bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Signatures of selection for resistance to Haemonchus contortus in sheep and goats
Authors: Estrada-Reyes Zaira Magdalena , Tsukahara Yoko , Amadeu Rodrigo R. , Goetsch Arthur L. , Gipson Terry A. , Sahlu Tilahun , Puchala Richard , Mateescu Raluca G.
Published: August 2019

Background

Gastrointestinal nematode infection (GNI) is the most important disease affecting the small ruminant industry in U.S. The environmental conditions in the southern United States are ideal for the survival of the most pathogenic gastrointestinal nematode, Haemonchus contortus. Host genetic variation for resistance to H. contortus allows selective breeding for increased resistance of animals. This selection process increases the prevalence of particular alleles in sheep and goats and creates unique genetic patterns in the genome of these species. The aim of this study was to identify loci with divergent allelic frequencies in a candidate gene panel of 100 genes using two different approaches (frequentist and Bayesian) to estimate Fst outliers in three different breeds of sheep and goats exposed to H. contortus.

Results

Our results for sheep populations showed SNPs under selection in C3AR1, CSF3, SOCS2, NOS2, STAT5B, TGFB2 and IL2RA genes using frequentist and Bayesian approaches. For goats, SNPs in CD1D, ITGA9, IL12A, IL13RA1, CD86 and TGFB2 genes were under selection. Common signatures of selection in both species were observed in NOS2, TGFB2 and TLR4 genes. Directional selection was present in all SNPs evaluated in the present study.

Conclusions

A total of 13 SNPs within 10 genes of our candidate gene panel related to H. contortus exposure were identified under selection in sheep populations. For goats, 11 SNPs within 7 genes were identified under selection. Results from this study support the hypothesis that resistance to H. contortus is likely to be controlled by many loci. Shared signatures of selection related to mechanisms of immune protection against H. contortus infection in sheep and goats could be useful targets in breeding programs aimed to produce resistant animals with low FEC.
Evaluation of peripheral perfusion index and heart rate variability as early predictors for intradialytic hypotension in critically ill patients.
Authors: Shaban Mohamed , Hasanin Ahmed , El-adawy Akram , Mostafa Hanan , Fathy Shymaa , Abdelreheem Hossam M , Lotfy Ahmed , Abougabal Ayman , Mohamed Hassan , Mukhtar Ahmed
Published: August 2019

Background
Intradialytic hypotension is a serious complication during renal replacement therapy in critically ill patients. Early prediction of intradialytic hypotension could allow adequate prophylactic measures. In this study we evaluated the ability of peripheral perfusion index (PPI) and heart rate variability (HRV) to predict intradialytic hypotension.
Methods
A prospective observational study included 36 critically ill patients with acute kidney injury during their first session of intermittent hemodialysis. In addition to basic vital signs, PPI was measured using Radical-7 (Masimo) device. Electrical cardiometry (ICON) device was used for measuring cardiac output, systemic vascular resistance, and HRV. All hemodynamic values were recorded at the following time points: 30 minutes before the hemodialysis session, 15 minutes before the start of hemodialysis session, every 5 minutes during the session, and 15 minutes after the conclusion of the session. The ability of all variables to predict intradialytic hypotension was assessed through area under receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve calculation.
Results
Twenty-three patients (64%) had intradialytic hypotension. Patients with pulmonary oedema showed higher risk for development of intradialytic hypotension {Odds ratio (95% CI): 13.75(1.4-136)}. Each of baseline HRV, and baseline PPI showed good predictive properties for intradialytic hypotension {AUROC (95% CI): 0.761(0.59-0.88)}, and 0.721(0.547-0.857)} respectively.
Conclusions
Each of low PPI, low HRV, and the presence of pulmonary oedema are good predictors of intradialytic hypotension.
Low health literacy levels in patients with chronic retinal disease
Authors: Jandorf Sofie , Nielsen Marie Krogh , Sørensen Kristine , Sørensen Torben Lykke
Published: August 2019

Background

A patient’s health literacy is fundamental for navigating the health system and managing disease. This study aimed to compare the health literacy levels of patients with chronic retinal disease in Denmark.

Methods

This cross-sectional questionnaire study used the validated HLS-EU-Q16 questionnaire to determine the health literacy of 225 patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic macular edema (DME) or retinal vein occlusion (RVO), receiving intravitreal treatment at the retinal clinic, Zealand University Hospital, Denmark. Patients were consecutively included as participants for the study. All patients had the option of having the survey read aloud to them.

Results

Health literacy levels between the patient groups did not differ significantly, however, the proportion of patients with poor health literacy was high—65% of AMD patients, 73% of DME patients, and 63% of patients with RVO.

Conclusions

Low health literacy of patients with retinal disease signify a need for more health literacy research in the field of retinal diseases, to secure that patients have the timely and appropriate knowledge and competencies to manage their condition.
Expression patterns of two pal genes of Pleurotus ostreatus across developmental stages and under heat stress
Authors: Hou Ludan , Wang Lining , Wu Xiangli , Gao Wei , Zhang Jinxia , Huang Chenyang
Published: August 2019

