bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inhibitory effects of antifungal drugs on biofilm producing Aspergillus spp. recovered from drinking water system
Authors: Nazir Noorulain , Siddique Abubakar , Khan Nisar A 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Aims: Biofilms formed in drinking water distribution systems serve as a continuous source of fungal infections. Biofilms are thick aggregates of adherent microorganisms including pathogenic species of fungi. Respiratory diseases and skin allergy reactions are caused by drinking water containing biofilm forming fungus and bacteria. One of the main causes of nosocomial infections and respiratory diseases in hospitals is due to the fungal biofilm formation in machines, catheters and other surgical instruments. There are some antifungal drugs which are used to control biofilm formation to minimize the infection rate. Methodology and results: The present study was conducted to isolate and identify Aspergillus species which are the main fungal spp. responsible for the biofilm formation in drinking water and to check their antifungal susceptibility against antifungal drugs. The isolated fungal samples from drinking water were cultivated on Potato dextrose agar for the isolation of Aspergillus species. Isolated Aspergillus species were identified on the basis of cultural, morphological and microscopic examination. Then in-vitro ability of biofilm produced by isolated Aspergillus species was estimated using microtitre plate method and quantification by crystal violet assay. Antifungal susceptibility testing against isolated fungal spp. was done by antifungal drug Amphotericin B.Results: From results, it is concluded that drinking water of labs, hospitals and common water chillers were more prevelant by Aspergillus species whereas water from reverse osmosis plants showed negative results. From microtitre plate method and crystal violet assay, it was concluded that Aspergillus spp. are Susceptible against Amphotericin B drug as compared to miconazole.
Hot Spot Profiles of SARS-CoV-2 and Human ACE2 Receptor Protein-Protein Interaction Obtained by Density Functional Tight-Binding Fragment Molecular Orbital Method
Authors: Lim Hocheol , Baek Ayoung , Kim Jongwan , Kim Min Sung , Liu Jiaxin , Nam Ky-Youb , Yoon JeongHyeok , No Kyoung Tai 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
The prevalence of a novel β-coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) was declared as a public health emergency of international concern on 30 January 2020 and a global pandemic on 11 March 2020 by WHO. The spike glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2 is regarded as a key target for the development of vaccines and therapeutic antibodies. In order to develop anti-viral therapeutics for SARS-CoV-2, it is crucial to find amino acid pairs that strongly attract each other at the interface of the spike glycoprotein and the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) complex. In order to find hot spot residues, the strongly attracting amino acid pairs at the protein-protein interaction (PPI) interface, we introduce a reliable inter-residue interaction energy calculation method, FMO-DFTB3/D/PCM/3D-SPIEs. In addition to the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein/hACE2 complex, the hot spot residues of SARS-CoV-1 spike glycoprotein/hACE2 complex, SARS-CoV-1 spike glycoprotein/antibody complex, and HCoV-NL63 spike glycoprotein/hACE2 complex were obtained using the same FMO method. Following this, a 3D- SPIEs-based interaction map was constructed with hot spot residues for the hACE2/SARS-CoV-1 spike glycoprotein, hACE2/HCoV-NL63 spike glycoprotein, and hACE2/SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein complexes. Finally, the three 3D-SPIEs-based interaction maps were combined and analyzed to find the consensus hot spots among the three complexes. As a result of the analysis, two hot spots were identified between hACE2 and the three spike proteins. Of the two hot spot regions, the second hot spot is important for PPI inhibitors. In particular, E37, K353, G354, and D355 of the hACE2 receptor strongly interact with the spike proteins of coronaviruses. The 3D-SPIEs-based map would provide valuable information to develop anti-viral therapeutics that inhibit PPIs between the spike protein of SARS-CoV- 2 and hACE2.Authors Hocheol Lima, Ayoung Baekb, and Jongwan Kim contributed equally to this work.
