bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Theoretical Consideration on the Application of Continuous Wavelet Transform to Time-Series Processing for Magnetotelluric Data
Authors: Ogawa Hiroki , Hama Yuki , Asamori Koichi , Ueda Takumi
Published: September 2020

In the magnetotelluric (MT) method, the responses of the natural electromagnetic fields are evaluated by transforming time-series data into spectral data and calculating the apparent resistivity and phase. The continuous wavelet transform (CWT) can be an alternative to the short-time Fourier transform, and the applicability of CWT to MT data has been reported. There are, however, few cases of considering the effect of numerical errors derived from spectral transform on MT data processing. In general, it is desirable to adopt a window function narrow in the time domain for higher-frequency components and one in the frequency domain for lower-frequency components. In conducting the short-time Fourier transform, because the size of the window function is fixed unless the time-series data are decimated, there might be difference between the calculated MT responses and the true ones due to the numerical errors. Meanwhile, CWT can strike a balance between the resolution of the time and frequency domains by magnifying or reducing the wavelet, according to the value of frequency. Although the types of wavelet functions and their parameters influence the resolution of time and frequency, those calculation settings of CWT are often determined empirically. In this study, focusing on the frequency band between 0.001 Hz and 10 Hz, we demonstrated the superiority of utilizing CWT in MT data processing and determined its proper calculation settings in terms of restraining the numerical errors caused by the spectral transform of time-series data. The results obtained with the short-time Fourier transform accompanied with gradual decimation of the time-series data, called cascade decimation, were compared with those of CWT. The shape of the wavelet was changed by using different types of wavelet functions or their parameters, and the respective results of data processing were compared. Through these experiments, this study indicates that CWT with the complex Morlet function with its wavelet parameter k set to 6 ≤ k < 10 will be effective in restraining the numerical errors caused by the spectral transform.
Autoantibodies Against Human Renal Glomerular Endothelial Cells in Lupus Nephritis That Induce Endothelial Interferon-Alpha Production
Authors: Hu Ya-Chiao , Tsai I-Jung , Hsu Hui-Yao , Chiang Bor-Luen , Yang Yao-Hsu
Published: September 2020

Background: The pathogenesis of lupus nephritis (LN) remains not fully understood. In this study, we aimed to explore the pathogenic roles of autoantibodies against human renal glomerular endothelial cells (HRGEC) in LN patients.Methods: The serum levels of anti-HRGEC antibodies in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients without LN and LN patients were determined by cell-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Monoclonal IgG anti-HRGEC antibodies were subsequently generated from LN patients. The binding activities of these monoclonal antibodies to HRGEC, their cross-reactivity with double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), and the ability to activate HRGEC were further evaluated. Results: LN patients had higher serum levels of IgG anti-HRGEC antibodies than SLE patients without LN and healthy controls. Four monoclonal IgG anti-HRGEC antibodies (LN1-4) were obtained; LN1 and LN2 were IgG3 while LN3 and LN4 were IgG1. Among these monoclonal antibodies, LN1-3 were cross-reactive with dsDNA. The functional assays showed that compared with IgG1/IgG3 isotype controls, LN3 had the effect on HRGEC to enhance interleukin (IL)-6 production, LN4 could enhance IL-8 and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 production, and LN1-3 possessed the ability to induce interferon (IFN)-α production by HRGEC. Moreover, the removal of DNA on HRGEC surface by DNAse 1 did not interpose the binding of LN1-3 to HRGEC and the effects of LN1-3 on IFN-α induction by HRGEC.Conclusions: Some IgG anti-HRGEC antibodies in LN patients had the ability to enhance endothelial proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, and MCP-1) production and some could induce the DNA-independent production of IFN-α by HRGEC.
Assembly Building Material Management Method Based on BIM Technology
Authors: Wu Xinhua
Published: September 2020

The primary goal of material management is to reasonably arrange the use of materials, which is particularly important for the construction industry. In the process of material management, on the premise of meeting the requirements of production and construction materials, try not to increase additional inventory and reduce the amount of capital. In order to explore the method of prefabricated building material management, this paper uses the method of sampling survey and sand table simulation technology to compare the prefabricated building material management based on BIM Technology with the conventional method. We make a comparative study on the procurement, warehouse and material quality of materials, mainly focusing on the production stage and construction stage of the building, and analyze the difference of material management between the two technical methods in different stages. Through experiments, we find that the average inventory turnover times of the BIM based prefabricated building materials management method is 6, and that of the conventional method is 4, but in the construction stage, the gap between the two is narrowed. The turnover times of the prefabricated building material management method based on BIM Technology is reduced to 3, and that of the conventional method is reduced to 2. It can be seen that the prefabricated building material management based on BIM Technology can reduce the capital use and warehouse occupancy rate more than the conventional method, and at the same time, the quality control of materials is also better.
Sexual Dimorphism in Inorganic Mercury Toxicokinetics and the Attendant Lipotoxic and Non-Lipotoxic Dyslipidemia in the Rat
Authors: Wusu Adedoja Dorcas , Ogunrinola Olabisi Oluwafunmilayo , Afolabi Olusegun Kayode , Abam Esther Omugha , Babayemi David Oluwagbemi , Dosumu Oluwatosin Adebisi , Onunkwor Okechukwu Beno , Balogun Elizabeth Abidemi , Odukoya Olusegun Olukayode , ADEMUYIWA OLADIPO
Published: September 2020