Background: Phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL, EC 4.3.1.24) is the first key enzyme in the phenylpropanoid pathway. The pal gene has been widely studied in plants and participates in plant growth, development and defense systems. However, in Pleurotus ostreatus, the biological functions of pal during organismal development and exposure to abiotic stress have not been reported.
Results: In this study, we cloned and characterized the pal1 (2232 bp) and pal2 (2244 bp) genes from the basidiomycete Pleurotus ostreatus CCMSSC 00389. The pal1 and pal2 genes are interrupted by 6 and 10 introns, respectively, and encode proteins of 743 and 747 amino acids, respectively. Furthermore, prokaryotic expression experiments showed that PAL enzymes catalyzed the conversion of L-phenylalanine to trans-cinnamic acid. The function of pal1 and pal2 was determined by constructing overexpression (OE) and RNA interference (RNAi) strains. The results showed that the two pal genes had similar expression patterns during different developmental stages. The expression of pal genes was higher in the reproductive growth stage than in the vegetative growth stage. And the interference of pal1 and pal2 delayed the formation of primordia. The results of heat stress assays showed that the RNAi-pal1 strains had enhanced mycelial tolerance to high temperature, while the RNAi-pal2 strains had enhanced mycelial resistance to H2O2.
Conclusions: These results indicate that two pal genes may play a similar role in the development of P. ostreatus fruiting bodies, but may alleviate stress through different regulatory pathways under heat stress.
Symbiotic bacteria motivate the foraging decision and promote fecundity and survival of Bactrocera dorsalis (Diptera: Tephritidae)
Authors: Author) Mazarin Akami(Former Corresponding , Ren Xue-Ming , Qi Xuewei , Mansour Abdelaziz , Gao Bingli , Cao Shuai , Author) Chang-Ying Niu(New Corresponding
Published: August 2019

Background

The gut bacteria of tephritid fruit flies play prominent roles in nutrition, reproduction, maintenance and ecological adaptations of the host. Here, we adopted an approach based on direct observation of symbiotic or axenic flies feeding on dishes seeded with drops of full diet (containing all amino acids) or full diet supplemented with bacteria at similar concentrations to explore the effects of intestinal bacteria on foraging decision and fitness of Bactrocera dorsalis.

Results

The results show that intestinal probiotics elicit beneficial foraging decision and enhance the female reproduction fitness and survival of B. dorsalis (symbiotic and axenic), yet preferences for probiotic diets were significantly higher in axenic flies to which they responded faster compared to full diet. Moreover, females fed diet supplemented with Pantoea dispersa and Enterobacter cloacae laid more eggs but had shorter lifespan while female fed Enterococcus faecalis and Klebsiella oxytoca enriched diets lived longer but had lower fecundity compared to the positive control. Conversely, flies fed sugar diet (negative control) were not able to produce eggs, but lived longer than those from the positive control.

Conclusions

These results suggest that intestinal bacteria can drive the foraging decision in a way which promotes the reproduction and survival of B. dorsalis. Our data highlight the potentials of gut bacterial isolates to control the foraging behavior of the fly and c empower the sterile insect technique (SIT) program through the mass rearing.
ANÁLISE FITOQUÍMICA E MICROBIOLÓGICA DE AMOSTRAS DE PIMENTA-ROSA OBTIDAS DE PROPRIEDADES FAMILIARES DA REGIÃO NORTE DO ESPÍRITO SANTO
Authors: Píccolo Maria Da Penha
Published: August 2019

A pimenta-rosa ou aroeira Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi é uma especiaria de grande valor de mercado nacional e internacional associado às suas aplicações nas indústrias alimentícia, farmacêutica e de cosméticos.  No estado do Espírito Santo a produção concentra-se na região litorânea, sendo São Mateus um polo de produção, processamento e escoamento. Objetivou-se avaliar características de qualidade de pimenta-rosa produzida em São Mateus-ES. Frutos in natura e desidratados foram submetidos a análises fitoquímicas e microbiológicas. Constatou-se presença dos metabólitos secundários fenóis, taninos, glicosídeos/saponinas e flavonoides além de um baixo índice de contaminação microbiana. Em nenhuma das amostras foi constatada a presença de Salmonella sp. Esses resultados reforçam o potencial dessa espécie para uso como condimento, medicinal e farmacêutico. A qualidade da matéria-prima deve ser considerada para obtenção de produtos derivados de boa qualidade. Assim, o cultivo de acordo com as Boas Práticas Agrícolas (BPA) e Boas Práticas de Fabricação (BPF) pode contribuir para a sustentabilidade do agronegócio pimenta-rosa na região norte do Estado do Espírito Santo.
ADUBAÇÃO DE MILHO CRIOULO COM RESÍDUOS ORGÂNICOS EM ASSOCIAÇÃO COM Azospirillum brasilense
Authors: Lima Tatiane Melo de , Pascoal Pamela Raiane Pelegrini , Carvalho Fabio Janoni , Lana Regina Maria Quintão
Published: August 2019

A adubação orgânica do milho crioulo com resíduos agropecuários pode aumentar a produtividade e a sustentabilidade de propriedades de agricultores familiares. A cafeicultura e a avicultura geram grande quantidade de resíduos com potencial para contribuir na poluição ambiental, no entanto, o uso desses resíduos como fontes de adubos orgânicos pode mitigar os impactos ambientais dessas atividades. Além disso, associar a adubação orgânica com a inoculação com Azospirillum brasilense pode reduzir a necessidade de aplicação de fertilizantes nitrogenados. O experimento foi instalado em Monte Carmelo-MG cujo objetivo foi avaliar o efeito de adubos orgânicos provenientes da mistura de casca de café e cama de peru sobre o desenvolvimento vegetativo de milho crioulo, bem como, a influência da inoculação das sementes com A. brasilense. O delineamento utilizado foi em blocos casualizados, em arranjo fatorial (2x7) com três repetições, tendo como fatores a inoculação das sementes com A. brasilense (com e sem inoculação) e sete adubos orgânicos proveniente da mistura de diferentes proporções de casca de café e cama de peru. Verificou-se que as plantas de milho apresentaram maior desenvolvimento vegetativo quando submetidas a adubos compostos pela mistura dos resíduos. A adubação orgânica promove maior desenvolvimento vegetativo do milho em comparação com a adubação mineral. A inoculação com A. brasilense apresenta maior eficiência quando associada à adubação orgânica.
Pequenas centrais hidrelétricas brasileiras: propostas no gerenciamento de plano de risco ambiental na geração de gases de efeito estufa
Authors: Chaves Leverson Ferreira
Published: August 2019

