bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modulation of Plasma Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Levels via Dietary Salt Intervention in Chinese Adults:an Intervention Trial
Authors: Ma Qiong , Chu Chao , Xue Yan-bo , Hu Jia-wen , Zheng Wen-ling , Yan Yu , Wang Ke-ke , Wang Yang , Yuan Yue , Liao Yue-yuan , Chen Chen , Mu Jianjun
Published: June 2020

Background: Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), a pleiotropic bioactive sphingolipid metabolite, is involved in various pathophysiological processes,including blood pressure regulation. Salt is a crucial factor for blood pressure modulation,especially in salt-sensitive individuals who may develop earlier, more severe subclinical target organ damage than salt-resistant individuals.However, the relationships among salt intake, circulating S1P levels, and blood pressure changes are unknown. Thus, we conducted this intervention trial to explore the effect of dietary salt intake on plasma S1P levels and examine the relationship between S1P and blood pressure in Chinese adults.Methods:Forty-two participants (aged 18–65 years) were recruited from a rural community in Shaanxi, China. All participants first maintained their normal diet for 3 days, then sequentially ate a low-sodium diet (3.0 g/day NaCl) for 7 days, followed by a high-sodium diet (18.0 g/day NaCl) for 7 days. We assessed their plasma S1P concentrations on the last day of each intervention phase by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. We classified the subjects who demonstrated at least a 10% increase in mean arterial pressure upon transitioning from a low-salt to a high-salt diet as salt-sensitive and the others as salt-resistant. Differences in repeated measures were analyzed by repeated-measures analysis of variance. Results:Plasma S1P levels decreased significantly from the baseline to low-salt diet period and increased from the low-salt tohigh-salt diet period. We observed this response in both salt-sensitive and salt-resistant individuals. Plasma S1P levels positively correlated with 24-hour urinary sodium excretion, but not 24-hour urinary potassium excretion. In line with plasma S1P level responses to salt intervention, systolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure decreased from the baseline to low-salt diet period and increased from the low-salt to high-salt period.Systolic blood pressure positively correlated with plasma S1P; the correlation was stronger in salt-sensitive individuals than in salt-resistant individuals. Conclusion:Low-salt intervention decreased plasma S1P levels, whereas high-salt intervention reversed this changein Chinese adults. This finding provides evidence that salt moderation may be a high-efficiency, low-cost intervention for regulating circulating S1P levels, with implications for salt-induced blood pressure modulation. Trial registration: NCT02915315.Registered 27 September，2016,http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
Two Weeks Of Western Diet Disrupts Liver Molecular Markers Of Cholesterol Metabolism In Rat
Authors: St-Amand Roxane , Sock Emilienne T. Ngo , Quinn Samantha , Lavoie Jean-Marc , St-Pierre David H.
Published: June 2020

Background: The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that in the liver, excessive fat accumulation impairs cholesterol metabolism mainly by altering the low-density lipoprotein-receptor (LDL-R) pathway. Method: Young male Wistar rats were fed standard (SD), high fat (HFD; 60% kcal) or Western (WD; 40% fat + 35% sucrose (17.5% fructose)) diets for 2 or 6 weeks. Results: Weight gain (~ 40g) was observed only following 6 weeks of the obesogenic diets (P < 0.01). Compared to the 2-week treatment, obesogenic diets tripled fat pad weight (~ 20 vs 7 g) after 6 weeks. Hepatic triglyceride (TG) levels were greater in response to both the WD and HFD compared to the SD (P < 0.01) at 2 and 6 weeks and their concentrations were greater (P < 0.05) in WD than HFD at 2 weeks. Plasma total cholesterol levels were higher (P < 0.05) in animals submitted to WD. After 2 and 6 weeks, liver expression of LDL-R, proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSKk9) and sterol regulatory element binding protein protein 2 (SREBP2), involved in LDL-cholesterol uptake, was lower in animals submitted to WD than in others treated with HFD or SD (P < 0.01). Similarly, low-density lipoprotein-receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1) and acyl-CoA cholesterol acyltransferase-2 (ACAT-2) mRNA levels were lower (P < 0.01) among WD compared to SD-fed rats. Expression of the gene coding the main regulator of endogenous cholesterol synthesis, 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGCoAR) was reduced in response to WD compared to SD and HFD at 2 (P < 0.001) and 6 (P < 0.05) weeks. Being enriched in fructose, the WD strongly promoted the expression of carbohydrate-response element binding protein (ChREBP) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), two key regulators of de novo lipogenesis. Conclusion: These results show that the WD promptly increased TG levels in the liver by potentiating fat storage. This impaired the pathway of hepatic cholesterol uptake via the LDL-R axis, promoting a rapid increase in plasma total cholesterol levels. These results indicate that liver fat content is a factor involved in the regulation of plasma cholesterol.
Iron metabolism and lymphocyte characterisation during Covid-19 infection in ICU patients: an observational cohort study.
Authors: Bolondi Giuliano , Russo Emanuele , Gamberini Emiliano , Circelli Alessandro , Meca Manlio Cosimo Claudio , Brogi Etrusca , Viola Lorenzo , Bissoni Luca , Poletti Venerino , Agnoletti Vanni
Published: June 2020

