bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome-wide associations for udder and teat conformational risk factors for mastitis in Holstein cows
Authors: Miles Asha M. , Posbergh Christian , Huson Heather Jay
Published: November 2019

BACKGROUND The objective of our study was to conduct high-density genome-wide association studies of dairy cow udder and teat conformation with direct phenotyping. We identified and compared quantitative trait loci ( QTL ) for a novel composite mastitis risk trait and considered environmental impact of milking by comparing primiparous cows only. Cows (N = 471) were genotyped on the Illumina BovineHD 777K beadchip and scored for front and rear teat length, width, end shape, and placement, fore udder attachment, udder cleft, udder depth, rear udder height, and rear udder width. Principal component analysis was performed on fore udder attachment, rear teat end shape, rear teat width, and rear udder height, to create a single new phenotype describing mastitis susceptibility based on these high-risk traits.RESULTS Over all 14 traits of interest, a total of 56 genome-wide associations were performed and 28 significantly associated (Bonferroni multiple testing correction < 0.05) QTL were identified. The linkage disequilibrium ( LD ) block surrounding the associated QTL or a 1 Mb window in the absence of LD was interrogated for candidate genes, resulting in the identification of genes with functions related to both cell proliferation and immune signaling, including ZNF683, DHX9, CUX1, TNNT1 , and SPRY1 . We assessed a primiparous only subset of cows (n = 144) to account for the possibility that the genetic variance component of the phenotype is greater for cows who have had less exposure to the environment, and observed different associated QTL and inheritance patterns for udder depth in primiparous cows compared to the total cohort.CONCLUSION Special focus was given to the aforementioned mastitis risk traits, and candidate gene investigation revealed both immune function and cell proliferation related genes in the areas surrounding significantly associated QTL, suggesting that selecting for mastitis resistant cows based on these traits would be an effective method for increasing mastitis resiliency in a herd.
Phenolics and related in vitro functional activities of different varieties of fresh waxy corn: a whole grain
Authors: Chen Lirong , Guo Yuqiu , Li Xiaoyue , Gong Kuijie , Liu Kaichang
Published: November 2019

The polyphenol distribution in fresh waxy corns of different color varieties and their in vitro functional activities, which may be useful for treating various chronic diseases, were investigated. The colored varieties contained more phenols than the common varieties (white and/or yellow). The total free phenolic acid content of the six varieties was 3151.57 μg/g DW (dry weight), which was slightly higher ( p >0.05) than that of the total bound form (3028.24 μg/g DW). The total free flavonoid content was 5850.09 μg/g DW, which was higher ( p < 0.05) than that of the total bound form (4874.51μg/g DW). No bound anthocyanin was detected in the methanol extracts of the tested varieties. For all the varieties, free polyphenols contributed 86-100% and 70-78% of the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and hydroxyl radical scavenging abilities, respectively, and 100% of the ferric reducing capacity. The free phenolics in fresh waxy corn showed significantly better ( p < 0.05) hypoglycemic effect than the bound form in terms of inhibition of α-amylase activity, whereas the bound phenolics of most varieties showed higher α-glucosidase inhibitory activity than the free forms. The free phenolics showed significantly better ( p < 0.05) glycocholesterol binding than the bound form for all varieties. The bound polyphenols showed better sodium cholate and taurocholate binding than the free form for most varieties. In conclusion, the difference between free and bound polyphenol content and functional activities indicates that fresh waxy corn can be potentially used for the development of functional food.
A Sequence Embedding Method For Enzyme Optimal Condition Analysis
Authors: Li Xiangjun , Dou Zhixin , Sun Yuqing , Wang Lushan , Gong Bin
Published: November 2019

Background: An enzyme activity is influenced by the external environment condition. It is important to have an enzyme remain high activity in a specific condition. A usual way is to first determine the optimal condition of an enzyme by either the gradient test or by tertiary structure, and then to use protein engineering to mutate a wild type enzyme for a higher activity in an expected condition. Results: In this paper, we investigate the optimal condition of an enzyme by directly analyzing the sequence. We propose an embedding method to represent the amino acids and the construct information as vectors in the latent space. These vectors contain information about the correlations between amino acids and sites in the aligned amino acid sequences, as well as the correlations with the optimal conditions. We crawled and processed the amino acid sequence in glycoside hydrolase GH11 family, and got 125 amino acid sequences with optimal pH condition. We used probabilistic approximation method to implement the embedding learning method on these samples. Based on these embedding vectors, we design a computational score to determine the optimal condition for an enzyme and achieves the accuracy 80% on the test proteins in the same family. We also give the mutation suggestion such that it has a higher activity in the expected environment, which is consistent with the professional wet experiments and analysis. Conclusion: A new computational method is proposed for the sequence based enzyme optimal condition analysis. Compared with the traditional process that involves a lot of wet experiments and requires multiple mutations, this method can get the desired protein for an expected condition in an efficient and effective way. Keywords: Protein sequence analysis; Embedding; Bioinformatics
Evaluating the Care Provision of a Community-Based Serious-Illness Care Program Via Chart Measures
Authors: Kistler Christine , Dongen Matthew Van , Ernecoff Natalie , Daaleman Timothy , Hanson Laura
Published: November 2019

