bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Inflation Theory in the Perspective of Al-Maqrīzī's Thought and it’s Implications in the Modern Economic World
Authors: Siregar Syarifah , Nurmiana Nurmiana , Sari Riza Husnila , Darwis Maidar
Published: May 2020

This study aims to determine the theory of inflation according to al-Maqrīzī and ways to overcome it and determine the differences in inflation theory according to al-Maqrīzī with modern economics. Data collection techniques are used by collecting his works both personally and jointly and are traced by other people's work on figures as secondary data. Analysis of the data used is content analysis. This research shows that inflation is a natural phenomenon that afflicts the lives of people throughout the world from the past until now. Inflation will occur when prices generally increase and continue. The way to deal with inflation is to overcome it by eliminating the causes of inflation such as corruption, excessive taxation, and the creation of excessive currency. He emphasized the use of dinars and dirhams in dealing with inflation. Al-Maqrīzī thought is not inferior to those of Western economists from the 19th Century and 20th Century.
Development of History-Based Digital Book Based on the 19th Century Lampung’s People Army Struggle in Local History Lessons
Authors: Mastrianto Agus , Sariyatun Sariyatun , Suryani Nunuk
Published: May 2020

This study aims to develop teaching materials in the form of digital ebook by integrating local historical material on the Struggle of the Lampung People's Army at the State University in Lampung Province. The method used in this research is the development research (R&D) method. The stages of this research include the stages of analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation. The subjects in this study consisted of two material validators, two media validators, 48 students of semester VII students, one of whom was a lecturer in history education. The results of this development research show that digital history-based teaching materials (ebooks) based on local people's struggles in Lampung are proven to be valid based on the assessment of material experts and media experts. Based on the results of small group trials, limited group trials and large group trials show that digital history-based teaching materials based on local history of the struggle of the Lampung people's army proven to be effective and in accordance with needs analysis.
Partnership Governance as A Base for Strengthening Regional Tourism
Authors: Zaenuri Muchamad , Atik Septi Winarsih
Published: May 2020

Batu City as a city that has a popular tourist destination also faced with this problem. Some tourist objects and attractions (ODTW) and cultural events have been carried out through cooperation between the three pillars of tourism, but until now still encounter various obstacles that are generally not based on partnership. Paper is downloading said the cooperation between the government and the private sector and the community at events travel "Stone Flower Festival" in Batu based on partnership. In this event developed the concept of a new partnership to be able to give a theoretical explanation of the phenomena associated with the implementation of regional tourism affairs. With the new concept of partnership, clarity is gained about the role of stakeholders, the policies developed by the government and the impacts on stakeholders. The developed partnership is equal and autonomous, sharing benefits and risks, pooling of resources, high intensity, and valid for a long period. By using qualitative research methods and using interview techniques, focus group discussions and observations, this study of tourism partnerships results in the finding that the roles of each stakeholder are in accordance with their capacities, policies taken by the Batu City Government have led to partnerships through sharing management and resources, and the impact of the partnership brings an increase in local own-source revenue and community income. Recommendations that can be submitted so that the Batu Flower Festival event can be continued and involve a wider community and more massive promotions.
Investigation of Participation Motivation in Sports Activities of Children With Need Special Education
Authors: Toptaş Demirci Pervin , Eraslan Kazım
Published: May 2020

Education is expected to help individuals to be developed at the highest level by revealing their hidden powers and abilities. Inadequacy and disability of children in need of special education; regardless of the basic right of education at any age must be done absolute education service. Sports is one of the important factors that helps children with need special education to take their places in daily life, to connect them to life by socializing, to orient themselves with motivation and to accept the idea that disability is not an obstacle to continue living. In this study, it was aimed to determine sport participation motivation levels of children who need special education according to some variables. Method; descriptive survey model from quantitative research methods was used in the research. A total of 60 (20 Girls, 40 Boys) students from Mersin special education practice schools participated in the study. In the research, a personal information form prepared by the researchers and the "Scale of Motivation for Participation in Sports in Persons with Disabilities (SMPSPD)" developed by Tekkurşun, İlhan, Esentürk and Kan (2018) were used as a data collection tool. In the analysis of the data obtained in the research; frequency, arithmetic mean, standard deviation as well as t-test, Pearson Moment Correlation, Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used. According to the findings; The mean scores of internal and external motivation of students who participated in sports activities were significantly higher than those who did not participate in sports activities. While there was no significant difference according to gender, a positive significant difference was found between the age and intrinsic motivation level of the students. As a result; It can be concluded that students who need special education have high motivation to participate in sports.
The effect of 8 Weeks squat exercise program on body composition in young males
Authors: Serin Emre , Ziyagil Mehmet Akif
Published: May 2020