Background: Iron metabolism and immune response to SARS-CoV-2 have not been described yet in intensive care patients, although they are likely involved in Covid-19 pathogenesis.Methods: We performed an observational study during the peak of pandemic in our intensive care unit, dosing D-dimer, C-reactive protein, Troponin T, Lactate Dehydrogenase, Ferritin, Serum iron, Transferrin, Transferrin Saturation, Transferrin Soluble Receptor, Lymphocyte count and NK, CD3, CD4, CD8, B subgroups of 31 patients during the first two weeks of their ICU stay. Correlation with mortality and severity at the time of admission was tested with Spearman coefficient and Mann-Whitney test. Trends over time were tested with Kruskall-Wallis analysis.Results: Lymphopenia is severe and constant, with a nadir on day 2 of ICU stay (median 0.555 109/L; interquartile range (IQR) 0.450 109/L); all lymphocytic subgroups are dramatically reduced in critically ill patients, while CD4/CD8 ratio remains normal. Neither Ferritin nor lymphocyte count follow significant trends in ICU patients. Transferrin Saturation is extremely reduced at ICU admission (median 9%; IQR 7%), then significantly increases at day 3 to 6 (median 33%, IQR 26.5%, p-value 0.026). The same trend is observed with serum iron levels (median 25.5 µg/L, IQR 69 µg/L at admission; median 73 µg/L, IQR 56 µg/L on day 3 to 6) without reaching statistical significance. Hyperferritinemia is constant during intensive care stay: however, its dosage might be helpful in individuating patients developing hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. D-dimer is elevated and progressively increases from admission (median 1319 µg/L; IQR 1285 µg/L) to day 3 to 6 (median 6820 µg/L; IQR 6619 µg/L), despite not reaching significant results. We describe trends of all the above mentioned parameters during ICU stay.Conclusions: The description of iron metabolism and lymphocyte count in Covid-19 patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit provided with this paper might allow a wider understanding of SARS-CoV-2 pathophysiology.
Comparison of complete renal response and mortality in early- and late-onset lupus nephritis: A multicenter retrospective study of a Japanese cohort
Authors: Ichinose Kunihiro , Kitamura Mineaki , Sato Shuntaro , Fujikawa Keita , Horai Yoshiro , Matsuoka Naoki , Tsuboi Masahiko , Nonaka Fumiaki , Shimizu Toshimasa , Sumiyoshi Remi , Koga Tomohiro , Kawashiri Shin-ya , Iwamoto Naoki , Igawa Takashi , Tamai Mami , Nakamura Hideki , Origuchi Tomoki , Nishino Tomoya , Kawakami Atsushi
Published: June 2020

Background: Most patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) progress to lupus nephritis (LN) within 5 years of their SLE diagnosis, although it is not uncommon for LN to develop at later time points. Here we evaluated the clinical features of early- and late-onset LN.Patients and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the cases of 184 of the 201 patients who underwent a renal biopsy at Nagasaki University Hospital and associated community hospitals between 1990 and 2016 and were diagnosed as having LN. Early-onset was defined as the development of LN within the first 5 years after the patient's SLE diagnosis, and late-onset was defined as LN development >5 years post-diagnosis. We analyzed the complete renal response (CR) at 6 and 12 months after induction therapy, the classification of renal pathology, and the mortality of the early- and late-onset LN groups.Results: The mean follow-up duration after renal biopsy was 123±85 months. There were 113 (61.4%) early-onset patients and 71 (38.6%) late-onset patients. A multivariate analysis revealed that the following factors were predictive of CR. At 6 months: female sex (odds ratio [OR] 4.64, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.66–12.98, p=0.002), proteinuria (OR 0.82, 95%CI 0.70–0.95, p=0.003), index of activity (0–24) (OR 0.85, 95%CI 0.74–0.97, p=0.014), and early-onset LN (OR 2.26, 95%CI 1.11–4.58, p=0.023). At 12 months: female sex (OR 3.95, 95% CI 1.62–9.64, p=0.002), index of activity (0–24) (OR 0.80, 95%CI 0.71–0.91, p<0.001), and early-onset LN (OR 1.98, 95%CI 1.04–3.79, p=0.038). In a Cox proportional hazards model, the early-onset LN group had a significantly better mortality rate than the late-onset LN group (p=0.038).Conclusions: In our cohort, early-onset LN was a better predictor of CR at 6 and 12 months. Our results suggest that early-onset LN patients had lower mortality than late-onset LN patients.
Analysis on correlation between the Earth's Rotation and Earthquakes Preceding the Occurrence of the 2019 M7.1 Ridgecrest Earthquake
Authors: Li Yane , Chen Xuezhong
Published: June 2020

For earthquakes ( M ³2.0) occurring in and around the rupture zone of the M 7 .1 Ridgecrest earthquake between January 1990 and June 2019, we analyzed the correlation between the phase of Earth's rotation and the occurrence of earthquakes. The Schuster's test and the two-rate Poisson model were used to statistically examined the correlation between the phase of Earth's rotation and the occurrence of earthquakes. For the Schuster's test,the results were judged based on the P -value. When the P -value is smaller, the correlation is higher. In general, if P £ 5%,the correlation is significant. For the two-rate Poisson model,the results were evaluated by R . When the 95% confidence lower limit on R ( R L ) is over one, earthquakes could be non-random.
We calculated the temporal variation on the P -value for earthquakes that occurred in the study region and found some lower P -values,corresponding significant correlation, for earthquakes (2.0≤ M ≤2.4) occurring before the M 7.1 event. When the P -value reached to the lowest,earthquakes are prone to occur when the Earth's acceleration of rotation is increasing or near the peak acceleration.This correlation is also confirmed by the two-rate Poisson model.
The spacial distribution of the P -values for earthquakes (2.0≤ M ≤2.4) occurring from Jul. 2013 to Jun. 2019 shows that areas of low P -value were located mainly in and around the northwest segment of the rupture zone of the M 7.1 Ridgecrest earthquake.
The lower P -value obtained in this study uncovers the Earth's rotation-triggered earthquakes in and around the rupture zone prior to the M 7 .1 Ridgecrest earthquake,is possible to be considered as one of its precursors.
Socio-Cultural and Religious Influences During Menstruation Among University Students
Authors: Chew Keng Sheng , Wong Shirly Siew Ling , Hassan Ahmad Khairi , Po Kian Ee , Zulkhairi Norizzati , Yusman Nurul Ammiera Lyieanna
Published: June 2020

