bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Different Classes of Amino Acids on Calcium Phosphates Seeded Growth
Authors: Mihelj Josipović Tea , Kovačević Monika , Mateša Sarah , Kostešić Marina , Matijaković Nives , Radatović Borna , Lyons Daniel M. , Kralj Damir , Dutour Sikirić Maja
Published: October 2020

Amino acids (AAs) attract attention for elucidating the role of proteins in biomineralization and the preparation of functionalized biomaterials. The influence that AAs exert on calcium phosphate (CaP) mineralization is still not completely understood, as contradictory results have been reported. In this paper, the influence of the addition of different classes of AAs, charged (L-aspartic acid, Asp; L-lysine, Lys), polar (L-asparagine, Asn; L-serine, Ser; L-tyrosine, Tyr), and non-polar (L-phenylalanine, Phe), on CaP growth in the presence of octacalcium phosphate (OCP) and calcium hydrogenphosphate dihydrate (DCPD) seeds was investigated. In control systems (without AAs), a calcium-deficient apatite (CaDHA) layer was formed on the surface of OCP, while a mixture of CaDHA and OCP in the form of spherical aggregates was formed on the surface of DCPD crystals. Charged and non-polar promoted, while polar AAs inhibited CaDHA formation on the OCP seeds. In the case of DCPD, Lys, Asp, and Phe promoted CaP formation, while the influence of other AAs was negligible. The most efficient promotor of precipitation in both cases was non-polar Phe. No significant influence of AAs on the composition and morphology of precipitates was observed. The obtained results are of interest for understanding biomineralization processes and additive controlled material synthesis.
Microstructural Analysis and Mechanical Properties of TiMo20Zr7Ta15Six Alloys as Biomaterials
Authors: Savin Adriana , Craus Mihail Liviu , Bruma Alina , Novy František , Malo Sylvie , Chlada Milan , Steigmann Rozina , Vizureanu Petrica , Harnois Christelle , Turchenko Vitalii , Prevorovsky Zdenek
Published: October 2020

TiMoZrTaSi alloys appertain to a new generation of metallic biomaterials, labeled high-entropy alloys, that assure both biocompatibility as well as improved mechanical properties required by further medical applications. This paper presents the use of nondestructive evaluation techniques for new type of alloys, TiMo20Zr7Ta15Six, with x = 0; 0.5; 0.75; 1.0, which were obtained by vacuum melting. In Ti alloys, the addition of Mo improves tensile creep strength, Si improves both the creep and oxidation properties, Zr leads to an α crystalline structure, which increases the mechanical strength and assures a good electrochemical behavior, and Ta is a β stabilizer sustaining the formation of solid β-phases and contributes to tensile strength improvement and Young modulus decreasing. The effects of Si content on the mechanical properties of the studied alloys and the effect of the addition of Ta and Zr under the presence of Si on the evolution of crystallographic structure was studied. The influence of composition on fracture behavior and strength was evaluated using X-ray diffraction, resonant ultrasound spectroscopy (RUS) analyses, SEM with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and acoustic emission (AE) within compression tests. The β-type TiMo20Zr7Ta15Six alloys had a good compression strength of over 800 MPa, lower Young modulus (69.11–89.03 GPa) and shear modulus (24.70–31.87 GPa), all offering advantages for use in medical applications.
Pulsed Thermography Inspection of Composite Anticorrosive Coatings: Defect Detection and Analysis of Their Thermal Behavior through Computational Simulation
Authors: Grosso Marcella , Margarit-Mattos Isabel C. P. , R. Pereira Gabriela
Published: October 2020

The use of anticorrosive coatings has been a powerful method to be applied on the surface of metallic materials to mitigate the corrosive process. In this study, the focus is composite coatings that are commonly used on the internal surface of storage tanks in petrochemical industries. The development of non-destructive methods for inspection of faults in this field is desired due to unhealthy access and mainly because undercoating corrosion is difficult to detect by visual inspection. Pulsed thermography (PT) was employed to detect undercoating corrosion and adhesion loss of anticorrosive composite coatings defects. Additionally, a computational simulation model was developed to complement the PT tests. According to the experimental results, PT was able to detect all types of defects evaluated. The results obtained by computational simulation were compared with experimental ones. Good correlation (similarity) was verified, regarding both the defect detection and thermal behavior, validating the developed model. Additionally, by reconstructing the thermal behavior according to the defect parameters evaluated in the study, it was estimated the limit of the remaining thickness of the defect for which it would be possible to obtain its detection using the pulsed modality.
Using Graphene Sulfonate Nanosheets to Improve the Properties of Siliceous Sacrificial Materials: An Experimental and Molecular Dynamics Study
Authors: Chu Hongyan , Wang Zifei , Zhang Yu , Wang Fengjuan , Ju Siyi , Wang Lanxin , Wang Danqian
Published: October 2020

