bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Establishment and Validation of a Prognostic Signature for Lung Adenocarcinoma Based on Metabolism-Related Genes
Authors: Wang Zhihao , Embaye Kidane Siele , Yang Qing , Qin Lingzhi , Zhang Chao , Liu Liwei , Zhan Xiaoqian , Zhang Fengdi , Wang Xi , Qin Shenghui
Published: August 2020

Background: Given that dysregulated metabolism has been recently identified as a hallmark of cancer biology, this study aims to establish and validate a prognostic signature of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) based on metabolism-related genes(MRGs). Methods: The gene sequencing data of LUAD samples with clinical information and the metabolism-related gene set were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Molecular Signatures Database (MSigDB), respectively. The differentially expressed MRGs were identified by Wilcoxon rank sum test. Then, univariate Cox regression analysis were performed to identify MRGs that related to overall survival(OS). A prognostic signature was developed by multivariate Cox regression analysis. Furthermore, the signature was validated in the GSE31210 dataset. In addition, a nomogram that combined the prognostic signature was created for predicting the 1-, 3- and 5-year OS of LUAD.The accuracy of the nomogram prediction was evaluated using a calibration plot. Finally, cox regression analysis was applied to identify the prognostic value and clinical relationship of the signature in LUAD. Results: A total of 116 differentially expressed MRGs were detected in the TCGA dataset. We found that 12 MRGs were most significantly associated with OS by using the univariate regression analysis in LUAD. Then, multivariate Cox regression analyses were applied to construct the prognostic signature, which consisted of six MRGs(ALDOA, CAT, ENTPD2, GNPNAT1, LDHA, and TYMS). The prognostic value of this signature was further successfully validated in the GSE31210 dataset. Furthermore, the calibration curve of the prognostic nomogram demonstrated good agreement between the predicted and observed survival rates for each of OS. Further analysis indicated that this signature could be an independent prognostic indicator after adjusting to other clinical factors. Finally, the signature was found to be associated with various clinicopathological features. Conclusions: We established a prognostic signature based on MRGs for LUAD and validated the performance of the model, which may provide a promising tool for the diagnosis and prognosis in patients with LUAD.
Evaluation of lens thickness in cataract patients: a comparison of two tests
Authors: Xu Jiayi , Li Chen , Wang Lijun , Li Caixin , Li Xin , Lu Peirong
Published: August 2020

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the agreement of lens thickness (LT) measurements made by contact A-scan ultrasonography and Lenstar LS900 as well as the influence of anterior chamber depth (ACD) and axial length (AL) measurement differences on LT measurement in cataract patients in the two techniques.Methods: 1247 cataract patients (1247 eyes) participated in this retrospective cross-sectional study. Ocular biometric measurements were performed with Lenstar LS900 and A-scan ultrasonography respectively, and the measured results of AL, ACD and LT were compared using Pearson correlation coefficients (r) and Bland-Altman analyses.Results: Bland-Altman analyses showed poor agreement between the A-scan ultrasonography and Lenstar LS900 in measuring AL and ACD. The average difference of LT was 0.01 mm; the consistency limit was -0.86 mm, 0.88 mm; and 95.27% of datapoints were within the 95% consistency limit. The consistency of LT measurements between the two techniques was poor for those subjects whose ACD or AL values were beyond the 95% consistency limit. Among the subjects whose AL or ACD values measured by A-scan ultrasonography were greater than those measured by Lenstar LS900, 93.33% of them were within the 95% consistency limit, suggesting that the consistency of LT measurement between the two techniques was poor. Of patients whose ACD or AL measured by A-scan ultrasonography were smaller than that of Lenstar LS900, 96.01% of them were within the 95% consistency limit.Conclusions: There was good agreement of the LT measurements between A-scan ultrasonography and Lenstar LS900, except for the axis deviating from the apparent axis during A-scan ultrasonography. If this error can be avoided, A-scan ultrasonography can replace Lenstar LS900 in LT measurement in cataract patients.
Genome-wide identification, and phylogenetic and expression profiling analyses of XTH gene families in Brassica rapa L. and Brassica oleracea L.
Authors: Song Min , Wu Di , Liu Anqi , Qu Xiaoyu , Liang Jiayi
Published: August 2020

Background
Xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolase genes (XTHs) are a multigene family and play key roles in regulating cell wall extensibility in plant growth and development. XTH genes of Brassica have not been reported.
Results
In this study, 53 and 38 XTH genes were identified in Brassica rapa and Brassica olerecea, respectively. All XTHs of B. rapa, B. oleracea and Arabidopsis thaliana can be classified into three groups including Group I/II, III and Ancestral Group based on phylogenetic relationships. Gene structures and motif patterns were similar in the same group. All XTHs in this study contained two characteristic conserved domains (Glyco_hydro and XET_C). XTHs mainly located in the cell wall and some also located in cytoplasm. Expansion mechanism analyses uncovered that whole-genome triplication (WGT) events and tandem duplication (TD) may be the major mechanism accounting for the expansion of XTH gene family. Interestingly, TD genes were all belong to Group I/II, which suggested TD was the main reason for the largest number of genes in the groups. B. oleracea had a higher loss rate of XTH genes, conserved domain XET_C and conserved motif EXDXE compared with B. rapa, consistent with the asymmetrical evolution between the two Brassica genomes. A majority of XTH genes exhibited different tissue-specific expression patterns based on RNA-seq data analyses. Moreover, the differential expressions of duplicated XTH genes in the two species were found and indicated their functional differentiation occurred after B. rapa and B. olerecea diverged from a common ancestor.
Conclusions
We first systematic analyzed XTH gene families in B. rapa and B. oleracea. The results of this paper can be used for reference to further study the function of XTH gene and the evolution pattern of multi gene family.
Cervical Spine AIS 6 – untreatable but survivable
Authors: Kamp Oliver , Jansen O. , Lefering R. , Aach M. , Waydhas C. , Dudda M. , Schildhauer T. A. , Hamsen U.
Published: August 2020