BackgroundAlthough menstruation is a physiological process it is shrouded with layers of religious and socio-cultural beliefs. The extent to which these socio-cultural and religious beliefs may impact the quality of life of a female university student in our Asian setting has yet to be explored.MethodsThis study was divided into 3 stages. In the first stage 1, a preliminary list of items measuring socio-cultural and religious beliefs during menstruation was generated. In the second stage, exploratory factor analysis was performed using the preliminary list generated. In the third stage, confirmatory factor analysis using reflective measurement model and structural modelling was performed using partial least squares. Practices of these beliefs were included in structural modelling as beliefs without practices may not affect quality of life. Biological symptoms of menstruation were added in as well as another factor that may affect quality of life.ResultsA preliminary list of 22 items was generated based on personal interviews and input from female lecturers. In the second stage, the exploratory factor analysis identified six factors with eigenvalue>1. From the confirmatory factor analysis in third stage, two factors were iteratively removed due to poor factor loadings. The four factors retained were: i) “religious beliefs”; ii) “unpleasant (or dirty) nature of menstruation”; iii) “personal restrictions (dietary and behavior)”; and iv) “restrictions of interactions with male gender”. In structural equation modelling, only 2 factors, i.e., personal restrictions (dietary and behavioral)” (path coefficient 0.74, t-statistics 18.18) and restriction of interactions with males (path coefficient 0.12, t-statistis 3.00) have significant effect on the practices of menstruation beliefs. Biological symptoms (path coefficient -0.34; t-statistics 7.29) and practices of these socio-cultural and religious beliefs (path coefficient -0.17; t-statistics 3.67) in turn, have significant negative effect on quality of life.ConclusionAlthough four factors of socio-cultural and religious beliefs have been identified in this study, only beliefs related to personal dietary and behavioral restrictions and beliefs on restrictions of social interactions with the male gender are significantly practiced, of which, negatively impact quality of life.
Antimalarial activity of Curcuma caesia against 3D7 and K1 strains of Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Chaturvedi Monika , Rani Reena , Sharma Dushyant , Yadav Jaya Parkash
Published: June 2020

Background: Malaria is one of the severe tropical disease and majority of deaths occurred due to Plasmodium falciparum. Lack of a vaccine and the widespread resistance to antimalarial drugs have resulted in emphasis on novel antimalarial drugs development. The purpose of the study was to evaluate in vitro and in-silico antiplasmodial potential of Curcuma caesia extracts against P. falciparum.Methods: Ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of C. caesia were prepared and analysed for their antiplasmodial activity against Chloroquine sensitive (3D7) and resistant (K1) strains of P. falciparum using fluorescence-based SYBR Green assay. The cytotoxicity tests were carried out using the vero cell lines by MTT assay. The phosphoethanolamine methyltransferase enzyme ((PfPMT) essential for growth of P. falciparum was used as protein target for in-silico study. Result: C. caesia ethyl acetate extracts showed the potent antiplasmodial activity with IC50 values of 3.37 µg/ml and 1.53 µg/ml against 3D7 and K1 strain respectively. The IC50 values of methanol extract were reported, 8.57 µg/ml against 3D7 and 18.29 µg/ml against K1 strains The cytotoxicity assay revealed that the extracts were not toxic against vero cell lines as the CC50 values were less than IC50. Docking results show that β-selinenol an oxygenized sesquiterpene present in C. caesia had the free binding energy of -6.76 Kcal/mol.Conclusion: The compounds β-selinenol, α-eudesmol, α –acorenol, boldione and xanthinin present in the C. caesia extract possess antimalarial potential being inhibitor of PfPMT. The present findings, however preliminary in nature. Further studies are needed to identify the active compounds and in vivo mechanism to prove the antimalarial efficacy of C. caesia in the development of antimalarial drugs.
“Screening and Optimization of Agro-industrial wastes for glycoprotein biosurfactant production from Sphingobacterium thalpophilum DP9”
Authors: SOLANKI JYOTI , Patel Dhaval , Ingale Snehal , Nataraj M
Published: June 2020

Background

Commercialization of biosurfactant production is a big challenge due to high production cost. Biosurfactant production can be made economic by using low cost agro-industrial wastes or byproducts as media supplement. It also solves the problem of environmental pollution through waste management. In the present study attempt was made to produce biosurfactant from Sphingobacterium thalpophilum DP9 using various agro-industrial wastes or byproducts at optimum fermentation conditions evaluated by traditional and statistical methods. Partial characterization of biosurfactant was also carried out through qualitative chromatographic techniques; quantitative spectroscopic method and functional group identification by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.
Results

One factor at a time optimization experimentation showed highest emulsification in media supplemented with potato peel powder (43.12 ± 3.41%), urea (46.00 ± 3.09%), pH 7 (41.74 ± 1.15%) at 40% aeration (47.41 ± 1.62%). 1% Inoculum (O.D.600=1.00) size favored highest emulsification (26.39 ± 1.60%). Plackett-Burman design experimentation showed carbon source (potato peel powder), nitrogen source (urea) and temperature significantly affect on biosurfactant production. Response surface experimentation by central composite design showed interaction between nitrogen source and temperature significantly influenced on biosurfactant production. Validation of model was showed increase in emulsification from 43.62 ± 2.55% to 86.11 ± 3.47% on fourth day of incubation. Partial characterization showed biosurfactant contains 439.58 ± 0.0129 µg/ml carbohydrate and 507.41 ± 0.0064 µg/ml of protein. Lipid was absent in it. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy chromatogram showed peaks at 1652.17 cm− 1, 1541.01 cm− 1, 1463.71 cm− 1 and 722.32 cm− 1 which indicated presence of peptide bond, peptide moiety, carbohydrate protons and primary as well as secondary amines.
Conclusion

