bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Performance evaluation of participatory irrigation management as an alternative to a state‐managed irrigation system*
Authors: Hussain Sabir , Khan Mudasser Muneer , Shoaib Muhammad , Raza Ali , Shah Syyed Adnan Raheel , Khan Tanveer Ahmed , Khan Sher 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe Lower Bari Doab Canal (LBDC) system is one of the large old irrigation systems in Punjab, Pakistan. To overcome problems of water distribution and management in conventional state‐managed irrigation, a participatory irrigation management (PIM) system was introduced in the LBDC command area in 2012. From the very large system of the LBDC, 20 different kinds of distributaries were selected in this study as representatives for evaluating performance of the new system. The primary data were gathered through questionnaires and by interviewing farmers, whereas the secondary data were gathered from the related offices of the Punjab Irrigation Department. The analysis of collected data illustrates that water service deliveries (WSDs) were poor even after implementation of PIM. The research shows that under administration of both systems, efficiency regarding provision of water seemed to be poor. The outcomes show that with the passage of time, recovery (abiana) decreased after implementation of the PIM system but the financial sustainability of PIM has improved compared to state administration. Finally, the current study recommends institutional reforms in PIM and comprehensive work on educating the farmers about their role in PIM as a mandatory component for improving efficiency of the PIM system.
A new look at 9‐substituted acridines with various biological activities
Authors: Kozurkova Maria , Sabolova Danica , Kristian Pavol 
Published: September 2020

AbstractHeterocycles have long been the focus of intensive study in attempts to develop novel therapeutic compounds, and acridine, a polynuclear nitrogen molecule containing a heterocycle, has attracted a considerable amount of scientific attention. Acridine derivatives have been studied in detail and have been found to possess multitarget properties, which inhibit topoisomerase enzymes that regulate topological changes in DNA and interfere with the essential biological function of DNA. This article describes some recent advancements in the field of new 9‐substituted acridine heterocyclic agents and describes both the structure and the structure–activity relationship of the most promising molecules. The article will also present the IC50 values of the novel derivatives against various human cancer cell lines. The mini review also investigates the topoisomerase inhibition and antibacterial and antimalarial activity of these polycyclic aromatic derivatives.
Regeneration enhanced in critical‐sized bone defects using bone‐specific extracellular matrix protein
Authors: Miar Solaleh , Pearson Joseph , Montelongo Sergio , Zamilpa Rogelio , Betancourt Alejandro M. , Ram Bharath , Navara Christopher , Appleford Mark R. , Ong Joo L. , Griffey Sy , Guda Teja 
Published: September 2020

AbstractExtracellular matrix (ECM) products have the potential to improve cellular attachment and promote tissue‐specific development by mimicking the native cellular niche. In this study, the therapeutic efficacy of an ECM substratum produced by bone marrow stem cells (BM‐MSCs) to promote bone regeneration in vitro and in vivo were evaluated. Fluorescence‐activated cell sorting analysis and phenotypic expression were employed to characterize the in vitro BM‐MSC response to bone marrow specific ECM (BM‐ECM). BM‐ECM encouraged cell proliferation and stemness maintenance. The efficacy of BM‐ECM as an adjuvant in promoting bone regeneration was evaluated in an orthotopic, segmental critical‐sized bone defect in the rat femur over 8 weeks. The groups evaluated were either untreated (negative control); packed with calcium phosphate granules or granules+BM‐ECM free protein and stabilized by collagenous membrane. Bone regeneration in vivo was analyzed using microcomputed tomography and histology. in vivo results demonstrated improvements in mineralization, osteogenesis, and tissue infiltration (114 ± 15% increase) in the BM‐ECM complex group from 4 to 8 weeks compared to mineral granules only (45 ± 21% increase). Histological observations suggested direct apposition of early bone after 4 weeks and mineral consolidation after 8 weeks implantation for the group supplemented with BM‐ECM. Significant osteoid formation and greater functional bone formation (polar moment of inertia was 71 ± 0.2 mm4 with BM‐ECM supplementation compared to 48 ± 0.2 mm4 in untreated defects) validated in vivo indicated support of osteoconductivity and increased defect site cellularity. In conclusion, these results suggest that BM‐ECM free protein is potentially a therapeutic supplement for stemness maintenance and sustaining osteogenesis.
