bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bone metastasis unique plasma exosomal microRNA signature in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Pi Can , Yang Xiaorong , Yu Ruoying , Fan Xiaojun , Peng Xiaoxiao , Zhang Xuchao , Chen Zhihong , Wu Xue , Shao Yang W , Wu Yi-Long , Zhou Qing
Published: April 2020

Background
20–40% of lung cancer patients develop bone metastasis (BM) with significantly decreased overall survival. Currently, BM is mainly diagnosed by CT scan or MRI when symptom develops. Novel biomarkers with higher prediction value of BM are needed.
Methods
Prospective analysis was undertaken on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with (BM+) and without BM (BM-). Plasma exosomal RNA was isolated and sequenced from peripheral blood of patients. Differential expression analysis and weighted gene co-expression networks analysis (WGCNA) of mi-RNA sequencing data were performed between two groups.
Results
Hierarchical clustering based on the total miRNA profile can clearly separate cancer patients and healthy individuals (H), but not patients BM + or BM-. WGCNA identified three consensus clusters (A, B, C) of highly correlated miRNAs, among which cluster B (144 miRNAs) showed significantly differential expression in lung cancer patients, especially in BM + group. Three differentially expressed miRNAs between BM + and BM- patients within cluster B were identified as miR-574-5p, a suppressor of Wnt/β-catenin pathway, was down-regulated, while miR-328-3p and miR-423-3p, two activators of the same pathway, were up-regulated in BM + patients. Pathway analysis of cluster B miRNAs revealed enrichment in metabolic pathways that may involve in preconditioning of the metastatic niche. Cluster A miRNAs (n = 49) also showed trend of upregulation in BM + patients. Interestingly, pathway analysis indicated that 43 of them are associated with chromosome14, which has been suggested to promote EMT and bone metastasis.
Conclusion
These data indicated that a cluster of mi-RNAs showed significantly differential expression in BM + group, including miR-574-5p, miR-328-3p and miR-423-3p.
Lactobacillus reuteri can reduce Gardnerella induced bacterial vaginosis in mice and modulate immune markers
Authors: Shahzadi Kiran , Ahmad Syed Zeeshan , Ahmad Syed Shoaib , Arshad Najma
Published: April 2020

Background Healthy vaginal microbiome is dominated by Lactobacilli, which constitute a strong line of defense against vaginal diseases like Bacterial vaginosis (BV). Bacterial Vaginosis is a polymicrobial disease characterized by gradual replacement of predominant population of Lactobacillus with anaerobic uropathogens such as Gardnerella vaginalis (GV), Prevotella and Mobiluncus spp. Due to antibiotic resistance in these pathogens, Lactobacillus spp. have been given attention in the prophylaxis and prevention of infections such as, urinary tract infections, genital infections and BV. Current study describes role of L. reuteri in reducing BV in a GV induced BV murine model. In addition, immunomodulatory effects of L. reuteri were assessed by analyzing gene expression of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory markers by real time PCR in vaginal tissue.Methods Study was divided into two parts. In phase 1, two groups of mice were intravaginally administered with L. reuteri and GV at a dose of 1 x 10 6 CFUml -1 and 5 x 10 5 CFUml -1 respectively and their colonization was confirmed by re-isolation of these strains in vaginal washes. In phase 2, prophylactic efficacy of L. reuteri in GV induced BV mice model were observed by considering clinical scoring, re-isolation frequency, bacterial load, change in epithelium of vaginal tissue and tissue inflammatory and anti-inflammatory markers.Results A significant reduction in clinical scores and re-isolation frequency was noticed in GV challenged pre- L. reuteri colonized animals (prophylactic group). On 10 th day, L. reuteri restricted the growth of GV and kept its count significantly lower than in GV positive control group. Reduction in epithelial thickness and exfoliation was noticed in histological sections of treated group as compare to that in positive control group. In addition to their antimicrobial potential against GV, a depletion in IL-6, IL-1β and elevation in IFN-γ was noticed in L. reuteri treated GV challenged mice.Conclusions Based on aforementioned findings, it is concluded that L. reuteri could be considered a natural candidate for therapies of female genital infections.
Intracellular AFP Blocks All-trans retinoic acid induced ATG7 expression and Autophagy in Hepatocellular carcinoma cells
Authors: Wang Shanshan , Feng Rilu , Shi Ying , Chen Dexi , Weng Honglei , Ding Huiguo , Zhang Chenguang
Published: April 2020

