bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The preliminary investigation of potential response biomarkers to air pollution (PAHs) exposure on childhood asthma
Authors: Bao Yuling , Jin Rui , Hu Jinye , Sun Zhe , Xue Mingyan , Bian Zilong , Zhan Zhang , Chen Feng , Li Lei , Wu qian
Published: February 2020

Background In recent five years, air quality in China has been gradually improved; however, the prevalence of asthma in China has still increased significantly. This study aims to examine whether air pollution exposure is a significant contributor to childhood asthma and to explore the mechanisms using exposure and response biomarkers. Methods The generalized additive model was applied to evaluate the effects of air pollutants on asthma hospitalization. Urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHPyr) was determined as PAHs exposure biomarker. Metabolic profiles and microbial diversity were screened and selected as response biomarkers. Results Daily average concentrations of the six common air pollutants were not significantly associated with daily childhood asthma hospitalization. Urinary 1-OHPyr level showed large variability among asthmatic children and were positively correlated with the abundance of Prevotella (genus level) and purine metabolism. Conclusions The biomarker of PAHs exposure is associated with metabolic and microbiological biomarkers of childhood asthma. As the potential health risk, we suggest that PAHs should be included in the national monitoring system aiming to reduce the exposure.
Influence Of Time Under Mechanical Ventilation On Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia Severity In Extremely Preterm Infants: A Pilot Study.
Authors: Probst Vanessa Suziane , Escobar Victoria , Soares Darllyana , Kreling Jane , Ferrari Ligia , Felcar Josiane M. , Camillo Carlos A. M.
Published: February 2020

The relation between mechanical ventilation (MV) and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is well stabilished, but is unknown, however, how much time under MV influences the severity of the disease. Aim: To define the duration under MV with greater chance to develop moderate to severe BPD (M/S BPD) in extremely PTNB and to compare clinical outcomes before and during hospitalization among patients with mild and M/S BPD. Methods: 53 PTNB were separated into mild and M/S BPD groups and their data were analyzed. Time under MV with a greater chance of developing M/S BPD was estimated by the ROC curve. Perinatal and hospitalization outcomes were compared between groups. A logistic regression was performed to verify the influence of variables associated to M/S BPD development, such as pulmonary hypertension (PH), gender, gestational age (GA) and weight at birth, as well the time under MV found with ROC curve. The result of ROC curve was validated using an independent sample (n=16) by Chi-square test. Results: Time under MV related to a greater chance of developing M/S BPD was 36 days. M/S BPD group had more males (14 vs 5, p=0,047), longer time under MV (43 vs 19 days, p<0,001), more individuals with PH (12 vs 3, p=0,016), worse retinopathy of prematurity (grade 3, 2 vs 11, p=0,003), longer hospital length of stay (109 vs 81,5 days, p<0,001), greater PMA (41 vs 38 weeks, p<0,001) and weight (2620 vs 2031 grams, p<0,001) at discharge and the mild BPD group had more CPAP use prior to MV (12 vs 7, p=0,043). Among all variables included in logistic regression, only PH and MV<36 days were significant in the model, explaining 72% of variation in M/S BPD development. In the validation sample, prevalence of preterm infants who needed MV for more than 36 days in the M/S BPD group was 100% (n=6) and 0% in mild BPD group (p=0,0001). Conclusion: Time under MV related to moderate to severe BPD development is 36 days, and worst outcomes are related to disease severity. PH and time under MV for more than 36 days are related to development of M/S BPD.
A comparative analysis of erythropoietin and carbamoylated erythropoietin-induced proteome profiles
Authors: Tiwari Neeraj Kumar , Sathyanesan Monica , Kumar Vikas , Newton Samuel S
Published: February 2020

In recent years erythropoietin (EPO) has emerged as a useful neuroprotective and neurotrophic molecule that produces antidepressant and cognitive enhancing effects in psychiatric disorders. However, EPO robustly induces erythropoiesis and elevates red blood cell counts. Chronic administration is therefore likely to increase blood viscosity and produce adverse effects in non-anemic populations. Carbamyolated erythropoietin (CEPO), a chemically engineered modification of EPO, is non-erythropoietic but retains the neurotrophic and neurotrophic activity of EPO. Blood profile analysis after EPO and CEPO administration showed that CEPO has no effect on red blood cell or platelet counts. We conducted an unbiased, quantitative, mass spectrometry-based proteomics study to comparatively investigate EPO and CEPO-induced protein profiles in neuronal phenotype PC12 cells. Bioinformatics enrichment analysis of the protein expression profiles revealed the upregulation of protein functions related to memory formation such as synaptic plasticity, long term potentiation (LTP), neurotransmitter transport, synaptic vesicle priming, and dendritic spine development. The regulated proteins, with roles in LTP and synaptic plasticity, include Neudesin, Chromogranin b, Cortactin, Elongation initiation factor 3a and Proteasome 26s subunit, ATPase. We examined the expression of a subset of regulated proteins by immunohistochemical analysis in mouse brain. The results of our study sheds light on potential mechanisms whereby EPO and CEPO produce cognitive enhancing effects in clinical and preclinical studies.
Increased Energy Expenditure and Energy Loss through Feces Contribute to the Long-term Outcome of Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass on Diet Induced Obese Mouse Model
Authors: Chen Kai , Xiao Boen , Zhou Zhe , Peng Weihui , liu wei
Published: February 2020