Bone Tissue Composition in Postmenopausal Women Varies With Glycemic Control From Normal Glucose Tolerance to Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Hunt Heather B , Miller Nicholas A , Hemmerling Kimberly J , Koga Maho , Lopez Kelsie A , Taylor Erik A , Sellmeyer Deborah E , Moseley Kendall F , Donnelly Eve 
Published: September 2020

ABSTRACT
The risk of fragility fracture increases for people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), even after controlling for bone mineral density, body mass index, visual impairment, and falls. We hypothesize that progressive glycemic derangement alters microscale bone tissue composition. We used Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) imaging to analyze the composition of iliac crest biopsies from cohorts of postmenopausal women characterized by oral glucose tolerance testing: normal glucose tolerance (NGT; n = 35, age = 65 ± 7 years, HbA1c = 5.8 ± 0.3%), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT; n = 26, age = 64 ± 5 years, HbA1c = 6.0 ± 0.4%), and overt T2DM on insulin (n = 25, age = 64 ± 6 years, HbA1c = 9.13 ± 0.6). The distributions of cortical bone mineral content had greater mean values (+7%) and were narrower (−10%) in T2DM versus NGT groups (p &lt; 0.05). The distributions of acid phosphate, an indicator of new mineral, were narrower in cortical T2DM versus NGT and IGT groups (−14% and −14%, respectively) and in trabecular NGT and IGT versus T2DM groups (−11% and −10%, respectively) (all p &lt; 0.05). The distributions of crystallinity were wider in cortical NGT versus T2DM groups (+16%) and in trabecular NGT versus T2DM groups (+14%) (all p &lt; 0.05). Additionally, bone turnover was lower in T2DM versus NGT groups (P1NP: −25%, CTx: −30%, ucOC: −24%). Serum pentosidine was similar across groups. The FTIR compositional and biochemical marker values of the IGT group typically fell between the NGT and T2DM group values, although the differences were not always statistically significant. In summary, worsening glycemic control was associated with greater mineral content and narrower distributions of acid phosphate, an indicator of new mineral, which together are consistent with observations of lower turnover; however, wider distributions of mineral crystallinity were also observed. A more mineralized, less heterogeneous tissue may affect tissue-level mechanical properties and in turn degrade macroscale skeletal integrity. In conclusion, these data are the first evidence of progressive alteration of bone tissue composition with worsening glycemic control in humans. © 2020 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
6‐Gingerol suppresses tumor cell metastasis by increasing YAPser127 phosphorylation in renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Xu Shan , Zhang Haibao , Liu Tianjie , Wang Zixi , Yang Wenjie , Hou Tao , Wang Xinyang , He Dalin , Zheng Pengsheng 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAccording to the World Health Organization, the incidence and mortality rates of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) are rapidly increasing worldwide. Serious side effects caused by immune therapy and resistance to targeted drug therapy are urgent clinical problems facing kidney treatment. There is increasing global interest in developing natural products with a reduced number of side effects as adjunctive therapeutic options for RCC. Ginger is a spice and herbal remedy used worldwide, and 6‐gingerol is a major pharmacologically active ingredient in ginger. In our study, we found that 6‐gingerol suppressed RCC cell migration and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, reduction in MMP2, Slug, and Vimentin protein levels was observed following 6‐gingerol treatment of 786‐O and ACHN cells. Furthermore, we revealed the mechanisms underlying the ability of 6‐gingerol to inhibit RCC cell migration and metastasis. 6‐Gingerol increased yes‐associated protein (YAP)ser127 phosphorylation and reduced YAP levels in cell nuclei. We also used a series of loss‐of‐function and gain‐of‐function experiments to support our results. Western blot results showed that MMP2, Slug, and Vimentin protein expression was downregulated in YAP‐silenced cells and upregulated in YAP‐overexpressing cells. Transwell data demonstrated that YAP suppressed RCC migration ability. Immunofluorescence images showed that 6‐gingerol decreased YAP levels, leading to disordered F‐actin and a reduction in cell lamellipodia. Overall, our results indicated that 6‐gingerol is a potential antimetastatic compound for use in kidney therapy.
