ALBERT

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: July 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 5, Issue 7〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Sarvenaz Abolghassem, Shiva Molaei, Shahrzad Javanshir〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉In this paper, chitin (Ch) was extracted by an optimized method from cuttlebone of the Persian Gulf cuttlefish (Sepiidae, Cephalopoda). The extracted chitin was characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) which showed that the extracted chitin was in alpha form. The degree of N-acetylation (DA) and degree of substitution (DS) of α-chitin were calculated using titration method and FTIR spectroscopy and found to be 80–82% and 19.57 respectively. The α-Chitin was used as biomolecules for the preparation of nanostructured Ch/ZnO via a hydrothermal method. The obtained nanocomposite was characterized using FT-IR, XRD, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis. The antimicrobial aspect of Ch/ZnO nanocomposite was previously proposed. In this paper, attempt was made to add the catalytic feature to these traits. For this purpose, the nanostructured Ch/ZnO was used as reusable nanocatalyst in the green and efficient synthesis of Benzo[a]pyrano(2,3-c)phenazine derivatives thru a four components microwave aided domino reaction. Eco-friendly, easy work up and separation of the nanostructured catalyst are some of the highlighted features this protocol.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: July 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 5, Issue 7〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Zurel S. Costa, Cristiano T. Meneses, Bruno Castro, Fabiane S. Serpa, Elton Franceschi, Gustavo R. Borges, Cláudio Dariva, Giancarlo R. Salazar-Banda〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉The formation of scales in the petroleum industry, such as those composed of calcium and barium sulfates, may reduce productivity since these sediments can partially or totally obstruct the pipes. The mitigation of these inorganic precipitates can be accomplished by using scale inhibitors or by non-intrusive physical technologies. Here, we investigated the influence of magnetic field on the incrustations of barium sulfate by analyzing the concentration of barium and sulfate ions, the solution flow rate, the capillary tube geometry, and the magnetic field intensity in a homemade experimental unit supported on the monitoring of the dynamic differential pressure. The results show that the saline concentration and the flow rate of the solutions and the geometry of the capillary tube have a significant influence on the dynamics of barium sulfate incrustation. The presence of the magnetic field tends to prolong the induction time of the barium sulfate precipitation. A semi-empirical model was used to describe the effect of the studied variables on the barium sulfate incrustation behavior. The X-ray diffraction data of the precipitated particles analyzed using the Rietveld method suggest that the use of the magnetic field favor the formation of more crystalline particles and with smaller crystallite size than those formed in the absence of a magnetic field. Optical and scanning electron microscopy measurements also corroborate with these findings. The results from this study suggest that magnetic fields can be of interest in practical crystallization processes of barium sulfate and successfully applied to decrease the speed of barium sulfate incrustation in pipelines.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: September 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 92〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Yang Hu, Wei-Chao Chen, Yu-Feng Shen, Bin Zhu, Gao-Xue Wang〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Viral diseases in aquaculture were challenging because there are few preventative measures and/or treatments. Our previous study indicated that imidazole arctigenin derivatives possessed antiviral activities against infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV). Based on the structure-activity relationship in that study, a new imidazole arctigenin derivative, 4-(8-(2-ethylimidazole)octyloxy)-arctigenin (EOA), was designed, synthesized and its anti-IHNV activity was evaluated. By comparing inhibitory concentration at half-maximal activity (IC〈sub〉50〈/sub〉), we found that EOA (IC〈sub〉50〈/sub〉 = 0.56 mg/L) possessed a higher antiviral activity than those imidazole arctigenin derivatives in our previous study. Besides, EOA could significantly decrease cytopathic effect (CPE) and viral titer induced by IHNV in epithelioma papulosum cyprinid (EPC) cells. In addition, EOA significantly inhibited apoptosis induced by IHNV in EPC cells. Further data verified that EOA inhibited IHNV replication in rainbow trout, with reducing 32.0% mortality of IHNV-infected fish. The results suggested that EOA was more stable with a prolonged inhibitory half-life in the early stage of virus infection (1–4 days). Consistent with above results, EOA repressed IHNV glycoprotein gene expression in virus sensitive tissues (kidney and spleen) in the early stage of virus infection. Moreover, histopathological evaluation showed that tissues from the spleen and kidney of fish infected with IHNV exhibited pathological changes. But there were no lesions in any of the tissues from the control group and EOA-treaten group. In accordance with the histopathological assay, EOA could elicited anti-inflammation response in non-viral infected rainbow trout by down-regulating the expression of cytokine genes (〈em〉IL-8〈/em〉, 〈em〉IL-12p40〈/em〉, and 〈em〉TNF-α〈/em〉). Altogether, EOA was expected to be a therapeutic agent against IHNV infection in the field of aquaculture.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: September 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 92〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Junjun He, Haiying Liang, Jiaping Zhu, Xiaochen Fang〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Antibacterial peptides (AMPs) constitute an important part of the body's innate immune system and are responsible for a wide range of inhibitory effects against pathogens such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses. In this study, multi-step high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), combined with Mass Spectrometry (MS), was used to isolate and identify proteins with antibacterial activity from the serum of 〈em〉Pinctada fucata martensii〈/em〉 (〈em〉P.f. Martensii〈/em〉) and obtain a component named 〈em〉P.f. Martensii〈/em〉 antimicrobial peptide-1 (PmAMP-1). 〈em〉PmAMP-1〈/em〉 cDNA was cloned and sequenced by rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) and mRNA expression of was analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). From the results of this study, full-length 〈em〉PmAMP-1 c〈/em〉DNA was shown to be 700 base pairs (bp) long with an open reading frame (ORF) of 294 bp, encoding 97 amino acids with a predicted structure that is mostly α-helices. 〈em〉PmAMP-〈/em〉1 mRNA was constitutively expressed in all tested tissues including the adductor muscle, mantle, hepatopancreas, gill, gonads and hemocytes. The highest level of 〈em〉PmAMP-〈/em〉1 transcription was observed at 8 h and 2 h after bacterial challenge in hemocytes and adductor muscle (p 〈 0.01), respectively. Furthermore, PmAMP-1 caused significant morphological alterations in 〈em〉E. coli,〈/em〉 as shown by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results from this study provide a valuable base for further exploration of molluscan innate immunity and immune response.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: July 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 5, Issue 7〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Vanessa Cristina Estevam Bittencourt, Ana Maria dos Santos Moreira, Jeferson Gomes da Silva, Antônio Frederico de Freitas Gomides, Cibele Velloso-Rodrigues, Regina Gendzzelevski Kelmann, Leonardo Meneghin Mendonça, Ivana Silva Lula, Ângelo Márcio Leite Denadai〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉The aim of this work was to synthesize and characterize the inclusion compounds formed by the complexation of β-cyclodextrin (βCD) with insecticides from the class of benzoylphenylureas (BPUs), named novaluron (NOV) and diflubenzuron (DIF), beyond evaluate their larvicidal activity against 〈em〉Aedes aegypti〈/em〉 larvae. Solid state characterization by FTIR showed changes in the main peaks of BPUs and βCD, suggesting the formation of inclusion compounds in solid phase. DTA and TGA thermal analysis showed changes in temperatures of BPUs decomposition as result of molecular interactions. 〈sup〉1〈/sup〉H NMR experiments allowed to observe the occurrence of interactions in solution through changes in chemical shifts of BPUs aromatic hydrogens. However, the presence of H–H intermolecular correlations in 2D ROESY was found only for the DIF/βCD complex, suggesting different topology for each complex. Such hypothesis was corroborated by thermodynamic analysis using ITC, which showed different profile of titration curves, beyond endothermic and exothermic interactions for NOV/βCD and DIF/βCD complexes, respectively. DLS titrations of BPUs or BPUs/βCD DMSO solutions in aqueous solution demonstrated that the spontaneously formed hydrophobic nanoprecipitates (HNPs) have different profile of sizes depending on the BPU/βCD system, corroborating also with the hypothesis about the existence of different topologies for each complex. Finally, the HNPs of inclusion compounds showed to be more efficient than free BPUs, allowing proposing a new insecticide formulation.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: July 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 5, Issue 7〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Maiko Hayashida, Tsuyoshi Miyaoka, Keiko Tsuchie, Tomoko Araki, Muneto Izuhara, Shoko Miura, Misako Kanayama, Koji Ohtsuki, Michiharu Nagahama, Ilhamuddin Abdul Azis, Rostia Arianna Abdullah, Muhammad Alim Jaya, Ryosuke Arauchi, Sadayuki Hashioka, Rei Wake, Toshiko Tsumori, Jun Horiguchi, Arata Oh-Nishi, Masatoshi Inagaki〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉 〈p〉A reduction of GABAergic markers in postmortem tissue is consistently found in schizophrenia. Importantly, these alterations in GABAergic neurons are not global, which means they are more prevalent among distinct subclasses of interneurons, including those that express the calcium binding protein parvalbumin.〈/p〉 〈p〉A decreased expression of parvalbumin in the hippocampus is a consistent observation not only in postmortem human schizophrenia patients, but also in a diverse number of rodent models of the disease.〈/p〉 〈p〉Meanwhile, previously we reported that the congenital hyperbilirubinemia model rats (Gunn rats), which is a mutant of the Wistar strain, showed behavioral abnormalities, for instance, hyperlocomotor activity, deficits of prepulse inhibition, inappropriate social interaction, impaired recognition memory similar with several rodent models of schizophrenia. Several animal studies linked the importance of palvalbumin in relation to abnormal hippocampal activity and schizophrenia-like behavior.〈/p〉 〈p〉Here, we show that parvalbumin positive cell density was significantly lower in the CA1, CA3 and the total hippocampus of Gunn rats (congenital hyperbilirubinemia model rats) compared to Wistar control rats. The correlations between serum UCB levels and loss of PV expression in the hippocampus were also detected. The decreases in the PV-expression in the hippocampus might suggest an association of the behavioral abnormalities as schizophrenia-like behaviors of Gunn rats, compared to the Wistar control rats.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: September 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 92〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Bin Zhong, Zeyin Jiang, Zhenhuang Chen, Kazue Ishihara, Huilin Mao, Shanghong Wang, Gang Lin, Chengyu Hu〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Recently, studies have shown that IκB kinase β (IKKβ), a critical kinase in the nucleus factor kappa-B (NF-κB) pathway, participates in inflammatory responses associated with unfolded protein response (UPR) and plays an important role in ER stress-induced cell death. The unfolded protein response (UPR), which is a regulatory system to restore cellular homeostasis in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), such as oxidative stress, bacterial infection, and virus invasion. The UPR pathways have been reported to be involved in immune responses in mammals, including the classical NF-κB pathway. However, the molecular mechanism of their crosstalk remains to be elucidated. Previously, we demonstrated that IKKβ also has some conserved functions between fish and human, as grass carp (〈em〉Ctenopharyngodon idella〈/em〉) IKKβ (CiIKKβ) can activate NF-κB pathway. In this study, we found that CiIKKβ level in nucleus was elevated under ER stress and CiIKKβ can interact with grass carp X-box-binding protein 1 (CiXBP1S), a key transcription factor in UPR. Consistently, fluorescent histochemical analysis of grass carp kidney (CIK) cells indicated that CiIKKβ and CiXBP1S colocalized under ER stress. Furthermore, overexpression of CiIKKβ in CIK cells enhanced ER stress tolerance by regulating UPR signaling and resulted in the significant increase of cell viability.