bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phenotypic and Genotypic Diversity for Drought Tolerance among and within Perennial Ryegrass Accessions
Authors: Cui Yu , Wang Jinsheng , Wang Xingchun , Jiang Yiwei
Published: February 2019

Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) is a popular cool-season forage and turfgrass in temperate regions. Due to its self-incompatible and out-crossing nature, perennial ryegrass may show a high degree of heterozygosity. Perennial ryegrass generally is susceptible to drought stress, but variations of drought response of individual genotypes within a particular accession or cultivar are not well understood. The objective of this study was to characterize phenotypic diversity of drought tolerance within and among accessions in relation to genetic diversity in perennial ryegrass. Five individual genotypes from each of six accessions varying in origin and growth habits were subjected to drought stress in a greenhouse. Leaf wilting, plant height, chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm) and leaf water content (LWC) differed significantly among accessions as well as among genotypes within each accession under well-watered control and drought stress conditions. Fv/Fm was highly correlated with LWC under drought stress. Genetic diversity among and within accessions were identified by using previously characterized 23 simple sequence repeat markers. Across accessions, the mean major allele frequency, gene diversity, and heterozygosity values were 0.66, 0.43, and 0.66, respectively. Accessions with closer genetic distance generally had similar drought responses, while accessions with greater genetic distance showed distinct drought tolerance. Significant differences in drought tolerance among and within accessions, especially for individual genotypes within one accession, indicated that variations of drought response could be used for enhancing breeding programs and studying molecular mechanisms of stress tolerance in perennial ryegrass.
Photoreceptors and Control of Horticultural Plant Traits
Authors: Folta Kevin M. , Carvalho Sofia D.
Published: February 2019

Plant productivity and product quality ultimately are dependent on an interaction between genetics and environment, and one of the most important environmental cues is light. Light quantity, quality, and duration provide critical information to plants that mediate growth and development. Light signal transduction is dependent on a series of photoreceptors and their associated signaling pathways that direct intracellular processes that lead to changes in gene expression that ultimately affect plant form, function, and content. For the last several decades, scientists have dissected these signaling pathways and understand how they connect the environment to a response. The advent of narrow-bandwidth illumination in commercial lighting invites the opportunity to manipulate plant behavior and productivity through precise alteration of the ambient spectrum. This review describes the biochemical links that convert incident light into predictable changes in plant growth and development. These sensors and pathways serve as biochemical switches that can be selectively toggled to control plant growth, development, physiology, or metabolite accumulation.
Cultivar, Planting Date, and Row Spacing Effects on Mungbean Performance in Virginia
Authors: Bhardwaj Harbans L. , Hamama Anwar A.
Published: February 2019

Mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek, Fabaceae] is one of the most important food legume crops in Asia. It is also gaining importance in other parts of the world such as Australia and Canada. The United States imported mungbean worth ≈22 million dollars during 2014. To establish domestic production and to determine if mungbean can be produced in rotation with winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), replicated experiments were conducted during 2012 and 2013 using two cultivars (Berken and TexSprout), two planting dates (early and late July), and two row spacings (37.5 and 75 cm). Cultivar and planting date effects on seed yield were not significant, however, narrow row spacing resulted in significant higher seed yield and concentration of protein over the wider row spacing (1.76 vs. 0.86 Mg⋅ha−1 yield and 24.9% vs. 23.7% protein). Early planting resulted in lower sugar and oil concentrations over late planting (4.4% vs. 5.5% sugar and 1.24% vs. 1.99% oil). Average mungbean values for seed yield, seed size, and concentrations of protein, sugars, and oil were 1.31 Mg⋅ha−1, 7.08 g/seed100, 24.3%, 4.91%, and 1.59%, respectively. Low harvest index values (17% to 25%) indicated that potential exists for improvement in mungbean seed yield. The results indicated that mungbean can be easily produced in rotation with winter wheat in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States.
Evaluation of Natural Colorants and Their Application on Citrus Fruit as Alternatives to Citrus Red No. 2
Authors: Sun Xiuxiu , Baldwin Elizabeth , Ritenour Mark , Plotto Anne , Bai Jinhe
Published: February 2019

Warm field temperatures can often result in poor peel color of some citrus varieties, especially early in the harvest season. Under these conditions, Florida oranges, temples, tangelos, and K-Early citrus fruit are allowed to be treated with Citrus Red No.2 dye (CR2) to help produce a more acceptable peel color. Unfortunately, CR2, the commercial colorant used in Florida, has been listed as a group 2B carcinogen by the European Union (EU) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Although not likely dangerous at levels used on citrus, and on a part of the fruit that is not ingested, there is a negative health perception, and thus, a need for natural or food grade alternative colorants to replace CR2 for use on citrus. This research demonstrated that three out of five oil-soluble natural red/orange colorants resulted in peel colors somewhat similar to the industry standard CR2. These three (annatto extract, paprika extract, and paprika oleoresin) were selected for further in vivo studies. The stability of the natural colorants along with CR2 was evaluated by applying them on test papers and then on fresh ‘Hamlin’ oranges. All natural colorants were found to be easily oxidized and faded when applied on test papers. However, coating the colored surfaces with carnauba wax apparently inhibited oxidation and the subsequent discoloration of the surface. When applying the natural colorants to ‘Hamlin’ oranges before waxing, the treatments retained the improved color after storage in the dark at 5 °C, simulating cold storage. However, only annatto extract maintained a stable color when subsequently stored in a simulated market condition, at 23 °C exposed to 300 lx of standard fluorescent white light.
The Impact of Kitchen and Food Service Preparation Practices on the Volatile Aroma Profile in Ripe Tomatoes: Effects of Refrigeration and Blanching
Authors: Wang Libin , Baldwin Elizabeth A. , Yu Zhifang , Bai Jinhe
Published: February 2019