Response of grafting tobacco to low potassium stress
Authors: Hu Wei , Di Qing , Zhang Jie , Liu Jia , Shi Xiaojun 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background In the previous study, we investigated the alleviation effect of grafting on potassium uptake in roots and tobacco growth inhibition under low potassium stress. However, the effect of grafting on the low potassium stress perception and coping mechanism of tobacco at the whole plant level is not clear now. In order to clearly understand the impact of grafting on potassium deficit responding mechanism in tobacco, a mutual grafting experiment has been conducted in two varieties of tobacco (‘Wufeng No.2’ and ‘Yunyan 87’) in different K supply level (5mmol L -1 and 0.5 mmol L -1 K). Results The results show that compared with the self-rooted seedlings, grafting significantly increased the potassium content of the whole plant of Yunyan 87 (97.57% and 189.74% under normal potassium and low potassium conditions, respectively), and the increase in shoots was greater. The data of whole plant K content distribution and tobacco hypocotyls net K + flux demonstrates that potassium stress makes plants more inclined to maintain K + in the shoot rather than root. In addition, when K deficiency occurs, grafting could reduce the time required for downward net K + flux in tobacco hypocotyl to decrease to stable levels. The results of net K + flux in the roots indicated that K channel proteins and transporters play different roles in two rootstocks in terms of potassium tolerance. Transcription level analysis suggested that the increased circulating efficiency of K + between the shoots and roots in tobacco constitutes one means to low potassium stress adaptation. Conclusions Grafting can activate more K + channels in tobacco ‘Yunyan 87’, this means a more active K + cycle, higher potassium content in shoot and faster response to low potassium stress signals in grafting tobacco. In addition, grafting can also change the K + absorption mode of tobacco root from being dominated by HATS to being jointly responsible by HATS and LATS, greatly improving the ability of K + transmembrane transportation on root surface under low potassium stress. These are undoubtedly the reasons why grafting tobacco performs better in coping with low potassium stress.
Management of pregnancy-related hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis
Authors: Liu Congcong , Gao Jinsong , Liu Juntao 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Pregnancy-related hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is rare, diagnosing HLH in pregnancy is difficult. There is currently no consensus on the treatment of pregnancy-related HLH. We aim to analyze and summarize the clinical characteristics of pregnancy-related HLH, and to discuss effective diagnostic and treatment options.Methods: Thirteen patients with pregnancy-related HLH who were diagnosed and treated at the Peking Union Medical College Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from January 2000 to December 2019 were studied retrospectively. We collected data on treatment regimens and on maternal and pregnancy outcomes.Results: All patients had a singleton pregnancy, with a median age of 28 years (range, 22–33 years) and a median gestational age of 23 weeks (8–36 weeks). There were underlying associated diagnoses in 6 patients; of the patients, 12 (92.3%, 12/13) were treated with corticosteroids, and a good efficiency was achieved in 5 (41.7%, 5/12) of them, including 3 complicated by autoimmune diseases. Two patients completed their pregnancies, and the conditions of 2 patients were alleviated with dexamethasone and etoposide treatment. Four pregnant women died (all multiparas), and the mortality rate was 30.77% (4/13). Fetal or neonatal death up to 1 week after delivery occurred in 8 (61.54%) pregnancies, and there were 4 cases of miscarriage, 2 of stillbirth, and 2 of neonatal death. Complications also included premature birth (57.14% of neonates), small for gestational age (SGA, 7.70%), premature rupture of membranes (15.38%), and fetal stress (15.38%). The maternal mortality rates of patients in the first, second, and third trimesters of pregnancy were 100% (1/1), 14.29% (1/7), and 40% (2/5) (P = 0.129), respectively, and the fetal or neonatal death rates in the trimesters were 100% (1/1), 85.71% (6/7), and 20% (1/5) (P = 1.00), respectively.Conclusion: Early diagnosis and treatment are important for maternal survival, and corticosteroids are the first choice for most patients with pregnancy-related HLH. For patients who do not respond to corticosteroids, etoposide, and termination of pregnancy may be more effective.
