bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of different doses of radiation on the morphogical, mechanical and chemical properties of the primary and permanent teeth—an in vitro study
Authors: Duruk Gülsüm , Acar Burçin , Temelli Öztun
Published: February 2020

Background. Radiotherapy, applied to the head and neck region, can cause radiation side effects such as reduction of saliva and radiation caries. The aim of this study was to perform an in vitro assessment of the effects of radiation therapy on the morphological, mechanical, and chemical properties of primary and permanent teeth. Methods. 92 extracted human teeth (46 impacted wisdom teeth, 46- primary molar teeth) were used. The teeth were divided into two directions: the mesiodistal direction and the vestibulolingual direction. The vestibular sections were used for vickers analysis, and lingual sections were used for Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) analysis. The teeth in the experimental group were fixed to wax models. Each model had an equal number of teeth (n=7). The doses were applied to the teeth for 6 weeks; 5 week days and 2Gy daily. After the radiotherapy conducted weekly, a wax model was taken from radiation reception. Along with elemental contents (Ca, P, Na, Mg, P) of the teeth, enamel and dentin microhardness were evaluated, and SEM analyzes were performed on 8 teeth. These teeth were compared with the other non-irradiated sections. Results. Radiation caused a decrease in microhardness of enamel and dentin(p<0.05). In elemental analysis by ICP-OES, it was observed that there were decreases in all doses, while the highest decrease was in 60Gy dose(p<0.01). In the experimental groups, amorphous structures were encountered in SEM images. Conclusions. Radiation has negative effects on the teeth structure and additional studies are needed in this regard. This study indicates that radiotherapy patients are at a higher risk for dental caries
Rural context, single institution prospective outcomes after Enhance Recovery colorectal surgery protocol implementation
Authors: Smucker Levi , Victory Jennifer , Scribani Melissa , Oceguera Luis , Monzon Raul
Published: February 2020

Background: Rural hospitals face unique challenges to adopting Enhanced Recovery protocols after colorectal surgical procedures. There are few examples of successful implementation in the United States, and fewer yet of prospective, outcomes-based trials. Methods: This study drew data from elective bowel resection prospectively collected, retrospectively analyzed cases 2 years prior (n=214) and 3 years after (n=224) implementing an ERAS protocol at a small, rural health network in upstate New York. Primary outcomes were cost, length-of-stay, readmission rate, and complications. Results: The implementation required changes and buy-in at multiple levels of the institution. There was a statistically significant reduction in mean length of stay (6.9 versus 5.1 days) and per-patient savings to hospital ($3000) after implementation of ERAS protocol. There was no significant change in rate of 30-day readmissions or complications. Conclusions: The authors conclude that for rural-specific barriers to implementation of Enhanced Recovery protocols, there are also specific organizational strategies that can ultimately yield sustainable endpoints.
Loeffler’s endocarditis and possible coronary spasm secondary to eosinophilic coronary periarteritis with ECG change mimicking acute non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: A case report
Authors: Kong Fan-xin , Li Meng , Ma Chun-Yan , Meng Ping-ping , Wang Yong-huai , Li Guang-yuan , Yang Jun
Published: February 2020

Background Loeffler’s endocarditis is an inflammatory cardiac condition of hypereosinophilic syndrome which rarely involves coronary artery. When coronary artery is involved, known as eosinophilic coronary periarteritis, the clinical presentation, electrocardiographic changes and troponin level are extremely nonspecific and may mimic acute coronary syndrome. It is very important to make differential diagnosis for ECPA in order to avoid the unnecessary further invasive coronary angiography. Case presentation We report a case with chest pain, ST-segment depression in electrocardiogram and increased troponin-I mimicking acute non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. However, quick echocardiography showed endomyocardial thickening with normal regional wall motion, which corresponded to the characteristics of Loeffler’s endocarditis. Emergent blood analysis showed marked increase in eosinophils and computed tomography angiography found no significant stenosis of coronary artery. Manifestations of magnetic resonance imaging consisted with findings of echocardiography. Finally, the patient was diagnosed as Loeffler’s endocarditis and possible coronary spasm secondary to eosinophilic coronary periarteritis. Conclusion This case exhibits the crucial use of quick transthoracic echocardiography and the emergent hematological examination for differential diagnosis in such scenarios as often if electrocardiogram change mimicking myocardial infarction.
Hill-based dissimilarity indices and null models for analysis of microbial community assembly
Authors: Modin Oskar , Liébana Raquel , Sabeh-Alam Soroush , Wilén Britt-Marie , Suarez Carolina , Hermansson Malte , Persson Frank
Published: February 2020