Keywords: home-based primary care, home-based palliative care, community-based care, quality-of-care, serious-illness care
Background: Although quality-of-care domains for home-based primary and palliative programs have been proposed, they have had limited testing in practice. Our aim was to evaluate the care provision in a community-based serious-illness care program, a combined home-based primary and palliative care model.
Methods: Retrospective chart review of patients in an academic community-based serious-illness care program in central North Carolina from August 2014 to March 2016 (n=159). Chart review included demographics, health status, and operationalized measures of seven quality-of-care domains: medical assessment, care coordination, safety, quality of life, provider competency, goal attainment, and access.
Results: Patients were mostly women (56%) with an average age of 70 years. Patients were multi-morbid (53% ≥3 comorbidities), functionally impaired (45% had impairment in ≥2 activities of daily living) and 32% had dementia. During the study period, 31% of patients died. Chart review found high rates assessment of functional status (97%), falls (98%), and medication safety (96%). Rates of pain assessment (70%), advance directive discussions (65%), influenza vaccination (59%), and depression assessment (54% of those with a diagnosis of depression) were lower. Cognitive barriers, spiritual needs, and behavioral issues were assessed infrequently (35%, 22%, 21%, respectively).
Conclusions: This study is one of the first to operationalize and examine quality-of-care measures for a community-based serious-illness care program, an emerging model for vulnerable adults. Our operationalization should not constitute validation of these measures and revealed areas for improvement; however, the community-based serious-illness care program performed well in several key quality-of-care domains. Future work is needed to validate these measures.
List of Abbreviations: REACH program (Reaching out to Enhance the care of Adults in their Communities and their Homes), electronic health record (EHR), the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), activities of daily living (ADLs), Veterans Affairs St. Louis University Mental Status Exam (VA-SLUMS)
Longitudinal assessment of health-related quality of life among older people with diabetes: results of a nationwide study in New Zealand
Authors: Shamshirgaran Seyed Morteza , Stephens Christine , Alpass Fiona , Aminisani Nayyereh
Published: November 2019

Background: The current work examined experiences of Health Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) among older adults with a diagnoses of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) over time compared to those without a diagnoses DM. Methods: The sample was drawn from six biennial waves of the New Zealand Health, Work and Retirement survey, a prospective population-based cohort study of older adults 55-70 years at baseline. Data on sociodemographic factors, health behaviours, chronic disease diagnoses and physical and mental HRQOL (SF-12v2) were obtained using six biennial surveys administered 2006-2016. Generalised Estimating Equation models, adjusted for time-constant and -varying factors, were employed to compare HRQOL and its determinants over time for older adults with and without a diagnosis of DM. Results: DM was negatively associated with physical HRQOL [β (95% CI) −7.43 (−8.41, −6.44)] with older adults affected by DM reporting scores 7.4 points lower than those without DM. Similarly, the mean Mental HRQOL score was lower among those affected by DM [β = −4.97 (−5.93, −4.01)] however, scores increased over time for both groups ( p <0.001). Greater age, more chronic conditions, sight and sleep problems, obesity, lower annual income, and fewer years of education were predictors of poorer HRQOL among older adults. Conclusions: Older adults affected by diabetes experienced poorer physical and mental HRQOL compared to those not affected, when controlling for a range of sociodemographic and health related indices. A management aim must be to minimise the gap between two groups particularly as people age.
Serum Fetuin-A levels were increased and associated with insulin resistance in women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Liu Sha , Hu Wenjing , He Yirui , Li Ling , Liu Hua , Gao Lin , Yang Gangyi , Liao Xin
Published: November 2019

Background: Insulin resistance (IR) is a common characteristic in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It has been reported that circulating Fetuin-A levels were associated with IR and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, in PCOS women, previous reports on changes in circulating Fetuin-A concentrations were inconsistent.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, including 122 PCOS women and 85 healthy women. Circulating Fetuin-A levels were determined using an ELISA kit.
Results: We found that circulating Fetuin-A concentration ranged from 196.6 to 418.2 µg/L for most normal women (95 %). Women with PCOS have higher circulating Fetuin-A levels than healthy women (437.9 ± 119.2 vs. 313.8 ± 60.4 μg/L; p <0.01). Serum Fetuin-A concentrations correlated positively with WHR, LDL-C, FIns, HOMA-IR, TEST and DHEA-S. Multivariate regression analysis showed that WHR, HOMA-IR and TEST were independent influencing factors of serum Fetuin-A. Binary logistic regression reaveled that serum Fetuin-A was associated with the .occurrence of PCOS. In addition, our ROC curve analysis found that the cutoff values for Fetuin-A to predict PCOS and IR were 366.3 and 412.6 µg/L.
Conclusion: Blood Fetuin-A may be a useful biomarker for screening women with PCOS and IR.
Resting heart rate and cardiac autonomic tone during passive head-up tilt: a cross-sectional study in 569 subjects without cardiovascular diseases​
Authors: Koskela Jenni , Tahvanainen Anna , Tikkakoski Antti , Kangas Pauliina , Uitto Marko , Viik Jari , Kähönen Mika , Mustonen Jukka , Pörsti Ilkka
Published: November 2019

