were applied. Results shows exacerbated water supply challenges for the future. Temperature increases of between 0.07 and 5 °C and precipitation reductions ranging from 0.4 to 30% for Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) 4.5 and 8.5, respectively, are also predicted by the end of the century. The highest monthly average streamflow reductions (8–10%) are predicted for the summer months beyond 2040. Water Evaluation and Planning (WEAP) simulations project an increase in future water requirements, gaps in future water assurance and highlight limitations in existing management strategies. The study recommends a combination of adaptation plans, climatic/non-climatic stressor monitoring, wastewater-reuse, conservation, demand management and inter-basin transfers to reduce future uncertainty in monthly water sustainability.
Los usos del Río Colorado y la subsistencia de los indígenas Cucapá en el valle de Mexicali. 1852-1944
Authors: Gómez Estrada José Alfredo
Published: April 2020

Este artículo describe cómo en las tres primeras décadas del presente siglo la población estadunidense y mexicana establecidas en el Valle Imperial y valle de Mexicali utilizaron el río Colorado para desarrollar una moderna agricultura de irrigación en su zona deltaica. Establece conexiones entre eventos y procesos relacionados con el desarrollo agrícola en los valles mencionados e importantes cambios en la forma de subsistencia de los indígenas cucapá, antiguos habitantes de esta región.
The Role of Antioxidants in the Prevention of Cadmium-Induced Endothelial Dysfunction
Authors: Almenara Camila Cruz Pereira , Oliveira Thiago F. , Padilha Alessandra S.
Published: April 2020

Background:

Cadmium is a worldwide spread toxicant that accumulates in tissues and affects many
organs, mainly through oxidative damage. Oxidative stress is often associated with cardiovascular diseases and,
when it affects vessels, it induces endothelial dysfunction, which, in turn, could precipitate atherosclerosis and
hypertension. Therefore, it is reasonable to suggest antioxidant supplementation as a therapy against cadmiuminduced
endothelial dysfunction.

Objective:

This literature review aims to present the mechanisms involving oxidative stress in which cadmium
induces endothelial dysfunction and the benefits of antioxidant supplementation as a therapeutic strategy against
its harmful effects.

Methods:

On PubMed Central, articles that contemplated studies on cadmium intoxication and associated oxidative
stress with endothelial dysfunction as well as articles that reported the use of antioxidant supplementation in
an attempt to prevent or avoid endothelial dysfunction induced by cadmium exposure were selected.

Results:

Most of the studies that associated cadmium intoxication with endothelial dysfunction suggested oxidative
stress as the major mechanism for this damage. Furthermore, experimental studies also revealed that the
administration of substances with antioxidant properties, such as ascorbic acid and curcumin, has beneficial effects
on the prevention of such dysfunction, reducing reactive oxygen species within the vessels, preventing a
reduction in the amount of glutathione and the increase in blood pressure observed in animals exposed to cadmium.

Conclusion:

Antioxidant therapy demonstrated to be a potential treatment to reduce cardiovascular injuries provoked
by cadmium, but more studies are needed to determine the best antioxidant substance and dose to treat or
avoid this complication.
Shift in HIV/AIDS Epidemic and Factors Associated with False Positives for HIV Testing: A Retrospective Study from 2013 to 2018 in Xi’an, China
Authors: Wang Jing-Yuan , Zhang Kai-Ge , Ruan Jing-Xiong , Chen Wei , Wang Linchuan
Published: April 2020

Background:

In China, although quite a few bold programmes have been made for
HIV/AIDS, the epidemic has still shown an increasing trend.

Objectives:

The study was aimed to investigate the characteristics of new HIV/AIDS and the major
factors of false positives (FP) for HIV testing.

Methods:

A retrospective review was performed in a teaching hospital in Xi’an between 2013 and
2018. The overall characteristics and trends of new HIV/AIDS were described. Moreover, the major
factors of FP were determined by the Pareto analysis.

Results:

A total of 469 new HIV/AIDS were diagnosed, with an increasing prevalence of the new
HIV/AIDS from 0.0626% (41/65503) in 2013 to 0.0827% (115/139046) in 2018. Of them, the majority
occurred in the males (88.50%), people aged 21-50 years (76.97%), migrants (60.98%), and
sexual contact route (88.70%). There was a rapid increase in the annual number of new HIV/AIDS
and increasing trends in groups of young individuals, students, and homosexual mode; however, a
downward trend in the percentage of injecting drug use was also observed. Over 50 years old and
patients from oncology, obstetrics, hepatobiliary surgery, nephrology, cardiology, and infectious
disease constituted the major factors of FP.

Conclusions:

The HIV/AIDS epidemic in Xi’an is still evolving, therefore, effective strategies, appropriate
education and scaling up HIV testing should be developed. In addition, old adults and specific
departments were associated with FP.
Genetic Diversity and Drug Resistance of HIV-1 CRF55_01B in Guangdong, China
Authors: Yu Guolong , Li Yan , Huang Xuhe , Zhou Pingping , Yan Jin , Yan Xinge , Fu Xiaobing , Fang Yang , Liu Jun , Li Jie , He Xiang , Lin Peng
Published: April 2020

Background:

HIV-1 CRF55_01B was first reported in 2013. At present, no report is
available regarding this new clade’s polymorphisms in its functionally critical regions protease and
reverse transcriptase.