Not only aerobic exercises, but also resistance exercise programs with maximum effort for large muscle groups such as squat have also been reported to be effective on muscle and body fat mass. Thus, this study aims to investigate the effect of squat exercise program on body composition. The data of the study were collected from 18 young adult males. They participated in the squat exercise program 3 days a week in July 2019 for 4 weeks between 4 sets between 85% and 6 repetitions of maximal load at 48 hours intervals for 8 weeks. Independent t-test analysis was used in binary comparisons because of normal distribution of data. The results of this study were not statistically significant with the increase in body weight, body mass index, total muscle weight, total body fluid weight and lean body mass and the decrease in total fat weight variable as a result of the 2-month squat strength training program. Only a significant decrease in body fat percentage by 7.15% was observed as a result of squat training. In conclusion it was proposed that the resistance training program including squats can be used effectively in reducing the body fat ratio and increasing the muscle mass plus appropriate diet due to meeting the energy consumption greatly from fats during the recovery period between sets and after the training.
Carryover effects of brooding conditions on larvae in the slipper limpet Crepidula fornicata
Authors: Meyer-Kaiser K
Published: May 2020

Larval dispersal is a critical step in the life-histories of sessile benthic invertebrates. There is a growing body of research showing plasticity in marine invertebrate larvae, but the causes and ranges of intraspecific variation in larvae are not completely understood. In this study, field-based collections of Crepidula fornicata larvae in 2017 motivated a laboratory experiment on carryover effects in 2019. Experimental conditions that approximated environmental conditions experienced by mothers in the field were used to test whether seasonal environmental variations during brooding could lead to differences in larval size and the time to develop to competency. Mothers were kept in 2 different temperature and feeding treatments during brooding, but larvae were cultured in a common garden. Larvae that were brooded at spring temperatures (~13°C) took longer to develop to competency in the common garden and grew larger before becoming competent than larvae brooded at warmer summer temperatures (~21°C). There was no effect of maternal feeding (fed or not fed) on time to develop to competency or larval size. Thus, C. fornicata larvae released earlier in the year are likely to spend longer periods in the water column. They may disperse farther and grow to larger size before settlement. C. fornicata is a model species for larval biology. The results of this study can be used to inform biophysical modelling efforts and refine predictions of connectivity or species range shifts in a changing climate.
Inflammaging and Complement System: A Link Between Acute Kidney Injury and Chronic Graft Damage
Authors: Franzin Rossana , Stasi Alessandra , Fiorentino Marco , Stallone Giovanni , Cantaluppi Vincenzo , Gesualdo Loreto , Castellano Giuseppe
Published: May 2020

The aberrant activation of complement system in several kidney diseases suggests that this pillar of innate immunity has a critical role in the pathophysiology of renal damage of different etiologies. A growing body of experimental evidence indicates that complement activation contributes to the pathogenesis of acute kidney injury (AKI) such as delayed graft function (DGF) in transplant patients. AKI is characterized by the rapid loss of the kidney’s excretory function and is a complex syndrome currently lacking a specific medical treatment to arrest or attenuate progression in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Recent evidence suggests that independently from the initial trigger (i.e., sepsis or ischemia/reperfusions injury), an episode of AKI is strongly associated with an increased risk of subsequent CKD. The AKI-to-CKD transition may involve a wide range of mechanisms including scar-forming myofibroblasts generated from different sources, microvascular rarefaction, mitochondrial dysfunction, or cell cycle arrest by the involvement of epigenetic, gene, and protein alterations leading to common final signaling pathways [i.e., transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), p16ink4a, Wnt/β-catenin pathway] involved in renal aging. Research in recent years has revealed that several stressors or complications such as rejection after renal transplantation can lead to accelerated renal aging with detrimental effects with the establishment of chronic proinflammatory cellular phenotypes within the kidney. Despite a greater understanding of these mechanisms, the role of complement system in the context of the AKI-to-CKD transition and renal inflammaging is still poorly explored. The purpose of this review is to summarize recent findings describing the role of complement in AKI-to-CKD transition. We will also address how and when complement inhibitors might be used to prevent AKI and CKD progression, therefore improving graft function.
Modeling and Compensation of a Bimorph Type Piezoelectric Actuator Exhibiting Odd-Harmonic Oscillation and Frequency-Dependent, Interleaved Hysteresis
Authors: Morita Kohei , Fujii Fumitake , Hosoda Kazune
Published: May 2020

This paper proposes an improved version of the play model for capturing the frequency-dependent hysteresis of a bimorph piezoelectric actuator that includes odd harmonic oscillation and interleaved hysteresis. The proposed model used a single mathematical structure to capture the changes in the actuator response observed with the increase in the input signal frequency. The refinements on the structure of the original play model for capturing the peculiar behavior of the bimorph piezoelectric actuator have been addressed in detail. The parameter identification has been conducted extensively for a range of 1 Hz to 110 Hz, which exceeds the resonance frequency specified by the manufacturer of the actuator. Improved modeling accuracy was confirmed as compared with our previous enhanced Bouc–Wen model based on the calculation of the fitness index. We also attempted to synthesize a hysteresis compensator based on direct inverse multiplication; the results of the experimental validation of the proposed control system are disclosed.
Bioavailability of Coenzyme Q10: An Overview of the Absorption Process and Subsequent Metabolism
Authors: Mantle David , Dybring Alex
Published: May 2020