Evaluation and utility of mitochondrial ribosomal genes for molecular systematics of parasitic nematodes
Authors: Chan Abigail Hui En , Chaisiri Kittipong , Morand Serge , Saralamba Naowarat , Thaenkham Urusa 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Molecular advances have accelerated our understanding of nematode systematics and taxonomy. However, comparative analyzes between various genetic markers have led to discrepancies in nematode phylogenies. This study aimed to evaluate the suitability of using mitochondrial 12S and 16S ribosomal RNA genes for nematode molecular systematics.Methods: To study the suitability of mitochondrial 12S and 16S ribosomal RNA genes as genetic markers for nematode molecular systematics, we compared them with the other commonly used genetic markers, nuclear internal transcribed spacer 1 and 2 regions, nuclear 18S and 28S ribosomal RNA genes, and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene. After that, phylum-wide primers for mitochondrial 12S and 16S ribosomal RNA genes were designed, and parasitic nematodes of humans and animals from 75 taxa with 21 representative species were inferred through phylogenetic analyzes. Phylogenetic analyzes were carried out using maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference algorithms. Results: The phylogenetic relationships of nematodes based on the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene supported the monophyly of nematodes in clades I, IV, and V, reinforcing the potential of this gene as a genetic marker for nematode systematics. In contrast, the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene only supported the monophyly of clades I and V, providing evidence that the 12S rRNA gene is more suitable for nematode molecular systematics. In this study, subclades of clade III containing various nematode families were not monophyletic when the 16S or 12S rRNA gene was used as the genetic marker. This is similar to the phylogenetic relationship revealed by previous studies using whole mitochondrial genomes as genetic markers. Conclusions: This study supports the use of the 12S rRNA gene as a genetic marker for studying the molecular systematics of nematodes to understand intra-phyla relationships. Phylum-wide primers for nematodes using mitochondrial ribosomal genes were prepared, which may enhance future studies. Furthermore, sufficient genetic variation in the mitochondrial 12S and 16S rRNA genes between species also allowed for accurate taxonomy to species level, revealing the potential of these two genes as genetic markers for DNA barcoding.
A potential role for AHR in SARS-CoV-2 pathology
Authors: Giovannoni Federico , Li Zhaorong , Garcia Cybele C. , Quintana Francisco J. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Coronavirus infection is associated to life-threatening respiratory failure. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) was recently identified as a host factor for Zika and dengue viruses; AHR antagonists decrease viral titers and ameliorate ZIKV-induced pathology in vivo. Here we report that AHR is activated during coronavirus infection, impacting anti-viral immunity and lung basal cells associated to tissue repair. Hence, AHR antagonists are candidate therapeutics for the management of coronavirus-infected patients.
Exploring Dependence of COVID-19 on Environmental Factors and Spread Prediction in India
Authors: Bherwani Hemant , Gupta Ankit , Anjum Saima , Anshul Avneesh , Kumar Rakesh 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
The pandemic of “Corona Virus Disease 2019” or COVID-19 has taken the world by storm. Majority of nations of the world have been challenged by the novel coronavirus, which is supposedly of zoonotic origin and is known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The present work attempts to evaluate the spread of COVID-19 in India. The methodology of assessment uses SEIR (Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious-Removed) model to establish the impact of socio-behavioural aspect, especially social distancing, affecting the numbers of COVID-19 cases per day. The lockdown initiated by Government of India (GoI) scenario is weighed against a scenario with a possible initiation of community spread due to crowded gatherings in India. The resultant changes, as against the lockdown scenario, has been reported in terms of the increase in the number of cases and stretch of the timeline to mitigate the COVID-19 spread. Impact of environmental factors like temperature and relative humidity have also been analyzed using statistical methods, including Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and Correlation. It has been found that the spread of cases is dependent on environmental conditions, i.e. temperature and relative humidity. This study is expected to help the policymakers and stakeholders to device an improved action plan to alleviate the COVID-19 spread, especially in India.
The contingent effect of work roles on brokerage in professional organizations
Authors: Smedlund Anssi , Choi Emily W. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
In this paper, we consider whether brokerage in an intra-organizational communication network and type of work role interact to predict individual performance in a professional organization. The independent–interdependent nature of work roles is considered a key factor in structural contingency theory, but is yet to be studied in relation to brokerage. We propose that a brokerage position has a joint effect on performance along with work role in a study of organization-wide communication network in an architectural firm with 65 employees. Our analysis suggests an association between brokerage and role-prescribed performance for individuals in both interdependent and independent types of work roles. Our findings also suggest that interdependent roles requiring broad, organization-wide collaboration, and communication with others, brokerage is positively associated with the performance prescribed by the role, but for independent roles, wherein collaboration and communication are somewhat limited by the formal role, brokerage has far less of an effect. Our findings contribute to brokerage theory by comparing how brokerage affects performance in two distinct work roles by illustrating how the benefits of brokerage seem more restricted to those in interdependent work roles. The contribution of this paper is to suggest the independent–interdependent nature of work role as a boundary condition for brokerage.
