bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oleate prevents palmitate-induced mitochondrial dysfunction in chondrocytes
Authors: Vaquez-Mosquera Maria , Fernandez-Moreno Mercedes , Cortes-Pereira Estefania , Relaño Sara , Dalmao-Fernandez Andrea , Duran-Sotuela Alejandro , Ramos-Louro Paloma , Pérez Ignacio Rego , Blanco Francisco J
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND : The clear association between obesity and osteoarthritis (OA) in joints not subjected to mechanical overload, together with the relationship between OA and metabolic syndrome (MS), suggests that there are systemic factors related to metabolic disorders that are involved in the metabolic phenotype of OA. The aim of this work is to study the effects of palmitate (PA) and oleate (OL), as the most abundant fatty acids (FA) present in the diet and serum, on cellular metabolism in an " in vitro " model of human chondrocytes. METHODS :.The Seahorse XF96 Analyzer was used tomeasure the mitochondrial, glycolytic function and the contribution of the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorilation system (OXPHOS) and glycolysis to the production of ATP, in the T/C-28a2 chondrocyte treated with to PA, OL and palmitate/oleate (PA/OL) ratio 1:2. Subsequently ATP bioluminescence assay kit was used for ATP quantification. To detect the presence of lipid droplets, two types of stains were performed and the amount of Triglycerides was quantified spectrophotometrically. RESULTS : PA, but not OL, produces mitochondrial dysfunction observed with a lower rate of OCR intended for the synthesis of ATP, coupling efficiency, maximal respiration and spare respiratory capacity. Glycolytic function showed lower rates for both glycolytic capacity and glycolytic reserve when cells were incubated withFA in relation to basal condition (BC). The production rate of ATP from OXPHOS showed lower values in chondrocytes incubated with any of the FAs. The evaluation of possible formation of Lipid droplets (LD) showed a significant increase of these structures in FA conditions, being significantly higher when the cells were incubated with OL. CONCLUSIONS : PA and OL show antagonistic effects in human chondrocytes; while increased levels of PA induce mitochondrial dysfunction and hinder the response of chondrocytes through the glycolytic pathway, OL shows a cytoprotective effect through which promotes the formation of triglycerides-rich LD, as well as the incorporation of PA.
The patterns of maxillofacial fractures in traumatic head injury patients in Songklanagarind hospital: a retrospective study.
Authors: Chansanti Orawan , Anusitviwat Yaninee , Mongkornwong Atthawit
Published: January 2020

Background: Maxillofacial injury was usually found in low to middle countries moreover it commonly associated with brain injury, the major etiological factors are traffic collision, violence, and fall from hight. The incidence and etiology was important to developed treatment moreover to improve patient care in the future. The aim of this study was to analyze the incidence of the pattern of maxillofacial fracture in a patient with a traumatic head injury and to measure the incidence of the cause of injury, age, and gender distribution Methods: This is a retrospective study in Songhklanagarind hospital. We evaluate all patients who presented with a concomitant maxillofacial and traumatic head injury in Songklanagarind hospital between 2007 and 2016. Results: 859 patients consisting of 73.3% male and 22.7% female. The mean age was 39.5 years.The severity of the traumatic head injury was mild traumatic head injury 70.15%. Moreover the alcohol consumption was significantly related to a mild and severe traumatic head injury (P < 0.05). The most frequent was maxilla bone. 33.9% of patients were undergone the operation. Conclusion: In this retrospective study, the maxilla bone fracture was the most frequent site involved. The patients with mild traumatic head injury are related to the coronoid process of mandible, Le Fort fracture type II and type III, moderate traumatic head injury is only related to the coronoid process of mandible and severe traumatic head injury are related to Le Fort fracture type II and III. Keyword: traumatic head injury, maxillofacial fracture
Prevalence, indications and associated factors of cesarean section delivery at public hospitals in Wolayta Zone Southern, Ethiopia
Authors: Tenaw Zelalem , Yohannes Zemenu , Siyoum Melesse , Mekonnene Shewangizaw , Bekele Gezahegn , Astatkie Ayalew , Kahsaye Zerai , Taye Kefyalew
Published: January 2020

Background : Cesarean section is a common major operation performed on women in developing and developed parties.Today the cesarean section is alarmingly increasing in both low and middle-income countries while maternal morbidity and mortality could not be decreased at the expected level.The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence, indication and associated factors of cesarean section, in Wolayta Zone, Southern, Ethiopia. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January 01-February 30, 2017 on a sample of 514 mothers who delivered at public hospitals in Wolayta Zone. The mothers were selected using systematic random sampling.The data were collected using structured and pretested interviewer-administered questionnaires at the postnatal ward of each hospital. Data entry and cleaning were done by using EPI Data3.5.1 and exported to SPSS version 20.0 software package for analysis.Bivariate and multivariable analyses were done to test the presence of association between dependent and independent variables. P-value < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results : The result revealed that 29.8% (95% CI:25.9-33.7) of women who delivered at public hospitals were by Cesarean section. A woman who had unstable conditions during labor and women who followed by partograph had higher odds of cesarean section delivery .Whereas, women who live in urban, women who had previous pregnancy complications,women who had not current obstetric problems and the number of seniors less than two had lower odds of cesarean section delivery.Obstructed labor, fetal distress,cephalic pelvic disproportion, previous c/s scar, Antepartum hemorrhage, mal-presentation, big baby, failed induction or augmentation, twin pregnancy, and cord prolapse were the identified indications for cesarean section in Wolayta Zone. Conclusion: In this study, the prevalence of cesarean section was high compared to the WHO threshold. women who follow up by partograph had high odds of cesarean section delivery.The number of seniors greater than two had a significant effect on the reduction of the cesarean section. Hence,the hospital could be trained obstetric care providers proper plotting of partograph to decrease unnecessary cesarean section. Deployment of the above two seniors at the hospitals could be a reduced unnecessary cesarean section. Keywords: Prevalence, indication, associated factors, cesarean section, Ethiopia
Sensing form - finger gaiting as key to tactile object exploration: A data glove analysis of a prototypical daily task
Authors: Krammer Werner , Missimer John H. , Habegger Simon , Pastore-Wapp Manuela , Wiest Roland , Weder Bruno J.
Published: January 2020