Background Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) has been proved to be more effective than other bariatric procedures in long-term on body weight loss and remission of diabetes. However, the mechanism remains poorly understood. Long-term change of energy metabolism after RYGB has rarely been reported. Objectives To investigate the long-term outcome of RYGB on mouse model and its mechanism from the perspective of energy metabolism. Methods High-fat diet induced obesity (DIO) mice were assigned to two groups receiving RYGB(n=8) and sham operation(n=7), followed by high-fat diet feeding until 12 weeks after surgery. Body weight and food intake were recorded weekly, measurement of body composition and energy metabolism by metabolic chamber were conducted on week 4, 8 and 12 after surgery. Fecal energy measurement, Intraperitoneal Glucose Tolerance Test (IPGTT) and Insulin Tolerance Test (ITT) were conducted on week 12 after surgery.Results Food intake was reduced in RYGB group within the first 3 weeks after surgery and increased to be the same withSham group from postoperative week 4. At 12 weeks after surgery, body weight reduced by 36±3.2% in RYGB group comparing to 16±2% body weight gain in Sham group, while fat mass was significantly reduced in RYGB group than in Sham group (9.2±1.5% versus 30.1±0.7%). Energy expenditure was significantly higher on postoperative week 8 in RYGB group than in Sham group. In comparison with Sham group, respiratory exchange ratio (RER) was unchanged, decreased and increased in RYGB group at postoperative week 4, 8 and 12, respectively. Fecal energy measurementshowed that feces from mice in RYGB group contained higher energy level than Sham group. Glucose metabolism was significantly improved in RYGB group in contrast to Sham group, demonstrated by the result of Intraperitoneal Glucose Tolerance Test (IPGTT) (AUC: 1502± 104 versus 2277±198, respectively) and the Insulin Tolerance Test (ITT) (AUC: 524 ±50 versus 838±63, respectively). Conclusions Increased energy expenditure and energy loss through feces contribute to the long-term body weight control after RYGB. Enhanced glucose utilization might play a role in the long-term improvement of glucose metabolism.
Effect of monoacylglycerol lipase inhibition on intestinal permeability in chronic stress model
Authors: Wang Jing , Zhang Xiaohua , Yang Chongmei , Zhao Shulei
Published: February 2020

Background: The endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) is an anti-nociceptive lipid, which is inactivated through cellular uptake and subsequent catabolism by monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL). The present study aimed to explore the effects of inhibition of MAGL on intestinal permeability. Methods: We first tested it in differentiated CaCO2 cells after 21 days’ culture. The rat model of water avoidance stress (WAS) was established, and rats were divided into four groups according to intervention. Rats received intraperitoneal injection (i.p.) of an MAGL inhibitor (JZL184) alone, JZL184 and the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) antagonist (SR141716A), JZL184 and a cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) antagonist (AM630) or vehicle alone (control). We analyzed the fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran (FD4) permeability and 2-AG level. Expression of MAGL and tight-junction-associated proteins were detected by western blot. Results: Compared with the control group, MAGL expression was higher and 2-AG levels lower among WAS rats. Intestinal permeability was increased following administration of JZL184 which occurred due to up-regulation of tight-junction-associated proteins Claudin-1, Claudin-2, Claudin-5 and Occludin.Conclusion: The effects of MAGL inhibition were mediated by CB1, indicating that MAGL may represent a novel target for the treatment of reduced intestinal permeability in the context of chronic stress.
The Association between Gut Microbiota and Intestinal Toll-like Receptors Genes Expression in Adenomatous and Colorectal Cancerous patients
Authors: Rezasoltani Sama , Sharafkhah Maryam , Aghdaei Hamid Asadzadeh , Olfatifar Meysam , Mojarad Ehsan Nazemalhosseini , Yadegar Abbas , Zali Mohammad Reza
Published: February 2020

Background: Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling has been implicated in colorectal cancer (CRC) development. Intestinal microbiota can affect the expression of TLRs, which may induce inflammatory responses and impair the gut homeostasis. Here, we aimed to evaluate certain intestinal microbiota related to TLRs expression in colonic tissues of adenomatous polyposis and CRC patients. Results: Fecal and colonic tissue samples were collected from normal controls (NC), adenomatous (AP) cases and (CRC) patients via colonoscopy for CRC screening during 2016 to 2018. Fecal samples were collected to analyze intestinal bacteria including Streptococcus bovis , Enterococcus faecalis , Bacteroides fragilis , enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis (ETBF) , Fusobacterium nucleatum , Porphyromonas gingivalis, Porphyromonas spp . and Roseburia spp . by real-time PCR. Gene expression of TLR2, TLR4 and TLR5 was examined in colonic tissues by qRT-PCR. Different abundant of gut bacteria were achieved in NC, AP and CRC groups. The genes expression of TLR2, TLR4 and TLR5 were significantly different in AP and CRC cases vs. normal group (P value <0.05). There was a significant relationship between TLR2, TLR4, TLR5 genes expression and Roseburia spp., P. gingivalis and ETBF quantity in normal group. Also significant association between TLR2, TLR4 genes expression levels and the quantity of S.bovis , ETBF, Roseburia spp. and E. faecalis in AP and CRC cases were achieved. Conclusion : Intestinal expression of TLR2, TLR4 and TLR5 is dynamic and depends on gut microbiota. Hence, altered immune activation in response to dysbiotic microbiota may promote intestinal inflammation in a group of patients with AP and CRC. Keyword: Adenomatous polyposis; colorectal cancer; gut microbiota; Toll-like receptors; intestinal inflammation
Computational method for predicting Self-Interactions Protein using Recurrent Neural Network from Protein Evolutionary Information
Authors: An Ji-Yong
Published: February 2020