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: September 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 92〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Lu-Yun Ni, Qing Han, Hong-Ping Chen, Xiao-Chun Luo, An-Xing Li, Xue-Ming Dan, Yan-Wei Li〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Macrophage expressed gene 1 (Mpeg1) is a molecule that can form pores and destroy the cell membrane of invading pathogens. In this study, we identified two Mpeg1 isoforms from the orange-spotted grouper (〈em〉Epinephelus coioides〈/em〉) and named them EcMpeg1a and EcMpeg1b. Predicted proteins of the two EcMpeg1s contained a signal peptide, a conserved membrane attack complex/perforin (MACPF) domain, a transmembrane segment, and an intracellular region. Sequence alignment demonstrated that two EcMpeg1 proteins share a high sequence identity with that of other teleosts. Tissue distribution analysis showed that EcMpeg1s were expressed in all tissues tested in healthy grouper, with the highest expression in the head kidney and spleen. After infection with the ciliate parasite 〈em〉Cryptocaryon irritans〈/em〉, expression of the two EcMpeg1s was significantly upregulated in the spleen and gills. Furthermore, the recombinant EcMpeg1a showed antiparasitic and antibacterial activity against Gram-negative and -positive bacteria, whereas EcMpeg1b had an inhibitory effect only against Gram-positive bacteria. These results indicated that EcMpeg1s play an important role in the host response against invading pathogens.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: July 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 5, Issue 7〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Anastasiia S. Boiko, Irina A. Mednova, Elena G. Kornetova, Arkadiy V. Semke, Nikolay A. Bokhan, Anton J.M. Loonen, Svetlana A. Ivanova〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Background〈/h6〉 〈p〉Schizophrenia is associated with a lowered life expectancy due to cardiovascular disease. This is, at least in part, related to an increased vulnerability to the development of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in patients with schizophrenia. The dysregulation of apolipoproteins (Apos) may also play a role in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia via their effect on cerebral cholesterol processing.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Aim〈/h6〉 〈p〉The aim of this study was to investigate serum Apos A1, C3, E, A2 and C2 concentration in schizophrenia patients with or without MetS in comparison to healthy donors.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Methods〈/h6〉 〈p〉After obtaining informed consent, 53 patients with a diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia according to ICD-10 criteria (F20) were included. Patients were divided into two groups with (N = 26) and without (N = 27) MetS according to the criteria of the International Diabetes Federation. The control group included 20 mentally and physically healthy subjects. Serum Apos A1, A2, C2, C3 and E were measured using xMAP technology (Luminex).〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Results〈/h6〉 〈p〉Serum ApoA1 was significantly decreased in patients with schizophrenia compared to healthy subjects (p = 0.002); ApoA2 was lower in patients without MetS in comparison to patients with MetS (p = 0.017) and the levels of ApoC3 and ApoC2 were increased in patients with schizophrenia with MetS in comparison with the control group and also with patients without MetS. No other significant differences were established concerning the other assayed apolipoproteins.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Conclusions〈/h6〉 〈p〉In line with literature data the results of our study suggest that while disturbances in ApoA1 level may play a role in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia, ApoA2, ApoC2, ApoC3 and ApoE may be primarily related to metabolic imbalance.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: July 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 5, Issue 7〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Sagar S. Arya, Mansi M. Sharma, Ratul K. Das, James Rookes, David Cahill, Sangram K. Lenka〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a serious concern in pathogenic bacteria. As a new approach to addressing AMR, we report here the green synthesis of vanillin capped gold nanoparticles (VAuNPs) using the popular flavouring molecule vanillin (C〈sub〉8〈/sub〉H〈sub〉8〈/sub〉O〈sub〉3〈/sub〉) as a reducing and capping agent. Physicochemical characterization revealed that the synthesised VAuNPs were stable and crystalline in nature. VAuNPs were non-bactericidal even at high concentration (〉2000 μg/ml). The antibiotic potentiation activity was studied in combination with seven widely used antibiotics against extremely drug resistant (XDR) 〈em〉Pseudomonas aeruginosa〈/em〉. Major reductions in minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC, 10–14-folds) of the antibiotics meropenem (10 fold) and trimethoprim (14 fold) were observed in the presence of VAuNPs (50 μg/ml). Furthermore, it was found that VAuNPs in combination with meropenem or trimethoprim provided 1.5–3-fold better potentiation effects than that of vanillin alone. Use of an ethidium bromide agar cart wheel assay indicated that VAuNPs can block the activity of efflux pumps. High reduction in the MIC of antibiotics was therefore attributed to the efflux pump repression activity of VAuNPs. Further, RT-qPCR of clinically relevant MexAB-OprM efflux pump components showed down-regulation in 〈em〉mexB〈/em〉 and 〈em〉OprM〈/em〉 transcripts in VAuNPs treated 〈em〉P. aeruginosa〈/em〉 clinical isolates. Our results reveal that VAuNPs impart susceptibility to the last line antibiotics meropenem, trimethoprim and few widely used antibiotics in XDR 〈em〉P. aeruginosa〈/em〉 clinical isolates that display resistance to these antibiotics. Therefore, this study indicate the ability of VAuNPs and vanillin to be used as antibiotic adjuvants for inhibiting bacterial efflux pumps to potentiate antibiotics for addressing AMR problem affecting human health and environment.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: July 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 5, Issue 7〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Emiliano Felici, Chien C. Wang, Cristian Casado, Ana Vicario, Víctor Pereyra, María R. Gómez〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉In this paper, a green analytical methodology based on fluorescence derivatization is proposed for the anti-helminthic drug monitoring ivermectin as environmental emergent contaminant. After sample clean-up, ivermectin was converted into a highly fluorescent derivative through a catalytic oxidation process followed by dehydration and tautomerization. Under optimal experimental conditions, a linear response was obtained for ivermectin within the range 0.38–600 μg L〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉, with detection and quantification limits of 0.11 and 0.38 μg L〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉, both values are lower than other previously reported. This method has been applied for ivermectin determination in environmental water samples at trace levels, showing its potential for contamination monitoring.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: July 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 5, Issue 7〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Zemenu Bires, Sahil Raj〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉This study has investigated the factors that determine the conservation of one of the major ecosystem in Ethiopia, Lake Tana Biosphere Reserve, using primarily quantitative followed by qualitative approach to provide adequate results of the problem under study. The study has employed the descriptive design and a total of 305 samples from rural households (n = 159) and tourism-related enterprises (n = 146) were selected based on a stratified random sampling technique. Samples were drawn based on their direct attachment either in their livelihood and possess a responsibility to the study area. Data were collected through questionnaires, observation, focus group discussion, unstructured interview and secondary data was consulted. Exploratory factor analysis was used to extract dimensions for environmental awareness. Binary logistic regression was used to analyze data using SPSS version 23. Ten Socio-demographic variables of samples were used as an independent variable and environmental conservation dimensions as dependent variables. The result revealed that out of the 10 variables employed in the analysis, six variables were found significant. Hence, marital status, household size, income source, household income, membership to club and resident location were found to be significant. Qualitative analysis revealed wrong reports for political consumption driven little government attention and lack of integrated natural resource management policy and plan were major factors hindering conservation. A vivid and holistic destination management policy making with enough room to stakeholders' involvement shall be a prior task for the government for better conservation of the ecosystem and sustainable development.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: July 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 5, Issue 7〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Yogendra Kumar, Panchanan Pramanik, Dipak Kumar Das〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Some electrodes for efficient detection of paracetamol and dopamine were developed from nano sized material of cobalt ferrite (np-CoFe〈sub〉2〈/sub〉O〈sub〉4〈/sub〉) and manganese ferrite (np-MnFe〈sub〉2〈/sub〉O〈sub〉4〈/sub〉). These oxides were synthesized by combustion method using cobalt nitrate, manganese acetate and ferric nitrate as precursors in the presence of sugar and ethanolamine. The crystallite size, shape and morphology of nano material were characterized by X-ray diffraction pattern (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) techniques. The crystallite sizes of synthesized nano-particles (nps) were in the range from 10 to 12 nm (calculated using Debye-Scherrer equation) with cubic crystal system. These particles were utilized as electrode modified with graphite for simultaneous detection of paracetamol and dopamine through cyclic voltammetry and Differential pulse voltammetry techniques and was found to be superior to reported literatures. The minimum detection limit of paracetamol and dopamine at CoFe〈sub〉2〈/sub〉O〈sub〉4〈/sub〉/GP electrode were 250 nM and 350 nM while at MnFe〈sub〉2〈/sub〉O〈sub〉4〈/sub〉/GP electrode it was 300 nM and 400 nM, respectively. Both the electrodes exhibited the linearity range from3 μM to 200 μM & 3 μM–160 μM for paracetamol and 3 μM–180 μM & 5 μM to 200 for dopamine, respectively. Two oxidation peaks of paracetamol and dopamine were well separated in phosphate buffer (pH = 6) in mixture with 100 mVs〈sup〉-1〈/sup〉 and 50 mVs〈sup〉-1〈/sup〉 scan rate for cyclic voltammetry and Differential pulse voltammetry, respectively. Both the electrodes demonstrated satisfactory results in real samples of paracetamol and dopamine.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: July 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 5, Issue 7〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Ahmed A. Abdurahman, Eshetu E. Chaka, Mohammed H. Bule, Kamal Niaz〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Background & aim〈/h6〉 〈p〉Concurrent estimates on the magnitude and evidence on the determinants of complementary feeding (CF) practices in Ethiopia are currently disparate. Hence, this systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the magnitude and determinants of CF among children age 6–23 months in Ethiopia.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Methods〈/h6〉 〈p〉Studies from various databases published until July 2018 were identified, selected, extracted and assessed for risk of bias by two authors independently. A random-effects model was used to pool the prevalence and odds ratios (ORs).〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Results〈/h6〉 〈p〉26 studies with 17, 383 children were included. The pooled prevalence estimate of timely initiated CF, minimum dietary diversity (DD), minimum meal frequency and minimum acceptable diet were 61.0%, 18.0%, 56.0%, and 10.0% respectively. The pooled prevalence of timely initiation and minimum DD were higher in Northern Ethiopia. On the other hand, except for the minimum meal frequency, all the three core indicators of CF were better in urban than rural settings. Child age, maternal and/or paternal education, paternal involvement, maternal DD, antenatal and postnatal care, and place of delivery were the main determinants that can increase appropriate CF practices.