Propiedad intelectual y acceso al conocimiento en la investigación científica colombiana
Authors: Guzman Aguilera Clara Lucia 
Published: April 2020

El objetivo del artículo consiste en presentar la situación actual de la propiedad intelectual en relación con el acceso a la información en la actividad científica de las universidades colombianas, con base en los desarrollos normativos vigentes; la metodología es de tipo cualitativo, de niveles relacional y explicativo; se revisaron documentos y normas en investigación científica y propiedad intelectual utilizando técnicas de análisis documental; se encuentra importante información sobre protección de la producción científica y académica, pero ausencia normativa y desarticulación en las políticas de propiedad intelectual frente al acceso a la información; los esfuerzos de acceso abierto operan como apertura del conocimiento hacia el mundo pero no al contrario; no existe política pública de acceso frente a las producciones extranjeras.
Design and performance of urban sponges in red soil: improvement of physical and chemical properties
Authors: Jing Yunpeng , Li Jian , Mei Yimin , Liu Xiao , Yu Xuelan , Hu Xuezhou , Song Fangfang , Lu Mingming 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
This study investigated the physical and chemical properties of a single or combination of permeable materials which can be used as fillers in the Sponge City program in China. Four types of fillers, perlite, coral sand, vermiculite and ceramsite, were selected from six alternative fillers by an analytic hierarchy process. The optimal city sponge, which consists of vermiculite (10 cm), ceramsite (15 cm), perlite (15 cm), coral sand (20 cm) and Canna indica L, was found by the orthogonal experiment (L16(45)). The results of the simulated rainwater experiment of the optimal sponge showed that the permeability coefficient K10, NH3-N, total phosphorus (TP) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal rate were 1.20 ± 0.23 mm/s, 96.6 ± 0.2%, 36.8 ± 0.07% and 9.6 ± 0.07% respectively. The results suggested that the optimal sponge had an excellent treatment effect on NH3-N in rainwater while ensuring rapid infiltration. It provided a simple, economical and effective method for rainwater treatment and the Sponge City program in the future.
An evaluation of lysozyme enzyme and thermal pretreatments on dairy sludge digestion and gas production
Authors: Jafari Shakiba , Salehiziri Moslem , Foroozesh Elham , Bardi Mohammad J. , Rad Hasan A. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Anaerobic digestion is one of the common methods of managing and stabilizing sludge. However, due to the limitations of the biological sludge hydrolysis stage, anaerobic decomposition is slow and requires a long time. This study evaluated the effects of thermal (80 °C) (TH-PRE) and a combination of thermal with the lysozyme enzyme (LTH-PRE) pretreatments on the enhancement of anaerobic activated sludge digestion. Response surface methodology was implemented to optimize enzyme pretreatment conditions (enzyme and mixed liquid suspended solids concentration). The results showed that both pretreatment methods increase soluble chemical oxygen demand (COD) and reduces total and volatile suspended solids (VSS), and phosphate concentration. The COD removal rate in LTH-PRE and TH-PRE was 95% and 81%, respectively. The value of VSS reduction in LTH-PRE and TH-PRE was 41% and 31%, more than the control operation, respectively. The biogas production in LTH-PRE and in TH-PRE also increased by 124% and 96%, respectively.