A lack of understanding of the processes determining the absorption and subsequent metabolism of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) has resulted in some manufacturers’ making incorrect claims regarding the bioavailability of their CoQ10 supplements, with potential consequences for the use of such products in clinical trials. The purpose of the present review article is, therefore, to describe the various stages of exogenous CoQ10 metabolism, from its first ingestion, stomach transit, absorption from the small intestine into the lymphatic system, transport in blood, and access into cells. In particular, the importance of CoQ10 crystal dispersion in the initial formulation is emphasised, the absence of which reduces bioavailability by 75%. In addition, evidence comparing the relative bioavailability and efficacy of ubiquinone and ubiquinol forms of CoQ10 has been reviewed.
Higher Blood Uric Acid in Female Humans and Mice as a Protective Factor against Pathophysiological Decline of Lung Function
Authors: Fujikawa Haruka , Sakamoto Yuki , Masuda Natsuki , Oniki Kentaro , Kamei Shunsuke , Nohara Hirofumi , Nakashima Ryunosuke , Maruta Kasumi , Kawakami Taisei , Eto Yuka , Takahashi Noriki , Takeo Toru , Nakagata Naomi , Watanabe Hiroshi , Otake Koji , Ogata Yasuhiro , Tomioka Naoko H. , Hosoyamada Makoto , Takada Tappei , Ueno-Shuto Keiko , Suico Mary Ann , Kai Hirofumi , Saruwatari Junji , Shuto Tsuyoshi
Published: May 2020

The oxidant/antioxidant imbalance plays a pivotal role in the lung. Uric acid (UA), an endogenous antioxidant, is highly present in lung tissue, however, its impact on lung function under pathophysiological conditions remains unknown. In this work, pharmacological and genetic inhibition of UA metabolism in experimental mouse models of acute and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) revealed that increased plasma UA levels improved emphysematous phenotype and lung dysfunction in accordance with reduced oxidative stress specifically in female but not in male mice, despite no impact of plasma UA induction on the pulmonary phenotypes in nondiseased mice. In vitro experiments determined that UA significantly suppressed hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative stress in female donor-derived primary human bronchial epithelial (NHBE) cells in the absence of estrogen, implying that the benefit of UA is limited to the female airway in postmenopausal conditions. Consistently, our clinical observational analyses confirmed that higher blood UA levels, as well as the SLC2A9/GLUT9 rs11722228 T/T genotype, were associated with higher lung function in elderly human females. Together, our findings provide the first unique evidence that higher blood UA is a protective factor against the pathological decline of lung function in female mice, and possibly against aging-associated physiological decline in human females.
SDN-based VANETs, Security Attacks, Applications, and Challenges
Authors: Arif Muhammad , Wang Guojun , Geman Oana , Balas Valentina Emilia , Tao Peng , Brezulianu Adrian , Chen Jianer
Published: May 2020

Vehicular ad-hoc networks (VANETs) are the specific sort of ad-hoc networks that are utilized in intelligent transportation systems (ITS). VANETs have become one of the most reassuring, promising, and quickest developing subsets of the mobile ad-hoc networks (MANETs). They include smart vehicles, roadside units (RSUs), and on-board units (OBUs) which correspond through inconsistent wireless network. The current research in the vehicles industry and media transmission innovations alongside the remarkable multimodal portability administrations expedited center-wise ITS, of which VANETs increase considerably more attention. The particular characteristics of the software defined networks (SDNs) use the vehicular systems by its condition of the centralized art having a complete understanding of the network. Security is an important issue in the SDN-based VANETs, as a result of the effect the threats and vulnerabilities can have on driver’s conduct and personal satisfaction. This paper opens a discourse on the security attacks that future SDN-based VANETs should confront and examines how SDNs could be advantageous in building new countermeasures. SDN-based VANETs encourage us to dispose of the confinement and difficulties that are available in the traditional VANETs. It helps us to diminish the general burden on the system by dealing with the general system through a single wireless controller. While SDN-based VANETs provide us some benefits in terms of applications and services, they also have some important challenges which need to be solved. In this study we discuss and elaborate the challenges, along with the applications, and the future directions of SDN-based VANETs. At the end we provide the conclusion of the whole study.
Renyi’s Entropy Based Multilevel Thresholding Using a Novel Meta-Heuristics Algorithm
Authors: Liu Wei , Huang Yongkun , Ye Zhiwei , Cai Wencheng , Yang Shuai , Cheng Xiaochun , Frank Ibrahim
Published: May 2020

Multi-level image thresholding is the most direct and effective method for image segmentation, which is a key step for image analysis and computer vision, however, as the number of threshold values increases, exhaustive search does not work efficiently and effectively and evolutionary algorithms often fall into a local optimal solution. In the paper, a meta-heuristics algorithm based on the breeding mechanism of Chinese hybrid rice is proposed to seek the optimal multi-level thresholds for image segmentation and Renyi’s entropy is utilized as the fitness function. Experiments have been run on four scanning electron microscope images of cement and four standard images, moreover, it is compared with other six classical and novel evolutionary algorithms: genetic algorithm, particle swarm optimization algorithm, differential evolution algorithm, ant lion optimization algorithm, whale optimization algorithm, and salp swarm algorithm. Meanwhile, some indicators, including the average fitness values, standard deviation, peak signal to noise ratio, and structural similarity index are used as evaluation criteria in the experiments. The experimental results show that the proposed method prevails over the other algorithms involved in the paper on most indicators and it can segment cement scanning electron microscope image effectively.
Assessment of Fatigue Lifetime and Characterization of Fatigue Crack Behavior of Aluminium Scroll Compressor Using C-Specimen
Authors: Park Sang-Youn , Lee Jungsub , Heo Jong-Tae , Lee Gyeong Beom , Kim Hyun Hui , Choi Byoung-Ho
Published: May 2020