Background Motor hand skill with associated dexterity is an important facility in meeting the challenges of daily activity and an important resource post-stroke. In this context, the present study investigated the finger movements of right-handed subjects during tactile manipulation of a cuboid, a prototypical component of tactile exploration. Methods For both hands of 22 subjects, we acquired the time series of consecutive multifinger cuboid manipulations using a digital data glove consisting of 29 sensors. Of these, 16 recorded the bending of metacarpo-phalangeal (MCP) and proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints of the fingers, MCP and interphalangeal IP joints of the thumb, palm arch and carpo-metacarpal (CMC) joint of the thumb, and abduction between fingers. Results Using principle component analysis we decomposed the short action into motor patterns related to successive manipulations of the cuboid. The fraction of variance described by the principal components indicated that three components described the salient features of the single motor acts for each hand. Striking in the finger patterns was the prominent and varying roles of the MCP and PIP joints of the fingers, and the CMC joint of the thumb. An important aspect of the three components was their representation of distinct finger configurations within the same motor act. Principal component and graph theory analysis confirmed modular, functionally synchronous action of the involved joints. The computation of finger trajectories in one subject illustrated the workspace of the task, which differed for the right and left hands. Conclusion The study substantiates finger gaiting, described until now only in artificial systems, as the principal mechanism underlying this prototypical task, which is ubiquitous in daily object shape recognition.
A health concept with a social potential: an interview study with nursing home residents
Authors: Vikström Sofia , Grönstedt Helena K. , Cederholm Tommy , Franzén Erika , Seiger Åke , Faxén-Irving Gerd , Boström Anne-Marie
Published: January 2020

Background A qualitative, interview-based study was embedded in a randomized intervention trial, the Older People Exercise and Nutrition (OPEN) study. Participants in the OPEN study were encouraged to conduct sessions of STS exercises combined with ONS intake. The aim was to describe older persons’ perceptions and experiences of using sit-to-stand (STS) exercises and Oral Nutritional Supplements (ONS) in their daily life. Methods In-depth interviews were conducted in six nursing homes with the participants using a semi-structured interview guide. One or two individual interviews were performed with each included participant. Twenty-three NH residents (16 women and 7 men) participated in the qualitative study. Their ages ranged between 76 and 96 years, and their Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) scored between 8 and 29. The transcribed interviews and field notes written during the visits were analyzed inductively following a constant comparative method described in Grounded Theory. Results The exercise and nutritional intervention was described as highly practical by the NH residents, who claimed it also had a social aspect as they felt acknowledged and empowered to engage others in the combined intervention. Experiences of the intervention ranged from neutral to mainly positive and could be sorted into 5 categories: 1. Perceived hopes and expectations, 2. Health-related driving forces, 3. Appreciated daily activities, 4. A concept easy to perform and integrate into daily life, 5. A beneficial health concept for all The intervention created perceived benefits on various health aspects due to participants feeling energized and stronger. An overall theme was identified as A health concept with a social potential, as participants feel acknowledged and strong enough to help others. Conclusions The intervention was described by participants as a health concept that could potentially be beneficial for a broader spectrum of NH residents. The findings indicate that health concepts, such as STS/ONS, might contribute to a more meaningful day for older people, even vulnerable NH residents approaching the end of life.
Genome re-sequencing and reannotation of the Escherichia coli ER2566 strain and transcriptome sequencing under overexpression conditions
Authors: Zhou Lizhi , Wang Kaihang , Chen Tingting , Ma Yue , Huang Yang , Li Jiajia , Liu Liqin , Li Yuqian , Kong Zhibo , Zheng Qingbing , Wang Yingbin , Gu Ying , Yu Hai , Li Shaowei , Xia Ningshao
Published: January 2020