BackgroundThe influence of variability in the biology of living organisms is poorly appreciated in toxicology. However, multiple lines of evidence indicate that sex-differences modulate toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics from cellular/molecular to whole animal levels resulting in different toxic responses of living organisms to xenobiotics exposure.MethodsIn order to investigate the influence of sex in inorganic mercury (Hg) exposure, male and female Wistar rats were exposed to 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 mg Hg/kg body weight orally as HgCl2 twice a week for 12 weeks. ResultsWith the exception of the heart, higher Hg levels in the females as compared to males were observed in the animals. At the highest dose of inorganic Hg, female renal Hg content was 3.3 times higher than that of the males. Mixed sexual dimorphism characterised circulating-lipid- and organ-lipid lipotoxic and non-lipotoxic dyslipidemia. At the highest dose, hypercholesterolemia characterised the effect of inorganic Hg in the males as opposed to hypocholesterolemia in the female. Plasma and erythrocyte free fatty acids increased in both sexes, although the increase was more pronounced in the male. Reverse cholesterol transport was inhibited in the male at the highest dose of Hg as evidenced by decreased HDL cholesterol, whereas female HDL became enriched with cholesterol. Female erythrocytes had all their lipids increased by inorganic Hg, whereas only male erythrocyte triglyceride increased. Brain cholesterol and phospholipids, and splenic phospholipids were depleted in both sexes. Hepatic and pulmonary cholesterogenesis was induced in male animals, whereas cardiac cholesterogenesis and depletion of renal cholesterol were observed in the female. The male heart had its cholesterol depleted whereas renal cholesterol was not affectedConclusionOur findings indicate that inorganic Hg exposure appears to affect Hg and lipid kinetics differently in both sexes, thus underscoring the need to develop sex-tailored approaches in the treatment of metal toxicosis and its metabolic outcomes.
First detection of a plasmid-encoded New-Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase-1 (NDM-1) producing Acinetobacter baumannii using whole genome sequencing, isolated in a clinical setting in Benin
Authors: Yehouenou Carine Laurence , Bogaerts Bert , Vanneste Kevin , Roosens Nancy H.C. , Keersmaecker Sigrid C.J. De , Marchal Kathleen , Affolabi Dissou , Soleimani Reza , Rodriguez-Villalobos Hector , Bambeke Françoise Van , Dalleur Olivia , Simon Anne
Published: September 2020

Background: Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii is considered a top priority pathogen by the World Health Organization for combatting increasing antibiotic resistance and development of new drugs. Since it was originally reported in Klebsiella pneumoniae in 2009, the quick spread of the blaNDM-1 gene encoding a New-Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase-1 (NDM-1) is increasingly recognized as a serious threat. This gene is usually carried by large plasmids and has already been documented in diverse bacterial species, including A. baumannii. Here, we report the first detection of a NDM-1-producing A. baumannii strain isolated in Benin.Case presentation: A 31-year-old woman was admitted to a surgical unit with a diagnosis of post-cesarean hematoma. An extensively-drug resistant A. baumannii strain solely susceptible to amikacin, colistin and ciprofloxacin, and resistant to several other antibiotics including ceftazidime, imipenem, meropenem, gentamicin, tobramycin, ceftazidime/avibactam, and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, was isolated from the wound. Production of NDM-1 was demonstrated by immunochromatographic testing. Whole genome sequencing of the isolate confirmed the presence of blaNDM-1, but also antibiotic resistance genes against multiple beta-lactamases and other classes of antibiotics, in addition to several virulence genes. Moreover, the blaNDM-1 gene was found to be present in a Tn125 transposon integrated on a plasmid.Conclusions: The discovery of this extensively-drug resistant A. baumannii strain carrying blaNDM-1 in Benin is worrying, especially because of its high potential risk of horizontal gene transfer due to being integrated in a transposon located on a plasmid. Strict control and prevention measures should be taken, once NDM-1 positive A. baumannii has been identified to prevent transfer of this resistance gene to other Enterobacterales. Capacity building is required by governmental agencies to provision suitable antibiotic treatment options and strategies, in combination with strengthening laboratory services for detection and surveillance of this pathogen.
Decrease of exercise endurance in critically ill COVID-19 survivors: 4 case reports
Authors: Geng Qian , Yu Xinxin , Shen Beilan , Li Shiyue , Zheng Jinping , Zhong Liping , Hong Yi , Huang Xiaoyan , Zeng Qingsi , Li Shaoqiang , Ye Feng , Guan Weijie , Xie Yanqing , Zhong Nanshan , Gao Yi
Published: September 2020