Both refrigeration and blanching of red-stage tomatoes are common practices in Japan home kitchens and in food service operations. However, little is reported on the impact of such practices on aroma profiles in tomato fruits. In this study, ‘FL 47’ tomatoes at red stage were dipped in 50 °C hot water for 5 minutes or exposed to 5 °C for 4 days to simulate consumer handling of tomato in food service or home kitchens, respectively. Of the 42 volatile compounds detected, refrigeration generally suppressed production of aldehydes, alcohols, oxygen-containing heterocyclic compounds, and nitrogen- and oxygen-containing heterocyclic compounds, including the following abundant and/or important volatiles: pentanal, 3-methylbutanal, 2-methylbutanal, hexanal, cis-3-hexenal, trans-2-hexenal, 2-phenylacetaldehyde, pentanol, 3-methylbutanol, 2-phenylethanol, 1-penten-3-one, geranial, and geranylacetone. On the other hand, the production of aldehydes, alcohols, hydrocarbons, oxygen-containing heterocyclic compounds, and nitrogen- and oxygen-containing heterocyclic compounds was reduced by blanching, associated with low concentrations of 2-methylbutanal, pentanal, cis-3-hexenal, trans-2-hexenal, 2-phenylacetaldehyde, pentanol, 2-methylbutanol, and 2-phenylethanol. These results indicate that a short blanching or refrigeration of tomatoes substantially impacts tomato aroma quality.
Saturated Buffers: What Is Their Potential Impact across the US Midwest?
Authors: Chandrasoma Janith M. , Christianson Reid D. , Christianson Laura E.
Published: February 2019

Core Ideas

Saturated buffers can help achieve regional water quality goals.

Roughly 75,520 km of US Midwest stream banks could host a saturated buffer.

248,000 to 360,000 saturated buffers could be implemented across the Midwest.

Saturated buffers could potentially treat 3.85 million ha of Midwest drained land.

Wide implementation could result in a 5–10% overall tile drainage N load reduction.

Because saturated buffers are a new conservation practice, there has been no large‐scale assessment of their potential to aid in meeting water quality goals. Publicly available data were used in a stepwise fashion within a geographic information system to estimate the total stream length suitable for saturated buffer implementation across the US Midwest region and the resulting potential nitrate loading reduction from widespread saturated buffer implementation. Approximately 37,760 km of streams (or 75,520 km of stream bank) was deemed suitable to host a saturated buffer, and 3.85 million ha of drained land has the potential to drain to a saturated buffer. These results suggest that implementing saturated buffers widely could result in a 5 to 10% reduction of the estimated N load from midwestern tile‐drained land. Saturated buffers can be an important component of plans to achieve water quality goals.
Impact of Late‐Season Herbicide Applications on Winter Canola Yield and Seed Quality
Authors: Bodnar Victor R. , Lofton Josh , Manuchehri Misha R. , Zander Anna D.
Published: February 2019

Core Ideas

The application of glyphosate during early reproductive growth resulted in significant declines in yield.

Decreased yields with late‐season herbicides were associated with an increased number of aborted pods; however, this may not be the only factor contributing to the yield decline.

Seed oil content followed the same general trend as grain yield, with decreased oil yields when glyphosate was applied during early reproductive growth.

In canola (Brassica napus L.), control of grassy weeds can typically be achieved in the fall or spring with timely herbicide applications. However, environmental conditions can delay these applications into canola reproductive growth stages, which have an unknown effect on canola productivity. Therefore, a study was conducted to determine the impact of late‐season herbicide applications on canola grain yields and seed quality. The impact of three herbicides (glyphosate [N‐(phosphonomethyl)glycine], clethodim [(E)‐2‐[1‐[[3‐chloro‐2‐propenyl)oxy]imino]propyl]5=[2‐(ethylthio)propyl]‐2‐hydroxy‐2‐cyclohexen‐1‐one], and quizalofop‐P‐ethyl [Ethyl(R)‐2‐[4‐(6‐chloroquinoxalin‐2‐yloxy)‐phenoxy]propionate]) and three applications timings (bolting, early flower, and mid‐flower) were investigated on winter canola from 2015 through 2018 in Perkins and Stillwater, OK. Grain yields and pod abortion were collected at maturity. Subsamples of harvested seed were collected from each plot and used for oil analysis. When averaged across years, the application of glyphosate at bolting and early flower resulted in yield decreases of 531 and 488 kg ha–1 compared with the nontreated control. Yield following the application of clethodim at early flower resulted in a 185 kg ha–1 (2017) and 280 (2018) kg ha–1 decrease in yields compared with the control. Although yield decreases were observed following a few treatments, a significant increase in pod abortion was noted following many herbicide treatments, indicating that pod abortion was not the only factor contributing to yield declines. Decreases in oil content were only found following glyphosate applications at bolting and early flower. These results indicate that late‐season herbicide applications, especially glyphosate, should be avoided in winter canola.
Passive Dosing of Organic Substrates for Nitrate‐Removing Bioreactors Applied in Field Margins
Authors: Jansen Stefan , Stuurman Roelof , Chardon Wim , Ball Sheila , Rozemeijer Joachim , Gerritse Jan
Published: February 2019