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Conclusion〈/h6〉 〈p〉The reported estimates of the prevalence of core CF indicators in Ethiopia remained poor. Therefore, the authors would like to acknowledge the effort that has been done by the minister of health and its partners including Alive & Thrive to improving CF practices in the country, however, these programs should be done more thoroughly, and scaled up by applying and adapting tested, proven approaches and tools in contexts.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: July 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 5, Issue 7〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Carolina Gonzaga Carvalho, Richard Bresler, Ying Xuan Zhi, Hisham Alshaer, John T. Granton, Clodagh M. Ryan〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Objectives〈/h6〉 〈p〉Our aims were to evaluate HRV in pulmonary hypertension (WHO Group 1 and 4) compared to control subjects, and to assess whether the presence of sleep apnea in those with pulmonary hypertension would be deleterious and cause greater impairment in HRV.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Methods〈/h6〉 〈p〉This retrospective case-control study analyzed electrocardiogram segments obtained from diagnostic polysomnography.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Results〈/h6〉 〈p〉Forty-one pulmonary hypertension patients were compared to 41 age, sex and apnea-hypopnea index matched healthy controls. The pulmonary hypertension group had decreased high frequency, very low frequency, low frequency, and percentage of normal R-R intervals that differ by 〉 50 ms compared to control subjects. Moderate to severe right ventricle dysfunction on echocardiography was a predictor of lower high frequency in pulmonary hypertension patients.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Conclusions〈/h6〉 〈p〉There were no differences in any HRV measures in pulmonary hypertension patients with or without sleep apnea. Impaired HRV was demonstrated in pulmonary hypertension patients however, the presence of sleep apnea did not appear to further reduce vagal modulation.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: July 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 5, Issue 7〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Francisco González Santa Cruz, Juan Choque Tito, Jesús Claudio Pérez-Gálvez, Miguel Jesús Medina-Viruel〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Gastronomy allows tourists to discover the cultural roots of the destination, thus being one of the motivations for its choice and even becoming a fundamental factor in the analysis of the overall satisfaction of the tourist experience. This research is focused on the analysis of the gastronomic experiences of foreign tourists who visit the city of Oruro (Bolivia). The main results of this research show a segmentation of travellers on the basis of their perceptions regarding the gastronomic experiences in this city into three different groups (survivors, enjoyers, and experiencers). Additionally, the study concludes that these gastronomic experiences are highly related to the motivations that the travellers have to discover a specific destination, and that their level of satisfaction with these experiences is highly connected to the relationship that gastronomy has with the cultural heritage of the local community.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: July 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 5, Issue 7〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Oluwamayowa Olalekan Iredele〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉This paper examines the quality of integrated reports of listed firms in South Africa and the associated factors. Data were obtained from a sample comprising 100 firm-year observations of 20 companies in Johannesburg Stock Exchange over the period (2013–2017). Analysis of data involves descriptive statistics, spearman rank correlation analysis and Kruskal-Wallis H test. The result shows a significant relationship between the quality and length of integrated reports. Firms vary in the level of quality of their integrated reports on the account of differences in profitability, board size, gender and firm size. No significant relationship was found between quality of integrated reports and leverage. The result of this study indicates that the length of the integrated report signals the level of quality of such report, which may be necessary in disclosing all material matters to satisfy the needs of a wide range of stakeholders.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: July 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 5, Issue 7〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): R. Sharma〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉The aim of this work is to investigate the effect of angle of incident light on the performance of silicon solar cell. In this regard, numerical calculations have been performed to obtain the reflectance for double layer antireflection coating (DLARC) of Si〈sub〉3〈/sub〉N〈sub〉4〈/sub〉 at various angles of incidence (i.e.〈math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" altimg="si1.svg"〉〈mrow〉〈msup〉〈mrow〉〈mn〉0〈/mn〉〈/mrow〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉o〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈/msup〉〈mo〉,〈/mo〉〈msup〉〈mrow〉〈mn〉15〈/mn〉〈/mrow〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉o〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈/msup〉〈mo〉,〈/mo〉〈mspace width="0.25em"〉〈/mspace〉〈msup〉〈mrow〉〈mn〉30〈/mn〉〈/mrow〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉o〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈/msup〉〈mo〉,〈/mo〉〈mspace width="0.25em"〉〈/mspace〉〈msup〉〈mrow〉〈mn〉45〈/mn〉〈/mrow〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉o〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈/msup〉〈mo〉,〈/mo〉〈mspace width="0.25em"〉〈/mspace〉〈mi〉a〈/mi〉〈mi〉n〈/mi〉〈mi〉d〈/mi〉〈mspace width="0.25em"〉〈/mspace〉〈msup〉〈mrow〉〈mn〉60〈/mn〉〈/mrow〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉o〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈/msup〉〈/mrow〉〈/math〉) using transfer matrix method. Reflectances obtained, are found to increases with increase in angle of incidence. Calculated reflectances have been further used in the PC1D simulator as external reflectance files to study the performance of silicon solar cell. As a result of the simulation, the conversion efficiency (and short circuit current) of solar cell is found to decrease by 1.7% (0.062 mA/cm〈sup〉2〈/sup〉) with increase in angle of incidence from 〈math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" altimg="si2.svg"〉〈mrow〉〈msup〉〈mrow〉〈mn〉0〈/mn〉〈/mrow〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉o〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈/msup〉〈mspace width="0.25em"〉〈/mspace〉〈mi〉t〈/mi〉〈mi〉o〈/mi〉〈mspace width="0.25em"〉〈/mspace〉〈msup〉〈mrow〉〈mn〉60〈/mn〉〈/mrow〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉o〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈/msup〉〈/mrow〉〈/math〉.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: July 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 5, Issue 7〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Saleem Ali Banihani〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Testosterone is an anabolic steroid and the principal sex hormone in males. Maintaining adequate levels of testosterone throughout the life span of male is very desirable, especially it is now well-known that low levels of testosterone is associated with various aging diseases/disorders. Therefore, still, so many research studies have focused on enhancing serum levels of testosterone in males. Here, we intended to systematically discuss and present the impact of honey on serum levels of testosterone in males. This was conducted by searching PubMed, Scopus, and Embase electronic databases for research articles from May 1993 through April 2019 using the keywords “honey” and “honeybee” versus “testosterone”. Moreover, references from relevant published articles were also reviewed and cited to frame an integral discussion, conclusion, and future research needs. In conclusion, the collective evidence, which is mainly based on in vivo system studies, reveals that oral administration of honey increases serum testosterone level in males. Mechanistically, honey may increase serum level of testosterone by increasing the production of luteinizing hormone, enhancing the viability of Leydig cells, reducing oxidative damage in Leydig cells, enhancing StAR gene expression, and inhibiting aromatase activity in the testes. However, further research studies on humans, mainly clinical trials, in this specific research approach are still needed to confirm the effect of honey on testosterone.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: September 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 92〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Pengfei Chu, Libo He, Cheng Yang, Wencheng Zeng, Rong Huang, Lanjie Liao, Yongming Li, Zuoyan Zhu, Yaping Wang〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Autophagy is an essential and conserved process that plays an important role in physiological homeostasis, adaptive response to stress and the immune response. Autophagy-related proteins (ATGs) are key components of the autophagic machinery. In the study, grass carp (〈em〉Ctenopharyngodon idella〈/em〉) autophagy-related gene 5 (〈em〉ATG5〈/em〉) and 12 (〈em〉ATG12〈/em〉) were identified. In the gill and intestine, 〈em〉ATG5〈/em〉 and 〈em〉ATG12〈/em〉 were highly expressed, but after grass carp reovirus (GCRV) infection, they were decreased significantly. In 〈em〉Ctenopharyngodon idella〈/em〉 kidney (CIK) cells, the sharp variation of 〈em〉ATG5〈/em〉 and 〈em〉ATG12〈/em〉 expression was observed after poly(I:C) infection. Subcellular localisation showed that ATG5 and ATG12 were evenly distributed in the cytoplasm and nucleus. However, the interaction between ATG5 and ATG12 was only found in cytoplasm in both 293T cells and CIK cells. In addition, the overexpression of ATG5 or ATG12 in 293T cells showed enhanced autophagy, and autophagic process was facilitated when ATG5 and ATG12 were simultaneously overexpressed. Dual-luciferase activity assay indicated that both ATG5 and ATG12 remarkably suppressed the promoter activity of 〈em〉IRF3〈/em〉, 〈em〉IRF7〈/em〉, and 〈em〉IFN-I〈/em〉. Further, ATG5 and ATG12 conjugate showed far stronger inhibitory affection on the expression of 〈em〉IFN-I〈/em〉 than either ATG5 or ATG12 in response to poly(I:C) or GCRV infection. Taken together, the results demonstrate that grass carp ATG5 and ATG12 play an important role in innate immunity and autophagy.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: September 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 92〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Chao Xu, Wen-Bin Liu, Sofie Charlotte Remø, Bing-Ke Wang, Hua-Juan Shi, Li Zhang, Jia-Dai Liu, Xiang-Fei Li〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉This study investigated the effects of restricted feeding on the growth performance, oxidative stress and inflammation of 〈em〉Megalobrama amblycephala〈/em〉 fed high-carbohydrate (HC) diets. Fish (46.94 ± 0.04 g) were randomly assigned to four groups containing the satiation of a control diet (30% carbohydrate) and three satiate levels (100% (HC1), 80% (HC2) and 60% (HC3)) of the HC diets (43% carbohydrate) for 8 weeks. Results showed that HC1 diet remarkably decreased final weight (FW), weight gain rate (WGR), specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion ratio (FCR), hepatic activities of total anti-oxidation capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), the AMP/ATP ratio, the p-AMPKα/t-AMPKα ratio, sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) protein expression and hepatic transcriptions of AMPKα2, SIRT1, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), catalase (CAT), manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD), glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx1) and interleukin10 (IL 10) compared to the control group, whereas the opposite was true for protein efficiency ratio (PER), nitrogen retention efficiency (NRE), energy retention efficiency (ERE), plasma glucose levels, alanine transaminase (AST) and aspartate aminotransferase (ALT) activities, hepatic contents of malondialdehyde (MDA), tumour necrosis factor α (TNF α) and interleukin 1β (IL 1β), ATP and AMP contents and hepatic transcriptions of kelch-like ECH associating protein 1 (Keap1), IkB kinase α (IKK α), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), TNF α, IL 1β, interleukin 6 (IL 6) and transforming growth factor β (TGF β). As for the HC groups, fish fed the HC2 diet obtained relatively high values of SGR, PER, NRE, ERE, hepatic activities of T-AOC, SOD and CAT, the AMP/ATP ratio, the p-AMPKα/t-AMPKα ratio, SIRT1 protein expression and hepatic transcriptions of AMPKα2, Nrf2, CAT, copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD), Mn-SOD, GPx1, glutathione S-transferase (GST) and interleukin10 (IL 10), while the opposite was true for hepatic content of IL 6 and transcription of IKK α. Overall, an 80% satiation improved the growth performance and alleviated the oxidative stress and inflammation of blunt snout bream fed HC diets via the activation of the AMPK-SIRT1 pathway and the up-regulation of the activities and transcriptions of Nrf2-modulated antioxidant enzymes coupled with the depression of the levels and transcriptions of the NF-κB-mediated pro-inflammatory cytokines.