Currently, a scroll compressor is used in many industrial fields; hence, research on its reliability is important. The major loading type during operation is pressure. However, unexpected contact between scroll compressors typically occurs, and thus, the severe loading condition should be considered. To consider this condition, the study modified the scroll compressor’s structure to a C-type specimen. The study applied cyclic axial load in the specimen. The main objective of the study is to define a proper fatigue life method for the aluminium scroll compressor and proper finite element method (FEM) modeling. To define the method, the study included a case study for various parameters, such as mean stress effects. Furthermore, a crack propagation study is presented. In the study, the Darveaux method that considers the Bauschinger effect of ductile material is used. It is expected that the consideration of the parameters can help define the fatigue life assessment of an aluminium scroll compressor.
MHD Natural Convection of a Fe3O4–Water Nanofluid within an Inside Round Diagonal Corner Square Cavity with Existence of Magnetic Source
Authors: Nasri Faouzi , Ali Rothan Yahya , Nciri Rached , Ali Chaouki
Published: May 2020

This study concerns a numerical investigation of a magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) natural convection of a Fe3O4–water nanofluid filled within a round diagonal corner square cavity. The cavity was subjected to imposed temperatures (hot and cold walls) and one magnetic source. The nanofluid flow and heat transfer problem was mathematically modeled and its dimensionless problem was established. The finite element method was implemented in order to solve the MHD problem. The effects of the Rayleigh number, Hartmann number and round corner radius on the nanofluid flow (streamlines and velocity magnitude) and heat transfer (isotherms and temperature distribution) were evaluated. Heat transfer was assessed when the convection or the conduction dominates with regard to the nature of the flow.
Flow Dynamics of Sulfate-Modified Water/Polymer Flooding in Micromodels with Modified Wettability
Authors: Tahir Muhammad , Hincapie Rafael E. , Gaol Calvin L. , Säfken Stefanie , Ganzer Leonhard
Published: May 2020

This work describes the flow behavior of the oil recovery obtained by the injection of sulfate-modified/low-salinity water in micromodels with different wettabilities. It provides a detailed microscopic visualization of the displacement taking place during modified water flooding at a pore-scale level, while evaluating the effect of wettability on oil recovery. A comprehensive workflow for the evaluation is proposed that includes fluid–fluid and rock–fluid interactions. The methods studied comprise flooding experiments with micromodels. Artificial and real structure water-wet micromodels are used to understand flow behavior and oil recovery. Subsequently, water-wet, complex-wet, and oil-wet micromodels help understand wettability and rock–fluid interaction. The effect of the sulfate content present in the brine is a key variable in this work. The results of micromodel experiments conducted in this work indicate that sulfate-modified water flooding performs better in mixed-wet/oil-wet (artificial structure) than in water-wet systems. This slightly differs from observations of core flood experiments, where oil-wet conditions provided better process efficiency. As an overall result, sulfate-modified water flooding recovered more oil than SSW injection in oil-wet and complex-wet systems compared to water-wet systems.
BTEXS Concentrations and Exposure Assessment in a Fire Station
Authors: Rogula-Kozłowska Wioletta , Bralewska Karolina , Jureczko Izabela
Published: May 2020

The aim of this study was to evaluate benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene, and styrene (BTEXS) concentrations in the changing room and garage in a fire station located in the Upper Silesian agglomeration (Poland), to compare them with the concentrations of the same compounds in the atmospheric air (outdoor background) and to assess the health exposure to BTEXS among firefighters and office workers in this unit. BTEXS samples were collected during the winter of 2018 in parallel in the garage, in the changing room, and outside, using sorption tubes filled with activated carbon. The average total BTEXS concentrations in the changing room and garage were over six times higher than those in the atmospheric air in the vicinity of the fire station. At each sampling site, toluene and benzene had the highest concentrations. According to the diagnostic indicators, the combustion of various materials and fuels was the source of BTEXS inside, while outside, the sources were the combustion of fuels and industrial activity. The carcinogenic risk related to benzene inhalation by the firefighters and office employees in the monitored unit exceeded the acceptable risk level value of 7.8 × 10−6 per 1 μg/m3 by more than 20 times.
Resonances in Systems Involving Positrons
Authors: Bhatia Anand K.
Published: May 2020

When an incident particle on a target gets attached to the target, the cross-section at that energy could be much larger compared to those at other energies. This is a short-lived state and decays by emitting an electron. Such states can also be formed by the absorption of a photon. Such states are below the higher thresholds and are called autoionization states, doubly excited states, or Feshbach resonances. There is also a possibility of such states to form above the thresholds. Then they are called shape resonances. Resonances are important in the diagnostic of solar and astrophysical plasmas. Some methods of calculating the resonance parameters are described and resonance parameters occurring in various systems are given.
A High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry-Based Quantitative Metabolomic Workflow Highlights Defects in 5-Fluorouracil Metabolism in Cancer Cells with Acquired Chemoresistance
Authors: Shahi Sanjay , Ang Ching-Seng , Mathivanan Suresh
Published: May 2020