Os reservatórios das pequenas centrais hidrelétricas (PCH) brasileiras, consideradas fontes de energia renovável, passaram a ser alvo de especulações acerca da geração de gases de efeito estufa (GEE) pela produção biogênica do dióxido de carbono e do metano. Com o aumento da demanda energética e o incremento da construção de hidrelétricas é mister que os planos de gerenciamento de risco ambiental estimulem a mitigação e o controle dos GEE em um mundo sob o risco de aquecimento global. O gerenciamento de planos de risco ambiental levando em consideração os principais fatores que influenciam as emissões de GEE é escasso. Sendo assim, considerar as emissões do dióxido de carbono e do metano no gerenciamento de plano de risco ambiental dos reservatórios é importante para a geração de medidas sustentáveis de mitigação e controle dos potenciais problemas relacionados aos GEE nas pequenas centrais hidrelétricas e seus riscos. Este trabalho tem como objetivo fornecer, através de informações de material bibliográfico, propostas básicas no gerenciamento de plano de risco ambiental para emissões de GEE em pequenas centrais hidrelétricas através dos principais fatores que influenciam as emissões nos reservatórios em face dos estudos que apontam para um mundo futuro sob os efeitos de um aquecimento global.
Produção de hidrogênio a partir do tratamento de efluente residual da produção de biodiesel
Authors: Silva Caio Fernando da , Lima Flávia Maria Torres , Cavalcanti Luiz Antonio Pimentel
Published: August 2019

Nos últimos anos, as pesquisas sobre recursos renováveis vêm ganhando cada mais destaque devido à procura por um padrão de desenvolvimento mais sustentável em meio a uma sociedade com hábitos de consumo cada vez mais elevados. O biodiesel é uma opção de alternativa promissora, porém, o resíduo proveniente da etapa de lavagem da produção deste biocombustível é inadequado para descarte in natura ou reutilização. O presente trabalho buscou realizar o tratamento do efluente residual da produção do biodiesel através do processo de eletrofloculação/flotação e de forma simultânea avaliar a produção do gás hidrogênio presente na reação de tratamento. Foi desenvolvido um protótipo de um reator eletroquímico composto por dois eletrodos retangulares de ferro com 180 mm x 20 mm, com uma estrutura cilíndrica de PVC, fixando-se fios de arame cozido de aço que se ligam a uma fonte de tensão contínua (FA-3030) onde foi aplicada 15 V. O protótipo desenvolvido tratou 400 mL de resíduo, onde as variáveis analisadas foram o pH, DBO, DQO, turbidez, óleos e graxas, o tratamento alcançou um fator de melhora nas variáveis analisadas de 85% comprovando a eficiência do processo realizado, em conjunto com o tratamento do efluente houve êxito na produção de hidrogênio que apresentou com uma vazão de 1,06 L/h.
Tratamento de águas residuárias da indústria de laticínios por meio de wetland construído
Authors: Vieira Samara Pereira , Silva Anderson Brito da , Freire Síntia da Silva , Cavalcanti Luiz Antonio Pimentel
Published: August 2019

Os wetlands construídos estão entre as tecnologias mais eficientes recentemente comprovadas para tratamento de águas residuárias. Em comparação aos sistemas convencionais já existentes, destaca-se pelo baixo custo e facilidade de operação e manutenção. Com base nisto, o presente trabalho consistiu em dimensionar e construir um protótipo de wetlands, a fim de realizar o tratamento de águas residuárias da indústria de laticínios visto que a mesma traz consigo uma quantidade elevada de carga orgânica. A vegetação escolhida para compor o sistema foi a baronesa Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms (Commelinales: Pontederiaceae), pois, além de ser a espécie flutuante mais utilizada para esse tipo de tratamento, também vem causando grandes problemas com a poluição de rios e lagos do Município de Paulo Afonso, Estado da Bahia, Nordeste do Brasil. Para o experimento foram recolhidos 100 L de efluente para um período de nove dias no qual foram recolhidas amostras do efluente bruto e após o tratamento objetivando realizar um comparativo. As variáveis físicas e químicas avaliadas foram pH, turbidez, DQO, e sólidos dissolvidos, comparadas com os parâmetros estabelecidos pela Resolução CONAMA nº 430/2011. O pH aproximou-se ao padrão estabelecido, e houve uma atenuação significativa de turbidez (91%), DQO (89%) e sólidos dissolvidos (92%). Os resultados obtidos após a análise constataram a eficiência do protótipo de wetland construído com a utilização da baronesa como alternativa para redução de impactos causados pelo efluente de laticínios.
Utilização de recursos vegetais em áreas de quintais em uma comunidade rural localizada no entorno do Parque Nacional de Sete Cidades, Piauí, Nordeste do Brasil
Authors: Santos Emanuela Gonçalves dos , Santos Suellen da Silva , Gonçalves Vandermond do Nascimento , Souza Bartolomeu Israel de , Lucena Reinaldo Farias Paiva de
Published: August 2019

