bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impacted teeth “kissing molars": systematic review
Authors: Silva William Phillip Pereira da , Lemos Cleidiel Aparecido Araújo , Samara Mesk , Rios Barbara Ribeiro , Faverani Leonardo Perez , Pellizzer Eduardo Piza
Published: September 2020

Background: The purpose of this systematic review was to gather more information on impacted teeth called "kissing molars", and their treatment, allowing the oral surgeon to guide the clinical resolution. Methods: An electronic survey was conducted in five databases and manual search, in accordance with the Guidelines for Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA). The inclusion criteria were studies in which at least one patient was diagnosed with "kissing molars"; published in English, since 2000. Results: Fifteen studies were included for the analysis, totaling 37 patients evaluated, being 21% (8) bilateral cases, 54% (20) unilateral cases and 24% (9) cases were not specified. In 40% (15) patients presented some symptoms that led to the diagnosis. The treatment performed in most cases was dental extraction 89% (33 patients) with post-operative complications in 8% of the cases. Conclusion: The findings of this systematic review suggest a complement in the classification and standardization of this clinical condition, to help in the planning and treatment.
Eficiência do uso de substratos alternativos na produção de mudas de mamoeiro
Authors: Cordeiro Kleber Veras , Pereira Ramón Yuri Ferreira , Cardoso João Pedro Santos , Sousa Marcos de Oliveira , Pontes Samuel Ferreira , Oliveira Paula Sara Teixeira de , Marques Gilberto Mota , Costa Selma Maria Dias de Moraes , Oliveira Milena Maria Tomaz de , Silva-Matos Raissa Rachel Salustriano da
Published: September 2020

Na formação de mudas de mamoeiro (Carica papaya L.) a combinação do substrato ideal para obter mudas de qualidade é fundamental. Com isso, avaliou-se a influência do caule decomposto de babaçu (CDB), palha de arroz carbonizada (PAC) e solo (S) na formação de mudas de mamoeiro. Um experimento foi conduzido em casa de vegetação em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com 12 tratamentos (substratos) e 4 repetições,  sendo: T1 - 0% PAC + 60% CDB + 40% S; T2 - 10% PAC + 50% CDB + 40% S; T3 - 20% PAC + 40% CDB + 40% S; T4 - 30% PAC + 30% CDB + 40% S; T5 - 40% PAC + 20% CDB + 40% S; T6 - 50% PAC + 10% CDB + 40% S; T7 - 0% PAC + 100% CDB; T8 - 20% PAC + 80% CDB; T9 - 40% PAC + 60% CDB; T10 - 60% PAC + 40% CDB; T11 - 80% PAC + 20% CDB e T12 - 100% PAC. Os resultados foram submetidos a análise de variância pelo teste “F” e as médias comparadas pelo Teste de Duncan. Com exceção do índice de velocidade de emergência, os resultados diferiram estatisticamente para as variais area foliar, altura da planta, diametro do caule, comprimento radicular, volume radicular, massa fresca da parte aerea e sistema radicular, massa seca da parte aerea e sistema radicular e indice de qualidade de Dickson, obtendo maior eficiência com o substrato T5 seguido pelo T6. Os resultados indicaram a viabilidade de uso da palha de arroz carbonizada e caule decomposto de babaçu na formação de mudas de mamoeiro.
Angina de Ludwig associada a complicações mediastinais: Relato de caso
Authors: Barbosa Lívia Mirelle , Negreiros Jhony Herick Cavalcanti Nunes , Neves Lucas Emmanuell de Morais , Pinto Priscilla Sarmento , Oliveira Lívia Maria Lopes de , Silva Michele Lins de Arruda Costa , Monteiro João Luiz Gomes Carneiro , Viana Ruan de Souza , Diniz Demóstenes Alves , Laureano Filho José Rodrigues
Published: September 2020

A angina de Ludwig, considerada uma emergência médica, é uma infecção que atinge os espaços submandibular, sublingual e submentoniano, apresentando curso de evolução rápida e potencialmente fatal. O objetivo deste relato é descrever o tratamento de um caso de angina de Ludwing, decorrente de infecção dentária, associada a complicações cérvico-faciais e mediastinais. A paciente do sexo feminino apresentava história de aumento de volume na região da região submandibular bilateral e submentoniana, queixas de disfagia e dispneia, além de trismo. O paciente foi tratado inicialmente com drenagem e extração do elemento causador da infecção, 72 horas após a operação, porém a paciente voltou a apresentar dispneia. Para o tratamento dessa complicação, realizou-se cervicotomia associada à antibioticoterapia de amplo espectro. A abordagem terapêutica contendo manutenção das vias aéreas, cervicotomia, antibioticoterapia, bem como a retirada do fator etiológico foi eficaz no manejo deste caso de complicação de angina de Ludwing.
In silico screening of brazilian semiarid compounds to identify potential drugs with glucocorticoid receptor interaction
Authors: Côrtes Filho Aldo Barbosa , Lima Danyo Maia , Cedro Pâmala Évelin Pires , Mendes Tátilla Putumujú Santana , Miranda Alana Caise dos Anjos , Barreto Maíra Mercês , Lima Evely Rocha , Nascimento Junior Baraquizio Braga do , Valasques Junior Gildomar Lima
Published: September 2020