Effective decolorization of anthraquinone dye reactive blue 19 using immobilized Bacillus sp. JF4 isolated by resuscitation-promoting factor strategy
Authors: Cai Jiafang , Liu Jiale , Pan Aodong , Liu Jinfu , Wang Yuyang , Liu Jianbo , Sun Faqian , Lin Hongjun , Chen Jianrong , Su Xiaomei 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Given the highly complex recalcitrant nature of synthetic dyes, biological treatment of textile wastewater using efficient bacterial species is still considered as an environmentally friendly manner. In this study, a reactive blue 19 (RB19)-degrading strain, Bacillus sp. JF4, which was isolated by resuscitation-promoting factor (Rpf) strategy, was immobilized into polyvinyl alcohol–calcium alginate–activated carbon beads (JF4-immobilized beads) for RB19 decolorization. Results suggest that the JF4-immobilized beads, which were capable of simultaneous adsorption and biodegradation, showed a high decolorization activity, while they exhibited better tolerability towards high RB19 concentrations. The JF4-immobilized beads could almost completely decolorize 100 mg/L RB19 within 10 d, while only 92.1% was decolorized by free bacteria within 12 d. Further investigation on the equilibrium and kinetics of the adsorption process suggests that the pseudo-second-order model best fit the adsorption kinetics data, and the Freundlich isotherm was the most suitable for the description of the equilibrium data. Notably, the repeated batch cycles indicated that complete decolorization of 100 mg/L RB19 by JF4-immobilized beads can be maintained for at least three cycles without much reduction in efficiency. These findings suggest that immobilizing Rpf-resuscitated strain into beads was an effective strategy for textile wastewater treatment.
Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring and Reporting Among Physicians and Pharmacists in Pakistan: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Nisa Zaka Un , Zafar Ayesha , Zafar Fatima , Pezaro Sally , Sher Farooq 
Published: April 2020

Background:
The success of a reporting system of adverse drug reaction (ADR) depends
on the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the health care professionals. However, due to a lack
of knowledge and poor contribution by healthcare workers, ADR remains underreported. To improve
safety, proper identification and ADR reporting is necessary.

Objective:
This study was carried out to determine knowledge, attitude, and practices of ADR
among physicians and pharmacists working in Pakistan and the factors which encourage and discourage
effective reporting.

Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted using a pretested questionnaire. Questionnaires
were distributed among 333 physicians and 34 pharmacists with a 95.5% response rate. The Statistical
Package for Social Science (SPSS) was used for data analysis.

Results:
Pharmacists have more knowledge regarding ADR compared to physicians (47.1% vs.
13.8%, p < 0.001). Pharmacists also have a positive attitude compared to physicians (97.1% vs.
76.3%, p < 0.001). No significant difference was noticed in ADR practice by physicians and pharmacists
(12.3% vs. 11.8, p = 0.92). The seriousness of ADR was the main factor that encouraged
nearly all pharmacists to report, whereas among physician’s, seriousness and the unusualness of reaction,
the new drug involvement, and confidence in diagnosis were the factors which encouraged
them to report ADR.

Conclusion:
Overall, pharmacists had more knowledge and a positive attitude regarding ADR reporting
compared to physicians, but practices of ADR reporting remained the same among both.
Therefore, it is suggested that educational interventions, along with training programs, should be
developed.
CONSTRUCTION OF MEANING OF TRANSFER PRICING IN THE STAKEHOLDER THEORY THROUGH THE RICOEUR HERMENEUTICAL APPROACH
Authors: Utari Dewi , Ludigdo Unti , Achsin M , Subekti Imam 
Published: April 2020

This study seeks to find the meaning of transfer pricing of tax actors, namely Taxpayers and tax authorities, as well as tax consultants on tax disputes in Indonesia. The study was conducted using an interpretive approach and Ricoeur hermeneutical methods. Ricoeur's hermenutics method is carried out through three stages of analysis, namely the semantic stage, the reflection stage, and the existential stage. Analysis was carried out on the text, both written and unwritten. The written text is in the form of tax regulations related to transfer pricing, while the unwritten text is a dialogue in the transfer pricing dispute trial in the tax court and the results of interviews with taxpayers and tax consultants.Â Based on the three stages of Ricoeur hermeneutical analysis, the meaning of transfer pricing was obtained from three perspectives, namely the Taxpayer's perspective that interpreted transfer pricing as an effort to maximize company profits, whereas from the tax authority perspective transfer pricing was a potential loss of state revenue. In addition, the meaning of transfer pricing was also found from the perspective of a tax consultant as a form of the company's business strategy. The meaning of transfer pricing is then constructed in a stakeholder theoretical framework.Â Keywords: Â Â transfer pricing, hermeneutics, Ricoeur, company profits, state revenues, tax avoidance, and stakeholders.