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: September 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 92〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Jiangfan Zhang, Chuanju Dong, Junchang Feng, Junpeng Li, Shengjie Li, Jianxin Feng, Xiaodi Duan, Gaigai Sun, Peng Xu, Xuejun Li〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈em〉HIFs〈/em〉 (Hypoxia inducible factors) are the main regulators of the expression change of oxygen-dependent genes, in addition, they also play important roles in immune regulation. 〈em〉HIFs〈/em〉 participate in infectious diseases and inflammatory responses, providing us a new therapeutic target for the treatment of diseases. In this study, 16 〈em〉HIFs〈/em〉 were identified in common carp genome database. Comparative genomics analysis showed large expansion of 〈em〉HIF〈/em〉 gene family and approved the four round whole genome duplication (WGD) event in common carp. To further understand the function of 〈em〉HIFs〈/em〉, the domain architectures were predicted. All HIF proteins had the conserved HLH-PAS domain, which were essential for them to form dimer and bind to the downstream targets. The differences in domain of HIFα and HIFβ might result in their different functions. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all 〈em〉HIFs〈/em〉 were divided into two subfamilies and the 〈em〉HIFs〈/em〉 in common carp were clustered with their teleost counterparts indicating they are highly conservative during evolution. In addition, the tissue distribution was examined by RT-PCR showed that most of 〈em〉HIF〈/em〉 genes had a wide range of tissue distribution but exhibited tissue-specific expression patterns. The expression divergences were observed between the copy genes, for example, 〈em〉HIF1A-1〈/em〉, 〈em〉HIF2A-1〈/em〉, 〈em〉ARNT-〈/em〉2 had wide tissue distribution while their copies had limited tissue distribution, proving the function divergence of copies post the WGD event. In order to find an effective activation of 〈em〉HIFs〈/em〉 and apply to treatment of aquatic diseases, we investigate the dietary supplementation effects of different strains of 〈em〉Lactococcus lactis〈/em〉 on the expression of 〈em〉HIFα〈/em〉 subfamily members in kidney of common carp infected with 〈em〉A. hydrophila〈/em〉. In addition, all of the 〈em〉HIF〈/em〉 genes have a high expression in the early stages of infection, and decreased in the treatment time point of 48 h in common carp. This phenomenon confirms that as a switch, the main function of 〈em〉HIFs〈/em〉 is to regulate the production of immune response factors in early infection. So activation of the switch may be an effective method for infectious disease treatment. As expected, the treatment groups improved the expression of 〈em〉HIFs〈/em〉 compared with the control group, and the effects of the three strains are different. The strain1 of 〈em〉L. lactis〈/em〉 had a stronger induction on 〈em〉HIF〈/em〉 genes than strain2 and strain3, and it might be applied as a potential activation of 〈em〉HIF〈/em〉 genes for disease treatment. So, adding befitting 〈em〉L. lactis〈/em〉 maybe a well method to activate the 〈em〉HIF〈/em〉 genes to protect them from mycobacterial infection.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: September 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 92〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): K.A.S.N. Shanaka, M.D. Neranjan Tharuka, Thanthrige Thiunuwan Priyathilaka, Jehee Lee〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Viperin, also known as RSAD2 (Radical S-adenosyl methionine domain containing 2), is an interferon-induced endoplasmic reticulum-associated antiviral protein. Previous studies have shown that viperin levels are elevated in the presence of viral RNA, but it has rarely been characterized in marine organisms. This study was designed to functionally characterize rockfish viperin (〈em〉SsVip〈/em〉), to examine the effects of different immune stimulants on its expression, and to determine its subcellular localization. SsVip is a 349 amino acid protein with a predicted molecular mass of 40.24 kDa. It contains an S-adenosyl 〈span〉l〈/span〉-methionine binding conserved domain with a CNYKCGFC sequence. Unchallenged tissue expression analysis using quantitative real time PCR (qPCR) revealed 〈em〉SsVip〈/em〉 expression to be the highest in the blood, followed by the spleen. When challenged with poly I:C, 〈em〉SsVip〈/em〉 was upregulated by approximately 60-fold in the blood after 24 h, and approximately 50-fold in the spleen after 12 h. Notable upregulation was detected throughout the poly I:C challenge experiment in both tissues. Significant expression of 〈em〉SsVip〈/em〉 was detected in the blood following 〈em〉Streptococcus iniae〈/em〉 and lipopolysaccharide challenge, and viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV) gene transcription was significantly downregulated during SsVip overexpression. Furthermore, cell viability assay and virus titer quantification with the presence of SsVip revealed a significant reduction in virus replication. As with previously identified viperin counterparts, SsVip was localized in the endoplasmic reticulum. Our findings show that SsVip is an antiviral protein crucial to innate immune defense.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: August 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 5, Issue 8〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): C. Coomansingh-Springer, V. Vishakha, A. Montanez Acuna, E. Armstrong, R.N. Sharma〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉 〈p〉This study identified the endoparasites in Brown rat (〈em〉Rattus norvegicus)〈/em〉 during May to July 2017 in Grenada, West Indies. A total of 162 rats, 76 females and 86 males were trapped from St. George and St. David parishes in Grenada. The collected fecal samples were examined for parasitic eggs and/or oocysts using simple fecal flotation technique. Adult parasites found in the intestinal tract were examined for identification. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites among rats was 79 %.〈/p〉 〈p〉Ten helminth species were recovered, several of which were reported for the first time in rodents in Grenada. The internal parasites consist of seven nematodes (〈em〉Angiostrongylus〈/em〉 spp., 〈em〉Nippostrongylus braziliensis〈/em〉, 〈em〉Heterakis spumosa〈/em〉, 〈em〉Strongyloides ratti〈/em〉, 〈em〉Aspiculuris tetraptera〈/em〉, 〈em〉Syphacia〈/em〉 spp. and 〈em〉Protospirura〈/em〉 spp.), one cestode (〈em〉Hymenolepsis diminuta〈/em〉), one acanthocephalan (〈em〉Moniliformis moniliformis〈/em〉) and one protozoa species (〈em〉Eimeria〈/em〉 spp.). The most prevalent zoonotic species were 〈em〉Angiostrongylus〈/em〉 spp. (35.2%), 〈em〉Hymenolepsis diminuta〈/em〉 (7.4%) and 〈em〉Moniliformis moniliformis〈/em〉 (3.1%). Several nonzoonotic endoparasites; which included 〈em〉Nippostrongylus braziliensis〈/em〉 (50.6%), 〈em〉Heterakis spumosa〈/em〉 (15.4%), 〈em〉Strongyloides ratti〈/em〉 (43.2%), 〈em〉Aspiculuris tetraptera〈/em〉 (2.5%), 〈em〉Syphacia〈/em〉 spp〈em〉.〈/em〉 (1.9%), 〈em〉Protospirura〈/em〉 spp. (1.2%) and 〈em〉Eimeria〈/em〉 spp. (4.7%) were also identified. The most prevalent parasites were 〈em〉Nippostrongylus brasiliensis〈/em〉 (50.6%), 〈em〉Strongyloides ratti〈/em〉 (43.2%) and 〈em〉Angiostrongylus spp.〈/em〉 (35.2%). Co-infections occurred with up to six species per rat showing different combinations of parasitic infections.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: August 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 5, Issue 8〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): R.M. Dodo, T. Ause, E.T. Dauda, U. Shehu, A.P.I. Popoola〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉This study investigates the possibility of multi-objective optimization in the transesterification of mahogany seed oil (MSO). The Taguchi method together with Grey relational analysis (GRA) was used to maximize both percent fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) yield and heat transfer coefficient (HTC). It was found that methanol to oil molar ratio was the factor that contributed the most in obtaining high percent FAME (ester) yield and HTC. Employing the following conditions: 32.6 wt% methanol (9:1 methanol to oil molar ratio), 0.5 wt% catalyst, 60 °C temperature and 300 rpm agitation was found to offer an improved percent ester yield and HTC. A confirmatory test resulted in an ester yield of 90.1 % and HTC up to 153.0 W/m〈sup〉2〈/sup〉K. The structure of the optimized transesterified mahogany seed oil (TM) was confirmed by FTIR analysis. In the event of comparison, TM, raw mahogany seed oil (FM) and SAE40 were analyzed by cooling curve analyses. TM identified to have superior quenching performance.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: August 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 5, Issue 8〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Nguyen Ngoc Bao Chau, Nguyen Thi Phung Kieu, Nguyen Van Tri Dung, Nguyen Bao Quoc, Truong Kim Phuong〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Parasitoids are important biological control of crop pests. In Vietnam, 〈em〉Cotesia vestalis〈/em〉 is a native wasp species that has demonstrated its applicability as a natural insect pest enemy. Many adult parasitoids require food resources such as nectar and pollen to optimize their life cycles. Potential effects of yellow cosmos (〈em〉Cosmos sulphureus〈/em〉), shrub verbena flower (〈em〉Lantana camara〈/em〉), common zinnia (〈em〉Zinnia elegans〈/em〉), and coriander flower (〈em〉Coriandrum sativum〈/em〉 L.) on the longevity and parasitism of 〈em〉C. vestalis〈/em〉 were investigated. Results showed that nutrition resources from yellow cosmos (〈em〉C. sulphureus〈/em〉) and shrub verbena flower (〈em〉Lantana camara〈/em〉) significantly increased the longevity of 〈em〉C. vestalis〈/em〉 in comparison with water (P 〈 0.001). Kaplan-Meier estimates of survival functions of female 〈em〉Cotesia vestalis〈/em〉 exposed to different food sources indicated a significant difference in the treatments (P 〈 0.01). Male and female wasps feeding on 〈em〉Cosmos sulphureus〈/em〉, 〈em〉Lantana camara〈/em〉, and 〈em〉Coriandrum sativum〈/em〉 survived significantly longer than wasps fed on water or 〈em〉Zinnia elegans.〈/em〉 Parasitism efficiency of 〈em〉C. vestalis〈/em〉 was tested on diamondback moth 〈em〉Plutella xylostella〈/em〉 (L.) larvae for different food resources. 〈em〉Cosmos sulphureus〈/em〉, 〈em〉Lantana camara, Coriandrum sativum〈/em〉 treatments gave the different mean number of emergence parasitoids per day compared to water treatment. Results implied that food resources from flowers benefitted the longevity of 〈em〉C. vestalis〈/em〉.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: August 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 5, Issue 8〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Jordan P. Howell, Katherine Schmidt, Brooke Iacone, Giavanni Rizzo, Christina Parrilla〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Reliable data about collection, volume, tonnage, stream composition, and disposal price have long been described as key components of successful solid waste management planning. Yet, concerns about data quality and quantity have continued to limit even the most sincere, progressive waste management schemes. This paper examines solid waste management data that has been collected in the US state of New Jersey starting in the 1960s. We present the origins of waste management data collection in New Jersey and trace some of the applications that have been made with the data over time. We compare the New Jersey dataset to waste management data that has been collected in other US states. We then describe our work collecting, cleaning, and preparing for public dissemination and use in a geospatial visualization exercise a digital version of the data spanning approximately 1993 to 2016, before presenting some illustrations of the type of modeling and analysis that researchers or the concerned public would be able to undertake now that the dataset is available. (We are publishing the 1993–2016 dataset alongside this paper). We argue that the New Jersey waste management dataset is much better than most other waste datasets in the US, but despite this fairly high quality, there remain significant gaps which inhibit the ability of planners to design and implement comprehensive waste management plans. That there are limits inherent to the New Jersey dataset suggests, we argue, a ceiling to the usefulness of waste management data as a category of environmental knowledge with possible implications for ‘big’ environmental data more broadly.