bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifying significantly impacted pathways: a comprehensive review and assessment
Authors: Nguyen Tuan-Minh , Shafi Adib , Nguyen Tin , Draghici Sorin
Published: October 2019

Background

Many high-throughput experiments compare two phenotypes such as disease vs. healthy, with the goal of understanding the underlying biological phenomena characterizing the given phenotype. Because of the importance of this type of analysis, more than 70 pathway analysis methods have been proposed so far. These can be categorized into two main categories: non-topology-based (non-TB) and topology-based (TB). Although some review papers discuss this topic from different aspects, there is no systematic, large-scale assessment of such methods. Furthermore, the majority of the pathway analysis approaches rely on the assumption of uniformity of p values under the null hypothesis, which is often not true.

Results

This article presents the most comprehensive comparative study on pathway analysis methods available to date. We compare the actual performance of 13 widely used pathway analysis methods in over 1085 analyses. These comparisons were performed using 2601 samples from 75 human disease data sets and 121 samples from 11 knockout mouse data sets. In addition, we investigate the extent to which each method is biased under the null hypothesis. Together, these data and results constitute a reliable benchmark against which future pathway analysis methods could and should be tested.

Conclusion

Overall, the result shows that no method is perfect. In general, TB methods appear to perform better than non-TB methods. This is somewhat expected since the TB methods take into consideration the structure of the pathway which is meant to describe the underlying phenomena. We also discover that most, if not all, listed approaches are biased and can produce skewed results under the null.
Chronic subdural hematomas: a case series from the medical ward of a north Tanzanian referral hospital
Authors: Rashid Sakina Mehboob , Deliran Shahrzad Seyedeh , Dekker Marieke Cornelia Johanna , Howlett William Patrick
Published: October 2019

Background

Chronic subdural hematomas (CSDH) initially present as focal neurological deficits with or without signs of increased intracranial pressure, for which admission to the general medical ward may occur if they present with poorly understood neurological deficits and no evident history of trauma. The symptoms may be long standing and mimic stroke upon presentation. Their distribution and specific clinical features in sub-Saharan Africa are largely unknown.

Methods

We describe a series of subdural hematoma (SDH) inpatients from the medical ward of a tertiary referral center in Northern Tanzania, describing clinical and radiological characteristics and providing clinical outcome where possible.

Results

Our study population numbered 30, with a male majority (n = 19, 63.3%) and a mean age of 66.8 ± 14.5 years. Mean duration from symptom onset to admission in the medical ward was 20.0 ± 30.8 days. History of head injury was reported in only 43.3% of patients. Improvement in the neurological examination was noted in 68.1% of the 22 patients who underwent surgery. The mortality rate was 20.0%.

Conclusion

A majority of the patients were elderly males and presented late to the hospital. Delayed presentation and diagnosis due to, amongst other reasons, postponed imaging resulted in a prolonged time to definitive treatment and a high mortality rate compared to other regions of the world.
Demonstrative study of brain anatomical landmarks by intraoperative ultrasound imaging
Authors: Elmesallamy Wael Abd Elrahman Ali
Published: October 2019

Objectives

Intraoperative use of ultrasound in brain surgery needs good understanding of the brain anatomy in ultrasound images. This study aims to compare ultrasound imaging of brain anatomical landmarks during surgery to perioperative computed tomography (CT), and perioperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as demonstration for encouraging usage as low cost, available and hazardless device.

Methods

In total; 350 patients were subjected to brain surgeries under ultrasound guidance using 2.5–8 megahertz (MHZ) transducers, at neurosurgery department Zagazig university hospital from January 2012 to January 2019. Brain anatomical landmarks were compared between ultrasound images, and perioperative images for safe, and confident surgeries.

Results

Various intracranial anatomical landmarks could be well-demonstrated by ultrasound through the open fontanel, or once the skull was opened, and during surgical work in real time fashion, facilitating surgical procedures, and avoiding complications.

Conclusion

Real-time ultrasound is of great help during brain surgeries in delineating brain anatomical landmarks as well as MRI, and CT brain. The growing learning standard of intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) use makes brain surgery more simple with avoiding brain shift problems, radiation exposure, and high cost of other intraoperative modalities.
Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of DNA demethylase family in cotton
Authors: YANG Xiaomin , LU Xuke , CHEN Xiugui , WANG Delong , WANG Junjuan , WANG Shuai , GUO Lixue , CHEN Chao , WANG Xiaoge , WANG Xinlei , YE Wuwei
Published: October 2019

Background

DNA methylation is an important epigenetic factor that maintains and regulates gene expression. The mode and level of DNA methylation depend on the roles of DNA methyltransferase and demethylase, while DNA demethylase plays a key role in the process of DNA demethylation. The results showed that the plant’s DNA demethylase all contained conserved DNA glycosidase domain. This study identified the cotton DNA demethylase gene family and analyzed it using bioinformatics methods to lay the foundation for further study of cotton demethylase gene function.

