bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of in vitro aqueous extract of fresh cassava leaves (Manihot esculenta, Crantz) on the larvae of Haemonchus contortus as intestinal parasite of sheep
Authors: Medeiros Ana Flávia Lopes , Cereda Marney Pascoli Cereda , Braz Gabriel Furrer Matos 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Animals feeding with cassava is frequent. In the case of sheep, the producer relates consumption to a reduction in the parasite load. The literature has proven the effect of phenolic compounds as an anthelmintic in vivo, but no evidence for cyanogenic compounds, also present in all parts of the cassava plant, was found. A controlled in vitro bioassay was used to evaluate the aqueous extract of fresh cassava leaves. The efficiency parameter was the imobility of Haemonchus contortus larvae at stage L3, also used to evaluate commercial anthelmintics. Culture plates with 100 active L3 larvae per well were used, constituted a replicate of a total of three. It was placed in these wells, water extract of fresh cassava leaves (FCL) macerated in water, Ivomec® 0.01% (PCI) as positive control and distilled water as negative one (NCW). By considering the immobility of the larvae as a positive anthelmintic effect, the results showed that in NCW all larvae were mobile, while in PCI all 300 larvae were immobile. FCL produced a gradient of larval inactivation correlation (r2 0.996). The best fit equation was y = -33.39ln(x) + 40.517, a logarithmic one, which allowed to calculate the Lethal Concentration (CL) of 3. 44µg.CN-.ml, or 80.0 mg of fresh cassava leaves per milliliter, with performance equivalent to ivermectin. This concentration of free cyanide is compatible with safe consumption of fresh leaves by live weight of sheep. The exact amount of cassava roots, leaves or shoots consumed to provide an effective dose for controlling Haemonchus contort should be established in vivo. Although phenolic compounds must also be present in the extract, immobility was attributed to cyanogenic compounds since the correlation was proportional to the increase in cyanide concentration. It can be concluded that the consumption of fresh cassava leaves has potential as an anthelmintic agent to be evaluated in vivo by feeding sheep and goats. Local use could also add value to the production of fresh cassava leaves, with an average potential production of 2.5 t/ha, available throughout the year, with greater production at the beginning of cultivation and in the summer months. These leaves could be used after the roots harvesting or even in pruning for this purpose. Currently, this volume of good quality protein material is in the field, unused.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Biological Activity Evaluation of Magnetite-Functionalized Eugenol
Authors: Bruckmann Franciele da Silva , Viana Altevir Rossato , Lopes Leonardo Quintana Soares , Santos Roberto Christ Vianna , Muller Edson Irineu , Mortari Sergio Roberto , Rhoden Cristiano Rodrigo Bohn 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
In this work, we report, for the first time, the magnetite-functionalization and biological evaluation of eugenol by the co-precipitation method employed only Fe2+ under mild conditions and control from the amount of the incorporated magnetite. Magnetic nanoparticles were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and hydrodynamic size distribution (Zetasizer). SEM images showed that EUG·Fe3O4 is 200 nm in size and similar in shape to a nanoflower. The FTIR spectrum confirmed the presence of characteristic EUG and Fe3O4 bands in the EUG·Fe3O4 sample, while the XRD analysis showed that the magnetite functionalization with eugenol slightly affected the Fe3O4 crystal structure. The in vitro safety profile and cytotoxicity of free eugenol, magnetite pristine, EUG·Fe3O4 1:1, EUG·Fe3O4 1:5, and EUG·Fe3O4 1:10 was investigated using human cell lines (keratinocytes and melanoma). The results demonstrate the high biocompatibility of EUG·Fe3O4 in HaCat cells and the greater specificity for the A375 cell line. Furthermore, the magnetite-functionalized with eugenol decreased the toxic effects of free eugenol on healthy cells. Antibacterial tests were performed in different bacterial strains. The experimental data showed that among the magnetic compounds, the microorganisms were only sensitive to treatment with EUG·Fe3O4 1:1. Regarding the antibiofilm activity assay, it can be observed that only the EUG·Fe3O4 caused a significant decrease in biomass when compared to the positive control. Finally, it can be concluded that EUG·Fe3O4 proves to be a potential candidate for future studies for drug delivery of cancer and bacterial infections treatments.