Background
Trauma is a significant cause of death and impairment. The Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) differentiates the severity of trauma and is the basis for different trauma scores and prediction models. An AIS of 6 is described as currently untreatable or unsurvivable. While the majority of patients do not survive such injuries, there are several patients with a cervical spinal cord injury and an AIS of 6 that could be discharged from hospital despite the prognosis of trauma scores. For this reason, we evaluated these findings in a larger control group.
Methods
In a retrospective, multi-centre study, we used the data recorded in the TraumaRegister DGU® (TR-DGU) to select patients with a severe cervical spinal cord injury and an AIS of 3 to 6 between 2002 to 2015. We compared the estimated mortality rate according to the Revised Injury Severity Classification II (RISC II) score against the actual mortality rate for this group.
Results
Six hundred and twelve patients (0.6%) sustained a severe cervical spinal cord injury with an AIS of 6. The mean age was 57.8 ± 21.8 years and 441 (72.3%) were male. 580 (98.6%) suffered a blunt trauma, 301 patients were injured in a car accident and 29 through attempted suicide. Out of the 612 patients, 391 (63.9%) died from their injury and 170 during the first 24 hours. The group had a predicted mortality rate of 81.4%, but we observed an actual mortality rate of 63.9%.
Conclusions
An AIS of 6 with a complete cord syndrome above C3 as documented in the TR-DGU is survivable if patients get to the hospital alive, at which point they show a survival rate of more than 35%. Compared to the mortality predictive model of the RISC II score, they survived much more often than expected.
Endoscopic Repair of Delayed Stomach Perforation Arising From Penetrating Trauma: A Case Report
Authors: Yoon Jae hyun , Jun Chung Hwan , Han Jae Pil , Yeom Ji Woong , Kang Seung Ku , Kook Hyun Yi , Choi Sung Kyu
Published: August 2020

Background

Primary endoscopic closure of perforated gastric wall during endoscopic procedures is mostly effective and well-tolerated; however, there are only few studies on the efficacy of endoscopic management in traumatic delayed gastric perforation.
Case presentation:

Here, we report the case of a 39-year-old woman who presented with multiple penetrating trauma in the back and left abdominal cavity. Initial imaging studies revealed left diaphragmatic disruption and peri-splenic hemorrhage without gastric perforation. An emergency primary repair of the disrupted diaphragm with omental reduction and suture of the lacerated lung was performed; however, delayed free-perforation of the gastric wall was noted on computed tomography after 3 d. Following an emergency abdominal surgery for primary repair of the gastric wall, re-perforation was noted 15 d post-operatively. The high re-operation risk prompted an endoscopic intervention using two endoloops and 11 endoscopic clips using a novel modified purse-string suture technique. The free perforated gastric wall was successfully repaired without additional surgery or intervention. The patient was discharged after 46 d without any complications.
Conclusions

Endoscopic closure with this novel technique involving endoloops and endoscopic clips can be a useful therapeutic alternative to re-operation for delayed gastric perforation caused by penetrating trauma.
Percutaneous Kyphoplasty in Treating Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fracture With Kyphotic Deformity: A Compared Study
Authors: Yao Wenye , Guo Runsheng , Lai Qi , Zhang Bin
Published: August 2020

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) for thoracolumbar osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF) with kyphosis via unilateral versus bilateral approach.Methods: All patients suffered OVCF with kyphosis were retrospectively reviewed. Of those, performed unilateral PKP or underwent bilateral PKP with random. The clinical and radiological data such as the correction of deformity, sagittal profle and record of the perioperative morbidity of the patients were analyzed.Results: All patients (76±3.6 years) were enrolled in this investigation, including 47 in the unilateral and 39 in the bilateral group. No significant difference in general data was detected between the two groups (p >0.05). Howere, the operation time and cement amount 28.2±3.4 min, 3.8±0.6 ml in the unilateral group, while 50.1±4.6 min, 5.4±0.5 ml in the bilateral group, respectively (P <0.05).In addition,The preoperative visual analog scale(VAS) and Vertebral local kyphosis angle were 8.8±0.65 and 16.3 ± 6.5°compared to last follow-up 3.15±0.78 and 14.26± 2.16°in unilateral group, while 8.5±0.78 and 16.5 ± 7.1°compared to last follow-up 2.66±0.86 and 13.81±2.38°in bilateral group, respectively (P < 0.05). Furthermore, Oswestry Disablility Index (ODI) and prevertebral height ratio in both groups were significantly different before and after surgery, but no significant difference between the two groups (p >0.05).Conclusion: Both bilateral and unilateral PKP are relatively safe and provide effective treatment for patients with painful thoracolumbar osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture with mild kyphotic deformity. However, unilateral PKP need less operation time and volume of cement.
Circular RNA screening identifies circMYLK4 as a regulator of fast/slow myofibers in porcine skeletal muscles
Authors: Cao Haigang , Liu Jieming , Du Tianning , Liu Yihao , Zhang Xiaoyu , Guo Yuan , Wang Jie , Zhou Xiaomin , Li Xiao , Yang Gongshe , Shi Xin'e
Published: August 2020