Background The Escherichia coli ER2566 strain (NC_CP014268.2) was developed as a BL21 (DE3) derivative strain and has been widely used in recombinant protein expression. However, like many other current RefSeq annotations, the annotation of the ER2566 strain is incomplete, with missing gene names and miscellaneous RNAs, as well as uncorrected annotations of some pseudogenes. Here, we performed a systematic reannotation of the ER2566 genome by combining multiple annotation tools with manual revision to provide a comprehensive understanding of the E. coli ER2566 strain, and used high-throughput sequencing to explore how the strain adapts under external pressure. Results The reannotation included noteworthy corrections to all protein-coding genes, led to the exclusion of 120 hypothetical genes or pseudogenes, and resulted in the addition of 65 coding sequences and 230 miscellaneous noncoding RNAs and 2 tRNAs. In addition, we further manually examined all 194 pseudogenes in the Ref-seq annotation and directly identified 144 (74%) as coding genes. The remaining pseudogenes without explicit function were removed. We then used whole-genome sequencing and high-throughput RNA sequencing to assess mutational adaptations under consecutive subculture or overexpression burden. Whereas no mutations were detected in response to consecutive subculture, overexpression of the human papillomavirus 16 type capsid led to the identification of a mutation (position 1,094,824 within the 3’ non-coding region) positioned 19-bp away from the lac I gene in the transcribed RNA, which was not detected at the genomic level by Sanger sequencing.Conclusion The ER2566 strain is used by both the general scientific community and the biotechnology industry. Reannotation of the E.coli ER2566 strain not only improved the RefSeq data but uncovered a key site that might involve in the transcription and translation of genes encoding the lactose operon repressor. We propose that our pipeline might offer a universal method for the reannotation of other bacterial genomes with high speed and accuracy. This study may facilitate a better understanding of gene function for the ER2566 strain under external burden and provide more clues to engineer bacteria for biotechnological applications.
Health inequalities among middle-aged and elderly people in China: analyses of cross-sectional surveys from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study 2011–2016
Authors: Qiu Qinxiao , Zeng Jinfeng , Han Liyuan , Chen Zhuo , Sun Hongpeng
Published: January 2020

Objectives: China has a history of striving to achieve health equity, including efforts to prevent and control infectious diseases. However, to date, there is no comprehensive assessment of inequalities in chronic diseases in China. Methods: Data for this study were obtained from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) conducted from 2011 to 2016. A total of 50,244 Chinese adults aged 45 years and older were included (16,128 in 2011, 16,646 in 2013, and 17,470 in 2015). Principal component analysis was used to construct the socioeconomic status indicator. We calculated concentration indices and corresponding CIs for 14 chronic diseases and comorbidities. We then estimated the Kendall rank correlation coefficient for inequalities and GDP per capita among provinces. Results: For 10 of the 14 chronic diseases, prevalence rates were higher for the poorest tertiles than for the richest tertiles. The concentration indices of dyslipidaemia, diabetes or high blood sugar, and cancer or malignant tumour were, respectively, 0.1256 (95% confidence interval, 0.1052–0.151), 0.098 (0.0704–0.1244), and 0.1305 (0.0528–0.215) in 2015–2016, which indicated pro-rich inequality. Health inequality for chronic lung diseases and eight other diseases grew markedly from 2011 to 2016. Overall, health inequality was lower for urban residents (−0.035 in 2011–2012, −0.036 in 2013–2014, and −0.05 in 2015–2016) than rural residents (−0.053, −0.064, and −0.08, respectively), and inequality was twice as high among women (−0.051, −0.05, and −0.072, respectively) than among men (−0.023, −0.02, and −0.032, respectively). Provinces that were ranked higher for GDP per capita were also ranked higher in the degree to which disease prevalence was higher in people with lower income (Kendall’s τ=−0.2328, p=0.015; Kendall’s τ=−0.3545, p=0.0077; Kendall’s τ=−0.2646, p=0.0079, respectively). Conclusions: Pro-poor health inequalities for many diseases in China are large and widening. Policies associated with health equity, including free public health services and community health programmes, are needed to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
Morphological Anatomy of Leaf and Rhizome in Zingiber officinale Roscoe, with Emphasis on Secretory Structures
Authors: Liu Huanfang , Specht Chelsea D. , Zhao Tong , Liao Jingping
Published: January 2020

The morphological anatomy of leaf and rhizome was studied at different developmental stages in Zingiber officinale Roscoe using both light and electron microscopy, with an emphasis on characterizing secretory structures. The results show that the leaf comprises epidermal cells, mesophyll cells, and vascular bundles. Oil and crystal cells are scattered throughout the parenchyma, and some are within or in close contact to the vascular bundle sheath. The rhizome consists of epidermis, cortex, and stele. The pericycle of the rhizome remains meristematic and produces tissues centripetally, whereas the endodermis has no meristematic activity. Starch grains vary in shape from round to oval and vary in size from small to large throughout rhizome development. Oil cells and cavities are scattered and cavities are of lysigenous origin. When mature, the starch grains decrease in abundance while an increasing number of oil cells and cavities are formed. This anatomic characterization provides a theory foundation for medicinal exploitation and utilization of Z. officinale Roscoe.
Two SNP Markers Identified Using Genotyping-by-Sequencing Are Associated with Remontancy in a Segregating F1 Population of Syringa meyeri ‘Palibin’ × S. pubescens ‘Penda’ Bloomerang®
Authors: Chen Hsuan , Lattier Jason D. , Vining Kelly , Contreras Ryan N.
Published: January 2020

Lilacs (Syringa sp.) have been used as ornamental plants since the mid-16th century and remain important in modern gardens due to their attractive and fragrant flowers. However, a short flowering season is a critical drawback for their ornamental value. Breeders have identified remontancy (reblooming) in dwarf lilac (Syringa pubescens), and have tried to introgress this trait into related species by interspecific hybridization. Molecular tools for lilac breeding are limited because of the shortage of genome sequence knowledge and currently no molecular markers are available to use in breeding for remontancy. In this study, an F1 population from crossing Syringa meyeri ‘Palibin’ × S. pubescens ‘Penda’ Bloomerang® Purple was created and subjected to genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) analysis and phenotyped for remontancy. Plants were categorized as remontant, semi-remontant, and nonremontant based on the relative quantity of inflorescences during the second flush of flowers. A total of 20,730 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers from GBS were used in marker-trait association to find remontant-specific marker(s) without marker position information. Two SNP markers, TP70580 (A locus) and TP82604 (B locus), were correlated with remontancy. The two loci showed a partial epistasis and additive interaction effects on the level of remontancy. Accumulation of recessive alleles at the two loci was positively correlated with increased reblooming. For example, 87% of aabb plants were remontant, and only 9% were nonremontant. In contrast, 100% of AaBB plants were nonremontant. These two SNP markers associated with remontancy will be useful in developing markers for future breeding and demonstrate the feasibility of developing markers for breeding woody ornamental taxa that lack a reference genome or extensive DNA sequence information.
Technical Efficiency Evaluation: Study on Malaysian Electrical and Electronics Firms
Authors: Fahmy-Abdullah Mohd , Wei Sieng Lai , Muhammad Isa Hamdan
Published: January 2020