Detection and persistence of environmental DNA (eDNA) of a vector mosquito, Culex pipiens pallens
Authors: Sakata Masayuki K. , Sato Megumi , Sato Marcello , Watanabe Tomoe , Mitsuishi Honami , Hikitsuchi Tomoyuki , Kobayashi Jun , Minamoto Toshifumi 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Introduction: Preventing mosquito-borne infectious diseases requires that vector mosquitoes are monitored and controlled. Targeting immature mosquitoes (eggs, larvae, and pupae), which have less mobility than adults, is an effective management approach. However, conducting these surveys is often difficult due to the limitations of morphological classification and survey costs. The application of environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis can solve these issues because it allows easy estimation of species distribution and morphology-independent species identification. Although a few previous studies have reported mosquito eDNA detection, there is a gap in knowledge regarding the dynamics of mosquito eDNA during the developmental stages of immature mosquitoes. Methods: We used Culex pipiens pallens, a vector of West Nile fever, as a model species. First, we developed a species-specific detection assay and confirmed its specificity using in silico and in vitro tests. Next, we conducted laboratory experiments using breeding tanks. Water samples were collected at each developmental stage. In addition, water samples were collected daily until the seventh day after emergence from the pupae. We quantified eDNA using real-time PCR with the developed assay to investigate the dynamics of mosquito eDNA. Results: The specificity of the developed assay was confirmed by in silico and in vitro tests. Mosquito eDNA was detected at all developmental stages and detected up to seven days after emergence of pupae. In particular, high concentrations of eDNA were detected immediately after hatching from eggs and after emergence from pupae. Highly frequent positive eDNA signals were continuously detected between egg hatching and pupa hatching. Conclusions: Mosquito eDNA was detected immediately after the eggs were introduced, and eDNA-positive detections continued until pupae emergence, suggesting that eDNA analysis is useful for monitoring mosquito larvae. The results show that eDNA analysis provides valuable information about the water sources inhabited by immature mosquitoes in mosquito control. In the future, monitoring immature mosquitoes using eDNA analysis will aid in preventing mosquito-borne infectious diseases.
Why Do Protein Crystals Grown With the Aid of Porous Materials Show Better Diffraction Quality?
Authors: Nanev Christo N. , Saridakis Emmanuel , Govada Lata , Chayen Naomi E. 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Well-diffracting protein crystals are indispensable for X-ray diffraction analysis, which is still the most powerful method for structure-function studies of biomolecules. A promising approach to growing such crystals is by using porous nucleation-inducing materials. However, while protein crystal nucleation in pores has been thoroughly considered, little attention has been paid to the subsequent growth of the crystals. Although the nucleation stage is decisive, it is the subsequent growth of the crystals outside the pore that determines their diffraction quality. The molecular-scale mechanism of growth of protein crystals in and outside pores is here considered theoretically. Due to the metastable conditions, the crystals that emerge from the pores grow slowly, which is a prerequisite for better diffraction. This expectation has been corroborated by experiments carried out with several types of porous material, such as Bioglass (“Naomi’s Nucleant”), Buckypaper, porous gold and porous silicon. Protein crystals grown with the aid of Bioglass and Buckypaper yielded significantly better diffraction quality compared with crystals grown conventionally. In all cases, visually superior crystals are usually obtained. We furthermore conclude that heterogeneous nucleation of a crystal outside the pore is an exceptional case. Rather, the protein crystals nucleating inside the pores continue growing outside them.
Comparison of Four Precipitation Based Meteorological Drought Indices in Yesilirmak Basin, Turkey
Authors: zeybekoglu utku , Hezarani Alyar Boustani , Keskin Asli Ulke 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Drought, which is often defined as not enough precipitation, does not a mean simple lack of precipitation. This condition, which occurs when humidity is less than the average value for many years, is caused by a disrupted balance between precipitation and evaporation in a region. It is very difficult to predict the start and the end time of drought. In the present study, the drought conditions of the stations selected from Yesilirmak Basin between 1970 and 2014 were determined by using Z-Score Index (ZSI), China-Z Index (CZI), Modified China-Z Index (MCZI), and Standard Precipitation Index (SPI), and the compliance of these indices to the SPI was investigated. It was determined that these indices gave parallel results to each other, and SPI detected drought earlier than other indices.