Potato peel powder, urea and temperature have significant influence on biosurfactant production from Sphingobacterium thalpophilum DP9. When potato peel powder and urea supplied at optimum level, biosurfactant production was increased by two fold. Biosurfactant produced by S. thalpophilum DP9 was belongs to glycoprotein class and as per our best knowledge, this is the first report on glycoprotein biosurfactant produced from Sphingobacterium genus.
SARS-CoV-2 T-cell epitopes define heterologous and COVID-19-induced T-cell recognition
Authors: Nelde Annika , Bilich Tatjana , Heitmann Jonas S. , Maringer Yacine , Salih Helmut R. , Roerden Malte , Lübke Maren , Bauer Jens , Rieth Jonas , Wacker Marcel , Peter Andreas , Hörber Sebastian , Traenkle Bjoern , Kaiser Philipp D. , Rothbauer Ulrich , Becker Matthias , Junker Daniel , Krause Gérard , Strengert Monika , Schneiderhan-Marra Nicole , Templin Markus F. , Joos Thomas O. , Kowalewski Daniel J. , Stos-Zweifel Vlatka , Fehr Michael , Graf Michael , Gruber Lena-Christin , Rachfalski David , Preuß Beate , Hagelstein Ilona , Märklin Melanie , Bakchoul Tamam , Gouttefangeas Cécile , Kohlbacher Oliver , Klein Reinhild , Stevanović Stefan , Rammensee Hans-Georg , Walz Juliane S.
Published: June 2020

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic calls for the rapid development of diagnostic, preventive, and therapeutic approaches. CD4+ and CD8+ T cell-mediated immunity is central for control of and protection from viral infections[1-3]. A prerequisite to characterize T-cell immunity, but also for the development of vaccines and immunotherapies, is the identification of the exact viral T-cell epitopes presented on human leukocyte antigens (HLA)[2-8]. This is the first work identifying and characterizing SARS-CoV-2-specific and cross-reactive HLA class I and HLA-DR T-cell epitopes in SARS-CoV-2 convalescents (n = 180) as well as unexposed individuals (n = 185) and confirming their relevance for immunity and COVID-19 disease course. SARS-CoV-2-specific T-cell epitopes enabled detection of post-infectious T-cell immunity, even in seronegative convalescents. Cross-reactive SARS-CoV-2 T-cell epitopes revealed preexisting T-cell responses in 81% of unexposed individuals, and validation of similarity to common cold human coronaviruses provided a functional basis for postulated heterologous immunity[9] in SARS-CoV-2 infection[10,11]. Intensity of T-cell responses and recognition rate of T-cell epitopes was significantly higher in the convalescent donors compared to unexposed individuals, suggesting that not only expansion, but also diversity spread of SARS-CoV-2 T-cell responses occur upon active infection. Whereas anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels were associated with severity of symptoms in our SARS-CoV-2 donors, intensity of T-cell responses did not negatively affect COVID-19 severity. Rather, diversity of SARS-CoV-2 T-cell responses was increased in case of mild symptoms of COVID-19, providing evidence that development of immunity requires recognition of multiple SARS-CoV-2 epitopes. Together, the specific and cross-reactive SARS-CoV-2 T-cell epitopes identified in this work enable the identification of heterologous and post-infectious T-cell immunity and facilitate the development of diagnostic, preventive, and therapeutic measures for COVID-19.
Production of Virus Free Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.) through Meristem Culture and Chemotherapy
Authors: Jemal Neja , Feyissa Tileye
Published: June 2020

Background: Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) ranks the seventh most important crop in the world. As it is propagated vegetatively, viruses accumulate from generation to generation and seriously affect its yield and quality. Currently virus diseases especially double infections are the major constraints of sweetpotato production. Meristem culture, chemotherapy and thermotherapy methods are suggested as the methods of choice to produce virus free planting materials although the success varies among different reports. The objective of this study was to produce virus free sweet potato planting materials through meristem culture and chemotherapy. The micropropagated plants were tested for the viruses. Results: All of the stock plants of the four varieties of sweet potato tested for 10 different viruses using Nitrocellulose Membranes Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (NCM-ELISA) were found to be infected with Sweet potato feathery mottle virus (SPFMV). In addition, Sweet potato chlorotic stunt virus (SPCSV) was detected in ‘Ogensegen’ variety. Among the four varieties of sweet potato, ‘Beletech’ showed best performance resulting in 90% shoot initiation from meristem on MS medium containing 1.0 mg/l 6-benzyl amino purine (BAP), 2.0 mg/l Gibberellin (GA3) and 0.01 mg/l a-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA). In addition, the highest mean shoot number per explant (8.0 ± 6.2) was obtained from the same variety on shoot multiplication medium containing 2.0 mg/l BAP. This variety showed 100% rooting and 4.2±2.0 mean root number on growth regulator free medium. After acclimatization, 91.4% of plants survived. All in vitro propagated plants from meristem culture and shoots cultured on medium containing 20 mg/l and 30 mg/l ribavirin were virus free. Conclusions: This protocol can be used to produce virus free planting materials of sweet potato and distribute to the farmers to overcome the current serious sweet potato virus diseases in East Africa.
Beurling-Selberg extremization and modular bootstrap at high energies
Authors: Mukhametzhanov Baurzhan , Pal Sridip
Published: June 2020

