bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Improved Fault Diagnosis Using 1D-Convolutional Neural Network Model
Authors: Chen Chih-Cheng , Liu Zhen , Yang Guangsong , Wu Chia-Chun , Ye Qiubo
Published: December 2020

The diagnosis of a rolling bearing for monitoring its status is critical in maintaining industrial equipment while using rolling bearings. The traditional method of diagnosing faults of the rolling bearing has low identification accuracy, which needs artificial feature extraction in order to enhance the accuracy. The one-dimensional convolution neural network (1D-CNN) method can not only diagnose bearing faults accurately, but also overcome shortcomings of the traditional methods. Different from machine learning and other deep learning models, the 1D-CNN method does not need pre-processing one-dimensional data of rolling bearing’s vibration. In this paper, the 1D-CNN network architecture is proposed in order to effectively improve the accuracy of the diagnosis of rolling bearing, and the number of convolution kernels decreases with the reduction of the convolution kernel size. The method obtains high accuracy and improves the generalizing ability by introducing the dropout operation. The experimental results show 99.2% of the average accuracy under a single load and 98.83% under different loads.
Fermentative Foods: Microbiology, Biochemistry, Potential Human Health Benefits and Public Health Issues
Authors: Voidarou Chrysa , Antoniadou Μaria , Rozos Georgios , Tzora Athina , Skoufos Ioannis , Varzakas Theodoros , Lagiou Areti , Bezirtzoglou Eugenia
Published: December 2020

Fermented foods identify cultures and civilizations. History, climate and the particulars of local production of raw materials have urged humanity to exploit various pathways of fermentation to produce a wide variety of traditional edible products which represent adaptations to specific conditions. Nowadays, industrial-scale production has flooded the markets with ferments. According to recent estimates, the current size of the global market of fermented foods is in the vicinity of USD 30 billion, with increasing trends. Modern challenges include tailor-made fermented foods for people with special dietary needs, such as patients suffering from Crohn’s disease or other ailments. Another major challenge concerns the safety of artisan fermented products, an issue that could be tackled with the aid of molecular biology and concerns not only the presence of pathogens but also the foodborne microbial resistance. The basis of all these is, of course, the microbiome, an aggregation of different species of bacteria and yeasts that thrives on the carbohydrates of the raw materials. In this review, the microbiology of fermented foods is discussed with a special reference to groups of products and to specific products indicative of the diversity that a fermentation process can take. Their impact is also discussed with emphasis on health and oral health status. From Hippocrates until modern approaches to disease therapy, diet was thought to be of the most important factors for health stability of the human natural microbiome. After all, to quote Pasteur, “Gentlemen, the microbes will have the last word for human health.” In that sense, it is the microbiomes of fermented foods that will acquire a leading role in future nutrition and therapeutics.
Consumer Information Needs and Sensory Label Design for Fresh Fruit Packaging. An Exploratory Study in Spain
Authors: Fernández-Serrano Paula , Tarancón Paula , Besada Cristina
Published: December 2020

In recent decades, packaged fruit has gained market ground over loose fruit, and fruit containers have become a source of information for consumers. This study approaches three objectives related to consumer information needs for decision making when purchasing fruit: (1) Determine if consumers’ choice of packaged fruit rather than loose fruit is motivated by their interest in the information provided on packaging; (2) identify information gaps on fruit packaging labels; (3) identify those sensory attributes that consumers consider to be of major interest to be included in sensory labels of different fruit types. The study was based on an online questionnaire answered by 394 fruit consumers. Ninety percent of the participants stated having an interest in receiving information when purchasing fruit, but their choice between packaged or loose fruit was not conditioned by their information needs. Moreover, a gap between information interest and information use was detected as their final purchase decisions were not always based on the provided information. ‘Harvest date’, ‘production method’, ‘percentage of the price received by the farmer’, ‘applied treatments’, ‘sensory characteristics’, and ‘environmental information’ were identified as the major information gaps, as these labels were unavailable for a high percentage of consumers, who stated their interest in them. According to consumers, sensory labels should include information about ‘sweetness’ and ‘flavor intensity’ irrespectively of fruit type. ‘Sourness’ and ‘juiciness’ attributes were particularly interesting for citrus, as ‘sourness’ and ‘firmness’ were for kiwi. Information about texture properties was required for pome and stone fruit. Other attributes, such as easiness to peel, were important only for citrus fruit.
CRISPR/Cas9 Induced Somatic Recombination at the CRTISO Locus in Tomato
Authors: Ben Shlush Ilan , Samach Aviva , Melamed-Bessudo Cathy , Ben-Tov Daniela , Dahan-Meir Tal , Filler-Hayut Shdema , Levy Avraham A.
Published: January 2021