The purpose of this study is to measure the level of technical efficiency (TE) and to analyse the factors of technical inefficiency of electrical and electronic manufacturing industry in Malaysia in 2015. The determinants studied include capital-labour ratio, education level ratio, firm size, information technology, and communication expenses, training expenditure, wage rates, and research and development expenditure. This study uses data on 531 firms based on the latest census of 2015 obtained from the Department of Statistics, Malaysia using the Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA) approach. Based on the results, the firm’s overall TE level is high at 0.836. For the determinants of TE, it was found that firm size can reduce the inefficiencies of firm, while capital-labour ratios shows a positive relationship with technical inefficiencies in firms. The policy implication is that the electrical and electronic manufacturing industry needs to focus on scale economic achievement and high technology production in line with the competency level of employee and create more international industry technical cooperation.
Work-Family Conflict, Coping Strategies, and Flourishing: Testing for Mediation
Authors: Rahim Norizan Baba
Published: January 2020

One way to reduce work-family conflict on the well-being is to have the ability to coping with demands effectively. Building upon the Cognitive Coping Theory and Self-determination Theory, this research tested the model combining of work-family conflict, coping strategies, and flourishing. The hypotheses are examined through correlation and path analysis of 173 adult learners using Partial Least Square (PLS) 3.0. Based on the findings, work-family conflict was found to have a significant relationship with problem-focused coping, emotional focused coping, and flourishing. The results further showed that the relationship between work-family conflicts and flourishing was mediated only by problem- focused coping. In general, the findings suggest organisations to offer emotional support and managerial understanding to their employed adult learners to help in reducing stress and lessening work-family conflict. Besides that, the management of distance education is crucial to improve student retention and completion rates, by providing emotional support to the adult learners until they survive the initial “online learning-curve hump.”
Purificação e reutilização de águas residuárias da produção de biodiesel por meio da eletrofloculação
Authors: Cordeiro Ramon Borges , Alexandre Jeisiane Isabella da Silva , Silva João Pedro Ferreira , Sales Deivson Cesar Silva , Cavalcanti Luiz Antônio Pimentel
Published: January 2020

Dentre os resíduos gerados na produção de biodiesel, as águas residuais aparecem em lugar de destaque. Essas águas apresentam em sua composição principalmente glicerina, álcool, traços do catalisador entre outros contaminantes, que impedem seu descarte nos corpos receptores. Para a remoção desses contaminantes tem sido empregados processos eletrolíticos, físicos e químicos, que em geral utilizam coagulantes inorgânicos de sais metálicos. O processo de eletrofloculação foi usado para o tratamento das águas residuais da etapa de purificação do biodiesel. Esse processo foi realizado em um reator eletroquímico constituído de dois eletrodos retangulares de ferro. Os eletrodos foram fixados em um becker de 250 mL através de uma estrutura, separados entre si por 5,3 cm, sendo esta distância mantida constante em todos os ensaios, e a eles foram soldados fios que se ligam à fonte geradora de corrente contínua de intensidade 1,2 A. Variou-se a voltagem e o tempo de exposição ao tratamento. Após o tratamento, a amostra foi submetida a um processo de filtração em um filtro de leito fixo. Parâmetros como turbidez, cor aparente, DQO, DBO e óleos e graxas foram avaliados antes e após tratamento. A água residual após o tratamento foi reutilizada no processo de lavagem do biodiesel.
[Artigo Retratado] Acerca da ocorrência de gastrópodes exóticos europeios em terras altas do Estado de Santa Catarina, Região Central Sul do Brasil
Authors: Agudo-Padrón A. Ignacio
Published: January 2020

A presença de duas espécies de lesmas exóticas europeias Ambigolimax valentianus (Férussac, 1822) e Limax maximus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Gastropoda: Limacidae), é verificada, desde o ano de 2011, no Município de Monte Carlo, localizado no Planalto Serrano de Santa Catarina, Região Central Sul do Brasil, acrescentando sua distribuição geográfica previamente conhecida neste estado, assim como seu problemático avanço invasor neste território de interesse agrícola.
FERMAN VE BERATLARA GÖRE 1603-1604 TARİHİNDE BURSA VE KİTE KAZALARININ DEVLET MERKEZİ İLE İLİŞKİLERİ
Authors: EFE Mukaddes
Published: January 2020