Background: Retinoic acid and retinoid acid receptor (RA-RAR) signaling exhibits suppressive functions in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) through multiple mechanisms. However, whether RA-RAR signaling induces autophagy that contributes its anti-tumor activity in HCC remains elusive.Methods: The effects of RA-RAR pathway were investigated in two HCC cell lines: AFP positive PLC/PRF/5 cells and AFP negative HLE cells. Cell autophagy, apoptosis and proliferation were analyzed by Western blotting, co-immunoprecipitation (CoIP), Immunofluorescence staining, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), Caspase-3 activity and Cell Counting Kit (CCK)-8.Results: ATRA dosage-dependently induced high levels of cell autophagy through its specific nuclear receptor RAR in both the PLC/PRF/5 and HLE cells. ChIP assay showed that RAR bind to response elements of key autophagy-initiated gene autophagy-relevant protein (ATG) 7 gene in the 5’-flanking region. Analyses based on CoIP further revealed that AFP formed complex with RAR in PLC/PRF/5 cells. Knockdown of AFP reduced the AFP and RAR combination, and thus up-regulated the expression of ATG7 gene and cell autophagy. Interestingly, in the HLE cells, AFP overexpressed and combination with RAR resulted in down-regulated ATG7 gene expression and reduction of cell autophagy. In both cell lines, ATRA inhibited cell proliferation and induced cell apoptosis, which was impacted by AFP action.Conclusion: The current study indicated that autophagy participated in the functionality of ATRA on HCC cells and AFP is a key regulator of ATRA induced autophagy through forming complexes with RAR in HCC cells.
Application of Network Meta-Analysis to Assess the Comparative Effectiveness of Oral Care Interventions in Preventing Ventilator Associated Pneumonia in Critically Ill Patients.
Authors: PS Satheeshkumar , Sonis Stephen
Published: April 2020

Background In this research, we assessed the efficacy of a novel analytic, network metanalysis (NMA), in creating a hierarchy to define the most effective oral care intervention (OCI) for the prevention and management of ventilation-associated pneumonia (VAP). Methods We applied NMA to a previously published robust pairwise meta-analysis (PMA). Statistical analyses were based on comparing rates of total VAP events between intervention groups and placebo-usual care groups. We synthesized a netgraph, reported ranking order of the treatment and summarized our output by a forest plot with a reference treatment placebo/usual care. Results With our inclusion and exclusion critiera for the NMA we extracted 25 studies (4473 subjects). The NMA included 16 treatments, 29 pairwise comparisons and 15 designs. Based on the results of multiple comparisons with frequentist ranking probability P scores, tooth brushing (P score fixed of 0.9353, P score random of 0.8892), toothbrushing with povidone iodine (P score fixed of 0.9091, P score random 0.8801), and furacillin (P score fixed of 0.8798, P score random 0.8358) were the best three interventions for preventing VAP. Conclusion NMA appeared to be an effective platform from which multiple interventions reported in disparate clinical trials could be compared to derive a hierarchical assessment of efficacy in the intervention of VAP. According to the NMA outcome, toothbrushing alone or toothbrushing along with a potent antiseptic mouthwash povidone iodine was related to the highest response rate in preventing VAP in critically ill patients followed by furacillin and chlorhexidine 0.2%, respectively.
Intravenous and oral copper kinetics, biodistribution and dosimetry in healthy humans studied by [64Cu]copper PET/CT
Authors: Kjærgaard Kristoffer , Sandahl Thomas , Frisch Kim , Højrup Karina , Keiding Susanne , Vilstrup Hendrik , Ott Peter , Gormsen Lars Christian , Munk Ole Lajord
Published: April 2020

Purpose: Copper is essential for enzymatic processes throughout the body. [64Cu]copper (64Cu) positron emission tomography (PET) has been investigated as a diagnostic tool for certain malignancies, but has not yet been used to study copper homeostasis in humans. In this study, we determined the hepatic removal kinetics, biodistribution and radiation dosimetry of 64Cu in healthy humans by both intravenous and oral administration of the radiotracer. Methods: Six healthy participants underwent PET/CT studies with intravenous or oral administration of 64Cu. A 90 min dynamic PET scan of the liver was followed by three whole-body PET/CT scans at 1.5, 6, and 20 h after tracer administration. PET data were used for estimation of hepatic kinetics, biodistribution, effective doses, and absorbed doses for critical organs. Results: After intravenous administration, 64Cu uptake was highest in the liver, intestinal walls and pancreas; the gender-averaged effective dose was 62 ± 5 μSv/MBq (mean ± SD). After oral administration, 64Cu was almost exclusively taken up by the liver while leaving a significant amount of residual radiotracer in the gastrointestinal lumen, resulting in an effective dose of 113 ± 1 μSv/MBq. Excretion of 64Cu in urine and faeces after intravenous administration was negligible. Hepatic removal kinetics showed that 64Cu clearance from blood was 0.10 ± 0.02 mL blood/min/mL liver tissue, and the rate constant for excretion into bile or blood was 0.003 ± 0.002 min-1. Conclusion: 64Cu biodistribution and radiation dosimetry are affected by the manner of tracer administration with high uptake by the liver, intestinal walls, and pancreas after intravenous administration; after oral administration, 64Cu is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and deposited primarily in the liver. Administration of 50 MBq 64Cu yielded images of high quality for both administration forms with radiation doses approximately 3.1 and 5.7 mSv, respectively, allowing for sequential studies in humans.﻿Trial Registration Number: EudraCT no. 2016-001975-59. Registration date: 19/09/2016.
Association between psoriasis and migraine: what should we expect from a meta-analysis?
Authors: Xu Rui , Xiong Ying , Wei Xiaolan , Huang Xiaobao , Chen Yuting , Han Jande
Published: April 2020