Self-interactions Protein (SIPs) play crucial roles in biological activities of organisms. Many high-throughput methods can be used to identify SIPs. However, these methods are both time-consuming and expensive. How to develop effective computational approaches for identifying SIPs is a challenging task. In the paper, we presented a novelty computational method called RRN-SIFT, which combines the Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) with Scale Invariant Feature Transform (SIFT) to predict SIPs based on protein evolutionary information. The main advantage of the proposed RNN-SIFT model is that it used SIFT for extracting key feature by exploring the evolutionary information embedded in PSI-BLAST-constructed position specific scoring matrix (PSSM) and employed RNN classifier to carry out classification based on extracted features. Extensive experiments show that the RRN-SIFT obtained average accuracy of 94.34% and 97.12% on yeast and human dataset. We also compared our performance with the Back Propagation Neural Network (BPNN), the state-of-the-art support vector machine (SVM) and other exiting methods. By comparing with experimental results, the performance of RNN-SIFT is significantly better than those of the BPNN, SVM and other previous methods in the domain. Therefore, we can come to the conclusion that the proposed RNN-SIFT model is useful tools and can execute incredibly well for predicting SIPs, as well as other bioinformatics tasks. In order to facilitate widely studies and encourage future proteomics research, a freely available web server called RNN-SIFT-SIPs was developed, and is available at http://219.219.62.123:8888/RNNSIFT/ and includes source code and SIPs datasets.
The effect of hydrogenation of epoxy resin on the dispersion of organo-clay in the epoxy resin matrix
Authors: Kang Xiyang , Zhu Qing , Wang Xiaoliang , Zhou Dongshan , Chen zhijun
Published: February 2020

The hydrogenated diglycidylether of Bisphenol A epoxy resin (HDGEBA)was successfully employed to prepare nanocomposites with a more homogeneous distribution of clay, compared to that of bisphenol A epoxy resin (DGEBA)/clay system. Nanocomposites, with amounts up to 7.5 wt% of Organo-clay, were synthetized by means of “slurry-compounding” method and followed by a curing process with cis-1,2-Cyclohexanedicarboxylic anhydride and Glutaric Anhydride as the curing agent. A combination of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to characterize the dispersion behavior of organo-clay in epoxy/clay nanocomposites. It was found that, in HDGEBA/clay nanocomposites, organo-clay was uniformly dispersed and even partly exfoliated, whereas, in DGEBA/clay system, large particle aggregates were seen when examined by TEM under lower magnification. Accordingly, the rheology and compatibility experiments were carried out to investigate the interactions within each system. It turned out that, after hydrogenation, HDGEBA was endowed with stronger interactions with organo-clay, thus resulting in the enhanced dispersion behavior, which may generate more chances to be mechanically reinforced by adding inorganic clays.
Rationale and Design of the EMPYREAN Study: Investigation on the Effect of Empagliflozin on Cardiac Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Nerve Activity in Japanese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Motoki Hirohiko , Masuda Izuru , Yasuno Shinji , Oba Koji , Shoin Wataru , Usami Satoru , Saito Yoshihiko , Waki Masako , Komatsu Mitsuhisa , Ueshima Kenji , Nakagawa Yasuaki , Son Cheol , Yonemitsu Shin , Hiramitsu Shinya , Konda Manako , Onishi Katsuya , Kuwahara Koichiro
Published: February 2020

Background: A sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor was recently found to reduce heart failure hospitalization in the EMPA-REG OUTCOMES trial. We have hypothesized that autonomic nerve activity may be modulated by SGLT2 inhibition. The current study aims to investigate the impact of empagliflozin on sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve activity in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.Methods: This ongoing study is a prospective, randomized, open-label, multicenter investigation of 134 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The patients are randomly allocated to receive either empagliflozin or sitagliptin with the treatment goal of the Japan Diabetes Society guidelines. Ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring is performed at the baseline and at 12 and 24 weeks of treatment. Analyses of heart rate variability are performed using the MemCalc method, which is a combination of the maximum entropy method for spectral analysis and the non-linear least squares method for square analysis. The primary endpoint is the change in the low frequency (LF; 0.04-0.15 Hz) / high frequency (HF; 0.15-0.4 Hz) ratio from baseline to 24 weeks.Discussion: This investigation on the effect of EMPagliflozin on cardiac sYmpathetic and parasympathetic neRve activity in JapanEse pAtieNts with type 2 diabetes (EMPYREAN study) offers an important opportunity to understand the impact of SGLT2 inhibition on autonomic nerve activity in patients with type 2 diabetes.Trial Registration: UMIN Clinical Trials Registry identifier UMIN000029194. Registered 19 September 2017, https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000033375
Calcium/calmodulin-dependent Protein Kinase IV Limits ER stress and Insulin Resistance through Inhibition of Autophagy in Adipocytes by mTOR/CREB Signaling
Authors: Liu Jiali , Yang Ruihua , Meng Hao , Zhou Ting , He Qian
Published: February 2020