Homologous recombination (HR) in somatic cells is not as well understood as meiotic recombination and is thought to be rare. In a previous study, we showed that Inter-Homologous Somatic Recombination (IHSR) can be achieved by targeted induction of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). Here, we designed a novel IHSR assay to investigate this phenomenon in greater depth. We utilized F1 hybrids from divergent parental lines, each with a different mutation at the Carotenoid isomerase (CRTISO) locus. IHSR events, namely crossover or gene conversion (GC), between the two CRTISO mutant alleles (tangerine color) can restore gene activity and be visualized as gain-of-function, wildtype (red) phenotypes. Our results show that out of four intron DSB targets tested, three showed DSB formation, as seen from non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) footprints, but only one target generated putative IHSR events as seen by red sectors on tangerine fruits. F2 seeds were grown to test for germinal transmission of HR events. Two out of five F1 plants showing red sectors had their IHSR events germinally transmitted to F2, mainly as gene conversion. Six independent recombinant alleles were characterized: three had truncated conversion tracts with an average length of ~1 kb. Two alleles were formed by a crossover as determined by genotyping and characterized by whole genome sequencing. We discuss how IHSR can be used for future research and for the development of novel gene editing and precise breeding tools.
‘A Marriage Litigation in the Church Court’: Lydgate’s Adaptation of Chaucer’s Literary Value in The Temple of Glass
Authors: Vrekaj Juljan
Published: December 2020

In this essay, I give an alternative reading of Chaucerian resonances that fill Lydgate’s The Temple of Glass by analyzing the poem’s allusions to the House of Fame. I argue that Lydgate, as a poet who was well read in Chaucer and considered as his most prolific imitator, comprehended the experimentations of his ‘maister’. Taking into account Meyer-Lee’s study on the House of Fame, which explores Chaucer’s efforts to transform the value of the literary field of late medieval English poetry to better suit his then transitional social position, I assert that by borrowing details of setting, time and place from House of Fame, Lydgate implies his use of the framework set up by Chaucer to adopt his alteration of literary value. In doing so, Lydgate emulates Chaucer’s idea of the literary as an autonomous discourse, which would fundamentally allow him to write courtly productions even from his rather peculiar position as a monk. An analysis of the relations between Lydgate’s poetry and his position as a monk sheds light on his imitation in The Temple of Glass of Chaucer’s attempt to create a poetry that projected him as an authentic poet in connection with both the literary field of the court and his socioeconomic position.
Body Roundness Index, A Body Shape Index, Conicity Index, and Their Association with Nutritional Status and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in South African Rural Young Adults
Authors: Nkwana Mbelege Rosina , Monyeki Kotsedi Daniel , Lebelo Sogolo Lucky
Published: January 2021

Background: The study aimed to investigate the association of Body Roundness Index (BRI), A Body Shape Index (ABSI), and Conicity Index with nutritional status and cardiovascular risk factors in South African rural young adults. Methods: The study included a total of 624 young adults aged 21–30 years from the Ellisras rural area. Anthropometric indices, blood pressure (BP), and biochemical measurements were measured. Results: BRI was significantly correlated with insulin (0.252 males, females 0.255), homeostatic model assessment (HOMA)-β (0.250 males, females 0.245), and TG (0.310 males, females 0.216). Conicity Index was significantly associated with pulse rate (PR) (β 0.099, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.017, 0.143, p < 0.013; β 0.081, 95% CI 0.000 0.130, p < 0.048), insulin (β 0.149, 95% CI 0.286 0.908, p < 0.001; β 0.110, 95% CI 0.123 0.757, p < 0.007). Conicity Index is associated with insulin resistance (IR) (odds ratio (OR) 7.761, 95% CI 5.783 96.442, p < 0.001; OR 4.646, 95% CI 2.792 74.331, p < 0.007), underweight (OR 0.023, 95% CI 0.251 0.433, p < 0.001; OR 0.031, 95% CI 0.411 0.612, p < 0.001), and obesity (OR 1.058, 95% CI 271.5 4.119, p < 0.001; OR 1.271, 95% CI 0.672 1.099, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Conicity Index was positively associated with insulin resistance, hypertension and dyslipidaemia. Further investigation of these indices and their association with nutritional status and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) could assist in efforts to prevent CVD in the rural South African population.
A Review of Human Mobility Research Based on Big Data and Its Implication for Smart City Development
Authors: Wang Anqi , Zhang Anshu , Chan Edwin H. W. , Shi Wenzhong , Zhou Xiaolin , Liu Zhewei
Published: December 2020

Along with the increase of big data and the advancement of technologies, comprehensive data-driven knowledge of urban systems is becoming more attainable, yet the connection between big-data research and its application e.g., in smart city development, is not clearly articulated. Focusing on Human Mobility, one of the most frequently investigated applications of big data analytics, a framework for linking international academic research and city-level management policy was established and applied to the case of Hong Kong. Literature regarding human mobility research using big data are reviewed. These studies contribute to (1) discovering the spatial-temporal phenomenon, (2) identifying the difference in human behaviour or spatial attributes, (3) explaining the dynamic of mobility, and (4) applying to city management. Then, the application of the research to smart city development are scrutinised based on email queries to various governmental departments in Hong Kong. The identified challenges include data isolation, data unavailability, gaming between costs and quality of data, limited knowledge derived from rich data, as well as estrangement between public and private sectors. With further improvement in the practical value of data analytics and the utilization of data sourced from multiple sectors, paths to achieve smarter cities from policymaking perspectives are highlighted.
System, Method and Software for Calculation of a Cannabis Drug Efficiency Index for the Reduction of Inflammation
Authors: Borisov Nicolas , Ilnytskyy Yaroslav , Byeon Boseon , Kovalchuk Olga , Kovalchuk Igor
Published: January 2021