The fabrication of high-performance cement-based materials has benefited greatly from the extensive use of graphene and its derivatives. This paper studies the effects of graphene sulfonate nanosheets (GSNSs) on sacrificial cement paste and mortar (the tested materials) and other siliceous sacrificial materials, especially their ablation behaviors and mechanical properties. Decomposition temperatures and differential scanning calorimetry were used to examine how different contents of GSNSs determines the corresponding decomposition enthalpy of the tested materials and their ablation behaviors. Molecular dynamics was also used to clarify the mechanism how the GSNSs work in the CSH (calcium silicate hydrated)/GSNSs composite to increase the resistance to high temperature. The experimental results show that: (1) the contents of GSNSs at 0.03 wt.%, 0.1 wt.%, and 0.3 wt.% brought an increase of 10.97%, 22.21%, and 17.56%, respectively, in the flexural strength of siliceous sacrificial mortar, and an increase of 1.92%, 9.16%, and 6.70% in its compressive strength; (2) the porosity of siliceous sacrificial mortar was decreased by 5.04%, 9.91%, and 7.13%, respectively, and the threshold pore diameter of siliceous sacrificial mortar was decreased by 13.06%, 35.39%, and 24.02%, when the contents of GSNSs were 0.03 wt.%, 0.1 wt.%, and 0.3 wt.%, respectively; (3) a decline of 11.16%, 28.50%, and 61.01% was found in the ablation velocity of siliceous sacrificial mortar, when the contents of GSNSs were 0.03 wt.%, 0.1 wt.%, and 0.3 wt.%, respectively; (4) when considering the ablation velocities and mechanical properties of siliceous sacrificial materials, 0.1 wt.% GSNSs was considered to be the optimal amount; (5) the GSNSs contribute to the reinforced effect of GSNSs on CSH gel through the grab of dissociated calcium and water molecules, and the chemical reaction with silicate tetrahedron to produce S–O–Si bonds. These results are expected to promoting the development of new kinds of siliceous sacrificial materials that contain GSNSs.
Dental Diagnosis and Treatment Assessments: Between X-rays Radiography and Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Erdelyi Ralph-Alexandru , Duma Virgil-Florin , Sinescu Cosmin , Dobre George Mihai , Bradu Adrian , Podoleanu Adrian
Published: October 2020

A correct diagnosis in dental medicine is typically provided only after clinical and radiological evaluations. They are also required for treatment assessments. The aim of this study is to establish the boundaries from which a modern, although established, imaging technique, Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), is more suitable than the common X-ray radiography to assess dental issues and treatments. The most common methods for daily-basis clinical imaging are utilized in this study for extracted teeth (but also for other dental samples and materials), i.e., panoramic, intraoral radiography, and three-dimensional (3D) cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). The advantages of using OCT as an imaging method in dentistry are discussed, with a focus on its superior image resolution. Drawbacks related to its limited penetration depth and Field-of-View (FOV) are pointed out. High-quality radiological investigations are performed, measurements are done, and data collected. The same teeth and samples are also imaged (mostly) with an in-house developed Swept Source (SS)-OCT system, Master-Slave enhanced. Some of the OCT investigations employed two other in-house developed OCT systems, Spectral Domain (SD) and Time Domain (TD). Dedicated toolbars from Romexis software (Planmeca, Helsinki, Finland) are used to perform measurements using both radiography and OCT. Clinical conclusions are drawn from the investigations. Upsides and downsides of the two medical imaging techniques are concluded for each type of considered diagnosis. For treatment assessments, it is concluded that OCT is more appropriate than radiography in all applications, except bone-related investigations and periodontitis that demand data from higher-penetration depths than possible with the current level of OCT technology.
Modelling the Proton-Conductive Membrane in Practical Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) Simulation: A Review
Authors: Dickinson Edmund J. F. , Smith Graham
Published: October 2020

Theoretical models used to describe the proton-conductive membrane in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are reviewed, within the specific context of practical, physicochemical simulations of PEMFC device-scale performance and macroscopically observable behaviour. Reported models and their parameterisation (especially for Nafion 1100 materials) are compiled into a single source with consistent notation. Detailed attention is given to the Springer–Zawodzinski–Gottesfeld, Weber–Newman, and “binary friction model” methods of coupling proton transport with water uptake and diffusive water transport; alongside, data are compiled for the corresponding parameterisation of proton conductivity, water sorption isotherm, water diffusion coefficient, and electroosmotic drag coefficient. Subsequent sections address the formulation and parameterisation of models incorporating interfacial transport resistances, hydraulic transport of water, swelling and mechanical properties, transient and non-isothermal phenomena, and transport of dilute gases and other contaminants. Lastly, a section is dedicated to the formulation of models predicting the rate of membrane degradation and its influence on PEMFC behaviour.
Lead-Free Bi3.15Nd0.85Ti3O12 Nanoplates Filler-Elastomeric Polymer Composite Films for Flexible Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting
Authors: Qin Wancheng , Zhou Peng , Qi Yajun , Zhang Tianjin
Published: October 2020

Nowadays, wearable and flexible nanogenerators are of great importance for portable personal electronics. A flexible piezoelectric energy harvester (f-PEH) based on Bi3.15Nd0.85Ti3O12 single crystalline nanoplates (BNdT NPs) and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) elastomeric polymer was fabricated, and high piezoelectric energy harvesting performance was achieved. The piezoelectric output performance is highly dependent on the mass ratio of the BNdT NPs in the PDMS matrix. The as-prepared f-PEH with 12.5 wt% BNdT NPs presents the highest output voltage of 10 V, a peak-peak short-circuit current of 1 μA, and a power of 1.92 μW under tapping mode of 6.5 N at 2.7 Hz, which can light up four commercial light emitting diodes without the energy storage process. The f-PEHs can be used to harvest daily life energy and generate a voltage of 2–6 V in harvesting the mechanical energy of mouse clicking or foot stepping. These results demonstrate the potential application of the lead-free BNdT NPs based f-PEHs in powering wearable electronics
Response of Soybean to Hydrochar-Based Rhizobium Inoculation in Loamy Sandy Soil
Authors: Egamberdieva Dilfuza , Ma Hua , Alimov Jakhongir , Reckling Moritz , Wirth Stephan , Bellingrath-Kimura Sonoko Dorothea
Published: October 2020