Background: High-throughput amplicon sequencing of marker genes, such as the 16S rRNA gene in Bacteria and Archaea, provides a wealth of information about the composition of microbial communities. To quantify differences between samples and draw conclusions about factors affecting community assembly, dissimilarity indices are typically used. However, results are subject to several biases and data interpretation can be challenging. The Jaccard and Bray-Curtis indices, which are often used to quantify taxonomic dissimilarity, are not necessarily the most logical choices. Instead, we argue that Hill-based indices, which make it possible to systematically investigate the impact of relative abundance on dissimilarity, should be used for robust analysis of data. In combination with a null model, mechanisms of microbial community assembly can be analyzed. Here, we also introduce a new software, qdiv, which enables rapid calculations of Hill-based dissimilarity indices in combination with null models.Results: Using amplicon sequencing data from two experimental systems, aerobic granular sludge (AGS) reactors and microbial fuel cells (MFC), we show that the choices of bioinformatics pipeline and dissimilarity index can have considerable impacts on results and conclusions. Analysis of the AGS data set showed that results are sensitive to bioinformatics choices when dissimilarities between sample groups are compared with incidence-based indices. Analysis of the MFC data set with a combination of Hill-based indices and a null model revealed that random dispersal could explain the distribution of both rare and highly abundant taxa within a glucose-fed MFC whereas the distribution of taxa of intermediate relative abundance was governed by heterogeneous selection.Conclusions: Hill-based indices provides a rational framework for analysis of dissimilarity between microbial community samples. In combination with a null model, the effects of deterministic and stochastic factors on taxa of low-, intermediate-, and high relative abundance during microbial community assembly can be systematically investigated. Calculations of Hill-based dissimilarity indices in combination with a null model can be done in qdiv, which is freely available as a Python package (https://github.com/omvatten/qdiv).
Recognizing and stabilizing miR-21 by chiral ruthenium(II) complexes
Authors: Feng Yin , Shu Jing , Yao Liangzhong , Lan Yutao , Ye Lianbao , Mei Wenjie , Ding Ying
Published: February 2020

MiR-21, a non-coding miRNA with 22 nucleotides, plays an important part in the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of tumor cells. The present study demonstrates that isomers of chiral ruthenium(II) complexes with alkynes (Λ-1 and Δ-1) were synthesized by Songogashira coupling reaction by using microwave-assisted synthetic technology. The isomers can recognize and stabilize miR-21, with the Λ-isomer showing a stronger binding capacity than the Δ-isomer. Further studies showed that both isomers can be uptaken by MDA-MB-231 cells and enriched in the nucleus. Treatment with the Λ-/Δ-isomer downregulated the expression of miR-21. In a word, the development of chiral ruthenium(II) complexes act as potential inhibitors against tumor cells by recognizing, stabilizing, and regulating the expression of miR-21.
AKT/FOXO1 axis links cross-talking of endothelial cell and pericyte in TIE2-mutated venous malformations
Authors: Jiang Hongbing , Si Yameng , Huang Jiadong , Li Xiang , Fu Yu , Xu Rongyao , Du Yifei , Cheng Jie
Published: February 2020

Background: Venous malformations (VMs), most of which associated with activating mutations in the endothelial cells (ECs) tyrosine kinase receptor TIE2, are characterized by dilated and immature veins with scarce smooth muscle cells (SMCs) coverage. However, the underlying mechanism of interaction between ECs and SMCs responsible for VMs has not been fully understood. Methods : Here, we screened 5 patients with TIE2-L914F mutation who were diagnosed with VMs by SNP sequencing, and we compared the expression of platelet-derived growth factor beta (PDGFB) and α-SMA in TIE2 mutant veins and normal veins by immunohistochemistry. In vitro, we generated TIE2-L914F-expressing human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and performed BrdU, CCK-8, transwell and tube formation experiments on none-transfected and transfected ECs. Then we investigated the effects of rapamycin (RAPA) on cellular characteristics. Next we established a co-culture system and investigated the role of AKT/FOXO1/PDGFB in regulating cross-talking of mutant ECs and SMCs. Results: VMs with TIE2-L914F mutation showed lower expression of PDGFB and α-SMA than normal veins. TIE2 mutant ECs revealed enhanced cell viability and motility, and decreased tube formation, whereas these phenotypes could be reversed by rapamycin. Mechanistically, RAPA ameliorated the physiological function of mutant ECs by inhibiting AKT-mTOR pathway, but also facilitated the nuclear location of FOXO1 and the expression of PDGFB in mutant ECs, and then improved paracrine interactions between ECs and SMCs. Moreover, TIE2 mutant ECs strongly accelerated the transition of SMCs from contractile phenotype to synthetic phenotype, whereas RAPA could prevent the phenotype transition of SMCs. Conclusions: Our data demonstrate a previously unknown mechanistic linkage of AKT-mTOR/FOXO1 pathway between mutant ECs and SMCs in modulating venous dysmorphogenesis, and AKT/FOXO1 axis might be a potential therapeutic target for the recovery of TIE2-mutation causing VMs.
Disparity in availability of laboratory testing for syphilis among different hospitals in Shandong province, eastern China
Authors: Chen Xinlong , Chu Tongsheng , Gan Yanling , Li Furong , Chang Degui , Mi Xiongfei , Chen Qiu , Chen Liping , Liu Dianchang
Published: February 2020