There are many varieties of Cannabis sativa that differ from each other by composition of cannabinoids, terpenes and other molecules. The medicinal properties of these cultivars are often very different, with some being more efficient than others. This report describes the development of a method and software for the analysis of the efficiency of various cannabis extracts to detect the anti-inflammatory properties of the various cannabis extracts. The method uses high-throughput gene expression profiling data but can potentially use other omics data as well. According to the signaling pathway topology, the gene expression profiles are convoluted into the signaling pathway activities using a signaling pathway impact analysis (SPIA) method. The method was tested by inducing inflammation in human 3D epithelial tissues, including intestine, oral and skin, and then exposing these tissues to various extracts and then performing transcriptome analysis. The analysis showed a different efficiency of the various extracts in restoring the transcriptome changes to the pre-inflammation state, thus allowing to calculate a different cannabis drug efficiency index (CDEI).
Lymphedema and Post-Operative Complications after Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy versus Lymphadenectomy in Endometrial Carcinomas—A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Helgers Rianne J.A. , Winkens Bjorn , Slangen Brigitte F.M. , Werner Henrica M.J.
Published: December 2020

Background: Lymph node dissection (LND) is recommended as staging procedure in presumed low stage endometrial cancer. LND is associated with risk of lower-extremity lymphedema and post-operative complications. The sentinel lymph node (SLN) procedure has been shown to have high diagnostic accuracy, but its effects on complication risk has been little studied. This systematic review compares the risk of lower-extremity lymphedema and post-operative complications in SLN versus LND in patients with endometrial carcinoma. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed and Cochrane Library. Results: Seven retrospective and prospective studies (total n = 3046 patients) were included. Only three studies reported the odds ratio of lower-extremity lymphedema after SLN compared to LND, which was 0.05 (95% CI 0.01–0.37; p = 0.067), 0.07 (95% CI 0.00–1.21; p = 0.007) and 0.54 (95% CI 0.37–0.80; p = 0.002) in these studies. The pooled odds ratio of any post-operative complications after SLN versus LND was 0.52 (95% CI 0.36-0.73; I2 = 48%; p < 0.001). For severe post-operative complications the pooled odds ratio was 0.52 (95% CI 0.28–0.96; I2 = 0%; p = 0.04). Conclusions: There are strong indications that SLN results in a lower incidence of lower-extremity lymphedema and less often severe post-operative complications compared to LND. In spite of the paucity and heterogeneity of studies, direction of results was similar in all studies, supporting the aforementioned conclusion. These results support the increasing uptake of SLN procedures in endometrial cancer.
Right Heart Structure, Geometry and Function Assessed by Echocardiography in 6-Year-Old Children Born Extremely Preterm—A Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Mohlkert Lilly-Ann , Hallberg Jenny , Broberg Olof , Sjöberg Gunnar , Rydberg Annika , Liuba Petru , Fellman Vineta , Domellöf Magnus , Norman Mikael , Pegelow Halvorsen Cecilia
Published: December 2020

Preterm birth has been associated with altered cardiac phenotype in adults. Our aim was to test the hypothesis that children surviving extremely preterm birth have important structural or functional changes of the right heart or pulmonary circulation. We also examined relations between birth size, gestational age, neonatal diagnoses of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) with cardiac outcomes. We assessed a population-based cohort of children born in Sweden before 27 weeks of gestation with echocardiography at 6.5 years of age (n = 176). Each preterm child was matched to a healthy control child born at term. Children born preterm had significantly smaller right atria, right ventricles with smaller widths, higher relative wall thickness and higher estimated pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) than controls. In preterm children, PVR and right ventricular myocardial performance index (RVmpi’) were significantly higher in those with a PDA as neonates than in those without PDA, but no such associations were found with BPD. In conclusion, children born extremely preterm exhibit higher estimated PVR, altered right heart structure and function compared with children born at term.
Thermal Liquid Biopsy (TLB) Focused on Benign and Premalignant Pancreatic Cyst Diagnosis
Authors: Hermoso-Durán Sonia , García-Rayado Guillermo , Ceballos-Laita Laura , Sostres Carlos , Vega Sonia , Millastre Judith , Sánchez-Gracia Oscar , Ojeda Jorge L. , Lanas Ángel , Velázquez-Campoy Adrián , Abian Olga
Published: December 2020

Background: Current efforts in the identification of new biomarkers are directed towards an accurate differentiation between benign and premalignant cysts. Thermal Liquid Biopsy (TLB) has been previously applied to inflammatory and tumor diseases and could offer an interesting point of view in this type of pathology. Methods: In this work, twenty patients (12 males and 8 females, average ages 62) diagnosed with a pancreatic cyst benign (10) and premalignant (10) cyst lesions were recruited, and biological samples were obtained during the endoscopic ultrasonography procedure. Results: Proteomic content of cyst liquid samples was studied and several common proteins in the different groups were identified. TLB cyst liquid profiles reflected protein content. Also, TLB serum score was able to discriminate between healthy and cysts patients (71% sensitivity and 98% specificity) and between benign and premalignant cysts (75% sensitivity and 67% specificity). Conclusions: TLB analysis of plasmatic serum sample, a quick, simple and non-invasive technique that can be easily implemented, reports valuable information on the observed pancreatic lesion. These preliminary results set the basis for a larger study to refine TLB serum score and move closer to the clinical application of TLB providing useful information to the gastroenterologist during patient diagnosis.
Nuclear and Mitochondrial Data on Trichuris from Macaca fuscata Support Evidence of Host Specificity
Authors: Cavallero Serena , Montalbano Di Filippo Margherita , Rondón Silvia , Liberato Claudio De , D’Amelio Stefano , Friedrich Klaus G. , Berrilli Federica
Published: December 2020