Currently, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-based combination chemotherapy is the mainstay in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC), which benefits approximately 50% of the patients. However, these tumors inevitably acquire chemoresistance resulting in treatment failure. The molecular mechanisms driving acquired chemotherapeutic drug resistance in CRC is fundamental for the development of novel strategies for circumventing resistance. However, the specific phenomenon that drives the cancer cells to acquire resistance is poorly understood. Understanding the molecular mechanisms that regulate chemoresistance will uncover new avenues for the treatment of CRC. Among the various mechanisms of acquired chemoresistance, defects in the drug metabolism pathways could play a major role. In the case of 5-FU, it gets converted into various active metabolites, which, directly or indirectly, interferes with the replication and transcription of dividing cells causing DNA and RNA damage. In this project, we developed a high-resolution mass spectrometry-based method to effectively extract and quantify levels of the 5-FU metabolites in cell lysates and media of parental and 5-FU resistant LIM1215 CRC cells. The analysis highlighted that the levels of 5-FU metabolites are significantly reduced in 5-FU resistant cells. Specifically, the level of the nucleotide fluorodeoxyuridine monophosphate (FdUMP) is reduced with treatment of 5-FU clarifying the compromised 5-FU metabolism in resistant cells. Corroborating the metabolomic analysis, treatment of the resistant cells with FdUMP, an active metabolite of 5-FU, resulted in effective killing of the resistant cells. Overall, in this study, an effective protocol was developed for comparative quantitation of polar metabolites and nucleotide analogues from the adherent cells efficiently. Furthermore, the utility of FdUMP as an alternative for CRC therapy is highlighted.
Metallacarborane Complex Boosts the Rate of DNA Oligonucleotide Hydrolysis in the Reaction Catalyzed by Snake Venom Phosphodiesterase
Authors: Kaniowski Damian , Kulik Katarzyna , Ebenryter-Olbińska Katarzyna , Wielgus Ewelina , Lesnikowski Zbigniew , Nawrot Barbara
Published: May 2020

Antisense oligonucleotides conjugated with boron clusters (B-ASOs) have been described as potential gene expression inhibitors and carriers of boron for boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT), providing a dual-action therapeutic platform. In this study, we tested the nucleolytic stability of DNA oligonucleotides labeled with metallacarborane [(3,3’-iron-1,2,1’,2’-dicarbollide)(−1)]ate [Fe(C2B9H11)2] (FESAN) against snake venom phosphodiesterase (svPDE, 3’→5’-exonuclease). Contrary to the previously observed protective effect of carborane (C2B10H12) modifications, the B-ASOs containing a metallacarborane moiety at the 5’-end of the oligonucleotide chain were hydrolyzed faster than their parent nonmodified oligomers. Interestingly, an enhancement in the hydrolysis rate was also observed in the presence of free metallacarborane, and this reaction was dependent on the concentration of the metallacarborane. Microscale thermophoresis (MST) analysis confirmed the high affinity (Kd nM range) of the binding of the metallacarborane to the proteins of crude snake venom and the moderate affinity (Kd µM range) between the metallacarborane and the short single-stranded DNA. We hypothesize that the metallacarborane complex covalently bound to B-ASO holds DNA molecules close to the protein surface, facilitating enzymatic cleavage. The addition of metallacarborane alone to the ASO/svPDE reaction mixture provides the interface to attract freely floating DNA molecules. In both cases, the local DNA concentration around the enzymes increases, giving rise to faster hydrolysis. It was experimentally shown that an allosteric effect, possibly attributable to the observed boost in the 3’→5’-exonucleolytic activity of snake venom phosphodiesterase, is much less plausible.
Anti-Hypochlorite, Antioxidant, and Catalytic Activity of Three Polyphenol-Rich Super-Foods Investigated with the Use of Coumarin-Based Sensors
Authors: Starzak Karolina , Świergosz Tomasz , Matwijczuk Arkadiusz , Creaven Bernadette , Podleśny Janusz , Karcz Dariusz
Published: May 2020

The anti-hypochlorite activity of açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.), goji (Lycium barbarum L.) and schisandra (Schisandra chinensis) fruit extracts were assessed by determining the reactive chlorine species (RCS)-scavenging ability of these three “super-food” berries. In addition, the aqueous extracts obtained were employed as both the media and the catalyst in a green chemistry approach to the synthesis of a coumarin-based fluorescence turn-off sensor, which was then used for anti-hypochlorite activity testing. The aqueous extracts were also assessed for total phenolic content (TPC), using the Folin–Ciocalteu method, and the antioxidant activity using the ABTS+• assay. Moreover, the main water-soluble polyphenolic constituents of the extracts were identified by the HPLC-PDA-ESI-MS technique. Among the extracts tested, açaí demonstrated the highest anti-hypochlorite and antioxidant activities, while the highest TPC value was found for the goji extract. All extracts demonstrated modest catalytic activity as Knoevenagel condensation catalysts.
Nobiletin in Cancer Therapy: How This Plant Derived-Natural Compound Targets Various Oncogene and Onco-Suppressor Pathways
Authors: Ashrafizadeh Milad , Zarrabi Ali , Saberifar Sedigheh , Hashemi Farid , Hushmandi Kiavash , Hashemi Fardin , Moghadam Ebrahim Rahmani , Mohammadinejad Reza , Najafi Masoud , Garg Manoj
Published: May 2020