Background: The myofiber type is related to the quality of meat; specifically, slow-oxidized myofiber helps to increase the tenderness and juiciness of meat. An increasing number of studies have shown that circRNAs play a key role in skeletal muscle development. However, the key circRNAs that regulate myofiber types and their roles are still poorly understood.Results: A total of 40757 circRNAs were identified from the longissimus dorsi (LD) and the soleus (Sol) muscles, of which 10388 were co-expressed in the two muscles. Further analysis found 181 differentially expressed circRNAs in the LD compared with Sol. Functional enrichment analysis showed that target genes of differentially expressed circRNA-sponge miRNAs were enriched in the AMPK, FoxO and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways. In addition, we focused on a novel circRNA—circMYLK4. CircMYLK4 significantly increased the mRNA and protein levels of slow muscle marker genes and caused the flesh to turn red.Conclusion: Our study laid an essential foundation for further research on circRNAs in myofiber type conversion and the achievement of higher meat quality.
Comparison of Anticoagulated Versus Non-Anticoagulated Patients with Intra-Aortic Balloon Pumps
Authors: Kelly Julie , Malloy Rhynn , Knowles Danielle
Published: August 2020

Background: There is limited guidance regarding the use of anticoagulation in patients on intra-aortic balloon pumps (IABP). The purpose of this study is to compare the safety outcomes in anticoagulated versus non-anticoagulated patients with an IABP. Methods: This was a single center, retrospective chart review of patients admitted to the coronary care unit or cardiac surgery unit who received an IABP from May 2015 to July 2018. Patients who were anticoagulated with heparin while on an IABP were compared to those who were not anticoagulated. Major endpoints included a composite of thrombotic events and a composite of bleeding events. The major composite endpoint of thrombotic events included the incidence of ischemic stroke, any venous thromboembolism, device thrombosis, and limb ischemia. The major composite endpoint of bleeding events included major access site bleeding, minor access site bleeding, major non-access site bleeding, and minor non-access site bleeding. Minor endpoints included any major endpoint events occurring within 24 and 48 hours of IABP insertion, hospital length of stay, intensive care unit length of stay, and in-hospital mortality. Results: A total of 185 patients were evaluated for inclusion and 136 were included in the final analysis. There were 72 and 64 patients in the heparin and non-heparin groups, respectively. The composite endpoint of thrombotic events occurred in 8.3% and 7.8% in the heparin and non-heparin groups, respectively (p=0.91). The composite bleeding endpoint occurred in 22.2% and 18.8% in the heparin and non-heparin groups, respectively (p=0.25). There were no differences found in minor endpoints between groups. Conclusion: There were no significant differences found in major endpoints of bleeding and thrombotic events in patients who received anticoagulation while on an IABP versus those who did not receive anticoagulation.
Chemoprevention of Lung Carcinogenesis by Red Ginseng and Ginsenoside Rg3 in A/J mice
Authors: Xiong Jie , Yuan Hongmei , Fei Shihong , Wu Hongge , Cheng Jing , Yang Shengli , Wang Yian , You Ming , Liu Li
Published: August 2020

Background: Red ginseng has long been used as a traditional medicine for a variety of maladies. Ginsenosides are the active components of ginseng but are limited by their low oral bioavailability. Methods: We evaluated several types of red ginseng extracts for their ability to inhibit lung tumor formation and growth induced by the carcinogen benzo(a)pyrene [B(a)P] in A/J mice. The concentrations of various ginsenosides were quantified in these ginseng extracts using the methods of ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry analysis to identify the ginsenosides that may contribute to cancer prevention. We next explored whether inhibition of P-glycoprotein by verapamil could increase the oral bioavailability of ginsenoside by using CaCo-2 cell transcellular transport and in situ mouse intestinal perfusion models. The plasma and intestine concentration of ginsenoside and cancer preventive effect of ginsenoside combined with verapamil in A/J mice were also detected by using B(a)P-induced mouse cancer model.Results: We found that treatment with one type of red ginseng (Korean red ginseng B, KRGB) led to a significant reduction of tumor load compared with other types of red ginseng. KRGB contained the highest concentration of ginsenoside Rg3 among these red ginseng extracts, suggested that Rg3 may play an important role in its preventive efficacy. Our study showed that Rg3 had a relatively poor bioavailability, and co-administration of verapamil decreased the efflux ratio of Rg3 in Caco-2 cells, increased the absorption rate of Rg3 in rat small intestine, increased the plasma and intestine concentration of Rg3 in A/J mice, and enhanced the cancer preventive effect of Rg3 against B(a)P induced lung tumorigenesis. Conclusions: Ginsenosides Rg3 is one of the key components of read ginseng that may be responsible for its efficacy against lung carcinogenesis in mice. Rg3 appears to be the substrate of P-glycoprotein, and inhibition of P-glycoprotein could enhance its oral bioavailability.
FZD2 Promotes TGF-β-Induced Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Breast Cancer via Activating Notch Signaling Pathway
Authors: Tuluhong Dilihumaer , Chen Tao , Wang Jingjie , Zeng Huijuan , Li Hanjun , Dunzhu Wangmu , Li Qiurong , Wang Shaohua
Published: August 2020