Whipworms are parasitic intestinal nematodes infecting mammals, and traditionally humans and other primates that have so far been considered infected by Trichuris trichiura. Recent molecular studies report a more complex scenario suggesting the presence of a species complex with several Trichuris taxa specifically infecting only one primate species as well as taxa able to infect a range of primate species. The systematics of the group is important for taxonomic inference, to estimate the relative zoonotic potential, and for conservation purposes. In fact, captive animals living in zoological gardens are usually infected by persistent monoxenous intestinal parasites. Here, two Japanese macaques living in the Bioparco Zoological Garden of Rome were found infected by Trichuris sp. Nematodes were characterized at the molecular level using nuclear (btub and 18S) and mitochondrial (16S and cytb) markers and then compared to Trichuris collected previously in the same location, and to other Trichuris infecting primates. Evidences from mitochondrial and nuclear markers allowed for the identification of Trichuris sp. specific to Macaca fuscata. Results obtained here also described a uniform taxonomic unit of Trichuris, separated but closely related to Trichuris trichiura, thus, emphasizing its zoonotic potential for workers and visitors.
Dependence of Leydig Cell’s Mitochondrial Physiology on Luteinizing Hormone Signaling
Authors: Medar Marija L. J. , Marinkovic Dijana Z. , Kojic Zvezdana , Becin Alisa P. , Starovlah Isidora M. , Kravic-Stevovic Tamara , Andric Silvana A. , Kostic Tatjana S.
Published: December 2020

Knowledge about the relationship between steroidogenesis and the regulation of the mitochondrial bioenergetics and dynamics, in steroidogenic cells, is not completely elucidated. Here we employed in vivo and ex vivo experimental models to analyze mitochondrial physiology in Leydig cells depending on the different LH-cAMP environments. Activation of LH-receptor in rat Leydig cells ex and in vivo triggered cAMP, increased oxygen consumption, mitoenergetic and steroidogenic activities. Increased mitoenergetic activity i.e., ATP production is achieved through augmented glycolytic ATP production and a small part of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Transcription of major genes responsible for mitochondrial dynamics was upregulated for Ppargc1a (regulator of mitogenesis and function) and downregulated for Drp1 (main fission marker), Prkn, Pink1 and Tfeb (mitophagy markers). Leydig cells from gonadotropin-treated rats show increased mitogenesis confirmed by increased mitochondrial mass, increased mtDNA, more frequent mitochondria observed by a transmission electron microscope and increased expression of subunits of respiratory proteins Cytc/CYTC and COX4. Opposite, Leydig cells from hypogonadotropic-hypogonadal rats characterized by low LH-cAMP, testosterone, and ATP production, reduced markers of mitogenesis and mitofusion (Mfn1/2, Opa1) associated with reduced mtDNA content. Altogether results underline LH-cAMP signaling as an important regulator of mitochondrial physiology arranging mitochondrial dynamics, bioenergetic and steroidogenic function in Leydig cells.
Effect of Internal Support on the Tensile Properties and Fracture Mode of 304 Stainless Steel Thin-Walled Tubes
Authors: Gao Yue , Shao Fei , Fan Pengxian , Xu Qian , Xie Xingkun
Published: January 2021

Steel–tube composite structures contain multiple tubular components under tension. The enhancement of the mechanical properties of tubes under ultimate operating conditions is crucial for improving structural safety. In this study, 110 pieces of 304 stainless steel thin-walled tubes (SSTWTs) under five internal support conditions are investigated. The ultimate tensile strength, ultimate extension, and fracture energy of different groups of specimens are measured to understand the variation mechanism of fracture modes. The elastic modulus of tube filler is treated as a variable to establish a uniaxial tensile fracture matrix of 304 SSTWTs with different tube fillers and loading rates. The results demonstrate that flexible tube fillers can effectively limit the lateral necking of 304 SSTWTs. Under the middle fracture mode, the maximum increments in the ultimate strength, extension, and fracture energy of tubes are 10.81%, 24.56%, and 35.94%, respectively. Furthermore, as the support rigidity increases, the ultimate strength exhibits an overall increasing trend, while the extension and fracture energy initially increase and then decrease. Overall, this study provides a novel route for enhancing the performance of steel–tube composite structures under ultimate loading conditions, which is of great significance for improving the safety of the structural design and reducing the engineering construction cost.
Heat Input and Mechanical Properties Investigation of Friction Stir Welded AA5083/AA5754 and AA5083/AA7020
Authors: Ahmed Mohamed M. Z. , Ataya Sabbah , El-Sayed Seleman Mohamed M. , Mahdy Abdalla M. A. , Alsaleh Naser A. , Ahmed Essam
Published: December 2020