Cancer therapy is a growing field, and annually, a high number of research is performed to develop novel antitumor drugs. Attempts to find new antitumor drugs continue, since cancer cells are able to acquire resistance to conventional drugs. Natural chemicals can be considered as promising candidates in the field of cancer therapy due to their multiple-targeting capability. The nobiletin (NOB) is a ubiquitous flavone isolated from Citrus fruits. The NOB has a variety of pharmacological activities, such as antidiabetes, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and neuroprotective. Among them, the antitumor activity of NOB has been under attention over recent years. In this review, we comprehensively describe the efficacy of NOB in cancer therapy. NOB induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in cancer cells. It can suppress migration and invasion of cancer cells via the inhibition of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and EMT-related factors such as TGF-β, ZEB, Slug, and Snail. Besides, NOB inhibits oncogene factors such as STAT3, NF-κB, Akt, PI3K, Wnt, and so on. Noteworthy, onco-suppressor factors such as microRNA-7 and -200b undergo upregulation by NOB in cancer therapy. These onco-suppressor and oncogene pathways and mechanisms are discussed in this review.
Attentional Flexibility Predicts A-Not-B Task Performance in 14-Month-Old-Infants: A Head-Mounted Eye Tracking Study
Authors: Mulder Hanna , Van Houdt Carolien A. , J. M. Van der Ham Ineke , Van der Stigchel Stefan , Oudgenoeg-Paz Ora
Published: May 2020

Early individual differences in executive functions (EFs) are predictive of a range of developmental outcomes. However, despite the importance of EFs, little is known about the processes underlying these early individual differences. Therefore, we investigated the association between 14-month-old infants’ attention on a reaching version of the A-not-B task and task success. We hypothesized that both strategic focused attention (measured as percentage looking time towards the correct location during delay) and attentional flexibility (measured as number of looks per second to available stimuli during delay) would relate positively to task performance. Infants performed the A-not-B task wearing a head-mounted eye tracker (N = 24). Results were trial-dependent and partially supported the hypotheses: (1) infants who were better able to flexibly shift attention between available stimuli on the first pre-switch trial showed better task performance overall; and (2) strategic focused attention to the hiding location during the first switch trial was positively related to performance on that particular trial only (trend-level effect). Thus, the study shows preliminary evidence that particularly attentional flexibility is a key factor underlying EF performance in young children. Advantages and challenges of working with head-mounted eye tracking in infants are discussed.
Inter-Day Reliability and Changes of Surface Electromyography on Two Postural Muscles Throughout 12 Weeks of Hippotherapy on Patients with Cerebral Palsy: A Pilot Study
Authors: Viruega Hélène , Gaillard Inès , Briatte Laura , Gaviria Manuel
Published: May 2020

Cerebral palsy (CP) is an umbrella term covering a group of permanent developmental disorders of movement and posture characterized by highly variable clinical features. The aim of this study was to assess the short-term and mid-term effects of neurorehabilitation via hippotherapy on the contractile properties of two key postural muscles during functional sitting in such patients. Thirty-minute hippotherapy sessions were conducted biweekly for 12 weeks in 18 patients (18.1 ± 5.7 years old). Surface electromyography (EMG) was implemented bilaterally in rectus abdominis and adductor magnus. We quantitatively analyzed the amplitude of EMG signals in the time domain and its spectral characteristics in the frequency domain. EMGs were recorded at the beginning and end of each session on day one and at week six and week twelve. Statistical analysis revealed a substantial inter-day reliability of the EMG signals for both muscles, validating the methodological approach. To a lesser extent, while beyond the scope of the current study, quantitative changes suggested a more selective recruitment/contractile properties’ shift of the examined muscles. Exploring postural control during functional activities would contribute to understanding the relationship between structural impairment, activity performance and patient capabilities, allowing the design of neurorehabilitation programs aimed at improving postural and functional skills according to each individual’s needs. The present study provides basic quantitative data supporting the body of scientific evidence making hippotherapy an approach of choice for CP neurorehabilitation.
Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer in Families from Southern Italy (Sicily)—Prevalence and Geographic Distribution of Pathogenic Variants in BRCA1/2 Genes
Authors: Incorvaia Lorena , Fanale Daniele , Badalamenti Giuseppe , Bono Marco , Calò Valentina , Cancelliere Daniela , Castiglia Marta , Fiorino Alessia , Pivetti Alessia , Barraco Nadia , Cutaia Sofia , Russo Antonio , Bazan Viviana
Published: May 2020