We consider previously derived upper and lower bounds on the number
of operators in a window of scaling dimensions
[\Delta - \delta,\Delta + \delta][Δ−δ,Δ+δ]
at asymptotically large \DeltaΔ
in 2d unitary modular invariant CFTs. These bounds depend on a choice of
functions that majorize and minorize the characteristic function of the
interval [\Delta - \delta,\Delta + \delta][Δ−δ,Δ+δ]
and have Fourier transforms of finite support. The optimization of the
bounds over this choice turns out to be exactly the Beurling-Selberg
extremization problem, widely known in analytic number theory. We review
solutions of this problem and present the corresponding bounds on the
number of operators for any \delta \geq 0δ≥0.
When 2\delta \in \mathbb Z_{\geq 0}2δ∈ℤ≥0
the bounds are saturated by known partition functions with
integer-spaced spectra. Similar results apply to operators of fixed spin
and Virasoro primaries in c>1c>1
theories.
Breaking away from the near horizon of extreme Kerr
Authors: Castro Alejandra , Godet Victor
Published: June 2020

We study gravitational perturbations around the near horizon geometry
of the (near) extreme Kerr black hole. By considering a consistent
truncation for the metric fluctuations, we obtain a solution to the
linearized Einstein equations. The dynamics is governed by two master
fields which, in the context of the nAdS_22/nCFT_11
correspondence, are both irrelevant operators of conformal dimension
\Delta=2Δ=2.
These fields control the departure from extremality by breaking the
conformal symmetry of the near horizon region. One of the master fields
is tied to large diffeomorphisms of the near horizon, with its equations
of motion compatible with a Schwarzian effective action. The other field
is essential for a consistent description of the geometry away from the
horizon.
SDGs and ESG disclosure regulation: is there an impact? Evidence from Top-50 world economies
Authors: Plastun Alex , Makarenko Inna , Khomutenko Lyudmila , Osetrova Oksana , Shcherbakov Pavlo
Published: June 2020

This paper explores the influence of the ESG disclosure regulation (government corporate ESG disclosure and non-government corporate ESG disclosure) on the ranking in 50 largest economies. Applying various statistical methods and techniques, including both parametrical (Student’s t-test, ANOVA analysis) and non-parametrical (Mann-Whitney U test) tests, simple average analysis, OLS with dummy variables method and multiple linear regression analysis, as well as correlation analysis and Granger causality test, several hypotheses are tested. The hypotheses stipulate whether or not ESG disclosure regulation differs in developed and emerging countries and whether or not ESG disclosure regulation influences the country’s SDGI ranking, as well as the ranking of the country among 50 largest economies. According to the results, the differences in ESG disclosure regulation are statistically significant in developed and emerging countries. The level of ESG disclosure compliance is higher in developed countries. ESG disclosure regulation influences the position of the country in SDGI and 50 largest economies rankings. The more country complies with ESG disclosure criteria, the better position in rankings is. Incorporation of ESG criteria is an important evolutionary step in economic development of the country. It allows increasing position of the country in 50 largest economies and SDGI ranking. Thus, ESG disclosure regulation is vital for the development of the country in the modern world.
AcknowledgmentComments from the Editor and anonymous referees have been gratefully acknowledged. Alex Plastun gratefully acknowledges financial support from the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine (0117U003936). Inna Makarenko gratefully acknowledges financial support from the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine (0117U003933).
Flipped Classroom: estrategias de aprendizaje y rendimiento en ciencias
Authors: Torrecilla Manresa Sofía , García García Mercedes
Published: June 2020

La presente investigación se centra en analizar la eficacia diferencial del modelo pedagógico Flipped Classroom en el aprendizaje de ciencias en Educación Primaria. Por medio de un diseño de Interacción Aptitud-Tratamiento, se contrasta el efecto de las estrategias de aprendizaje de los estudiantes en la eficacia del modelo Flipped Classroom en comparación con un modelo expositivo en el rendimiento en ciencias.  La muestra está formada por 54 estudiantes de 4º curso de Educación Primaria de un centro de la Comunidad de Madrid. Un grupo utiliza por primera vez el modelo Flipped en el aula, mientras que el otro grupo continua aprendiendo por el modelo expositivo utilizado en el centro. La conclusión final del estudio señala el beneficio significativo del Flipped Classroom en el rendimiento medio de los estudiantes en ciencias y, una tendencia a considerar que es el alumnado con bajo dominio de estrategias de aprendizaje puede mejorar su rendimiento en ciencias con el Flipped Classroom.
Vitamin D Eksikliği ile Endotel Disfonksiyon Göstergelerinden Serum Endocan ve Asymetric Dimetil Arginin (ADMA) Düzeylerı̇ Arasındaki İlişki
Authors: YURDAKUL Selin , ÇAKIRCA Mustafa , ÖZER Ömer Faruk , EKİNCİ İskender , DOĞAN Elif Ece , KARATOPRAK Cumali
Published: June 2020