Background Availability of laboratory testing is the prerequisite for early diagnosis of syphilis. This study aimed to understand the availability of laboratory testing for syphilis among different hospitals in Shandong province. Methods Basic information on hospitals provided clinical health service for sexually transmitted infections in Shandong province and type of laboratory tests for syphilis provided was collected and analyzed using Chi-square test. Results A total of 410 and 456 hospitals provided sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinical services were surveyed in 2012 and 2018, respectively. Significant differences in the availability of nontreponemal tests were observed among hospitals with different levels (X 2 =6.624, p=0.010) and types (X 2 =17.752, p=0.001) in 2012 but not in 2018. A significant difference in the availability of treponemal tests was observed at different levels in 2012 (X 2 =9.937, p=0.002) but not in 2018. Significant differences in the availability of nontreponemal tests, titre of nontreponemal tests, and treponemal tests were observed among hospitals with different affiliations in 2018 (p=0.000; X 2 =15.274, p=0.000; p=0.021) but not in 2012. The availability of both nontreponemal test and treponemal test for syphilis among hospitals in 2018 was higher than that in 2012 (90.13% vs. 57.56%, X 2 =121.219, p=0.000). Conclusions Further efforts are needed to reduce the disparity in availability of laboratory testing for syphilis among different hospitals in China.
What makes advocacy work? Stakeholders’ voices and insights from prioritisation of Maternal and Child Health programme in Nigeria
Authors: Uzochukwu Benjamin , Onyedinma Chioma , Okeke Chinyere , Onwujekwe Obinna , Manzano Ana , Ebenso Bassey , Etiaba Enyi , Ezumah Nkoli , Mirzoev Tolib
Published: February 2020

Background: The Nigerian government introduced and implemented health programmes to improve maternal and child health (MCH) called Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment programme for MCH (SURE-P/MCH). It ran from 2012 and ended abruptly in 2015 and was followed by increased advocacy for sustaining the MCH as a policy priority. Advocacy is important in allowing social voice, facilitating prioritization and bringing different forces/actors together. Therefore, the study set out to unpack how advocacy works - through understanding what effective advocacy implementation processes comprise and what mechanisms are triggered by which contexts to produce the intended outcome Methods: The study used a Realist Evaluation through a mixed quantitative and qualitative methods case study approach. The advocacy programme theory (PT) was developed from the literature (three substantive social theories of power politics, media influence communication theory and the three-streams theory of agenda setting), data and programme design documentation. We report information from 22 key informant interviews at both National and sub-national levels and review of relevant documents on advocacy events post-SURE-P. Results: Key advocacy organizations and individuals including health professional groups, the media, civil society organizations, powerful individuals and policy makers were involved in advocacy activities. The nature of their engagement included organizing workshops, symposium, town hall meetings, individual meetings, press conferences, demonstrations, and engagements with media. Effective advocacy mechanism involves alliance brokering to increase influence, the media supporting and engaging in advocacy, and use of champions, influencers and spouses (Leadership and Elite Gendered Power Dynamics). The key contextual influences which determined the effectiveness of advocacy measures for MCH include the political cycle, availability of evidence on the issue, networking with powerful and interested champions and alliance building in advocacy. All these enhanced the entrenchment of MCH on the political and financial agenda Conclusions: Advocacy is a useful tool to bring together different forces through allowing expression of voices and ensuring accountability. In the context of poor health outcomes, interest from policymakers and politicians in MCH, combined with advocacy from key policy actors and stakeholders armed with evidence, can lead to prioritization and sustained implementation of MCH services within the context of UHC
Improvements in Fatigue at Higher Achieved Hemoglobin Levels Among Chronic Kidney Disease Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Guedes Murilo , Guetter Camila R. , Erbano Lucas HO , Palone Andre G. , Zee Jarcy , Robinson Bruce M. , Pisoni Ronald L. , Moraes Thyago P. , Pecoits-Filho Roberto , Baena Cristina P.
Published: February 2020

Background: The impact anemia treatment with erythropoietin stimulating agents (ESA) on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients is controversial, particularly regarding optimal hemoglobin (Hb) target ranges.Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies and randomized controlled trials (RCT) with ESA to estimate the effect of different Hb ranges on physical HRQOL and functionality. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, PEDro, PsycINFO and Web of Science databases, until May 2019Two authors independently extracted data from studies.We included observational and RCTs that enrolled CKD patients undergoing anemia treatment with ESA with different achieved Hb levels among groups. We excluded studies with achieved Hb < 9 g/dL. For the meta-analysis, we included RCTs with control groups achieving Hb 10-11.5 g/dL and active groups with Hb >11.5 g/dL. We analyzed the standardized mean difference (SMD) between groups for physical HRQOL.Results: Among 8,171 studies, fifteen RCTs and five observational studies were included for the systematic review. We performed the meta-analysis in a subset of eleven eligible RCTs. For physical role and physical function, SMDs were 0.0875 [CI:-0.0025 – 0.178] and 0.08 [CI: -0.03 – 0.19], respectively. For fatigue, SMD was 0.16 [0.09 - 0.24]. Subgroup analysis showed that trials with greater achieved Hb had greater pooled effects sizes — 0.21 [0.07 - 0.36] for Hb > 13 g/dL vs. 0.09 [0.02 - 0.16] for Hb 11.5-13 g/dL. Proportion of older and long-term diabetic patients across studies were associated with lower effect sizes.Conclusion: Achieved hemoglobin higher than currently recommended targets is associated with small but clinically significant improvement in fatigue. Younger and non-diabetic patients may experience more pronounced benefits of higher Hb levels after treatment with ESAs.
Genetic basis for prediction of non-responders to dietary plant sterol intervention (GenePredict-PS): a study protocol for a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized two-period crossover study
Authors: Shamloo Maryam , Granger Matthew J , Trautwein Elke A , House James D , MacKay Dylan
Published: February 2020