Os sistemas agroflorestais consistem em práticas tradicionais de uso da terra apresentando como principais finalidades o cultivo de espécies vegetais para fins de subsistência e aumento na renda familiar. O presente estudo foi conduzido na Comunidade Cachoeira no Município de Brasileira, Estado do Piauí, buscando identificar o conhecimento e uso sobre espécies botânicas cultivadas em quintais rurais e caracterizar a dinâmica que envolve a prática nesses espaços. Os informantes da pesquisa foram chefes domiciliares que atuam na manutenção desses espaços (17 mantenedores). Utilizaram-se formulários semiestruturados com perguntas sobre questões socioeconômicas e específicas relacionadas aos quintais, tais como espécies encontradas na área, finalidades de uso, modo de manutenção e tamanho do quintal. Foi calculado o valor de uso (VU) das espécies tentando elencar a importância local das plantas na visão desses atores sociais. Foram registradas 62 plantas, contudo foi possível a identificação científica de 51 espécies, 46 gêneros e 29 famílias. A pesquisa apontou informações sobre as relações socioculturais entre as pessoas e as plantas presentes na área estudada, que envolvem o conhecimento e uso de espécies botânicas; econômicas, remetendo-se a venda de recursos excedentes, tanto de plantas quanto de animais cultivados nesses espaços; e ecológica, tratando-se do cultivo e manejo de espécies nativas e/ou exóticas. Os dados apresentados poderão ser utilizados em estratégias conservacionistas e sustentabilidade dos recursos vegetais.
Fa‘āliyah Ta‘zīz Dawr al-Qānūn li Taṭwīr Qiṭā‘ al-Ḥalāl wa Taḥwīl Mukhrajātihi ilā Sūq al-‘Amal
Authors: Ahmed Ahmed Salem
Published: August 2019

Ḥalāl concept correlation with the industry and trade has shown a new matter leads to discovering other sciences to find the scientific basis for the Islamic principle that governs these matters, especially in the natural and economic sciences, but the different philosophy between Islamic science and those sciences led to the dichotomy of research between the laboratories and jurisprudence groups. In spite of the high value of the output of both of them, but they are unable to translate it and linked it with the labor market, here where the researcher has felt the law role importance and its ability to coordinate these efforts and codify them as a reference in the ḥalāl standard application and settlement of its disputes, which show the law-science creativity  in ḥalāl sector, by pointing the legalization importance and its direct connection with the rights and duties of those connected with the ḥalāl sector.
Technological Solution for Preserving Nutritional Value and Increasing the Digestibility of Meat Dishes
Authors: Абдурахманов Эльшан , Abdurakhmanov Elshan
Published: August 2019

Cooking perishable foods is an important and complicated process. Technological equipment plays a huge role in the cooking process, as well as the professional skills of the cook. To exclude the influence of the cook from this process, it is necessary to develop new heating equipment that would provide automatic culinary (heat) food processing without the participation of personnel, as well as intensify the process and reduce heat and energy consumption. This task is especially relevant when cooking in closed (restricted) spaces is concerned. The present research featured perspective directions of heat treatment. The authors compared the effect of microwave, ultrasonic, and infrared fields on the product and the technological process. The analysis proved that the grill mode provided the best option for heat treatment of portioned and small-sized semi-finished products from non-graded meat. Heat treatment of semi-finished products occurs without their contact with any heat transfer surface or coolant. The processing principle is based on the fact that free water contained in semi-finished products intensively absorbs IR radiation with a wave length of λ=1.0–1.2 μm, thus heating the inner layers of the food product. The radiation energy converted into heat energy is transferred to the inner layers of the product and reaches its core. Forced convection during the heat treatment in the ‘grill’ mode intensifies the speed of heating and cooking. Unlike conductive heating, the surface of the product remains open, which lets the layers cool down. This makes it possible to deliver an intense heat flux to the product. The author developed a KG-1 galley grill that can process portionedmeat (80–120 g) and small-sized semi-finished products (30–40 g) in the grill mode. The internal walls are coated with a special stuff that reflects IR-radiation, while the external walls are covered with a heat-resistant andhighly efficient quartz aerogel, which is a flexible thermal insulation material. A set of prefabricated quartz heaters are located at a distance of 4.5–5 cm from the food product, which intensifies the cooking process. The proposed structural changes decreased the temperature of the outer walls from 220°C to 60°C; lowered electricity consumption by 24–26%; shortened the cooking time by 20–25%; reduced the discharge of smoke and steam into the sewage system; improved filtering and ventilation; reduced heat losses by 1.3–1.5; increased efficiency by 16–20%; expanded the functionality and assortment of high quality meat dishes.
ELEMENTY WIDOWISKA BOŻONARODZENIOWEGO W POEMACIE DWUNASTU ALEKSANDRA BŁOKA
Authors: Gasparow Borys , Muszyńska Małogrzata
Published: August 2019

“Elements of Christmas Pageant in Alexander Blok’s «The Twelve»”This paper is a an attempt of a new interpretation of Alexander Blok’s “The Twelve” in the context of Carnival customs in Russia at the end of the nineteenth century.
Preparation of Chitosan/Alginate-ellagic Acid Sustained-release Microspheres and their Inhibition of Preadipocyte Adipogenic Differentiation
Authors: Ding Chengshi , Bi Haidan , Wang Deya , Kang Meiling , Tian Zhongjing , Zhang Yingxia , Wang Hongkai , Zhu Tianshun , Ma Jing
Published: August 2019

Objective:

In this study, chitosan/alginate-ellagic acid sustained-release microspheres were
prepared, and the effect of sustained-release microspheres on preadipocyte adipogenic differentiation
was analyzed.