Results

This study used genomic information from diploid Gossypium raimondii JGI (D), Gossypium arboreum L. CRI (A), Gossypium hirsutum L. JGI (AD1) and Gossypium barbadebse L. NAU (AD2) to Arabidopsis thaliana. Using DNA demethylase genes sequence of Arabidopsis as reference, 25 DNA demethylase genes were identified in cotton by BLAST analysis. There are 4 genes in the genome D, 5 genes in the genome A, 10 genes in the genome AD1, and 6 genes in the genome AD2. The gene structure and evolution were analyzed by bioinformatics, and the expression patterns of DNA demethylase gene family in Gossypium hirsutum L. were analyzed. From the phylogenetic tree analysis, the DNA demethylase gene family of cotton can be divided into four subfamilies: REPRESSOR of SILENCING 1 (ROS1), DEMETER (DME), DEMETER-LIKE 2 (DML2), and DEMETER-LIKE3 (DML3). The sequence similarity of DNA demethylase genes in the same species was higher, and the genetic relationship was also relatively close. Analysis of the gene structure revealed that the DNA demethylase gene family members of the four subfamilies varied greatly. Among them, the number of introns of ROS1 and DME subfamily was larger, and the gene structure was more complex. For the analysis of the conserved domain, it was known that the DNA demethylase family gene member has an endonuclease III (ENDO3c) domain.

Conclusion

The genes of the DNA demethylase family are distributed differently in different cotton species, and the gene structure is very different. High expression of ROS1 genes in cotton were under abiotic stress. The expression levels of ROS1 genes were higher during the formation of cotton ovule. The transcription levels of ROS1 family genes were higher during cotton fiber development.
Temporal evolution of the microbiome, immune system, and epigenome with disease progression in ALS mice
Authors: Figueroa-Romero Claudia , Guo Kai , Murdock Benjamin J. , Paez-Colasante Ximena , Bassis Christine M. , Mikhail Kristen A. , Raue Kristen D. , Evans Matthew C. , Taubman Ghislaine F. , McDermott Andrew J. , O'Brien Phillipe D. , Savelieff Masha G. , Hur Junguk , Feldman Eva L.
Published: October 2019

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a terminal neurodegenerative disease. Genetic predisposition, epigenetic changes, aging, and accumulated life-long environmental exposures are known ALS risk factors. The complex and dynamic interplay between these pathological influences play a role in disease onset and progression. Recently, the gut microbiome has also been implicated in ALS development. Additionally, immune cell populations are differentially expanded and activated in ALS compared to healthy individuals. However, the temporal evolution of both the intestinal flora and the immune system relative to symptom onset in ALS is presently not fully understood. To better elucidate the timeline of the various potential pathological factors, we performed a longitudinal study to simultaneously assess the gut microbiome, immunophenotype, and changes in ileum and brain epigenetic marks relative to motor behavior and muscle atrophy in the mutant superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1G93A) familial ALS mouse model. We identified alterations in the gut microbial environment early in the life of SOD1G93A animals followed by motor dysfunction and muscle atrophy, and immune cell expansion and activation, particularly in the spinal cord. Global brain cytosine hydroxymethylation was also altered in SOD1G93A animals at disease end-stage compared to control mice. Correlation analysis confirmed interrelationships with the microbiome and immune system. This study serves as a starting point to more deeply comprehend the influence of gut microorganisms and the immune system on ALS onset and progression. Greater insight may help pinpoint novel biomarkers and therapeutic interventions to improve diagnosis and treatment for ALS patients.
Variation in developmental temperature alters adulthood plasticity of thermal tolerance inTigriopus californicus
Authors: Healy Timothy M. , Bock Antonia K. , Burton Ronald S.
Published: October 2019

In response to environmental change, organisms rely on both genetic adaptation and phenotypic plasticity to adjust key traits that are necessary for survival and reproduction. Given the accelerating rate of climate change, plasticity may be particularly important. For organisms in warming aquatic habitats, upper thermal tolerance is likely to be a key trait, and many organisms express plasticity in this trait in response to developmental or adulthood temperatures. Although plasticity at one life stage may influence plasticity at another life stage, relatively little is known about this possibility for thermal tolerance. Here we used locally adapted populations of the copepod Tigriopus californicus to investigate these potential effects in an intertidal ectotherm. We found that low latitude populations had greater critical thermal maxima (CTmax) than high latitude populations, and variation in developmental temperature altered CTmax plasticity in adults. After development at 25°C, CTmax was plastic in adults, whereas no adulthood plasticity in this trait was observed after development at 20°C. This pattern was identical across four populations, suggesting that local thermal adaptation has not shaped this effect among these populations. Differences in the capacities to maintain ATP synthesis rates and to induce heat shock proteins at high temperatures, two likely mechanisms of local adaptation in this species, were consistent with changes in CTmax due to phenotypic plasticity, which suggests that there is likely mechanistic overlap between the effects of plasticity and adaptation. Together, these results indicate that developmental effects may have substantial impacts on upper thermal tolerance plasticity in adult ectotherms.
A Systematic Study on the Double-Layered Photosensitizing Dye Structure on the Surface of Pt-Cocatalyst-Loaded TiO2 Nanoparticles
Authors: Yoshimura Nobutaka , Kobayashi Atsushi , Yoshida Masaki , Kato Masako
Published: October 2019