Hydrochar is rich in nutrients and may provide a favorable habitat or shelter for bacterial proliferation and survival. Therefore, in this study, we investigate the efficiency of a hydrochar-based rhizobial inoculant (Bradyrhizobium japonicum) on the symbiotic performance of soybean under both greenhouse and field conditions. There were positive and significant effects of hydrochar-based inoculation on the root and shoot growth of soybean as compared to uninoculated plants grown under irrigated and drought conditions. The drought stress significantly inhibited the symbiotic performance of rhizobia with soybean. Soybean inoculated with hydrochar-based B. japonicum produced twofold more nodules under drought stress conditions as compared to plants inoculated with a commercial preparation/inoculant carrier B. japonicum (HISTICK). The N concentration of inoculated plants with hydrochar-based B. japonicum was by 31% higher than that of un-inoculated plants grown in pots and by 22% for HISTICK. Furthermore, the soybean treated with hydrochar-based B. japonicum showed higher grain yield of 29% under irrigated conditions and 40% higher under rainfed condition compared to un-inoculated plants. In conclusion, the obtained results proved the potential of hydrochar-based B. japonicum inoculant for soybean in terms of increased symbiotic performance and agronomic traits, especially under rainfed conditions.
Rüdlingerite, Mn2+2V5+As5+O7·2H2O, a New Species Isostructural with Fianelite
Authors: Roth Philippe , Meisser Nicolas , Nestola Fabrizio , Škoda Radek , Cámara Fernando , Bosi Ferdinando , Ciriotti Marco E. , Hålenius Ulf , Schnyder Cédric , Bracco Roberto
Published: October 2020

The new mineral species rüdlingerite, ideally Mn2+2V5+As5+O7·2H2O, occurs in the Fianel mine, in Val Ferrera, Grisons, Switzerland, a small Alpine metamorphic Mn deposit. It is associated with ansermetite and Fe oxyhydroxide in thin fractures in Triassic dolomitic marbles. Rüdlingerite was also found in specimens recovered from the dump of the Valletta mine, Canosio, Cuneo, Piedmont, Italy, where it occurs together with massive braccoite and several other As- and V-rich phases in richly mineralized veins crossing the quartz-hematite ore. The new mineral displays at both localities yellow to orange, flattened elongated prismatic, euhedral crystals measuring up to 300 μm in length. Electron-microprobe analysis of rüdlingerite from Fianel gave (in wt%): MnO 36.84, FeO 0.06, As2O5, 25.32, V2O5 28.05, SiO2 0.13, H2Ocalc 9.51, total 99.91. On the basis of 9 O anions per formula unit, the chemical formula of rüdlingerite is Mn1.97(V5+1.17 As0.83Si0.01)Σ2.01O7·2H2O. The main diffraction lines are [dobs in Å (Iobs) hkl]: 3.048 (100) 022, 5.34 (80) 120, 2.730 (60) 231, 2.206 (60) 16-1, 7.28 (50) 020, 2.344 (50) 250, 6.88 (40) 110, and 2.452 (40) 320. Study of the crystal structure showcases a monoclinic unit cell, space group P21/n, with a = 7.8289(2) Å, b = 14.5673(4) Å, c = 6.7011(2) Å, β = 93.773(2)°, V = 762.58(4) Å3, Z = 4. The crystal structure has been solved and refined to R1 = 0.041 on the basis of 3784 reflections with Fo > 4σ(F). It shows Mn2+ hosted in chains of octahedra that are subparallel to [-101] and bound together by pairs of tetrahedra hosted by V5+ and As5+, building up a framework. Additional linkage is provided by hydrogen-bonding through H2O coordinating Mn2+ at the octahedra. One tetrahedrally coordinated site is dominated by V5+, T(1)(V0.88As0.12), corresponding to an observed site scattering of 24.20 electrons per site (eps), whereas the second site is strongly dominated by As5+,T(2)(As0.74V0.26), with, accordingly, a higher observed site scattering of 30.40 eps. The new mineral has been approved by the IMA-CNMNC and named for Gottfried Rüdlinger (born 1919), a pioneer in the 1960–1980s, in the search and study of the small minerals from the Alpine manganese mineral deposits of Grisons.
Thermal Evolution of Natural Layered Double Hydroxides: Insight from Quintinite, Hydrotalcite, Stichtite, and Iowaite as Reference Samples for CO3- and Cl-Members of the Hydrotalcite Supergroup
Authors: Zhitova Elena S. , Greenwell H. Chris , Krzhizhanovskaya Mariya G. , Apperley David C. , Pekov Igor V. , Yakovenchuk Victor N.
Published: October 2020