The current work presents a detailed investigation for the effect of a wide range friction stir welding (FSW) parameters on the dissimilar joints’ quality of aluminum alloys. Two groups of dissimilar weldments have been produced between AA5083/AA5754 and A5083/AA7020 using tool rotational rates range from 300 to 600 rpm, and tool traverse speeds range from 20 to 80 mm/min. In addition, the effect of reversing the position of the high strength alloy at the advancing side and at retreating side has been investigated. The produced joints have been investigated using macro examination, hardness testing and tensile testing. The results showed that sound joints are obtained at the low heat input FSW parameters investigated while increasing the heat input results in tunnel defects. The hardness profile obtained in the dissimilar AA5083/AA5754 joints is the typical FSW hardness profile of these alloys in which the hardness reduced in the nugget zone due to the loss of the cold deformation strengthening. However, the profile of the dissimilar AA5083/AA7020 showed increase in the hardness in the nugget due to the intimate mixing the high strength alloy with the low strength alloy. The sound joints in both groups of the dissimilar joints showed very high joint strength with efficiency up to 97 and 98%. Having the high strength alloy at the advancing side gives high joint strength and efficiency. Furthermore, the sound joints showed ductile fracture mechanism with clear dimple features mainly and significant plastic deformation occurred before fracture. Moreover, the fracture in these joints occurred in the base materials. On the other, the joints with tunnel defect showed some features of brittle fracture due to the acceleration of the existing crack propagation upon tensile loading.
Potato By-Products as a Source of Natural Chlorogenic Acids and Phenolic Compounds: Extraction, Characterization, and Antioxidant Capacity
Authors: Joly Nicolas , Souidi Kaies , Depraetere David , Wils Daniel , Martin Patrick
Published: January 2021

Total phenolic compounds (TPC) and the chlorogenic acids content of potato by-product extracts of two hydro alcoholic solvents (methanol, ethanol) and two extraction methods (maceration and heating-assisted extraction) were studied. The content of TPC in the extracts was determined spectrometrically according to the Folin–Ciocalteu procedure and calculated as chlorogenic acid equivalents. Soluble phenolic acids, especially the chlorogenic acids, were performed by HPLC. The antioxidant activity of potato by-product extracts was determined by using the total oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) method. The highest content of TPC was found in raw and lyophilized red waters when using ethanol as a solvent around 57 mg/g fresh weight. Heating-assisted extraction enhances this quantitative increasing. At the given operating conditions, unpeeled potato samples exhibit a higher TPC than peeled ones, showing that TPC are accumulated in skin tissue. The greatest amount of chlorogenic acid (Caffeoyl-Quinic Acids, 3, 4, 5 CQA), mainly the 5-CQA (870 ± 39.66 µg/g WM for wet matter versus DM dry matter), was obtained in the pellets and lyophilized fresh peels (skin vs. flesh). In addition, the greatest amounts of chlorogenic acids were found when potato peels were extracted with methanol. Heating-assisted extraction improved the chlorogenic acid concentration of the potato peel extracts. The total ORAC amounts recorded in the different potato fractions varied between 1500 and 1650 µM TE/g. They were higher than those of some fruits, vegetables, nuts, cereals, and sweet potato cultivar. The good correlation coefficient found between TPC, chlorogenic acids determination, and the ORAC capacity indicates that the TPC can be used as a good indicator of the antioxidant capacity of potato by-products.
Magnesium and Hypertension in Old Age
Authors: Dominguez Ligia J. , Veronese Nicola , Barbagallo Mario
Published: January 2021

Hypertension is a complex condition in which various actors and mechanisms combine, resulting in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular complications that today represent the most frequent causes of mortality, morbidity, disability, and health expenses worldwide. In the last decades, there has been an exceptional amount of experimental, epidemiological, and clinical studies confirming a close relationship between magnesium deficit and high blood pressure. Multiple mechanisms may help to explain the bulk of evidence supporting a protective effect of magnesium against hypertension and its complications. Hypertension increases sharply with advancing age, hence older persons are those most affected by its negative consequences. They are also more frequently at risk of magnesium deficiency by multiple mechanisms, which may, at least in part, explain the higher frequency of hypertension and its long-term complications. The evidence for a favorable effect of magnesium on hypertension risk emphasizes the importance of broadly encouraging the intake of foods such as vegetables, nuts, whole cereals and legumes, optimal dietary sources of magnesium, avoiding processed food, which are very poor in magnesium and other fundamental nutrients, in order to prevent hypertension. In some cases, when diet is not enough to maintain an adequate magnesium status, magnesium supplementation may be of benefit and has been shown to be well tolerated.
An Ultra-Sensitive Technique: Using Pv-mtCOX1 qPCR to Detect Early Recurrences of Plasmodium vivax in Patients in the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Barbosa Laila R. A. , da Silva Emanuelle L. , de Almeida Anne C. G. , Salazar Yanka E. A. R. , Siqueira André M. , Alecrim Maria das Graças Costa , Vieira José Luiz Fernandes , Bassat Quique , de Lacerda Marcus V. G. , Monteiro Wuelton M. , Melo Gisely C.
Published: December 2020