The glucocorticoid receptor regulates the anti-inflammatory response, and prevents transcription of anti-inflammatory substances such as nuclear factor kB and lipocortin-1, IL-2, IL-6, TNF and prostaglandins. Thus, a search for new molecules with potential interaction with the glucocorticoid receptor is an interesting strategy for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. Virtual screening has proven to be a viable tool for discovering new products at lower cost and practicality. Thus, the aim of this study is to identify and evaluate brazilian semiarid compounds with anti-inflammatory potential with glucocorticoid receptor action through molecular coupling. Protein selection was performed by searching the 3D structure database, Protein Data Bank. A total of 382 semi-arid molecules available in the ZINC database of State University of Feira de Santana (UEFS) were used. Molecular docking was performed using Autodock Vina and as interaction clouds analyzed by the Discovery Studio Visualizer program. Mometasone furoate shows a binding energy of -12.7 Kcal.mol-1. A ZINC 69481862 molecule fits Lipinski and Veber rules, however, the best interaction was the ZINC 69482012 molecule, evidenced by the binding energy -11.2 Kcal.mol-1. Analyses of intermolecular interactions have shown that Van der Waals interactions and electrostatic bonds are crucial for the binding of the molecule at the receptor's active site. It is necessary to test in vitro to verify the viability and toxicity of the potential drug.
Reflexões sobre capacitação de gestores escolares: uma análise nas escolas estaduais de Teófilo Otoni/MG
Authors: Santos Priscila Barbosa dos Santos , Pereira Simão Pereira da Silva , Capobiango Ronan Pereira Capobiango
Published: September 2020

A Educação pública é uma das principais competências na administração do Estado, e por isso, grande é a responsabilidade atribuída à gestão escolar, na qual a capacitação é considerada por estudiosos da área como condição fundamental à implementação e condução das políticas educacionais. Diante disso, este estudo objetivou analisar a capacitação recebida pelos gestores das escolas estaduais que oferecem a educação básica localizadas em Teófilo Otoni/MG. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, de natureza qualitativa, desenvolvido por meio de pesquisa bibliográfica, documental e de campo. Os dados coletados foram tratados utilizando-se a análise de conteúdo. Observou-se que a formação acadêmica inicial dos diretores entrevistados pouco contribui para a atuação deles enquanto gestores, e a capacitação empírica foi eleita como o suporte ao exercício da gestão. Entretanto, ainda que somadas, as duas não são suficientes para prepará-los aos desafios diários da gestão escolar. Cinco dos sete gestores entrevistados participaram do Programa de Capacitação à Distância de Gestores Escolares (Progestão) que se revelou desatualizado e pouco proveitoso nas demandas gerenciais das escolas. Ademais, não houve participação dos gestores em nenhum outro programa institucional de capacitação, o que impõe a tomada de decisões às experiências vividas no cotidiano escolar.
O papel da alimentação no tratamento do transtorno de ansiedade e depressão
Authors: Rocha Ana Carolina Borges da , Myva Lívia Mithye Mendes , Almeida Simone Gonçalves de
Published: September 2020

A ansiedade e a depressão são doenças mentais cada vez mais prevalentes no mundo que reduzem a qualidade de vida dos pacientes. Embora a medicação seja considerada a primeira linha de intervenção, muitos indivíduos não têm uma boa adesão ao tratamento. O acompanhamento nutricional e a fitoterapia surgem como recurso terapêutico na melhora dos sintomas e na promoção da saúde dessas patologias. Este estudo teve como objetivo compreender por meio de uma revisão da literatura o papel da alimentação e da fitoterapia no tratamento dos transtornos de ansiedade e depressão em população adulta e idosa. Para a pesquisa bibliográfica foi utilizada a base de dados PubMed, SciELO, ClinicalKey e CAPES com a seleção de artigos publicados em periódicos nacionais e internacionais, no período de 2010 a 2020. Verificou-se que a qualidade da dieta afeta o estado clínico geral do paciente e contribui de uma forma impactante na melhoria da saúde das patologias estudadas. Foi ressaltada a relevância de suplementar micronutrientes como, zinco, magnésio, vitaminas A, C, D, E e complexo B, bem como incluir fontes alimentares que contenham triptofano e ômega 3 para uma resposta benéfica no perfil da ansiedade e depressão. Assim, o cuidado nutricional é indicado, uma vez que as evidências apontam uma relação direta entre uma boa nutrição e a saúde mental.
Psicanálise veterinária: Caso da personagem Ginger do livro Beleza Negra (Sewell, 1877)
Authors: Pisa João Paulo Novelletto , Leme Denise Pereira
Published: September 2020

Zooliteratura é um termo que se refere aos textos que abrangem de diferentes formas os animais presentes em obras literárias. Psicanálise é um método utilizado para tratar problemas de saúde mental das pessoas, tendo como referência as falas dos pacientes. Animais também podem ter desequilíbrios na sua saúde mental. O objetivo deste artigo é utilizar uma personagem da espécie equina da literatura de ficção para estabelecer uma base da psicanálise veterinária, além de conhecer mais sobre a psique animal. A personagem Ginger da obra Beleza Negra de Anne Sewell, em sua versão original, por contar sua própria história em uma conversa com o protagonista. Ela sofreu muito em sua infância, primeiramente com a separação de sua mãe, depois com violências físicas e psicológicas de seres humanos. A partir da análise da personagem, foi pensado na histeria traumática como diagnóstico. Semelhante ao que seria em um equino real. Este conhecimento implica em questões éticas. A psicanálise animal seria limitada, por não ter a fala dos animais, embora, através de suas expressões e vocalizações, aliado com o histórico, poderia se conhecer mais sobre o seu íntimo e a reposta do problema, sendo o tratamento medicamentoso ou com manejo. Também, conhecer mais da psicanálise serve para entender melhor a relação humano-animal-ambiente. Por fim, a zooliteratura pode ser uma forma de refletir sobre estas questões.
Current Directions and Future Research Priorities of Customer Data Analysis
Authors: Mohammed Mohammed M , Mohamed Nagi A. , Adam Ali A. , Ahmed Shazali S. , Saeed Fakhreldeen A.
Published: September 2020