A comparative study of five plateletpheresis machines in a tertiary care center of India: AmiCORE vs COM.TEC vs Haemonetics MCS+ vs Spectra Optia vs Trima Accel
Authors: Arcot Priyadarsini Jayachandran , Kumar Karan , Coshic Poonam , Andriyas Vijay , Mehta Vikas 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundSingle donor apheresis platelets are superior in quality, but their usage is limited in a developing country due to cost and time constraints. Hence the product obtained must exceed in terms of yield, donor safety and technical convenience. Previous literature available on cell separators is on older versions.AimsProspective comparison of 5 latest cell separators (AmiCORE, COM.TEC, Haemonetics MCS+, SpectraOptia and TrimaAccel) for product yield, performance variables and donor adverse effects.Material & MethodsFrom October 2019 ‐ March 2020, 1108 donors were randomly allotted to a cell separator. Post‐donation sample was taken from the donor 15‐20 minutes after procedure completion. The platelet yield from the product collected was measured twice (day 0 and day 1). Donor demography, pre‐and post‐procedural donor peripheral blood values, performance and product variables were statistically analyzed.ResultsAmiCORE had an optimal collection efficacy (44.6%) and collection rate (0.037 x 1011/minute). Haemonetics MCS+ had a better collection efficacy (48.4%) and rate (0.038 x 1011/minute). Spectra Optia achieved least procedural time (59.5 minutes), donor adverse effects (6.3%); highest collection efficacy (52.8%) and rate (0.056 x 1011/minute). Trima Accel achieved highest collection rate (0.056 x 1011/minute) and the least product volume (228 ml).ConclusionHighest collection efficacy was achieved by Trima Accel, highest collection rate by Trima Accel and Spectra Optia, lowest donor adverse effects by Spectra Optia and least number of procedural troubleshooting by COM.TEC. Apart from this, fiscal factors and service availability also need to be considered before choosing a cell separator.
Synthesis, characterization, and antioxidant activity of heterocyclic Schiff bases
Authors: Kizilkaya Hakan , Dag Beşir , Aral Tarik , Genc Nusret , Erenler Ramazan 
Published: September 2020

AbstractSchiff base derivatives have gained great importance due to revealing a great number of biological properties. Schiff bases were synthesized by treatment of 4‐amino‐1,5‐dimethyl‐2‐phenyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐3(2H)‐one (1) with various aldehydes in methanol at reflux. In addition, diamine was reacted with an aldehyde to yield the corresponding Schiff bases. The structures of synthesized Schiff bases were elucidated by spectroscopic methods such as microanalysis, 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, and FTIR. Antioxidant activities of synthesized Schiff bases were carried out using different antioxidant assays such as 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picryl‐hydrazyl free radical (DPPH•) scavenging, 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzthiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging, and reducing power activity. (E)‐4‐((1H‐indol‐3‐yl)methyleneamino)‐1,5‐dimethyl‐2‐phenyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐3(2H)‐one (3), (E)‐1,5‐dimethyl‐4‐((2‐methyl‐1H‐indol‐3‐yl)methyleneamino)‐2‐phenyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐3(2H)‐one (5), (E)‐1,5‐dimethyl‐2‐phenyl‐4‐(thiophen‐2‐ylmethyleneamino)‐1H‐pyrazol‐3(2H)‐one (7), (E)‐1,5‐dimethyl‐2‐phenyl‐4‐(quinolin‐2‐ylmethyleneamino)‐1H‐pyrazol‐3(2H)‐one (9), (1S,2S,N1,N2)‐N1,N2‐bis((1H‐indol‐3‐yl)methylene)cyclohexane‐1,2‐diamine (11), and (1S,2S,N1,N2)‐N1,N2‐bis((2‐methyl‐1H‐indol‐3‐yl)methylene)cyclohexane‐1,2‐diamine (12) were synthesized in high yields. Compound 5 displayed a good ABTS•+ activity. Compound 3 revealed the outstanding activity in all assays. Compound 7 has the best‐reducing power ability in comparison to other synthesized compounds. Although compounds 5, 11, 12 are new, compounds 3, 7, 9 are known. Due to revealing a good antioxidant activity, the synthesized compounds (3, 5, 7) have the potential to be used as synthetic antioxidant agents.