Giriş: Son zamanlarda D vitamini eksikliğinin kemik metabolizma hastalıkları dışında, alzheimer, parkinson, multiple sklerozis, diyabet, kardiyovasküler hastalıklar gibi pek çok hastalığın oluşmasında rolü olabileceğini destekleyen çalışmalar artmaktadır. Biz de çalışmamızda D vitamini düzeyinin, kardiyovasküler erken risk belirteçleri olarak kabul edilen serum endocan ve ADMA düzeyleri arasındaki ilişkiyi araştırmayı amaçladık.Materyal- Metod: Çalışmada Vitamin D düzeyi <10 ng/ml olan 42 kişi (grup 1) ve vitamin D düzeyi > 30 ng/ml olan 35 kişiden (grup2) oluşan iki grup oluşturuldu. Grupların VKİ, serum vitamin D, Endocan, ADMA, PTH, TSH, Glikoz, HOMA-IR, HDL kolesterol, LDL kolesterol, Trigliserit, düzeyleri karşılaştırıldı.Bulgular: Çalışmaya dahil edilen toplam 77 hastanın sonuçları karşılaştırıldı. Her iki grubun yaş, cinsiyet ve BMI değerleri karşılaştırıldığında anlamlı fark olmadığı saptandı (sırasıyla p:0.67, p:0.69, p:0.052). Grup 1 de serum ADMA düzeyi 104.5 ± 44 μmol/L olarak, grup 2’de 90.42 ± 29 μmol/L tespit edildi (p:0.31). Endocan düzeyi ise grup 1’de 549.5 ± 245 ng/L ve grup 2’de 465.99 ± 207 ng/L tespit edildi (p:0.12). Vitamin D düzeyi ile endocan düzeyi arasında anlamlı negatif korelâsyon saptandı (r:-0.26 p:0.02). Serum endocan ve ADMA arasında da anlamlı bir korelâsyon izlenmedi (r:0.19, p:0.1). Gruplar arası PTH, ALT, ALP, HDL kolesterol ve Trigliserit düzeylerinde istatistiksel olarak anlamlı fark tespit edilirken diğer parametrelerde anlamlı olarak fark tespit edilemedi.Sonuç: Kardiyovasküler riski değerlendirmek üzere endotel disfonksiyonu göstergelerinden serum endocan ve ADMA düzeylerini incelediğimiz çalışmada vitamin D düşüklüğü olan hastalarda anlamlı bir değişim saptamadık. Bu parametreler üzerinden yalnızca vitamin D düşüklüğünün endotel disfonksiyonu üzerine bir etki saptayamadığımızı söyleyebiliriz. Ancak çalışma sınırlı sayıda gönüllü ile yapıldığından daha kesin sonuçlara ulaşmak için daha büyük çalışmalara ihtiyaç olduğunu düşünüyoruz.
Exosomes in Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Nozohouri Saeideh , Vaidya Bhuvaneshwar , Abbruscato Thomas J.
Published: June 2020

Ischemic stroke, a leading cause of mortality, results in severe neurological outcomes in the patients. Effective stroke therapies may significantly decrease the extent of injury. For this purpose, novel and efficient drug delivery strategies need to be developed. Among a myriad of therapeutic and drug delivery techniques, exosomes have shown promising results in ischemic stroke either by their intrinsic therapeutic characteristics, which can result in angiogenesis and neurogenesis or by acting as competent, biocompatible drug delivery vehicles to transport neurotherapeutic agents into the brain. In this review, we have discussed different methods of exosome isolation and cargo loading techniques, advantages and disadvantages of using exosomes as a drug delivery carrier and the therapeutic applications of exosomes with a focus on ischemic stroke therapy.
Phytochemical Analysis of Diplazium esculentum Reveals the Presence of Medically Important Components
Authors: Naik Bindu , Maurya Vinay K. , Kumar Vijay , Kumar Vivek , Upadhyay Sweta , Gupta Sanjay
Published: June 2020

Background:

Diplazium esculentum is found throughout Asia growing along with water
channels and is used for many purposes. In India, the rhizomes are used to control insects and pests
while the young fronds are used as a vegetable and salad. But very few reports on phytochemicals of
young fronds and its anti-oxidant activity is available.

Objective:

The present study was undertaken to assess the antioxidant, antimicrobial and phytochemical
analysis of D. esculentum.

Methods:

Proximate analysis was done according to the standard protocol while antioxodant and antimicrobial
activity was performed by DDPH. and well diffusion method respectivity. Phytochemical
analysis was performed by GC-MS.

Results:

The present study revealed that the young fronds of D. esculentum contain high amount of
carbohydrate followed by protein, crude fibre, and fat. The free radical scavenging activity of methanolic
extract was 87.93 ± 0.3% reduction, which shows it have potential antioxidant activity. The antioxidant
property may be contributed by the presence of phytochemicals such as Phosphoric acid,
phytol, 2,6,10-Trimethyl,14 ethylene-14-pentadecene, Hexadecanoic acid methyl ester, Pentadecanoic
acid, Stigmasta-5,22-dien-3-ol, acetate, (3.beta.). It showed promising antimicrobial activity against
S. aureus and B. subtilis. The antimicrobial activity may be due to the presence of Phytochemicals
such as beta-Ocimene, 2,6,10-Trimethyl,14 ethylene-14-pentadecene, 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid,
BIS(2-Methylpropyl)ester, Hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester, 1-Heneicosanol, Phytol, 5,8,11,14-
Eicosatetraenoic acid, methyl ester(all Z), 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, Ergost-5-en-3-ol, (3.beta),
Stigmasta-5,22-dien-3-ol, acetate, (3.beta.), stigmast-5-EN-3-OL, (3.beta).

Conclusion:

From the present study, it can be deduced that D. Esculentum is a rich source of
medically important phytochemicals. Further work is required, so that these phytochemicals can be
explored in the management of various chronic diseases.
Radiation Sterilization of Antibiotics in Solid State
Authors: Kilińska Karolina , Zalewski Przemysław
Published: June 2020

Background:

Radiation sterilization is a promising method of obtaining sterile active
pharmaceutical ingredients (API), excipients and formulations. One of the best methods of sterilization
is to use ionizing radiation. The greatest advantage of ionizing radiation is the fact that it
can be conducted at room temperature or lower. Therefore, this procedure of sterilization is reserved
for drugs sensitive to the high temperature of autoclaving. Solutions of parenterally administered
antibiotics must be absolutely aseptic. Most of the antibiotics are susceptible to degradation
at increased temperature and humidity, so radiation is often used to obtain sterile bactericidal
drugs.