A Notable Bounded Probability Distribution for Environmental and Lifetime Data
Authors: Bakouch Hassan , Hussain Tassaddaq , Chesneau Christophe , Tamás Jónás 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
In this article, we introduce a notable bounded distribution based on a modification of the epsilon function which creates an upper bound on the domain of the distribution. Further, a key feature of the distribution links the readers with the asymptotic connections with the famous Lindley distribution, which is a weighted variant of the exponential distribution and also a mixture of exponential and gamma distributions. In some ways, the proposed distribution provides a flexible solution to the modeling of bounded characteristics that can be almost well-fitted by the Lindley distribution if the domain is restricted. Moreover, we have also explored its application, particularly with reference to lifetime and environmental points of view, and found that the proposed model exhibits a better fit among the competing models. Further, from the annual rainfall analysis, the proposed model exhibits a realistic return period of the rainfall.
Breakfast Quality Index Trajectories and Association With Obesity Outcomes Among Australian Children Under 5 Years of Age
Authors: Park Seon , Love Penny , Lacy Katie , Campbell Karen , Zheng Miaobing 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background: Breakfast quality in early childhood remains understudied. This study described the changes in breakfast quality index (BQI) (i.e. trajectory) and assessed the association between BQI trajectories and obesity outcomes in early childhood.Methods: Data of children who participated in the Melbourne InFANT Program were used (n=328). Dietary intakes were assessed at ages 1.5, 3.5 and 5.0 years using three 24-hour recalls. BQI was calculated using a revised 9-item BQI tool based on Australian dietary recommendations for young children. Group-based trajectory modelling identified BQI trajectory groups. Multivariable linear and logistic regression examined the associations between identified BQI trajectory groups and obesity outcomes at age 5 years. Results: Mean BQI at ages 1.5, 3.5 and 5.0 years was 4.8, 4.8, 2.7 points, respectively. Two BQI trajectory groups were identified, and both showed a decline in BQI. The mean BQI of most children (74%) decreased from 5.0 to 4.0 points from ages 1.5 to 5.0 years (referred as “High BQI” group). The remaining children (26%) had a mean BQI of 4.8 and 1.2 points at age 1.5 and 5.0 years, respectively (referred as “Low BQI” group). The “Low BQI” group appeared to show higher risk of overweight (OR:1.39, 95%CI: 0.67, 2.88) at age 5 years than the “High BQI” group.Conclusions: Two BQI trajectory groups were identified. Both groups showed a decline in breakfast quality from ages 1.5 to 5.0 years. Our study highlights the need for early health promotion interventions and strategies to improve and maintain breakfast quality across early childhood.
Drought assessment in the northern region of Colombia using the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI): a case study in the department of La Guajira
Authors: Chávez Luis Díaz , Romero Ana Patricia Espinosa , Vega Jairo Rosado 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
The objective of this study was to assess droughts in the department of La Guajira, Columbia, on the basis of their operational characteristics. Droughts were assessed using the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) at three- and six-month aggregation periods (SPI-3 and SPI-6), and their operational characteristics were analyzed by the run theory and via analysis of temporal trends using the modified Mann-Kendall (MMK) test. The results indicated that droughts were most frequent in La Guajira between 1995 and 2004. The occurrence of droughts was most accurately identified by SPI-6. It was observed that the central, southern, and western areas of the department had droughts of greater duration, severity, and intensity. The MMK test shows negative (decreasing) temporal trends at significance levels α between 0.1 and 0.01 in 6.12% of the meteorological stations located in the central and southern areas of La Guajira. These results support the conclusion that droughts are recurrent events in the department of La Guajira as a result of the arid and semi-arid climate prevalent in significant portions of the department’s land area. This elucidates the vulnerability of agriculture and livestock in such areas that are prone to droughts of greater duration, severity, and intensity.