We have systematically prepared three kinds of photosensitizing (PS) double layers on the surface of Pt-cocatalyst-loaded TiO2 (Pt-TiO2) nanoparticles by using four different phosphonate-functionalized Ru(II) polypyridine photosensitizers (Ru) and Zr4+ cation linkers to improve the photo-induced separation efficiency at the double-PS-layer and semiconductor interface. All three nanoparticles with double-PS-layer structure (Ru-Zr-Ru@Pt-TiO2) exhibited remarkably higher photocatalytic H2 evolution activity than that of single-PS-layer nanoparticles, Ru@Pt-TiO2 in low sacrificial electron donating (SED) l-ascorbic acid solution. The fine-tuning of emission energy of Ru(II) PS dye at the outer surface of Ru-Zr-Ru@Pt-TiO2 nanoparticle revealed that photoexcitation energy transfer from outer to inner Ru(II) PS dyes give a positive effect on the photocatalytic activity especially in the low SED concentration.
A Prospective Cohort Study of Collegiate Fencing Injuries
Authors: Walrod Bryant , Turner Wil , Hartz Clinton
Published: October 2019

Data with respect to collegiate fencing injuries are very limited. We performed a prospective cohort study of a college fencing team to analyze the rates and types of injuries that occurred to this team over the course of a year. We noted that the injury rate was low, with 2.43 injuries per 1000 athlete exposures. We also noted that 75% of those injured had a time loss of less than 2 wk. A large percentage of our injuries (88%) were musculoskeletal in nature. There were equal numbers of acute and chronic injuries. Men and women had a similar rate of injury. In our study population, we noted that most of the injuries occurred in practice over competition (87.5% vs 12.5%, respectively). We compared the data from a small subset population with the current evidence published with respect to fencing injuries. We noted some similarities and also some differences when comparing certain populations.
Can the lower rate of CT- or MRI-related adverse drug reactions to contrast media due to stricter limitations on patients undergoing contrast-enhanced CT or MRI?
Authors: Maeda Takahiro , Oda Masafumi , Kito Shinji , Tanaka Tatsurou , Wakasugi-Sato Nao , Matsumoto-Takeda Shinobu , Joujima Takaaki , Miyamura Yuichi , Kiyota Koichi , Tsutsumi Kensuke , Morimoto Yasuhiro
Published: October 2019

Objective:

The aim of this study was to examine whether a decreased occurrence rate of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) to contrast media in contrast-enhanced CT and MRI was attributable to appropriate criteria for patients with some diseases. A secondary aim was to elucidate safety profiles for contrast media and factors influencing the occurrence of ADRs.

Methods:

Clinical data of patients who underwent contrast-enhanced CT (5576 cases) or MRI (3357 cases) were retrospectively analyzed to evaluate rates of ADRs to contrast media, symptoms of ADRs, treatments for ADRs, and differences in medical history, blood test results, and other factors between patients with and without ADRs in a dental hospital.

Results:

The rate of ADRs to contrast media was 0.54% for CT and 0.09% for MRI. The most frequent ADRs in contrast-enhanced CT or MRI were nausea and vomiting as physiologic reactions. Two serious reactions were seen for CT, but none for MRI. Significant differences between patients with and without ADRs were seen in liver function according to blood tests for CT, and in digestive disorders elicited from medical interviews for MRI.

Conclusion:

The lower occurrence rate of ADRs to contrast media in dental hospitals could be due to the adoption of appropriate criteria for patients with some diseases undergoing enhanced CT or MRI. Complete suppression of ADRs to contrast media for CT or MRI is unrealistic, so attention is warranted for patients with decreased liver function when performing enhanced CT, and for patients with digestive disorders when performing enhanced MRI.
An integrated approach to the coal deposits in the Mesohellenic Trough, Greece
Authors: Koukouzas Nikolaos , Krassakis Pavlos , Koutsovitis Petros , Karkalis Christos
Published: October 2019

A considerable amount of coal deposits occur within the Mesohellenic Trough in Greece. It is considered as the largest and most important basin of the last orogenic stage of the Hellenides, which is interpreted as a back-arc basin that evolved during the period of Late Oligocene to Miocene. In this study, a simplified geological map has been constructed emphasizing on the coal formation occurrences of the Mesohellenic Trough. This work has been accomplished, through Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and has been organized via geodatabase as GIS data files (feature classes). For the creation of the geological map suitable homogenization and discrete representation has been implemented different geological sheets, original source and traditional maps. Next step was the geostatistical analysis using polygonal methods linked to the corresponding tabular information. Regarding the stratigraphical age, and petrographic data related to geographic distribution of the coal occurrences, these are divided into three categories: Oligocene, Middle Miocene and Upper Miocene coals, exhibiting various physicochemical and topological properties. Upper Miocene coal exhibits the greatest area and perimeter values, while the lowest values correspond to those of the Middle Miocene. Terrain models such as aspect (angle-direction) and hillshade (shaded relief) showed the spatial relation between coal occurrences and morphotectonic as long as geometrical characteristics of the study area. Coals are mainly classified as huminites including mainly huminite group minerals (90%). Their S contents can probably derive from parent plant material or a combination of parent plant material with seawater sulfates. Moisture contents are strongly connected with the sustainability of the coal use in the energy production, while their carbonation grade is strongly associated with their age and expressed by their reflectivity values. All these data have been inserted in an integrated database and can be useful for pre-mining or post mining activities (e.g. planning, analysis, management, restoration). Results of this study are available for the effective evaluation of the existing coal occurrences, which can be used with renewable energy sources providing sustainable solutions, in combination with the upcoming innovative CCS and CCU technologies. Results also showed that coals from the Mesohellenic Trough present excellent quality traits. However, their value as combustible coal is very low due to the absence of economically recoverable reserves. The largest coal lenticular bodies have been extracted in the past and the remaining occurrences do not exceed several thousand tones. Based upon existing literature and from geospatial estimations, coal deposits in the Mesohellenic Trough Basin cannot be considered as economically valuable for exploitation.
The liverwort flora of Karelian part of the Vodlozersky National Park (Russia)
Authors: Borovichev Eugene A. , Shorohova Ekaterina V.
Published: October 2019