Methods:

Chitosan/alginate-ellagic acid microspheres were prepared and identified by scanning electron
microscopy (SEM) and infrared spectroscopy (IR). The drug release rates were measured at pH
6.8, 7.0, 7.2, 7.4 to determine sustained release of ellagic acid from microspheres. The effects of 0.1, 1,
10 mg/L chitosan/alginate-ellagic acid microsphere on 3T3-F442A preadipocyte proliferation were determined
by Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay (MTT), and cell morphology was checked by hematoxylin/
eosin staining (HE staining). The effect of chitosan/alginate-ellagic acid microspheres on
preadipocyte adipogenic differentiation was also determined by Oil red O staining, and lipogenesis was
measured by isopropanol extraction. The molecular mechanism was investigated by detecting the
mRNA expression of CCAAT/enhancer binding protein alpha (C/EBPα) and peroxisome proliferatorsactivated
receptor gamma (PPARγ).

Results:

Chitosan/alginate-ellagic acid sustained-release microspheres were successfully prepared, and
the inhibition of proliferation and adipogenic differentiation of preadipocytes was found to be dosedependent.
The mechanism of differentiation inhibition was found to be closely related to the expression
of transcription factor C/EBPα and PPARγ.

Conclusion:

Chitosan/alginate can be used as a good material to prepare ellagic acid sustained-release
microspheres, and these microspheres can be used for treating the obesity.
iMethylK-PseAAC: Improving Accuracy of Lysine Methylation Sites Identification by Incorporating Statistical Moments and Position Relative Features into General PseAAC via Chou’s 5-steps Rule
Authors: Ilyas Sarah , Hussain Waqar , Ashraf Adeel , Khan Yaser Daanial , Khan Sher Afzal , Chou Kuo- Chen
Published: August 2019

Background:

Methylation is one of the most important post-translational modifications in the human body which usually arises on lysine among.the most intensely modified residues. It performs a dynamic role in numerous biological procedures, such as regulation of gene expression, regulation of protein function and RNA processing. Therefore, to identify lysine methylation sites is an important challenge as some experimental procedures are time-consuming.

Objective:

Herein, we propose a computational predictor named iMethylK-PseAAC to identify lysine methylation sites.

Methods:

Firstly, we constructed feature vectors based on PseAAC using position and composition relative features and statistical moments. A neural network is trained based on the extracted features. The performance of the proposed method is then validated using cross-validation and jackknife testing.

Results:

The objective evaluation of the predictor showed accuracy of 96.7% for self-consistency, 91.61% for 10-fold cross-validation and 93.42% for jackknife testing.

Conclusion:

It is concluded that iMethylK-PseAAC outperforms the counterparts to identify lysine methylation sites such as iMethyl-PseACC, BPB-PPMS and PMeS.
p19INK4d: More than Just a Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor
Authors: Han Xu , Kuang Yijin , Chen Huiyong , Liu Ting , Zhang Ji , Liu Jing
Published: August 2019

Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors (CDKIs) are important cell cycle regulators. The CDKI
family is composed of the INK4 family and the CIP/KIP family. p19INK4d belongs to the INK4 gene
family and is involved in a series of normal physiological activities and the pathogenesis of diseases.
Many factors play regulatory roles in the p19INK4d gene expression at the transcriptional and posttranscriptional
levels. p19INK4d not only regulates the cell cycle but also plays regulatory roles in apoptosis,
DNA damage repair, cell differentiation of hematopoietic cells, and cellular senescence. In this review,
the regulatory network of the p19INK4d gene expression and its biological functions are summarized,
which provides a basis for further study of p19INK4d as a drug target for disease treatment.
A Review of PCSK9 Inhibitors and their Effects on Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Chen Bo , Shi Xin , Cui Yanping , Hou Aiping , Zhao Pengjun
Published: August 2019

Background:

Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in
the world, with elevated Low-Density Lipoprotein-Cholesterol (LDL-C) levels as the major risk factor.
Lower levels of LDL-C can effectively reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Proprotein convertase
subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) plays an important role in regulating the degradation of hepatic LDL
receptors that remove LDL-C from the circulation. PCSK9 inhibitors are a new class of agents that are
becoming increasingly important in the treatment to reduce LDL-C levels. Two PCSK9 inhibitors, alirocumab
and evolocumab, have been approved to treat hypercholesterolemia and are available in the
United States and the European Union. Through the inhibition of PCSK9 and increased recycling of
LDL receptors, serum LDL-C levels can be significantly reduced.

Objective:

This review will describe the chemistry, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of
PCSK9 inhibitors and their clinical effects.
Bothrops alternatus Snake Venom Induces Cytokine Expression and Oxidative Stress on Renal Function
Authors: Júnior F.A. Nogueira , Jorge A.R. Coelho , Marinho A.D. , Silveira J.A. de Moraes , Alves N.T. Queiroz , Costa P.H. Sá , e Silva P.L. Braga , Chaves-Filho A.J. Maia , Lima D.B. , Sampaio T.L. , Morais G.B. de , Evangelista J.S. Azul Monteiro , Martins A.M. Costa , Júnior R.S. Ferreira , Macedo D.S. , Jorge R.J. Bezerra , Monteiro H.S. Azul
Published: August 2019

Background:

Envenomation caused by Bothrops alternatus is common in Southern Brazil. Acute Kidney Injury occurs after Bothrops snakebite and more information is necessaryrequired to understand its mechanism.