Background Resting heart rate (HR) and its variability (HRV) reflect cardiac sympathovagal balance that can stimulated by head-up tilting. HRV is significantly influenced by the level of HR, but how much HRV offers additional information about cardiac autonomic tone than HR alone remains unresolved. We examined the relation of resting HR with short term HRV during passive head-up tilt.Methods Hemodynamics of 569 subjects without medications with direct cardiovascular effects and known cardiovascular diseases were recorded using whole-body impedance cardiography, continuous radial pulse wave analysis and electrocardiography based HRV analysis in supine and upright positions. For statistical analyses the study population was divided into tertiles of resting heart rate according to sexes.Results Higher low frequency to high frequency ratio (LF/HF) of HRV (reflecting sympathovagal balance) was associated with higher HR in supine (p<0.001) and upright positions (p=0.008). The outcome was similar when the HRV analysis was based on HR instead of RR-intervals (p<0.001 supine, p=0.012 upright). The lowest HR tertile presented with higher supine to upright increase in LF/HF than the highest HR tertile (1.1 vs. 0.85, respectively, p=0.037).Conclusion Higher resting HR is related to higher LF/HF in supine and upright positions, reflecting higher cardiac sympathovagal balance. Lower resting HR is associated with lower resting LF/HF, but with a more pronounced increase in both HR and LF/HF during head-up tilt, suggesting greater change cardiac sympathovagal balance in response to upright posture.
Survival outcomes for metastatic prostate cancer patients treated with radical prostatectomy or radiation therapy —— A SEER based study
Authors: Jin Kun , Qiu Shi , Zhang Shiyu , Zheng Xiaonan , Tu Xiang , Liao Xinyang , Li Jiakun , Li Chunyang , Yang Lu , Wei Qiang
Published: November 2019

Background Patients appeared as metastatic prostate cancer (mPCa) have a very low 5-year-survival rate. How to choose proper treatment of mPCa remained controversial.Method Within the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database (2004-2015), we performed analyses of cancer specific mortality (CSM) and overall mortality (OM) in the comparisons of local treatment (LT) vs no local treatment (NLT) and radical prostatectomy (RP) vs radiation therapy (RT). To balance the characteristics between two treatment groups, propensity score matching were performed. Considering the selection bias, we additionally used an instrument variate (IVA) to calculate the unmeasured confounders.Result Our study selected mPCa patients with average age more than 60 yr, high level of PSA, and tend to present as high GS. Multivariate regression showed that patients received LT had the lower risks of OM and CSM after adjustment of covariates (HR=0.39, 95% CI 0.35-0.44 and HR=0.39, 95% CI 0.34-0.45). In the IV-adjusted model, LT showed more survival benefits compared with NLT, with hazard ratios of 0.57 (95% CI 0.50-0.65) and cancer specific hazard ratios of 0.59 (95% CI 0.51-0.68), respectively. For those received LT, adjusted multivariate regression indicated that RP is superior to RT, (HR=0.60 [95% CI 0.43-0.83] for OM and HR=0.61 [95% CI 0.42-0.91] for CSM). The IV-adjusted model also showed that RP presented with potentially better survival outcome compared with RT, although the effect was not statistically significant (HR=0.63 [95% CI 0.26-1.54] for OM and HR=0.47 [95% CI 0.16-1.35] for CSM).Conclusion Among patients with metastatic prostate cancer, local treatment might bring better survival benefits in decreasing cancer-specific mortality and all-cause mortality compared with non-local treatment. For those received LT, radical prostatectomy showed better survival outcomes than radiation therapy.
Intravenous colistin combination is superior to monotherapy against carbapenem-resistant gram-negative bacterial infections: evidence from seven randomized controlled trials
Authors: Li Zhong-dong , Wang Genzhu , Xun Zhikun , Wang Xiaoying , Sun Qiang , Xing Baiqian
Published: November 2019

Background Previous meta-analysis based on five randomized controlled trials (RCTs) did not display that intravenous colistin-based combination therapy is more efficacious than monotherapy against carbapenem resistant gram- negative bacterial infections. This meta-analysis aimed to further elucidate the efficacy.Methods PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched up to March 2019 and only RCTs evaluating the combination therapy versus monotherapy against carbapenem or even colistin-resistant gram-negative bacteria infections were included. RevMan 5.3 was used to perform meta-analysis.Results Seven RCTs involving 859 patients were included. Total analysis showed that the combination therapy had a trend towards higher microbial response (RR, 1.21; 95% CI, 0.98 –1.51), lower infection-related mortality (RR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.53–1.05), and significantly lower nephrotoxicity (RR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.60 – 0.98) than monotherapy. Subgroup analysis on carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii infections displayed that the combination therapy had significantly higher microbiological response (RR, 1.39; P <0.001; 95% CI, 1.19–1.61). Another subgroup analysis on combination regimen for colistin plus rifampicin showed that the combination therapy had significantly higher eradication rate to carbapenem -resistant A. baumannii (RR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.08–1.68). However, total and subgroup analysis showed no significant difference in all-cause mortality.Conclusions The present study suggests that intravenous colistin-based combination regimen, especially colistin plus rifampicin, may be superior to colistin alone against gram-negative bacterial infections, especially A. baumannii infection
Dissociated responses at initial computed tomography evaluation is a good prognostic factor in non-small cell lung cancer patients treated with anti-program cell death-1/ligand 1 inhibitors
Authors: Tozuka Takehiro , Kitazono Satoru , Sakamoto Hiroaki , Yoshida Hiroshi , Amino Yoshiaki , Uematsu Shinya , Yoshizawa Takahiro , Hasegawa Tsukasa , Uchibori Ken , Yanagitani Noriko , Horiike Atsushi , Horai Takeshi , Seike Masahiro , Gemma Akihiko , Nishio Makoto
Published: November 2019

Background

Dissociated responses (DR) are phenomena in which some tumors shrink, whereas others progress during treatment of patients with cancer. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the frequency and prognosis of DR in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with anti-program cell death-1/ligand 1 (anti-PD-1/L1) inhibitors.