An updated list of liverworts in the Karelian part of Vodlozersky National Park is presented, containing 52 species. Twenty-three species were recorded in the National Park for the first time. Heterogemma capitata was found in Karelia for the first time; Calypogeia fissa and Tritomaria exsecta were reported for the second time in the region. The observations of the three species form the northern limit of their global range. New localities are reported for five Karelian red-listed species (Calypogeia suecica, Geocalyx graveolens, Pellia endiviifolia, Scapania apiculata, Syzygiella autumnalis).
New records of lichens and allied fungi from Vodlozersky National Park within Arkhangelsk Region (NW Russia)
Authors: Tarasova Viktoria N. , Pystina Tatiana N. , Androsova Vera I. , Sonina Angella V. , Valekzhanin Andrei A. , Konoreva Liudmila A.
Published: October 2019

The paper presents the results of the ongoing research of lichen diversity in Arkhangelsk Region of Russia, in Vodlozersky National Park which is the largest protected area in the territory of NW Russia. In total, 155 species of lichens and allied fungi are recorded for the first time for the Arkhangelsk part of the Vodlozersky National Park, and 69 species – for the whole mainland area of Arkhangelsk Region.
New Estonian records: Lichenicolous fungi
Authors: Suija Ave
Published: October 2019

Lichenodiplis lichenicola Dyko & D. Hawksw, the third Lichenodiplis (Chaetothyriales, Eurotiomycetes) species found from Estonia besides L. lecanorae and L. pertusariicola (syn. Laeviomyces pertusariicola).
Cidadania na cidade: escolhas para o desenho institucional participativo no Plano Diretor do Município de Nova Friburgo de 2007
Authors: Assis Vívian De , Fauth Gabriela Alves , Cavallazzi Rosangela Lunardelli
Published: October 2019

Este artigo tem por objeto analisar as escolhas de desenhos institucionais participativos, segundo o método de caso referência, a partir da experiência da elaboração do Plano Diretor de Nova Friburgo sancionado em 2007 e premiado entre iniciativas de Melhores Práticas em Gestão Local 2007/2008 pela CAIXA devido ao seu caráter participativo. Adota-se como referencial teórico as escolhas em desenho institucional participativo para minipúblicos elaborada por Archon Fung e as análises das instituições participativas brasileiras de Leonardo Avritzer. A hipótese desta pesquisa aponta para as especificidades do processo de elaboração do Plano Diretor de Nova Friburgo em relação aos demais Planos Diretores Municipais brasileiros elaborados à época em virtude da ampla participação na elaboração da metodologia, etapa em regra construída por setores técnicos e pelas consultorias. Em relação aos limites, o estudo observa a gradativa ineficácia dos limites de desempenho  desse instrumento à ação política pela desarticulação de seu desenho institucional pelo processo político inerente, logo após a sanção do referido Plano Diretor. Bem como em razão da ausência de regulamentação das esferas participativas previstas no mesmo, que dariam continuidade à ação política, tornando a participação em uma substantiva política de governança.
Biodiversidade: o novo marco regulatório do acesso ao conhecimento tradicional associado e a repartição de benefícios decorrente de sua exploração econômica
Authors: Siqueira Lyssandro Norton , Garbaccio Grace Ladeira , Rohrmann Carlos Alberto
Published: October 2019

No âmbito da Convenção sobre Diversidade Biológica (CDB) foi iniciada a negociação de um regime internacional sobre acesso ao conhecimento tradicional associado à biodiversidade. No Brasil, a ausência de instrumentos jurídicos adequados permitia a ocorrência de grandes controvérsias acerca do tema. Este estudo examina o novo marco legislativo brasileiro, na regulação jurídica do acesso ao conhecimento tradicional associado à biodiversidade e repartição de benefícios. Metodologia utilizada: jurídico-teórica e procedimento de raciocínio dedutivo. Técnica de pesquisa doutrinária.
A simetria que não é princípio: análise e crítica do princípio da simetria de acordo com o sentido de federalismo no Brasil
Authors: Liziero Leonam
Published: October 2019

O presente artigo tem como objetivo expor argumentos que demonstram ser o princípio da simetria, utilizado como razão jurídica para motivar decisões do Supremo Tribunal Federal, mera panaceia para reafirmação do poderio da União. Será visto, para tanto, a distinção conceitual entre federalismo e federação e como tal distinção tem impacto direto na qualidade de simetria ou assimetria de um Estado federal. Verifica-se, em decisões de ADI desde 2014, a utilização do princípio da simetria e como este uso é inadequado de acordo com o sentido de federalismo no Brasil.
Editorial
Authors: Mota Mauricio
Published: October 2019