Objective:

The objective was to evaluate the effect of Bothrops alternatus venom (BaV) on renal cells and rat isolated kidney function.

Methods:

Wistar rats (n = 6, weighing 260-320 g) were perfused with a Krebs-Henseleit solution containing 6 g 100 mL-1 of bovine serum albumin. After 30 minutes, the kidneys were perfused with BaV to a final concentration of 1 and 3 μgmL-1; and subsequently were evaluated for Perfusion Pressure (PP), Renal Vascular Resistance (RVR), Urinary Flow (UF), Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR), and percentage of electrolyte tubular transport. Renal histological analysis, cytokine release, oxidative stress and cytotoxicity in renal proximal tubular cells were assessed.

Results:

BaV reduced PP, RVR, GFR, UF, total and proximal sodium transport (%TNa+), and chloride (%TCl-) in the isolated kidney perfusion model. Histological analysis of perfused kidneys disclosed the presence of proteinaceous material in the glomeruli and renal tubules, vacuolar tubular epithelial cell degeneration, Bowman's capsule degeneration, swelling of glomerular epithelial cells, glomerular atrophy and degeneration, and the presence of intratubular protein. Cytokine release (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-10) and oxidative stress were increased in the kidneys. The viability of LLC-MK2 cells (IC50: 221.3 μg/mL) was decreased by BaV and necrosis was involved in cell death.

Conclusion:

These findings indicate that BaV modifies functional parameters in an isolated perfused kidney model and has cytotoxic effects on renal lineage cells.
Dietary Flavonoids Interaction with CREB-BDNF Pathway: An Unconventional Approach for Comprehensive Management of Epilepsy
Authors: Sharma Pallavi , Kumar Amit , Singh Damanpreet
Published: August 2019

cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) is a key transcriptional regulator that regulates the transcription of genes related with neuronal differentiation, synaptic plasticity, learning and memory. Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), is a CREB dependent gene which plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of epilepsy and central comorbid conditions associated with epilepsy. However, the beneficial or detrimental consequences of CREB-BDNF activation on the induction and/or progression of seizures depend specifically on the region of brain involved and the time of activation. The bioactive molecules that alter the activity of CREB in a way to have specialized effects in different brain regions and neural circuits involved could potentially be utilized for therapeutic purposes. Flavonoids are the polyphenolic compounds which lead to phosphorylation of CREB in the hippocampus, followed by increase in extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) and BDNF. Several members of flavonoid family have also showed suppression of epileptic seizures via interaction with CREB/BDNF pathway. Moreover, epilepsy is often accompanied by a number of behavioural and psychological comorbid conditions that further gets aggravated by the use of conventional antiepileptic drug therapy. Multiple studies have also supported the beneficial effects of flavonoids in cognitive and memory impairments by upregulation of CREB-BDNF pathway. The current review is an attempt to collate the available preclinical and clinical studies to establish the therapeutic potential of various dietary flavonoids in comprehensive management of epilepsy with relation to CREB-BDNF pathway.
Dermal Delivery of Meloxicam Nanosuspensions based Gel: Optimization with Box Behnken Design Experiment Approach: Ex Vivo and In Vivo Study
Authors: Pathan Inayat B. , Sakhare Mahesh , Ambekar Wahid , Setty Chitral M.
Published: August 2019

Background:

Transdermal delivery of meloxicam is advantageous than the oral route in
the treatment of pain management.

Objective:

The goal of the present study is to formulate and evaluate meloxicam (MX) loaded
nanosuspensions based gel for transdermal application.

Methods:

The formulation parameters were optimized using Box Behnken design (BBD) taking
three independent variables and three responses. Formulations were evaluated for particle size
(nm), polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential (mV), ex vivo permeation, in vivo study, morphology,
FTIR, skin irritation and, stability study. Optimized formulation having Poloxamer 188 (0.4
mg), PVP K30 (0.5 mg) and sonication time (60 min.) demonstrated smaller particle size (159.2 ±
3.5 nm), low PDI (0.120 ± 0.01) and higher zeta potential value (-29 ± 4mV).

Results:

In the ex vivo study, MX-NG showed a significant increase (p<0.05) in the flux (24.40 ±
2.6 μg/cm2/h) of meloxicam through the human cadaver skin as compared to other formulations. In
the in- vivo study, MX-NG showed a significant (p<0.05) increase in anti-inflammatory activity as
compared to marketed gel.

Conclusion:

Thus, it is concluded that the developed meloxicam loaded nanosuspensions based
gel showed maximum therapeutic effects in rats.
Classification and Analysis of Static Metric Based Antipattern Detection in Service Computing
Authors: Saluja Shivani , Batra Usha
Published: August 2019

Background:

Design Pattern is regarded as an essential component for enhancement of
system design which can further improve the reusability and maintainability whereas antipattern degrades
the quality of the program. Antipatterns are sub-optimal implementation choices which initially
appears to be a good concept but later on leads to low code maintainability and higher maintenance
costs.

Objective:

The identification of antipatterns which lead to performance degradation plays an important
role in the reduction of expensive work and cost involved in maintenance, redesign, reimplementation,
and redeployment. The main motivation is to refactor the source code in order to reduce
maintenance efforts. Antipatterns impact reliability, testability and maintainability, but they
still lack clear identification because of different interpretations and definition of each antipattern.
There is a need for a benchmark to analyze the result generated by antipatterns.

Methods:

Static and dynamic analysis individually do not suffice for antipattern .A hybrid approach
is proposed by combining rule based static analysis with dynamic run time analysis. Before applying
the hybrid approach a simple manual validation was done to exclude the type of input which had
the least probability of containing antipattern. The approach aims at optimizing the results by inclusion
of response time metric measure which can be evaluated at runtime execution of the web service.