Background: Functional food ingredients and natural health products have been demonstrated to reduce disease risk and thereby help to lower health care costs across populations at risk for chronic or degenerative diseases. However, typically a wide range of inter-individual variability exists in response across individuals to nutritional and natural health product bioactives, such as plant sterols (PS). This study aims to determine and utilize information on associations between genosets and the degree of responsiveness to dietary PS intervention, with a long-term objective of developing genetic tests to predict response to PS.
Methods: This clinical trial is designed as a double blind, placebo controlled, randomized two-period crossover study. 64 eligible participants with the specific a priori -determined single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with responsiveness to PS will consume PS or a placebo treatment for two 4-week periods. The PS treatment consists of two daily single portions of margarine, each providing1 g PS during the PS period (2.0 g/day of PS in total). The placebo will be an identical margarine containing no added PS. LDL-C responsiveness to controlled administration of PS will be investigated as the primary outcome and the associations between inter-individual genoset variabilities and response to PS consumption will be determined.
Discussion: This research will provide further insight into whether the associations between previously identified SNPs and the response of LDL-C to PS consumption can be used in a predictive manner. It will also provide insight into the complexities of undertaking a nutrigenetic trial with prospective recruitment based on genotype.
Trial registration: The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT02765516). Keywords: Plant sterols, Cholesterol, Genetic, SNPs, Prediction
Digitalisierung in der Hochschullehre
Authors: Beckmann Astrid
Published: February 2020

Für die Digitalisierung in der Hochschullehre stehen viele verschiedene digitale Möglichkeiten, Ansätze und Tools zur Verfügung. Auf Basis der Forschungsliteratur werden zusammengefasst fünf Ansätze identifiziert, nämlich: Mobile Technologien, Online-Kursprogramme, Learning Objects und Digital Libraries (Repositorien), Technologische Umgebungen für kollaboratives Lernen und Digitalisierte Lehrkonzepte. Im Projekt MathEdu Digital der PH Schwäbisch Gmünd werden die digitalen Ansätze und Tools kritisch analysiert und im Rahmen eines selbst entwickelten Lehrkonzepts erprobt, zunächst erfahrungsbasiert und über Studierendenbefragungen, später systematisch empirisch. Ziel ist es, die mathematikdidaktische Lehre geeignet so anzulegen, dass die Lehramtsstudierenden vielseitige digitale Erfahrungen sammeln können. Gleichzeitig geht es um die Identifizierung und Beseitigung von Barrieren für (auch weniger digital erfahrene) Lehrende. Als Ergebnis zeichnet sich ab, dass als Grundkonzept das Blended-Learning-Format mit digitalen und nicht-digitalen Elementen und der Einsatz eines Learning-Management-Systems mit eingepflegter Digital Library und Learning Objects als geeignet einzustufen sind. VideoDemos sind sehr zu empfehlen, aber auch Webinare, die mit ihren verschiedenen integrierten Funktionen insbesondere auch die Kommunikation und Interaktion unterstützen. Für die unkomplizierte Webinarplanung hat sich ein «Regieplan» , eine vorbereitete Tabelle, bewährt, der diesem Beitrag anhängt ist.
Genetic Gains With Selection for Yield and Soluble Solids Content in Cherry Tomato Hybrids
Authors: Sánchez Felipe Barrera , Ribeiro Larissa Pereira , Cotrim Mayara Fávero , da Silva Junior Carlos Antonio , Bhering Leonardo Lopes , Teodoro Paulo Eduardo
Published: February 2020

This study aimed to estimate the predicted genetic gains with the simultaneous selection of yield traits and soluble solids content in cherry tomato hybrids. Twenty cherry tomato hybrids were evaluated in hydroponic cultivation in randomized block design with three replicates. The following traits were evaluated: number of clusters per plant, number of flowers per cluster, number of fruits per cluster, number of fruits per plant, fruit weight, fruit yield per plant, and total soluble solids content. The parameters of heritability, experimental cv, and genotypic cv were estimated. Subsequently, selection gains by direct selection and Mulamba and Mock index were estimated. Direct selection of cherry tomato hybrids for fruit yield and soluble solids content is inefficient because selection based on one of these traits will provide undesirable gains in the other. However, simultaneous selection for yield and taste quality is possible based on the Mulamba and Mock index because the methodology provided high selection gains for both yield and soluble solids content.
Influence of Rootstocks on Leaf Mineral Content in the Subtropical Peach cv. UFSun
Authors: Shahkoomahally Shirin , Chaparro Jose X. , Beckman Thomas G. , Sarkhosh Ali
Published: February 2020