Background: CaMKIV has been identified as a potential regulator of skeletal muscle glucose metabolism and insulin gene expression. However, the mechanism of CaMKIV involved in adipose insulin resistance is not fully understood. Autophagy has to be shown as a potential therapeutic target for endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and insulin resistance. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of CaMKIV on the ER stress, autophagic function and insulin signaling in tunicamycin induced adipocytes. Methods: In the present study, we first used tunicamycin to establish a cell model of ER stress. Then recombinant CaMKIV and/or targeted-siRNA of CREB and mTOR were added into medium of tunicamycin-induced adipocytes. The ER stress indicators, autophagy activation, mTOR/CREB signaling and insulin sensitivity were analyzed by western blotting or electron microscopy. Results: The results suggested CaMKIV not only reversed tunicamycin-induced ER stress, but also improved impaired insulin sensitivity through regulating abnormal autophagy in adipocytes. Moreover, CaMKIV inhibited activated ER stress and elevated insulin sensitivity in Atg7-/- adipocytes. However, the protective effects of CaMKIV were nullified by suppression of mTOR or CREB in tunicamycin induce adipocytes, suggesting that CaMKIV could inhibit ER stress, suppress autophagy and restore insulin signaling at least partly through mTOR/CREB signaling. Conclusion: We conclude that CaMKIV inhibits ER stress and improves insulin signaling through reduction of autophagy in adipocytes viamTOR/CREB signaling, which could be regarded as novel opportunities for treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Iodine-125 seed implantation treatment of lung metastases <2.5 cm using a 5-ml syringe as a guide
Authors: Li Jie , Zhang Lijuan , Sun Zongqiong , Ge Yuxi , Zhou Jialiang , Xie Qigen
Published: February 2020

Background: Small lung metastases move with respiration, making localization difficult and often increasing the number of puncture. Accurate puncture can reduce trauma to lung tissue and accelerate patient recovery.Objective: To present our experience with the technique of using a local anesthesia 5-ml syringe as a guide for computerized tomography (CT)-guided iodine-125 seed implantation (CT-ISI).Methods: This was a retrospective study of patients with small metastatic tumors in the lung treated with CT-ISI between 12/2013 and 03/2018 at the Affiliated Hospital of the University. The patients were divided according to whether a 5-ml syringe was used as a guide during CT-ISI or not. The final follow-up was on March 31st, 2018. Implantation success and complications were examined.Results: Nineteen patients were included. A total of 840 seeds were used, with 44.2±33.6 (range, 10-160) seeds per patient. The mean D90 for CT-ISI was 134.5±7.5 Gy. Treatment intervention for eleven patients was performed using a 5-ml syringe as a guide during CT-ISI. There were no differences in total dose and number of implanted seeds between the two groups, but the number of punctures per lesion was lower in the syringe group than in the no-syringe group (1.9±0.5 vs. 2.9±0.6, P<0.001), suggesting a higher puncture accuracy. One patient in the no-syringe group experienced grade 2 chest tightness, chest pain, intraoperative needle tract bleeding, and postoperative blood in sputum.Conclusion: Puncture with a 5-ml syringe as a guide during CT-ISI is probably a more accurate option for patients with small (<2.5 cm) lung metastasis.
Interstitial Lung Disease Associated Acute Respiratory Failure Requiring Invasive Mechanical Ventilation: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Vahdatpour Cyrus , Pichler Alexander , Palevsky Harold I , Kallan Michael J , Patel Namrata B , Kinniry Paul A
Published: February 2020

Background Interstitial lung disease (ILD) patients requiring invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) for acute respiratory failure (ARF) are known to have a poor prognosis. Few studies have investigated determinants of outcomes and the utility of trialing non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) prior to IMV to see if there are any effect(s) on mortality or morbidity. Methods We designed a retrospective study using patients at four different intensive care units within one health care system. Our primary objective was to determine if there are differences in outcomes for in-hospital and one-year mortality between patients who undergo NIPPV prior to IMV and those who receive only IMV. A secondary objective was to identify potential determinants of outcomes. Results Of 54 ILD patients with ARF treated with IMV, 20 (37.0%) survived to hospital discharge and 10 (18.5%) were alive at one-year. There was no significant mortality difference between patients trialed on NIPPV prior to IMV and those receiving only IMV. Several key determinants of outcomes were identified with higher mortality, including: higher ventilatory support, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) subtype, high dose steroids, use of vasopressors, supraventricular tachycardias (SVTs), and higher body mass index. Conclusions Considering that patients trialed on NIPPV prior to IMV was associated with no mortality disadvantage to patients treated with only IMV, trialing patients on NIPPV may identify responders and avoid complications associated with IMV. Increased ventilator support, need of vasopressors, SVTs, and high dose steroids reflect higher mortality and palliative care involvement should be considered as early as possible if lung transplant is not an option.
Modeling total resistance and form resistance of movable bed channels via experimental data and a kernel-based approach
Authors: Saghebian Seyed Mahdi , Roushangar Kiyoumars , Ozgur Kirca V. S. , Ghasempour Roghayeh
Published: February 2020