Background Although many studies have demonstrated the commodity of psoriasis with migraine and indicated that they may have similar susceptibility genes and pathophysiologic mechanism, the clinic association between the migraine and psoriasis remains unclear. Methods We have already searched Pubmed, Embase, and Web of Science for case–control, cross-sectional, or cohort studies, and extract rate, odds or risk of migraine in subjects with psoriasis or without psoriasis. Using defined inclusion and exclusion criteria, finally include nine studies. Pooling of the suitable data was applied when necessary. Results Five cross-sectional studies included 6355 psoriasis patients and 934413 controls, migraine highly occurred in psoriasis patient (pooled OR 1.64; 95% confidence interval [1.28; 2.11]). In addition, with 4375 psoriasis patients provided, the rate of migraine occurred in psoriasis patient (pooled rate 0.21; 95% confidence interval [0.13; 0.35]). Conclusion Migraine and psoriasis present a clear co-occurrence and similar pathophysiologic mechanism, which lead to the assumption that the two diseases might be linked. Screening and selection of proper assessment of migraine among psoriasis patients are warranted and needed.
Incidentally Discovered COVID-19 in Low Suspicion Patients
Authors: Xiao Nicholas , Abboud Samir , McCarthy Danielle M , Parekh Nishant
Published: April 2020

PurposeThe COVID-19 pandemic has been responsible for thousands of deaths worldwide. Testing remains at a premium, and criteria for testing remains reserved for those with lower respiratory infection symptoms and/or a known high-risk exposure. The role of imaging in COVID-19 is rapidly evolving, however few algorithms include imaging criteria, and it is unclear what should be done in low-suspicion patients with positive imaging findings.MethodsFrom 03/01/2020-03/20/2020, a retrospective review of all patients with suspected COVID-19 on imaging was performed. Imaging was interpreted by a board-certified, fellowship trained radiologist. Patients were excluded if COVID-19 infection was suspected at the time of presentation, was the reason for imaging, or if any lower respiratory symptoms were present.ResultsEight patients with suspected COVID-19 infection on imaging were encountered. Seven patients received testing due to suspicious imaging findings with subsequent lab-confirmed COVID-19. No patients endorsed prior exposure to COVID-19, or recent international travel. COVID-19 was suggested in six patients incidentally on abdominal CT and two on chest radiography. At the time of presentation, no patients were febrile and seven endorsed gastrointestinal symptoms. Five COVID-19 patients eventually developed respiratory symptoms and required intubation. Two patients expired during the admission.ConclusionsPatients with imaging findings suspicious for COVID-19 warrant prompt RT-PCR testing even in low clinical suspicion cases. The prevalence of disease in the population may be underestimated by the current paradigm of RT-PCR testing with the current clinical criteria of lower respiratory symptoms and exposure risk.
Metal Catalyzed Synthesis of Pentose-Sugar-Based Chiral 2-Substituted-1H-Benzimidazoles
Authors: Halder Samiran
Published: April 2020

A metal catalyzed synthetic protocol has been developed using Ti(OBu)4-CeCl3 combo catalyst for chemoselective cyclocondensation cumoxidation under mild reaction conditions toward synthesis of a new class of optically pure compounds, 2-(6-benzyloxy-2,2-dimethyl-tetrahydro-furo[2,3-d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-6a,10a-dihydro-1H-anthra[1,2-d] imidazole-6,11-dione. All pentose-sugar-based aldehydes react with varies substituted dimethyl, 4-benzoyl and benzoquinoyl o-aromatic diamines (OAD) to afford desired chiral benzimidazoles with excellent isolated yield (77%-88%). In this suitable method chiral 2-Substituted-1H-Benzimidazoles were syntheses in high yields without using any hazardous chemicals or harmful acids. Normal aromatic aldehyde also reacts with varies o-aromatic diamines (OAD) give rise to known 2-Aryl-1H-benzimidazoles. All the target chiral 2-Substituted-1H-Benzimidazoles were characterized by FT-IR, NMR spectral and HR-MS data and also verified M.P of normal aromatic 2-Substituted-1H-benzimidazoles from literature.
New perspectives into the clinical characteristics of COVID-19 disease
Authors: Liu Chun , Zeng FanXin , Wang PingXi , Wu HuaPing , Deng ShuKai , Liu JinPing , Liu Dan , Gao Qiang , Xiang ChunFeng , Zeng FanWei , Zhen XiangDe
Published: April 2020