Denitrifying bioreactors are dependent on organic matter supply as a substrate for effective NO3 removal. In this study, the difference in removal efficiency and side effects when using different organic matter sources and dosing strategies was tested in two field experiments. The organic matter sources tested were woodchips and ethanol. The effect of woodchips was tested using woodchip‐enveloped drains. Ethanol was supplied to a flow‐through reactor by passive dosing by diffusion through silicone tubing. The woodchip‐enveloped drains showed a removal efficiency of 80% during the first year of application, but this rate decreased during the second and third years of application, coinciding with a decrease in dissolved organic C and an increase in redox potential. The removal efficiency was higher and remained higher over a longer period of time when the drains were installed more deeply. The flow‐through reactor with ethanol could lead to a higher removal efficiency (up to 95%) at higher hydraulic retention time (HRT, 0.1 d) than the woodchip‐enveloped drains (HRT = 5 d). Passive dosing of organic substrates is simple, needs little maintenance and no energy, and can be performed independent of electricity. A denitrifying bioreactor with a controlled drainage inlet and outlet is a promising setup for optimizing N removal and minimizing side effects.

Core Ideas

Stimulation of denitrification with passive dosing of electron donors was investigated.

The effects of woodchips and ethanol were tested.

Removal efficiencies and side effects varied for different electron donors.

Passive dosing can be an effective and simple way to stimulate N removal.

Effectiveness and side effects can be optimized by using proper design.
Phosphorous Retention and Release by Sludge‐Derived Hydrochar for Potential Use as a Soil Amendment
Authors: Fei Ying‐heng , Zhao Dan , Cao Yadong , Huot Hermine , Tang Ye‐tao , Zhang Hongguo , Xiao Tangfu
Published: February 2019

To solve both the problems of P deficiency in arable soil and excessive waste sludge disposal, we evaluated hydrothermal carbonization of sludge with the aim of recycling sludge P resources for soil amendment. In contrast with pyrochars obtained through pyrolysis, hydrochars generated from hydrothermal carbonization often feature variable properties and therefore require detailed characterization. In this study, sludge‐derived hydrochars were evaluated to determine their P content and fractionation, release and availability of P, and P adsorption and desorption behavior. We also assessed changes in P availability after soil was amended with the hydrochars. Our results showed that the chars were rich in total P (up to 25,175 mg kg−1), but most of the free fractions were transformed to bound fractions, thereby reducing the available P concentrations. However, available P content was >417 mg kg−1, which was far higher than soil demand. The hydrochars shifted from releasing to adsorbing P adsorbent when the environmental P concentration increased above 20 mg L−1. The hydrochars showed a high phosphate adsorption capacity (up to 23,815 mg kg−1) and the adsorbed P could be readily released. The addition of 1% P‐laden hydrochar significantly enhanced the soil available P content by 8.93 mg kg−1. These findings have important implications for further development of hydrochar‐based P carriers as a slow‐releasing fertilizer.

Core Ideas

Charring transformed P from readily available fractions to moderately available ones.

Sludge‐derived hydrochars showed the best performance in long‐term P release.

Sludge‐derived hydrochars had better P retention capacity than their feedstock.

Applying the sludge‐derived hydrochar improved the available P content of soil.
The mechanism of synergetically controlled self-organization of actors in social networking services
Authors: Molodetska Kateryna
Published: February 2019

Today social networking services are one of the most popular virtual platforms for implementing social communication in the information space. In this case, social networking services provide the basic needs of actors in communication, belonging to virtual communities, new knowledge, self-realization, security, etc. At the same time, social networking services can be used by the world leading countries to achieve one-sided advantages in the national information space and influence on social and political processes in the state, public opinion, social exacerbation, interethnic and interreligious conflicts, etc. That’s why providing the state’s information security in social networking services is one of the most acute problems in Ukraine and around the world. It is established that the most promising direction of counteracting the threats to state information security in social networking services and managing the dynamics of interaction between the actors is the use of the concept of synergetic management. However, currently there are no practical recommendations for the implementation of synergistic management with the use of social control for self-organization in social networking services. The article systematizes the basic components of social control in social networking services. It is established that they are divided into social norms and social sanctions. The structure of each component of social control in social networking services and the peculiarities of their implementation are revealed. The synergetic model of interaction between the actors in social networking services is synthesized, which will ensure the formation of a stable virtual community. Such a virtual community is capable of counteracting the threats to the state’s information security in the information space of services through the implementation of social control over the members of the virtual community and the dissemination of a strategic narrative to counteract the content of destructive nature. The experimental research of the proposed model of synergetic control for a hidden artificially controlled transition of the virtual community of actors in social networking services to the state of state information security is performed. It is proved that the effectiveness of such a management compared to the unmanaged processes of the formation of stable virtual communities increases 3.3 times and allows to attract a greater number of actors of social networking services.
Construção do conhecimento e eurocentrismo nas Universidades:
Authors: Ribeiro Débora , De Melo Alessandro
Published: February 2019