Osmanlı Devleti’nden günümüze intikal eden şer’iyye sicilleri sayesinde dönemin idari, sosyal ve ekonomik durumu hakkında bilgi sahibi olunabilmektedir. Merkezden gelen ferman, emir, hüküm, berat gibi belgelerin önemli bir kısmı da kadı tarafından sicillere kaydettirilmektedir. Merkez-taşra ilişkisinin Bursa ve Kite Kazaları örneği üzerinden ele alındığı bu makalede, H. 1012 / M. 1603-1604 tarihli A-155 numaraları Bursa şer’iyye sicili içerisindeki ferman ve beratlar üzerine bir inceleme yapılmıştır. Bahsi geçen şer’iyye sicili içerisinde merkezden Bursa ve Kite’ye gönderilen ferman ve beratlar değerlendirilmiştir. Bu suretle, merkez-Bursa arası ilişkinin hangi konular üzerinde yoğunlaştığı, merkezin Bursa’dan talepleri, Bursa’nın bu talepleri ne ölçüde karşılayabildiği tespit edilerek sınıflandırılmıştır. Merkez-Bursa arası bürokrasiye konu olan meseleler, geliş nedenlerine göre saray için istenilen malzemeler, askeri, ekonomik, sosyal meseleler ve beratlar olarak belirlenmiştir.
A review of nature-based solutions for urban water management in European circular cities: a critical assessment based on case studies and literature
Authors: Oral Hasan Volkan , Carvalho Pedro , Gajewska Magdalena , Ursino Nadia , Masi Fabio , Hullebusch Eric D. van , Kazak Jan K. , Exposito Alfonso , Cipolletta Giulia , Andersen Theis Raaschou , Finger David Christian , Simperler Lena , Regelsberger Martin , Rous Vit , Radinja Matej , Buttiglieri Gianluigi , Krzeminski Pawel , Rizzo Anacleto , Dehghanian Kaveh , Nikolova Mariyana , Zimmermann Martin
Published: January 2020

Nature-based solutions (NBS) can protect, manage and restore natural or modified ecosystems. They are a multidisciplinary, integrated approach to address societal challenges and some natural hazards effectively and adaptively, simultaneously providing human well-being and biodiversity benefits. NBS applications can be easily noticed in circular cities, establishing an urban system that is regenerative and accessible. This paper aims to offer a review on NBS for urban water management from the literature and some relevant projects running within the COST Action ‘Implementing nature-based solutions for creating a resourceful circular city’. The method used in the study is based on a detailed tracking of specific keywords in the literature using Google Scholar, ResearchGate, Academia.edu, ScienceDirect and Scopus. Based on this review, three main applications were identified: (i) flood and drought protection; (ii) the water-food-energy nexus; and (iii) water purification. The paper shows that NBS provide additional benefits, such as improving water quality, increasing biodiversity, obtaining social co-benefits, improving urban microclimate, and the reduction of energy consumption by improving indoor climate. The paper concludes that a systemic change to NBS should be given a higher priority and be preferred over conventional water infrastructure.
Securing the critical role of groundwater for the resilient water-supply of urban Africa
Authors: Foster Stephen , Eichholz Michael , Nlend Bertil , Gathu Julia
Published: January 2020

The provision of secure water-supplies for the rapidly expanding cities of sub-Saharan Africa experiencing climate-change stress will be one of the great infrastructure and environmental challenges of the next 20–50 years. Most African cities are blessed with usable groundwater, and some with the presence of major aquifers, but urban water utilities will need to take a more proactive approach to groundwater resource management and quality protection if the opportunity of a secure water supply is to be sustainably secured. Among the key policy issues that need more attention are rationalising utility groundwater use, prioritising installation of mains sewerage to reduce groundwater pollution risk, promoting enhanced groundwater recharge to improve resource sustainability, using groundwater in ‘decentralised closed-loop water-service systems’ to meet the demands of new outer urban districts, and implementing a consistent policy response to the ‘boom’ in private self-supply from waterwells. The consequences of non-action in terms of much increased exposure to water-supply crises, potentially hazardous water-supply pollution incidents, and irrational public and private investment in water-supply access are highlighted.
Recent Advances on Antitumor Agents-loaded Polymeric and Lipid-based Nanocarriers for the Treatment of Brain Cancer
Authors: Cano Amanda , Espina Marta , García Maria L.
Published: January 2020

In 2016, there were 17.2 million cancer cases, which caused 8.9 million deaths worldwide. Of all cancers,
ranked by absolute years of life lost, brain and central nervous system cancers were classified in the nine
positions between 2006 and 2016. Glioblastoma is the most common malignant primary brain tumor and comprises
80% of malignant tumours. The therapeutic approach usually involves the combination of surgery and
radiotherapy, which present a high risk for the patient and are not always effective in the most aggressive cases.
Chemotherapy commonly includes a specific number of cycles given over a set period of time, in which patients
receive one drug or a combination of different compounds. The difficulty of access for the neurosurgeon to
remove the tumor, the limitation of the penetration of the antitumor agents caused by the blood-brain barrier and
the serious adverse effects of these drugs significantly compromise the therapeutic success in these patients. To
solve these problems and improve the effectiveness of existing treatments, as well as new molecules, the use of
nanotechnology is arousing much interest in the last decades in this field. The use of polymeric and lipid-based
nanosystems is one of the best alternatives for the central delivery of drugs due to their versatility, easy
manufacturing, biocompatibility, biodegradability and drug targeting, among other virtues. Thus, in this review,
we will explore the recent advances in the latest anticancer agent’s development associated with polymeric and
lipid-based nanocarriers as a novel tools for the management of brain tumors.
Adhesion Molecules as Potential Novel Biomarkers for Opioid Dependence
Authors: Liu Yu-Li , Kuo Hsiang-Wei , Fang Chiu-Ping , Tsung Jieh-Hen , Chen Andrew C.H.
Published: January 2020

Background:

Cell-cell adhesion is essential in maintaining the structure and function of an organ.
Several adhesion molecules have recently been identified as associated with heroin dependence in both genetic
and peripheral plasma studies.