Customer analysis is receiving special attention from both researchers and professionals. The objective of this paper is to identify the trends of techniques used to address customer’s current problems and shed light on future research directions using a literature review. We reviewed the literature for the last five years. The findings revealed that customer purchase was the most popular technique used by the research community followed by customer satisfaction and visit wit. Whereas customer segmentation and customer churn were the least. However, the regression method was commonly used for predicting customer purchase and behavior. But, social media and big data are still in their early stages for customer analytics research.
Extractivismo agrícola, frontera y fuerza de trabajo migrante: La expansión del monocultivo de piña en Costa Rica
Authors: Rodríguez Echavarría Tania , Prunier Delphine
Published: September 2020

Since the 1980s, Costa Rica has been promoting intensive pineapple cultivation mainly in the northern border area with Nicaragua. This article seeks to study the relationship that exists between agricultural extractivism as a development model, global agrifood chains and border regions as “spaces of opportunity” due to their peripheral situation, the presence of natural resources, flexible and cheap labor force originating in this case from Nicaragua. We will demonstrate how this type of productive activity generates territories of border dispossession in which the relations of spatially anchored domination are materialized, such as the accumulation of land, bad working conditions, the exploitation of irregular migrant labor and environmental pollution.
A Survey on Shortest Unique Substring Queries
Authors: Abedin Paniz , Külekci M. , Thankachan Shama
Published: September 2020

The shortest unique substring (SUS) problem is an active line of research in the field of string algorithms and has several applications in bioinformatics and information retrieval. The initial version of the problem was proposed by Pei et al. [ICDE’13]. Over the years, many variants and extensions have been pursued, which include positional-SUS, interval-SUS, approximate-SUS, palindromic-SUS, range-SUS, etc. In this article, we highlight some of the key results and summarize the recent developments in this area.
The Critical Role of Zinc in Plants Facing the Drought Stress
Authors: Umair Hassan Muhammad , Aamer Muhammad , Umer Chattha Muhammad , Haiying Tang , Shahzad Babar , Barbanti Lorenzo , Nawaz Muhammad , Rasheed Adnan , Afzal Aniqa , Liu Ying , Guoqin Huang
Published: September 2020

Drought stress affects plant growth and development by altering physiological and biochemical processes resulting in reduced crop productivity. Zinc (Zn) is an essential micronutrient that plays fundamental roles in crop resistance against the drought stress by regulating various physiological and molecular mechanisms. Under drought stress, Zn application improves seed germination, plant water relations, cell membrane stability, osmolyte accumulation, stomatal regulation, water use efficiency and photosynthesis, thus resulting in significantly better plant performance. Moreover, Zn interacts with plant hormones, increases the expression of stress proteins and stimulates the antioxidant enzymes for counteracting drought effects. To better appraise the potential benefits arising from optimum Zn nutrition, in the present review we discuss the role of Zn in plants under drought stress. Our aim is to provide a complete, updated picture in order to orientate future research directions on this topic.
Comparison of Selected Costs in Greenhouse Cucumber Production with LED and HPS Supplemental Assimilation Lighting
Authors: Kowalczyk Katarzyna , Olewnicki Dawid , Mirgos Małgorzata , Gajc-Wolska Janina
Published: September 2020

The amount of energy used in agricultural production, processing and distribution is constantly increasing. During the winter months in the greenhouse production industry, the supplemental lighting required to keep up production levels results in high expenditure. Current technology uses broadband high-pressure sodium (HPS) lamps, which is not the most efficient light source for crop production. Recent breakthroughs in the development of light source technologies have led to new opportunities for the use of sustainable and highly efficient light sources in the form of LEDs (light-emitting diodes) for greenhouse lighting. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficiency of using photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) light for cucumber yielding, production processes and its influence on the variable costs in the cultivation of cucumbers using three different types of lighting. The research was carried out using three individual greenhouse growing area compartments, whereby the plants contained within were lit using three combinations: 1. HPS standard illumination from top HPS sodium lamps—control, 2. HPS-LED—HPS toplighting and LED interlighting, and 3. LED-LED—100% LED lighting, both toplighting and interlighting with LED. The research was conducted in two independent winter crop cycles. The results of the research conducted indicate that the efficiency of light use was the highest in the LED-LED combination and the lowest in HPS, and the use of supplemental lamp lighting in the LED-LED combination (interlighting and toplighting) gives the most favorable surplus of all the variable costs over the value of production to be obtained. Despite the highest absolute level of variable costs in this type of supplemental lighting, the production value was higher by as much as 32.55% in relation to the HPS combination, which also translated into a gross margin that was higher by about ¾. However, it is worth pointing out that, in the HPS-LED combination, the share of lighting and heating costs in the total value of production was the lowest. It is also a combination currently recommended in the literature as being the most beneficial in greenhouse production.
Preventing and Managing Urinary Tract Infections: Enhancing the Role of Community Pharmacists—A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Peiffer-Smadja Nathan , Allison Rosalie , Jones Leah F. , Holmes Alison , Patel Parvesh , Lecky Donna M. , Ahmad Raheelah , McNulty Cliodna A. M.
Published: September 2020