O objetivo deste artigo é analisar a universidade ocidental dentro do padrão de poder moderno/colonial, a partir do Pensamento Decolonial Latino-Americano e de autores como Boaventura de Sousa Santos, apontando outras possibilidades epistemológicas que consideram diferentes tipos de conhecimento com equidade e diálogo. Outras possibilidades já estão sendo construídas, a exemplo da Pluriversidad Amawtay Wasi no Equador, que advém do movimento indígena equatoriano. O conhecimento que emerge e constitui essa pluriversidade difere consideravelmente dos ideais do conhecimento ocidental de objetividade, neutralidade, separação mente e corpo, razão e emoção, produzido por um corpo seleto de especialistas. A radicalidade desse empreendimento indígena se expressa também no reconhecimento da sua proposta como anti eurocêntrica e decolonizadora do conhecimento. Ao assumirem a interculturalidade crítica e o diálogo de saberes como pressupostos básicos na construção do conhecimento e para a transformação de toda a sociedade, atuam nessa direção.
O Serviço de Assistência São José Operário
Authors: Cardoso Fernanda Luísa De Miranda , Martínez Silvia Alicia
Published: February 2019

Este artigo visa elucidar o percurso e o significado social do Serviço de Assistência São José Operário, dentro de um contexto de interior do estado do Rio de Janeiro, desde a sua fundação, em 1956, até 1963, quando implantou um educandário para cegos. Idealizado pela filha de um proprietário de duas usinas de açúcar de Campos dos Goytacazes, em conjunto com algumas mulheres da elite local, o Serviço de Assistência aglutinou as práticas da filantropia, da caridade cristã e das subvenções do poder público. Destacam-se as contribuições teóricas de Magalhães (1998), em relação à pesquisa de instituições educativas. Metodologicamente, prioriza-se a técnica da triangulação das fontes, por meio dos documentos do arquivo histórico da instituição, de depoimentos orais e da imprensa jornalística. Identificou-se uma rede de sociabilidade composta por: Estado, indústria do açúcar, alta sociedade campista, elite feminina, igreja católica e clubes de serviço.

Palavras-chave: Instituições assistenciais; História da educação; Educação Especial; Educação para cegos.
Editorial
Authors: Araújo Marta Maria de
Published: February 2019

Editorial
Exosome-like Nanoparticles: A New Type of Nanocarrier
Authors: Fernandes Mário , Lopes Ivo , Teixeira José , Botelho Cláudia , Gomes Andreia C.
Published: February 2019

Nanoparticles are one of the most commonly used systems for imaging or therapeutic drug
delivery. Exosomes are nanovesicular carriers that transport cargo for intercellular communication.
These nanovesicles are linked to the pathology of some major diseases, in some cases with a central role
in their progression. The use of these carriers to transport therapeutic drugs is a recent and promising
approach to treat diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer disease. The physiological production of these
structures is limited impairing its collection and subsequent purification. These drawbacks inspired the
search for mimetic alternatives. The collection of exosome-like nanoparticles from plants can be a good
alternative, since they are easier to extract and do not have the drawbacks of those produced in animal
cells. Both natural and synthetic exosome-like nanoparticles, produced from serial extrusion of cells or
by bottom up synthesis, are currently some of the most promising, biocompatible, high efficiency systems
for drug delivery.
Current Drugs and Nutraceuticals for the Treatment of Patients with Dyslipidemias
Authors: Scognamiglio Michele , Costa Dario , Sorriento Antonio , Napoli Claudio
Published: February 2019

Coronary heart disease (CHD) remains the leading cause of disability and death in industrialized Countries.
Among many conditions, which contribute to the etiology and progression of CHD, the presence of high
low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels represents the major risk factor. Therefore, the reduction of
LDL-C levels plays a key role in the management of patients with high or very high cardiovascular risk. Although
statins represent the gold standard therapy for the reduction of cholesterol levels, these drugs do not allow to
achieve target levels of LDL-C in all patients. Indeed, a significant number of patients resulted intolerants, especially
when the dosage increased. The availability of new lipid-lowering drugs, such as ezetimibe and PCSK9
inhibitors, may represent an important alternative or complement to the conventional lipid-lowering therapies.
However, long-term studies are still needed to define both efficacy and safety of use of these latter new drugs.
Some nutraceuticals may become an adequate and effective support in the management of some patients. To date,
several nutraceuticals with different mechanism of actions that provide a good tolerability are available as lipidlowering
agents. In particular, the most investigated are red yeast rice, phytosterols, berberine, beta-glucans and
soy. The aim of this review was to report recent data on the efficacy and safety of principle hypocholesterolemic
drugs available and to evaluate the possible role of some nutraceuticals as support therapy in the management of
patients with dyslipidemias.
Bioavailability Enhancement of Poorly Soluble Drugs: The Holy Grail in Pharma Industry
Authors: Rashid Mamunur , Malik Mohd Yaseen , Singh Sandeep K. , Chaturvedi Swati , Gayen Jiaur R , Wahajuddin Muhammad
Published: February 2019

Background:

Bioavailability, one of the prime pharmacokinetic properties of a drug, is defined as the
fraction of an administered dose of unchanged drug that reaches the systemic circulation and is used to describe
the systemic availability of a drug. Bioavailability assessment is imperative in order to demonstrate whether the
drug attains the desirable systemic exposure for effective therapy. In recent years, bioavailability has become
the subject of importance in drug discovery and development studies.