A Revista de Direito da Cidade, revista classificada pelo MEC/CAPES como Qualis A1, Direito ecadastrada na Web of Science, tem o prazer de informar que agora em 2019, foi reclassificadapelo sistema da Universidade de Barcelona, Espanha, como uma revista de alcanceinternacional e disseminada nos sistemas de informação de revistas mundiais, alcançando aboa marca do índice ICDS de 9,6 (nove, vírgula seis) pontos.
Observation of inadvertent tube loss in ICU: effect of nasal bridles
Authors: Allan Kaylee , Taylor Stephen , Clemente Rowan , Toher Deirdre
Published: October 2019

Background:

safe placement and securement of feeding tubes are essential to establishing early enteral nutrition. Nasogastric or nasojejunal feeding tubes are often inadvertently removed, and using a nasal bridle can reduce the number of tube replacements required.

Aim:

to review current nasal bridle practices on one intensive care unit. Over a 3-month period, nasal bridle use was recorded to measure unintentional tube loss and tube duration (the time a tube remained in situ).

Method:

an observational service evaluation.

Findings:

109 patients were recruited; 205 tubes were passed and 77 bridles were inserted, with 42% (n=46) of the bridles placed on day 1. Tubes secured with tape were more likely to be dislodged than tubes secured with a bridle, P=0.0001. Duration of tubes remaining in situ was significantly longer in patients who had a bridle fitted on day 1, P=0.0001 compared with tubes secured with tape.

Conclusion:

securing a tube with a nasal bridle from day 1 is independently associated with reduced tube loss, increased duration of tube use, and likelihood that the tube would reach redundancy when it was no longer required.
Enhancing the care environment for people living with dementia
Authors: Glasper Alan
Published: October 2019

Emeritus Professor Alan Glasper, from the University of Southampton, discusses aspects of a recently published briefing paper report on dementia from the House of Commons Library
From staff nurse to nurse consultant: Survival Guide part 5: Surviving holistically
Authors: Fowler John
Published: October 2019

John Fowler, Educational Consultant, explores how to survive your nursing career
In-vitro Anti-proliferative Effects of Ethanolic Extract of Vanilla Planifolia Leaf Extract against A431 Human Epidermoid Carcinoma Cells
Authors: K Vijaybabu , K2 Punnagai
Published: October 2019

Squamous cell carcinoma is the second largest among skin cancer diseases. The aim of the present study is to reveal the antiproliferative property of vanilla leaf extract against A431 cells. Antiproliferative property was assessed by MTT assay. Apoptotic property was assessed by DNA fragmentation assay. Antiproliferative property of extract was revealed in a dose dependent manner. IC50 of the extract against A431 cells was revealed at 31.2µg/ml. This study revealed the cancer suppression capability of vanilla leaf extract in skin cancer cell lines.
Effect of Andrographolide on Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 Expression at the Initiation Stage of Atherosclerosis in Atherogenic Diet-Fed Rats
Authors: Yulis Hamidy Muhammad , Oenzil Fadil , Yanwirasti Yanwirasti , Aldi Yufri
Published: October 2019

To evaluate the effect of andrographolide on monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) expression at the initiation stage of atherosclerosis in rats induced by an atherogenic diet. The research was conducted on 27 rats divided into 3 groups (n=9). Group 1 was given a standard diet. Group 2 was given an atherogenic diet of vitamin D3 700.000 IU/kg on the first day followed by 5% goat fat, 2% cholesterol, 0.2% cholic acid and standard diet up to 100% for 2 days to induce atherosclerosis initiation stage. Group 3 was given an atherogenic diet and treated with andrographolide 40 mg/kg. An immunohistochemical examination was performed to determine the expression of MCP-1. Data analysis using one-way Anova followed by post hoc test. The results showed the expression of MCP-1 in group 1 was 6.61 + 1.90, in group 2 was 32.99 + 3.74 and in group 3 was 9.61 + 2.47. There was a significant difference between group 3 treated with andrographolide 40 mg/kg compared with group 2 (p<0.001). There was no significant difference between group 3 treated with andrographolide 40 mg/kg and group 1 (p>0.05). In conclusion, andrographolide may inhibit MCP-1 expression at the initiation stage of atherosclerosis in the andrographolide treated rats. Thus, andrographolide could be a potential anti-atherosclerosis drug.
A Comparative Free Radical Scavenging Evaluation of Amantadine and Rasagiline
Authors: Kranthi K. , Anand Priya V. V. M. , Punnagai K. , Chellathai David Darling
Published: October 2019

To evaluated and compare the intrinsic antioxidant ability of amantadine and rasagiline drugs using in-vitro diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay method. Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay method was used to compare the antioxidant activity of rasagiline and amantadine. At lower concentrations (200 - 400 µg/ml), there was a definite difference between amantadine and rasagiline with amantadine showing better antioxidant activity over rasagiline. But at higher doses (600 - 1000 µg/ml) both their antioxidant free radical scavenging activity were comparable. This study proved the intrinsic activity of rasagiline and amantadine which may be beneficial in attenuating the oxidative stress pathways, which were considered responsible for many degenerative diseases.
Comparative account of DNA extraction protocols in some freshwater prawns of Genus Macrobrachium (Bate, 1868) (Family Palaemonidae) from Jammu waters for PCR based applications
Authors: Jasrotia Raman , Langer Seema
Published: October 2019