An accurate prediction of roughness coefficient in alluvial channels is of substantial importance for river management. In this study, the total and form resistance in alluvial channels with dune bedform were assessed using experimental data. First, the data of experiments carried out at the Hydraulic Laboratory of University of Tabriz was used to investigate the impact of hydraulic and sediment parameters on roughness coefficient. Then, these data were combined with other laboratory data, and the total and bedform resistance were modeled via a Gaussian Process Regression (GPR) approach. For models, developing different input combinations were considered based on flow and sediment characteristics. The obtained results from the experiments showed that the Reynolds number has a better correlation with flow resistance in comparison with other hydraulic parameters. It was found that the roughness variations due to bedform are almost between 40 and 80% of the total roughness coefficient. Also, the obtained results proved the capability of the GPR method in the modeling process. It was found that the model which took the advantages of both flow and sediment characteristics performed better compared to the other models. The sensitivity analysis results showed that the Reynolds number has the most significant impact in the prediction process.
Can electrocoagulation be an effective post-treatment option for SBR treated landfill leachate and municipal wastewater mixture?
Authors: Chakraborty Shubhrasekhar , Mohanty Pratap Kumar , Iqbal Jawed , Kumar R. Naresh
Published: February 2020

A combined process of sequencing batch reactor (SBR) and electrocoagulation for co-treatment of landfill leachate and municipal wastewater was assessed. SBR was used in the first instance for co-treatment of 20% (v/v) landfill leachate and municipal wastewater mixture. Effluent from SBR was subjected to electrocoagulation for post-treatment, with aluminum as sacrificial anode and stainless steel as cathode. Direct current at a density of 257 A/m2 was applied during the electrocoagulation process. In electrocoagulation, spacing between the two electrodes was varied at 5 and 7 cm to assess its influence on treatment efficiency. SBR was effective to remove 65% chemical oxygen demand (COD), 77% total suspended solids (TSS), 89% ammonia, 80% nitrate, 64% phosphate and post-treatment by electrocoagulation resulted in an overall 98% COD, 98% TSS and 99% ammonia, nitrate and phosphate reduction efficiency with 5 cm of electrode spacing. Respectively, final COD, ammonia and TSS was 37, 1 and 98 mg/L after 150 min of electrocoagulation which met the Indian standards for the discharge of treated wastewater. The results highlight that SBR followed by electrocoagulation as post-treatment can be an effective option for the treatment of landfill leachate and municipal wastewater mixture.
Detection of Acanthamoeba spp. in two major water reservoirs in the Philippines
Authors: Milanez Giovanni , Masangkay Frederick , Hapan Frieda , Bencito Thea , Lopez Marcus , Soriano Jeffrey , Ascaño Abdee , Lizarondo Louella , Santiago Joseph , Somsak Voravuth , Kotepui Manas , Tsiami Amalia , Tangpong Jitbanjong , Karanis Panagiotis
Published: February 2020

Water reservoirs are important manmade structures providing water security to deliver clean and safe water for drinking and other purposes to the community. Eighty water samples were collected from Magat and Ipo water reservoirs using purposive sampling between November 2018 and January 2019. Water samples were collected in sterile containers for testing. The samples were cultured in non-nutrient agar and lawned with Escherichia coli and incubated at 33 °C. Twelve out of the 80 (15%) water samples were positive for amoebic growth. Light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed double-walled cystic stages and were initially identified as Acanthamoeba spp. based on morphological characteristic in reference to Page's established criteria. Their extracted DNAs were used in polymerase chain reaction using JDP1 and JDP2 primers and confirmed the presence of Acanthamoeba DNA in agarose gel electrophoresis. Aligned sequences from PCR products were deposited in GenBank under accession numbers MK886460, MK909919, MK905437, MK910997, MK911021 and MK886514. The presence of potentially pathogenic Acanthamoeba spp. in water reservoirs is considered a potential risk for public health, requiring appropriate processing of water in treatment plants.
The identification research of emergency treatment technology for sudden heavy metal pollution accidents in drainage basin based on D-S evidence theory
Authors: Luo Yulan , Liu Ying , Du Qianying , Chen Qingsong , Cheng Zhihui
Published: February 2020

As a sudden heavy metal pollution accident occurs in a drainage basin, decision makers need to quickly select the optimal emergency treatment technology and formulate emergency schemes according to the actual accident characteristics. Therefore, a two-step identification method of emergency treatment technology for sudden heavy metal pollution accidents based on Dempster-Shafer (D-S) evidence theory is proposed, in order to screen the optimal emergency treatment technology effectively and solve the conflict among fusion data in the process of index quantification. Firstly, the available technologies were screened preliminarily by the primary identification indexes (technical characteristic indexes). Secondly, the weight synthesis method based on the D-S evidence theory and attribute assignment was utilized to score the secondary identification indexes (technical evaluation indexes) of each available technology comprehensively. Finally, the optimal emergency treatment technology for this sudden pollution accident was obtained. Taking the sudden arsenic pollution accident of the Picang flood diversion channel in Linyi, Shandong Province as an example, the activated alumina adsorption dam technology was extracted successfully, which is in accordance with the actual treatment situation. The result shows that the method has strong feasibility and practicability, which can provide strong decision support for dealing with sudden pollution accidents in drainage basins efficiently.
Groundwater and Protected Natural Areas in Spain. The hydrogeological characterization of National Parks
Authors: Murillo José Manuel , Vega Leticia
Published: February 2020