COVID-19 has become a global pandemic, but with very little is known about it. In this single-centered, retrospective study, we collected all 37 confirmed cases of COVID-19 diagnosed in Dazhou, Sichuan, China from January 23 to February 25, 2020，and analyzed the demographic, clinical, and laboratory data. All of the cases were either imported from Wuhan and transmitted in family clusters. The average age of the patients was 45.76 ± 13.1 years. The average duration of pharyngeal swabs was 20.65 ± 6.7 days. Four (10.8%) patients were asymptomatic, 33 (89.1%) patients had increased lactic acid, 17 (45.9%) patients had increased fibrinogen C (Fib-C), and 5 (13.5%) patients had increased D-Dimers. 29 (87.9%) cases were positive for new coronavirus-specific antibodies, 4 (10.8%) cases were positive for viral nucleic acid in stool samples, 1 (2.7%) patient had positive culture of Klebsiella pneumonia. Therefore, we can predict that Lopinavir/ritonavir and abidol may not be effective in treating COVID-19.Elevated lactic acid, Fib-C, and D-dimer in patients may be predictors of disease progression. The new coronavirus-specific IgM and IgG antibodies can help to diagnose the disease. We need to pay attention to the risks posed by fecal nucleic acid positive patients.Authors Chun Liu, FanXin Zeng, and PingXi Wang contributed equally to this work.
Transcriptional Regulation of Hydrogen Peroxide and Calcium for Signaling Transduction and Stress-defensive Genes Contributing to Improved Drought Tolerance in Creeping Bentgrass
Authors: Li Zhou , Peng Yan , Huang Bingru
Published: April 2020

Small molecules, including H2O2 and Ca, mediate stress signaling and drought tolerance in plants. The objective of this study was to determine whether improvement in drought tolerance by H2O2 and Ca were associated with the regulation of transcription factors and stress-protective genes in perennial grass species. Plants of creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera) were sprayed with water (control), H2O2 (9 mm), or CaCl2 (10 mm) and exposed to drought stress for 20 days in controlled-environment growth chambers. Foliar application of H2O2 or Ca led to significant improvement in drought tolerance of creeping bentgrass, as demonstrated by greater turf quality, leaf relative water content, chlorophyll content, photochemical efficiency, and cell membrane stability, as compared with the untreated control. The application of H2O2 and Ca resulted in significant up-regulation of genes in Ca signaling transduction pathways [Ca-dependent kinase 26 (CDPK26), mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1), and 14-3-3] and transcript factors (WRKY75 and MYB13). For genes encoding antioxidant enzymes, H2O2 mainly enhanced superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), and dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR) expression, while Ca primarily improved transcript levels of SOD, monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDHAR), and GR. In addition, heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), metallothionein 1 (MT1), and glutamine synthetase 2 (GS2) were also markedly up-regulated by H2O2 and Ca under drought stress. However, the transcript level of lipoxygenase 3 (LOX3) was significantly down-regulated by H2O2 and Ca under well-watered and drought conditions. These results imply that H2O2 and Ca commonly or differentially regulate genes expression in association with drought tolerance through activating Ca signaling pathway and regulating transcription factors and stress-protective genes expression, leading to the alleviation of lipid peroxidation, maintenance of correct protein folding and translocation, and enhancement of nitrogen metabolism under a prolonged period of drought stress in creeping bentgrass.
Reconsidering initial Pb in titanite in the context of in situ dating
Authors: Bonamici Chloë E. , Blum Tyler B.
Published: April 2020

In situ U-Pb dating of titanite, which can preserve trace-element records of various petrologic processes but also incorporates significant initial Pb, has proliferated in recent years. The widespread use of titanite data to construct tectonic P-T-t paths warrants careful assessment of the available dating techniques, as well as attention to the assumptions that underpin the U-Pb data analysis. This contribution provides the first direct comparison of the two major analytical methods [SHRIMP (SIMS) and LA-ICP-MS] for in situ U-Pb titanite dating. A set of well-characterized titanite grains from Harrisville, New York, in the Adirondack Mountains were analyzed for U-Th-Pb isotopes along the same cross-grain traverses by Sensitive High Resolution Ion Microprobe (SHRIMP) and LA-ICP-MS. Both LA-ICP-MS and SHRIMP data sets define approximately linear arrays on the Tera-Wasserburg Concordia (semi-total Pb/U) diagram and would commonly be interpreted as representing a single date population with minor scatter. However, previous studies have suggested that Adirondack titanite actually records two regionally well-defined thermal events, ~50–100 m.y. apart. When titanite data arrays are treated in detail, attempts to determine concordia-intercept ages by robust three-dimensional linear regression produce large uncertainties and/or poor fit statistics that suggest that the data are not, in fact, isochronous. Grain-by-grain analysis of U-Pb titanite data shows that different subsets of titanite (determined by additional geochemical and microstructural data) show different patterns of U-Pb data. By comparing predictions for Pb-ingrowth evolution paths in Tera-Wasserburg diagrams with observed data, it is possible to recognize both a change in initial Pb composition and Pb loss in the Adirondack titanite U-Pb data set. This study provides an example of how greater geochronologic detail can be extracted from large in situ U-Pb titanite data sets. Even when precise dates are not recovered, geological processes and events that cause data scatter can be recognized through analysis of U-Pb data patterns using the Tera-Wasserburg diagram.
High adsorption of fulvic acid by amino modified styrene-type macroporous resin and evaluation of its mechanism
Authors: Zhao Munan , Cui Chongwei
Published: April 2020