Results and Conclusion:

: The paper focusses on detection of antipatterns from web services based
on code level and interface level static metrics .Only a brief overview of dynamic approach for detection
is proposed. The future scope of this paper will focus on detection of antipattern based on
more number of dynamic metrics and also a comparative analysis of the results generated from static,
dynamic and hybrid approach.
Enhancing Resiliency Feature in Smart Grids through a Deep Learning Based Prediction Model
Authors: Khediri Abderrazak , Laouar Mohamed Ridda , Eom Sean B.
Published: August 2019

Background:

Enhancing the resiliency of electric power grids is becoming a crucial issue
due to the outages that have recently occurred. One solution could be the prediction of imminent failure
that is engendered by line contingency or grid disturbances. Therefore, a number of researchers
have initiated investigations to generate techniques for predicting outages. However, extended
blackouts can still occur due to the frailty of distribution power grids.

Objective:

This paper implements a proactive prediction model based on deep-belief networks to
predict the imminent outages using previous historical blackouts, trigger alarms, and suggest solutions
for blackouts. These actions can prevent outages, stop cascading failures and diminish the
resulting economic losses.

Methods:

The proposed model is divided into three phases: A, B and C. The first phase (A) represents
the initial segment that collects and extracts data and trains the deep belief network using the collected
data. Phase B defines the Power outage threshold and determines whether the grid is in a
normal state. Phase C involves detecting potential unsafe events, triggering alarms and proposing
emergency action plans for restoration.

Results:

Different machine learning and deep learning algorithms are used in our experiments to
validate our proposition, such as Random forest, Bayesian nets and others. Deep belief Networks
can achieve 97.30% accuracy and 97.06% precision.

Conclusion:

The obtained findings demonstrate that the proposed model would be convenient
for blackouts’ prediction and that the deep-belief network represents a powerful deep learning
tool that can offer plausible results.
An Efficient Computational Model for Assessing the Stability Characteristics of Electro-active Natural Bio-resources
Authors: Jhawar Divyanshu , Sharma Pranshu , Sharma Abhishek , Srinivasan Kathiravan , Chen Bor-Yann
Published: August 2019

Background:

The properties of the natural bio-sensors as the fuel after treatment, is beneficial
and considered as the most environmental friendly alternative. The microbial fuel cell will help
in the bio electricity generation. To use them first, it is important to know the stability and the characteristics
of such organic compound. The research presents the computational methods of assessment
of stability and characteristics analysis of organic herbs, Syzygium and Citrus.

Objective:

MFC has a very vast research area and many scientists are rigorously working on MFCs.
Here, we have explained research work related to what we have presented in the paper.

Methods:

To compute the stability of these microbial fuel cells, we have used two different methods
on each herb, Structural Similarity Index Method (SSIM) and Graph Comparison using their Coordinates
(GCC).

Results:

This research work provides the results of convergence towards the stability of herbs. Further,
this section also presents the performance characteristics of the software algorithms and their
comparative results to verify the outcomes of the herb characteristics using both methods.

Conclusion:

The proposed work is efficient in finding stability of MFCs on the selected herbs. The
approach should work fine on other herbs as well. Machine Learning could have been much useful
for this purpose if the availability of the data would have been much high.
A Docking Simulation Study of Some Herbal Molecules Against Influenza A Virus by Targeting Neuraminidase
Authors: Kesharwani Rajesh K. , Kumari Simran , Singh Dev Bukhsh , Tripathi Sandeep
Published: August 2019

Background:

Human Swine flu is a viral disease caused by Influenza A virus, an
orthomyxovirus, contains the glycoprotein neuraminidase described as H1N2. Neuraminidase,
a glycoside hydrolase enzyme assist in budding from the host cells. The medicines available
for the treatment of swine flu are Oseltamivir and Zanamivir acting against glycoproteins,
mainly haemagglutinin and neuraminidase. Ayurvedic medicinal system described many herbs
which acts as antiviral and among that Curcumin, Bisdemethoxycurcumin, Cyclocurcumin,
Ascorbic Acid and Eugenol have been selected based on their potential antiviral properties.

Objective:

This study aims to provide the interaction between Curcumin, Bisdemethoxycurcumin,
Cyclocurcumin, Ascorbic Acid and Eugenol (herbal molecules) against influenza A
virus by targeting Neuraminidase.

Methods:

The selected protein target (1NN2.pdb) of swine flu (neuraminidase) was downloaded
from Protein Data Bank with resolution 2.2 A0. The ligands (Curcumin, Cyclocurcumin,
Bisdemethoxycurcumin, Ascorbic acid, Eugenol and Zanamvir) for the docking study
have been download form PubChem database. The present study has been performed using
docking simulation with the help of AutoDock Vina.

Results:

Result shows that the Curcumin, Bisdemethoxycurcumin and Cyclocurcumin is
showing good binding affinity with target protein, Nuraminidase as compared to known drug
Zanamivir and other selected ligands (Eugenol, Ascorbic Acid). The docking energy values
varies between -4.9 to -7.5 Kcal/mole.