Methods

This retrospective study included NSCLC patients who received anti-PD-1/L1 inhibitor as second- or later-line treatment. We excluded patients without radiological evaluation, including brain imaging within 28 days prior to the treatment, and those without measurable lesions. We evaluated all measurable lesions in each organ. We defined DR as a disease with some shrinking lesions as well as growing or emerging new lesions in patients who showed progressive disease (PD), according to the RECIST 1.1 at the initial CT evaluation. Cases not classified as DR were defined as ‘true PD’. Overall survival was compared between patients with DR and those with true PD using Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

The present study included 62 NSCLC patients aged 27–82 years (median: 65 years). DR and true PD were observed in 11 and 51 patients, respectively. Nivolumab, pembrolizumab, and atezolizumab were administered to 45, 7, and 10 patients, respectively. Median overall survival was significantly longer in patients with DR versus true PD (14.0 vs. 6.6 months; hazard ratio for death: 0.40; 95% confidence interval: 0.17–0.94).

Conclusions

The frequency of DR in NSCLC patients who showed PD to anti-PD-1/L1 was 17.7%. Patients with DR exhibited a relatively favorable prognosis.
Tumour suppressor OTUD3 induces growth inhibition and apoptosis by directly deubiquitinating and stabilizing p53 in invasive breast carcinoma
Authors: Pu Qian , Lv Yan-rong , Dong Ke , Geng Wen-wen , Gao Hai-dong
Published: November 2019

Background P53 pathway inactivation plays an important role in the process of breast cancer tumourigenesis. Post-translational protein modification abnormalities have been confirmed to be an important mechanism underlying the inactivation of p53. Numerous deubiquitinating enzymes are aberrantly expressed in breast cancer, and a few deubiquitination enzymes are capable of deubiquitinating and stabilizing p53. Here, we report that OTUD3 is a deubiquitylase of p53 in breast carcinoma.Methods The correlation between the mRNA expression of OTUD3, TP53 and PTEN and the prognosis of BC was assessed with the Kaplan-Meier Plotter tool. OTUD3 protein expression in breast carcinoma was examined by immunohistochemistry and western blotting. The relationship among OTUD3, p53, and p21 proteins was analysed. Half-life analysis and ubiquitylation assay were performed to elucidate the molecular mechanism by which OTUD3 stabilizes p53. The interaction between OTUD3 and p53 in BC cells was verified by a co-immunoprecipitation assay and GST pulldown experiments. MTS proliferation detection, an apoptosis detection kit and colony formation asssy were used to investigate the functional effects of OTUD3 on breast cancer cells.Results OTUD3 downregulation is correlated with a poor prognosis in BC patients. OTUD3 expression is decreased in breast cancer tissues and independent of the histological grade.OTUD3 also inhibits cell proliferation and clone formation and increases the sensitivity of BC cells to apoptosis induced by chemotherapy drugs. A reduction in OTUD3 expression concomitant with decreased p53 abundance is correlated with human breast cancer progression. The ectopic expression of wild-type OTUD3, but not its catalytically inactive mutant, stabilizes and activates p53. Mechanistically, OTUD3 interacts directly with p53 through the amino-terminal OTU region. Finally, OTUD3 protects p53 from Mdm2-mediated ubiquitination and degradation, enabling the deubiquitination of p53 in BC cells.Conclusions In summary, we establish that OTUD3 is a potential therapeutic target for restoring p53 function in breast cancer cells and suggest that the OTUD3-p53 signalling axis plays a critical role in tumour suppression.
The influences of Morphine or Ketamine pre-treatment on hemodynamic, acid-base status, biochemical markers of brain damage and early survival in rats after asphyxial cardiac arrest
Authors: Kuklin Vladimir , Akhatov Nurlan , Kondratiev Timofei , Konkayev Aidos , Baigenzhin Abai , Konkayeva Maiya , Karibekov Temirlan , Barlow Nicholas , Tveita Torkjel , Dahl Vegard
Published: November 2019

Background : In different models of hypoxia, blockade of opioid or N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors shows cardio- and neuroprotective effects with a consequent increase in animal survival. The aim of the study was to investigate effects of pre-treatment with Morphine or Ketamine on hemodynamic, acid-base status, early survival, and biochemical markers of brain damage in a rat model of asphyxial cardiac arrest (ACA). Methods: Under anaesthesia with Thiopental Sodium 60 mg/kg, i.p., Wistar rats (n=42) were tracheostomized and catheters were inserted in a femoral vein and artery. After randomization, the rats were pre-treated with: Morphine 5 mg/kg i.v. (n=14); Ketamine 40 mg/kg iv (n=14); or equal volume of i.v. NaCl 0.9% as a Control (n=14). ACA was induced by corking of tracheal tube for 8 min, and defined as a mean arterial pressure (MAP) < 20 mmHg. Resuscitation was started at 5 min after cardiac arrest (CA). Invasive MAP was recorded during experiments. Arterial pH and blood gases were sampled at baseline (BL) and 10 min after CA. At the end of experiments, all surviving rats were euthanised, brain and blood samples for measurement of Neuron Specific Enolase (NSE), s100 calcium binding protein B (s100B) and Caspase-3 (CS-3) were retrieved. Results: At BL no differences between groups were found in hemodynamic or acid-base status. After 3 min of asphyxia, all animals had ()cardiac arrest (MAP < 20 mm Hg). Return of spontaneous circulation (MAP > 60 mmHg) was achieved in all animals within 3 min after CA. At the end of the experiment, the Ketamine pre-treated group had increased survival (13 of 14; 93%) compared to the Control (7 of 14; 50%) and Morphine (10 of 14; 72%) groups ( p=0.035). Biochemical analysis of plasma concentration of NSE and s100B as well as an analysis of CS-3 levels in the brain tissue did not reveal any differences between the study groups. Conclusion: In rats after ACA, pre-treatment with Morphine or Ketamine did not have any significant influence on hemodynamic and biochemical markers of brain damage. However, significantly better pH level and increased early survival were found in the Ketamine pre-treated group.
Differential and developmental stage specific abundance of Zmdreb2a mRNA transcripts under drought stress and root development in Zea mays (L.)
Authors: Sharma Rakesh , Azad Manan , Nunia Vandana , Kothari S.L. , Kachhwaha Sumita
Published: November 2019