Amino-modified HPD 100 styrene-type macroporous resin (M-HPD 100) was successfully synthesized by the atom transfer radical polymerization process. The modified resin showed excellent performance in the degradation of fulvic acid (FA). FA removal was pH, temperature and flow velocity dependent. The adsorption data could be well interpreted by the Freundlich model. The maximum adsorption efficiency for M-HPD 100 obtained from the Freundlich model was 92.5% at 298 K, which was 37% higher than that of unmodified styrene-type macroporous resin (HPD 100). The adsorption process could be described by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The intra-particle diffusion and film diffusion were believed to be the rate-limiting process for both adsorbents. Thermodynamic parameters suggested it was a multi-layer physicochemical process. More importantly, although limited improvements were seen, the results of this study suggested that the surface of resin can be modified with functional groups to enhance the adsorption of FA from aqueous solution and may give other advantages; for example, despite the interference of the pore diffusion coefficient and other substances, M-HPD 100 has excellent regeneration capacity, and the adsorption and desorption efficiency was 74% and 64.28% respectively after six regenerations, which proved it has engineering application value.
La Cordillera de los Andes en el norte de Patagonia o la frontera argentino-chilena como espacio social. Un estudio de caso
Authors: Bandierie Susana O.
Published: April 2020

En este trabajo se muestra la permanencia de las relaciones socioeconómicas y culturales en la región fronteriza del Neuquén, que se ubica entre Chile y Argentina; en donde la imposición de límites jurídico-administrativos no afectó su funcionamiento ni la expresión territorial de la ganadería extensiva como actividad dominante. La descomposición de esta región se presentó a partir de 1930, con la fijación de una frontera comercial que provocó una crisis generalizada en la actividad ganadera. Esto trajo como consecuencia el incremento de su marginalidad socioeconómica y un proceso de despoblamiento de la región.
Statistics in the Eyes of the Modern Russian Society: Good or Evil?
Authors: Karmanov M. V.
Published: April 2020

Historically, statistics arose from the needs of society in obtaining information about the state of production, markets for goods and services, labor, as well as from the need to analyze the data for further socioeconomic development. For a long time, statistics have been understood as the science of collecting, processing, and analyzing quantitative indicators on the dynamics of mass phenomena and processes, which is the most important tool for implementing state plans and tasks.

One of the classics of statistics, V. Pokrovsky wrote as early as 1874: “... Statistical figures are the best way to verify the correctness and appropriateness of measures used for public improvement. ... But for statistics to be of such importance, it is necessary to use its data with extreme caution and impartiality. ... The widest variety of opinions exists on almost all public issues, and each opinion tries to find support in statistical facts and figures. ... It is not the fault of statistics that every political party uses statistics for its own purposes, that statistics support the most unjust and absurd opinions”. [1]

In our time, this statement has not lost its relevance, because very often, using the same statistical indicators, politicians, economists, scientists to justify their point of view, give directly opposite results. But is there a clear understanding of statistics in modern society? What is the value of statistics? What is the statistical literacy of the population? Do people need to learn the language of numbers? In the proposed paper, the author sets out the view on these issues and invites you to join the discussion of the issues raised.
Medicolegal Aspects of Disclosure of Side Effects of Biologic Drugs in Rheumatology: A Pilot Study
Authors: Basheer Ryan , Moufarrej Souheil , Badsha Humeira
Published: April 2020

Background:

Management of rheumatoid arthritis is complicated due to different disease presentations and the multiplicity of drugs. Although most patients are
informed about the risks of treatment, there remain possible side-effects, which patients are not informed about to avoid the 'information dump.’
Rheumatologists have to balance what they believe is essential to tell patients versus what reasonable patients believe they need to know to make
an informed consent.

Objectives:

To determine differences in information that the physicians give, regarding the possible side effects of treatment options for rheumatoid arthritis,
and what the patients actually want to know.

Methods:

To conduct this pilot study, a questionnaire was devised to assess what patients and prescribing rheumatologists, from the Gulf Cooperative
Council, consider important for being informed about, including the possible adverse events with biologic drugs in rheumatoid arthritis.

Results:

A total of 20 patients and 13 physicians completed the questionnaire. Physicians routinely discussed the increased risk of infections (100%), skin
rashes at injection sites (92%),falling white blood cell counts, and alterations in liver enzymes (84%). Patients were less interested in learning
about infections (72%) and more interested in learning about rare complications, such as an increased risk of heart failure and cancer (81%), which
doctors were less likely to discuss.

Conclusions:

There is a discordance between what doctors inform patients about and what patients want to know regarding the risks of biologic therapy in
rheumatoid arthritis. This information gap can have a significant legal implications in routine practice if a patient develops a rare side effect of
which they have not been informed. We propose a solution of both verbal and signed informed consent to bridge the gap.
Insights into Potent Therapeutical Antileukemic Agent L-glutaminase Enzyme Under Solid-state Fermentation: A Review
Authors: Durthi Chandrasai Potla , Pola Madhuri , Rajulapati Satish Babu , Kola Anand Kishore
Published: April 2020

Aim & objective:

To review the applications and production studies of reported antileukemic drug
L-glutaminase under Solid-state Fermentation (SSF).