Background: The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) already have been as a pandemic. However, knowledge about the sequelae of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection remains limited. Here we descirbe the pulmonary function test (PFT) and cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) of critically ill COVID-19 in four cases with sereve acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) after discharge.Case presentation: We introduce four patients who complained of fever, cough, chest tightness and other symptoms, all of them were confirmed as SARS-CoV-2 infection by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). They were treated with mechanical ventilation because of severe ARDS. After respiratory support, antiviral and anti-infective treatment, they were weaned from mechanic ventilation with the improvement of hypoxemia. All patients were discharged from the hospital after completion of treatment and had no mortality. Around 1-month post-discharge, they were followed up for chest computed tomography (CT) scan, and performed PFT and CPET. Peak oxygen uptake of predicted (peakVO2% pred) decreased in all four cases, although spirometry were in the normal range, and only 2 cases had mild decline in carbon monoxide diffusion capacity of predicted (DLCO%pred).Conclusions: We found reduced exercise endurance in all four COVID-19 survivors, even parts of them with normal or slightly abnormal static lung function. We also believe that exercise endurance impairment of COVID-19 convalescents is more likely affected by extrapulmonary factors. Taken the above into consideration, our study highlights that the combination of PFT and CPET are important tests for tracking the development and recovery of COVID-19 survivors.
Achievement of Long-term Local Control After Concurrently With Radiation and Anti-PD-1 Immunotherapy in Locally Advanced Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Patients
Authors: jing zhao , Zhou Rongjin , He Huaxiang , Wu Shixiu
Published: September 2020

Background: Although concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) was recommend as standard of care in patients with stage III unresectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), many patients refused or were not eligible for chemotherapy in clinical practice. These patients often receive RT alone with 5-year OS rate of about 5-6%. This addressed a common clinical challenge of treating these patients. Immune-checkpoint inhibitors have demonstrated objective antitumor responses in patients with advanced NSCLC, but it is unclear how these agents can be used in the curative therapy with concurrent radiation. Case presentation: Here we described, the case series, the effect of stage III unresectable NSCLC patients who refused chemotherapy received radiation and anti-PD-1 immunotherapy. Three patients with stage III unresectable NSCLC were treated with radiotherapy concurrently with anti-PD-1 agent (pembrolizumab) between May 2018 and August 2018 in our hospital. Two patients experienced partial response and one patient experienced stable disease. One patient developed the liver metastasis 4 months after the treatment. All patients had no local-regional recurrence. No patient experienced ≥ grade 3 adverse event (AE), and no patient discontinued treatment because of an AE. Conclusions: Concurrent treatment with radiation and pembrolizumab for unresectable stage III NSCLC patients who refused chemotherapy demonstrated its efficacy and acceptable tolerance. Further investigations are warranted to determine its role in the management of these patients.
Prognostic and Clinicopathological Significance of CXCL1 Expression in Gastric Cancer: A Meta-Analysis.
Authors: Xia Yujian , Wei ZheWei , Huang WeiBin , Wei XiaoJing , He YuLong
Published: September 2020

Background: Some studies have shown that CXCL1 expression in gastric cancer (GC) is associated with survival and clinicopathological characteristics. However, the evidence remains inconclusive. Thus, we aim to further explore the clinicopathological significance and potential prognostic role of CXCL1 expression in GC.Methods: Databases of EMBASE, PubMed Web of Science and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched for the eligible studies from their establishment to July 16, 2020, which reported the association between CXCL1 expression and survival in GC. The quantitative meta-analysis was carried out with Stata SE12.0 software. Results: A total of 1474 patients from 9 eligible studies were included in the present meta-analysis. Our results demonstrated that elevated expression level of CXCL1 was significantly associated with poor overall survival (OS) (HR=1.68; 95%CI: 1.26-2.24, P<0.001). The subgroup analysis revealed that elevated CXCL1 expression was found to be associated with a poor OS in Chinese and Japanese patients. Moreover, the stratification analysis by detection methods showed that elevated CXCL1 expression had a significantly poor OS effect on GC patients by IHC but not by RT-PCR. Besides, high CXCL1 expression was obviously associated with higher depth of tumor invasion, earlier lymph node metastasis and more advanced TNM stage compared with low CXCL1 expression in GC.Conclusions: CXCL1 may serve as a potential biomarker to predict prognosis and clinicopathological features in GC.
Developmental Regulation of Dirofilaria Immitis Microfilariae and Evaluation of Ecdysone Signaling Pathway Transcript Level Using Droplet Digital Polymerase Chain Reaction
Authors: Kuan Tsai-Chi Shang , Prichard Roger K
Published: September 2020

BackgroundCurrent Dirofilaria immitis prevention relies on macrocyclic lactones but evidence of drug-resistant isolates has called for the need for alternative approaches to disease intervention. As microfilariae are known to be in a state of developmental arrest in their mammalian host and then undergo a rapid molt once inside the arthropod, this study aimed to look at the developmental regulation of D. immitis microfilariae that occurs in their arthropod host using in vitro approaches and to investigate the role of the ecdysone signaling system in this development.MethodsD. immitis microfilariae extracted from dog blood were incubated in various media conditions to identify suitable conditions for in vitro culture and development, and to determine the effects of FBS, mosquito cells, and ecdysteroid on the development of the microfilariae. Transcript level of the ecdysone signaling pathway components were measured with droplet digital PCR.ResultsIn vitro conditions that best promote early development of D. immitis microfilariae to the “late sausage stage” have been identified. FBS showed inhibitory effects on the development and motility of the microfilariae, but media conditioned with Anopheles gambiae cells was favorable to microfilarial growth. Transcript level study using droplet digital PCR also showed that developing microfilariae displayed upregulation of the ecdysone signaling system components, and 20‑hydroxyecdysone increased the proportion of larvae developing to the sausage and late sausage stages in vitro.ConclusionsThe arthropod host environment provides cues required for the rapid development of the D. immitis microfilariae and the ecdysone signaling system may play an important role in filarial nematode developmental transitions. This study contributes to a better understanding the developmental process of D. immitis microfilariae.
Terminal Groups Dependent Near-Field Enhancement Effect of Ti3C2Tx Nanosheets
Authors: Yang Ying-Ying , Zhou Wen-Tao , Song Wei-Long , Zhu Qing-Quan , Xiong Hao-Jiang , Zhang Jue , Cheng Sheng , Luo Pai-Feng , Lu Ying-Wei
Published: September 2020