Conclusion:

The present study has shown that the Curcumin, Bisdemethoxycurcumin and
Cyclocurcumin showing good binding affinity with target protein, Nuraminidase as compared
to known binder Zanamivir and other selected ligands (Eugenol, Ascorbic Acid). Curcumin
and their derivatives (Bisdemethoxycurcumin, Cyclocurcumin) based drugs may act
singly or synergistically along with other known drugs and prove to be more effective for influenza
type A treatment.
Quality of Inpatient Tuberculosis Health Care in High-Burden Resource-Limited Settings: Protocol for a Comprehensive Mixed Methods Assessment Study
Authors: Truzyan Nune , Grigoryan Zaruhi , Musheghyan Lusine , Crape Byron , Petrosyan Varduhi
Published: August 2019

Background

The quality of care for tuberculosis (TB) is deficient in high-burden countries and urgently needs improvement. However, comprehensively identifying the required improvements is challenging. Providing high-quality TB care is an important step toward improving patients’ quality of life and decreasing TB morbidity and mortality. Effective tools for assessing the quality of TB services using international standards and guidelines can identify existing gaps in services and inform improvements to ensure high-quality inpatient TB services.

Objective

This study aimed to develop evaluation instruments for defining the quality of provision of TB services.

Methods

To assess quality of services in the largest TB hospital in Armenia, we developed instruments based on the Joint Commission International Accreditation Standards for Hospitals, International Standards for TB Care, TB Laboratories Bio-Safety Standards, and the World Health Organization framework for conducting TB program reviews. A mixed methods approach was utilized, triangulating quantitative (checklists) and qualitative (in-depth interviews) results. A scoring system and strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and treats analysis was applied to detail results for each of the 122 standards assessed. A scaling approach was used to present overall performances of inpatient services for eight patient-centered functions and five organization management functions.

Results

Overall, 40 in-depth interviews and 91 checklists (21 observations, 16 policy papers, 20 staff qualification documents, and 34 medical records) were developed, utilized, and analyzed to explore practices of health care professionals, assess inpatient treatment experience of patients and their family members, evaluate facility environmental conditions, and define the degree of compliance to standards.

Conclusions

The effective comprehensive evaluation instruments and methods developed in this study for quality of inpatient TB services support the implementation of similar effective assessments in other countries. It may also become a platform to develop similar approaches for assessing ambulatory TB services in resource-limited countries.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/13903
The Fever Coach Mobile App for Participatory Influenza Surveillance in Children: Usability Study
Authors: Kim Myeongchan , Yune Sehyo , Chang Seyun , Jung Yuseob , Sa Soon Ok , Han Hyun Wook
Published: August 2019

Background

Effective surveillance of influenza requires a broad network of health care providers actively reporting cases of influenza-like illnesses and positive laboratory results. Not only is this traditional surveillance system costly to establish and maintain but there is also a time lag between a change in influenza activity and its detection. A new surveillance system that is both reliable and timely will help public health officials to effectively control an epidemic and mitigate the burden of the disease.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the use of parent-reported data of febrile illnesses in children submitted through the Fever Coach app in real-time surveillance of influenza activities.

Methods

Fever Coach is a mobile app designed to help parents and caregivers manage fever in young children, currently mainly serviced in South Korea. The app analyzes data entered by a caregiver and provides tailored information for care of the child based on the child’s age, sex, body weight, body temperature, and accompanying symptoms. Using the data submitted to the app during the 2016-2017 influenza season, we built a regression model that monitors influenza incidence for the 2017-2018 season and validated the model by comparing the predictions with the public influenza surveillance data from the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).

Results

During the 2-year study period, 70,203 diagnosis data, including 7702 influenza reports, were submitted. There was a significant correlation between the influenza activity predicted by Fever Coach and that reported by KCDC (Spearman ρ=0.878; P<.001). Using this model, the influenza epidemic in the 2017-2018 season was detected 10 days before the epidemic alert announced by KCDC.

Conclusions

The Fever Coach app successfully collected data from 7.73% (207,699/2,686,580) of the target population by providing care instruction for febrile children. These data were used to develop a model that accurately estimated influenza activity measured by the central government agency using reports from sentinel facilities in the national surveillance network.
Synthesis and Application of Fe3O4/SiO2/TiO2 Nanocomposite as Photocatalyst in CO2 Indirect Reduction to Produce Methanol
Authors: Ramanda Yudha , Nuryono Nuryono , Kunarti Eko Sri
Published: August 2019

This study focuses on the synthesis and application of a Fe3O4/SiO2/TiO2 nanocomposite as a photocatalyst in CO2 indirect reduction. The synthesis was started by preparation of magnetite (Fe3O4) followed by silica (SiO2) coating and titania (TiO2) deposition. Magnetite was prepared by the sono-coprecipitation method, then the coating of SiO2 and deposition of TiO2 were performed by the sol-gel method under ultrasonic irradiation. All the material products were characterized by an X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectrophotometer (FTIR), and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The final material product was also analyzed by a specular reflectance UV-Visible spectrometer (SR-UV-Vis) and the turbidimetry method. The product of the indirect reduction was analyzed by a gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS). The XRD diffractograms and FTIR spectra confirmed the presence of Fe3O4, SiO2, and the anatase phase of TiO2. The TEM images revealed the presence of a core-shell nanocomposite with an average diameter of 19.22 ± 1.25 nm. The SR-UV-Vis spectrum was used to determine the band gap energy of the photocatalyst, with the result being 3.22 eV. Turbidimetry aimed to measure the magnetic recoverability of the final material, and the result was that it had better recoverability compared to a non-magnetic photocatalyst composite. The GC chromatogram of the indirect reduction product indicated four majorfractions; the MS spectra showed these to be methanol, formaldehyde, formic acid, and CO2. The GC-MS results revealed that CO2 indirect reduction achieved 73.91% conversion of CO2 and 55.01% selective to methanol.