In Situ high-temperature powder X-ray diffraction experiments were undertaken for the coarse crystalline natural layered double hydroxides (LDHs) quintinite, hydrotalcite, stichtite, and iowaite in the temperature range 25–1000 °C, with thermal analyses of these minerals and their annealed forms carried out in parallel. In the temperature range from 25 °C to 170–210 °C quintinite, hydrotalcite, and stichtite (carbonate members of the LDH family) demonstrated contraction of the basal d00n-value of 0.1–0.3 Å, followed by a sharp contraction of 1.0–1.1 Å at T > 170–210 °C. The high-temperature modified states were stable up to 380–420 °C, before decomposing to an amorphous phase. Iowaite (chloride member of the family) was stable up to 320 °C and transformed to an amorphous phase at higher temperature. Iowaite experiences continuous contraction of the d00n-value of up to 0.5 Å in the temperature range 25–200 °C, reaching a plateau at a temperature range of 200–320 °C. Assessing the reversibility of thermal transformation shows complete reconstruction of the crystal structure of the hydrotalcite and iowaite heated to 300 °C. Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance analysis shows that some Al changes coordination from 6- to 4-fold, synchronously with quintinite transformation to the amorphous phase. All phases transform to periclase and a spinel-type compound upon further heating. Thermal analysis of samples annealed at 125 °C shows that carbonate members do not have a tendency to form dehydrated phases, whereas for iowaite, a dehydrated phase having 0.9 apfu lesser water content as in the initial sample has been obtained. Thermal evolution of LDHs is found to depend on the nature of the interaction of interlayer species and water molecules to H atoms of the metal-hydroxide layer.
3D Printed Fully Recycled TiO2-Polystyrene Nanocomposite Photocatalysts for Use against Drug Residues
Authors: Sevastaki Maria , Suchea Mirela Petruta , Kenanakis George
Published: October 2020

In the present work, the use of nanocomposite polymeric filaments based on 100% recycled solid polystyrene everyday products, enriched with TiO2 nanoparticles with mass concentrations up to 40% w/w, and the production of 3D photocatalytic structures using a typical fused deposition modeling (FDM)-type 3D printer are reported. We provide evidence that the fabricated 3D structures offer promising photocatalytic properties, indicating that the proposed technique is indeed a novel low-cost alternative route for fabricating large-scale photocatalysts, suitable for practical real-life applications.
Performant Composite Materials Based on Oxide Semiconductors and Metallic Nanoparticles Generated from Cloves and Mandarin Peel Extracts
Authors: Zgura Irina , Enculescu Monica , Istrate Cosmin , Negrea Raluca , Bacalum Mihaela , Nedelcu Liviu , Barbinta-Patrascu Marcela Elisabeta
Published: October 2020

In this work, the metal and semiconducting nanoparticles (AgNPs, ZnONPs and AgZnONPs) were phyto-synthesized using aqueous vegetal extracts from: Caryophyllus aromaticus L. (cloves) and Citrus reticulata L. (mandarin) peels. The morphological, structural, compositional, optical and biological properties (antibacterial activity, and cytotoxicity) of the prepared composites were investigated. The most effective sample proved to be AgZnONPs, derived from cloves, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 0.11 mg/mL and a minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) value of 2.68 mg/mL. All the other three composites inhibited bacterial growth at a concentration between 0.25 mg/mL and 0.37 mg/mL, with a bactericidal concentration between 3 mg/mL and 4 mg/mL. The obtained composites presented biocidal activity against Staphylococcus aureus, and biocompatibility (on human fibroblast BJ cells) and did not damage the human red blood cells. Additionally, an important result is that the presence of silver in composite materials improved the bactericidal action of these nanomaterials against the most common nosocomial pathogen, Staphylococcus aureus.
Predicted Skeletal Muscle Mass and 4-Year Cardiovascular Disease Incidence in Middle-Aged and Elderly Participants of IKARIA Prospective Epidemiological Study: The Mediating Effect of Sex and Cardiometabolic Factors
Authors: Chrysohoou Christina , Kouvari Matina , Lazaros George , Varlas John , Dimitriadis Kyriakos , Zaromytidou Marina , Masoura Constantina , Skoumas John , Kambaxis Manolis , Galiatsatos Nikos , Papanikolaou Aggelos , Xydis Panagiotis , Konstantinou Konstantinos , Pitsavos Christos , Tsioufis Konstantinos , Stefanadis Christodoulos
Published: October 2020

The sex-specific effect of skeletal muscle mass (SMM) index (SMI) on 4-year first fatal/non-fatal cardiovascular disease (CVD) event in free-of-disease individuals was examined. In 2009, n = 1411 inhabitants (mean age = 64(12)) from Ikaria were selected. Follow-up was performed in 2013. SMI was created to reflect SMM through appendicular skeletal muscle mass (indirectly calculated through formulas) divided by body mass index (BMI). Fifteen and six tenths percent of participants exhibited CVD (19.8% in men/12% in women, p = 0.002). Significant U-shape trends were observed in participants >65 years old and women irrespective to age confirmed through multi-adjusted Cox regression analysis; in age >65 years, Hazard Ratio (HR)(2nd vs. 1st SMI tertile) = 0.80, 95% Confidence Interval (95%CI) (0.45, 0.96) and in women HR(2nd vs. 1st SMI tertile) = 0.71, 95% CI (0.33, 0.95), while, as for the 3rd SMI tertile, no significant trends were observed. Mediation analysis revealed that mediators of the aforementioned associations in men were the arterial distensibility and total testosterone, while, in women, inflammation, insulin resistance, and arterial distensibility. High SMM accompanied by obesity may not guarantee lower CVD risk. Specific cardiometabolic factors seem to explain this need for balance between lean and fat mass.
Horticultural Activity Type, Psychological Well-Being, and Fruit and Vegetable Intake
Authors: Zhong Yu-Qiao , Tu Hung-Ming
Published: October 2020