Recent advances in the detection of germline pathogenic variants (PVs) in BRCA1/2 genes have allowed a deeper understanding of the BRCA-related cancer risk. Several studies showed a significant heterogeneity in the prevalence of PVs across different populations. Because little is known about this in the Sicilian population, our study was aimed at investigating the prevalence and geographic distribution of inherited BRCA1/2 PVs in families from this specific geographical area of Southern Italy. We retrospectively collected and analyzed all clinical information of 1346 hereditary breast and/or ovarian cancer patients genetically tested for germline BRCA1/2 PVs at University Hospital Policlinico “P. Giaccone” of Palermo from January 1999 to October 2019. Thirty PVs were more frequently observed in the Sicilian population but only some of these showed a specific territorial prevalence, unlike other Italian and European regions. This difference could be attributed to the genetic heterogeneity of the Sicilian people and its historical background. Therefore hereditary breast and ovarian cancers could be predominantly due to BRCA1/2 PVs different from those usually detected in other geographical areas of Italy and Europe. Our investigation led us to hypothesize that a higher prevalence of some germline BRCA PVs in Sicily could be a population-specific genetic feature of BRCA-positive carriers.
RNA Editing Alters miRNA Function in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: Gassner Franz J. , Zaborsky Nadja , Feldbacher Daniel , Greil Richard , Geisberger Roland
Published: May 2020

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a high incidence B cell leukemia with a highly variable clinical course, leading to survival times ranging from months to several decades. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate the expression levels of genes by binding to the untranslated regions of transcripts. Although miRNAs have been previously shown to play a crucial role in CLL development, progression and treatment resistance, their further processing and diversification by RNA editing (specifically adenosine to inosine or cytosine to uracil deamination) has not been addressed so far. In this study, we analyzed next generation sequencing data to provide a detailed map of adenosine to inosine and cytosine to uracil changes in miRNAs from CLL and normal B cells. Our results reveal that in addition to a CLL-specific expression pattern, there is also specific RNA editing of many miRNAs, particularly miR-3157 and miR-6503, in CLL. Our data draw further light on how miRNAs and miRNA editing might be implicated in the pathogenesis of the disease.
Combination of Withaferin-A and CAPE Provides Superior Anticancer Potency: Bioinformatics and Experimental Evidence to Their Molecular Targets and Mechanism of Action
Authors: Sari Anissa Nofita , Bhargava Priyanshu , Dhanjal Jaspreet Kaur , Putri Jayarani F. , Radhakrishnan Navaneethan , Shefrin Seyad , Ishida Yoshiyuki , Terao Keiji , Sundar Durai , Kaul Sunil C. , Wadhwa Renu
Published: May 2020

We have earlier reported anticancer activity in Withaferin A (Wi-A), a withanolide derived from Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), an active compound from New Zealand honeybee propolis. Whereas Wi-A was cytotoxic to both cancer and normal cells, CAPE has been shown to cause selective death of cancer cells. In the present study, we investigated the efficacy of Wi-A, CAPE, and their combination to ovarian and cervical cancer cells. Both Wi-A and CAPE were seen to activate tumor suppressor protein p53 by downregulation of mortalin and abrogation of its interactions with p53. Downregulation of mortalin translated to compromised mitochondria integrity and function that affected poly ADP-ribose polymerase1 (PARP1); a key regulator of DNA repair and protein-target for Olaparib, drugs clinically used for treatment of breast, ovarian and cervical cancers)-mediated DNA repair yielding growth arrest or apoptosis. Furthermore, we also compared the docking capability of Wi-A and CAPE to PARP1 and found that both of these could bind to the catalytic domain of PARP1, similar to Olaparib. We provide experimental evidences that (i) Wi-A and CAPE cause inactivation of PARP1-mediated DNA repair leading to accumulation of DNA damage and activation of apoptosis signaling by multiple ways, and (ii) a combination of Wi-A and CAPE offers selective toxicity and better potency to cancer cells.
Alterations of HPV-Related Biomarkers after Prophylactic HPV Vaccination. A Prospective Pilot Observational Study in Greek Women
Authors: Valasoulis George , Pouliakis Abraham , Michail George , Kottaridi Christine , Spathis Aris , Kyrgiou Maria , Paraskevaidis Evangelos , Daponte Alexandros
Published: May 2020