This study identifies protected natural areas that are related to groundwater in Spain. The methodology used has been applied to the natural areas covered within the scope of the three legal frameworks established in Law 42/2007, 13 December 2007 on Natural Heritage and Biodiversity. These are as follows: (a) areas protected by the Spanish State or its Autonomous Communities; (b) areas protected by the Natura 2000 Network and (c) areas protected by international instruments. Within the first typology the Natural Parks, Natural Reserves, Natural Monuments and Protected Landscapes are analyzed. The second includes the protected areas of the Natura 2000 Network and the third the Wetlands of International Importance of the Ramsar Convention; natural sites of the World Heritage List; Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the north-east Atlantic (OSPAR); Specially Protected Areas of Mediterranean Importance (SPAMI); GEOparks declared by UNESCO; Biosphere Reserves declared by UNESCO and European Network of Biogenetic Reserve. Finally, a hydrogeological characterization of each of the 15 National Parks in Spain is carried out.The aim of the paper is to identify and propose a first catalogue of protected natural areas that have a relationship with groundwater either from recharging the aquifer or drainage through rivers, springs or wetlands.
Groundwater in the Guadarrama Range National Park
Authors: Yélamos Javier G. , Sanz Pérez Eugenio , Escavy Fernández José Ignacio
Published: February 2020

The Guadarrama Range National Park covers about 1000 km2 of the highest areas of this mountain range in the provinces of Madrid and Segovia. The most abundant lithologies are igneous and metamorphic rocks (hard rocks) except in the sedimentary basin in the High Valley of Lozoya. These rocks are practically impervious but can host small local, shallow and low-resource aquifers by processes of surface alteration, fracturing, and recent deposits of small size such as colluviums, alluviums, moraines and talus cones. Works on the tunnel for the high speed train that crosses beneath the Park, confirm the almost null permeability in depth but show the possibility of the existence of a deep flow through the set of discontinuities within the rock massif that maycorrespond to the model proposed by Toth in the 1960s. Limestone in the Lozoya basin give rise to a water table and karstic aquifer, which has been somewhat forgotten in previous hydrogeological studies, but it has water points with flow at rates of tens L/s. In spite of the poor water resources of hard rocks, local aquifers have played a significant role in the drinking water supply to localities in the area, enabling recreational activities with drinking fountains throughout the Park, supplying water to the livestock, and playing a key ecological role in maintaining water bodies during the summer. There are several springs of sulphurous waters resulting from deep groundwater flow, while the good quality water in the shallow aquifers has allowed the  establishment of some bottling plants of natural mineral waters.
Activity of Metal-Azole Complexes Against Biofilms of Candida albicans and Candida glabrata
Authors: Pereira Livia D. , Vila Taissa , Borba-Santos Luana P. , de Souza Wanderley , Navarro Maribel , Rozental Sonia
Published: February 2020

Background:

Onychomycosis is a chronic nail infection caused by fungi frequently resistant to antifungal
treatments. Recalcitrance in nail infections is a result of reduced antifungal penetration due to biofilm
formation, combined with poor patient compliance with the treatment, which can be as long as 18 months.

Objective:

Metal-drug complexation is a widely used strategy to increase drug efficacy. Therefore, the aim of this
work was to evaluate the antifungal and anti-biofilm activity of several metal-azole complexes against Candida
albicans and Candida glabrata.

Methods:

Susceptibility assays and scanning electron microscopy were performed to determine the anti-biofilm
activity of eight metal-azole complexes in vitro and ex-vivo, using human nail fragments.

Results:

In vitro susceptibility assays showed that complexation of both Au(I) and Zn(II) to clotrimazole and
ketoconazole improved the anti-biofilm activity compared to the azole alone. Using an ex-vivo model of biofilm
formation on fragments of human nails, we also demonstrate the improved efficacy of metal-azole complexes
against biofilms of C. albicans and C. glabrata that resembles the onychomycosis structure. Noteworthy, biofilms
of C. glabrata were more susceptible to the optimized complexes than those of C. albicans.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, metal-azole complexes used in this work show promising anti-biofilm activity and
further clinical studies should confirm its potential for the treatment of Candida-associated onychomycosis.
Delonix regia a Folklore Remedy for Diabetes; Attenuates Oxidative Stress and Modulates Type II Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Khan Darosham , Sharif Ali , Zafar Mehroz , Akhtar Bushra , Akhtar Muhammad F. , Awan Sana
Published: February 2020

Background:

The folkloric profile of Delonix regia demonstrates that it can be used in the
management of diabetes.

Objective:

The present study was conducted to evaluate the safety profile of the aerial part extracts of
Delonix regia and their antidiabetic potential along with improvement in oxidative stress.

Materials and Methods:

Phytochemical screening, total phenolic, and flavonoid contents along with
in-vitro antioxidant and alpha-amylase inhibitory activities were determined. HPLC analysis, acute
toxicity, glucose tolerance, in-vivo antidiabetic effect along with the influence on biochemical, oxidative
stress parameters, and comet assay of the active extract were performed and assessed.