Methods:

The available literature and published papers related to radiation sterilization as well as
other sterilization methods were collected, analyzed, and reviewed to provide the comprehensive
information about the radiation sterilization of antibiotics. The review was critically evaluated
and concluded, emphasizing future perspectives for radiation sterilization of antibiotics.

Results:

The review presented the basic principles, merits, and demerits of radiation sterilization
in pharmaceutical samples. Further, the review highlighted the updated summary of the recent
advances in terms of the latest regulations and recommendations for radiation sterilization.

Conclusion:

Radiation sterilization has a promising future in pharmaceutical manufacturing processes.
This approach is compatible with various types of material, is easy to control, does not increase
the temperature of the process, and from the business point of view - can help to save
money and time during manufacturing solid dosage forms of medicines. From the pharmaceutical
sense, fully effective sterilization in the terminal step - finished packed product - is the most important
advantage of radiation sterilization.
Applications of Two Dimensional Material-MXene for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs) and Water Electrolysis
Authors: Fan Chanchan , Zhang Peng , Wang Ranran , Xu Yezhu , Sun Xingrui , Zhang Jian , Cheng Jigui , Xu Chenxi
Published: June 2020

A new kind of two-dimensional (2D) material MXene (early transition metal carbides,
nitrides and carbonitrides) is obtained by selective etching the A element from the MAX phases.
MXene exhibits both the metallic conductivity and the hydrophilic nature due to its metal layer structure
and hydroxyl or oxygen terminated surfaces. This review provides an overview of the MXene
used in the electrolytes and electrodes for the fuel cells and water splitting. MXene with functional
groups termination could construct ion channels that significantly benefit ion conductivity through
the electrolyte. The metal supported by MXene interaction offers electronic, compositional, and
geometric effects that could enhance the catalytic activity and stability. MXene has already shown
promising performance for fuel cells and water electrolysis. Herein, the etching and intercalation
methods of MXene in recent years are summarized. The applications of MXene for fuel cells electrolyte,
catalyst and water splitting catalyst are revealed to provide a more brief idea for MXene used as
new energy materials.
Bioconjugation of Bacteriophage Pf1 and Extension to Pf1-Based Bionanomaterials
Authors: Urquhart Taylor , Howie Bradley , Zhang Lei , Leung Kam Tong , Honek John F.
Published: June 2020

Background:

Filamentous bacteriophages such as M13 are an important class of macromolecular
assembly, rich in chemical moieties that can be used to impart modifiable positions at the
nanoscale.

Objective:

To explore the structurally more complex Pf1 bacteriophage with respect to a diverse set
of bioconjugation reactions and to prepare novel fluorescently-labelled Pf1-based composite
biomembranes for future applications in areas such as nanoporous filtration biofilms and photoconducting
nanocomposite materials.

Methods:

Pf1 was characterized with respect to amine (N-terminal, Gly1 and Lys20), carboxylate
(aspartate, glutamate), and aromatic (tyrosine) modification and its extension to the creation of functional
biomaterials. Modification with an amine reactive fluorophore was carried out with Pf1.

Results:

The reaction profiles between M13 and Pf1 differ, with M13 capable of modification at two
primary amines on its major coat protein, while Pf1 is capable of a single reaction per coat protein.
Subsequent to the production of dye-functionalized Pf1, a biocomposite of wild type and functionalized
Pf1 could be fabricated into a bulk material by glutaraldehyde (amine-reactive) crosslinking.
These biomaterials were characterized by scanning electron and confocal microscopy, showing a
distribution of patches of functionalized Pf1 within the main Pf1 construct.

Conclusion:

The current study provides a framework for future fabrication of advanced bionanomaterials
based on the Pf1 bacteriophage.
Supramolecular Catalysis: An Efficient and Sustainable Multicomponent Approach to the Synthesis of Novel Hexahydro-4H-indazol-4-one Derivatives
Authors: Tiwari Jyoti , Singh Swastika , Jaiswal Deepali , Sharma Amit Kumar , Singh Shailesh , Singh Jaya , Singh Jagdamba
Published: June 2020

We have developed an efficient, novel one-pot multicomponent protocol for the synthesis
of hexahydro-4H-indazol-4-onederivatives using β-cyclodextrin as a biomimetic catalyst in an aqueous
medium. To the best of our knowledge, the targeted molecules have not been reported in the literature
till now. The present method is very effective for our densely functionalized and diversified targeted
molecules and includes several advantages like environment benign, cost-effectiveness, short
reaction times, high yields and recyclability of the catalyst.
Modelling and Experimental Investigation of Luminous Coupling in UVLED Driven Optical Fiber Reactors
Authors: Robert Johannes , Jüstel Thomas , Ulber Roland , Jordan Volkmar
Published: June 2020

Background:

Photocatalytic oxidation is a promising tool for waste water treatment and
decomposition of biologically non digestible substances. Immersed nanoscale catalyst particles from
semiconductor materials such as TiO2 and ZnO can be excited by absorbed UV radiation, leading to
hydroxyl-ion formation at the surface of the semiconductor and oxidative degradation of pollutants.

Objective:

This contribution deals with reactors equipped with catalyst coated light guides to combine
the advantages of immobilized catalysts with nearly homogeneous irradiation. With experimental and
theoretical methods the coupling and decoupling of radiation were investigated and the performance
of catalyst coated light guides was tested by means of methylene-blue degradation.