The rootstock is an essential element for orchard management, influencing scion growth, nutrient concentration, and fruit quality. Seasonal variations in leaf nutrients of ‘UFSun’ grafted on five different rootstocks (‘Flordaguard’, ‘Barton’, ‘MP-29’, ‘P-22’, and ‘Okinawa’) were investigated during the 2017–18 growing season in Citra, FL. There was no significant variation in the macronutrient concentrations (N, P, K, Mg, Ca, and S) among different rootstocks; however, ‘UFSun’ on ‘Okinawa’ and ‘Flordaguard’ showed greater concentrations of Ca, K, and Mg concentration than other rootstocks. In contrast, ‘Flordaguard’ showed less potential to accumulate P as compared with other rootstocks. The Ca concentration was lowest in ‘MP-29’ and ‘Barton’ in April and June. The concentration of macronutrients (N, P, K, Mg, Ca, and S) in leaves was greater in April and October than in December and June. With respect to rootstocks, macronutrients in December and June were the highest in ‘Okinawa’ and the lowest in ‘Barton’. In April, the lowest concentration of macronutrient was recorded in ‘Barton’, whereas the highest concentrations were found in ‘P-22’, ‘Okinawa’, and ‘Flordaguard’. The highest leaf micronutrient concentrations were found in ‘MP-29’ and ‘Barton’, and the lowest in ‘Okinawa’ and ‘Flordaguard’ in June and October. For all rootstocks, concentrations of micronutrients increased between leaf growth in April and senescence in October. The micronutrient concentrations of leaves decreased during December. The widest dynamic changes during the vegetative cycle were found on ‘P-22’. Seasonal trends were more consistent for micronutrients than for macronutrients.
Altering Bodies: Thinking of intervention through impersonation
Authors: Hadikoesoemo Niki
Published: February 2020

This essay stages a philosophical dialogue between one of Plato’s earliest and shortest works, Ion, and Philippe Lacoue-Labarthe’s deconstructive reflections on Diderot’s paradox of the actor. It takes the rhapsodic practice of the ancient figure of Ion as a reference point for thinking about the performer’s intoxicating nature and investigates its philosophical, bodily and psychological implications as well as its critical potential. It will proceed in three stages. The first part takes a detailed look at the absolute focal point of Ion, namely the analogy between the rhapsode’s intoxication and the Heraclean lodestone. The second part addresses the ‘logic’ of the magnet specifically from Ion’s point of view, which entails a critique of Socrates’ assumption of Ion being ‘out of his wits’ when he performs. The final part shows, with the help of Lacoue-Labarthe’s radicalization of Diderot’s paradox – the actor is nothing and everything at the same time – how Ion’s intoxicating impersonations can be considered an imperative for catharsis and critical intervention.
Blow your mind! Shards hailing, on superfluous violence to stop surviving
Authors: Van Saarloos Simon(e)
Published: February 2020

David Buckel set himself on fire to publicly stage the horrors of climate change, Delores “Lolita” Lebrón performed a sensational act in the US congress hall, hailing bullets while calling out: ¡Viva Puerto Rico Libre!When do we recognize violence as violence? When is the absence of a counter-attack a form of compliance? Do the desires of activists need an expression of violence to establish an ‘otherwise’ that’s carefully repressed? In “Blow your mind! Shards hailing, on superfluous violence to stop surviving” various instances of violence weave together, obscuring the difference between theatre, terrorism, assault and sensational act.The end of the world is a future for those who have been living like survivors. To explore the potential of violence as resistance, the author proposes to fight as an armless aimless army of vulnerables.‘Violence happens upon you. But that’s not really true for everyone. As a white cis-woman with passport privilege, I can say I’m interested in violence. Interested in, interested in. Violence doesn’t surround me. It may happen to me, but I would perceive it as an extraordinary event, a happening. I approach violence. I approach, I approach – there’s enough comfortable distance to repeat my sentence and imagine it echoing.’
Intervention as Intoxication!
Authors: Franzen Ricarda , Van Balen Sophie
Published: February 2020

This guest edited journal issue follows on from the Performance Philosophy Biennial 2019 in Amsterdam. Featuring a wide range of research and contribution styles, reworked and elaborated further for this issue, contributors consider alternative ways of ‘intervening’. The central suggestion to rethink ‘intervention as intoxication’ resonates throughout all articles, highlighting the embodied, entangled, and aesthetic dimensions of intervention. Some of the contributors go on to consider intervention as subversion of institutions beyond the well-known discourse on institutional critique. In this editorial, in addition to introducing the authors, the editors and Biennial organizers characterize alternative ways of intervening in this issue as a search for humble ways of responding to socio-political issues and as a positioning of new knowledge(s). By way of opening, the editors recommend to consider listening as intervention, along the lines of Gemma Corradi Fiumara’s notion of ‘apprentices of listening’(1990, 57).
EGLLGDVF: A Novel Peptide from Green Mussel Perna viridis Foot Exerts Stability and Anti-inflammatory Effects on LPS-Stimulated RAW264.7 Cells
Authors: Joshi Ila , Nazeer Rasool Abdul
Published: February 2020

Background:

Green mussel Perna viridis is a bivalve mollusc which is native to the
Indian coast and can be found in the Indo-Pacific as well as Asia-Pacific regions. This study
evaluates the P. viridis foot (PVF) as a source of an anti-inflammatory peptide.