Association of APC and MUTYH Mutations with Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Ahmadi Rahim , Nejati Fatemeh , Nasiri Navid , Khodabakhsh Pooneh , Khodabakhsh Pariya 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
PurposeColorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most fatal cancers in the world. Determining if the risk of polymorphism alleles for CRC could contribute to clinical situations suggestive of an increased genetic risk for CRC is of significant importance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of genetic polymorphisms in two genes, APC and MUTYH, with CRC susceptibility in Iranian society. MethodsIn this experimental study, DNA was extracted from 200 blood samples (100 control and 100 patients with CRC). After identifying point mutations in APC and MUTYH genes and designing primers, they were examined by Tetra-arms PCR technique. Chi-square test was used to calculate and analyze the statistical and frequency of SNP in patients and control groups. ResultsSNPs: rs121913333, rs77542170, rs1801166 and rs869312753 showed significant association with CRC. rs121913333 on 5q22 appeared to have the highest degree of correlation with CRC (P=0.0001). ConclusionOur findings indicate that APC and MUTYH mutations are related to the incidence of colorectal cancer. Not only mutant but also heterozygous genotype has a significant role in CRC development.
Adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells ameliorate experimental acute colitis in rats
Authors: Masoumi Seyed Jalil , Hassanshahi Negar , Hosseini-Asl Seyed-Mohammad Kazem , Mehrabani Davood , Hashemi Seyedeh-Sara , Derakhshanfar Amin , Zare Shahrokh , Jamhiri Iman 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Complete treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) is still difficult, while conventional therapies have various adverse effects. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties to be a therapeutic candidate for UC. We evaluated therapeutic potential of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AdSCs) in treatment of an acute colitis rat model using histological and molecular assessments. Thirty male Sprague Dawley acetic acid-induced (2 mL of 3%) acute colitis rat models were randomly divided into three equal groups of control receiving 0.5 mL/kg of normal saline, sulfasalazine group receiving 500 mg/kg sulfasalazine and AdSCs group transplanted transrectally with 2×106 MSCs. They were evaluated histologically and by real time PCR for expression of apoptotic genes until 21 days. MSCs were spindle shape and positive for osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation. They displayed mesenchymal and lacked hematopoietic markers. In control group, severe inflammation, edema, ulcer, necrosis and infiltration of leukocytes were noticed. In sulfasalazine group, a moderate inflammation, edema, ulcer, necrosis and infiltration of leukocytes were visible; and in AdSCs group, mild inflammation, congestion, and infiltration of leukocytes were observed with a mild edema, but necrosis was absent in colonic tissue. A stronger decrease in expression of Bax, together with a higher increase in Bcl-2 was noted in AdSCs group. Based on histological and molecular findings, AdSCs were effective to ameliorate colitis lesions through their anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic activities showing that transplantation of AdSCS can be a potentially useful strategy in treatment of colitis.
Creative DNA Computing: Splicing Systems for Music Composition
Authors: Zaccagnino Rocco , De Prisco Roberto 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Splicing systems are a form of DNA computing as they mimic the recombination process among DNA molecules. This work discusses the use of splicing systems to build automatic tools for reproducing human beings' creativity, in the context of automatic music composition. More specifically, this work describes three general splicing system approaches for automatic music composition, and their application to two specific cases, namely composing 4-voice music and composing Jazz solos in a given style. Examples of music composed by the systems are presented.