Background
Breast cancer (BC) is one of the commonest female cancers, which is characterized with high incidence. Although treatments have been improved, the prognosis of BC patients in advanced stages remains unsatisfactory. Thus, exploration of the molecular mechanisms underneath BC progression is necessary to find novel therapeutic methods. Frizzled class receptor (FZD2) belongs to Frizzled family, which has been proven to promote cell growth and invasion in various human cancers. The purpose of our study was to detect the functions of FZD2 and explore its mechanism in BC.
Methods
The level of FZD2 was measured in BC tissues by quantitative realtime polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), western blot, immunohistochemistry (IHC) respectively. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), standard colony formation, transwell aasays, wound healing and flow cytometry experiments were adopted separately to test cell viability, invasion, migration, apoptosis and cell cycle distribution. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) biomarker were determined by using Immunofluorescence assay. Xenograft tumorigenicity assay was performed to assess the effect of FZD2 on tumor growth in vivo.
Results
We determined that FZD2 mRNA and protein expression was abundant in BC tissues. Moreover, high level of FZD2 had significant correlation with poor prognosis. In vitro functional assays revealed that silencing of FZD2 had suppressive effects on BC cell growth, migration and invasion. Animal study further demonstrated that FZD2 silencing inhibited BC cell growth in vivo. In addition, FZD2 induced EMT in BC cells in a transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1-dependent manner. Mechanistically, knockdown of FZD2 led to the inactivation of Notch signaling pathway.
Conclusion
Based on all these data, we concluded that FZD2 facilitates BC progression and promotes TGF-β1-inudced EMT process through activating Notch signaling pathway.
ZBTB7A, A Potential Biomarker for Prognosis and Immune Infiltrates, Inhibits Progression of Endometrial Cancer Based on Bioinformatics Analysis and Experiments
Authors: Geng Rong , Zheng Yuhua , Zhou Donghua , Li Qingdong , Li Ruiman , Guo Xiaoling
Published: August 2020

Backgroud: ZBTB protein is an important member of the C2H2 zinc finger protein family. As a transcription factor, it is widely involved in the transcriptional regulation of genes, cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. However, the role of ZBTB7A in uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma (UCEC) is unclear.Methods: In our work, we assessed the importance of ZBTB 7A in UCEC. Firstly, Using Oncomine and Tumor Immunoassay Resource (TIMER) databases to evaluate the expression of ZBTB7A. Secondly, we explored the co expression network of ZBTB7A through the cBioPortal online tool, Metascape, and LinkedOmics. TIMER was also used to explore the relationship between ZB TB7A and tumor immu ne invasion, and to detect the correlation between the ZBTB7A and the marker genes related to immune infiltration. Finally, CKK8,migration, ChIP assays were introduced to partly validate ZBTB7A function in endometrialcancer cells.Results: We found t he ZBTB7A expression in TIMER was associated with various cancers, especially UCEC. The decreased expre ssion of ZBTB7A was markedly related to the stage and prognosis of UCEC. Furthermore, ZBTB7A was also related to the expression of various immune markers s uch as Neutrophils, Dendritic cell, T cell (general), Th1, Th2, and Finally, we verified that ZBTB7 A repressed E2F4 transcription and inhibited cell s proliferation and migration . These results indicate that ZBTB7A may play a vital role in regulating immune cellinfiltration in UCEC, and is a valuable prognostic marker.Conclusions:In summary, we demonstrate that ZBTB7A is notably downregulated in UCEC, play s a vital role in regu lating immune cell infiltration, possesses diagnostic and pr ognostic values and attenuated E2F4 transcription and cell proliferation , migration in vitro.
Storage Procedures Affect pH, Electrical Conductivity, and Nutrient Concentrations of Pour-through Leachate from Pine Bark and Peat-based Substrates
Authors: Landaverde Andrea C. , Shreckhise Jacob H. , Altland James E.
Published: August 2020

The pour-through (PT) method is used in greenhouse and nursery production to monitor nutrient availability in soilless substrates. Efficacy of this method is based on the assumption that chemical properties of extracted solutions remain stable from the moment of collection until analysis. Extracted substrate solution can be analyzed directly in the greenhouse or sent to laboratories for complete nutritional analysis; thus, proper sample preservation methods (e.g., filtration and low temperatures) are critical for reducing sample contamination or degradation during storage. However, evidence of how these preservation methods affect chemical characteristics of PT samples is limited. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of storage time, storage temperature, and filtration of PT samples on pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and nutrient concentrations from pine bark– and peat-based substrates. PT extracts were obtained from liquid-fertilized fallow pots of either 100% milled pine bark (Expt. 1) or a 4 sphagnum peat: 1 perlite (by volume) substrate (Expt. 2). Aliquots of PT extract were either filtered or nonfiltered and then stored in plastic bottles at −22, 4, or 20 °C. EC, pH, and nutrient concentrations were analyzed at 0, 1, 7, and 30 days after PT sample collection. EC and pH in PT extracts of peat and pine bark, respectively, changed 1 day after collection. Storage time had the greatest effect on nutrient concentrations of samples stored at 20 °C. However, at day 30, nutrient concentrations had also changed in samples stored at 4 and −22 °C. Analytes that fluctuated most in both experiments and across all preservation treatments were dissolved organic carbon, total dissolved nitrogen, NO3−-N, and PO43−-P, whereas Ca2+, Mg2+, and SO42−-S were more stable in PT samples. This research suggests EC and pH should be analyzed immediately, whereas samples requiring nutrient analysis should be filtered immediately after collection, stored at 4 or −22 °C (preferably −22 °C), and analyzed within 7 days of collection.
El pensamiento franciscano en los procesos de autoevaluación institucional
Authors: Ramírez Bonilla Gerardo , Gómez Bohórquez Pilar Tatiana , Ramírez Sánchez Carolina
Published: August 2020