Methods:

A systematic literature review in the field of bioavailability and the approaches towards its enhancement
have been comprehensively done, purely focusing upon recent papers. The data mining was performed
using databases like PubMed, Science Direct and general Google searches and the collected data was exhaustively
studied and summarized in a generalized manner.

Results:

The main prospect of this review was to generate a comprehensive one-stop summary of the numerous
available approaches and their pharmaceutical applications in improving the stability concerns, physicochemical
and mechanical properties of the poorly water-soluble drugs which directly or indirectly augment their bioavailability.

Conclusion:

The use of novel methods, including but not limited to, nano-based formulations, bio-enhancers,
solid dispersions, lipid-and polymer-based formulations which provide a wide range of applications not only
increases the solubility and permeability of the poorly bioavailable drugs but also improves their stability, and
targeting efficacy. Although, these methods have drastically changed the pharmaceutical industry demand for the
newer potential methods with better outcomes in the field of pharmaceutical science to formulate various dosage
forms with adequate systemic availability and improved patient compliance, further research is required.
Basilar Apex Aneurysms in the Setting of Carotid Artery Stenosis: Case Series and Angiographic Anatomic Study
Authors: Rosenbaum Mihael D. , Heiferman Daniel M. , Raslan Osama A. , Martin Brendan , Dominguez Jose F. , de la Peña Paula M. , Ashley William W. , Rosenblum Jordan D. , Germanwala Anand V.
Published: February 2019

Background:

Intracranial aneurysms (IAs) are life-threatening lesions known within the
literature to be found incidentally during routine angiographic workup for carotid artery stenosis
(CAS). As IAs are associated with vascular shear stress, it is reasonable to expect that altered flow
demands within the anterior circulation, such as with CAS, increase compensatory flow demands
via the Circle of Willis (COW) and may induce similar stress at the basilar apex.

Objective:

We present a series of nine unruptured basilar apex aneurysms (BAA) with CAS and a
comparative radiographic analysis to BAA without CAS.

Methods:

Twenty-three patients with BAA were retrospectively identified using records from
2011 to 2016. CAS by North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial (NASCET)
criteria, morphology of BAA, competency of COW, and anatomic relationships within the posterior
circulation were examined independently by a neuroradiologist using angiographic imaging.

Results:

Nine (39%) of the twenty-three BAA patients had CAS, with six having stenosis ≥50%.
Four (67%) of the patients with ≥50% CAS demonstrated aneurysm flow angles contralateral to
the side with highest CAS. Additionally, the angle between the basilar artery (BA) trajectory and
aneurysm neck was observed to be smaller in patients with ≥50% CAS (61 vs 74 degrees). No significant
differences in COW patency, posterior circulation morphology, and degree of stenosis
were observed.

Conclusion:

Changes in the cervical carotid arteries may lead to blood flow alterations in the posterior
circulation that increase the propensity for BAA formation. Posterior circulation imaging can
be considered in CAS patients to screen for BAA.
Changes in Cognition, Depression and Quality of Life after Carotid Stenosis Treatment
Authors: Pucite Elina , Krievina Ildze , Miglane Evija , Erts Renars , Krievins Dainis , Millers Andrejs
Published: February 2019

Background:

Although several studies have evaluated the change of cognitive performance after severe carotid artery stenosis, the results still remain elusive. The objective of this study was to assess changes in cognitive function, depressive symptoms and Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) after carotid stenosis revascularisation and Best Medical Treatment (BMT).

Methods:

Study involved 213 patients with ≥70% carotid stenosis who underwent assessment of cognitive function using Montreal Cognitive Assessment scale (MoCA), depressive symptoms - using Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and HRQoL - using Medical Outcome Survey Short Form version 2 (SF-36v2). The assessment was performed before and at 6 and 12 months followup periods in patients who had Carotid Endarterectomy (CEA), Carotid Artery Stenting (CAS) or received BMT only.

Results:

Improvement in the total MoCA scores was observed after 6 and 12 months (p<0.001, Kendall's W=0.28) in the CEA group. In the CAS group - after 12 months (p=0.01, Kendall's W=0.261) whereas in the BMT group - no significant changes (p=0.295, Kendall's W=0.081) were observed. Reduction of depressive symptoms was not found in any of the study groups. Comparing mean SF-36v2 scores in the CEA group, there was no significant difference in any of 10 subscales. Likewise in the CAS group - no significant difference in 9 of 10 subscales (p=0.028, η2=0.343) was observed. Three subscales worsened in the BMT group during the 1-year follow-up period.

Conclusion:

Patients with severe carotid stenosis who underwent revascularisation enhanced their cognitive performance without exerting significant change of depressive symptoms. Preoperative HRQoL may be maintained for at least one year in the CEA group.
Alanine Aminotransferase Predicts Outcomes in Elderly Patients with Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Zheng Jianfeng , Xu Rui , Guo Zongduo , Sun Xiaochuan
Published: February 2019

Objective:

With the aging of the world population, the number of elderly patients suffering
from aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is gradually growing. We aim to investigate
the potential association between plasma ALT level and clinical complications of elderly
aSAH patients, and explore its predictive value for clinical outcomes of elderly aSAH patients.

Methods:

Between January 2013 and March 2018, 152 elderly aSAH patients were analyzed in
this study. Clinical information, imaging findings and laboratory data were reviewed. According to
the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS), clinical outcomes at 3 months were classified into favorable
outcomes (GOS 4-5) and poor outcomes (GOS 1-3). Logistic regression analysis was used to assess
the indicators associated with poor outcomes, and receiver curves (ROC) and corresponding
area under the curve (AUC) were used to detect the accuracy of the indicator.