Overview:

An amidohydrolase that gained economic importance because of its wide range of applications in the
pharmaceutical industry, as well as the food industry, is L-glutaminase. The medical applications utilized it as an
anti-tumor agent as well as an antiretroviral agent. L-glutaminase is employed in the food industry as an acrylamide
degradation agent, as a flavor enhancer and for the synthesis of theanine. Another application includes its use in
hybridoma technology as a biosensing agent. Because of its diverse applications, scientists are now focusing on enhancing
the production and optimization of L-glutaminase from various sources by both Solid-state Fermentation
(SSF) and submerged fermentation studies. Of both types of fermentation processes, SSF has gained importance
because of its minimal cost and energy requirement. L-glutaminase can be produced by SSF from both bacteria and
fungi. Single-factor studies, as well as multi-level optimization studies, were employed to enhance L-glutaminase
production. It was concluded that L-glutaminase activity achieved by SSF was 1690 U/g using wheat bran and Bengal
gram husk by applying feed-forward artificial neural network and genetic algorithm. The highest L-glutaminase
activity achieved under SSF was 3300 U/gds from Bacillus sp., by mixture design. Purification and kinetics studies
were also reported to find the molecular weight as well as the stability of L-glutaminase.

Conclusion:

The current review is focused on the production of L-glutaminase by SSF from both bacteria and fungi.
It was concluded from reported literature that optimization studies enhanced L-glutaminase production. Researchers
have also confirmed antileukemic and anti-tumor properties of the purified L-glutaminase on various cell lines.
Neuromodulation of Memory Formation and Extinction
Authors: Bostanciklioğlu Mehmet
Published: April 2020

Memory retrieval is mediated by discharges of acetylcholine, glutamate, gammaaminobutyric acid, norepinephrine, and serotonin/5-hydroxytryptamine circuits. These projections and memory interact through engram circuits, neurobiological traces of memory. Increased excitability in engram circuits of the medial prefrontal cortex and hippocampus results in remote and recent memory retrievals, respectively. However, due to degenerated neurotransmitter projections, the excitability state of engram circuits is decreased in the patient with dementia; and thus, acquired- memory cannot be retrieved by natural cues. Here, we suggest that artificial neuropharmacological stimulations of the acquired-memory with an excitation potential higher than a natural cue can excite engram circuits in the medial prefrontal cortex, which results in the retrieval of lost memories in dementia. The neuropharmacological foundations of engram cell-mediated memory retrieval strategy in severe dementia, in line with this has also been explained. We particularly highlighted the close interactions between periaqueductal gray, locus coeruleus, raphe nuclei, and medial prefrontal cortex and basolateral amygdala as treatment targets for memory loss. Furthermore, the engram circuits projecting raphe nuclei, locus coeruleus, and pontomesencephalic tegmentum complex could be significant targets of memory editing and memory formation in the absence of experience, and a well-defined study of the neural events underlying the interaction of brain stem and memory will be relevant for such developments. We anticipate our perspective to be a starting point for more sophisticated in vivo models for neuropharmacological modulations of memory retrieval in Alzheimer’s dementia.
Withdrawal Notice: C-Methylation Of Organic Substrates: A Comprehensive Overview. Part II. Methanol As Methylating Agent. A Case Of Catalysis Versatility
Authors: Moulay Saad
Published: April 2020

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Evaluation of the Effect of Nigella sativa Oil’s Unsaponifiable Fraction on Oxidative Stress Markers in Carbon Tetrachloride-liver Damage Model
Authors: Guergouri Fatima Z. , Sobhi Widad
Published: April 2020

Background/Aim:

Liver disease constitutes a public health problem at the global level. This
study was conducted to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of the total oil’s unsaponifiable fraction
(UF) of a medicinal plant called Nigella sativa.

Methods:

The extraction of unsaponifiables from the total seed oil of the medicinal plant Nigella sativa
was carried out according to the standardized methods of the European Pharmacopoeia (Edition
5.0). Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is hepatotoxic with mandatory and predictable action of the indirect
type. Acute poisoning of Male albino rats with 1:1 (v/v) mixture of CCl4 and olive oil (3 ml/Kg b.w.
of rat by subcutaneous injection) induces considerable liver pain.

Results:

Nigella sativa UF is found to be rich in tocopherols; its administration as a curative or preventive
treatment to poisoned animals results in a very significant reduction in transaminases (ALT,
AST) and ALP. Histological study shows that livers are in better condition than those of intoxicated
rats. The statute of enzymes and antioxidant molecules (SOD, CATA, GSH, MDA) has significantly
improved.

Conclusion:

Measurable biological evidence has been given to the use of such extract as effective
substances against hepatic diseases.
Antidiabetic Effects of Ethanolic Extract of Ficus glomerata (L.) Roots
Authors: Upadhye Mohini C. , Deokate Uday , Pujari Rohini , Thakare Vishnu
Published: April 2020

Background:

Ficus glomerata (F. glomerata) Linn. Family Moraceace is a large tree found
all over India including outer Himalayan ranges, Punjab, Chota Nagpur, Bihar, Orissa, West Bengal,
Rajasthan, Deccan and also as a common plant in South India. It is planted around the home and temples.
It is cultivated throughout the year, distributed in evergreen forests and moist localities.