Genetic variations among prawns act as an important tool to characterize and differentiate between the species. Molecular and phylogenetic analysis of shrimps and prawns like any other organism rely on high yields of pure and better quality genomic DNA. In this regard isolation of DNA is the first and basic step. In spite of the availability of many protocols of DNA extraction from animal tissues, it is difficult to ascertain that which one would provide desired results for prawn tissue. In the present study, three different techniques of DNA isolation i.e., salting out, phenol-chloroform and Qiagen DNA extraction kit were performed and compared for their yield. Cephalothoracic tissue and muscle tissue of pleopods were used for isolation. Tissue samples from fresh specimens as well as from alcohol preserved specimens were employed for extraction. The quantity (µg/ml) and quality of isolated DNA were determined by UV spectrophotometry and agarose gel electrophoresis. Results showed that Phenol-chloroform method with slight modifications obtained higher yield of genomic DNA as compared to other methods. The present work also revealed that among fresh specimens cephalotoracic tissue yielded high concentration DNA than muscle tissue. However, among alcohol preserved specimens, the concentration of DNA was higher in muscle tissue of pleopods. The high quality DNA was then subjected to randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and inter simple sequence repeats (ISSR) analysis. The DNAs produced clear, sharp and reproducible PCR (Polymerse chain reaction) product pattern.
OPTUNS: Optical intra-data center network architecture and prototype testbed for a 5G edge cloud [Invited]
Authors: Yuang Maria , Tien Po-Lung , Ruan Wei-Zhang , Lin Tien-Chien , Wen Shao-Chun , Tseng Po-Jen , Lin Che-Chang , Chen Ching-Nien , Chen Chun-Ting , Luo Yi-An , Tsai Meng-Ru , Zhong Shan
Published: October 2019

An edge data center (EDC) network infrastructure is required to flexibly deliver massive bandwidth and ultralow latency for a 5G edge cloud. Existing electrical-switching-based infrastructure, however, has been shown incapable of meeting such requirements. In this paper, we present an EDC network architecture and prototype testbed, referred to as the intelligence-defined optical tunnel network system (OPTUNS). OPTUNS consists of a set of optical switching subsystems that operate collectively to facilitate packet transport through logical wavelength-based optical tunnels. These optical tunnels are governed by a software-defined-networking-based intelligent tunnel control system, in a proactive manner. As such, optical tunnels are always made available whenever needed. In essence, OPTUNS boasts several crucial features, including high scalability, massive wavelength reuse (yielding high bandwidth), proactive optical tunnel control (yielding ultralow latency), and fault tolerance. We have built an OPTUNS testbed, including 30 optical switching subsystem prototypes, that interconnect a total of 25 racks (400 servers). Benchmarking results show that OPTUNS achieves 82.6% power saving compared with electrical spine-leaf networks. Further, our NetPipe-based experimental results show that OPTUNS invariably achieves mean and p99 end-to-end latencies of less than 17 µs, regardless of traffic load and locality.
Samuil Moiseevich Leites (on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of his birth)
Authors: Golber L. M.
Published: October 2019

December 15, 1999 marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of one of the most prominent pathophysiologists-endocrinologists and metabologists of our country, Honored Scientist, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor Samuel Moiseevich Leites.
Vsevolod Vasilievich Talantov (on the occasion of his 70th birthday)
Authors: Проблемы эндокринологии Редакция журнала
Published: October 2019

Corresponding Member of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Tatarstan, Professor V.V. Talantov - student of prof. A. G. Those Regulova. V.V. Talantov has gone from a resident, assistant, assistant professor of the endocrinology department of Kazan State Medical Institute to the head of the endocrinology department of this institute.
The hypophyseogonadal system of male rats with diabetes: an experimental study
Authors: Babichev V. N. , Peryshkova T. A. , Adamskaya Ye. I.
Published: October 2019

The hypophyseogonadal system of male rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes was studied. The hypophyseal sensitivity to LH releasing hormone was analyzed in vitro and concentrations of sex hormone nuclear receptors in the adenohypophysis, participating in gonadotropin secretion regulation according to a negative feedback mechanism, measured. Streptozotocin injection reduced blood testosterone concentration and levels of androgen nuclear receptors in the rat hypophysis. Blood LH and FSH levels in the rats with diabetes were virtually the same as in intact animals. In vitro experiments have demonstrated that diabetes development in rats did not influence the level of LH basal secretion by the hypophysis. The maximal response to LH releasing hormone was recorded in the control males in 3h incubation, whereas the rate of LH secretion in the experimental animals did not differ from the normal one. The authors suggest that changed mechanism of the hypothalamo-hypophyseo-gonadal system regulation in experimental diabetes is related to the hypophyseal disorders, involving reduction of the LH-RH-stimulated gonadotropin release and of the testosterone receptor levels, this resulting in poor reproductive function control according to the negative feedback principle.
Vasopressin, oxitocin, and corticoliberin-synthesizing hypothalamic structures in rats of both sexes with induced diabetes mellitus
Authors: Kolesnik Yu. M. , Orestenko Yu. N. , Abramov A. V.
Published: October 2019