Results:

A total of 48 (31.6 %) elderly patients with aSAH had poor outcome at 3 months. In addition
to ICH, IVH, Hunt-Hess 4 or 5 Grade and Modified Fisher 3 or 4 Grade, plasma ALT level
was also strongly associated with poor outcome of elderly aSAH patients. After adjusting for other
covariates, plasma ALT level remained independently associated with pulmonary infection (OR
1.05; 95% CI 1.00–1.09; P = 0.018), cardiac complications (OR 1.05; 95% CI 1.01–1.08; P =
0.014) and urinary infection (OR 1.04; 95% CI 1.00–1.08; P = 0.032). Besides, plasma ALT level
had a predictive ability in the occurrence of systemic complications (AUC 0.676; 95% CI: 0.586–
0.766; P<0.001) and poor outcome (AUC 0.689; 95% CI: 0.605–0.773; P<0.001) in elderly aSAH
patients.

Conclusion:

Plasma ALT level of elderly patients with aSAH was significantly associated with
systemic complications, and had additional clinical value in predicting outcomes. Given that
plasma ALT levels on admission could help to identify high-risk elderly patients with aSAH, these
findings are of clinical relevance.
Current Medical and Surgical Stroke Prevention Therapies for Patients with Carotid Artery Stenosis
Authors: Jusufovic Mirza , Skagen Karolina , Krohg-Sørensen Kirsten , Skjelland Mona
Published: February 2019

Carotid Artery Stenosis (CAS) is a marker of systemic atherosclerosis and patients with
CAS are at high risk of vascular events in multiple vascular locations, including ipsilateral
ischemic stroke. Both medical and surgical therapies have been demonstrated effective in reducing
this risk. The optimal management for patients with asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis remains
controversial. In patients with symptomatic CAS ≥70%, CEA has been demonstrated to reduce the
risk of stroke. With the risk of recurrent stroke being particularly high in the first 2 weeks after the
first event, Carotid Endarterectomy (CEA) or carotid angioplasty with stenting provides maximal
benefits to patients with symptomatic CAS ≥70% if performed within this «2-week» target. Several
large ongoing trials are currently comparing the risks and benefits of carotid revascularization
versus medical therapy alone.
Radionuclide-Labeled Peptides for Imaging and Treatment of CXCR4- Overexpressing Malignant Tumors
Authors: Liu Nan , Wan Qiang , Cheng Zhen , Chen Yue
Published: February 2019

Malignant tumors are a major cause of death. The lack of methods that provide an early diagnosis and adequate treatment of cancers is the main obstacle to precision medicine. The C-X-C chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) is overexpressed in various tumors and plays a key role in tumor pathogenesis. Therefore, CXCR4-targeted molecular imaging can quickly and accurately detect and quantify CXCR4 abnormalities in real time. The expression level and activation status of CXCR4 are very important for screening susceptible populations and providing an accurate diagnosis and optimal treatment. In view of the fact that radionuclide-labeled peptides have become widely used for the diagnosis and treatment of tumors, this manuscript reviews the potential of different radionuclide-labeled peptide inhibitors for the targeted imaging of CXCR4- positive tumors and targeted treatment. The article also discusses the specificity and in vivo distribution of radionuclide-labeled peptide inhibitors, and translation of these inhibitors to the clinic.
Synthesis and In silico Studies of N-acylhydrazone Derivatives as hnRNP K Ligands with Potential Anti-cancer Activity
Authors: Souza Wanderson C. , Dias Lucas D. , de Queiroz Jaqueline E. , Vidal Hérika D.A. , da Silva Vinícius B. , Leopoldino Andréia M. , de Paula da Silva Carlos H.T. , Verde Giuliana M.V. , Aquino Gilberto L.B.
Published: February 2019

Background:

A green and efficient synthetic methodology for a wide family of Nacylhydrazones
(yields: 42-76%) using microwave irradiation is described, as well as their full characterization.
Their potential antineoplastic activity was evaluated in vitro via EMSA by testing protein-
DNA interactions. Among the 11 compounds tested, N-acylhydrazone derivative 5 bearing a hydroxyl
group, showed the highest affinity to bind and inhibit the hnRNP K KH3 domain. Docking simulations
of compound 5 showed three possible modes of interaction between the KH3 domain of hnRNP K protein
and compound predict.

:

The N-acylhydrazones are knows as powerful chemical entities for Medicinal Chemistry, since it has
been identified in a huge number of hit and lead compounds that act on various types of molecular targets,
including in tumorigenesis processes.

Objective:

We evaluated their potential ability to inhibit the KH3 domain of the hnRNP K protein binding
to single stranded DNA (ssDNA). Furthermore, a docking simulation was performed for the newly
synthetized compounds to evaluate their interactions between proteins and N-acylhydrazine derivative.

Methods:

The N-acylhydrazone derivatives were synthetized through three reaction steps, from a simple
and commercial substrate, using microwave irradiation as a green energy source. The N-acylhydrazone
derivatives ability to bind with the hnRNP K protein was evaluated via EMSA by testing protein-DNA
interactions. The docking simulations were performed in a Gold 5.2.2 software using 100 conformers,
10.000 operations, 95 mutations and 95 crossovers.