Methods and Results:

We reviewed literature concerning studies on adhesion molecules in opioid addictions in
rodents and human, including human genetic associations in different ethnic groups, and treatment responses to
methadone maintenance treatment in heroin-dependent patients.

Conclusion:

Some important and novel findings were summarized and discussed. Adhesion molecules in the
peripheral plasma, e.g., cadherin-2 (CDH2), may be biomarkers for both methadone treatment outcome and
nectin 4 may be an indicator for continued opioid use. Neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) in the central
nervous system may regulate opioid withdrawal and analgesic responses. Future studies to uncover the mechanisms
underlying the involvement of adhesion molecules in the pathological process of addictions will be an
important research direction in the field.
A Survey of Network Representation Learning Methods for Link Prediction in Biological Network
Authors: Peng Jiajie , Lu Guilin , Shang Xuequn
Published: January 2020

Background:

Networks are powerful resources for describing complex systems. Link prediction is an
important issue in network analysis and has important practical application value. Network representation learning
has proven to be useful for network analysis, especially for link prediction tasks.

Objective:

To review the application of network representation learning on link prediction in a biological network,
we summarize recent methods for link prediction in a biological network and discuss the application and
significance of network representation learning in link prediction task.

Method & Results:

We first introduce the widely used link prediction algorithms, then briefly introduce the development
of network representation learning methods, focusing on a few widely used methods, and their application
in biological network link prediction. Existing studies demonstrate that using network representation learning
to predict links in biological networks can achieve better performance. In the end, some possible future directions
have been discussed.
An Extensive Study of Coumarin Synthesis via Knoevenagel Condensation in Choline Chloride Based Deep Eutectic Solvents
Authors: Lončarić Melita , Sušjenka Martina , Molnar Maja
Published: January 2020

Aim and Objective:

In order to preserve the environment from harmful organic solvents, a synthesis
of coumarin derivatives was performed in deep eutectic solvents, which are considered as “green” due to their
characteristics.

Materials and Methods:

Choline chloride based deep eutectic solvents (DESs) were employed, both as
solvents and as catalysts, in the synthesis of coumarin derivatives via Knoevenagel condensation. In order to
find the best DES for coumarin synthesis, 20 DESs were tested for the reaction of salicylaldehyde and dimethyl
malonate at 80 °C.

Results:

Among the twenty tested deep eutectic solvents only five were adequate for this kind of synthesis. The
best DES for this reaction was found to be the one composed of choline chloride:urea (1:2). Most coumarin
compounds were obtained in good to excellent yield. Compounds 1g, 2g and 2p should be pointed out due to
their yields of 85, 88 and 98 %, respectively. 3-Acetylcoumarins 5a, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f and 5g were synthesized
under ultrasound irradiation and were also obtained in excellent yields of 90, 95, 98, 93, 94 and 85 %,
respectively.

Conclusion:

Series of coumarin derivatives were successfully synthesized, either in choline chloide:urea DES
at 80 °C or in ultrasound-assisted reaction, from different salicylaldehydes and active methylene compounds.
These “green” methods were found to be very effective in Knoevenagel condensation, while DES was recycled
for several cycles without any significant influence on the product yield.
Celiac Disease in Kosovar Albanian Children: Evaluation of Clinical Features and Diagnosis
Authors: Ramosaj-Morina Atifete , Keka-Sylaj Alije , Zejnullahu Arbana Baloku , Spahiu Lidvana , Hasbahta Virgjina , Jaha Vlora , Kotori Vjosa , Bicaj Besnik , Kurshumliu Fisnik , Zhjeqi Valbona , Kamenaric-Burek Marija , Zunec Renata
Published: January 2020

Background:

Celiac disease is an immune-mediated disorder characterized by variable
clinical manifestations, specific antibodies, HLA-DQ2/DQ8 haplotypes, and enteropathy.

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to present the clinical spectrum and patterns of celiac disease
in Kosovar Albanian children.

Methods:

A cross-sectional retrospective study was performed with Albanian children aged 0-18
years, treated for celiac disease in the Pediatric Clinic, University Clinical Center of Kosovo from
2005 to 2016.

Results:

During the study period, 63 children were treated for celiac disease. The mean age at diagnosis
was 5.5 years (SD ± 3.31). The mean age at celiac disease onset was 3.3 years (SD ± 2.02),
while the mean delay from the first symptoms indicative of celiac disease to diagnosis was 2.2
years (SD ± 2.09). More than 70% of the patients were diagnosed in the first 7 years of life, mainly
presented with gastrointestinal symptoms, while primary school children and adolescents mostly
showed atypical symptoms (p<0.001). The classical form of celiac disease occurred in 78% of the
cases. Sixty (95%) patients carried HLA-DQ2.5, DQ2.2 and/or HLA-DQ8 heterodimers, and only
three of them tested negative.

Conclusions:

Kosovo, as the majority of developing countries, is still facing the classical form of
celiac disease as the dominant mode of presentation; as a result, most children with other forms of
the celiac disease remain undiagnosed.