Objective:

The Ethanolic Extract of roots of F. Glomerata (EEFG) belonging to the family Moraceace,
was investigated for its antidiabetic activity using alloxan induced diabetic rats.

Methods:

Thirty rats were divided into 5 groups having 6 rats in each group. The alloxan was administered
to the rats of all groups except normal control group through intraperitoneal route at a concentration
of 140mg/kg body weight. A dose of 100mg/kg and 200 mg/kg body weight of EEFG was administered
to alloxan induced diabetic rats. The administration of the extract was lasted for 11 days. Effectiveness
of the extract on glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, and high density lipoprotein and protein
concentrations was analyzed.

Results:

Significant (p<0.05) reduction in the levels of glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride of the diabetic
rats was observed after treatment with ethanolic extract. After subjecting to oral glucose tolerance test
EEFG also showed significant improvement in glucose tolerance.

Conclusion:

F. glomerata root ethanolic extract showed that it possesses antidiabetic effect and can be
found useful for the management of diabetes mellitus.
Pharmacognostical, Phytochemical and Antioxidant Studies of Indigenous Medicinal Plant
Authors: Deokate Uday , Upadhye Mohini , Pujari Rohini , Ambikar Digambar
Published: April 2020

Background:

Ficus glomerata Roxb. is a moderate-sized avenue tree distributed throughout
India both as wild or cultivated. It is traditionally used in various traditional systems of medicine including
Ayurveda, Siddha and Homoeopathy. In these indigenous systems of medicine, different parts of the
plant Ficus glomerata are commonly used for the treatment of dysentery, diarrhea, diabetes, bilious
affections, stomachache, menorrhage, haemoptysis and also as a carminative and astringent.

Objective:

The current investigation deals with detail pharmacognostical studies on roots of Ficus racemosa
mainly focusing the morphological, macroscopical analysis, prelimilnary examinations of root
powder and florescence analysis.

Methods:

Physicochemical constants of roots of Ficus glomerata were estimated as per official guidelines.

Results:

Significant in vitro antioxidant activity was observed for alcoholic root extract of Ficus glomerata.
The alcoholic extract and aqueous extract show the presence of tannins and saponins as major
constituents. Remaining constituents were found to be carbohydrate, glycosides, phenolic compounds,
gum and mucilage.

Conclusion:

Ficus glomerata possess significant antioxidant activities.
Bibliometrics and Visualization of the Mechanisms of Parkinson's Diseases Based on Animal Models
Authors: Wang Yan-Qiu , Chen Yi-Bing , Xu Dong , Cui Yuan-Lu
Published: April 2020

Objective:

Energy metabolism disorder is one of the causes of Parkinson's disease (PD).
Rodents, such as rats and mice are often used to establish animal models of PD. This paper used a bibliometric
method to analyze the studies of rat and mouse PD models published between 2009 and 2018
in the Web of Science (WOS) database using CiteSpace V software. In addition, we conducted a literature
review on the development status and research hotspots in this field in the past ten years.

Methods:

The related articles on rat and mouse PD models were retrieved from the WOS database, and
an analysis of the keywords in these articles was conducted using CiteSpace V. A timeline graph was
developed by the software in order to show the focus of researchers in the PD field.

Results :

A total of 8,636 articles were obtained. Results of the cluster analysis in the PD field such as
neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and autophagy, contributed to the systematic review about the
pathogenesis of PD. At the same time, based on the property of the model drug, this review has summarized
and compared different administration techniques and mechanisms of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-
OHDA), 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1, 2, 4, 5-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP), paraquat and rotenone.

Conclusion:

According to the bibliometric analysis, studies on PD were focused on the mechanisms of
oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and autophagy. Activated microglia releases inflammatory cytokines;
mitochondrial dysfunction is caused by oxidative damage of mitochondrial protein; abnormal
autophagy-lysosome pathway can lead to abnormal protein deposition in dopaminergic neurons. In
addition, although many animal models of PD have been established, there are some limitations of
such models. Therefore, it is necessary to develop models that accurately mimic human PD.
Is Ultrasonography Efficient for the Detection of the Zygomatic Arch, Nasal Bone and Cartilage Fractures?
Authors: Eskandarloo Amir , karimi Atena , Shokri Abbas , Poorolajal Jalal , Hosseinipanah Mohammad
Published: April 2020

Background:

The high incidence of nasal and zygomatic arch fractures highlights the need for an accurate imaging modality for their detection. The superimposition of structures is a major problem in conventional radiography. Ultrasonography is a low-cost imaging modality with a wide range of applications, that does not employ ionizing radiation. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of ultrasonography for the detection of the zygomatic arch and nasal bone fractures.

Materials and Methods:

This study was conducted on 16 sheep heads. Artificial fractures were created in some parts of the zygomatic arch, dorsum and lateral wall of the nose, and nasal cartilage. All sheep heads underwent Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) to ensure the presence of a fracture. Next, the lateral nasal and submentovertex radiographs were obtained, and ultrasonography was performed with a 12-15 MHz linear probe. Ultrasonography and radiography were repeated after 1 week to assess their reproducibility by calculating the kappa coefficient. Data were analyzed using Stata 11 software and Chi-square test.