Environmental stress constraints like temperature, drought and salinity affect plant growth, development and productivity negatively. In maize (Zea mays L.) water-deficiency affects flowering, pollination and embryo development. Transgenic plants having drought tolerance is a priority target in maize breeding programs worldwide. Various transcription factors play a key role in plant development and stress management. DRE-Binding Protein 2A (DREB2A) has been shown to play a central role in drought tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana. The homologue of dreb2a in Zea mays is Zmdreb2a, a well-known transcription factor regulating genes induced under stress conditions. Studies indicated that Zmdreb2a transgenic plants show not only stress tolerance but also growth retardation. It is a major targeted gene for transgenesis to produce drought-tolerant plants. However, to make construct for transgenic plants, there is need to consider functional transcripts and regulating mechanism of Zmdreb2a mRNAs under drought condition. We have analyzed publicly available RNASeq data of leaf meristem, ovary and developing root and used a host of FastQC, Tophat, Cufflinks, Cuffmerge, Cuffdiff and ‘R’ packages to functionally characterize the differentially expressed genes (DEGs). In addition, prediction of protein structure, nuclear localization signals and transactivation domain were performed using cNLS mapper and 9aaTAD prediction tools. Alternative splicing of Zmdreb2a pre-mRNA was shown to be strongly associated with developmental stage and isoforms show fluctuating expression under stress. This study provides putative functional transcripts of Zmdreb2a, and NMD as a regulating mechanism to control their abundance.
Phytoremediation of some heavy metals using Prosopis juli flora and Conocarpus lancifolius– Soil analysis
Authors: Aljeddani Ghalia Saleem
Published: November 2019

Environmental pollution is causing damage to the flora and fauna, resulting in a number of negative impacts on the environment. The present study aims towards evaluation of soil heavy metals (chromium, lead, and nickel) from different locations of Jeddah using leaves of two plant species. Two naturally grown plant species, Prosopis juli flora and Conocarpus lancifolius were collected from four different sites. The soil samples were collected near the factories, main roads, and branch roads in Jeddah. The soil samples were dried and sieved through a 2mm plastic sieve to remove large gravel-sized materials. Soil texture, pH, and EC evaluation were conducted. The amount of Cr, Pb, and Ni was determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer Model Inductivity coupled plasma emission spectrometer ICP (PARKIN ELEMER). SPSS, ANOVA, and Post-Hoc Test were used to analyze the data. The results showed that the amount of heavy metal in the soil of Prosopis juli flora were between 0.74-54.0μg/g D.wt. for Cr, 0.31-4.64 μg/g D.wt. for Pb and 1.22-24.5 μg/g D.wt. for Ni. The range of Cr, Pb and Ni in the leaves were between 0.04-13.3.0μg/g D.wt. for Cr, 0.06-20.0 μg/g D.wt. for Pb and 0.16-9.0μg/g D.wt. for Ni. For the soil of Prosopis juli flora, the EC ranged between 0.27- 1.05 mS/cm; whereas, pH ranged from 7.29-7.55 and 78.5-96.5% for sand, 1.0-16.5% for silt, and 1.0-6.0 for clay. There was a significant correlation between the soil textures, clay, and silt at selected sites. Phytoremediation is an effective strategy to overcome the effects of heavy metals including Cr, Pb, and Ni that are being absorbed in plants.
Screening of beneficial bacteria associated with Calophyllum brasiliense Cambess so as to develop microbial inoculants for agriculture
Authors: Souza Bruno Rogério de , Baldotto Lílian Estrela Borges , Paula Alessandra Monteiro de , Campos Fabrício Souza , Silveira Klever Cristiano , Vieira Pabline Marinho , Sodré Fernando Fabriz , Busato Jader Galba
Published: November 2019

Beneficial bacteria belong to a group of microorganisms that are able to enhance plant growth by several mechanisms. In this study, phosphorus and zinc solubilizing, nitrogen-fixing and indole acetic acid (IAA) producing bacteria associated with C. brasiliensis were screened to develop microbial inoculants (MI) for use in agriculture. Characterization and identification of screened bacteria were also performed. A total of thirty-one nitrogen-fixing bacteria isolates were obtained, of which 28 showed the ability to solubilize phosphorus and 25 to solubilize zinc. The isolate AP-JNFb-3-2, belonging to the genus Pseudomonas, presented the highest value of solubilized phosphorus (100.4 µg mL-1). The isolates AP-JNFb-3-2 and RHI-JMVL-3-1, associated with the genera Pseudomonas and Enterobacter, respectively, showed the highest values for zinc solubilization (147.8 and 147.7 µg mL-1). Isolate RO-LGI.P-3-2, belonging to the genus Pseudomonas, was the most promising for IAA production (0.52 µg mL-1). The results obtained showed the presence of a large diversity of beneficial bacteria associated with C. brasiliensis, which may be explored as MI in agriculture.
TÜRK TİCARET KANUNUNUN “YABANCI TACİRLERİN ACENTELERİNİN DAVADA TEMSİL YETKİSİ”NE İLİŞKİN HÜKMÜNÜN MİLLETLERARASI ÖZEL HUKUK AÇISINDAN DEĞERLENDİRİLMESİ
Authors: GÜNER Cemil
Published: November 2019