:

Physicians should be aware of the wide range of clinical presentations and utilize low testing
thresholds in order to prevent potential long-term problems associated with untreated celiac disease.
Characterization of the Clinical and Laboratory Features of Primary and Secondary Antiphospholipid Syndrome in a Cohort of Egyptian Patients
Authors: el-Moniem Geilan Abd , El-Garf Kamal , Sobhy Nesreen , Elmaghraby Sally
Published: January 2020

Objective:

To study the clinical and laboratory features of Antiphospholipid Syndrome
(APS) in a cohort of Egyptian patients and compare between primary and secondary type on the basis
of clinical and immunological pattern.

Patients and Methods:

We reviewed the medical records of 148 antiphospholipid syndrome patients
following in Rheumatology and Rehabilitation department, Cairo University. Clinical and
immunological data were recorded; subsequently, our patients were compared based on the type of
APS, patient’s age and sex.

Results:

The cohort consisted of 148 patients, 135 females (91.2%) and 13 males (8.8%). The mean
age at onset was 23.6 ±7.66 years. 28.4% of patients had primary while, 71.6% of patients had secondary
APS.

:

Patients with secondary APS presented more frequently with the following manifestations compared
to patients with primary APS: systemic manifestations (56.6% versus 4.8%, P-value: 0.00),
venous thrombosis (41.5% versus 19%, P-value: 0.009), cutaneous vasculitis (19.8% versus 4.8%,
P-value: 0.023), thrombocytopenia (37.7% versus 11.9%, P-value: 0.002) and hemolytic anemia
(28.3% versus 4.8%, P-value: 0.002). On the other hand, total obstetric manifestations were more
common in primary APS (92.5% versus 75%, P-value: 0.007).

:

Juvenile onset APS presented more frequently with systemic (68.8%, p-value: 0.02), neurological
(62.5%, p-value: 0.01) and renal manifestations (31.3%, p-value: 0.005). No statistically significant
difference was found between males and females in our cohort.

Conclusion:

APS has broad spectrum manifestations, which may vary according to the patient’s
age at disease onset and association with other diseases. Further more, different ethnicities may
show different presentations.
Design, Synthesis and In vitro Biological Activity of Some New 1,3- thiazolidine-4-one Derivatives as Chemotherapeutic Agents using Virtual Screening Strategies
Authors: Nayak Pragya , Kachroo Monica
Published: January 2020

Aims:

Designing of a new series of derivatives possessing thiazolidine-4-one moiety,
their virtual screening using various computational tools, synthesis of prioritized compounds,
spectral characterization and biological evaluation along with the comparison of in silico
& in vitro results.

Background:

WHO has come up with a list of antibiotic-resistant “priority pathogens” i.e. families
of bacteria, that pose the greatest threat to human health. Some virulent bacteria are focused in
the present study namely Mycobacterium tuberculosis (multi drug resistant), Staphylococcus aureus
(methicillin-resistant) Streptococcus pneumoniae, (penicillin-non-susceptible) and Pseudomonas
aeruginosa (Carbapenem-resistant) One of the neglected pathogenic disease which needs
an urgent attention is Leishmaniasis which has a major burden among the poorest segments of
populations in Asia, Africa, and South America.

Objective:

1. To design of a series of new heteroaryl-1,3-thiazolidin-4-one derivatives. 2. To prioritize
the molecules for synthesis using virtual screening techniques. 3. To synthesize the virtually predicted
molecules via different synthetic schemes. 4. To characterize the synthesized molecules by
spectroscopic analysis. 5. To evaluate the synthesized compounds for in vitro biological activity.

Methods:

A series of new heteroaryl thiazolidine-4-one derivatives was designed and subjected to
in silico prioritization using various virtual screening strategies. The prioritized thiazolidinone derivatives
were synthesized and screened for their in vitro antitubercular, anticancer, antileishmanial
and antibacterial (Staphylococcus aureus; Streptococcus pneumonia; Escherichia coli; Pseudomonas
aeruginosa) activities.

Results:

The compounds with electronegative substitutions exhibited positive antitubercular activity,
the derivatives possessing a methyl substitution exhibited good inhibitory response against
breast cancer cell line MCF-7 while the compounds possessing a hydrogen bond acceptor site like
hydroxyl and methoxy substitution in their structures exhibited good in vitro antileishmanial activity.
Some compounds exhibited potent activity against gram positive bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa
as compared to the standards.

Conclusion:

The designed compounds exhibited good in vitro anti-infective potential which was
in good agreement with the in silico predictions and they can be developed as important lead molecules
for anti-infective and chemotherapeutic drug research.
Anti-obesity Effect of Gold Nanoparticles fromDendropanax morbifera Léveilleby Suppression of Triglyceride Synthesis and Downregulation of PPARγ and CEBPα Signaling Pathways in 3T3-L1 Mature Adipocytes and HepG2 Cells
Authors: Yi Myoung Hi , Simu Shakina Yesmin , Ahn Sungeun , Aceituno Verónica Castro , Wang Chao , Mathiyalagan Ramya , Hurh Joon , Batjikh Indra , Ali Hashmoonah , Kim Yeon-Ju , Kim Sunoh , Yang Deok-Chun
Published: January 2020

Background:

Biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles from medicinal plants has become an interesting strategy in biomedical research due to its exclusive properties including less toxic cellular level through its ecofriendly biological function.

Objective:

To examine the anti-lipid accumulation effect of spherical gold nanoparticles (size 10-20 nm) synthesized from Dendropanax morbifera Léveille (D-AuNPs) in both 3T3-L1 and HepG2 cells.