Objective:

To characterize and evaluate the possibility of pro-inflammatory cytokines, nitric oxide
(NO) as well as cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 reduction in RAW264.7 cells and to analyze functional
aspects of the derived peptide from PVF.

Materials and Methods:

The PVF was hydrolysed with different enzymes and the antiinflammatory
activity of hour hydrolysates were evaluated using HRBC Membrane Stabilization
(HMS) against hypotonicity induced haemolysis and Albumin Denaturation (AD) inhibition from
induced heat assays. Later, the active hour hydrolysate was separated by ultrafiltration and purified
using Size-Exclusion Chromatography (SEC). Further, the purified peptide’s sequence was
identified using LC-MS/MS and functional properties were determined. Also, the peptide was
observed for its anti-inflammatory effects in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells
for pro-inflammatory cytokines, NO production and COX-2 activation.

Results:

Among the four enzymes 6th hour alcalase hydrolysate exhibited potent anti-inflammatory
activity and was sequentially fractioned with molecular weight cut-offs; further active fraction (30-
10 kDa) was purified. The active peak-II was identified as EGLLGDVF (849.435 Da) and exhibited
decent functional aspects. The peptide successfully reduced the production of pro-inflammatory
cytokines, NO and COX-2 activation; and down-regulated the iNOS and COX-2 protein expression
in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells.

Conclusion:

Our study indicates that EGLLGDVF derived from PVF has potential antiinflammatory
applications applicable in food and pharmaceutical industries.
Small Molecule Inhibitors Targeting Key Proteins in the DNA Damage Response for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Li Lulu , Kumar Alagamuthu Karthick , Hu Zhigang , Guo Zhigang
Published: February 2020

DNA damage response (DDR) is a complicated interactional pathway. Defects that occur in
subordinate pathways of the DDR pathway can lead to genomic instability and cancer susceptibility.
Abnormal expression of some proteins in DDR, especially in the DNA repair pathway, are associated
with the subsistence and resistance of cancer cells. Therefore, the development of small molecule inhibitors
targeting the chief proteins in the DDR pathway is an effective strategy for cancer therapy. In
this review, we summarize the development of small molecule inhibitors targeting chief proteins in the
DDR pathway, particularly focusing on their implications for cancer therapy. We present the action
mode of DDR molecule inhibitors in preclinical studies and clinical cancer therapy, including monotherapy
and combination therapy with chemotherapeutic drugs or checkpoint suppression therapy.
Bioinformatics Approaches to Profile the Tumor Microenvironment for Immunotherapeutic Discovery
Authors: Clancy Trevor , Dannenfelser Ruth , Troyanskaya Olga , Malmberg Karl Johan , Hovig Eivind , Kristensen Vessela
Published: February 2020

In the microenvironment of a malignancy, tumor cells do not exist in isolation, but rather in a diverse
ecosystem consisting not only of heterogeneous tumor-cell clones, but also normal cell types such as fibroblasts,
vasculature, and an extensive pool of immune cells at numerous possible stages of activation and differentiation.
This results in a complex interplay of diverse cellular signaling systems, where the immune cell component is
now established to influence cancer progression and therapeutic response. It is experimentally difficult and laborious
to comprehensively and systematically profile these distinct cell types from heterogeneous tumor samples in
order to capitalize on potential therapeutic and biomarker discoveries. One emerging solution to address this
challenge is to computationally extract cell-type specific information directly from bulk tumors. Such in silico
approaches are advantageous because they can capture both the cell-type specific profiles and the tissue systems
level of cell-cell interactions. Accurately and comprehensively predicting these patterns in tumors is an important
challenge to overcome, not least given the success of immunotherapeutic drug treatment of several human cancers.
This is especially challenging for subsets of closely related immune cell phenotypes with relatively small
gene expression differences, which have critical functional distinctions. Here, we outline the existing and emerging
novel bioinformatics strategies that can be used to profile the tumor immune landscape.
Bacterial Resistance: Antibiotics of Last Generation used in Clinical Practice and the Arise of Natural Products as New Therapeutic Alternatives
Authors: Corrêa Rúbia C.G. , Heleno Sandrina A. , Alves Maria J. , Ferreira Isabel C.F.R.
Published: February 2020

Bacterial resistance to therapeutical drugs has been a serious issue over the last decades. In fact, the
quick development of resistance mechanisms by the microorganisms has been fatal for millions of people around
the world, turning into a public health issue. The major cause of the resistance mechanisms is the overuse of
antimicrobials. European countries try to implement mechanisms to overcome antimicrobial resistance in the
community through the rational use of antimicrobials. The scientific community has been exhaustively dedicated
to the discovering of new, safer and efficient drugs, being the exploitation of natural resources, mainly plants and
fungi, considered as a hot topic in the field of antimicrobial agents. Innumerous reports have already shown the
promising capacity of natural products or molecules extracted from these natural resources, to act as bacteriostatic
and bactericidal agents. More importantly, these natural agents present significantly lower harmful effects. Bearing
that in mind, this review aims at giving a contribution to the knowledge about the synthetic antibiotics of the
last generation. Moreover, it is intended to provide information about the last advances regarding the discovery of
new antimicrobial agents. Thus, a compilation of the chemical characteristics, efficiency, harmful outcomes and
resistance mechanisms developed by the microorganisms can be consulted in the following sections together with
a critical discussion, in line with the recent approaches. Furthermore, modern strategies for the prospection of
novel anti-infective compounds for tackling resistant bacteria have been considered as also a current synopsis of
plants and mushrooms with relevant antimicrobial potentials.
Neuropsychological Disorders and their Nanocarriers
Authors: Sharma Surbhi , Dang Shweta
Published: February 2020