The objective of this study was to investigate the hypothesis that HPV vaccination administered in patients with low-grade (LG) cytology shortly after an initial colposcopic assessment could prospectively alter HPV-related biomarkers. This was a prospective pilot observational study involving women attending a colposcopy clinic for evaluation of abnormal LG cytology that were advised to undergo HPV vaccination and proceeded accordingly. These women were compared with a matched unvaccinated group. Women requiring cervical biopsies or CIN treatment were excluded. Intervention: A full three-dose HPV vaccination was undertaken with either the 2-valent or the 4-valent anti-HPV VLP vaccine. LBC samples were obtained prior and after the completion of the vaccination regimen and tested for HPV DNA genotyping (CLART-2 HPV test) and E6 and E7 mRNA (NASBA technique). Results: Alterations of HPV-related biomarkers at a colposcopy reassessment appointment 12 months later. Analysis: The p-values, relative risk (RR), absolute relative risk (ARR), number needed to treat (NNT) and 95% confidence intervals for each biomarker in each group were assessed. Results: A total of 309 women were included in the analysis. One hundred fifty-two women received the vaccine. HPV vaccination reduced in a statistically significant manner (p < 0.05) HPV DNA positivity rates for genotypes 16, 18, and 31, RR = 1.6 (95% CI: 1.1 to 2.3), RR = 1.7 (95% CI: 1.1 to 2.8), and RR = 1.8 (95% CI: 1.0 to 2.9), in women who only tested DNA-positive for HPV16, 18, and 31 genotypes, respectively, prior to vaccination. A less pronounced, statistically insignificant reduction was shown for women who tested positive for both HPV DNA and mRNA E6 and E7 expression for HPV16, 18, and 33 subtypes. Statistically significant reduction in HPV mRNA positivity was solely documented for genotype 31 (p = 0.0411). Conclusions: HPV vaccination appears to significantly affect the rates of HPV16, 18, and 31 DNA-positive infections in the population testing HPV DNA-positive for the aforementioned genotypes. The above findings deserve verification in larger cohorts.
Hormone Receptor-Status Prediction in Breast Cancer Using Gene Expression Profiles and Their Macroscopic Landscape
Authors: Yoon Seokhyun , Won Hye Sung , Kang Keunsoo , Qiu Kexin , Park Woong June , Ko Yoon Ho
Published: May 2020

The cost of next-generation sequencing technologies is rapidly declining, making RNA-seq-based gene expression profiling (GEP) an affordable technique for predicting receptor expression status and intrinsic subtypes in breast cancer patients. Based on the expression levels of co-expressed genes, GEP-based receptor-status prediction can classify clinical subtypes more accurately than can immunohistochemistry (IHC). Using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas Breast Invasive Carcinoma (TCGA BRCA) and Molecular Taxonomy of Breast Cancer International Consortium (METABRIC) datasets, we identified common predictor genes found in both datasets and performed receptor-status prediction based on these genes. By assessing the survival outcomes of patients classified using GEP- or IHC-based receptor status, we compared the prognostic value of the two methods. We found that GEP-based HR prediction provided higher concordance with the intrinsic subtypes and a stronger association with treatment outcomes than did IHC-based hormone receptor (HR) status. GEP-based prediction improved the identification of patients who could benefit from hormone therapy, even in patients with non-luminal breast cancer. We also confirmed that non-matching subgroup classification affected the survival of breast cancer patients and that this could be largely overcome by GEP-based receptor-status prediction. In conclusion, GEP-based prediction provides more reliable classification of HR status, improving therapeutic decision making for breast cancer patients.
Venous Thromboembolism in Cancer Patients on Simultaneous and Palliative Care
Authors: Riondino Silvia , Ferroni Patrizia , Del Monte Girolamo , Formica Vincenzo , Guadagni Fiorella , Roselli Mario
Published: May 2020

Simultaneous care represents the ideal integration between early supportive and palliative care in cancer patients under active antineoplastic treatment. Cancer patients require a composite clinical, social and psychological management that can be effective only if care continuity from hospital to home is guaranteed and if such a care takes place early in the course of the disease, combining standard oncology care and palliative care. In these settings, venous thromboembolism (VTE) represents a difficult medical challenge, for the requirement of acute treatments and for the strong impact on anticancer therapies that might be delayed or, even, totally discontinued. Moreover, cancer patients not only display high rates of VTE occurrence/recurrence but are also more prone to bleeding and this forces clinicians to optimize treatment strategies, balancing between hemorrhages and thrombus formation. VTE prevention is, therefore, regarded as a double-edged sword. Indeed, while on one hand the appropriate use of antithrombotic agents can reduce VTE occurrence, on the other it significantly increases the bleeding risk, especially in the frail patients who present with multiple co-morbidities and poly-therapy that can interact with anticoagulant drugs. For these reasons, thromboprophylaxis should start while active cancer treatment is ongoing, according to a simultaneous care model in a patient-centered perspective.
Recent Advances in Targeted Therapies for Advanced Gastrointestinal Malignancies
Authors: C. Huynh Jasmine , Schwab Erin , Ji Jingran , Kim Edward , Joseph Anjali , Hendifar Andrew , Cho May , Gong Jun
Published: May 2020

The treatment of advanced gastrointestinal (GI) cancers has become increasingly molecularly driven. Molecular profiling for HER2 and PD-L1 status is standard for metastatic gastroesophageal (GEJ) cancers to predict benefits from trastuzumab (HER2-targeted therapy) and pembrolizumab (anti-PD-1 therapy), while extended RAS and BRAF testing is standard in metastatic colorectal cancer to predict benefits from epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-targeted therapies. Mismatch repair (MMR) or microsatellite instability (MSI) testing is standard for all advanced GI cancers to predict benefits from pembrolizumab and in metastatic colorectal cancer, nivolumab with or without ipilimumab. Here we review recent seminal trials that have further advanced targeted therapies in these cancers including Poly (adenosine diphosphate–ribose) polymerases (PARP) inhibition in pancreas cancer, BRAF inhibition in colon cancer, and isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) and fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) inhibition in biliary tract cancer. Targeted therapies in GI malignancies constitute an integral component of the treatment paradigm in these advanced cancers and have widely established the need for standard molecular profiling to identify candidates.