Both multilayered (ML) and few-layered (FL) Ti3C2Tx nanosheets with different dominant terminal groups have been prepared through a typical etching and delaminating procedure. Various characterizations confirm that the physical and chemical performance of the nanosheets are dependent on the dominant functional groups. It has been demonstrated that ML-Ti3C2Tx has been mainly terminated by O-related groups, which result in better oxidation resistance and stronger near-field enhancement effect. As for FL-Ti3C2Tx, which is mainly terminated by hydroxyl groups, it can be better dispersed in aqueous solution and could confine stronger near-field after coupling to Ag nanostructures by electron injection.
Characteristic and Potential Therapeutic Effect of Isolated MDR-Acinetobacter Baumannii Lytic Phage
Authors: Sisakhtpour Behnam , Mirzaei Arezoo , Karbasizadeh Vajihe , Hosseini Nafise Sadat , Shabani Mehdi , Moghim Sharareh
Published: September 2020

Background: Acinetobacter baumannii is a major pathogen in the hospital, especially in Intensive Care Units (ICU) and the resistance to multiple drugs as a major contributor to hospital infection. Bacteriophages are viruses that attack bacteria and kill them that could be used for clinical treatment. The aim of the study is in evaluating the function of bacteriophage specificity of multi-drug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii, to be used as a useful method for treating of Acinetobacter Infections.Methods: Cross-sectional study during the year 2017, from patients admitted to the ICU, First, 48 isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii were identified by phenotypic method and amplified with blaOXA-51 gene. Then, the sensitivity of phages to pathogens namely ESKAPE (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumonia, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter spp) evaluated. DNA of the phage was extracted using the Viral Nucleic Extraction Kit II (Geneaid, Taipei, Taiwan) according to the manufacturer's instructions. Then for protein analysis, PEG-precipitated purified phages were subjected directly to SDS-PAGE, and protein bands were visualized by coomassie Blue G-250 staining method. Finally for cell survival assay we investigated the toxicity of the isolated phage to Hela cells.Results: In the bacterial resistance pattern, the highest resistance belongs to ciprofloxacin. In optimal phage test, at dilution of 1 (MOI 1) it produced the best effect on bacteria in 30 minutes. Phage sensitivity to different hosts performed by double layer agar method, the phage was treated with ESKAPE bacteria and after 24 hours’ incubation at 37°C, only for Acinetobacter baumannii Plaque created. The genome analysis indicated that phage pIsf-AB2 has a double-stranded DNA genome. In bacterial control, all cells were killed by A. baumannii, and no live-cell was seen. The cells remained in control of the phage, and the phage did not affect the cells.Conclusion: Our findings support the potential application of the phage with potent endolysin activity against MDR A. baumannii and give useful information for its further study and use.
Microglial Activation Contributes to Cognitive Impairments in Rotenone-induced Mouse Parkinson’s Disease Model
Authors: Zhang Dongdong , Li Sheng , Hou Liyan , Jing Lu , Ruan Zhengzheng , Peng Bingjie , Zhang Xiaomeng , Hong Jau-Shyong , Zhao Jie , Wang Qingshan
Published: September 2020

BackgroundCognitive decline occurs frequently in Parkinson’s disease (PD), which greatly decreases the life quality of patients. However, the mechanisms remain to be investigated. Neuroinflammation mediated by over-activated microglia is a common pathological feature in multiple neurological disorders, including PD. This study is designed to explore the role of microglia in cognitive deficits by using rotenone-induced mouse PD model. Methods: To evaluate the role of microglia in rotenone-induced cognitive deficits, PLX3397, an inhibitor of colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor, and minocycline, a widely used antibiotic, were used to deplete or inactivate microglia, respectively. Cognitive performance of mice among groups was detected by morris water maze, objective recognition and passive avoidance tests. Neurodegeneration, synaptic loss, α-synuclein phosphorylation, glial activation and apoptosis were determined by immunohistochemistry, Western blot or immunofluorescence staining. The gene expressions of inflammatory factors and lipid peroxidation were further explored by using RT-PCR and ELISA kits, respectively. ResultsRotenone dose-dependently induced cognitive deficits in mice by showing decreased abilities of novel objective recognition, passive avoidance, as well as morris water maze performance compared with vehicle controls. Rotenone-induced cognitive decline was associated with neurodegeneration, synaptic loss, Ser129-phosphorylation of α-synuclein and microglial activation in the hippocampal and cortical regions of mice. Time course study revealed that rotenone-induced microglial activation preceded neurodegeneration. Interestingly, microglial depletion by PLX3397 or inactivation by minocycline significantly reduced neuronal damage and α-synuclein pathology as well as improved cognitive performance in rotenone-injected mice. Mechanistically, PLX3397 or minocycline attenuated rotenone-induced astroglial activation and production of cytotoxic factors in mice. Reduced lipid peroxidation was also observed in combined PLX3397 or minocycline and rotenone-treated mice compared with rotenone alone group. Finally, microglial depletion or inactivation was found to mitigate rotenone-induced neuronal apoptosis. ConclusionsTaken together, our findings suggested that microglial activation contributed to cognitive impairments in rotenone-induced mouse PD model via neuroinflammation, oxidative stress and apoptosis, providing novel insight for the immunopathogensis of cognitive deficits in PD.
Comparison of The Antimicrobial Activity of Some Scutellaria orientalis L. Taxa Growing in Turkey
Authors: YILMAZ Gülderen , ŞİMŞEK Duygu , ALTANLAR Nurten , ÇİÇEK Mehmet
Published: September 2020