Este artículo analiza desde una perspectiva fenomenológica-hermenéutica los aportes del pensamiento franciscano en los procesos de autoevaluación institucional de la Universidad de San Buenaventura, Bogotá. En primera instancia, se abordará el pensamiento franciscano como elemento que transversa las funciones sustantivas y todas aquellas actividades que propenden por el aseguramiento de la calidad y el mejoramiento continuo de la educación superior. En segundo lugar, se describen los significados y opiniones sobre el sistema de autoevaluación institucional en los diferentes agentes de la comunidad académica Bonaventuriana en la sede Bogotá. Finalmente, se reconocerá cómo la filosofía institucional se materializa en los procesos de autoevaluación en el marco de los procesos de acreditación con el propósito de aportar elementos significativos para los planes de mejoramiento.
Búsqueda de salud y oferta de sanación. Estudio teológico de caso: Parroquia «Natividad del Señor» (Rosario, Argentina)
Authors: Azcuy Virginia Raquel
Published: August 2020

El foco de atención está puesto en la afluencia espontánea de una gran multitud de personas a la parroquia rosarina «Natividad del Señor» en busca de salud para sí mismos y/o sus familiares. El fenómeno manifiesta una de las principales motivaciones que acompañan las creencias y las prácticas religiosas actuales en la Argentina, sobre todo de quienes pertenecen a sectores sociales medios y bajos, aunque no exclusivamente. La explicación de por qué esta parroquia se ha constituido en un lugar de particular convocatoria está vinculada con la figura carismática del religioso y sacerdote párroco Ignacio Peries, oriundo de Sri Lanka (exCeilán) y responsable de esta parroquia desde principios de la década del ochenta del pasado siglo. La oferta de sanación que distingue a esta comunidad tiene al religioso ceilandés como un actor central, si bien cuenta con numerosos colaboradores y colaboradoras, además de incontables servidores que reciben a los miles de personas que se acercan cada fin de semana. La práctica de las bendiciones a los enfermos y sus familiares por parte del sacerdote, a continuación de la celebración de la misa casi siempre presidida por él, constituye la clave fundamental de la ritualidad sanadora que se brinda en esta parroquia con un movimiento de santuario. Esta presentación propone un marco de comprensión interdisciplinario, presenta el estudio teológico de caso desde las voces de sus actores y formula ejes de reflexión para seguir pensando la espiritualidad popular en el marco del campo religioso, con particular atención a la diversidad de creencias y al cuidado de la salud.
Resting State Brain Network Function in Elderly: The Formation of Social Ties
Authors: Oh Seolah , Kim Aran , Kang Eunji , Choi Sungwon
Published: August 2020

Background: The purpose of this study is to determine the relevance of the relationship between brain network and the social ties management.Methods: Participants are based on 52 Korean seniors aged 65 and older who live in Ganghwa-gun, Incheon. We used a closed-triad index (CTI), which is the most basic unit of analysis in the study of group phenomena. This index is a social networking variable that has been shown to have a different implication depending on the subject’s condition and role. After two questionnaire surveys were conducted at three years intervals, participants were classified into an increased group and a decreased group according to the change of CTI. Resting-state fMRI analysis were followed to investigate the difference of brain networks between groups. Results: According to the analysis of the study, the whole participants who had increased in number of CTI has higher local efficiency than the group of the participants who had no effect or decreased in CTI. Conclusions: Our study suggests that social relationship, which is substantially related to brain network, is a major factor in successful aging. Lastly, since there is a restriction that the study cannot explain the causal aspect of the brain network and the triad-relationship, there is a need for further investigation.
Implementação do Mercado Institucional do Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar em Patos de Minas-MG
Authors: Lima Túlio Luís Borges , Oliveira Marcelo Leles Romarco de
Published: August 2020

Estudo de caso de uma associação da agricultura familiar em Patos de Minas-MG, sobre o mercado institucional do Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar (PNAE), em que objetivamos compreender seu processo de implementação. Metodologicamente desenvolveu-se uma pesquisa qualitativa, com revisão bibliográfica, pesquisa documental, observação livre e entrevistas semiestruturadas. A criação e desenvolvimento da associação fundiu-se ao processo de implementação das compras do PNAE, embebidos por forte instrumentalidade quanto à obrigação legal de formalização do grupo, ocorrida de forma tutelada, com protagonismo, principalmente, de agentes externos. Após os três primeiros anos de poucos avanços, dificuldades e mudanças institucionais relevantes, houve aumento nas aquisições de alimentos, no número de associados e melhora na organização da associação. Identificamos o protagonismo por parte de sua Presidente e da Nutricionista da prefeitura, permeado por ações autônomas e envoltas em um contexto de alto grau de discrição, sendo esta última identificada como “burocrata a nível de rua”.
A Relação Universidade-Empresas Traz Prejuízo ao Desempenho Acadêmico de uma Universidade Pública?
Authors: Souza Camila Aparecida Fonseca , Santos David Ferreira Lopes
Published: August 2020