Background: Early recurrence of Plasmodium vivax is a challenge for malaria control in the field, particularly because this species is associated with lower parasitemia, which hinders diagnosis and monitoring through blood smear testing. Early recurrences, defined as the persistence of parasites in the peripheral blood despite adequate drug dosages, may arise from resistance to chloroquine. The objective of the study was to estimate early recurrence of P. vivax in the Brazilian Amazon by using a highly-sensitive detection method, in this case, PCR. Methods: An ultra-sensitive qPCR that targeted mitochondrial DNA was used to compare a standard qPCR that targeted 18S rDNA to detect early recurrence of P. vivax in very low densities in samples from patients treated with chloroquine. Results: Out of a total of 312 cases, 29 samples (9.3%) were characterized as recurrences, from which 3.2% (10/312) were only detected through ultra-sensitive qPCR testing. Conclusions: Studies that report the detection of P. vivax early recurrences using light microscopy may severely underestimate their true incidence.
Targeted Mutagenesis of the Female-Suppressor SyGI Gene in Tetraploid Kiwifruit by CRISPR/CAS9
Authors: De Mori Gloria , Zaina Giusi , Franco-Orozco Barbara , Testolin Raffaele , De Paoli Emanuele , Cipriani Guido
Published: December 2020

Kiwifruit belong to the genus Actinidia with 54 species apparently all functionally dioecious. The sex-determinants of the type XX/XY, with male heterogametic, operate independently of the ploidy level. Recently, the SyGI protein has been described as the suppressor of female development. In the present study, we exploited the CRISPR/Cas9 technology by targeting two different sites in the SyGI gene in order to induce a stable gene knock-out in two tetraploid male accessions of Actinidia chinensis var. chinensis. The two genotypes showed a regenerative efficiency of 58% and 73%, respectively. Despite not yet being able to verify the phenotypic effects on the flower structure, due to the long time required by tissue-cultured kiwifruit plants to flower, we obtained two regenerated lines showing near fixation of a unique modification in their genome, resulting in both cases in the onset of a premature stop codon, which induces the putative gene knock-out. Evaluation of gRNA1 locus for both regenerated plantlets resulted in co-amplification of a minor variant differing from the target region for a single nucleotide. A genomic duplication of the region in proximity of the Y genomic region could be postulated.
The Genus Curcuma and Inflammation: Overview of the Pharmacological Perspectives
Authors: Rahaman Md. Moshiur , Rakib Ahmed , Mitra Saikat , Tareq Abu Montakim , Emran Talha Bin , Shahid-Ud-Daula A. F. M. , Amin Mohammad Nurul , Simal-Gandara Jesus
Published: December 2020

The Curcuma genus has been extensively used for therapeutic purposes in traditional or folk medicine worldwide, including for its anti-inflammatory activity. Curcuma spp.’s active constituents, such as alkaloids, flavonoids, and terpenoids, can act on various targets in the signaling pathway, restrain pro-inflammatory enzymes, lower the production of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, and reduce oxidative stress, which subsequently suppresses inflammatory processes. Preclinical and clinical studies have reported the predominant anti-inflammatory activity of several Curcuma species. This review provides an overview of the anti-inflammatory effects of different extracts, preparations, and bioactive components in this genus. This analysis may provide a scientific basis for developing new and alternative methods for the isolation of a single entity from this genus to attenuate inflammatory conditions. The Curcuma genus is waiting for researchers interested in developing safe and efficient anti-inflammatory agents for further investigation.
Molecular Manipulation of the miR399/PHO2 Expression Module Alters the Salt Stress Response of Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Pegler Joseph L. , Oultram Jackson M.J. , Grof Christopher P.L. , Eamens Andrew L
Published: December 2020

In Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis), the microRNA399 (miR399)/PHOSPHATE2 (PHO2) expression module is central to the response of Arabidopsis to phosphate (PO4) stress. In addition, miR399 has been demonstrated to also alter in abundance in response to salt stress. We therefore used a molecular modification approach to alter miR399 abundance to investigate the requirement of altered miR399 abundance in Arabidopsis in response to salt stress. The generated transformant lines, MIM399 and MIR399 plants, with reduced and elevated miR399 abundance respectively, displayed differences in their phenotypic and physiological response to those of wild-type Arabidopsis (Col-0) plants following exposure to a 7-day period of salt stress. However, at the molecular level, elevated miR399 abundance, and therefore, altered PHO2 target gene expression in salt-stressed Col-0, MIM399 and MIR399 plants, resulted in significant changes to the expression level of the two PO4 transporter genes, PHOSPHATE TRANSPORTER1;4 (PHT1;4) and PHT1;9. Elevated PHT1;4 and PHT1;9 PO4 transporter levels in salt stressed Arabidopsis would enhance PO4 translocation from the root to the shoot tissue which would supply additional levels of this precious cellular resource that could be utilized by the aerial tissues of salt stressed Arabidopsis to either maintain essential biological processes or to mount an adaptive response to salt stress.
Green Synthesis of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles Using Protein Fractions from an Aqueous Extract of Brown Algae Macrocystis pyrifera
Authors: Araya-Castro Karla , Chao Tzu-Chiao , Durán-Vinet Benjamín , Cisternas Carla , Ciudad Gustavo , Rubilar Olga
Published: January 2021