The endocrine status of the pancreas and the hypothalamic neurosecretory nuclei were studied by radioimmunoassay, immunocytochemical, morphometric and histochemical methods in Wistar rats of both sexes with experimental diabetes mellitus. The development of diabetes mellitus was characterized by beta-cell destruction and insulin concentrations reduction in these cells and the blood, by increase of glucagon and somatostatin levels in the alfa- and delta-cells, respectively, as well as by the growth of these substances concentrations in the peripheral blood. These changes were parallelled by activation of the vasopressin-, oxitocin and corticoliberin-synthesizing neurones of the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei of the hypothalamus, as evidenced by morphometric findings and by increase of the blood vasopressin and corticoliberin concentrations and oxitocin level in the hypothalamus. Experimental diabetes mellitus was found to be characterized by activation of the hypothalamo-hypophyseo-adrenal system. Functional differences in the contribution of vasopressin- and oxitocin-synthesizing neurones of the hypothalamic nuclei in the pathogenesis of the disease is shown, as are their sex-specific reactions.
Relationships between the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal and peptidergic systems of the hypothalamus in animals with experimental diabetes mellitus
Authors: Kolesnik Yu. M. , Abramov A. V. , Melnikova O. V.
Published: October 2019

The status of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal system (HPAS) and the group of regulatory neuropeptides synthesized in the zone of the medial small-cell hypothalamic subnucleus, the principal site of production of corticotropin-releasing factor, were studied in Wistar rats. HPAS was studied by radioimmunological and morpholiistochemical methods, the neuropeptidergic system by indirect immunofluorescence which helps measure the levels of neurotensin, bombesin, vasoactive intestinal peptide, leu- and met-enkeplialines, calcitonin-gene-related peptide, and cholecystokinin in the neurones and medial eminence of the hypothalamus. Development of diabetes mellitus in rats was found to be associated with an increase of HPAS activity and alteration of the peptidergic system presenting as an increase of the number of identified immunoreactive neurones and changed content of neuropeptides in neurones and of their concentration in the medial eminence.
Fetoplacental hormone measurements to predict fetal and newborn viability in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus
Authors: Petrukhin V. A. , Fedorova M. V. , Knyazev Yu. A. , Laricheva I. P. , Vitushko S. A. , Kotov Yu. B. , Grishin V. L.
Published: October 2019

A dynamic follow-up of 79 pregnant patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus was carried out. Specific fetoplacental hormonal profiles were detected and analyzed in complex with glycemic levels, this permitting the authors obtain new prognostic criteria of fetal and newborn viability. The results helped optimize the policy of following up such patients and the developed prediction regulations allowed preventive measures aimed at improvement of the future baby health status to be carried out before clinical manifestation of fetal intrauterine suffering.
Eine merkwürdige griechische Randnotiz Überlegungen zum koptischen Kodexblatt Paris BNCopte164 II fol. 16m recto
Authors: Sänger-Böhm Kerstin
Published: October 2019

A papyrus codex which contained the Sahidic version of the Gospel of John exhibits a highly interesting “marginal note”. On the bottom margin of one page (Paris BNCopte164 II fol. 16m) one finds traces of the beginning of five lines written in Greek in a cursive hand usually used in documentary papyri. A closer look at the Greek cursive suggests that these lines originally belonged to the text of a fifth-century protokollon.
Die koptischen Papyri aus dem „Ankauf aus Edfû (Apollinopolis magna) vom Jahre 1911“ der Jenaer Papyrussammlung (P.Ien. Inv. 446–453)
Authors: Richter Tonio Sebastian
Published: October 2019

The Jena papyrus collection contains eight Coptic items (P.Ien. Inv. 446-453) belonging to a larger assemblage of Greek, Demotic, Coptic and Arabic papyri (P.Ien. Inv. 259-472) which Fritz Uebel described as „the Edfu purchase of the year 1911“. Uebel took the provable provenance from Edfu of a number of Ptolemaic Greek papyri to hold for the assemblage as a whole. Of five less fragmentary Coptic papyri from this assemblage published in this article, three at least are unlikely to come from Edfu. The Coptic part of the „Edfu purchase of the year 1911“ thus challenges Uebel’s generalising conclusion.
Examining the Effectiveness of a PETTLEP Imagery Intervention on the Football Skill Performance of Novice Athletes
Authors: norouzi ebrahim , Norouzi Seyed Hossini Rasool , Afroozeh Mohammad Sadegh , Vaezmosavi Mohammad , Gerber Markus , Puehse Uwe , Brand Serge
Published: October 2019