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: August 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 5, Issue 8〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Daisuke Kurumazuka, Kento Kitada, Ryosuke Tanaka, Tatsuhiko Mori, Mamoru Ohkita, Masanori Takaoka, Yasuo Matsumura〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Aim〈/h6〉 〈p〉α-Lipoic acid exerts a powerful antioxidant effect by acting as a free radical scavenger and inducing endogenous antioxidants such as vitamin E and glutathione. In the present study, we examined the effects of α-lipoic acid on cardiac dysfunction in rat hearts with aortocaval fistulae.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Main methods〈/h6〉 〈p〉Aortocaval fistulae were created between the abdominal aorta and inferior vena cava in male rats. Hemodynamic parameters were measured 14 days after surgery using an intravascular pressure transducer, and then these hearts were harvested for tissue weight measurement, pathological evaluation, and mRNA isolation.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Results〈/h6〉 〈p〉In vehicle-treated rats, left ventricular end-diastolic pressure and left ventricular weight significantly increased at 14 days after fistula creation. Fistula-creation resulted in expression of 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal, NADPH oxidase subunit p67〈sup〉phox〈/sup〉 and BNP mRNA in a time-dependent manner in the left ventricle.〈/p〉 〈p〉Long-term treatment (initiated 2 days before surgery, and continued for 14 days after fistula creation; days -2 to 14) with α-lipoic acid (30 mg/kg/day) markedly suppressed the increases in left and right ventricular weight, and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure. α-Lipoic acid treatment from days -2 to 14 prominently prevented the expression of 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal and NADPH oxidase subunit p67〈sup〉phox〈/sup〉, and significantly raised BNP mRNA levels. Short-term treatment with α-lipoic acid from day - 2 to 7 was effective in preventing cardiac enlargement and dysfunction, similar to long-term treatment, but treatment from days 7–14 was not effective.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Conclusions〈/h6〉 〈p〉Treatment with α-lipoic acid can prevent cardiac hyperplasia and dysfunction, probably by inhibiting superoxide production and enhancing BNP mRNA expression in an early phase after fistula creation.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: August 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 5, Issue 8〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Randa R. Elmorsi, Khaled S. Abou-El-Sherbini, Gamal Abdel-Hafiz Mostafa, Mohamed A. Hamed〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Lake Manzala is the largest and most productive lake of Egypt's northern coastal lakes and has socio-economic impacts. Pollution by heavy metals is the most significant type of pollution worldwide, particularly in Lake Manzala, which receives mixed discharges from densely populated areas. Water samples were collected at twelve sites around the lake in winter and summer of 2015. Samples of 〈em〉Eichhornia crassipes〈/em〉 were collected in the winter, and 〈em〉Oreochromis niloticus〈/em〉 samples were collected at two sites (8 and 10). V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn were analysed in these samples using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The average metal concentrations were below the internationally accepted upper permissible limits and are improved compared to those in previous studies. However, the metal concentrations at the eastern and southeastern sites were higher than the allowable limits due to multiple waste discharges. Pollution assessment using pollution risk indicators indicated low to moderate concentrations of metal enrichment in the sediment and biota of the lake, except at sites near the eastern and southeastern drains; these latter sites were considered to be hazardous and should be taken into account in the current development efforts of the lake. Complete removal of floating plants transported by drains is recommended〈em〉.〈/em〉〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: August 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 5, Issue 8〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Fatemeh Gh.Barkish, Rostam Jalali, Amir Jalali〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Background〈/h6〉 〈p〉A diagnosis of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection causes a wide range of mental challenges regarding the meaning and understanding of such a diagnosis because of the specific nature of HIV and its social consequences. AIDS patients perceived their disease as multidimensional Stigma and rejection and even discrimination and insult in receiving health services. Therefore, a deep awareness and understanding of an individual's meaning and interpretation of a HIV-positive diagnosis and their relevant experiences are essential for providing better care.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Objective〈/h6〉 〈p〉This study aimed to examine the attitude, understanding, and interpretation of a positive diagnosis of HIV.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Methods〈/h6〉 〈p〉The present qualitative study was based on the descriptive phenomenological method. Participants included 13 HIV-positive patients who had been referred to the Kermanshah Counseling Center for Behavioral Diseases in Iran and diagnosed at most 6 months before being interviewed. The data were collected via semi-structured in-depth interviews.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Results〈/h6〉 〈p〉The continuous analyses of the data and the interview notes resulted in the identification of five main themes: contagious disease with two subthemes Illness and Harm to others, new self with a Crisis of identity subtheme, disappointment with the life ending and impending death subtheme, unmentionable disease with two subthemes secretive and horrifying diseases, and loss with Frustration subtheme.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Conclusion〈/h6〉 〈p〉Because the attitudes and behaviors of other people, such as relatives and people in society had a negative impact on the participants' mental status, as well as on their perceptions and understanding about the positive diagnosis, the focus of care for people with HIV/AIDS should shift from therapeutic issues to socio-cultural ones. These issues play a major role in forming an individual's understanding of HIV and can be a vital factor in improving their activities and adaptations to a positive diagnosis.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: August 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 5, Issue 8〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): P. Ganesh Kumar, D. Sakthivadivel, M. Meikandan, V.S. Vigneswaran, R. Velraj〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉The main aim of this present work is to explore the influence of dispersion of MWCNTs in a mixture of water-solar glycol (70:30) on its electrical conductivity and thermophysical properties such as density, rheology and thermal conductivity. The MWCNTs were seeded with a various weight percentage of 0.15, 0.3 and 0.45 via a common two-stage synthesis technique. The homogeneous stability of MWCNTs based nanofluids was confirmed by high-resolution scanning electron microscopy and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. The density of solar glycol and H〈sub〉2〈/sub〉O mixture based MWCNTs nanofluids were measured with standard borosil volumetric flask via weighing balance mechanism and the experimental findings displayed a good agreement with the well-known correlation of Pak and Cho owing to the natural packing of H〈sub〉2〈/sub〉O inside the nanomaterial in a limited quantity. The thermal conductivity of 0.45 wt. % MWCNTs seeding got augmented by 19.12% at ambient temperature while the electrical conductivity got augmented by 93.54% at 50 °C. Therefore, the augmentation in the thermal conductivity of water/solar glycol mixture with 0.45 wt. % MWCNTs seeding is because of the kinetics of nanomaterial accumulation and fluid layering. In addition, mathematical correlations were recommended for estimating the ratio of the thermal conductivity and viscosity of the nanofluid at different weight fractions.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: August 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 5, Issue 8〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Sahar Zare, Abdollah Derakhshandeh, Masoud Haghkhah, Zahra Naziri, Azar Motamedi Broujeni〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈em〉Staphylococcus aureus〈/em〉 is an opportunistic bacterium which is carried as a normal flora organism but has a major role in the epidemiology and pathogenesis of different staphylococcal infections in humans and animals. Fifty 〈em〉S. aureus〈/em〉 isolated from banknotes, foods, human infections and bovine mastitis were subjected to DNA fingerprinting by randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis to examine their genotypic polymorphism and investigate the amount of genetic relatedness among these various isolates. At 100% RAPD profile similarity level, isolates were classified into four, five and seven groups of the same clone, according to the RAPDPCR with OLP6, OLP11 and OLP13 primers, respectively. Amplification of the isolates resulted in several polymorphic bands ranged from 〉50 to 〉1500 bp in size. Maximum number of bands was obtained by primer OLP13 which produced seven bands in bovine mastitis isolates. Most polymorphisms were observed in isolates of bovine mastitis and the lowest were associated with human infections isolates. There was no relationship between the RAPD patterns and the sources of isolates, except the three clusters which showed host specificity and only included the strains from the same sources. The results confirm the wide genotypic diversity of the studied 〈em〉S. aureus〈/em〉 strains. RAPD-PCR technique can be a valuable tool for assessing the genetic relationship, detection of polymorphism in 〈em〉S. aureus〈/em〉 and tracing the sources and management of 〈em〉S. aureus〈/em〉 infections.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: August 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 5, Issue 8〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): M. Ijaz, M. Ayub〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉This article investigates the mixed convective flow of Jeffrey fluid near the axisymmetric stagnation point over an inclined permeable stretching cylinder. Analysis subjected to Cattaneo-Christov heat flux, thermal stratification and homogeneous-heterogeneous reactions are accounted. Suitable transformations are employed to obtain nonlinear ordinary differential system. Non-dimensional system is computed by Homotopy technique. Graphs and tables are constructed to analyze the influence of different flow parameters on temperature, concentration and velocity fields. The interpretation of skin friction coefficient is deliberated. It is noticed from obtained results that temperature is a decreasing function of thermal stratification parameter. Reverse behaviour of concentration is witnessed for higher estimations of homogeneous and heterogeneous parameters. Numerical results are compared with previous published results and found to be in good agreement for special casesof the emerging parameters.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: August 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 5, Issue 8〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Sarita Morakul, Yuichi Otsuka, Kiyoshi Ohnuma, Motohiro Tagaya, Satoshi Motozuka, Yukio Miyashita, Yoshiharu Mutoh〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉The aim of this study was to reveal the mechanism of enhancement of antibacterial properties of gray titania by plasma-sprayed hydroxyapatite (HAp)–amino acid fluorescent complexes under irradiation with visible light. Although visible-light–sensitive photocatalysts are applied safely to oral cavities, their efficacy is not high because of the low energy of irradiating light. This study proposed a composite coating containing HAp and gray titania. HAp itself functioned as bacteria catchers and gray titania released antibacterial radicals by visible-light irradiation. HAp-amino acid fluorescent complexes were formed on the surface of the composite coating in order to increase light intensity to gray titania by fluorescence, based on an idea bioinspired by deep-sea fluorescent coral reefs. A cytotoxicity assay on murine osteoblastlike cells revealed that biocompatibility of the HAp–amino acid fluorescent complexes was identical with the that of HAp. Antibacterial assays involving 〈em〉Escherichia coli〈/em〉 showed that the three types of HAp–amino acid fluorescent complexes and irradiation with three types of light-emitting diodes (blue, green, and red) significantly decreased colony-forming units. Furthermore, kelvin probe force microscopy revealed that the HAp–amino acid fluorescent complexes preserved the surface potentials even after irradiation with visible light, whereas those of HAp were significantly decreased by the irradiation. Such a preservative effect of the HAp–amino acid fluorescent complexes maintained the bacterial-adhesion performance of HAp and consequently enhanced the antibacterial action of gray titania.