Türk Ticaret Kanunu md 105/2, kanundan doğan temsil yetkisinin bir yansıması olarak acentelere müvekkillerini davada temsil yetkisi vermiştir. Buna göre, acente, müvekkil adına yapmış olduğu veya aracılık ettiği sözleşmelerden kaynaklanan uyuşmazlıklarla ilgili olarak akit karşı tarafa dava açabilir. Aynı şekilde, söz konusu sözleşmelere taraf olan kişiler de sözleşmenin karşı tarafı olan müvekkile izafeten acentesine dava açabilir. Türk hukukunda Avukatlık Kanunu md 35 uyarınca davada müvekkili temsil işi avukatlara tanınmakla birlikte, acentelere verilen müvekkillerini davada temsil yetkisi ile bu kurala bir istisna getirilmiş olmaktadır. Ayrıca kanun koyucu, acentenin yabancı tacirler ad ve hesabına üçüncü kişilerle akdettiği ya da aracılık ettiği sözleşmelerden doğan uyuşmazlıklarda acentenin müvekkilini temsil etmesine ilişkin bu hükme aykırı şartların geçersiz olduğunu hükme bağlamıştır. Söz konusu düzenlemenin yabancı unsur ihtiva etmesinden ötürü milletlerarası özel hukukta yansımaları olacaktır. Bu düzenlemenin hukukî niteliğinin maddî milletlerarası özel hukuk kuralı, doğrudan uygulanan kural ve milletlerarası yetki kuralı bağlamında değerlendirilmesi, çalışmamızın özünü teşkil etmektedir.
Comparing methods to improve reliable sensor deployment time in continuous water quality monitoring
Authors: Xiscatti Luciano , Dziedzic Maurício
Published: November 2019

Sensor fouling affects continuous water quality monitoring. Experiments were performed with probes for 10 months with copper guards; PVC guards coated with paint mixed with copper powder; and a water jet mechanism. Previous studies focused on the use of one antifouling method, using biocides such as copper and silver and mechanical cleaning, such as air jets, mostly on single parameter probes. The present work looks at multi-parameter probes and compares different antifouling options. Additional periods of reliability were verified with all alternatives. For the conductivity parameter, an additional period of up to 29 days (48%) with copper guards was observed, 26 days (43%) with water jets, and 37 days (61%) with copper powder paint mix. For dissolved oxygen, an additional period of up to 23 days (38%) was observed with copper guards, 29 days (48%) with water jets, and 60 days (100%) with copper powder paint mix. For pH, monitoring was reliable for 90 days (100%) with copper guards, and 60 days (67%) with copper powder paint mix. For turbidity, an additional period of up to 7 days (12%) was observed with copper guards, 3 days (5%) with water jets, and 57 days (95%) with copper powder paint mix.
Post-translational Modifications are Required for Circadian Clock Regulation in Vertebrates
Authors: Okamoto-Uchida Yoshimi , Izawa Junko , Nishimura Akari , Hattori Atsuhiko , Suzuki Nobuo , Hirayama Jun
Published: November 2019

Circadian clocks are intrinsic, time-tracking systems that bestow upon organisms a survival
advantage. Under natural conditions, organisms are trained to follow a 24-h cycle under environmental
time cues such as light to maximize their physiological efficiency. The exact timing of this rhythm
is established via cell-autonomous oscillators called cellular clocks, which are controlled by transcription/
translation-based negative feedback loops. Studies using cell-based systems and genetic techniques
have identified the molecular mechanisms that establish and maintain cellular clocks. One such
mechanism, known as post-translational modification, regulates several aspects of these cellular clock
components, including their stability, subcellular localization, transcriptional activity, and interaction
with other proteins and signaling pathways. In addition, these mechanisms contribute to the integration
of external signals into the cellular clock machinery. Here, we describe the post-translational
modifications of cellular clock regulators that regulate circadian clocks in vertebrates.
Inhibition of USP2 Induces Apoptosis through Down Regulation of Fatty Acid Synthase and Cyclin D1 in Triple Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Syed Nida , Ilyas Amber , Idrees Farha , Zarina  , Hashim Zehra
Published: November 2019

Background:

Breast cancer is the most occurring cancer in women with high incidence
rates both in developed and developing countries. Among different types of breast cancers, Triple
Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive type as it lacks receptors of Estrogen, Progesterone
and Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2, common diagnostic biomarkers for the disease.
Since early detection of TNBC can save thousands of lives, there is a dire need to discover and
develop effective and affordable methods for early detection. Different Post Translational Modifications
(PTMs) have been proposed as potential biomarker for various clinical conditions. Ubiquitination
is a type of PTM involved in the stability and regulation of cellular proteins.

Objective:

It is hypothesized that reticence of ubiquitination may lead to cell death. Current study focuses
on the inhibition of Ubiquitin Specific Protease (USP), USP2 using its inhibitor, ML364 in HTB-
132 triple negative breast cancer cell line to induce cell death. The aim of the current study was to
evaluate anticancer property of ML364 that might be a promising novel therapeutic agent for TNBC.
Furthermore, current investigations focus on USP2 and their focal stabilizing substrates i.e. Fatty acid
Synthase (FAS) and Cyclin D1 could be potential prognostic markers for the disease.

Methods:

Quantitative PCR of CyclinD1, USP2, MDM2, and Fatty Acid Synthase (FAS) was performed
to identify the deubiquitination effect of ML364 in breast cancer cells, which complemented
our results with studies on normal and breast cancerous tissue samples.