Method:

3T3-L1 preadipocytes and HepG2 hepatocytes were stimulated with cocktail media to generate obese and fatty liver disease models. Cell cytotoxicity and cell proliferation assays were performed in adipocytes at different stages of growth. An anti-lipid accumulation assay was performed in 3T3-L1 obese and HepG2 fatty liver models using different doses of D-AuNPs. Expression of adipogenic genes of PPARγ, CEBPα, Jak2, STAT3, and ap2 and hepatogenic genes PPARα, FAS, and ACC was measured by real-time PCR. In addition, protein expression of PPARγ and CEBPα was evaluated by immunoblotting assay.

Result:

We found that D-AuNPs (size 10–20 nm) at concentrations up to 100 µg/ml were nontoxic to 3T3-L1 and HepG2 at post-confluent and mature stages. In addition, pretreatment of D-AuNPs at post-confluent stage reduced triglyceride content. In addition, the adipogenesis process was negatively controlled by D-AuNPs, with downregulated PPARγ, CEBPα, Jak2, STAT3, and ap2 expression in 3T3-L1 cells and FAS and ACC levels in HepG2 cells.

Conclusion:

These data indicated that D-AuNPs exert antiadipogenic properties. We hypothesize that Dendropanax contains a large amount of phenolic compound that coats the surface of gold nanoparticles and has the ability to reduce the excess amount of lipid in both cell lines.
Comparison of the Demographics, Clinical Presentations, Seasonality, and Outcome between Adult Patients with Influenza A and B in Two Seasons (2014-2015 and 2015-2016) with Emphasis on H1N1 Infection Outcome
Authors: Khalil Abdalla , Elhadry Ahmed , Talo Mohamed , Elwakeel Mohamed , Ahmed Tamer , Alshehail Shams , Atteiya Mohamad , Batal Farouk , Sakha Zainab , Azzo Majduldeen , Nazzal Alaa
Published: January 2020

Background:

Studies comparing Influenza A and B in our community are extremely limited.

Methods:

Adult patients (n=1708) with ILI who visited the outpatient clinics or emergency department with FIA-positive nasal swab in two seasons were included in the analysis.

Data on demographics, clinical presentation, comorbidities, and prolonged illness (revisit after 48 hours with same presentation and no admission), hospital admissions, death, and LOS were collected.

Data on patients tested for H1N1 (309) by Cepheid Xpert Flu Assay (H1N1 positive, 143 [46%]; H1N1 negative, 166 [54%]) were also collected.

Results:

Prolonged illness was more frequent in patients with influenza B than those with influenza A (15.21% and 10.18%, respectively; P=0.002).

There was no significant difference in frequency of total admissions, medical unit or intensive care unit admissions, LOS, and death between patients with influenza A and B.

Total admissions were more frequent in H1N1-positive patients than H1N1-negative patients (23.1% and 13.3%, respectively; P=0.024).

Prolonged illness was more frequent in H1N1-positive patients (23.1%) than H1N1-negative patients (4.8%) (P < 0.001).

There was no statistically significant difference in admission to the medical unit or ICU, death, and LOS between H1N1-positive and H1N1-negative patients.

The peak months of influenza A were December in the first season and October in the second season. April was the peak month of influenza B in both seasons.

There was no statistically significant difference in the outcome of pregnant patients with influenza (either A or B) compared to non-pregnant women with influenza within the same childbearing age (maternal outcome was not studied).

Conclusion:

Prolonged illness was more frequent in flu B than in flu A patients.

Patients with positive H1N1 had more frequent prolonged illness, and total hospital admissions than those with H1N1-negative patients.

There was a different peak month(s) of patients with flu A compared to flu B.
Green-synthesized Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles from Aqueous Root Extract of Dicoma anomala (Sond.) Mitigates Free Radicals and Diabetes-linked Enzymes
Authors: Balogun F.O. , Ashafa A.O.T.
Published: January 2020

Background:

The emergence of eco-friendly methods for the synthesis of metallic
nanostructures has continued to receive wider acceptance.

Objective:

The study investigated the effect of biologically-synthesized ZnO nanoparticles on free
radicals and carbohydrate-hydrolyzing enzymes.

Methods:

The characterized nanoparticles, DaZnONPs (Dicoma anomala zinc oxide nanoparticles)
were obtained using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier-
transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy dispersive spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction
technique (XRD). The activity of the synthesized nanostructures against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl
(DPPH), 2,2′-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), metal chelating,
alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase was determined using standard methods.

Results:

DaZnONPs were observed to be stable, mostly cubical in shape and within the nanometre
size range. Optimum absorption of DaZnONPs was observed at 386 nm. The FTIR analysis indicated
the presence of functional groups arising from alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and saponins
(detected in earlier reports) and indicate potential nucleation and stability of the ZnONPs. XRD
result depicted similar patterns of DaZnONPs and standard ZnO spectra, revealing a hexagonal
and crystalline nature of the particles in nanometre range as shown by the obtained peaks.
DaZnONPs inhibited DPPH (0.54 μgmL-1) and alpha-amylase (104.34 μgmL-1) better than quercetin
(349.98 μgmL-1) and acarbose (594. 54 μgmL-1). Meanwhile, the metal chelating effect of
DaZnONPs (30.41 μgmL-1) was observed to be insignificantly (p>0.05) at par with quercetin
(27.81 μgmL-1). The kinetics of alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase enzymes by DaZnOnPs was
observed to be non-competitive inhibitions.

Conclusion:

DaZnONPs (as against the bulk extract) could be explored as possible antioxidative
and antihyperglycaemic agents mitigating the adverse effects of free radicals and hyperglycaemia.