Methods:

Radiation models, known from the recent literature, use single ray, parallel ray or multi ray
models to approximate the light transmission. These models neglect Fresnel reflection and consider
only coupling into the light guide. In this study, the LED was simulated as a Lambertian radiator using
10 4 rays with angle dependent intensities. This well-known model was extended with Fresnelreflection,
which predicted the measured coupling efficiencies accurately. The simulations predict the
decoupling and catalyst activation at the lateral surface of the light guide for two boundary cases, ideal
matt and ideal reflective surfaces. To generate matt surfaces, the light guides were either scratched or
coated with TiO2 p25 nanopowder. Sol-gel coating methods were used, to create reflective surfaces.

Results:

When using matt surfaces, the decoupling rate is very high: 80% of the radiant flux exits the
light guide in less than 10 cm. If light guides with reflective surfaces are used, the radiant flux leaving the
light guide is low: less than 10% of the radiation exited the light conductor in the first 10 cm. Methyleneblue
degradation, seen as a model reaction, was used to determine the reactor performance by comparing
the pseudo first order reaction coefficients. Due to the uniform light distribution along the length of the
light guides and the resulting even formation of reactive radicals, the quantum yield was increased by a
factor of 3, using sol-gel coated light guides, rather than powder coated light guides.

Conclusion:

The effectiveness of LED driven optical fiber reactors was intensified, if reflective surfaces
are used instead of matt surfaces. These surfaces are achieved by sol gel chemistry. However, to use the
complete amount of photons, which entered the optical fiber, very long light guides are needed.
An Approach to Improving the Mechanical Properties of Friction Stir Spot Welded Joints on the Basis of Hook Formation Mechanism
Authors: Du Shuaishuai , Liu Huijie , Hu Yanying , Yang Tengfei
Published: June 2020

Background:

Partial metallurgical bond (namely 'hook') is formed between the overlapped
metal sheets during friction stir spot welding (FSSW). The geometry of hook is found to significantly
affect the mechanical performance of FSSWed joints, while that how to adjust hook geometry
to a better state remains to be studied.

Methods:

The conventional FSSW joints under different plunge depths and dwelling time were obtained.
The cross-sectional morphology of each spot weld was investigated to clarify the material
flow behavior and deduce the formation mechanism of hook. The tensile shear strength and fracture
features were examined to reveal the effect of hook geometry on the mechanical properties.

Results:

The weld geometry affects the tensile shear strength of FSSWed joints by determining their
fracture modes. The formation mechanism of hook is deduced by a material flow model. In the toolplunging
stage, the faying interface is broken by upward-flowing materials, hook is therefore initiated
and driven up gradually. During the tool-dwelling stage, hook continues to migrate to the lowpressure
zone, surrounding the stir zone.

Conclusion:

The uncertainty of crack-propagating endpoint along hook makes it difficult to ensure
the mechanical properties of welds. If the hook endpoint has not yet reached the low-pressure zone
at the end of welding process, welds with ideal hook geometry can be obtained. Target friction stir
spot welds were produced by the use of a tool possessing smaller pin diameter.
Comparison of Different Sample Preparation Techniques for Untargeted Metabolomics Utilizing Q-TOF LC/MS and MetaboAnalyst 4.0
Authors: Kaplan Ozan , Koçak Engin , Çelebier Mustafa
Published: June 2020

Background:

Profiling the whole metabolome with a single injection is not an
easy process because the chemical and physical properties of metabolites are totally different
with each other and the analytical methodologies and data mining procedures need lots of effort
to make such an approach in real. This reality leads researchers to select an already applied
methodology for metabolite profiling and analyze the samples through identical techniques.

Objective:

In this study, it was focused on answer the question the sample preparation techniques
on human blood samples prior to Q-TOF LC/MS analysis affect the number of detectable
peaks and analyze the matched metabolites for these peaks. The results were compared
with each other.

Methods:

Precipitation of proteins with methanol, ultrafiltration (Amicon® Ultra 3 kDa 0.5
mL Centrifugal Filters), liquid-phase extraction (EXtrelut® NT 3 cartridges) and solid-phase
extraction (Supelco HybridSPE®-Phospholipid Cartridge) were used for sample preparation
on commercial pooled plasma samples. C18 column (Agilent Zorbax 1.8 μM, 50 x 2.1 mm)
was used as the chromatography column. Q-TOF LC/MS analysis was performed on positive
ionization mode. XCMS and MetaboAnalyst 4.0 - MS Peaks to Pathways utility were
used to evaluate the raw data.

Results:

Although the number of detected peaks through precipitation of proteins with
methanol was the highest one (624 peaks), the detected peaks observed through ultrafiltration-
based sample preparation technique matched with the highest number of metabolite
peaks (151 metabolites). The number of the matched peaks with metabolites on liquid phase
extraction (81 metabolites) was higher than the ones for solid phase extraction (29 metabolites).

Conclusion:

The results in this study may provide a novel perspective for analytical chemists
working with clinicians to select their sample preparation technique prior to Q-TOF LC/MS
based untargeted metabolomic approaches.
The Impacts of Integrative and Instrumental Motivation for Indonesian Learners
Authors: Syafrizal Syafrizal
Published: June 2020

Motivation plays an important role in foreign language learning. This paper discusses the definition of motivation, types of motivation; the factors influencing motivation in learning English, and Gardner’s socioeducational model. The purpose of the study was to find out the the impact of integrative and instrumental motivation in learning English. This study applied descriptive quantitative method. Using a purposive sampling technique, obtained the 20 respondents who met the requirements. The subjects in this study were seventh grade students of SMPIT Putri Al-Hanif. The writer designed a questionnaire of motivation by using likert scale. To achieve the goal, Gardner and Lambert's model were taken into consideration. They were distributed among students by simply evaluating 20 statements. Results indicated that seventh grade students of SMPIT Putri Al-Hanif have stronger integrative motivation than instrumental motivation.