Results:

Eleven new N-acylhydrazone derivatives were synthetized using microwave showing yields
between 42% and 76%. Among the eleven compounds tested, compound 5 was shown to be most
capable to prevent the natural binding of hnRNP K protein to the oligonucleotide. Regarding the docking
simulation, compound 5 can bind to the main binding residues of KH3 domain and compete with the
natural ligand ssDNA of this protein.

Conclusion:

A green and efficient synthetic methodology for a wide family of N-acylhydrazones
(yields: 42-76%) using microwave irradiation is described, as well as their full characterization. Their
potential antineoplastic activity was evaluated in vitro via EMSA by testing protein-DNA interactions.
Among the 11 compounds tested, N-acylhydrazone derivative 5 bearing a hydroxyl group, showed the
highest affinity to bind and inhibit the hnRNP K KH3 domain. Docking simulations of compound 5
showed three possible modes of interaction between the KH3 domain of hnRNP K protein and compound
predict.
In Silico Computations of Selective Phytochemicals as Potential Inhibitors Against Major Biological Targets of Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Akhtar Ammara , Amir Anam , Hussain Waqar , Ghaffar Abdul , Rasool Nouman
Published: February 2019

Background::

In the past few years, several developments have been made to understand and
control the complications and harmful side-effects associated with the disorder diabetes mellitus (DM).
Many new steps have been taken in a better understanding of the pathophysiology of the disease. With the
advancement in the field of medical sciences, various novel therapies have been developed to efficiently
control the pathological effects of diabetes mellitus. Recently, phytochemicals possessing various medicinal
properties have opened up a new vast range of opportunities to design novel therapeutic drugs against
diabetes mellitus.

Objective::

The present study aims to identify and screen phytochemicals as potent and novel inhibitors
against diabetes mellitus.

Methods: :

Three major biological targets of diabetes mellitus named Cytochrome P450, glycogen synthase
kinase and PPARγ are targeted using phytochemicals by performing pharmacological properties prediction,
molecular docking and density functional theory studies.

Results: :

Out of 108 phytochemicals, 20, 12 and 3 phytochemicals showed higher binding affinity values as
compared to chemically synthesized drugs against cytochrome P450, glycogen synthase kinase and PPARγ,
respectively.

Conclusion: :

The screened phytochemicals have strong inhibitory potential against diabetes mellitus and in
future, these compounds, holding immense potential, can be considered as candidate drugs for treating diabetes
mellitus.
Trials Comparing Percutaneous And Surgical Myocardial Revascularization: A Review
Authors: De Palo Micaela , Quagliara Teresa , Dachille Annamaria , Carrozzo Alessandro , Giardinelli Francesco , Mureddu Simone , Mastro Florinda , Rotunno Crescenzia , Paparella Domenico
Published: February 2019

Introduction:

Ischemic heart diseases are the major leading cause of death worldwide. Revascularization procedures dramatically reduced the overall risk for death related to acute coronary syndromes. Two kinds of myocardial revascularization can grossly be outlined: percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and surgical coronary artery bypass graft intervention (CABG). The net clinical benefit coming from these two kinds of procedures is still under debate.

Methods:

We have traced the state-of-the-art background about myocardial revascularization procedures by comparing the most important trials dealing with the evaluation of percutaneous interventions versus a surgical approach to coronary artery diseases.

Results:

Both PCI and CABG have become effective treatments for revascularization of patients suffering from advanced CAD. The advance in technology and procedural techniques made PCI an attractive and, to some extent, more reliable procedure in the context of CAD. However, there are still patients that cannot undergo PCI and have to be rather directed towards CABG.

Conclusion:

CABG still remains the best strategy for the treatment of multiple vessel CAD due to improved results in term of survival and freedom from reintervention. Anyway, a systematic, multidisciplinary approach to revascularization is the fundamental behaviour to be chased in order to effectively help the patients in overcoming its diseases. The creation of the “heart team” seems to be a good option for the correct treatment of patients suffering from stable and unstable CAD.
Laparoscopic Incisional and Ventral Hernia Repair with Absorbable Tacks in a Long Term Follow-up: A Retrospective Control Study
Authors: Zanella Simone , Lauro Enrico , Franceschi Francesco , Buccelletti Francesco , Potenza Annalisa , Zanoni Andrea , Scudo Giovanni , Bonadies Enzo , De Bellis Mario , Ricci Francesco , Vassiliadis Antonios
Published: February 2019

Background:

Laparoscopic Incisional and Ventral Hernia Repair (LIVHR) is a safe and
worldwide accepted procedure performed using absorbable tacks. The aim of the study was to evaluate
recurrence rate in a long term follow-up and whether the results of laparoscopic IVH repair in the
elderly (≥65 years old) are different with respect to results obtained in younger patients.

Methods:

One hundred and twenty-nine consecutive patients (74 women and 55 men, median age 67
years, range = 30-87 years) with ventral (N = 42, 32.5%) or post incisional (N = 87, 67.5%) hernia
were enrolled in the study. Patients were divided into two groups according to their age: group A (N
= 55, 42.6%) aged <65 years and group B (N = 74, 57.4%) aged ≥65 years.