Scutellaria species are commonly used in the treatment of various diseases in traditional medicine. One of the members of Lamiaceae, the genus Scutellaria L. has approximately 471 species on earth. The genus is represented by 39 taxa in Turkey which 17 of them are endemics. In this study, plant samples of 15 S. orientalis subspecies from different regions of our country were collected and methanol extracts were prepared from aerial parts. In vitro antimicrobial activity of these extracts against three gram positive and three gram negative bacteria and against a yeast using broth microdilution method. Methanol extracts of S. orientalis taxa were found to have moderate to low antimicrobial activity compared to the literature.
Effect of electric field and Mg2+ doping on calcium carbonate scaling shown in experiments and first principle calculations
Authors: Gao Yuping , Zhao Judong , Zhao Erjun , Liu Xiaomin , Jia Yun , Ying Chun , Lin Lin
Published: September 2020

The effect of an applied electric field and Mg2+ doping on the formation of calcium carbonate scale in circulating cooling water was investigated by using a home-made experimental device, which can simulate the formation of scale in a local power plant. The results show that high-voltage electrostatic fields and magnesium ions can inhibit scale growth in circulating cooling water. When the magnesium ion concentration is 4 mmol/L, the scale inhibition effect is the best under the action of the electric field (6 kV), and its scale inhibition rate can reach 44.56%. Meanwhile, some phenomena are explained and confirmed by the results of first principle calculations. The calculated shear modulus of aragonite is greater than that of calcite. This might explain why aragonite adheres more easily to the heat exchange surface. This is in good agreement with experimental results. Calcite has better anti-scaling properties than aragonite. The crystal structure after physical water treatment is blunt, and the untreated crystal structure is sharp.
Tetracycline hydrochloride degradation by heterogeneous photocatalysis using TiO2(P25) immobilized in biopolymer (chitosan) under UV irradiation
Authors: Ikhlef-Taguelmimt Tassadit , Hamiche Anissa , Yahiaoui Idris , Bendellali Thanina , Lebik-Elhadi Hafida , Ait-Amar Hamid , Aissani-Benissad Farida
Published: September 2020

TiO2(P25) has been widely used to treat wastewater; however, the elimination of TiO2(P25) suspended in the treated water causes running costs and induces secondary pollution, which greatly restricts its practical applications. Consequently, several methods have been implemented to immobilize TiO2(P25) on various substrates. This work deals with the immobilization of TiO2(P25) in chitosan film by using the cross-linking method. The prepared catalyst was characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and its catalytic activity in tetracycline hydrochloride (TC) degradation under UV light was explored. XRD, FTIR, DRS and SEM characterization indicated that TiO2(P25) was successfully immobilized on chitosan film, the chemical structure of TiO2(P25) did not change after the immobilization and the TiO2(P25) was uniformly dispersed in the composite. Chitosan/TiO2(P25) was used for the removal of TC by photocatalysis under UV irradiation. The effects of operational parameters such as amount of TiO2(P25), agitation speed and the initial TC concentration were investigated. An 87% removal efficiency of TC was obtained with 0.12 g of TiO2(P25) and TC removal was significantly enhanced by the agitation of the solution. The TC removal efficiency decreased from 72 to 44% when TC concentration increased from 30 to 40 mg/L after 60 min reaction time, the photocatalytic reactions followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic.
Aerobic granular sludge treating anaerobically pretreated brewery wastewater at different loading rates
Authors: di Biase Alessandro , Corsino Fabio Santo , Devlin Tanner Ryan , Torregrossa Michele , Munz Giulio , Oleszkiewicz Jan A.
Published: September 2020

In this study, three different aerobic granular sludge (AGS) reactors fed with anaerobically pre-treated brewery wastewater were studied. The AGS reactors were operated under different conditions including organic loading rates (OLR) between 0.8 and 4.1 kg COD m−3 d−1, C:N:P ratios (100:10:1 and 100:6:1) and food to microorganism ratios (F/M) between 0.8 ± 0.6 and 1.2 ± 0.5 and 0.9 ± 0.3 kg-TCOD kg-VSS−1d−1. Stable granulation was achieved within two weeks and the size of the granules increased according to the OLR applied. The results indicated that low C:N:P and F/M ratios were favorable to achieve stable aerobic granules in the long term. The carbon removal rate was load-independent in the range examined (TCOD removal >80%), whereas TN removals were inversely proportional to the OLRs. Overall, a longer aeration reaction time with a lower OLR was beneficial to granular structure, which exhibited a compact and defined architecture. Performance results within the other conditions studied further indicated that the microbial community and its complex functionality in nutrient removal was efficient at operational parameters of OLR at 0.8 ± 0.2 kg-TCOD m−3d−1 and F/M ratio at 0.5 ± 0.2 kg-TCOD VSS−1d−1. Moreover, the protein to polysaccharide ratio increased as OLR decreased, leading to a stable granular structure.
Antidepressants and Antipsychotic Agents as Repurposable Oncological Drug Candidates
Authors: Antoszczak Michał , Markowska Anna , Markowska Janina , Huczyński Adam
Published: September 2020