Intergenerational effects of maternal separation on cognitive abilities of adolescent rats
Authors: Joushi Sara , Esmaeilpour Khadijeh , Taherizadeh Zahra , Taheri Farahnaz , Sheibani Vahid 
Published: September 2020

AbstractEarly life adversity (ELA) is a predisposing factor for the development of behavioral and emotional disorders later in life. In humans, primates and rodents, interruption in the mother–infant relationships, and disorganized maternal care negatively influence appropriate behavioral responses and may cause cognitive deficits. Epidemiological studies suggest that ELA‐induced behavioral alterations can be transmitted across generations. In this study, we investigated the cognitive abilities of male and female rats in the second filial (F2) generations whose mother, father, or both of their parents were undergoing a 180 min/day maternal separation (MS) paradigm during infancy (postnatal day (PND) 1‐21). Cognitive abilities (in the open field, Morris water maze, and social interaction task) of F2 pups were tested during adolescence. Our results showed that although the mother‐MS group of both sexes showed normal cognitive behavior, father‐MS female pups showed more anxiety in the open field, and social interaction and spatial memory impaired in this group. These impairments were not pronounced in every detail in father‐MS male pups. Moreover, rat pups that both parents experienced MS during infancy, showed normal cognitive behavior. Our data support the idea that MS‐induced cognitive impairments could be transmitted across generations. Considerably, the experiences of one's parents could be inherited in the following generation in a sex‐dependent manner.
Group connectivity under 3‐edge‐connectivity
Authors: Han Miaomiao , Li Jiaao , Li Xueliang , Wang Meiling 
Published: September 2020

AbstractLet be two distinct finite Abelian groups with . A fundamental theorem of Tutte shows that a graph admits a nowhere‐zero ‐flow if and only if it admits a nowhere‐zero ‐flow. Jaeger et al in 1992 introduced group connectivity as an extension of flow theory, and they asked whether such a relation holds for group connectivity analogy. It was negatively answered by Hušek et al in 2017 for graphs with edge‐connectivity 2 for the groups and . In this paper, we extend their results to 3‐edge‐connected graphs (including both cubic and general graphs), which answers open problems proposed by Hušek et al and Lai et al. Combining some previous results, this characterizes all the equivalence of group connectivity under 3‐edge‐connectivity, showing that every 3‐edge‐connected ‐connected graph is ‐connected if and only if .
Economic evaluation of facility‐based HIV self‐testing among adult outpatients in Malawi
Authors: Nichols Brooke E , Offorjebe O Agatha , Cele Refiloe , Shaba Frackson , Balakasi Kelvin , Chivwara Mackenzie , Hoffman Risa M , Long Lawrence C , Rosen Sydney , Dovel Kathryn 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIntroductionHIV self‐testing (HIVST) in outpatient departments (OPD) is a promising strategy for HIV testing in Malawi, given high OPD patient volumes and substantial wait times. To evaluate the relative cost and expected impact of facility‐based HIVST (FB‐HIVST) at OPDs in Malawi for increasing HIV status awareness, we conducted an economic evaluation of an HIVST cluster‐randomized controlled trial.MethodsA cluster‐randomized trial was conducted at 15 sites in Malawi from September 2017 to February 2018 with three arms: 1) Standard provider‐initiated‐testing‐and‐counselling (PITC); 2) Optimized PITC (additional provider training and job‐aids) and 3) FB‐HIVST (HIVST demonstration, distribution and kit use in OPD, private kit interpretation and optional HIV counselling). The total production cost per newly identified positive and per person newly initiated on ART were calculated by study arm. These were calculated as the total cost of testing everyone divided by the number of newly identified positives; and the total cost of testing everyone divided by the number of those initiated on ART. Cost‐outcomes were calculated under three cost scenarios: (1) full study costs, (2) routine implementation costs and (3) routine implementation + reduced cost for HIVST kits.ResultsThe average cost per person newly diagnosed in the full study cost scenario was $101, $156 and $189, and cost per person initiated on ART was $121, $156 and $279 for Standard PITC, Optimized PITC and FB‐HIVST respectively. In the routine implementation cost scenario, the average cost per person newly diagnosed was reduced to $83, and $93, and cost per person initiated on ART to $83, and $137 for Optimized PITC and FB‐HIVST respectively. In the negotiated HIVST cost scenario, the average cost per person newly diagnosed was reduced to $55 and cost per person newly initiated on ART reduced to $81 in the FB‐HIVST arm.ConclusionsWhile the cost per new ART initiation through FB‐HIVST was higher than Standard PITC, FB‐HIVST could become cost‐saving compared to PITC if the cost of kits is reduced or if treatment linkage rate were increased in the FB‐HIVST arm. For high volume OPDs, HIVST may increase facility capacity and increase the number of newly diagnosed positives.