Results:

Expression of USP2 and its substrates Cyclin D1and FAS was found to be down regulated in
ML364 treated breast cancer cell line whereas higher expression was observed in breast cancer tissue,
indicating therapeutic potential of USP2 inhibitor.

Conclusion:

Our findings suggest that USP2, Cyclin D1 and FAS could be used as prognostic marker
and therapeutic target for TNBC.
Z-Acrylonitrile Derivatives: Improved Synthesis, X-ray Structure, and Interaction with Human Serum Albumin
Authors: Parveen Mehtab , Aslam Afroz , Nami Shahab A.A. , Ahmad Musheer
Published: November 2019

Aim and Objective:

In the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds, acrylonitrile derivatives are the most important and appropriate precursors. These compounds are the most important intermediates and subunits for the enhancement of molecules having pharmaceutical or biological interests. Nitrogen-containing compounds have received extensive consideration in the literature over the years.

Materials and Methods:

A facile, economic and efficient method has been developed for the synthesis of acrylonitrile derivatives using p-nitrophenylacetonitrile and aromatic/heterocyclic aldehydes in the presence of zinc chloride at room temperature. Spectroscopic data were obtained using the following instruments: Fourier transform infrared spectra (KBr discs, 4000-400 cm-1) by Shimadzu IR-408 Perkin-Elmer 1800 instrument; 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectra by Bruker Avance-II 400 MHz using DMSO-d6 as a solvent containing TMS as the internal standard.

Results:

To continue our ongoing studies to synthesize heterocyclic and pharmaceutical compounds by mild, facile and efficient protocols, herein we wish to report our experimental results on the synthesis of acrylonitrile derivatives, using various aromatic/heterocyclic aldehydes and p-nitrophenylacetonitrile in the presence of zinc chloride in ethanolic media at room temperature. Some of the new compounds were tested for their human serum albumin activity (HSA) while a study of interaction with HSA protein was performed for compounds 3a and 3b. The results show that compound 3b binds tightly to HSA as compared to compound 3a.

Conclusion:

It can be concluded that acrylonitrile derivatives can be synthesized by an efficient method via the reaction of p-nitrophenylacetonitrile with aromatic/heterocyclic aldehydes by the use of zinc chloride as an effective solid catalyst. The remarkable features of this procedure include excellent yields (90-95%), short reaction period (30 min.), moderate reaction environment, easy workup procedure and managing of the catalyst. This method may find a wide significance in organic synthesis for the synthesis of the Z-acrylonitrile.
Green Coffee (Coffea arabica) and its Residual Biomass: Characterization for the Industrial Approach
Authors: Oliveira Érica R. , Carvalho Gabriel R. , Santos Paula R. , Queiroz Fabiana
Published: November 2019

Background:

The increase in the production of green coffee oil by pressing has generated
as a residue the press cake or biomass, whose characterization allows the evaluation of its potential as
a source of extracts rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to assess the green coffee beans quality and its relation to
the by-product (biomass) obtained from the beans mechanical pressing to obtain oil (generated by the
oil industry), making information available on the effect of the pressing process on the biomass
characteristic.

Methods:

Soluble solids, bulk density, pH, acidity, nutritional value, sugar, wall components, enzymatic
activity, caffeine, chlorogenic acids, tannins, and total phenolic content were carried out.

Results:

By comparing the composition of the green beans and biomass, it could be observed that
many compounds (protein, fiber, ash) were not extracted by the mechanical pressing process, in
which the oil is removed but with a very low yield (< 20%). There was a reduction in the enzymatic
activity of PPO (21.16 U g-1), POD (3.18 U g-1), and PG (7.39 U); PME (17281.9 U g-1) showed an
increase in its activity in the biomass; lipase activity was not statistically altered. The results
indicated the potential of the biomass to obtain products based on caffeine (0.9%), chlorogenic acids
(11.66 mg L-1), phenolic compounds (131.1 mg 100 g-1), and oil (6.27%).

Conclusion:

The green coffee beans biomass is still a rich source of nutrients that could be exploited
by the industry.
Dietary Intake of Mycotoxin Susceptible Foods by Brazilian Nursing Mothers
Authors: Tonon Karina M. , Reiter Mercedes G.R. , de Oliveira Dutra Milena , Savi Geovana D. , Scussel Vildes M.
Published: November 2019

Background:

The human milk has several health benefits to the mother and child, and it is
the ideal form of nutrition for infants. However, some food contaminants such as mycotoxins can be
transferred from the mother to the child through breast milk.

Objective:

To access the dietary intake of mycotoxin susceptible foods by nursing mothers.

Methods:

The dietary intake of mycotoxin susceptible foods was investigated by interviewing nursing
mothers (n = 86), who were registered donors of the Human Milk Bank (HMB) of Blumenau
(Brazil), through a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The mothers were contacted and those who
agreed to answer the FFQ were recruited for the study group. The interview was conducted individually,
face to face with each mother, by a trained researcher. The FFQ was divided into three food
Groups (vegetables, animal and beverages, respectively), considered most prone to mycotoxins contamination.
Socio-demographic characteristics of the mothers were also obtained.

Results:

The FFQ revealed a high weekly intake of foods susceptible to fungi and mycotoxin contamination.
Consumption of wheat, coffee and cow’s milk was reported by 52, 44 and 51% of the
mothers, respectively. The consumption of those foods occurred daily to more than 7 times per week.