Esta pesquisa explorou a relação Universidade-Empresas a partir de um estudo de caso da Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias (FCAV), Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), visando entender quais os efeitos dessa aproximação no desempenho acadêmico dos docentes de uma universidade pública. Para tanto, avaliou-se comparativamente a performance de docentes com parcerias junto a instituições de mercado e aqueles que não o fazem, por meio da Fundação de Apoio a Pesquisa, Ensino e Extensão (FUNEP). A unidade de análise foram os docentes vinculados aos 11 Programas de Pós-Graduação da FCAV, com escopo temporal de 5 anos (2011 a 2016). As variáveis foram construídas a partir da fundamentação teórica do estudo. Os dados foram tratados mediante análise discriminante. Os 169 docentes que possuem projetos junto ao mercado constituem o Grupo 1. Os 127 que não apresentaram projetos estão no Grupo 0. Os resultados sinalizam que o envolvimento dos docentes em projetos com empresas para geração de tecnologia não concorrem com os outros objetivos da FCAV. Verificou-se que em nenhuma das variáveis estudadas a produção dos docentes com recursos junto ao mercado é inferior aos que não possuem, ao contrário, para algumas variáveis, os resultados foram superiores. Constatou-se que os docentes com projetos adjuntos a FUNEP são os que mais captam recursos financeiros. Concluiu-se que docentes com projetos junto a FUNEP quando não espelham o mesmo desempenho daqueles que não o fazem, apresentam resultados superiores, confirmando que a relação Universidade-Empresas não compromete a produtividade acadêmica desses profissionais.
Desenvolvimento Socioeconômico e Cooperativismo de Crédito no Município de Concórdia/SC
Authors: Rovani Bruno Pilatti , Marchesan Jairo , Ramos Fernando Maciel , Vargas Letícia Paludo
Published: August 2020

Diante da organização e da conjuntura política, social, e, principalmente econômica mundial, o cooperativismo apresenta-se como uma das possibilidades para reduzir os processos excludentes do modo de produção capitalista. Assim, apresenta-se, também, como possibilidade de inclusão social e econômica nos processos de produção, distribuição e consumo. O Cooperativismo de crédito se apresenta de forma crescente no Brasil, especialmente na região Sul do país. A pesquisa foi desenvolvida no município de Concórdia-SC, com o objetivo de avaliar os avanços do cooperativismo de crédito no município e suas contribuições para o desenvolvimento socioeconômico. Para a coleta de dados utilizou-se a técnica de pesquisa de campo descritiva, com a aplicação de questionário nas cooperativas de crédito. Os resultados demonstram que as contribuições das cooperativas de crédito para o desenvolvimento local estão centradas em quatro categorias, quais sejam: (i) ações sociais; (ii) formação de capital humano; (iii) empreendedorismo; (iv) finanças pessoais. Além disso, conclui-se que o sistema cooperativista de crédito está contribuindo significativamente na geração de trabalho, distribuição de renda, e, consequentemente, com o desenvolvimento local e regional.
Effect of irrigation efficiency enhancement on water demand of date palms in a Tunisian oasis under climate change
Authors: Haj-Amor Zied , Acharjee Tapos Kumar
Published: August 2020

Consideration of future change in water salinity is important for estimating irrigation demand in salinity-prone arid regions. Further, it is important to evaluate the contribution of irrigation efficiency enhancement to climate change resilience. Based on field measurements in 2019, a simulation approach from 2019 to 2050 was carried out in this study to investigate the impact of climate change and its consequences (i.e., change in water salinity) on the future gross irrigation demand of date palms and possible applied dose of water in a Tunisian oasis considering different irrigation efficiency enhancements. The estimation was done under very high (RCP 8.5), medium (RCP 6.0), and low (RCP 4.5) emission scenarios using the CROPWAT model. Results first showed an increase in gross irrigation requirement under inefficient surface irrigation (37% efficiency) from 3,340 mm year−1 in 2019 to 3,588–3,642 mm year−1 in 2050 for different climate change scenarios. This significant increase is mainly attributed to a significant change in climate variables and a high increase in water salinity. Second, considerable water savings (up to 1,980 mm) can be achieved if surface irrigation efficiency increases from the current value of 37–70%. Finally, much water can be saved only by reducing the overdose amount of water.
Impact of natural organic matter characteristics and inorganic anions on the performance of ion exchange resins in natural waters
Authors: Dixit Fuhar , Barbeau Benoit , Mohseni Madjid
Published: August 2020

Ion exchange (IX) process is increasingly used as a cost-effective treatment for the removal of natural organic matter (NOM) from drinking water. However, fundamental studies under the influence of variable NOM characteristics and inorganic anions have often been overlooked. This is important given NOM characteristics (such as charge density and molecular weight) and inorganic anions concentrations are geographically and seasonally variable. We examined the performance of a strongly basic IX resin for the simultaneous removal of NOM, inorganic ions and micropollutants (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and algal toxins), from different surface and recycled waters. The results indicated >70% removal of NOM for ∼20,000 Bed Volumes (BV) with an uptake of NOM fractions following the order of their respective charge densities. IX pore blockage and consequent site reduction was observed in the presence of higher molecular weight NOM fractions (breakthrough ∼7,000 BV). Moreover, NOM and inorganic ions breakthrough corresponded to ∼85–90% site occupancy (in meq) in the absence of pore blocking compounds. IX also provided simultaneous removal of inorganic ions (>90%) and charged micropollutants. Complete removals of Microcystin-LR and multiple long- and short-chained PFAS were achieved at environmentally relevant concentrations with dosages of 1,000 mg/L (or 4.5 mL/L) or higher.
Estimating the future hydric needs of Baja California, Mexico. Assessment of scenarios to stop being a region with water scarcity
Authors: Cortés-Ruiz A. , Azuz-Adeath I.
Published: August 2020