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: October 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 93〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Jing Li, Zhi-Bin Wu, Zhao Zhang, Ji-Wei Zha, Shen-Ye Qu, Xiao-Zhou Qi, Gao-Xue Wang, Fei Ling〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Nowadays, there is no suitable treatment for vibriosis in groupers. So an eco-efficient and environmentally friendly treatment is necessary for the grouper industry. Probiotic-feeding has been a promising strategy to control the bacterial pathogens in aquaculture. A new 〈em〉Bacillus velezensis〈/em〉 strain named K2 was isolated from the intestinal tract of healthy grouper, and exhibited wide antimicrobial spectrum of against fish pathogens, including 〈em〉Vibrio harveyi〈/em〉, 〈em〉Vibrio alginolyticus〈/em〉, 〈em〉Aeromonas hydrophila〈/em〉, 〈em〉Aeromonas veronii〈/em〉, 〈em〉Aeromonas caviae〈/em〉, 〈em〉Enterococcus casseliflavus〈/em〉 and 〈em〉Lactococcus garvieae〈/em〉. Moreover, results of the safety of 〈em〉B. velezensis〈/em〉 K2 showed that intraperitoneal injection of K2 in healthy grouper did not cause any pathological abnormality or death, indicating this bacteria could be considered as a candidate probiotic in aquaculture. Groupers were fed with the diets containing 1 × 10〈sup〉7〈/sup〉 cfu/g of 〈em〉B. velezensis〈/em〉 K2 for 4 weeks. Various immune parameters were examined at 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks of post-feeding. Results showed that diets supplemented with K2 significantly increased serum acid phosphatase (ACP) activity (〈em〉P〈/em〉 〈 0.05). Results of the mRNA expression of immune-related genes in the head kidney of hybrid grouper showed that the expression of lysozyme gene was significantly upregulated after 1 and 2 weeks of feeding (〈em〉P〈/em〉 〈 0.05). A significant up-regulation of the expression of piscidin, IgM and MyD88 were detected at day 21, whereas the TLR3 and TLR5 showed lower expression compared to the controls during 21 days, and a significant decrease of TLR3 gene was found at day 28 (〈em〉P〈/em〉 〈 0.05). After challenge with 〈em〉V. harveyi〈/em〉, the survival rate of fish administrated with the strain K2 for 28 days was signifiacantly higher than the controls without this strain (〈em〉P〈/em〉 〈 0.05). These results collectively suggest that 〈em〉B. velezensis〈/em〉 K2 is a potential probiotic species to improve health status and disease resistance and can be developed as a probiotic agent in grouper industry.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: October 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 93〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Phennapa Promthale, Pattira Pongtippatee, Boonsirm Withyachumnarnkul, Kanokpan Wongprasert〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Fishmeal is the main source of protein in the shrimp feed industry and is normally derived from trash fish. As such, the production of fishmeal has an adverse effect on the marine environment by taking away small and juvenile fish, leading to depletion of marine species. There is a need for alternative sources of protein which will substitute fishmeal in the aquaculture industry. This study evaluated the components and nutritional efficacy of bioflocs, which were used to substitute fishmeal protein. The effect of bioflocs diets on growth performance, survival rate, and immune response in shrimp compared to normal fishmeal feed were determined. Bioflocs were harvested from the shrimp ponds (C:N ratio 〉12:1) at Shrimp Village, Chaiya district, Surat Thani, Thailand. The total protein in bioflocs was about 48% and the total lipid was about 5% (dried weight) and the percentages of essential amino acids (EAA) and fatty acids (EFA) in bioflocs were similar to those of fishmeal feed. Shrimp fed with the different dietary bioflocs feed regimens [% to replace fishmeal; 0% (B0), 25% (B25), 50% (B50), 75% (B75), and 100% (B100)] for 42 days revealed that all growth parameters were almost similar to those of the control shrimp (shrimp fed with normal fishmeal, B0) including final body weight, weight gain, specific growth rate, and feed conversion ratio. Remarkably, the survival rates, the levels of immune parameters, and expression of immune genes (proPO-I, PEN-4 and dicer) were significantly higher in bioflocs fed shrimp, especially in B25 and B50 shrimp. Moreover, B25 and B50 bioflocs fed shrimp showed notably increased survival rates following 〈em〉Vibrio parahaemolyticus (V. parahaemolyticus)〈/em〉 infection. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that shrimp survival and immunity are enhanced by biofiocs substituted fishmeal. Significantly, the bioflocs diets activated the immune response to prevent 〈em〉V. parahaemolyticus〈/em〉 infection.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: October 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 93〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Sarah J. Poynter, Shanee Herrington-Krause, Stephanie J. DeWitte-Orr〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉In mammals, the multifunctional DExH/D-box helicases, DDX3 and DHX9, are nucleic acid sensors with a role in antiviral immunity; their role in innate immunity in fish is not yet understood. In the present study, full-length DDX3 and DHX9 coding sequences were identified in rainbow trout (〈em〉Oncorhynchus mykiss)〈/em〉. Bioinformatic analysis demonstrated both deduced proteins were similar to those of other species, with ~80% identity to other fish species and ~70–75% identity to mammals, and both protein sequences had conserved domains found amongst all species. Phylogenetic analysis revealed clustering of DDX3 and DHX9 with corresponding proteins from other fish. Cellular localization of overexpressed DDX3 and DHX9 was performed using GFP-tagged proteins, and endogenous DDX3 localization was measured using immunocytochemistry. In the rainbow trout gonadal cell line, RTG-2, DHX9 localized mostly to the nucleus, while DDX3 was found mainly in the cytoplasm. Tissue distribution from healthy juvenile rainbow trout revealed ubiquitous constitutive expression, highest levels of DDX3 expression were seen in the liver and DHX9 levels were fairly consistent among all tissues tested. Stimulation of RTG-2 cells revealed that DDX3 and DHX9 transcripts were both significantly upregulated by treatment with the dsRNA molecule, poly I:C. A pull-down assay suggested both proteins were able to bind dsRNA. In addition to their roles in RNA metabolism, the conserved common domains found between the rainbow trout proteins and other species having defined antiviral roles, combined with the ability for the proteins to bind to dsRNA, suggest these proteins may play an important role in fish innate antiviral immunity. Future studies on both DDX3 and DHX9 function will contribute to a better understanding of teleost immunity.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: November 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 94〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Ke-Cheng Zhu, Hua-Yang Guo, Nan Zhang, Bao-Suo Liu, Liang Guo, Shi-Gui Jiang, Dian-Chang Zhang〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Interferon regulatory factor 8 (IRF8) increases type I IFN transcription levels by binding to IFN promoters, thereby playing a role in innate immunity. Nevertheless, the detailed mechanism through which IRF8 regulates type II IFN in fish remains ambiguous. In the present study, two genes from the golden pompano (〈em〉Trachinotus ovatus〈/em〉), 〈em〉IRF8〈/em〉 (〈em〉ToIRF8〈/em〉) and 〈em〉IFN gamma〈/em〉 (〈em〉ToIFNγ〈/em〉), were identified in the IFN/IRF-based signalling pathway. The full-length 〈em〉ToIRF8〈/em〉 cDNA was composed of 2,141 bp and encoded a 421 amino acid polypeptide; the genomic DNA was 2,917 bp in length and consisted of 8 exons and 7 introns. The putative protein showed the highest sequence identity (90–92%) with fish IRF8 and possessed a DNA-binding domain (DBD), an IRF-association domain (IAD) and a nuclear localization signal (NLS) motif consistent with those of IRF8 in other vertebrates. Furthermore, the 〈em〉ToIRF8〈/em〉 transcripts were expressed in all examined tissues of healthy fish, with higher levels observed in the central nervous and immune relevant tissues. They were upregulated by polyinosinic acid: polycytidylic acid [poly (I: C)], lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and flagellin treatments in the blood, liver, intestine and kidney. The results from assays of subcellular localization showed that 〈em〉ToIRF8〈/em〉 was localized to the cytoplasm. Moreover, to investigate whether ToIRF8 was a regulator of 〈em〉ToIFNγ〈/em〉, a promoter analysis was performed using progressive deletion mutations of 〈em〉ToIFNγ〈/em〉. The results indicated that the region from −601 bp to −468 bp includes the core promoter. Mutation analyses indicated that the activity of the 〈em〉ToIFNγ〈/em〉 promoter significantly decreased after the targeted mutation of the M1-M3 binding sites. Additionally, overexpressed 〈em〉ToIRF8〈/em〉 in vitro notably increased the expression of several IFN/IRF-based signalling pathway genes. These results suggest that 〈em〉IRF8〈/em〉 is vital in the defence of 〈em〉T. ovatus〈/em〉 against bacterial infection and contributes to a better understanding of the transcriptional mechanisms of ToIRF8 on type II IFN in fish.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: August 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 5, Issue 8〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Aykut Zongur〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉In this work, a rasterized mesh construction of our 3D solid-state model is generated to achieve an improved rasterization of a rigid-body surface using a series of polygonal model transfers. In the field of remodeling, auxiliary starters have been obtained from either ready-made or fabricated input point datasets. Building 3D solid meshes from clusters of inbound points to model objects is made possible by our method. Demonstrative illustrations of how the initial series of points can be transferred to mesh models by passing through the boundary conditions are presented using a customized method. A handmade weaving technique combines each different cluster of points, yielding a relevant transformation result. Additionally, newer remodeling methods involve more than the adaptation of boundary values to generate solid surfaces via finite restructuring of geometrical building blocks; our remodeling methods have been optimized in terms of both realism and computational costs. Our reconstructions are highly optimized to achieve high-quality and realistic results within a reasonable time. In higher-order creative restorations, our boundary conditions are regularized by quadratic equalizer functions. Areal-based regularizations are combined within mixed boundary values over 3D multigrids of finite differential combinations. Newly created solid models are reshaped by exclusive reconstructions to form our final models. Equally distributed multidimensional grids are seamlessly rebuilt via an ideal model-driven process with our tri-variational remodeling method that is constrained by a mixture of boundary conditions. Here, our remodeling method continuously triangulates the discrete topological structures as solid models. The final model shapes are triangulated as a consequence of postpolygonization by our unique reconstructors. An exact solution can be obtained via a convex hulling process on the preliminary finite fields by means of high-resolution configurations. Our 3D remodeling method using solid-state tessellation has opened the field to wider ranges of complete-gridding plans to achieve matchless enriched reformation capability, which makes our new solidification remeshing of models better than the majority of currently available methods.