Neuropsychological disorders are now growing rapidly worldwide among the people of diverse backgrounds
irrespective of age, gender, and geographical region. Such disorders not only disturb the normal life and
functionality of an individual but also impact the social relationships of the patient and the people associated with
them, and if not treated in time, it may also result in mortality in severe conditions. Various antipsychotic drugs
have been developed but their use is often limited by issues related to effective drug delivery at the site of action
i.e. brain, mainly because of the blood-brain barrier. To resolve these issues, researchers and scientists have been
working to develop a more effective drug delivery system where drugs can cross the blood-brain barrier and reach
the brain in more effective concentrations. Drugs have been modified and formulated into nano-carriers and experimental
studies for efficient and targeted delivery of drugs have been conducted. This review focuses on certain
common neuropsychological diseases and their nanocarriers developed for drug delivery in the brain and are
discussed with a brief description of various experimental in vitro and in vivo studies. This review also focuses on
the intranasal route for the delivery of antipsychotic drugs and constraints faced due to the blood-brain barrier by
the drugs.
Synaptic Correlates of Anterograde Amnesia and Intact Retrograde Memory in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Rizzello Emanuela , Middei Silvia , Marchetti Cristina
Published: February 2020

Background:

Clinical evidence indicates that patients affected by Alzheimer's Disease (AD)
fail to form new memories although their memories for old events are intact. This amnesic pattern depends
on the selective vulnerability to AD-neurodegeneration of the hippocampus, the brain region that
sustains the formation of new memories, while cortical regions that store remote memories are spared.

Objective:

To identify the cellular mechanisms underlying impaired recent memories and intact remote
memories in a mouse model of AD.

Method:

Glutamatergic synaptic currents were recorded by patch-clamp in acute hippocampal and
anterior Cingulate Cortical (aCC) slices of AD-like Tg2576 mice and Wild-type (Wt) littermates subjected
to the Contextual Fear Conditioning (CFC) task or in naïve conditions.

Results:

Glutamatergic synaptic currents were recorded by patch-clamp in acute hippocampal and
anterior Cingulate Cortical (aCC) slices of AD-like Tg2576 mice and Wild-type (Wt) littermates subjected
to the Contextual Fear Conditioning (CFC) task or in naïve conditions.

Conclusion:

Our data suggest that in the early AD stages synaptic plasticity of CA1 synapses, crucial
to form new memories, is lost, while plasticity of aCC synapses is intact and contributes to the persistence
of long-term memories.
Akt Pathway Inhibitors
Authors: Uko Nne E. , Güner Osman F. , Matesic Diane F. , Bowen J. Phillip
Published: February 2020

Cancer is a devastating disease that has plagued humans from ancient times to this day. After
decades of slow research progress, promising drug development, and the identification of new targets,
the war on cancer was launched, in 1972. The P13K/Akt pathway is a growth-regulating cellular signaling
pathway, which in many human cancers is over-activated. Studies have demonstrated that a decrease
in Akt activity by Akt inhibitors is associated with a reduction in tumor cell proliferation. There have
been several promising drug candidates that have been studied, including but not limited to ipatasertib
(RG7440), 1; afuresertib (GSK2110183), 2; uprosertib (GSK2141795), 3; capivasertib (AZD5363), 4;
which reportedly bind to the ATP active site and inhibit Akt activity, thus exerting cytotoxic and antiproliferative
activities against human cancer cells. For most of the compounds discussed in this review,
data from preclinical studies in various cancers suggest a mechanistic basis involving hyperactivated
Akt signaling. Allosteric inhibitors are also known to alter the activity of kinases. Perifosine (KRX-
0401), 5, an alkylphospholipid, is known as the first allosteric Akt inhibitor to enter clinical development
and is mechanistically characterized as a PH-domain dependent inhibitor, non-competitive with
ATP. This results in a reduction in Akt enzymatic and cellular activities. Other small molecule (MK-
2206, 6, PHT-427, Akti-1/2) inhibitors with a similar mechanism of action, alter Akt activity through the
suppression of cell growth mediated by the inhibition of Akt membrane localization and subsequent activation.
The natural product solenopsin has been identified as an inhibitor of Akt. A few promising solenopsin
derivatives have emerged through pharmacophore modeling, energy-based calculations, and
property predictions.
Predicting lncRNA-protein Interactions by Machine Learning Methods: A Review
Authors: Liu Zhi-Ping
Published: February 2020