This paper shows the actual conditions of freshwater availability in Baja California (BC), Mexico. It aims to estimate the water needs by 2030, and propose scenarios to move out of the scarce water region classification defined by international organizations. A population of 4.1 million people was defined for year 2030 as a target to provide at least 1,000 m3 of water per capita. As agriculture is the main water consumer in the region, empirical decomposition and optimization methods were used to define the trend line of the principal crops production and to establish the optimum conditions for planted surface reduction and water gain. The results show that by 2030, BC will need a total of 4,105 hm3 of water to be classified as a non-water scarcity region; in 2018, BC had 3,045 hm3 of renewable water per year, therefore 1,060 m3 will be needed. The best option in economic terms to attain this goal was the reduction of croplands in Mexicali with a cost of around 82 million US dollars. Although this option is the best quantitatively, the political and social implications of it are enormous; however, the correct management of the resource in critical conditions will require difficult decisions.
Impact of commonly used Ag-Cu ion doses on Desulfovibrio sp.: growth and microbiologically induced corrosion against stainless steel
Authors: Arkan-Ozdemir S. , Cansever N. , Ilhan-Sungur E.
Published: August 2020

Ag-Cu ions in cooling water may inhibit the activity of sulfate-reducing bacteria and therefore provide solutions to microbiologically induced corrosion (MIC) problems, mainly caused by Desulfovibrio sp. To investigate this, the MIC behavior of Desulfovibrio sp. on 316L stainless steel in terms of growth and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) production was investigated in the presence of Ag-Cu ions. Laboratory-scale systems were set up with final concentrations of 0.13 ppm Ag and 0.3 ppm Cu ions, as they are the frequently used doses for cooling waters, and operated over 720 hours. The corrosion rate was evaluated by gravimetric assay, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analyses. The growth of Desulfovibrio sp. was assessed by bacterial counting and EPS production. Ag-Cu ions in the biofilm were assessed by inductively coupled plasma - optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and EDS-elemental mapping analyses. It was concluded that the ion concentrations used caused an increase in EPS production, especially of protein. The corrosion rate of the metal by Desulfovibrio sp. in the presence of ions was detected as being 29 times higher than that in the sterile medium with the ions after 720 hours. The results suggested that Desulfovibrio sp. exhibited more corrosive behavior in the presence of non-toxic concentrations of Ag-Cu ions.
Design, simulation, and laboratory test of a single sludge drainage pipe for wastewater treatment sedimentation tank
Authors: Feilin Hao , Mingwei Shen
Published: August 2020

This study develops a novel design scheme based on engineering fluid mechanics for the single-pipe-type sludge drainage mechanism of sedimentation tanks in the wastewater treatment industry. A laboratory-scale clarifier is fabricated for experimental verification. Sludge drainage ratio and suspended solids (SS) of inflow are selected as two factors for laboratory experiments, and SS values are measured to evaluate the performance of the sludge drainage pipe. Experiment data show that the designed single sludge drainage pipe can successfully achieve the supposed task with a coefficient of variation (CV) of SS less than 8.5%. The variation scope of CV from 1.5% to 8.3% suggests that the sludge drainage performance is relatively steady. Nine sets of 3D computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulations, which is based on the inhomogeneous Eulerian–Eulerian multiphase model, were conducted for a comprehensive exploration and assessment. Results reveal noticeable deviations of the characteristics of the fluid in the outermost orifice of the sludge drainage pipe from the designed value. Although the fluid velocity through each orifice is matched with the designed values, the mass flowrate differs with a maximum of four times the designed value and a standard deviation of 0.4 of hole among the nine simulations. This study also suggests some considerations in the design process and routine operation of the single-pipe-type sludge drainage system.
Biological Properties of Yeast-based Mannoprotein for Prospective Biomedical Applications
Authors: Hosseini Motaharesadat , Sharifan Anoosheh
Published: August 2020

Background:

Natural products constitute more than half of all biomolecules lately being
used in clinical settings. Mannoprotein derived from the yeast cell wall has found full biotechnological
applications.

Objective:

This study was intended to investigate antioxidant, anticancer, and toxicological properties of Kluyveromyces marxianus mannoprotein (KM).

Methods:

The KM extract was obtained through a sequence of operations, including centrifugation for cell isolation, precipi-tation with potassium citrate/ sodium metabisulfite, and recovery and purification. Its antioxidant, growth inhibition, macro-phage mitogenic, and toxic activities were evaluated for its future use in the biomedical field.

Results:

Significantly inhibitory effects of KM were obtained on reactive species. It showed antiproliferative activity against HeLa (human cervical adenocarcinoma) and MCF-7 (human breast cancer) cell lines with no toxic effects on HUVECs (human umbilical vein endothelial cells). The in vitro model of CHO-K1 (Chinese hamster ovary) cell lines did not show the cytotoxic and genotoxic of KM. Also, it enhanced macrophage activity in terms of nitric oxide (NO) production and viabil-ity. No sign of acute toxicity was found in BALB/c mice, and body weight remained unchanged in guinea pigs over three months.