Background: Community pharmacists are involved in antimicrobial stewardship through self-care advice and delivering medications for uncomplicated infections. Objectives: This mixed methods study aimed to identify opportunities to enhance the role of community pharmacists in the management of service users with suspected or confirmed urinary tract infection (UTI). Methods: Data collection was through a service user survey (n = 51) and pharmacist surveys and semi-structured interviews before (16 interviews, 22 questionnaires) and after (15 interviews, 16 questionnaires) trialing UTI leaflets designed to be shared with service users. Data were analysed inductively using thematic analysis and descriptive tabulation of quantitative data. Results: Twenty-five percent (n = 13/51) of service users with urinary symptoms sought help from a pharmacist first and 65% (n = 33/51) were comfortable discussing their urinary symptoms with a pharmacist in a private space. Community pharmacists were confident as the first professional contact for service users with uncomplicated UTI (n = 13/16, 81%), but indicated the lack of a specific patient referral pathway (n = 16/16, 100%), the need for additional funding and staff (n = 10/16, 62%), and the importance of developing prescription options for pharmacists (5/16, 31%). All community pharmacists reported playing a daily role in controlling antimicrobial resistance by educating service users about viral and bacterial infections and promoting a healthy lifestyle. Enhancing their role will need greater integrated working with general practices and more prescribers based in community pharmacy. Conclusion: This study suggests that community pharmacists could play a greater role in the management of uncomplicated UTI. The current reconfiguration of primary care in England with primary care networks and integrated care systems could provide a real opportunity for this collaborative working with potential learning for international initiatives.
Beneficial Regulatory Effects of Polymethoxyflavone—Rich Fraction from Ougan (Citrus reticulata cv. Suavissima) Fruit on Gut Microbiota and Identification of Its Intestinal Metabolites in Mice
Authors: Chen Jiebiao , Wang Yue , Zhu Tailin , Yang Sijia , Cao Jinping , Li Xian , Wang Li-Shu , Sun Chongde
Published: September 2020

Polymethoxyflavones (PMFs) are special flavonoids in citrus fruits that have been suggested to be beneficial to human health. However, whether PMFs in citrus fruit alter human gut microbiota is not well understood. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of PMF-rich fraction from Ougan (Citrus reticulata cv. Suavissima) on gut microbiota and evaluate the intestinal metabolic profile of PMFs in Institute of Cancer Research mice. The main components of the PMF-rich fraction were nobiletin, tangeretin, and 5-demethylnobiletin. The composition of the gut microbiota was analyzed using 16S ribosomal DNA sequencing. The results showed that after oral administration, the composition of mice gut microbiota was significantly altered. The relative abundance of two probiotics, Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, were found to increase significantly. A total of 21 metabolites of PMFs were detected in mice intestinal content by high performance liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry, and they were generated through demethylation, demethoxylation, hydroxylation, and glucuronidation. Our results provided evidence that PMFs have potential beneficial regulatory effects on gut microbiota that in turn metabolize PMFs, which warrants further investigation in human clinical trials.
Cardamonin Inhibits Oxazolone-Induced Atopic Dermatitis by the Induction of NRF2 and the Inhibition of Th2 Cytokine Production
Authors: Yoo Ok-Kyung , Choi Won Jun , Keum Young-Sam
Published: September 2020

The skin is constantly exposed to various types of chemical stresses that challenge the immune cells, leading to the activation of T cell-mediated hypersensitivity reactions including atopic dermatitis. Previous studies have demonstrated that a variety of natural compounds are effective against development of atopic dermatitis by modulating immune responses. Cardamonin is a natural compound abundantly found in cardamom spices and many other medicinal plant species. In the present study, we attempted to examine whether cardamonin could inhibit oxazolone-induced atopic dermatitis in vivo. Our results show that topical application of cardamonin onto the ear of mice suppressed oxazolone-induced inflammation in the ear and hyperplasia in the spleen. Cardamonin also inhibited oxazolone-induced destruction of connective tissues and subsequent infiltration of mast cells into the skin. In addition, we found that the production of Th2 cytokines is negatively regulated by NRF2, and the induction of NRF2 by cardamonin contributed to suppressing oxazolone-induced Th2 cytokine production and oxidative damages in vivo. Together, our results demonstrate that cardamonin is a promising natural compound, which might be effective for treatment of atopic dermatitis.
Gesture Recognition Based on 3D Human Pose Estimation and Body Part Segmentation for RGB Data Input
Authors: Nguyen Ngoc-Hoang , Phan Tran-Dac-Thinh , Lee Guee-Sang , Kim Soo-Hyung , Yang Hyung-Jeong
Published: September 2020