The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of the frequency of participation in horticultural activity types on psychological well-being and fruit and vegetable intake. The study sought to understand the mediating effect of psychological well-being between the frequency of types of horticultural activities and the frequency of fruit and vegetable intake. Convenience sampling was used to collect 400 valid data through a self-administered questionnaire that inquired about the frequency of four horticultural activity types (indoor plant activities, outdoor plant activities, arts/crafts activities, and excursions), the measure of psychological well-being, and the frequency of fruit and vegetable intake. The results showed that a higher frequency of indoor and outdoor plant activity positively affected psychological well-being. Psychological well-being played a partial mediation role between indoor plant activity and vegetable and fruit intake and a full mediation role between outdoor plant activity and vegetable and fruit intake. The plant-related arts/crafts activities and excursions were not associated with psychological well-being or vegetable and fruit intake.
Vitamin D and Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD): An Update
Authors: Barchetta Ilaria , Cimini Flavia Agata , Cavallo Maria Gisella
Published: October 2020

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the first cause of chronic liver disease worldwide; it ranges from simple steatosis to steatohepatitis (NASH) and, potentially, cirrhosis and hepatocarcinoma. NAFLD is also an independent risk factor for type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and mortality. As it is largely associated with insulin resistance and related disorders, NAFLD has been recently re-named as Metabolic dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD). At present, there are no approved pharmacological treatments for this condition. Vitamin D is a molecule with extensive anti-fibrotic, anti-inflammatory, and insulin-sensitizing properties, which have been proven also in hepatic cells and is involved in immune-metabolic pathways within the gut–adipose tissue–liver axis. Epidemiological data support a relationship hypovitaminosis D and the presence of NAFLD and steatohepatitis (NASH); however, results from vitamin D supplementation trials on liver outcomes are controversial. This narrative review provides an overview of the latest evidence on pathophysiological pathways connecting vitamin D to NAFLD, with emphasis on the effects of vitamin D treatment in MAFLD by a nonsystematic literature review of PubMed published clinical trials. This article conforms to the Scale for Assessment of Narrative Review Articles (SANRA) guidelines. Evidence so far available supports the hypothesis of potential benefits of vitamin D supplementation in selected populations of NAFLD patients, as those with shorter disease duration and mild to moderate liver damage.
Arsenic Exposure and Breast Cancer Risk: A Re-Evaluation of the Literature
Authors: Pullella Katherine , Kotsopoulos Joanne
Published: October 2020

Arsenic is a widespread environmental contaminant and recognized carcinogen for the skin, bladder and lungs. In recent years, there has been an increasing number of studies that have investigated the effects of arsenic exposure and cancer risk at other sites, including the breast. However, to date, the association between arsenic exposure and breast cancer risk remains unclear. This article will provide an overview of arsenic metabolism, the clinically important biomarkers commonly used to assess arsenic exposure, and review the epidemiologic studies examining the role of arsenic exposure on breast cancer risk. Given the large burden of disease associated with breast cancer, it is of the upmost importance to identify risk factors and preventative strategies that could reduce cancer incidence. Limiting exposure to endemic environmental toxins, such as arsenic, represents one such strategy. More studies are required to better ascertain this relationship and to develop the public policy necessary to significantly reduce breast cancer incidence.
The Potential Contribution of Caveolin 1 to HIV Latent Infection
Authors: Sahay Bikash , Mergia Ayalew
Published: October 2020

Combinatorial antiretroviral therapy (cART) suppresses HIV replication to undetectable levels and has been effective in prolonging the lives of HIV infected individuals. However, cART is not capable of eradicating HIV from infected individuals mainly due to HIV’s persistence in small reservoirs of latently infected resting cells. Latent infection occurs when the HIV-1 provirus becomes transcriptionally inactive and several mechanisms that contribute to the silencing of HIV transcription have been described. Despite these advances, latent infection remains a major hurdle to cure HIV infected individuals. Therefore, there is a need for more understanding of novel mechanisms that are associated with latent infection to purge HIV from infected individuals thoroughly. Caveolin 1(Cav-1) is a multifaceted functional protein expressed in many cell types. The expression of Cav-1 in lymphocytes has been controversial. Recent evidence, however, convincingly established the expression of Cav-1 in lymphocytes. In lieu of this finding, the current review examines the potential role of Cav-1 in HIV latent infection and provides a perspective that helps uncover new insights to understand HIV latent infection.
Effect on Body Weight and Adipose Tissue by Cariprazine: A Head-to-Head Comparison Study to Olanzapine and Aripiprazole in Rats
Authors: Bába László-István , Gáll Zsolt , Kolcsár Melinda , Pap Zsuzsánna , Varga Zoltán V. , Kovács Béla , Hack Beatrix , Kun Imre-Zoltán
Published: October 2020

Cariprazine (Car) is a recently approved second generation antipsychotic (SGA) with unique pharmacodynamic profile, being a partial agonist at both dopamine D2/3 receptor subtypes, with almost 10 times greater affinity towards D3. SGAs are known to increase body weight, alter serum lipids, and stimulate adipogenesis but so far, limited information about the adverse effects is available with this drug. In order to study this new SGA with such a unique mechanism of action, we compared Car to substances that are considered references and are well characterized: olanzapine (Ola) and aripiprazole (Ari). We studied the effects on body weight and also assessed the adipogenesis in rats. The drugs were self-administered in two different doses to female, adult, Wistar rats for six weeks. Weekly body weight change, vacuole size of adipocytes, Sterol Regulatory Element Binding Protein-1 (SREBP-1) and Uncoupling Protein-1 (UCP-1) expression were measured from the visceral adipose tissue (AT). The adipocyte’s vacuole size, and UCP-1 expression were increased while body weight gain was diminished by Car. by increasing UCP-1 might stimulate the thermogenesis, that could potentially explain the weight gain lowering effect through enhanced lipolysis.
Impact of Zika Virus Infection on Human Neural Stem Cell MicroRNA Signatures
Authors: Tabari Denna , Scholl Catharina , Steffens Michael , Weickhardt Sandra , Elgner Fabian , Bender Daniela , Herrlein Marie-Luise , Sabino Catarina , Semkova Vesselina , Peitz Michael , Till Andreas , Brüstle Oliver , Hildt Eberhard , Stingl Julia
Published: October 2020