Objective:

To identify the diversity difference in protease and reverse transcriptase between
CRF55_01B and its parental clades CRF01_AE and subtype B; and to investigate CRF55_01B’s
drug resistance mutations associated with the protease inhibition and reverse transcriptase inhibition.

Methods:

HIV-1 RNA was extracted from plasma derived from a MSM population. The reverse
transcription and nested PCR amplification were performed following our in-house PCR procedure.
Genotyping and drug resistant-associated mutations and polymorphisms were identified based on
polygenetic analyses and the usage of the HIV Drug Resistance Database, respectively.

Results:

A total of 9.24 % of the identified CRF55_01B sequences bear the primary drug resistance.
CRF55_01B contains polymorphisms I13I/V, G16E and E35D that differ from those in CRF01_AE.
Among the 11 polymorphisms in the RT region, seven were statistically different from
CRF01_AE’s. Another three polymorphisms, R211K (98.3%), F214L (98.3%), and V245A/E (98.3
%.), were identified in the RT region and they all were statistically different with that of the subtype
B. The V179E/D mutation, responsible for 100% potential low-level drug resistance, was found in
all CRF55_01B sequences. Lastly, the phylogenetic analyses demonstrated 18 distinct clusters that
account for 35% of the samples.

Conclusions:

CRF55_01B’s pol has different genetic diversity comparing to its counterpart in
CRF55_01B’s parental clades. CRF55_01B has a high primary drug resistance presence and the
V179E/D mutation may confer more vulnerability to drug resistance.
Novel Synthesis of 4-Benzylidene-2-((1-phenyl-3,4-dihydroisoquinoline-2(1H)-yl)methyl) oxazol-5(4H)-one Derivatives Using 1,2,3,Tetrahydroisoquinoline and their Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Rao Nalla Krishna , Rao Tentu Nageswara , Parvatamma Botsa , Prashanthi Y. , Cheedarala Ravi Kumar
Published: April 2020

Aims:

A series of six 4-benzylidene-2-((1-phenyl-3,4-dihydro isoquinoline-2(1H)-yl)methyloxazol-
5(4H)-one derivatives were synthesized by condensation of substituted aryl aldehydes with 2-(2-(1-phenyl-3,4-
dihydro isoquinoline-2(1H)-acetamido)acetic acid in the presence of sodium acetate, acetic anhydride and zinc
oxide as catalysts.

Background:

Novel Synthesis of 4-Benzylidene-2-((1-phenyl-3,4-dihy droisoquinoline-2(1H)-yl)methyl)oxazol-
5(4H)-one derivatives using 1,2,3,Tetrahydroisoquinoline and their antimicrobial activity.

Objective:

The title compounds can be synthesized from 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline.

Methods:

The target molecules, i.e., 4-benzylidene-2-((1-phenyl-3, 4-dihydro isoquinoline-2(1H)-yl) methyl)
oxazol-5(4H)-one derivatives (8a-8f) have been synthesized from 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline which was
prepared from benzoic acid in few steps.

Results:

All the six compounds were evaluated based on advanced spectral data (1H NMR, 13C NMR &
LCMS), and the chemical structures of all compounds were determined by elemental analysis.

Conclusion:

Antibacterial activity of the derivatives was examined for the synthesized compounds and results
indicate that compound with bromine substitution has a good activity profile.
A Review on Experimental Methods for Diabetes Induction and Therapeutic Efficacy of Anti-diabetic Drug Loaded Nanoformulation
Authors: Taleuzzaman Mohamad , Kala Chandra , Rahat Iqra , Gilani Sadaf Jamal , Kumar Vinay , Imam Syed Sarim
Published: April 2020

Background:

Different experimental methods have been used to induce diabetes in animals.
There are a number of anti-diabetic drug loaded nano-formulations with high therapeutic
value that are used to target diabetes with high therapeutic efficacy.

Methods:

From this review, various anti-hyperglycemic agents have been screened for their activity.
The use of nano-formulation in diabetes treatment is considered due to the possibility of the
incorporation of both hydrophilic and hydrophobic substances.

Results:

The clinical symptoms of diabetes are similar to those of hyperglycemia, glucosuria,
polydipsia, polyphagia, and polyuria and these symptoms were produced in experimental animal
models through various diabetogens. The treatment by using nano-formulation enhance the therapeutic
efficacy due to an increase in high carrier capacity.

Conclusion:

The characteristic features of the disease and pathological changes during disease in
small animals (rats or mice) are similar to that of human beings. The use of synthetic as well as herbal
drugs have shown greater therapeutic efficacy by encapsulating into nano drug delivery system.
Anticancer Potential of Mefenamic Acid Derivatives with Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Inhibitory Property
Authors: Patel Snehal S. , Tripathi Richa , Chavda Vishal K. , Savjani Jignasa K.
Published: April 2020

Background:

Numerous studies suggest that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs reduce cancer
cell proliferation, progression, angiogenesis, apoptosis, and invasiveness.