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: October 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 93〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Tetsuro Ikuta, Akihiro Tame, Masaki Saito, Yui Aoki, Yukiko Nagai, Makoto Sugimura, Koji Inoue, Katsunori Fujikura, Kazue Ohishi, Tadashi Maruyama, Takao Yoshida〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉In symbiotic systems in which symbionts are transmitted horizontally, hosts must accept symbionts from the environment while defending themselves against invading pathogenic microorganisms. How they distinguish pathogens from symbionts and how the latter evade host immune defences are not clearly understood. Recognition of foreign materials is one of the most critical steps in stimulating immune responses, and pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) play vital roles in this process. In this study, we focused on a group of highly conserved PRRs, peptidoglycan recognition proteins (PGRPs), in the deep-sea mussel, 〈em〉Bathymodiolus septemdierum〈/em〉, which harbours chemosynthetic bacteria in their gill epithelial cells. We isolated 〈em〉B. septemdierum〈/em〉 PGRP genes 〈em〉BsPGRP-S〈/em〉 and 〈em〉BsPGRP-L〈/em〉, which encode a short- and a long-type PGRP, respectively. The short-type PGRP has a signal peptide and was expressed in the asymbiotic goblet mucous cells in the gill epithelium, whereas the long-type PGRP was predicted to include a transmembrane domain and was expressed in gill bacteriocytes. Based on these findings, we hypothesize that the secreted and transmembrane PGRPs are engaged in host defence against pathogenic bacteria and/or in the regulation of symbiosis via different cellular localizations and mechanisms.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: August 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 5, Issue 8〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Achchhelal Yadav, Arti Bhatia, Sudesh Yadav, Vinod Kumar, Bhupinder Singh〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Global food security is challenged by increasing levels of CO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉, O〈sub〉3〈/sub〉 and temperature trough their impacts on production and grain quality of wheat, one of the major C〈sub〉3〈/sub〉 crops and staple food across the world. The present study was conducted to assess the effects of elevated levels of CO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 (EC; 550 ppm) and tropospheric O〈sub〉3〈/sub〉 (EO; 70 ppb) as well as of combined interactive treatment [EC X EO; ECO] on plant growth, yield and grain quality of two wheat cultivars (HD-2967 and C-306) grown during 2016–17 and 2017–18 using free air ozone and carbon dioxide enrichment (FAOCE) facility under field conditions. Individually, EC, increased leaf area index (LAI; 15.9–28.2%), photosynthetic rate (Pn; 11.4–20.3%) and yield (8.2–20.9%) whereas EO declined LAI (5.1–12.5%), Pn (2.8–11.8%) and yield (2.2–14.2%) over ambient conditions (Amb: 405.2 ppm CO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 and 30.7 ppb O〈sub〉3〈/sub〉). Under ECO condition, EC increased LAI (2.2–17.1%), Pn (2.8–17.6%) and grain yield parameters (4.4–24.3%) across the cultivars in both years, but reduced the positive effects of EO on quality as compared to Amb. Dilution effect of increased yield under EC condition have reduced total protein, micro- and macro-nutrient concentrations whereas EO increased them notably compared to Amb. Starch in grains increased under EC but reduced under EO as compared to Amb. AOT40, the sum of averaged difference of O〈sub〉3〈/sub〉 h〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 concentration beyond 40 ppb for 7 hours (31233 ppb h〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉) in FAOCEs rings during the crop growth period led to reduction in average grain yield of HD-2967 and C-306 by 11.6 and 8.5% or by 1.6 and 1.3% yield loss per ppb increase of O〈sub〉3〈/sub〉, respectively. The growth, yield and quality parameters of both wheat cultivars responded similarly but to different extent to all treatments. EC was able to offset the negative effects of EO on yield and yield components only, but not those concerning the quality of grains. To stabilize global food security, precursor gases forming tropospheric ozone must be constrained.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: August 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 5, Issue 8〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Stephanie Braun-Galleani, Maria-José Henríquez, Darren N. Nesbeth〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉We have engineered strain BG-10 of the methylotrophic yeast 〈em〉Komagataella phaffii〈/em〉 for use as an effective whole cell biocatalyst. We introduced into the yeast a transgene encoding a 〈em〉Chromobacterium violaceum〈/em〉 ω-transaminase for transcription in response to methanol induction. The strain was then assessed with respect to its growth performance and biotransformation of a fed ketoalcohol substrate to an amino-alcohol. In the resultant strain, BG-TAM, methanol induction did not compromise cell growth. Successful bioconversion of fed substrates to the by-product, acetophenone, indicated transaminase activity in shake flask-cultivated BG-TAM cells. We then used bioreactor cultivation to exploit the high levels of biomass achievable by 〈em〉Komagataella phaffii〈/em〉. In a 900 μL reaction the BG-TAM strain at OD〈sub〉600〈/sub〉 = 1024 achieved up to 0.41 mol mol〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 (mol〈sub〉product〈/sub〉 mol〈sub〉substrate〈/sub〉〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉) yield on substrate (Yp/s) for production of 1-methyl-3-phenylpropylamine and a space time yield (STY) of 0.29 g L〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 h〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 for production of 2-amino-1,3,4-butanetriol. We have shown that transamination, an important step for bespoke synthesis of small molecule medicines, is biologically realisable using enzymes with a broad substrate range, such as ω-transaminases, within living yeast cells that are fed low-cost substrates for bioconversion.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: October 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 93〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Guilherme Rabelo Coelho, Pedro Prezotto Neto, Fernanda Cortinhas Barbosa, Rafael Silva Dos Santos, Patrícia Brigatte, Patrick Jack Spencer, Sandra Coccuzzo Sampaio, Fernanda D’Amélio, Daniel Carvalho Pimenta, Juliana Mozer Sciani〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Stingrays skin secretions are largely studied due to the human envenoming medical relevance of the sting puncture that evolves to inflammatory events, including necrosis. Such toxic effects can be correlated to the biochemical composition of the sting mucus, according to the literature. Fish skin plays important biological roles, such as the control of the osmotic pressure gradient, protection against mechanical forces and microorganism infections. The mucus, on the other hand, is a rich and complex fluid, acting on swimming, nutrition and the innate immune system. The elasmobranch's epidermis is a tissue composed mainly by mucus secretory cells, and marine stingrays have already been described to present secretory glands spread throughout the body. Little is known about the biochemical composition of the stingray mucus, but recent studies have corroborated the importance of mucus in the envenomation process. Aiming to assess the mucus composition, a new non-invasive mucus collection method was developed that focused on peptides and proteins, and biological assays were performed to analyze the toxic and immune activities of the 〈em〉Hypanus americanus〈/em〉 mucus. Pathophysiological characterization showed the presence of peptidases on the mucus, as well as the induction of edema and leukocyte recruitment in mice. The fractionated mucus improved phagocytosis on macrophages and showed antimicrobial activity against 〈em〉T. rubrumç. neoformans〈/em〉 and 〈em〉C. albicans in vitro〈/em〉. The proteomic analyses showed the presence of immune-related proteins like actin, histones, hemoglobin, and ribosomal proteins. This protein pattern is similar to those reported for other fish mucus and stingray venoms. This is the first report depicting the 〈em〉Hypanus〈/em〉 stingray mucus composition, highlighting its biochemical composition and importance for the stingray immune system and the possible role on the envenomation process.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: August 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 5, Issue 8〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Natalia Hernández-Arango, Valeria Pinto, Deicy Muñoz-Sanchez, Fabiana Lora-Suarez, Jorge Enrique Gómez-Marín〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Methods to detect protozoa are needed for food safety monitoring. We evaluated protocols to recover 〈em〉Giardia spp.〈/em〉 cysts in 〈em〉Brassica oleracea〈/em〉 (cabbage) and 〈em〉Lactuca sativa〈/em〉 (lettuce) and then detection was performed by concentrating with formalin/ether solutions and microscopy or immunofluorescence or DNA amplification via PCR. To evaluate this methodology, 〈em〉G. duodenalis〈/em〉 cysts were inoculated in triplicate (10 cysts) in 35-g samples of lettuce and cabbage. The method obtaining the highest percentage of recovery in cabbage was sulfamic acid solution plus stirring with stomacher (47.7% ± 7.5). For lettuce, the best method was glycine solution plus stirring with stomacher (46.6% ± 5.3). Inter-observer agreement was of 0.99. 〈em〉Giardia〈/em〉 was detected by amplifying specific sequences for the DNA coding SSU rRNA. In 27 lettuce samples and 27 cabbage samples, obtained from supermarkets and street vendors, two lettuce samples (7.4%) and one cabbage sample (3.7%) were positive for 〈em〉Giardia〈/em〉 via PCR assay and were sequenced, determining that they were two of assemblage B and one of lettuce to assemblage E. This method is proposed to detect 〈em〉Giardia〈/em〉 in vegetables by PCR detection, enabling public health authorities to identify genotypes circulating in food, which will help to establish measures that reduce outbreaks of parasitic diseases associated with contaminated food.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: August 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 5, Issue 8〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Hung Tseng, Henry Small〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Quantitative analysis of knowledge content of a significant technological innovation is a novel approach to understand the scientific discovery process. Here we describe such an analysis applied to the invention of recombinant DNA technology in the early 1970's. Two focal papers are selected, i.e., Jackson et al., 1972 and Cohen et al., 1973. A knowledge framework called EApc is described to categorize knowledge types and their quantification. The focal papers, along with their reference lists, are used to determine the minimal scientific knowledge necessary for generating the notions central to each focal paper. Attempts are made to trace how each type of knowledge was generated by various research communities. The results are discussed in terms of their potential implications in measuring, evaluating, understanding and managing the scientific research process.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: August 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 5, Issue 8〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Zheng Zhao, Changbin Chu, Deping Zhou, Zhimin Sha, Shuhang Wu〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Soil nutrient characteristics are key factors that regulate grape growth and fruit quality. To investigate soil nutrient characteristics, 73 typical vineyards in Shanghai suburbs were selected for this study. The impacts of different planting areas, planting ages and grape varieties on soil characteristics were studied. The Agro Services International (ASI) analysis method was adopted to measure the levels of soil nutrients. The results indicated that soil nutrient characteristics varied greatly across the 73 selected vineyards in Shanghai suburbs. Planting area and planting age were the major factors that significantly affected soil nutrient characteristics. However, no significant differences were observed among the 5 major cultivated grape varieties. Significant differences in soil pH were only observed in different planting areas. Soil nutrients in the selected vineyards were mainly at a high level or extra-high level, which means that the current amount of fertilizer in these vineyards exceeds the actual demands of the grapevines and should be reduced. Meanwhile, the intermediate soil organic matter (OM) content indicated that more organic fertilizer should be applied to the soil in these vineyards. Optimized fertilization based on soil nutrient levels plays an essential role in sustaining production resources, increasing economic benefits and improving environmental conditions of vineyards.