Drug repurposing, also known as drug repositioning/reprofiling, is a relatively new strategy for the identification of alternative uses of well-known therapeutics that are outside the scope of their original medical indications. Such an approach might entail a number of advantages compared to standard de novo drug development, including less time needed to introduce the drug to the market, and lower costs. The group of compounds that could be considered as promising candidates for repurposing in oncology include the central nervous system drugs, especially selected antidepressant and antipsychotic agents. In this article, we provide an overview of some antidepressants (citalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline) and antipsychotics (chlorpromazine, pimozide, thioridazine, trifluoperazine) that have the potential to be repurposed as novel chemotherapeutics in cancer treatment, as they have been found to exhibit preventive and/or therapeutic action in cancer patients. Nevertheless, although drug repurposing seems to be an attractive strategy to search for oncological drugs, we would like to clearly indicate that it should not replace the search for new lead structures, but only complement de novo drug development.
Effect of Dietary Education on Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Authors: Taheri Rahil , Molavynejad Shahram , Abedi Parvin , Rajaei Elham , Haghighizadeh Mohammad Hosein
Published: September 2020

Aim:

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of dietary education on cardiovascular
risk factors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Methods:

In this randomized clinical trial, 112 patients with rheumatoid arthritis were randomly assigned
into two groups, intervention and control. Dietary education was provided for the intervention
group in 4 sessions; anthropometric measurements, serum levels of RF, triglycerides, cholesterol,
HDL, LDL, and fasting blood sugar were measured before and three months after the intervention.
Data were analyzed using SPSS software and appropriate statistical tests.

Results:

The mean of total cholesterol (p <0.001), triglycerides (p = 0.004), LDL (p <0.001), systolic
blood pressure (p = 0.001), diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.003), FBS and BMI (p <0.001)
were decreased significantly in the intervention group after education compared the control group.

Conclusion:

Traditional care for rheumatoid arthritis patients is not enough. Patients need more education
in order to improve their situation.
Synthesis, Characterization, Biological Evaluation and Molecular Docking
Studies of New Oxoacrylate and Acetamide on HeLa Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Çankaya Nevin , İzdal Mehmetcan , Azarkan Serap Yalçin
Published: September 2020

Background:

In recent years, discovery and development of new drugs play a critical role in cancer therapy.

Objective:

In this study, the effect of MPAEA and p-acetamide on cellular toxicity and on silico in HeLa cancer cells have
been investigated.

Methods:

In this study, 2-choloro-N-(4-methoxyphenyl)acetamide (p-acetamide) and 2-(4-methoxyphenylamino)-2-
oxoethyl acrylate (MPAEA) have been synthesized and characterized by FTIR, 1H, and 13C-NMR. Cytotoxicity of pacetamide and MPAEA have been investigated by XTT cell proliferation assay on the HeLa cell line. IC50 values of pacetamide and MPAEA have been identified on the HeLa cell line. Further, molecular docking study was carried out by
Autodock Vina using BCL-2 (PDB ID: 4MAN), BCL-W (PDB ID: 2Y6W), MCl-1 (PDB ID: 5FDO) AKT (PDB ID: 4GV1)
and BRAF (PDB ID: 5VAM) as a possible apoptotic target for anticancer activity.

Results:

According to the obtained results, MPAEA and p-acetamide were successfully synthesized and characterized. The
interactions between ligands and anti-apoptotic proteins were evaluated by molecular docking and their free energy of
binding were calculated and used as descriptor.

Conclusion:

In vitro and in silico the results demonstrated that MPAEA had potent anticancer activity on HeLa cell line.
MicroRNA-Targeted Signaling Pathways in the Autism Spectrum Disorder: Implications for Early Detection and Targeted Therapy
Authors: Alizadeh Rasoul , Bahmanpoor Zahra , Jalali-Qomi Shahabeddin , Amiri Mahdi , Afkhami Hamed , Khaledi Mansoor , Moosavi Reza , Akouchekian Mansoureh
Published: September 2020

Background & Objective:

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is known as a neurodevelopmental
disorder showing communication impairments and unusual patterns of behavior. Presently,
it seems that ASD frequency is on the increase. Therefore, diagnostic tools that help detect the
disease in the early stages can be very useful in better management of the disease. Recent studies
demonstrate that miRNAs as novel biomarkers can be used to find out the process and etiology of
ASD by regulating various genes of multiple pathways. However, ASD associated pathway targeted
by miRNA is still in infancy.

Methods:

In this in silico study taking into consideration the importance of miRNAs, we reviewed
bioinformatics databases for finding possible pathways and potential miRNAs related to selected
pathways.

Results:

The results displayed some prominent pathways involved in ASD, as well as some experimental
and predicted miRNAs that may regulate targets associated with these pathways such as
neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, serotonergic synapse, calcium signaling pathway, cAMP
Signaling Pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway.