Results:

The specificity and sensitivity of ultrasonography ranged from 87% to 100%, and 50% to 75%, respectively. The specificity and sensitivity of radiography ranged from 87% to 100%, and 62% to 87%, respectively. The differences between the two imaging modalities were not statistically significant (p>0.05). The kappa coefficient ranged from 46% to 100% for ultrasonography and 44% to 87% for radiography.

Conclusion:

Ultrasonography seemed useful for the detection of displaced bone and cartilage fractures. For non-displaced fractures, US is not recommended.
Decision-making on Public Transportation Services Based on the Socio-economic, Psychological, and Environmental Concern Factors
Authors: Ueasin Nattanin
Published: April 2020

Aim:

This research aims to study the socio-economic, psychological, and environmental factors which affect the decision making of passengers with regard to the use of public transportation route from Nong Khai province, which is considered as the border area of Thailand and Laos, to many destinations.

Methods:

The study was initially carried out by collecting data from 450 passengers using two public transportation services and 200 passengers using private cars. An analysis was conducted by means of descriptive statistics, factor analysis and binary logistic regression.

Results:

The results showed that the status, age, domicile, self-satisfaction and accomplishment, safety of life and property, and self-consciousness and environmental conservation practice influenced the choice of both the alternatives.

Conclusion:

To develop a service model, a variety of bus and van services must be provided to match the varied demand of passengers with different levels of purchasing power. It is also important to consider the impact of various factors that affect the public bus service selection, which may result in improved public transport systems. As a consequence, the well-being of border area citizens can be improved.
Rule of Prescription Under Article III, Rule 6 of Hague/Hague-Visby Rules: When Does the Clock of Limitation Start Ticking?
Authors: Abid Adeel , Khalid Yusra
Published: April 2020

The pursuit of an internationally recognized regime which governs the allocation of risk of liability has been the predominant purpose of maritime law. At the same time, it is also necessary to set a time limit within which a legal action may be brought against the carrier. There are two regimes which govern the carriage of goods by sea and are adopted by many countries, the Hague Rules, and the Hague-Visby Rules and the time limit for claims set out in the rules against the carrier is one year from the day on which the goods are delivered or should have been delivered by the carrier. The rationale behind this is that the carrier cannot be expected to keep records for long periods and must be notified while the events are still fairly recent and recorded, as to what claims are to be presented. At present, Pakistan has adopted the Hague Rules in its Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, 1925 and despite the clarity embodied in the period of limitation as laid down under Article III, Rule 6, Pakistani Courts have given various interpretations to the term “delivery”, resulting in different outcome of the cases. In relation thereof, this article examines and discusses several judgments for decades on the subject of rule of prescription, along with the analysis of Article III, Rule 2 on the interpretation of “discharge”, and puts forward some suggestions and recommendations on the law laid down by the Convention.

The rules for transport documents are based on Hague or Hague-Visby Rules, and therefore, it is necessary at the outset of the article to provide an overview of the transport system in the country. The need for efficient working of the transport system in the country is absolutely vital in view of its role in a country’s economic growth.
Bird Diversity in Nensebo Moist Afromontane Forest Fragment, South Eastern Ethiopia.
Authors: Jemal Ziyad , Girma Zerihun , Mengesha Girma
Published: April 2020

Background:

Birds are one component of biodiversity. Ethiopia is rich in biodiversity resources. The avian diversity record is far from complete. There is no scientifically documented information on bird species composition and abundance at Nensebo forest. The objective of the study was to assess species composition, relative abundance and distribution of birds at Nensebo forest in southern Ethiopia.

Methods:

We employed a stratified random sampling technique with our study area stratified into two dominant habitat types: moist Afromontane forest and modified habitat. Within strata, we established 20 transect lines of 1km length and 0.25km width to sample 27.75% of the study area. We used line transect count methods aided by binoculars to estimate avian species diversity and distribution. We employed quantitative biodiversity indices, such as Shannon wiener diversity indexes to compare species diversity among habitat types and two way ANOVA to analyze the effect of season and habitat on bird species richness and abundance.

Results:

A total of 105 bird species consisting of 1 endemic, 8 near endemic, 1 globally threatened and 9 Palearctic migrants were recorded in Nensebo forest. Species richness and abundance varied between habitat types in Nensebo forest with mean species richness greater in modified habitat (mean= 4.70 ±1.65) as compared to moist Afromontane forest habitat (mean= 3.95 ±4.12, F=94.66 P<0.001). Additionally, modified habitat (Shannon diversity index= 4.131) harbored higher diversity of birds as opposed to Afromontane forest habitat (Shannon diversity index=3.79).

Conclusion:

The Nensebo forest has high avian species diversity including several endemic and endangered species revealing the importance of this site for bird conservation. Although we found that habitat heterogeneity favored bird species diversity, moist Afromontane habitat is critical for forest obligate species. Hence, sustainable bird conservation strategies including land use planning should be initiated for this area.