While imagery techniques have been included in most psychological skills training programs for elite athletes, only few studies have investigated the effects of various components of imagery such as physical, environmental, tasking, timing, learning, emotion, and perspective (PETTLEP) in the context of motor learning among novice athletes. We tested whether external PETTLEP imagery and internal PETTLEP imagery were able to improve football pass skill acquisition more than a control condition, and thus enhance motor learning among novice players. A total of 45 male adolescent novice players (M = 14.65 years, SD = 1.34) were randomly assigned to the following three study conditions: external PETTLEP imagery, internal PETTLEP imagery, and a control condition. At the beginning, and four weeks after randomization, football pass skill performance was measured objectively. Football pass skill performance improved over time in all groups, but more so in the external PETTLEP imagery and internal PETTLEP imagery condition compared to the control condition. At the retention-test, the highest pass skill performance was observed in the external PETTLEP imagery condition. The findings suggest that among adolescent novice football players, compared to internal PETTLEP imagery and a control condition, external PETTLEP imagery led to the highest improvement in football pass skill performance. The PETTLEP imagery thus appears to have the potential to enhance the gross motor skills acquisition of novice athletes who seek to become elite players.
Occupational Health and Safety in the Palm Oil Industry: A Systematic Review
Authors: Myzabella Nuruly , Fritschi Lin , Merdith Nick , El-Zaemey Sonia , Chih HuiJun , Reid Alison
Published: October 2019

Background: The palm oil industry is the largest contributor to global production of oils and fats. Indonesia and Malaysia are the largest producers of palm oil. More than a million workers are employed in this industry, yet there is a lack of information on their occupational health and safety. Objective: To identify and summarize occupational hazards among oil palm plantation workers. Methods: A search was carried out in June 2018 in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Ovid. Relevant publications were identified by a systematic search of four databases and relevant journals. Publications were included if they examined occupational hazards in oil palm plantation workers. Results: 941 publications were identified; of these, 25 studies were found eligible to be included in the final review. Of the 25 studies examined, 19 were conducted in Malaysia, 2 in Costa Rica, and one each in Ghana, Indonesia, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, and Cameroon. Oil palm plantation workers were found to be at risk of musculoskeletal conditions, injuries, psychosocial disorders, and infectious diseases such as malaria and leptospirosis. In addition, they have potential exposure to paraquat and other pesticides. Conclusion: In light of the potential of palm oil for use as a biofuel, this is an industry with strong growth potential. The workers are exposed to various occupational hazards. Further research and interventions are necessary to improve the working conditions of this already vast and growing workforce.
Estimation of Heat Stress and Maximum Acceptable Work Time Based on Physiological and Environmental Response in Hot-Dry Climate: A Case Study in Traditional Bakers
Authors: Afshari Davood , Moradi Saeid , Ahmadi Angali Kambiz , Shirali Gholam-Abbas
Published: October 2019

Background: Heat stress is common among workers in hot-dry areas. To take preventive strategies for the protection of workers against heat stress, it is important to choose a suitable index that can accurately explain environmental parameters relative to physiological responses. Objective: To evaluate heat stress and maximum acceptable work time (MAWT) based on physiological and environmental response in hot-dry climate among traditional bakers. Methods: The current study was carried out on 30 traditional bakers of 3 different bread baking systems in Ahvaz, Iran. Environmental and physiological parameters were measured simultaneously for a work shift. The work-rest time was also determined based on the relative heart rate (RHR) and the wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT) index. Results: The average WBGT index was estimated to be higher than the standard limit for all baking stations. Despite the higher-than-the-recommended-limit WBGT index, there was no significant relationship between the WBGT index and physiological parameters. The results indicated a significant (p<0.05) difference between the percentages of work-rest time estimated using the WBGT and RHR index. Conclusion: Based on the results of environmental and physiological monitoring of this study as well as the limitations of the use of the WBGT index, it seems that using WBGT as a standard index would not suit heat stress management in hot-dry climates. A revision of this standard to adapt to hot climatic conditions should be in order.
A Comparative Study of Respiratory Quality of Life among Firefighters, Traffic Police and Other Occupations in Malaysia
Authors: Chean Kooi-Yau , Abdulrahman Surajudeen , Chan Mei-Wai , Tan Kean-Chye
Published: October 2019

Background: Despite its excellent psychometric properties, St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) has not been previously used in measuring respiratory quality of life (RQoL) among traffic police and firefighters who are at risk of poor respiratory health by virtue of their occupations. Objective: To assess and compare the RQoL of the occupationally exposed (firefighters and traffic police) and the occupationally unexposed populations in Penang, Malaysia. Methods: We recruited male traffic police and firefighters from 5 districts of Penang by convenient sampling during June to September 2018. Participants completed the SGRQ. Scores (symptoms, activity, impacts, total) were derived using a scoring calculator. Higher scores indicate poorer RQoL. Univariate and multivariate linear regression models were fitted to explore the relationship of the independent predictive factors with participants' RQoL. Results: We recruited 706 participants—211 firefighters, 198 traffic police, and 297 from general population. Smokers had significantly higher scores than non-smokers in all SGRQ domains. Regardless of smoking status, the "occupationally exposed group" had higher symptoms score than the "occupationally unexposed group," who had higher activity and impact scores. Smoking status, comorbidity status and monthly income were significant independent predictors of SGRQ total score. Conclusion: In comparison with the general population, firefighters and traffic police reported poorer RQoL; smoking further deteriorated their respiratory health. There is a need to strengthen preventive health measures against occupational disease and smoking cessation among firefighters and traffic police.