Results:

Total phenolic (831.6±0.002 mg/g GAE) and flavonoid (361.4±0.002 mg/g QE) contents were
found to be higher in the methanolic extract. Inhibitory concentration IC50 indicated better results for
the methanolic extract in DPPH (47.6μg/mL) and alpha-amylase inhibitory (14.61μg/mL) assays.
HPLC analysis of the methanolic extract confirmed the presence of quercetin, gallic acid, caffeic acid,
cinnamic acid, ferulic acid, and p-coumaric acid. Acute oral toxicity exhibited no mortality and morbidity
during the 24h period. The methanolic extract showed better tolerance to glucose. Streptozotocin-
nicotinamide (55-110 mg/kg) induced hyperglycemia declined along with improvement in hematological,
biochemical parameters and oxidative stress markers (SOD, CAT, H202) in a dose-dependent
manner. The maximum effect was recorded at 500mg/kg dose. Comet assay was performed for genotoxic
studies and it was observed that the methanolic extract of Delonix regia showed the maximum
genoprotective effect at 100μg/mL.

Conclusions:

The findings suggest that the methanolic aerial part extract of Delonix regia exhibited hypoglycemic,
antioxidant, and hypolipidemic activities. The antidiabetic effect was comparable to
glibenclamide suggesting its therapeutic use as a natural anti-diabetic remedy.
Dexmedetomidine Pretreatment Improves Lipopolysaccharide-induced Iron Homeostasis Disorder in Aged Mice
Authors: Guo Fenghui , Kang Jinmeng , Tan Juntao , Wang Yong , Jia Li , Xu Hongmeng
Published: February 2020

Background:

Iron homeostasis disorder and neuroinflammation are the most commonly
known factors that promote the occurrence and development of cognitive impairment in people.
Dexmedetomidine has an anti-inflammatory effect, and it reduces the incidence of postoperative
cognitive dysfunction. Therefore, the aim of this study is to verify whether dexmedetomidine
could improve lipopolysaccharide-induced iron homeostasis disorder in aged mice, and show
neuroprotective effect.

Methods:

First part, forty 12 month old male Kunming(KM) mice were divided into group N and
group D: Normal saline group (group N), Dexmedetomidine group (group D). Second part, sixty
12-month-old male KM mice were divided into the following three groups: Normal saline group
(group N), Lipopolysaccharide group (group LPS) and Dexmedetomidine + Lipopolysaccharide
group (group D + LPS). The mice in group D + LPS were given dexmedetomidine, and given LPS
intraperitoneally 2 h later. Mice underwent an oriented navigation test and a space exploration test
in the Morris Water maze (MWM) test. The expression levels of Interleukin-6 ( IL-6), L-ferritin
(FTL) and Transferrin receptor-1 (TfR1) in hippocampus were detected by the Western blot analysis;
the hippocampal hepcidin mRNA was detected by Real-time PCR(RT-PCR); the reactive
oxygen species (ROS) in the hippocampus was measured using ROS test kit.

Results:

Dexmedetomidine improved the cognitive decline induced by LPS. Dexmedetomidine reduced
the level of hippocampal IL-6, and it attenuated the increase in their levels caused by LPS. It
had no effect on hippocampal hepcidin mRNA, FTL, TfR1 and ROS but it could attenuate the increase
caused by LPS.

Conclusion:

Dexmedetomidine has no effect on iron metabolism pathway, but it can improve the
cognitive decline and the iron disorder by reducing neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. The
research indicates that dexmedetomidine plays a neuroprotective role.
Depression in Dementia or Dementia in Depression? Systematic Review of Studies and Hypotheses
Authors: Brzezińska Agnieszka , Bourke Julius , Rivera-Hernández Rayito , Tsolaki Magda , Woźniak Joanna , Kaźmierski Jakub
Published: February 2020

The majority of research works to date suggest that Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a
risk factor for dementia and may predispose to cognitive decline in both early and late onset variants.
The presence of depression may not, however, reflect the cause, rather, an effect: it may be a response to
cognitive impairment or alters the threshold at which cognitive impairment might manifest or be detected.
An alternative hypothesis is that depression may be part of a prodrome to Alzheimer’s Disease
(AD), suggesting a neurobiological association rather than one of psychological response alone. Genetic
polymorphisms may explain some of the variances in shared phenomenology between the diagnoses, the
instance, when the conditions arise comorbidly, the order in which they are detected that may depend on
individual cognitive and physical reserves, as well as the medical history and individual vulnerability.
This hypothesis is biologically sound but has not been systematically investigated to date. The current
review highlights how genetic variations are involved in the development of both AD and MDD, and the
risk conferred by these variations on the expression of these two disorders comorbidly is an important
consideration for future studies of pathoaetiological mechanisms and in the stratification of study samples
for randomised controlled trials.
Modelling and Calculation of Characteristic Parameters of the Active and Buffer Layers in Organic Solar Cell
Authors: Tran Minh Duc , Lam Nguyen Dinh
Published: February 2020

Background:

The active layer not only must have a strong light absorption in the visible
spectrum but must also be sufficient for charge carrier transport to the electrodes. Electrons in conducting
polymer transport by hopping between different energy levels resulted in much lower charge
mobility. Therefore, the thickness of the active layer must be limited, so the separated charge can
reach the corresponding electrodes without recombination. However, a thin active layer has weaker
light absorption, resulting in the low photogenerated current in organic solar cell devices. Furthermore,
buffer layers usually have high charge mobility, which in turn would enhance the transportation
of charge from the active layer to electrodes. Metal oxides have been studied to be used as a
cathode buffer layer, such as titanium dioxide (TiO2), zinc oxide (ZnO), etc.