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a mosquito-borne virus, which can cause brain abnormalities in newborns, including microcephaly. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs, which post- transcriptionally regulate gene expression. They are involved in various processes including neurological development and host responses to viral infection, but their potential role in ZIKV pathogenesis remains poorly understood. MiRNAs can be incorporated into extracellular vesicles (EVs) and mediate cell-to-cell communication. While it is well known that in viral infections EVs carrying miRNAs can play a crucial role in disease pathogenesis, ZIKV effects on EV-delivered miRNAs and their contribution to ZIKV pathogenesis have not been elucidated. In the present study, we profiled intracellular and EV-derived miRNAs by next generation sequencing and analyzed the host mRNA transcriptome of neural stem cells during infection with ZIKV Uganda and French Polynesia strains. We identified numerous miRNAs, including miR-4792, which were dysregulated at the intracellular level and had altered levels in EVs during ZIKV infection. Integrated analyses of differentially expressed genes and miRNAs showed that ZIKV infection had an impact on processes associated with neurodevelopment and oxidative stress. Our results provide insights into the roles of intracellular and EV-associated host miRNAs in ZIKV pathogenesis.
The Role of EBV-Induced Hypermethylation in Gastric Cancer Tumorigenesis
Authors: Stanland Lyla J. , Luftig Micah A.
Published: October 2020

Epstein–Barr-virus-associated Gastric Cancer (EBVaGC) comprises approximately 10% of global gastric cancers and is known to be the most hypermethylated of all tumor types. EBV infection has been shown to directly induce the hypermethylation of both the host and viral genome following initial infection of gastric epithelial cells. Many studies have been completed in an attempt to identify genes that frequently become hypermethylated and therefore significant pathways that become silenced to promote tumorigenesis. It is clear that EBV-induced hypermethylation silences key tumor suppressor genes, cell cycle genes and cellular differentiation factors to promote a highly proliferative and poorly differentiated cell population. EBV infection has been shown to induce methylation in additional malignancies including Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma and Burkitt’s Lymphoma though not to the same level as in EBVaGC. Lastly, some genes silenced in EBVaGC are common to other heavily methylated tumors such as colorectal and breast tumors; however, some genes are unique to EBVaGC and can provide insights into the major pathways involved in tumorigenesis.
Application of nitrogen-fixing and phosphate-mobilizing bacteria to improve the growth-promoting effect of liquid biohumus
Authors:   Institute of Microbiology of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, Aleschenkova Z.M. , Rybaltovskaya P.V. ,   Institute of Microbiology of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, Ananyeva I.N. ,   Institute of Microbiology of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus
Published: October 2020

The goal of the work was to study the effect of introducing nitrogenfixing and phosphate-mobilizing bacteria into liquid biohumus on its growth-promoting properties. The group of ammonifying microorganisms dominates in the structure of microbocenosis of liquid biohumus, constituting 98.46 %. The introduction of nitrogenfixing bacterial strains B. aryabhattai Cp-1 and phosphate-mobilizing Ps. Fluorescens Pr-2 at 10 % concentration in 1 % liquid biohumus (initial pH 9.5) changes pH to 7.8. Winter wheat seed treatment with liquid biohumus enriched with Ps. Fluorescens Pr-2 increases length and dry weight of seedlings by 40.0 and 80.2%; with B. aryabhattai Ср-1 – by 16.3 and 2.0% compared to the control (1% liquid biohumus). Application of liquid biohumus enriched with pseudomonades and bacilli for the treatment of cress-lettuce seeds provides increase of length and crude weight of seedlings by 25.7 and 20.0; 5.0 and 10.0%, respectively.
Effect of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merill) treatments on the introduction capacity of endophytic bacteria
Authors:   Institute of Microbiology of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, Ananyeva I.N. , Aleschenkova Z.M. ,   Institute of Microbiology of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, Rybaltovskaya P.V. ,   Institute of Microbiology of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, Chindareva M.A. ,   Institute of Microbiology of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus
Published: October 2020

The goal of the work was to obtain antibiotic-resistant forms of endophytic Glycine max L. (Merill) bacteria and to study their introduction potential affected by different seed treatment methods. Rifampicin-resistant variants of endophytic soybean bacteria Rhizobium radiobacter 27c and Pseudomonas fluorescens 11E preserving valuable properties were derived. Soybean seed treatment with Bradyrhizobium japonicum BIM V-501D and endophytic nitrogen-fixing Rh. radiobacter 27c, phosphate-mobilizing Ps. fluorescens 11E bacteria under model conditions promoted accumulation of nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the root, stem and leaves. The number of nodules rose by 70% compared with the mono-inoculated control; plant height increased by 19%.
Primary evaluation of a new strain of phosphate-mobilizing bacteria
Authors:   Research Institute of Agriculture of Crimea, Baranskaya M.I. , Chaikovskaya L.A. ,   Research Institute of Agriculture of Crimea, Klimenko N.N. ,   Research Institute of Agriculture of Crimea
Published: October 2020