Conclusion:

The study revealed that Brazilian nursing mothers frequently consume foods susceptible
to mycotoxin contamination, especially wheat and its by-products. Brazilian health, environmental
and agriculture authorities should pay permanent attention by applying monitoring programs to
grains and cereals - both imported and domestically produced - as they are highly susceptible to fungi
and mycotoxin contamination, which can be transferred to infants via breastfeeding, apart from
harming the general population health.
Synthesis and Evaluation of 18F-INER-1577-3 as a Central Nervous System (CNS) Histone Deacetylase Imaging Agent
Authors: Li Ming-Hsin , Chang Han-Chih , Feng Chun-Fang , Yu Hung-Wen , Shiue Chyng-Yann
Published: November 2019

Background::

Epigenetic dysfunction is implicated in many neurologic, psychiatric and
oncologic diseases. Consequently, histone deacetylases (HDACs) inhibitors have been developed
as therapeutic and imaging agents for these diseases. However, only a few radiotracers have been
developed as HDACs imaging agents for the central nervous system (CNS). We report herein the
synthesis and evaluation of [18F]INER-1577-3 ([18F]5) as an HDACs imaging agent for CNS.

Methods::

[18F]INER-1577-3 ([18F]5) was synthesized by two methods: one-step (A) and two-step
(B) methods. Briefly, radiofluorination of the corresponding precursors (11, 12) with
K[18F]/K2.2.2 followed by purifications with HPLC gave ([18F]5). The quality of [18F]INER-
1577-3 synthesized by these methods was verified by HPLC and TLC as compared to an authentic
sample. The inhibitions of [18F]INER-1577-3 and related HDACs inhibitors on tumor cells growth
were carried out with breast cancer cell line 4T1 and MCF-7. The whole-body and brain uptake of
[18F]INER-1577-3 in rats and AD mice were determined using a micro-PET scanner and the data
was analyzed using PMOD.

Results: :

The radiochemical yield of [18F]INER-1577-3 synthesized by these two methods was 1.4
% (Method A) and 8.8% (Method B) (EOB), respectively. The synthesis time was 115 min and
100 min, respectively, from EOB. The inhibition studies showed that INER-1577-3 has a significant
inhibitory effect in HDAC6 and HDAC8 but not HDAC2. PET studies in rats and AD mice
showed a maximum at about 15 min postinjection for the whole brain of a rat (0.47 ± 0.03
%ID/g), SAMP8 mice (5.63 ± 1.09 %ID/g) and SAMR1 mice (7.23 ± 1.21 %ID/g).

Conclusion::

This study showed that INER-1577-3 can inhibit tumor cell growth and is one of a
few HDACs inhibitors that can penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and monitor HDAC activities
in AD mice. Thus, [18F]INER-1577-3 may be a potent HDACs imaging agent, especially
for CNS.
Kinetic Models to Produce an Antioxidant by Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Bovine Plasma Protein Using a High Substrate Concentration
Authors: Gómez Nathalia A. , Gómez Leidy J. , Zapata José E.
Published: November 2019

Background:

The animal blood that is produced in a slaughterhouse is a potential source
of inexpensive proteins used in the food industry around the world. However, 60% of it is surplus,
and it ends with a negative environmental impact.

Introduction:

The enzymatic hydrolysis of proteins represents a good way to produce peptides with
different biological activities.

Methods:

Enzymatic hydrolysis of bovine plasma with subtilisin at an alkaline pH and 61.5°C was
performed using the pH-stat method. Experiments were conducted considering the effects of a high
initial substrate concentration (So) and the enzyme/substrate ratio (E/S) minimizing the processing
time necessary to obtain a specific degree of hydrolysis (DH).

Results:

The best conditions obtained were 42 g/L of So and 0.89 AU/g substrate of E/S until a DH
of 20% in 11,1 ± 1,1 min was achieved to the tested conditions, which result in a fitted empirical
polynomial equation of degree 3.

Conclusion:

A kinetic equation is established to relate the DH and the reaction time to a relative error
of less than 5% in the fit, to obtain a good antioxidant product in an industrially interesting time.
Additionally, the results suggest a good adjustment of the data with a determination coefficient (R2)
of 0.9745 in validation.
Recent Approaches for Angiogenesis in Search of Successful Tissue Engineering and Regeneration
Authors: Reddy Lekkala Vinod Kumar , Murugan Durai , Mullick Madhubanti , Begum Moghal Erfath Thanjeem , Sen Dwaipayan
Published: November 2019

Angiogenesis plays a central role in human physiology from reproduction and fetal development to wound healing and tissue repair/regeneration. Clinically relevant therapies are needed for promoting angiogenesis in order to supply oxygen and nutrients after transplantation, thus relieving the symptoms of ischemia. Increase in angiogenesis can lead to the restoration of damaged tissues, thereby leading the way for successful tissue regeneration. Tissue regeneration is a broad field that has shown the convergence of various interdisciplinary fields, wherein living cells in conjugation with biomaterials have been tried and tested on to the human body. Although there is a prevalence of various approaches that hypothesize enhanced tissue regeneration via angiogenesis, none of them have been successful in gaining clinical relevance. Hence, the current review summarizes the recent cell-based and cell free (exosomes, extracellular vesicles, micro-RNAs) therapies, gene and biomaterial-based approaches that have been used for angiogenesis-mediated tissue regeneration and have been applied in treating disease models like ischemic heart, brain stroke, bone defects and corneal defects. This review also puts forward a concise report of the pre-clinical and clinical studies that have been performed so far; thereby presenting the credible impact of the development of biomaterials and their 3D concepts in the field of tissue engineering and regeneration, which would lead to the probable ways for heralding the successful future of angiogenesis-mediated approaches in the greater perspective of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.