Objective:

In this work, behaviors of the photon-electrical characteristics with variation in thickness
of the active (poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) and phenyl-C61 butyric acid methyl ester blend) and
buffer (zinc oxide) layers were investigated.

Methods:

The influences of the thickness of the active and buffer layers on characteristic parameters
of organic solar cells were investigated by solving the drift and diffusion equation with the photogenerated
current given by the Hetch equation.

Results:

The optimum thickness was obtained around 100 nm and below 10 nm for the active and the
ZnO buffer layers, respectively.

Conclusion:

Thinner active layer resulted in lower photocurrent due to poor light absorption while at
150 nm thick and above, PCE of the device reduced rapidly because of the high recombination rate
of photogenerated electron-hole pairs. ZnO buffer layer was used as an electron transport layer and a
hole blocking layer in order to improve the cell’s performance. The addition of ZnO enhanced the
PCE up to 2.48 times higher than the conventional device.
Chronic Tobacco Exposure by Smoking Develops Insulin Resistance
Authors: Mukharjee Suchismita , Bank Sarbashri , Maiti Smarajit
Published: February 2020

Background and Objectives:

The present review critically discusses the high occurrence
rate, insulin resistance and type-2 diabetes in tobacco exposed individuals. Tobacco extracts and smoke
contain a large number of toxic materials and a significant number of those are metabolic disintegrators.

Discussion:

Glucose and lipid homeostasis is severely impaired by this compound. Tobacco exposure
contributes to adverse effects by impairing the physical, biochemical and molecular mechanisms in the
tissues. The immunological components are damaged by tobacco with high production of proinflammatory
cytokines (IL-6, TNF-∞) and augmentation of inflammatory responses. These events
result in damages to cytoskeletal structures of different tissues. Degradation of matrix structure (by
activation of different types of MMPs) results in the permanent damages to the tissues and their metabolic
functions. Cellular antioxidant defense system mostly cannot or hardly nullify CS-induced ROS
production that activates polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs), which are a major source of cytokines
and chemokines (TNFα, IL6, IL8, INFγ). Additive effects of these immediately promote the low
energy-metabolism as well as inflammation. Oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation
contribute to the direct nicotine toxicity via nAChRs in diabetes. The investigator identified
that skeletal muscle insulin-resistance occurs in smokers due to phosphorylation of insulin receptor
substrate1 (IRS1) at Ser-636 position.

Conclusion:

Tobacco exposure initiates free radical related immunological impairment, DNA damage,
and inflammation. So, the present analysis is of importance to figure out the mechanistic layout of
tobacco-induced tissue damage and its possible therapeutic interventions.
Risk Behaviors for Eating Disorders Among Brazilian Female Adolescents
Authors: Cavalcanti Alessandro Leite , Andrade Natália Medeiros , Brandt Lorenna Mendes Temóteo , Freitas Fernandes Liege Helena , Toscano Raissa Lima , Auad Sheyla Márcia , Buldur Burak , Cavalcanti Alidianne Fábia Cabral
Published: February 2020

Background:

Eating disorders are complex conditions that cause serious emotional and physical problems.

Aim:

The aim of the study was to evaluate the behavioral risk for eating disorders in Brazilian female adolescents and their association with dental caries and erosion.

Materials and Methods:

This cross-sectional study included 200 students from public and private schools aged 15-18 years divided into two groups according to behavioral risk:Group 1 -adolescents without risk andGroup 2 -adolescents at risk / disorder situation. Sociodemographic information (age and type of school), use of dental services, eating habits, and Body Mass Index (BMI) was obtained. The Bulimic Investigatory Test of Edinburgh (BITE) was used to identify behavioral risk. Caries experience was assessed using the DMFT index, while dental erosion was evaluated using the O'Sullivan index. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, with a significance level of 5%.

Results:

The highest overweight and obesity percentages were verified among adolescents at risk / disorder, respectively, 33% and 16%. There was a statistically significant association between behavioral risk and variables standard dietary pattern (p<0.001), strict diet (p<0.001), fasting for 24 hours (p<0.001), self-induced vomiting (p<0.001), and BMI (p<0.001). There was also a statistically significant difference between behavioral risk and the presence of dental caries (p<0.05) and erosion (p<0.001).

Conclusion:

Behavioral risk for eating disorders in female adolescents was associated with standard dietary patterns, strict diet and, self-induced vomiting. Adolescents at risk / eating disorders for bulimia were related to dental caries and erosion.
Bullous Cutaneous Larva Migrans And Generalized Cutaneous Larva Migrans: A Rare Clinical Manifestation
Authors: Gunawan Hendra , Kusmayadi Icha Rachmawati , Isneny Syawalika Ulya
Published: February 2020

Background:

The skin lesions of Cutaneous Larva Migrans (CLM) commonly manifests as single, linear, irregular, serpiginous raised erythematous track, but the other clinical variants exist. This case series aimed to report one case of a vesiculobullous lesion in CLM and one case of CLM with generalized distribution serpiginous erythematous skin lesion.

Objectives:

We report one case of a vesiculobullous lesion in CLM and one case of CLM with generalized distribution serpiginous erythematous skin lesion.

Conclusion:

There were CLM with vesiculobullous lesions and also with generalized distribution of skin lesion. The pathogenesis of this condition is still unknown. In both cases, albendazole 400 mg per day for 3 and 5 days gave an effective result.