Conclusion:

This study showed that the identified miRNAs may be involved in ASD-related pathways
and may be considered as a new diagnostic tool and provide potential targets for the treatment
of ASD.
Vitamin D Serum Level in Elderly Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease: Preliminary Analysis from Cilento Region
Authors: Pizza Vincenzo , Montella Silvana , Luigi Iorio Eugenio , Silvestro Anna , Agresta Anella , Somma Salvatore di , Capasso Anna
Published: September 2020

Introduction:

It is estimated that 46 million people in the world live with dementia and it is estimated that this number will increase 3-fold by 2050, being a leading cause of disability worldwide and major welfare and economic problem. The aging of the general population increase these problems, especially in regions, such as Cilento (Southern Italy), where we can register higher longevity. Preserving cognitive health is one of the most important aims of the current research, also through the identification of possible preventative life-style strategies. Recent meta-analyses suggest that low serum vitamin D concentrations could be associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and cognitive impairment. The specific role of Vitamin D, however, is still controversial. There is a growing evidence of high rates of vitamin D deficiency in the elderly and there is still much uncertainty about the cause of AD and other forms of dementia. On the other hand, there is no definitive evidence is not conclusive and vitamin D could be involved in many other physiological and pathological mechanisms.

Objective:

Our aim is to investigate vitamin D serum levels in a small preliminary sample of AD patients from the Cilento area.

Materials and Methods:

Patients were recruited from the AD centre of the San Luca Hospital, in Vallo della Lucania (SA). We enrolled 25 consecutive patients, 13 women, and 12 men. The mean age was 78.5±8.3 years, the mean duration of the disease was 3.5±1.8 years. The average school-age of the patients was 6.1 +/- 3.5 years, the average disease age was 6.3 +/- 1.7 years, the average basal Mini-Mental Score Examination (MMSE) score was 17.6 +/- 3.6. We determined serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) in 25 consecutive AD patients.

Results:

The mean vitamin D serum level was 17.9+7.9 UI/ml, denoting a state of insufficiency. Among our 25 patients, only 3 had serum level above 30 UI/ml; most patients (17 out of 25) showed serum level among 10 and 30 UI, while in 5 patients, serum level was less than 10 UI.

Conclusion:

Our preliminary data showed that Vitamin D deficiency was, in our patients, independently associated with AD, even in a special population, high rate of centenarians, like Cilento people. However, our preliminary study has different limitations. The vitamin D deficiency has been evaluated through a single time-point of measurement (or in different periods of the year), that may be susceptible to bias. Even the differences in age and level of education should be taken into consideration. Nevertheless, these data in the Cilento region are original (there are no similar reports to our knowledge). However, our results confirm the necessity of other study, and this result is an important opportunity to introduce a modifiable risk fact and, consequently, a new treatment for AD.
Molecular Detection and PCR-RFLP Analysis of Mucoviscosity-Associated Gene A (magA) in Clinical Isolates of Multidrug-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae in Bangladesh
Authors: Ali Md. Hazrat , Anwar Saeed , Toma Nusrat Jahan , Rafid Ikram , Hasan Md. Kamrul , Foysal Md. Javed
Published: September 2020

Background and Objective:

The mucoviscosity associated gene A (magA) in the hypermucoviscous variants ofK. pneumoniaeis reported to be associated with invasive infections and considered a virulence factor. We sought to analyze themagAgenes inK. pneumoniaeisolates in the clinical specimen collected from Bangladesh.

Methods:

We established a multicenter cohort of patients withKlebsiellainfection hospitalized at 05 different hospitals between September 2016 and April 2017. We collected 313K. pneumoniaeisolates from patients who consented to participate in the study. The isolates were evaluated for harboring themagAgenes using a single-tube multiplexed polymerase chain reaction. ThemagAgenes were analyzed by PCR-RFLP technique using two enzymes, namely PciI and SmaI. Antibiogram assay using 12 commercially available antibiotic discs was performed on all the isolates.

Results:

The presence ofK. pneumoniaespecific gene (ureD)was confirmed in all the isolates. The percentage of isolates harboring themagAgene was 7.34%(23 isolates), the majority of which was collected from the patients admitted in intensive care units (16 isolates, 69.6%), and infectious diseases wards (5 isolates, 21.7%). PCR-RFLP analysis revealed that for 7 out of 23 isolates, where Sma1 could not cleave themagAgene. All the isolates showed resistance to ampicillin, carbenicillin cefradine, chloramphenicol, erythromycin, kanamycin, and sulphamethoxazole, though the extent was varying. However, imipenem showed 100% sensitivity to all the tested isolates.

Conclusion:

This study demonstrates the presence of themagAgene in multidrug-resistant clinical isolates ofK. pneumoniaecollected from Bangladesh.
Wheel Slip-based Road Surface Slipperiness Detection
Authors: Jang Jinhwan
Published: September 2020

Background:

Faced with the high rate of traffic accidents under slippery road conditions, agencies attempt to quickly identify slippery spots on the road and drivers want to receive information on the impending dangerous slippery spot, also known as “black ice.”

Methods:

In this study, wheel slip, defined as the difference between both speeds of vehicular transition and wheel rotation, was used to detect road slipperiness. Three types of experiment cars were repeatedly driven on snowy and dry surfaces to obtain wheel slip data. Three approaches, including regression analysis, support vector machine (SVM), and deep learning, were explored to categorize into two states-slippery or non-slippery.

Results:

Results indicated that a deep learning model resulted in the best performance with accuracy of 0.972, only where sufficient data were obtained. SVM models universally showed good performance, with average accuracy of 0.965, regardless of sample size.