An initial assessment of new strains of phosphate-mobilizing bacteria isolated from the rhizosphere of cereals was carried out in the laboratory. According to the results of the quantitative evaluation of the phosphate solubilizing activity of bacteria, we found that 12 strains have the greatest ability to transform Ca3(PO4)2 into a soluble form. The highest Кr value was noted for strain 0613: the coefficient of phosphate solubilizing activity – 10. The maximum content of soluble (212 mg/l P2O5) phosphorus was in the culture liquid of strain 1702.
Bionic substantiation of parameters of asymmetric plane-cutting working bodies of machines for surface tillage
Authors:   Academy of Bioresources and Environmental Management (Academic Unit) of V. I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Sobolevsky I.V.
Published: October 2020

The article reveals a biosystems approach to substantiating the theoretical assumptions of the design parameters of asymmetric plane-cutting working bodies of machines for surface tillage, with the widths of the left and right plane-cutting knives, creating conditions for stable running in the horizontal plane, taking into account the properties of the treated soil, the shape of the cutting edge of the knives and their depth processing. As a result of theoretical studies, the shape of the asymmetric planar cutting tool for surface tillage to a depth of 16 cm, the rational ratio of the working width of the left and right plane cutting knives, ensuring stability along the depth and in the horizontal plane, with the best agrotechnical indicators, is within 2.1– 2.7.
Correlation of the vegetation index (NDVI) and phytometric parameters at different stages of field crops development
Authors:   Institute of the Steppe of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences ‒ a separate unit of the Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution “Orenburg Federal Research Center” of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Gulyanov Yu.A.
Published: October 2020

The main goal of our research was to identify the relationship between the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and the area of assimilation surface (AS) of spring wheat crops during the growing season, as well as to develop practical application of the findings. Throughout the growing season, the area of assimilation surface of T. aestivum increases much faster than the vegetation index NDVI. The smallest AS (282.7 m2/ha), which corresponded to 0.01 units of the NDVI (calculated factor) was observed during the tillering stage. It reaches its maximum values – 331.7–406.1–383.7 m2/ha (1.20–1.47–1.39 times higher) from stem elongation to the end of flowering. During the grain filling and maturation, these values decrease to 336.2 m2/ha but still are 1.19 times higher than the initial ones.
The results of the use of winter forms of Triticum durum Desf. in the selection of spring durum wheat
Authors:   National Grain Center named after P.P. Lukyanenko, Yanovsky A.S. , Mudrova A.A. ,   National Grain Center named after P.P. Lukyanenko, Bespalova L.A. ,   National Grain Center named after P.P. Lukyanenko
Published: October 2020

Variety of spring durum wheat ‘Yadritsa’ and new promising lines were created using a winter component. The new breeding material belongs to the short-stemmed wheat group with high resistance to lodging (8–9 points) and exceeds the standard variety in productivity by 0.7–1.5 tons per 1 ha while maintaining high grain quality.
Control of gamete origin of white cabbage regenerants in anther culture in vitro
Authors:   Federal Scientific Rice Centre, Savenko E.G. , Mukhina Zh.M. ,   Federal Scientific Rice Centre, Glazyrina V.A. ,   Federal Scientific Rice Centre, Shundrina L.A. ,   Federal Scientific Rice Centre
Published: October 2020

The complex use of indirect methods (counting chloroplasts in stomatal cells, as well as direct counting of chromosomes in preparations of root meristems) in combination with DNA methods makes it possible to identify ploidy of plants obtained from white cabbage anthers and to rank them on haploids / doubled haploids and diploid ones already on test tube level.
Obtaining barley genotypes in selective in vitro systems with complex resistance to soil stress factors
Authors:   Federal Agrarian Scientific Center of the North-East named after N. V. Rudnitsky, Shupletsova O.N.
Published: October 2020

The aim of the work was to develop selective in vitro systems and obtain on their basis the initial breeding material of spring barley adapted to adverse soil conditions – increased acidity, toxicity of aluminum and heavy metals, drought. In the process of research, optimal patterns for selecting callus lines on selective media using various combinations of stress factors were identified: Al3 + (20–40 mg/l), H+ (4.0–6.0 pH units), Cd2 + (10-20 mg/l), Mn2 + (100–250 mg/l) and osmotic (10–20 % polyethyleneglycol). In the proposed in vitro selective systems, more than a thousand regenerated plants were obtained. Varieties created on the basis of regenerants exceed the standard in yield, have high productive tillering (29.0–67.5 % higher than the standard) and dense spike (4.5–6.6 % higher than the standard). Their advantage is due to resistance to lodging, a high level of survival, germination and environment-forming activity of the root system.
Experiences of patients and physiotherapists with blended internet-based vestibular rehabilitation: a qualitative interview study
Authors: van Vugt Vincent A , de Kruif Anja JThCM , van der Wouden Johannes C , van der Horst Henriëtte E , Maarsingh Otto R
Published: October 2020

Background

Internet-based vestibular rehabilitation (VR) with physiotherapy support, known as blended VR, was effective in reducing vestibular symptoms in a recent randomised controlled trial. Blended VR is a complex intervention comprised of physiotherapeutic visits, the vertigo training website, and VR exercises. Because of these interacting components, it is important to understand how blended VR works, for whom it works best, and how it should ideally be delivered.

Aim

To investigate the experiences of both patients and physiotherapists with blended internet-based VR.

Design & setting

A qualitative interview study was performed with patients who received blended internet-based VR with physiotherapy support, and physiotherapists who provided this support.

Method

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 patients and eight physiotherapists after the 6-month follow-up of the randomised trial. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and thematically analysed.