This paper presents a novel approach for dynamic gesture recognition using multi-features extracted from RGB data input. Most of the challenges in gesture recognition revolve around the axis of the presence of multiple actors in the scene, occlusions, and viewpoint variations. In this paper, we develop a gesture recognition approach by hybrid deep learning where RGB frames, 3D skeleton joint information, and body part segmentation are used to overcome such problems. Extracted from the RGB images are the multimodal input observations, which are combined by multi-modal stream networks suited to different input modalities: residual 3D convolutional neural networks based on ResNet architecture (3DCNN_ResNet) for RGB images and color body part segmentation modalities; long short-term memory network (LSTM) for 3D skeleton joint modality. We evaluated the proposed model on four public datasets: UTD multimodal human action dataset, gaming 3D dataset, NTU RGB+D dataset, and MSRDailyActivity3D dataset and the experimental results on these datasets proves the effectiveness of our approach.
GIS Spatial Optimization for Corridor Alignment Using Simulated Annealing
Authors: Cruz-Chávez Marco Antonio , Moreno-Bernal Pedro , Rivera-López Rafael , Ávila-Melgar Erika Yesenia , Martínez-Bahena Beatriz , Cruz-Rosales Martín H.
Published: September 2020

Planning corridors for new facilities such as pipeline or transmission lines through geographical spaces is a topographical constraint optimization problem. The corridor planning problem requires finding an optimal route or a set of alternative paths between two locations. This article presents a simulated-annealing-based (SA) approach applying a variable neighborhood strategy in a continuous space to generate competitive and different alternative paths to solve the corridor planning problem. The variable neighborhood method randomly selects two points from a variable interval of the current solution generated by SA creating pseudo-random paths inside a corridor and finding spatially different alternatives. The proposed approach is evaluated with three practical problems using real topographic data from the Veracruz Basin in Mexico. The experimental results show that this approach obtains efficient and competitive solutions with improvements above 18% over those gotten by the compared method.
Ultra-Strong Knits for Personal Protective Equipment
Authors: Mikucioniene Daiva , Halavska Liudmyla , Bobrova Svitlana , Ielina Tetiana , Milasius Rimvydas
Published: September 2020

This work focused on the development of ultra-strong knitted fabrics for personal protective equipment used for protection against mechanical damages. Such knits have to have enhanced mechanical strength properties, which strongly depend on knitting pattern and structural characteristics. Six variants of weft knitted structures were developed and knitted from ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene and additional elastomeric component. The elastomeric component was used to increase the elasticity and toughness of knits; however, it had a high influence on mechanical properties, as well. The performed mechanical tests allowed us to identify dependence of mechanical properties, such as breaking force and elongation at break and resistance to abrasion, tearing, cutting and puncture, on architecture and structural parameters of the knits. Obtained results demonstrate that elastomeric component has high influence on mechanical properties knits and can change the principal mechanical behaviour of knits.
Assessment of Real-Time Operative Torque during Nickel–Titanium Instrumentation with Different Lubricants
Authors: Mazzoni Alessandro , Pacifici Andrea , Zanza Alessio , Giudice Andrea Del , Reda Rodolfo , Testarelli Luca , Gambarini Gianluca , Pacifici Luciano
Published: September 2020

The aim of the present study is twofold: to assess ex vivo the role of different lubricants on real-time torque generated during intracanal instrumentation and to check whether two different kinds of torque parameters, operative torque (OT) and average peak torque (APT), could produce similar results. Forty extracted single-rooted teeth were selected for the present study and divided into four equal groups (n = 10): Group A, NaCl 0.2%; Group B, NaOCl 5%; Group C, ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA), and Group D, EDTA and hydrogen peroxide. Afterwards, Edge Taper F2 (Edge Endo, Albuquerque, New Mexico) were rotated clockwise at 300 rpm with 3 Ncm maximum torque by an endodontic torque recording motor. In each sample, mean OT and mean APT were recorded and statistically analyzed with one-way ANOVA and a post hoc Bonferroni between groups (p < 0.05). EDTA (12.11 ± 4.45 Ncm) showed statistically significant (p < 0.05) lower values compared with the other tested irrigant for both parameters. Overall, the two different parameters were both able to differentiate between the influence of lubricants on torsional loads.
Development of F-N-C-O Taguchi Method for Robust Measurement System Using a Case Study of T-Peel Test on Adhesion Strength
Authors: Dolah Rozzeta , Hassan Mohamad Zaki , Krishnan Santhana , Ramlie Faizir , Din Mohd Fadhil Md , Jamaludin Khairur Rijal
Published: September 2020

A robust measurement system in the Taguchi Method as a testing method should be explained from the beginning of an experimental design until the application of the optimum condition. Measurement has always been described either by discussing the measurement concepts theoretically or demonstrating a case study on how the data measurement is being done practically. The distance between theory and practical case study that connects the test method used for measurement is always missing. In this paper, a case of T-peel test on strength measurement is used to reflect the robust measurement system, which includes the theory of experimental design together with methods to achieve the optimum condition. Seven control factors, two noise factors with one signal factor are used with orthogonal array L18. Not only the experiment results, but methodology on choosing the control, noise, and signal factors are described intensively. Therefore, the aims are to provide the procedure on evaluating optimum conditions, to analyze variability and optimization of T-peel test when measuring the strength, and to establish a mainstream flow to achieve high-quality experimental design for a robust measurement system. As a result, a robust measurement system that includes variation elimination is developed, which consists of four elements—F (function), N (noise), C (Control), and O (Optimization). The elements of the F-N-C-O system are connected to one another by the Plan-Do-Study-Act; P-D-S-A cycle. The results affect the existing measurement system by enlightening the black box of parameter design behind optimization results in Taguchi Method. Thus, the measurement is more convergent and obtain higher degree of confidence in parameter design.
Effects of Wall Properties on Temperature-Control Effectiveness of Heating Section in a Thermosiphon Containing PCM Suspensions
Authors: Ho Ching-Jenq , Lin Shih-Ming , Chen Rong-Horng , Lai Chi-Ming
Published: September 2020