Objective:

The current study focuses on the evaluation of novel mefenamic acid derivatives for the treatment of
hepatocellular carcinoma.

Methods:

Derivatives were subjected to molecular modeling for prediction of pharmacological activity using
software, followed by synthesis and in vitro assay. In in vivo study, disease was induced with N-Nitrosodiethylamine
followed by 2-acetylaminofluorene orally for 2 weeks. After 12 weeks of induction, treatment was given for a
period of one week. At the end of the treatment, determination of liver weight, a number of nodules, biochemical
parameters, immunohistochemistry, histopathology, and gene expression studies, were carried out.

Results:

Based on molecular docking score for PDGF-α (Platelet-Derived Growth Factor) and IC50 values in
HepG2 cell line study, JS-PFA was selected for the in vivo study where JS-PFA showed a statistically significant
reduction in a number of nodules and liver weight. Protective role of JS-PFA has been observed in tumorspecific
markers like α-fetoprotein, carcinoembryonic antigen, and lactate dehydrogenase levels. The JS-PFA
has shown a significant reduction in PDGF-α levels as well as liver markers and total bilirubin levels. Histopathological
analysis also showed a protective effect. The results of immunohistochemical analysis of P53 and
down-regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor and matrix metalloproteinases-9 genes suggest that derivative
inhibits PDGF mediated tumor growth and leads to apoptosis, inhibition of angiogenesis, and metastasis.

Conclusion:

The effectiveness of JS-PFA in our studies suggests targeting PDGF by COX 2 inhibitor can serve
as a novel treatment strategy for the treatment of HCC.
A Survey on Machine Learning and Deep Learning-based Computer-Aided Methods for Detection of Polyps in CT Colonography
Authors: Hegde Niharika , Shishir M. , Shashank S. , Dayananda P. , Latte Mrityunjaya V.
Published: April 2020

Background:

Colon cancer generally begins as a neoplastic growth of tissue, called polyps,
originating from the inner lining of the colon wall. Most colon polyps are considered harmless
but over the time, they can evolve into colon cancer, which, when diagnosed in later stages, is
often fatal. Hence, time is of the essence in the early detection of polyps and the prevention of
colon cancer.

Methods:

To aid this endeavor, many computer-aided methods have been developed, which use a
wide array of techniques to detect, localize and segment polyps from CT Colonography images. In
this paper, a comprehensive state-of-the-art method is proposed and categorize this work broadly
using the available classification techniques using Machine Learning and Deep Learning.

Conclusions:

The performance of each of the proposed approach is analyzed with existing methods
and also how they can be used to tackle the timely and accurate detection of colon polyps.
Primer registro de Unguiculariopsis ravenelii (Leotiomycetes, Ascomycota) en México
Authors: Raymundo Tania , Martínez-Pineda Michelle , Cobos-Villagrán Aurora , Sánchez-Flores Marcos , Valenzuela Ricardo
Published: April 2020

Antecedentes y Objetivos: El género Unguiculariopsis de la clase Leotiomycetes dentro de Ascomycota se caracteriza por formar apotecios inconspicuos de hasta 2 mm de diámetro, con una superficie formada por pelos en forma de gancho, ascas inoperculadas, inamiloides y ascosporas globosas, subglobosas a elipsoidales, hialinas con gútulas. Son hongos fungícolas que presentan especificidad por el hospedero; en el presente estudio se tiene por objetivo reportar a Unguiculariopsis ravenelii por primera vez en México.Métodos: Los especímenes estudiados están depositados en el herbario ENCB del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, México. Los materiales fueron revisados en fresco y en seco, se describieron macro morfológicamente usando un estereoscopio, fotografías tomadas in situ y micro morfológicamente con un microscopio óptico. Se identificaron con claves y literatura especializada.Resultados clave: Se presenta la descripción de Unguiculariopsis ravenelii de México, una especie que se caracteriza por ser micoparásita y por formar apotecios gregarios sobre Rhytidhysteron rufulum. Conclusiones: Esta especie se distribuye en bosque tropical caducifolio y produce sus esporomas durante la temporada de lluvias en los estados de Colima, Jalisco, Nayarit, Oaxaca, Puebla, Sonora, Tabasco y Tamaulipas en la región Neotropical de México.
PERSONALITY AND LIFESTYLE INTERPRETS EXTERNAL CONDITION TO ENVIRONMENTAL BEHAVIOURS
Authors: Abu Bakar Aisyah , Mohamed Osman Mariana , Hitam Mizan
Published: April 2020

Personality and lifestyles frame individuals’ interpretation of situational information; as such, the encouragement, convenience and reinforcement to behave more environmentally. Issue: Existing research lack empirical evidence on the influence of personality and lifestyle (PL) on external condition (EC) to environmental behaviours. Purpose: This paper aims to verify the statistical predictability of EC based on PL. Approach: Multiple Correlation and Multiple Linear Regression were carried out to assess linear associations and parameters of linear equations to predict EC components based on PL items. Findings: EC components were predictable by some of the PL items. In particular, ‘urging media to raise environmental awareness’ was the strongest predictor of EC.