Successes and gaps in the HIV cascade of care of a high HIV prevalence setting in Zimbabwe: a population‐based survey
Authors: Conan Nolwenn , Coulborn Rebecca M , Simons Erica , Mapfumo Abraham , Apollo Tsitsi , Garone Daniela B , Casas Esther C , Puren Adrian J , Chihana Menard L , Maman David 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIntroductionGutu, a rural district in Zimbabwe, has been implementing comprehensive HIV care with the support of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) since 2011, decentralizing testing and treatment services to all rural healthcare facilities. We evaluated HIV prevalence, incidence and the cascade of care, in Gutu District five years after MSF began its activities.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was implemented between September and December 2016. Using multistage cluster sampling, individuals aged ≥15 years living in the selected households were eligible. Individuals who agreed to participate were interviewed and tested for HIV at home. All participants who tested HIV‐positive had their HIV‐RNA viral load (VL) measured, regardless of their antiretroviral therapy (ART) status, and those not on ART with HIV‐RNA VL ≥ 1000 copies/mL had Limiting‐Antigen‐Avidity EIA Assay for cross‐sectional estimation of population‐level HIV incidence.ResultsAmong 5439 eligible adults ≥15 years old, 89.0% of adults were included in the study and accepted an HIV test. The overall prevalence was 13.6% (95%: Confidence Interval (CI): 12.6 to 14.5). Overall HIV‐positive status awareness was 87.4% (95% CI: 84.7 to 89.8), linkage to care 85.5% (95% CI: 82.5 to 88.0) and participants in care 83.8% (95% CI: 80.7 to 86.4). ART coverage among HIV‐positive participants was 83.0% (95% CI: 80.0 to 85.7). Overall, 71.6% (95% CI 68.0 to 75.0) of HIV‐infected participants had a HIV‐RNA VL < 1000 copies/mL. Women achieved higher outcomes than men in the five stages of the cascade of care. Viral Load Suppression (VLS) among participants on ART was 83.2% (95% CI: 79.7 to 86.2) and was not statistically different between women and men (p = 0.98). The overall HIV incidence was estimated at 0.35% (95% CI 0.00 to 0.70) equivalent to 35 new cases/10,000 person‐years.ConclusionsOur study provides population‐level evidence that achievement of HIV cascade of care coverage overall and among women is feasible in a context with broad access to services and implementation of a decentralized model of care. However, the VLS was relatively low even among participants on ART. Quality care remains the most critical gap in the cascade of care to further reduce mortality and HIV transmission.
Escape of tumor cells from the NK cell cytotoxic activity
Authors: Cantoni Claudia , Wurzer Hannah , Thomas Clément , Vitale Massimo 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
In recent years, NK cells, initially identified as potent cytotoxic effector cells, have revealed an unexpected complexity, both at phenotypic and functional levels. The discovery of different NK cell subsets, characterized by distinct gene expression and phenotypes, was combined with the characterization of the diverse functions NK cells can exert, not only as circulating cells, but also as cells localized or recruited in lymphoid organs and in multiple tissues. Besides the elimination of tumor and virus-infected cells, these functions include the production of cytokines and chemokines, the regulation of innate and adaptive immune cells, the influence on tissue homeostasis. In addition, NK cells display a remarkable functional plasticity, being able to adapt to the environment and to develop a kind of memory. Nevertheless, the powerful cytotoxic activity of NK cells remains one of their most relevant properties, particularly in the antitumor response. In this review, the process of tumor cell recognition and killing mediated by NK cells, starting from the generation of cytolytic granules and recognition of target cell, to the establishment of the NK cell immunological synapse, the release of cytotoxic molecules, and consequent tumor cell death is described. Next, the review focuses on the heterogeneous mechanisms, either intrinsic to tumors or induced by the tumor microenvironment, by which cancer cells can escape the NK cell-mediated attack.
Brief review on the roles of neutrophils in cancer development
Authors: Long Wang , Chen Jingjing , Gao Chen , Lin Zhi , Xie Xubiao , Dai Helong 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Neutrophils, which are traditionally regarded as a hallmark of inflammation, are also a member of the intratumoral immune cells. The roles of neutrophils in cancer development are diverse and undefined. So far, they are known to be involved in tumor initiation and tumor cell proliferation and metastasis. They show heterogeneity in both phenotypes and functions during early versus late stage of cancer development. Because they are also associated with the clinical outcomes of various types of solid tumors, cancer treatments that target neutrophils might be highly effective. In this review, we briefly cover the latest findings on the multiple roles of neutrophils in cancer development and point out the future directions as well.