This article considers the problem of natural heat transfer in a rectangular thermosiphon to investigate the effects of wall properties (thickness and thermal conductivity) on the heat-transfer characteristics of phase-change-material (PCM) suspension flow. The following parameter ranges were investigated: dimensionless loop-wall thickness, 0–0.5; wall-to-fluid thermal-conductivity ratio, 0.1–100; modified Rayleigh number, 1010–1011; and volumetric fraction of PCM particles, 0–10%. From numerical simulations via the finite-volume approach, it was found that using a pipe with appropriate wall thickness and thermal conductivity containing PCM suspensions for the heating section of a rectangular thermosiphon can effectively control the maximal temperature.
Deposition Efficacy of Natural and Synthetic Antioxidants on Fabrics
Authors: Giannì Paola , Lange Heiko , Bianchetti Giulia , Joos Conny , Brogden David W. , Crestini Claudia
Published: September 2020

Pine bark extracts were tested as valid natural alternatives to common phenolic antioxidants to be deposited onto solid matrices. An analytical method for determining both deposition-efficacy and maintenance of antioxidant activity on fabrics surfaces was developed and successfully applied to phenolic antioxidants and pine tannins onto cotton fabric samples. Accumulated data suggest that common phenolic antioxidants and tannin contribute to an elevated antioxidant activity on fabric. A known source of odour is autoxidation of residual sebum on fabric, leading to the generation of malodourous compounds. Therefore, antioxidants hold the promise for mitigating malodour on fabrics, a top unmet consumer need around the globe.
Modulation of ENSO Teleconnection on the Relationship between Arctic Oscillation and Wintertime Temperature Variation in South Korea
Authors: Woo Sung-Ho , Choi Jahyun , Jeong Jee-Hoon
Published: September 2020

Despite progressing global warming, extreme cold events in East Asia are still occurring frequently with temperature variability enhanced. To understand this situation, it is necessary to determine external and internal climatic factors and their modulation effects that influence regional temperature variability. We found that the positive correlation between Arctic Oscillation (AO) and surface air temperature (SAT) in South Korea during winter is modulated strongly by tropical influences associated with El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO). In the case of a negative (positive) SAT anomaly in South Korea during the positive (negative) AO phase, a state that is opposite to the typical relationship between AO and SAT, the tropical sea surface temperature shows a typical negative (positive) ENSO-like pattern. The atmospheric teleconnection associated with the negative (positive) ENSO conditions contributes to a deepening (flattening) of the climatological East Asian trough and an enhancing (weakening) of the East Asian jet, which leads to negative (positive) SAT anomalies in South Korea. This modulation effect is robustly observed in the historical simulations of three different models of CMIP5.
Material Characterization and Substrate Suitability Assessment of Chicken Manure for Dry Batch Anaerobic Digestion Processes
Authors: Wedwitschka Harald , Gallegos Ibanez Daniela , Schäfer Franziska , Jenson Earl , Nelles Michael
Published: September 2020

Chicken manure is an agricultural residue material with a high biomass potential. The energetical utilization of this feedstock via anaerobic digestion is an interesting waste treatment option. One waste treatment technology most appropriate for the treatment of stackable (non-free-flowing) dry organic waste materials is the dry batch anaerobic digestion process. The aim of this study was to evaluate the substrate suitability of chicken manure from various sources as feedstock for percolation processes. Chicken manure samples from different housing forms were investigated for their chemical and physical material properties, such as feedstock composition, permeability under compaction and material compressibility. The permeability under compaction of chicken manure ranged from impermeable to sufficiently permeable depending on the type of chicken housing, manure age and bedding material used. Porous materials, such as straw and woodchips, were successfully tested as substrate additives with the ability to enhance material mixture properties to yield superior permeability and allow sufficient percolation. In dry anaerobic batch digestion trials at lab scale, the biogas generation of chicken manure with and without any structure material addition was investigated. Digestion trials were carried out without solid inoculum addition and secondary methanization of volatile components. The specific methane yield of dry chicken manure was measured and found to be 120 to 145 mL/g volatile solids (VS) and 70 to 75 mL/g fresh matter (FM), which represents approximately 70% of the methane potential based on fresh mass of common energy crops, such as corn silage.
General Microbiota of the Soft Tick Ornithodoros turicata Parasitizing the Bolson Tortoise (Gopherus flavomarginatus) in the Mapimi Biosphere Reserve, Mexico
Authors: Barraza-Guerrero Sergio I. , Meza-Herrera César A. , García-De la Peña Cristina , González-Álvarez Vicente H. , Vaca-Paniagua Felipe , Díaz-Velásquez Clara E. , Sánchez-Tortosa Francisco , Ávila-Rodríguez Verónica , Valenzuela-Núñez Luis M. , Herrera-Salazar Juan C.
Published: September 2020