In this work, a review of predicting lncRNA-protein interactions by bioinformatics
methods is provided with a focus on machine learning. Firstly, a computational framework for
predicting lncRNA-protein interactions is presented. Then, the currently available data resources for
the predictions have been listed. The existing methods will be reviewed by introducing their crucial
steps in the prediction framework. The key functions of lncRNA, e.g., mediator on transcriptional
regulation, are often involved in interacting with proteins. The interactions with proteins provide a
tunnel of leveraging the molecular cooperativity for fulfilling crucial functions. Thus, the important
directions in bioinformatics have been highlighted for identifying essential lncRNA-protein
interactions and deciphering the dysfunctional importance of lncRNA, especially in carcinogenesis.
Hepatic Stellate Cell: A Potential Target for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Wu Mengna , Miao Huajie , Fu Rong , Zhang Jie , Zheng Wenjie
Published: February 2020

:

Liver cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, in which hepatocellular
carcinoma (HCC) accounts for the majority. Despite the progression in treatment, the prognosis
remains extremely poor for HCC patients. The mechanisms of hepatocarcinogenesis are complex,
of which fibrosis is acknowledged as the pre-cancerous stage of HCC. Approximately, 80-90% of
HCC develops in the fibrotic or cirrhotic livers. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), the main effector
cells of liver fibrosis, could secret various biological contents to maintain the liver inflammation.
By decades, HSCs are increasingly correlated with HCC in the tumor microenvironment.

:

In this review, we summarized the underlying mechanisms that HSCs participated in the genesis
and progression of HCC. HSCs secrete various bioactive contents and regulate tumor-related pathways,
subsequently contribute to metastasis, angiogenesis, immunosuppression, chemoresistance
and cancer stemness. The study indicates that HSC plays vital roles in HCC progression, suggesting
it as a promising therapeutic target for HCC treatment.
Systematic Literature Review of Web Search Personalization
Authors: Sharma Sunny , Rana Vijay
Published: February 2020

The existing studies have already revealed that the information on the web is increasing
rapidly. Ambiguous queries and users’ ability to express their intention through queries have
been one of the key challenges in retrieving accurate search results from the search engine. This
paper in response explored different methodologies proposed during 2005-2019 by the eminent
researchers for obtaining better search results. Some of these methodologies are based on the users’
geographical location while others rely on re-ranking the web results and refinement of the
users’ queries. Fellow researchers can use this literature to define the fundamental literature of
their work. Furthermore, a brief case study of major search engines like Google, Yahoo, Bing,
etc. along with the techniques used by these search engines for personalization is also discussed.
Finally, the paper discusses some current issues and challenges related to personalization which
further defines the future research directions.
Teleologische Reflexion in Kants Philosophie
Authors: Koch Karen
Published: February 2020

Karen Koch: Teleologische Reflexion in Kants Philosophie
Pelatihan Penggunaan Cabri 3D Pada Mata Kuliah Geometri
Authors: Wahyuni Septia , Rahmadhani Elfi
Published: February 2020

Cabri 3D adalah salah satu aplikasi yang dapat digunakan dalam pembelajaran geometri, misalnya menggambar bangun ruang, penentuan letak titik, penentuan letak garis, perhitungan luas serta volume bangun ruang secara cepat, tepat dan akurat. Peserta pelatihan adalah mahasiswa prodi Tadris Matematika semester V, yang merupakan para calon guru matematika yang dituntut untuk  menguasai konsep geometri secara baik. Software Cabri 3D ini dapat membantu mahasiswa untuk memperdalam kemampuan analisis pada materi geometri. Metode yang digunakan dalam pelatihan meliputi tutorial dan praktek secara langsung. Berdasarkan pengamatan dan diskusi dengan peserta pelatihan, tampak bahwa peserta bersemangat dan antusias mengikuti pelatihan. Hasil pelatihan ini peserta mendapat pengetahuan secara teoritis dan memiliki kemampuan mengggunakan software Cabri 3D pada materi geometri.
Setting Artificial Neural Network Hyperparameters for Mobile Platform Navigation
Authors: Dudarenko D. M. , Smirnov P. A.
Published: February 2020

Purpose of reseach. The main purpose of this work is to increase the efficiency of a neural network model when navigating a mobile robotic platform in static and dynamically generated environments. 

Methods. To solve this problem, precise setting and optimization of neural network hyperparameters were proposed. In order to encourage agents to explore the environment, the reward system was adjusted to increase the reward when the distance from the agent to the target point was reduced, and the penalty increased when moving in the opposite direction to the end point and passing each subsequent scene. This distribution of rewards and penalties encourages agents to learn actively and helps to reduce the total number of scenes. In order to reduce the amount of data processed by a neural network, normalization of input vectors was introduced. The learning time of the neural network model was reduced due to the parallel training of agents and, consequently, increased experience as a result of the environmental research. 

Results. The proposed approach reduced the learning time by 30% and improved the navigation efficiency of the mobile platform by 10% in a dynamically generated environment and by 22% in a static environment compared to the non-optimized model. 

Conclusion. The proposed solution can be used in conjunction with other methods of tracing and navigation, when the taught neural network works simultaneously with the already developed and proven navigation algorithms, for example, if the mobile platform connects a taught neural network only to adjust the position in space and to prevent collisions with other objects.