Amongst different living organisms studied as potential candidates for the green synthesis of copper nanoparticles, algal biomass is presented as a novel and easy-to-handle method. However, the role of specific biomolecules and their contribution as reductant and capping agents has not yet been described. This contribution reports a green synthesis method to obtain copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) using separated protein fractions from an aqueous extract of brown algae Macrocystis pyrifera through size exclusion chromatography (HPLC-SEC). Proteins were detected by a UV/VIS diode array, time-based fraction collection was carried out, and each collected fraction was used to evaluate the synthesis of CuO-NPs. The characterization of CuO-NPs was evaluated by Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Z-potential, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) equipped with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) detector. Low Molecular Weight (LMW) and High Molecular Weight (HMW) protein fractions were able to synthesize spherical CuO-NPs. TEM images showed that the metallic core present in the observed samples ranged from 2 to 50 nm in diameter, with spherical nanostructures present in all containing protein samples. FTIR measurements showed functional groups from proteins having a pivotal role in the reduction and stabilization of the nanoparticles. The highly negative zeta potential average values from obtained nanoparticles suggest high stability, expanding the range of possible applications. This facile and novel protein-assisted method for the green synthesis of CuO-NPs may also provide a suitable tool to synthesize other nanoparticles that have different application areas.
Potential of Hyperspectral Thermal Infrared Spaceborne Measurements to Retrieve Ice Cloud Physical Properties: Case Study of IASI and IASI-NG
Authors: Leonarski Lucie , C.-Labonnote Laurent , Compiègne Mathieu , Vidot Jérôme , Baran Anthony J. , Dubuisson Philippe
Published: December 2020

The present study aims to quantify the potential of hyperspectral thermal infrared sounders such as the Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI) and the future IASI next generation (IASI-NG) for retrieving the ice cloud layer altitude and thickness together with the ice water path. We employed the radiative transfer model Radiative Transfer for TOVS (RTTOV) to simulate cloudy radiances using parameterized ice cloud optical properties. The radiances have been computed from an ice cloud profile database coming from global operational short-range forecasts at the European Center for Medium-range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) which encloses the normal conditions, typical variability, and extremes of the atmospheric properties over one year (Eresmaa and McNally (2014)). We performed an information content analysis based on Shannon’s formalism to determine the amount and spectral distribution of the information about ice cloud properties. Based on this analysis, a retrieval algorithm has been developed and tested on the profile database. We considered the signal-to-noise ratio of each specific instrument and the non-retrieved atmospheric and surface parameter errors. This study brings evidence that the observing system provides information on the ice water path (IWP) as well as on the layer altitude and thickness with a convergence rate up to 95% and expected errors that decrease with cloud opacity until the signal saturation is reached (satisfying retrievals are achieved for clouds whose IWP is between about 1 and 300 g/m2).
The Development of Ski Areas in Romania. What Environmental, Political, and Economic Logic?
Authors: Cernaianu Sorina , Sobry Claude
Published: December 2020

In the last years, Romania has made major efforts to develop the skiing areas and some important projects have been implemented in the Carpathian Mountains. This research highlights the low efficiency of ski slopes and ski areas concerning the functionality during the winter season, even though a number of investments have been made. Some examples of bad practices regarding the development of skiing infrastructure in link with the potential impact on the environment are presented. The status of ski slopes, slope conditions, and snow depth were collected daily, during the 2016–2017 and 2017–2018 winter seasons, from a Romanian website specialized in snow cover information. A statistical analysis based on the collected data has been done. The 225 ski slopes studied have been opened, on average, less than 62 days and more than 20% of them have not even been opened. Only 17.8% of the slopes complied with the “100-day rule” during the first season and 21.3% of them during the second one, which does not ensure profitability. In conclusion, too many ski slopes have been created without considering the actual snow conditions. The investors wasted capital that is unprofitable and needlessly, affecting the environmental sustainability.
Ecodesign—A Review of Reviews
Authors: Schäfer Malte , Löwer Manuel
Published: December 2020

With the intent of summing up the past research on ecodesign and making it more accessible, we gather findings from 106 existing review articles in this field. Five research questions on terminology, evolution, barriers and success factors, methods and tools, and synergies, guide the clustering of the resulting 608 statements extracted from the reference. The quantitative analysis reveals that the number of review articles has been increasing over time. Furthermore, most statements originate from Europe, are published in journals, and address barriers and success factors. For the qualitative analysis, the findings are grouped according to the research question they address. We find that several names for similar concepts exist, with ecodesign being the most popular one. It has evolved from “end-of-pipe” pollution prevention to a more systemic concept, and addresses the complete life cycle. Barriers and success factors extend beyond the product development team to management, customers, policymakers, and educators. The number of ecodesign methods and tools available to address them is large, and more reviewing, testing, validation, and categorization of the existing ones is necessary. Synergies between ecodesign and other research disciplines exist in theory, but require implementation and testing in practice.
Pengaruh Jantung Pisang (Musa Paradisiaca L.) terhadap Produksi ASI
Authors: Wulan Sri , Br. Girsang Desri Meriahta
Published: January 2021