The general bacterial microbiota of the soft tick Ornithodoros turicata found on Bolson tortoises (Gopherus flavomarginatus) were analyzed using next generation sequencing. The main aims of the study were to establish the relative abundance of bacterial taxa in the tick, and to document the presence of potentially pathogenic species for this tortoise, other animals, and humans. The study was carried-out in the Mapimi Biosphere Reserve in the northern-arid part of Mexico. Bolson tortoises (n = 45) were inspected for the presence of soft ticks, from which 11 tortoises (24.4%) had ticks in low loads (1–3 ticks per individual). Tick pools (five adult ticks each) were analyzed through 16S rRNA V3–V4 region amplification in a MiSeq Illumina, using EzBioCloud as a taxonomical reference. The operational taxonomic units (OTUs) revealed 28 phyla, 84 classes, 165 orders, 342 families, 1013 genera, and 1326 species. The high number of taxa registered for O. turicata may be the result of the variety of hosts that this tick parasitizes as they live inside G. flavomarginatus burrows. While the most abundant phyla were Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Firmicutes, the most abundant species were two endosymbionts of ticks (Midichloria-like and Coxiella-like). Two bacteria documented as pathogenic to Gopherus spp. were registered (Mycoplasma spp. and Pasteurella testudinis). The bovine and ovine tick-borne pathogens A. marginale and A. ovis, respectively, were recorded, as well as the zoonotic bacteria A. phagocytophilum,Coxiella burnetii, and Neoehrlichia sp. Tortoises parasitized with O. turicata did not show evident signs of disease, which could indicate a possible ecological role as a reservoir that has yet to be demonstrated. In fact, the defense mechanisms of this tortoise against the microorganisms transmitted by ticks during their feeding process are still unknown. Future studies on soft ticks should expand our knowledge about what components of the microbiota are notable across multiple host–microbe dynamics. Likewise, studies are required to better understand the host competence of this tortoise, considered the largest terrestrial reptile in North America distributed throughout the Chihuahuan Desert since the late Pleistocene.
Tryptophanyl-tRNA Synthetase 1 Signals Activate TREM-1 via TLR2 and TLR4
Authors: Nguyen Tram T. T. , Yoon Hee Kyeong , Kim Yoon Tae , Choi Yun Hui , Lee Won-Kyu , Jin Mirim
Published: September 2020

Tryptophanyl-tRNA synthetase 1 (WARS1) is an endogenous ligand of mammalian Toll-like receptors (TLR) 2 and TLR4. Microarray data, using mRNA from WARS1-treated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), had indicated WARS1 to mainly activate innate inflammatory responses. However, exact molecular mechanism remains to be understood. The triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells (TREM)-1 is an amplifier of pro-inflammatory processes. We found WARS1 to significantly activate TREM-1 at both mRNA and protein levels, along with its cell surface expression and secretion in macrophages. WARS1 stimulated TREM-1 production via TLR2 and TLR4, mediated by both MyD88 and TRIF, since targeted deletion of TLR4, TLR2, MyD88, and TRIF mostly abrogated TREM-1 activation. Furthermore, WARS1 promoted TREM-1 downstream phosphorylation of DAP12, Syk, and AKT. Knockdown of TREM-1 and inhibition of Syk kinase significantly suppressed the activation of inflammatory signaling loop from MyD88 and TRIF, leading to p38 MAPK, ERK, and NF-κB inactivation. Finally, MyD88, TRIF, and TREM-1 signaling pathways were shown to be cooperatively involved in WARS1-triggered massive production of IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-β, MIP-1α, MCP-1, and CXCL2, where activation of Syk kinase was crucial. Taken together, our data provided a new insight into WARS1′s strategy to amplify innate inflammatory responses via TREM-1.
Identification and Characterization of a Novel Thermostable and Salt-Tolerant β-1,3 Xylanase from Flammeovirga pacifica Strain WPAGA1
Authors: Yi Zhiwei , Cai Zhengwen , Zeng Bo , Zeng Runying , Zhang Guangya
Published: September 2020

β-1,3 xylanase is an important enzyme in the biorefinery process for some algae. The discovery and characterization of new β-1,3 xylanase is a hot research topic. In this paper, a novel β-1,3 xylanase (Xyl88) is revealed from the annotated genome of Flammeovirga pacifica strain WPAGA1. Bioinformatic analysis shows that Xyl88 belongs to the glycoside hydrolase 26 (GH26) with a suspected CBM (carbohydrate-binding module) sequence. The activity of rXyl88 is 75% of the highest enzyme activity (1.5 mol/L NaCl) in 3 mol/L NaCl buffer, which suggests good salt tolerance of rXy188. The optimum reaction temperature in the buffer without NaCl and with 1.5 mol/L NaCl is 45 °C and 55 °C, respectively. Notably, the catalytic efficiency of rXyl88 (kcat/Km) is approximately 20 higher than that of the thermophilic β-1,3 xylanase that has the highest catalytic efficiency. Xyl88 in this study becomes the most efficient enzyme ever found, and it is also the first reported moderately thermophilic and salt-tolerant β-1,3 xylanase. Results of molecular dynamics simulation further prove the excellent thermal stability of Xyl88. Moreover, according to the predicted 3D structure of the Xyl88, the surface of the enzyme is distributed with more negative charges, which is related to its salt tolerance, and significantly more hydrogen bonds and Van der Waals force between the intramolecular residues, which is related to its thermal stability.
Direct Observation of Sophorolipid Micelle Docking in Model Membranes and Cells by Single Particle Studies Reveals Optimal Fusion Conditions
Authors: Singh Pradeep Kumar , Bohr Søren S.-R. , Hatzakis Nikos S.
Published: September 2020