Modification of Breast Cancer Milieu with Chemotherapy Plus Dendritic Cell Vaccines: An Approach to Select Best Therapeutic Strategies
Authors: Sosa Luis Daniel Mejias , López-Janeiro Álvaro , Córdoba Alicia , Sala Pablo , Solans Belén P , Inogés Susana , de Cerio Ascensión López‐Díaz , Hato Laura , Guillén-Grima Francisco , Fernández-Hidalgo Óscar , Cruz Susana De La , Lozano María Dolores , Idoate Miguel A , Santisteban Marta 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Purpose: The addition of dendritic cell vaccines (DCV) to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) could induce immune biomarker changes in those patients with residual disease (RD) by transforming tumor microenvironment. Methods: Core diagnostic biopsies and surgical specimens from 80 patients (38 in the Vaccinated Group plus NAC (VG) and 42 in the Control Group (CG) treated only with NAC) were selected. We quantify TILs (CD8, CD4 and CD45RO) using Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and the Automated Cellular Imaging System (ACIS III) in the core-diagnostic biopsies and in the surgical specimens, to compare the amount of TILs in each group. Results: A CD8 rise in TNBC samples was observed after NAC plus DCV, changing from 4.48% in the biopsy to 6.70% in the surgical specimen, not reaching statistically significant differences (p = 0.11). TNBC patients in the CG showed a TILs drop from 2.71% in the biopsy to 0.18% in the surgical specimen (p = 0.5). We also found that 66.7% (4/6) of TNBC patients from VG registered an increase in TILs after treatment as compared to 20% (1/5) of TNBC patients in the CG (p=0.24). This phenomenon is not observed in the other biologic subtypes. An association between before NAC CD8 TILs (4% cut-off point ) and pathological complete response in the VG was found in univariate and multivariate analysis (OR=1.41, IC95% 1.05-1.90; p=0.02, and OR=2.0, IC95% 1.05-3.9; p=0.03, respectively).Conclusion: Our findings suggest that patients with TNBC especially benefit from the stimulation of the antitumor immune system by using DCV pulsed with tumor antigens.
Construction And Test of An Instrumented 2D Channel With Rainfall And Insolation Control.
Authors: Lobo Bruno Rogerio da Hora , Machado Sandro Lemos , Filho Edson Pereira Marques 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
This paper presents the construction and testing of a large instrumented 2D channel for the simulation of the performance of compacted barriers under controlled conditions of insolation and rainfall. Details of the main apparatus devices and capabilities and the results of a long-term test performed on a capillary barrier (CB) are presented. The performed test aimed to simulate the CB behavior over a period of one year in typical semi-arid conditions. The channel behavior was considered very promising with its components functioning as expected and providing the desired information. Concerning the CB performance, it is shown that the upper clayey layer of soil presented undesirable shrinkage cracks that impacted the CB performance, mainly at the end of the period of evaluation. The obtained results point to the need to use of silty or low plasticity clayey soils in the CB design, despite the higher expected values of hydraulic conductivity, as well as the adoption of layers thicker than usual in order to preserve the integrity of the clayey soil near the interface with the bottom coarse soil layer.
Downregulation of Hsa-miR-3616-3p in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer is Associated with Cell Migration and Invasion
Authors: Wu Keqian , Peng Rui , Zhang Zheng , Liu Handeng , Sun Yan 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background: Micro RNA (miRNA), a class of endogenous small RNAs with a length of about 20-24 nucleotides, have been played a variety of important regulatory roles in cells and have attracted the attention of researchers because involvement of initiation and progression of diverse kinds of human diseases, especially cancer. However, the regulatory role of miRNA in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), its clinical significance and potential mechanism are still largely unknown.Methods: In this study, the differentially expressed miRNAs were analyzed using GEO2R from GSE57897 and GSE97811 of the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Then, we performed the overall survival (OS) analysis of four candidate miRNAs. And the expressions of four candidate miRNAs in TNBC and non-TNBC tissues were tested by Quantitative real-time PCR. We determined the level and prognostic values of hsa-miR-3616-3p in TNBC patients. Then, TNBC cells migration and invasion were studied in vitro with hsa-miR-3616-3p by using wounding heal assays and transwell assays. Next, target genes and transcription factors of hsa-miR-3616-3p enrichment analysis, were performed by the Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway.Results: Based on GSE57897 and GSE97811, we found 962 differentially expressed miRNAs including 943 up-regulated miRNAs and 19 down-regulated miRNAs. We selected top2 up-regulated miRNAs as hsa-miR-4428 and hsa-miR-575, and top2 down-regulated miRNAs as hsa-miR-3616-3p and hsa-miR-3909, and then we found that low expression of 4 candidated miRNAs had a worse prognosis in TNBC subtype. Next, we verified that the expression of hsa-miR-3616-3p was the most downregulated in TNBC tissues compared with matched surrounding tissues by qRT-PCR. Moerover, our results showed that overexpression of hsa-miR-3616-3p inhibited TNBC cells migration, and invasion in vitro.Conclusions: Our study might reveal important roles of hsa-miR-3616-3p plays in TNBC migration and invasion.