Conclusion:

Comprehensive biological evaluations in this study are expected to expand the potential of KM as a natural material.
Protective Effects of Astragalus Membranaceus and Ligustrazine on Rat Brain Microvascular Endothelial Cell Injury after Oxygen-Glucose Deprivation/ Reoxygenation by Suppressing the PKCδ/MARCKS Pathway
Authors: Tang Xialin , Wang Huajun , Chen Huihuan , Sun Shuangxi , Chen Hongxia , Pan Ruihuan
Published: August 2020

Aim and Objective:

Cell death is a main pathological change in brain ischemia. Astragalus
membranaceus (Ast) and ligustrazine (Lig), as traditional Chinese herbs, have a protective effect
against ischemia-reperfusion injury. We aim to find whether the underlying protective mechanism
of Astragalus membranaceus and ligustrazine against Oxygen–glucose deprivation/reoxygenation
(OGD/R) -induced injury in RBMECs is related to PKCδ/MARCKS pathway.

Materials and Methods:

OGD/R preconditioning was instituted in rat brain microvascular endothelial
cells (RBMECs). The survival and apoptosis of RBMECs were detected by a Cell Counting
Kit-8 and TUNEL staining; PKCδ/MARCKS and MMP9 expression were examined by immunofluorescence,
western blot and quantitative real-time PCR.

Results:

OGD/R stimulation significantly increased RBMEC apoptosis, whereas Ast+Lig, Rottlerin
or Ast+Lig+Rottlerin treatment evidently reduced cellular apoptosis and increased cell viability
(P <0.05). Furthermore, Ast+Lig, Rottlerin or Ast+Lig+Rottlerin treatment significantly reduced
mRNA expression levels of PKCδ/MARCKS and MMP9 (P <0.05), compared to OGD/R control
group. Moreover, Ast+Lig, Rottlerin or Ast+Lig+Rottlerin treatment evidently reduced protein expression
levels of PKCδ, MMP9, and MARCKS (P <0.05), compared to OGD/R control group, detected
by western blotting or immunofluorescence.

Conclusions:

The administration of Astragalus membranaceus and ligustrazine protected RBMECs
against OGD/R-induced apoptosis. PKCδ/MARCKS and MMP9 expression were significantly increased
after OGD/R stimulation, while Astragalus membranaceus and ligustrazine treatment evidently
suppressed. Collectively, Astragalus membranaceus and ligustrazine play protective effects
against OGD/R-induced injury in RBMECs through regulating PKCδ/MARCKS pathway to inhibit
MMP9 activation.
CFD Modeling of Methanol to Light Olefins in a Sodalite Membrane Reactor using SAPO-34 Catalyst with In Situ Steam Removal
Authors: Aghaeinejad-Meybodi Abbas , Mousavi Seyed Mahdi , Shahabi Ali Asghar , Kakroudi Mohammad Rostampour
Published: August 2020

Aims and Objective:

In this work, the performance of a sodalite membrane reactor
(MR) in the conversion of methanol to olefins (MTO process) was evaluated for ethylene and
propylene production with in situ steam removal using 3-dimensional CFD (computational fluid
dynamic) technique.

Methods:

Numerical simulation was performed using the commercial CFD package COMSOL
Multiphysics 5.3. The finite element method was used to solve the governing equations in the 3-
dimensional CFD model for the present work. In the sodalite MR model, a commercial SAPO-34
catalyst in the reaction zone was considered. The influence of key operation parameters, including
pressure and temperature on methanol conversion, water recovery, and yields of ethylene,
propylene, and water was studied to evaluate the performance of sodalite MR.

Results:

The local information of component concentration for methanol, ethylene, propylene, and
water was obtained by the proposed CFD model. Literature data were applied to validate model
results, and a good agreement was attained between the experimental data and predicted results using
CFD model. Permeation flux through the sodalite membrane was increased by an increase of reaction
temperature, which led to the enhancement of water stream recovered in the permeate side.

Conclusion:

The CFD modeling results showed that the sodalite MR in the MTO process had
higher performance in methanol conversion compared to the fixed-bed reactor (methanol
conversion of 97% and 89% at 733 K for sodalite MR and fixed-bed reactor, respectively).
Computational Modeling of Environmental Co-exposure on Oil-Derived Hydrocarbon Overload by Using Substrate-Specific Transport Protein (TodX) with Graphene Nanostructures
Authors: de Oliveira Patrícia Viera , Goulart Luiza , dos Santos Cláudia Lange , Rossato Jussane , Fagan Solange Binotto , Zanella Ivana , Cordeiro M. Natália D.S. , Ruso Juan M. , González-Durruthy Michael
Published: August 2020

Background

Bioremediation is a biotechnology field that uses living organisms to remove contaminants from soil and water; therefore, they could be used to treat oil spills from the environment.

Methods

Herein, we present a new mechanistic approach combining Molecular Docking Simulation and Density Functional Theory to modeling the bioremediation-based nanointeractions of a heterogeneous mixture of oil-derived hydrocarbons by using pristine and oxidized graphene nanostructures and the substrate-specific transport protein (TodX) from Pseudomonas putida.

Results

The theoretical evidences pointing that the binding interactions are mainly based on noncovalent bonds characteristic of physical adsorption mechanism mimicking the “Trojan-horse effect”.

Conclusion

These results open new horizons to improve bioremediation strategies in over-saturation conditions against oil-spills and expanding the use of nanotechnologies in the context of environmental modeling health and safety.