Sophorolipids (SLs) are naturally produced glycolipids that acts as drug delivery for a spectrum of biomedical applications, including as an antibacterial antifungal and anticancer agent, where they induce apoptosis selectively in cancerous cells. Despite their utility, the mechanisms underlying their membrane interactions, and consequently cell entry, remains unknown. Here, we combined a single liposome assay to observe directly and quantify the kinetics of interaction of SL micelles with model membrane systems, and single particle studies on live cells to record their interaction with cell membranes and their cytotoxicity. Our single particle readouts revealed several repetitive docking events on individual liposomes and quantified how pH and membrane charges, which are known to vary in cancer cells, affect the docking of SL micelles on model membranes. Docking of sophorolipids micelles was found to be optimal at pH 6.5 and for membranes with −5% negatively charge lipids. Single particle studies on mammalian cells reveled a two-fold increased interaction on Hela cells as compared to HEK-293 cells. This is in line with our cell viability readouts recording an approximate two-fold increased cytotoxicity by SLs interactions for Hela cells as compared to HEK-293 cells. The combined in vitro and cell assays thus support the increased cytotoxicity of SLs on cancer cells to originate from optimal charge and pH interactions between membranes and SL assemblies. We anticipate studies combining quantitative single particle studies on model membranes and live cell may reveal hitherto unknown molecular insights on the interactions of sophorolipid and additional nanocarriers mechanism.
The Role of Hp-NCL Network in Goal-Directed Routing Information Encoding of Bird: A Review
Authors: Li Mengmeng , Shang Zhigang , Zhao Kun , Cheng Shuguan , Wan Hong
Published: September 2020

Goal-directed navigation is a crucial behavior for the survival of animals, especially for the birds having extraordinary spatial navigation ability. In the studies of the neural mechanism of the goal-directed behavior, especially involving the information encoding mechanism of the route, the hippocampus (Hp) and nidopallium caudalle (NCL) of the avian brain are the famous regions that play important roles. Therefore, they have been widely concerned and a series of studies surrounding them have increased our understandings of the navigation mechanism of birds in recent years. In this paper, we focus on the studies of the information encoding mechanism of the route in the avian goal-directed behavior. We first summarize and introduce the related studies on the role of the Hp and NCL for goal-directed behavior comprehensively. Furthermore, we review the related cooperative interaction studies about the Hp-NCL local network and other relevant brain regions supporting the goal-directed routing information encoding. Finally, we summarize the current situation and prospect the existing important questions in this field. We hope this paper can spark fresh thinking for the following research on routing information encoding mechanism of birds.
Relevant Cytokines in the B Cell Lymphoma Micro-Environment
Authors: Krause Günter , Hassenrück Floyd , Hallek Michael
Published: September 2020

Cytokines are soluble protein factors with importance in intercellular communication and, as such, play pivotal roles in the pathogenesis of B cell malignancies. Evidence from in vitro cultures permitted us to choose example cytokines that bind to different biochemical receptor types. Activated malignant B cells or stromal fibroblasts and macrophages prominently secrete the chemokines CCL3 or CXCL12 and CXCL13, respectively. Apart from helper T cells, various cell types of the B cell lymphoma microenvironment are capable of producing the cytokines IL-4, IL-6, IL-10 and TNFα. Owing to its impact on the development of myeloid cells, CSF-1 is among important soluble factors in the B cell lymphoma microenvironment. Inhibitors of B cell receptor-associated kinases often act via the blockade of cytokine production, but also prevent cytokine effects, e.g., chemotaxis. Increments in blood levels in chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients compared to healthy donors and normalization upon treatment with ibrutinib can be explained by producing cell types and modulation of cytokine production observed in vitro.
Immunomodulatory Drugs in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Treatment
Authors: Piccolomo Antonio , Schifone Claudia Pia , Strafella Vanda , Specchia Giorgina , Musto Pellegrino , Albano Francesco
Published: September 2020

Immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs) are analogs of thalidomide. They have immunomodulatory, antiangiogenic and proapoptotic properties and exert a role in regulating the tumor microenvironment. Recently IMiDs have been investigated for their pleiotropic properties and their therapeutic applications in both solid tumors (melanoma, prostate carcinoma and differentiated thyroid cancer) and hematological malignancies. Nowadays, they are applied in de novo and relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma, in myelodysplastic syndrome, in del5q syndrome with specific use of lenalidomide and B-cell lymphoma. Several studies have been conducted in the last few years to explore IMiDs possible use in acute myeloid leukemia treatment. Here we report the mechanisms of action of IMiDs in acute myeloid leukemia and their potential future therapeutic application in this disease.
Tamoxifen and Endometrial Cancer: A Janus-Headed Drug
Authors: Emons Günter , Mustea Alexander , Tempfer Clemens
Published: September 2020

Tamoxifen is a selective estrogen receptor modulator used for the treatment and prevention of estrogen receptor (ER)—positive breast cancer. However, tamoxifen increases the risk of endometrial cancer (EC) by about 2–7 fold, and more aggressive types of EC with poor prognoses are observed in tamoxifen users. On the other hand, tamoxifen is an efficacious treatment for advanced or recurrent EC with low toxicity. The differential agonistic or antagonistic effects of tamoxifen on ERα are explained by the tissue-specific expression profiles of co-activators and co-repressors of the receptor. The estrogen-agonistic effect of tamoxifen in endometrial cancers can also be explained by the expression of G-protein coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER-1), a membrane-bound estrogen receptor for which tamoxifen and other “antiestrogens” are pure agonists.