The World Health Organization recommends that every baby be exclusive breastfeeding until the baby reaches the first 6 months of age, because breastfeeding is an important part of the baby's diet until the baby is six month to two years old and the mother is the main source of milk production so that the mother's nutrition must be fulfilled. This study aims to determine the effect of banana blossoms on milk production. The method used the Quasi Experiment with a Pretest-Posttest With Control Group design. The population in this study were all mothers breastfeeding infants aged 0-6 months in Sidodadi Ramunia Village, Beringin District Sampling using Probability Sampling technique by determining the inclusion and exclusion criteria of 20 breastfeeding mothers. Data analysis using frequency distribution data and Independent Sample Test with a confidence level of 95%. The results showed that the smoothness of breastfeeding in the intervention group and the control group, there was a difference in value of 149.0 with a p value of 0.01, which means that there was a significant difference in the two groups and seen from the infant indicator, the difference in the average value of urine elimination for infants in the intervention and control groups was 24.00 with p 0.001, the difference in the average value of the frequency of baby defecation is 0.900 with a p value of 0.027 and seen from the number of hours of sleep for babies there is a difference in the value of 3.100 with a p value of 0.025 which means that there is an effect of giving banana blossoms stew on milk production, both seen from the smoothness of the mother's milk or from the baby indicator. It is recommended for nursing mothers to routinely consume banana blossoms because banana blossoms are proven to increase milk production.
Factores asociados a sentirse preparado para enfrentar el COVID-19 en migrantes internacionales en Chile
Authors: Cabieses Báltica , Darrigrandi Florencia , Obach Alexandra
Published: January 2021

Introducción: La migración internacional es un determinante social de la salud, que puede influenciar los resultados de salud de un individuo y comunidad. La humanidad completa, incluyendo migrantes internacionales, ha enfrentado la pandemia del coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 y su enfermedad respiratoria COVID-19. El propósito de este estudio fue conocer qué factores se asocian a que la población migrante internacional que reside en Chile se sienta preparada para enfrentar la pandemia de COVID-19. Material y métodos: Estudio cuantitativo transversal. Encuesta online de auto-aplicación en español y creole, que fue diseñada y piloteada con personas expertas y por migrantes internacionales. Fue difundida a diversos colectivos migrantes internacionales por medio de redes de organizaciones migrantes y pro migrantes, así como la red asistencial de salud pública de Chile en todo el territorio nacional. Se alcanzó un tamaño de muestra efectivo para análisis de 1690 participantes. Se analizó la asociación entre sentirse preparado para enfrentar la pandemia COVID-19 (sí/no) según país de origen, sexo, nivel de educación, tiempo de permanencia en Chile, sistema de salud, angustia o depresión por el COVID-19, confinamiento y evaluación de la información entregada por el gobierno de COVID-19. Resultados: El 61% de los participantes reportan no sentirse preparados para la pandemia. Sentirse preparado se asoció positivamente a sexo masculino (OR=1,8), haber hecho cuarentena (OR=1,7), y evaluar como buena/muy buena la información que se ha entregado (OR=3.8). Comparado con colombianos (referencia), venezolanos tienden a sentirse menos preparados (OR=0,6), también aquellos que se han sentido angustiados o deprimidos (OR=0,5). Discusión: Recibir información de buena calidad sobre la pandemia y el estado anímico son factores importantes asociados a sentirse preparado para enfrentar el COVID-19 en migrantes internacionales en Chile. Ambas dimensiones son potencialmente modificables para incidir en una mejor atención en salud a migrantes en tiempos de crisis sanitarias.
Notificación de una reacción adversa a medicamentos (RAM): un relato en el Valparaíso del siglo XIX.
Authors: Badilla Morales Claudio Rolando
Published: January 2021

El presente trabajo nos muestra un relato extraído del periódico El Mercurio de Valparaíso de finales del siglo XIX, donde un paciente hace una denuncia respecto de un preparado adquirido en una botica porteña de ese entonces, en función de los efectos que él notó posterior a su uso.Este relato transcurre en una época donde destacan importantes acontecimientos y personajes de la historia de Chile, en cuanto al desarrollo científico, cultural y social.Mucho antes de que se hablara de Fármaco-vigilancia, y en los tiempos en donde no existía un comercio tan regulado en cuanto a derechos del consumidor, las personas hacían la vigilancia de los productos farmacéuticos, bajo la óptica del sentido común de todo paciente.Es destacable la notificación hecha por este anónimo paciente, y la difusión realizada por el periódico, ya que cumple a cabalidad con el enfoque técnico regulatorio actual de la Fármaco-vigilancia en nuestro país. Este hecho presentado en el periódico como un par de pequeños párrafos, destaca como un antecedente histórico importante en favor de la salud pública.
UNA SALUD: MÁS ALLÁ DE LAS ZOONOSIS
Authors: Araya Mauricio
Published: January 2021

“Una salud” es un concepto que lleva ya algún tiempo entre la comunidad científica, sin embargo, creo, aún no se logra su total comprensión y estamos lejos de su real aplicación, los temas sanitarios involucrados son muchos, pero la temática sobre zoonosis predomina casi totalmente, dejando de lado otras varias aplicaciones del concepto, como animales centinelas, violencia doméstica, obesidad y cáncer, entre otras, es importante entender que el concepto no es solo trabajar interdisciplinarmente, sino que lograr resultados sinérgicos más allá de la suma de cada disciplina en particular.