Results

According to both patients and physiotherapists, the physiotherapist visits were useful in providing personal attention, helping patients safely execute exercises, and improving patients’ adherence to therapy. Some patients said they did not need physiotherapist support and, according to physiotherapists, both the necessity and the optimal way to deliver guidance differed greatly between patients. The Vertigo Training website and exercises provided patients with a sense of control over their symptoms. Patients reported that the VR exercises were easy to perform and most patients continued to use them long after the trial ended.

Conclusion

In blended VR, physiotherapeutic visits appear to offer benefits above the vertigo training website and VR exercises alone. Physiotherapy support may best be used when individually tailored.
Primary Transitional Cell Carcinoma of Fallopian Tube: A Rare Entity with Review of Literature
Authors: Elangovan Arun , Dracham Chinna Babu , Annam Lokeswari , Bharani Vani
Published: October 2020

Objective: Primary fallopian tube carcinoma (PFTC) is a rare entity constituting only 0.2-1.5% of all primary female genital-tract malignancies. Transitional cell carcinoma of fallopian tube is very rare constituting only around 10% of the PFTC and very less literature have been reported worldwide.
Case report: A 59-year-old postmenopausal women presented with discharge per vaginum and abdominal distension, and was found to have right adnexal mass on clinical examination. Imaging findings were suggestive of a heterogenous adnexal mass and she underwent staging laparotomy. Post-operative histopathology examination confirmed a primary transitional cell carcinoma of right fallopian tube. FIGO stage was IA, and she received six cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy. The patientis nowalive, after 10-years of initial treatment.
Living with the Dead
Authors: Anand Dr. Ashok , Shah Dr. Binita , Syed Dr. Saman
Published: October 2020

Intrauterine twin gestation with death of one foetusleads to anxiety in the mind of patient, relatives and even obstetrician. Fetal demise of a twin in the first trimester (vanishing twin) is not very rare and does not impair the development of the surviving twin. However Fetal death in late second and third trimester increase the risk of complications for the surviving co twin such as IUGR, preterm labor, neurodevelopmental impairment and maternal complications such as maternal coagulopathy, preeclampsia, sepsis and perinatal mortality. The causes of fetal death vary and include twin to twin transfusion, placental insufficiency, IUGR, preeclampsia, velamentous insertion of cord, cord around neck, congenital anomaly, etc. The objective of this study is to ascertain the prognosis of the surviving co twin to aid counseling of patients and foreground future research.
Global Pandemics Corona Virus (COVID-19) Pandemonium Disruption Educational Sector Blues and Global Issues Arising Therefrom
Authors: Sakyi Kwesi Atta , Mweshi Dr. Geoffrey , Musona David
Published: October 2020

In this paper, we survey the topic of pandemics with specific reference to the Global Corona Virus pandemic which is dubbed COVID-19, and we trace the background of pandemics in the past. Our objective in this paper is to share our experiences as well as to examine the impact of the pandemic on businesses, especially the educational sector, and also on other sectors. In this paper, we take a multidisciplinary approach as well as a compendious approach of surveying a broad swathe of issues. At the same time, we use a narrative approach, providing commentaries and descriptive analysis, and a flashback of history in the literature review. We rely mainly on secondary data for the discussion and analysis as the nature of the topic is still fresh and delicate for us to conduct primary research. Besides, we believe that the problem at hand is on-going, all encompassing, and it may be premature at this stage for us to come to some definitive conclusions. The theoretical model which we use in the analysis is the macro-environmental model which is popularly and variously called the PEST, PESTLE, PESTEL, SLEPT, or STEEPLE model, popular in management studies and used by Social Scientists in their exegesis and discourses.
El ejercicio de control de constitucionalidad por los jueces peruanos
Authors: Sequeiros Vargas Iván
Published: October 2020

El juez tiene el poder y debe inaplicar una norma legal contraria a la Constitución a fin de contribuir con la preservación de la supremacía constitucional, como referente del buen gobierno y desarrollo del Estado; no obstante, en algo más de veintisiete años el Poder Judicial en poquísimas ocasiones declaró inaplicable una norma legal, lo que demuestra la renuencia en el ejercicio de esta atribución. El control constitucional constituye una tarea compleja y es evitada por los jueces en razón de las implicancias de toda naturaleza que pueden derivarse de su decisión, siendo además que el presupuesto señalado por el Tribunal Constitucional relativo a la «evidente incompatibilidad» sea probablemente uno de los factores que influyen en la escasa ejecutoria de control, pues ninguna norma resulta evidentemente no constitucional o viceversa a la vista del buen evaluador, constituyéndose en un concepto incierto, inviable y subjetivo que no delimita ni sirve de referencia para que el juez efectúe el control que le atribuye la Constitución y la ley
La calificación jurídica de la denuncia penal: problemas y alternativas
Authors: Revilla Palacios Ana María
Published: October 2020

Las deficiencias en la formulación de la denuncia penal, avaladas por el auto de apertura de instrucción, terminan por conducir a una posterior declaración de nulidad luego de un prolongado proceso, por lo que se hace imperativo que el operador jurisdiccional justifique debidamente su examen y calificación, pues, sin que ello signifique negar la titularidad de la acción penal al Ministerio Público, le compete al juez realizar el control de legalidad, y en tal sentido, evaluar si en el escrito de promoción de la acción penal se ha realizado una adecuada subsunción de los hechos que identifican al injusto penal imputado, y en su caso, señalar la fundamentación jurídica pertinente, con la limitación de que al hacerlo se evite variar los hechos. Esto contribuirá a eliminar los excesivos costos y la sensación de impunidad generados por las referidas deficiencias técnicas