Conclusion:

The proposed models can be applied to any connected devices including digital tachographs and on-board units for cooperative ITS projects that gather wheel and transition speeds of a moving vehicle to enhance road safety in winter season though collecting followed by providing dangerous slippery spots on the road.
Investigating the Fate of MP1000-LPX In Vivo by Adding Serum to Transfection Medium
Authors: He Siyan , Xia Shan , Song Xiangrong , Huang Hai , Wang Xueyan , Jiang Xuehua , Jin Zhaohui
Published: September 2020

Background:

Cationic liposomes (CLs) based messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine has
been a promising approach for cancer treatment. However, rapid lung accumulation after intraveous
injection and significantly decreased transfection efficacy (TE) in serum substantially hamper
its application.

Objective:

In this study, we attempt to investigate the fate of Mannose-PEG1000-lipoplex
(MP1000-LPX) in vivo, a previous reported mRNA vaccine, and potential mechanism in it.

Methods:

MP1000-CLs and different type of MP1000-LPX were produced by previous method
and characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS). Organ distribution and Luc-mRNA expression
of DiD loaded luciferase (Luc-mRNA)-MP1000-LPX were evaluated by IVIS Spectrum
imaging system. Cellular transfection and uptake under serum-free and serum-containing
conditions were analysed by flow cytometry and counted by FlowJo software.

Results:

MP1000-CLs had an average size of 45.3 ± 0.9 nm, a positive charge of 39.9 ± 0.9 mV.
When MP1000-LPX formed, the particle size increased to about 130 nm, and zeta potential decreased
to about 30 mV. All formulations were in narrow size distribution with PDI < 0.3. 6 h
after intraveous injection, Luc-MP1000-LPX mostly distributed to liver, lung and spleen, while
only successfully expressed Luc in lung. DC2.4 cellular transfection assay indicated serum substantially
lowered TE of MP1000-LPX. However, the cellular uptake on DC2.4 cells was enhanced
in the presence of serum.

Conclusion:

MP1000-LPX distributed to spleen but failed to transfect. Because serum dramatically
decreased TE of MP1000-LPX on DC2.4 cells, but not by impeding its interaction to cell
membrane. Serum resistance and avoidance of lung accumulation might be prerequisites for
CLs based intravenous mRNA vaccines.

Lay Summary:

mRNA vaccine has been promising immunotherapy to treat cancer by delivering
mRNA encoding tumor antigens to APCs and activating immune system against tumor
cells. We are investigating the in vivo fate of MP1000-LPX, a CLs based mRNA vaccine. To
see if serum causes the fate, we’ll be looking at the influence of serum on transfection and uptake
efficacy of MP1000-LPX by DC2.4 cells experiments in vitro. Our findings will imply that
serum inhibits transfection but not by decreasing uptake. Thus, we can ultilize serum to enhance
transfection if we make intracellular process of MP1000-LPX successful.
Study of Income Comparison on Potato Farmers Between Panenmart's Partner and Non-Partner
Authors:   Universitas Muslim Indonesia, Dhaifina Amran Farizah , Kurniawan Husain Tsalis ,   Universitas Muslim Indonesia, Azrarul Amri Andi ,   Universitas Muslim Indonesia
Published: September 2020

The supply chain has become a problem in the trade of agricultural products. The farmers still got low prices while the price at the end consumer is high. Panenmart is there to help improve the welfare of farmers, especially horticultural farmers in South Sulawesi by establishing appropriate food prices and sustainable supply. The objectives of this study are: 1) To identify the factors that determine the decisions of potato farmers in Kanreapia Village, Gowa Regency in partnering with Panenmart. 2) To analyze income differences between potato farmers in Kanreapia Village, Gowa Regency in partnering with Panenmart. The research was carried out in Kanreapia Village, Gowa Regency because it is a vegetable producing region with several farmers partnering with Panenmart. The number of respondents used was 40 people, which are 20 Panenmartâ€™s farmers partner and 20 of the non-partner. The results found that 1) The factors that determine the decision of potato farmers in Kanreapia Village to partner with Panenmart are the age and the farmersâ€™ institution. 2) There is no significant difference in income between both groups.
Economic Develompment Strategy Through Rural Areas A Case Study in Toba Samosir, North Sumatera, Indonesia
Authors:   Universitas Brawijaya, Nurul Aini Mustika Dewi Dita
Published: September 2020

This study aims to analyze rural area development after Law No. 4, 2014, concerning villages. The new round of village development begins with the rights of recognition and the program of rural development by the Indonesian government. In this case, the village fund is the government flagship policy for village development, which considered to succeed in increasing the quality of people's lives through infrastructure, community empowerment, and the formation of rural areas. The development of rural areas is a center of growth, whereas focusing on the most developed areas in the disadvantaged region. To encourage the village economy, some policies used in rural areas by developing several villages that have different potential within locations. A method in this research is a case study that occurred over the past four years in Indonesia. In this case, the declining number of poor people become interesting. It happens because rural development, such as Ajibata, Toba Samosir, North Sumatra, Indonesia, can encourage regional development. The concept of rural areas relying on the coffee's attractiveness and coffee's processed as well as increasing the scale of coffeeâ€™s agricultural and the coffee's product value. Therefore, innovations in rural area development are significant to support regional economic development.