Results:

The mean operative time was not significantly different between groups (66.7 ± 37 vs. 74 ±
48.4 min, p = 0.4). To the end of 2016, seven recurrences had occurred (group A = 3, group B = 4, p
= 1). Complications occurred in 8 (16%) patients in group A and 21 (28.3%) patients in group B.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, our results confirm that the use of absorbable tacks does not increase recurrence
frequency and laparoscopic incisional and ventral repair is a safety procedure also in elderly
patients.
PlncRNADB: A Repository of Plant lncRNAs and lncRNA-RBP Protein Interactions
Authors: Bai Youhuang , Dai Xiaozhuan , Ye Tiantian , Zhang Peijing , Yan Xu , Gong Xiaonan , Liang Siliang , Chen Ming
Published: February 2019

Background:

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are endogenous noncoding RNAs, arbitrarily
longer than 200 nucleotides, that play critical roles in diverse biological processes.
LncRNAs exist in different genomes ranging from animals to plants.

Objective:

PlncRNADB is a searchable database of lncRNA sequences and annotation in plants.

Methods:

We built a pipeline for lncRNA prediction in plants, providing a convenient utility for
users to quickly distinguish potential noncoding RNAs from protein-coding transcripts.

Results:

More than five thousand lncRNAs are collected from four plant species (Arabidopsis thaliana,
Arabidopsis lyrata, Populus trichocarpa and Zea mays) in PlncRNADB. Moreover, our database
provides the relationship between lncRNAs and various RNA-binding proteins (RBPs),
which can be displayed through a user-friendly web interface.

Conclusion:

PlncRNADB can serve as a reference database to investigate the lncRNAs and their
interaction with RNA-binding proteins in plants. The PlncRNADB is freely available at
http://bis.zju.edu.cn/PlncRNADB/.
Recent Synthetic Approaches and Biological Evaluations of Amino Hexahydroquinolines and Their Spirocyclic Structures
Authors: Abdelmoniem Amr M. , Mohamed Magda F. , Abdelmoniem Doaa M. , Ghozlan Said A.S. , Abdelhamid Ismail A.
Published: February 2019

In this review, the recent synthetic approaches of amino hexahydroquinolines and their spirocyclic structures were highlighted. The synthetic routes include, two-components, three-components or fourcomponents reactions. The two-component [3+3] atom combination reaction represents the simplest method. It involves Michael addition of the electron rich β-carbon of β-enaminones to the activated double bond of cinnamonitriles followed by cyclization to yield hexahydroquinoline compounds. The bioactivity profiles and SAR studies of these compounds were also reviewed with emphasis to the utility of these substances as antimicrobial, anticancer and antitubercular agents, as well as calcium channel modulators.
Verbascum sinaiticum: A Rich Source of Antioxidant Phenylethanoid Glycosides
Authors: Gondal Humaira Yasmeen , Zamir Roshan , Nisar Muhammad , Choudhary Muhammad Iqbal
Published: February 2019

Background:

The genus Verbascum is well documented for its antioxidant potential but
Verbascum sinaiticum is comparatively less studied plant. The current study was carried out to
search for antioxidant nutraceuticals from this species.

Objective:

To explore the antioxidant potential of Verbascum sinaiticum and to identify its active
constituents.

Methods:

The methanolic extract of air-dried aerial part of the Verbascum sinaiticum was partitioned
with hexane, chloroform and ethyl acetate. The water-soluble part of ethyl acetate afforded six
phenylethanoid glycosides by repeated chromatography over Sephadex LH-20, silica gel and ODS
columns. Antioxidant activity of solvent extracts and isolated constituents were evaluated by DPPH,
ABTS and FRAP assays.

Results:

Six phenylethanoid glycosides was isolated and characterized as Verbascoside, Eukovoside,
Martynoside, Jionoside D, Campneoside I and Campneoside II, from the most active fraction.

Conclusion:

Verbascum sinaiticum demonstrated prospective antioxidant activity. The watersoluble
part of EtOAc (WSEAE) was found the most active extract whereas Verbascoside was identified
as the most potent constituent. All isolated compounds exhibited significant antioxidant activity
whereas their synergistic effect was found prominent in the parent fraction.
Non-Saccharomyces Commercial Starter Cultures: Scientific Trends, Recent Patents and Innovation in the Wine Sector
Authors: Roudil Ludovic , Russo Pasquale , Berbegal Carmen , Albertin Warren , Spano Giuseppe , Capozzi Vittorio
Published: February 2019

:

For 15 years, non-Saccharomyces starter cultures represent a new interesting segment in
the dynamic field of multinationals and national companies that develop and sell microbial-based
biotechnological solutions for the wine sector. Although the diversity and the properties of non-
Saccharomyces species/strains have been recently fully reviewed, less attention has been deserved
to the commercial starter cultures in term of scientific findings, patents, and their innovative applications.

:

Considering the potential reservoir of biotechnological innovation, these issues represent an underestimated
possible driver of coordination and harmonization of research and development activities
in the field of wine microbiology. After a wide survey, we encompassed 26 different commercial
yeasts starter cultures formulated in combination with at least one non-Saccharomyces strain. The
most recent scientific advances have been explored delving into the oenological significance of
these commercial starter cultures. Finally, we propose an examination of patent literature for the
main yeasts species commercialised in non-Saccharomyces based products.

:

We highlight the presence of asymmetries among scientific findings and the number of patents
concerning non-Saccharomyces-based commercial products for oenological purposes. Further investigations
on these microbial resources might open new perspectives and stimulate attractive innovations
in the field of wine-making biotechnologies.