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: August 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 5, Issue 8〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Lekan Taofeek Popoola〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉This study attempted to investigate the use of nanomagnetic activated carbon prepared from walnut shell and rice husk wastes for removal of Cd(II) from aqueous solution via application of ANN and design expert as adsorbent preparation design and optimization tools. The novel adsorbent was characterized using SEM, FTIR, EDS and BET. The result from 2-level factorial design expert revealed 78.58% Cd(II) sorption efficiency could be achieved for adsorbent prepared at optimum calcination temperature, calcination time, SS-RH mixing ratio and magnetite loading of 859.20 °C, 2.32 h, 2.54 and 5.56 wt% respectively. Sensitivity analysis by both proposed methodologies revealed calcination temperature as most influential factor in adsorbent preparation. Average relative errors and R〈sup〉2〈/sup〉 values of 1.2931% and 4.806%; and 0.9967 and 0.9055 obtained respectively for developed ANN model with 4-9-1 architecture and 2-level factorial design expert revealed ANN model as better prediction and optimization tool for Cd(II) sorption using NM-WS-RH-AC. Laboratory analysis revealed presence of –OH, –NH and COO〈sup〉−〈/sup〉 groups on adsorbent surface; presence of Cd(II) after adsorption; change in adsorbent textural and morphological structure after Cd(II) adsorption; and increase in its surface area and average pore diameter due to magnetization. Average relatively stable desorption strength of 62.74% towards Cd(II) was exhibited by adsorbent for four consecutive cycles using 0.1M HNO〈sub〉3〈/sub〉. Prepared adsorbent is effective in removing Cd(II) from solution than commercial activated carbon with economically viable regeneration attribute.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: August 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 5, Issue 8〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Federica Valeriani, Lory Marika Margarucci, Gianluca Gianfranceschi, Antonello Ciccarelli, Filippo Tajani, Nicolina Mucci, Maurizio Ripani, Vincenzo Romano Spica〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Synthetic fibres are used in place of the natural grass worldwide, for realizing playgrounds, soccer fields and even domestic gardens or recreational structures. An intensive use of artificial turf is currently observed in sports facilities, due to lower costs, higher sustainability in recycling of materials, and advantages related to athletic practice and performance. However, even if chemical and physical risks were studied, the microbiological component was not fully addressed, especially considering a comprehensive evaluation of the microbiota in synthetic vs natural playground surfaces. Here, we investigated the microbial community present on soccer fields, using Next Generation Sequencing and a 16S amplicon sequencing approach. Artificial and natural turfs show own ecosystems with different microbial profiles and a mean Shannon's diversity value of 2.176 and 2.475, respectively. The bacterial community is significantly different between facilities (ANOSIM: R = 0.179; p 〈 0.001) and surface materials (ANOSIM: R = 0.172; p 〈 0.005). The relative abundance of potentially pathogenic bacterial OTUs was higher in synthetic than in natural samples (ANOVA, F = 2.2). Soccer fields are characterized by their own microbiota, showing a different 16S amplicon sequencing signature between natural and artificial turfs.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: August 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 5, Issue 8〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Morteza Alizadeh, Leila Rezakhani, Mostafa Soleimannejad, Esmaeel Sharifi, Maryam Anjomshoa, Akram Alizadeh〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Aims〈/h6〉 〈p〉The aim of this study was to present a new method for removing Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) detergent from decellularized bovine pericardium using vacuum.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Materials and Methods〈/h6〉 〈p〉The cows’ pericardia were collected and decellularized. The samples were incubated with SDS1% for 48 h at 40 °C. To perform vacuum washing (VW: negative pressure was used to wash and remove detergents), every decellularized tissue was cut in 75mm diameter and fixed via a stainless-steel ring with 60mm diameter in the center of filtration Buchner Funnel which was connected to glass filtration flask The system was connected to a vacuum pump by a hose, and a negative pressure of -100 mmHg was applied for 15 min. Then, the samples were shaken and washed at 40-rpm in 100 ml of distilled water for 45 min. This process was repeated for samples of each group (6 times for sample VW6h, 12 times for sample VW12h, and 24 times for sample VW24h). At the end of every cycle, the effluent was collected to take a sample for SDS measurement. The normal washing (NW) group containing distilled water (NWd) and PBS (Phosphate buffered saline) (NWp) were used to wash and remove detergents. SDS measurements, MTT Assay, histological and tensile test, to compare two methods were used.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Results〈/h6〉 〈p〉The highest SDS in the effluent was in groups VW12h and VW24h (P ≤ 0.001) and the lowest residual SDS in scaffold was in two groups of VW12h and VW24h (P ≤ 0.001). MTT assay showed that cell survival in the VW12h and VW24h groups was higher than other groups and there' was no significant difference between cell survival in the VW12h and VW24h groups. Histological study showed destruction of tissue in the VW24h group. The results of the tensile test were shown that the native group had the highest module and the lowest amount was the VW24h sample which was reported with P ≤ 0.001 significance for all groups.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Conclusion〈/h6〉 〈p〉VW12h can be used as an effective method for SDS removal from decellularized pericardium which morphologically demonstrated a good structure in ECM.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: August 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 5, Issue 8〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): M. Dachyar, Teuku Yuri M. Zagloel, L. Ranjaliba Saragih〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉The term "Internet of Things" first appeared in publication paper since 2006, describing the paradigm of evolution concept that brought about by the presence of internet technology (Vermesan and Friess, 2015) which is very important in contemporary circumstances. This study conducted an in-depth analysis of the research material written on 26420 papers which focused on the published Internet of Things (IoT) research, starting from the firstly year IoT keyword appeared in 2006 until 2018. The selected paper is a combination of various disciplines and publications which are all indexed by Scopus wherein the article discusses IoT. IoT articles are classified using key attributes in sequence: the methodology used, general knowledge and applied concepts, and various general exploration topics. By using the Scientometrics method, this method will group the overall terms that appear frequently from the Scopus paper database according to keywords, titles, and abstracts. The resulting data is then studied to understand and distinguish trends that occur in the time span along with the general characteristics of the paper, in the mathematics visual scheme. All various issues that are considered in the paper's methodology selection, their studied and services innovations, and continuing discoveries on the characteristics, concepts, and processes applied to IoT success. Although it only involves scopus indexed paper, this study found a remarkable increase in the number of articles on IoT in each category of the paper. This study also reveals the direction of the regular discipline of knowledge. The use of the Scientometrics method makes the analysis able to focus on the movement of characteristics and IoT themes to researcher's direction that has not found at this time, as a comprehensive guide to further research and industry strategy that is more directed on concepts that support the 4th industrial revolution.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: August 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 5, Issue 8〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Majdah M. Badr〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉 〈p〉An important problem in statistics is to obtain information about the form of the population from which the sample is drawn. Goodness of fit (GOF) tests is employed to determine how well the observed sample data “fits” some proposed model. The well known standard goodness of fit tests; Kolomogorov-Smirnov (KS), Cramer von Mises (CVM) and Anderson-(AD) tests are used for continuous distributions. When the parameters are unknown, the standard tables for these tests are not valid. The complete sample procedures of goodness of fit tests are inappropriate for use with censored samples. The critical values obtained from published tables of the complete sample test statistic are necessarily conservative.〈/p〉 〈p〉In this paper, we obtain the tables of critical values of modified Kolmogorov-Smirnov (KS) test, Cramer-Von Mises (CVM) test and Anderson-Darling (AD) test for the Compound Rayleigh (CR) distribution with unknown parameters in the case of complete and type II censored samples. Furthermore, we present power comparison between KS test, CVM test and AD test for a number of alternative distributions. Applications of the considered distribution to real medical data sets given by Stablein et al. (1981) are presented.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: October 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 93〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Mariana Maluli Marinho de Mello, Camila de Fátima Pereira de Faria, Fábio Sabbadin Zanuzzo, Elisabeth Criscuolo Urbinati〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉In this study, we show that β-glucan can modulate cortisol release in fish. We simulated a common situation in aquaculture: the transport of fish followed by contact with an opportunistic pathogen and observed what effect glucan had on the immune and stress response in these conditions. Pacu (〈em〉Piaractus mesopotamicus〈/em〉) were fed with a diet containing β-glucan (0.1%) for 15 days prior to transport followed by an injection with heat-killed 〈em〉Aeromonas hydrophila.〈/em〉 We sampled fish before transport, at arrival and at 3 and 24 h after bacterial injection. β-Glucans are used in aquaculture and have a known immunostimulatory effect, which was observed in this study. The results showed that β-glucan modulated the plasma cortisol levels differently by increasing these levels up to 24 h after transport and preventing the increase caused by bacterial inoculum injection. In addition, β-glucan enhanced the activity of the complement system at 24 h and reduced the monocytes and lymphocytes number in peripheral blood at 3 and 24 h after bacterial inoculation. Our results suggest that β-glucan modulated a bidirectional interaction between the stress and the immune responses. The modulation of cortisol levels and the immunostimulation by β-glucan at different moments in our study suggest the compound has a protective effect by avoiding higher levels of the hormone and improving resistance against bacterial infection in pacu. These results add evidence to support the use of β-glucan as an immunomodulator in the aquaculture industry.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: October 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 93〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Min Sun Kim, Ki Hong Kim〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Although the type I interferon-mediated increase of Mx1 and ISG15 gene expression in Epithelioma papulosum cyprini (EPC) cells has been reported, the antiviral role of Mx1 and ISG15 in EPC cells has not been investigated. In this study, to know the anti-viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV) role of Mx1 and ISG15 of EPC cells, either Mx1 or ISG15 gene was knocked-out using a CRISPR/Cas9 system, and the progression of cytopathic effects (CPE) and viral growth were analyzed. Mx1 gene and ISG15 gene knockout EPC cells were successfully produced via CRISPR/Cas9 coupled with a single-cell cloning. Through the sequence analysis, one clone showing two heterozygous indel patterns in Mx1 gene and a clone showing three heterozygous indel patterns in ISG15 gene were selected for further analyses. Mx1 knockout EPC cells did not show any differences in VHSV-mediated CPE progression, even when pre-treated with polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (poly I:C), compared to control EPC cells. These results suggest that Mx1 in EPC cells may be unfunctional to cytoplasmic RNA viruses. In contrast to Mx1, ISG15 knockout cells showed clearly hampered anti-VHSV activity even when pre-treated with poly I:C, indicating that ISG15 plays an important role in type I interferon-mediated anti-viral activity in EPC cells, which allowed VHSV to replicate more efficiently in ISG15 knockout cells than Mx1 knockout and control cells.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: November 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 94〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): José Luis Sánchez-Salgado, Mohamed Alí Pereyra, Concepción Agundis, Montserrat Calzada-Ruiz, Erika Kantun-Briceño, Edgar Zenteno〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉In crustaceans, it has been suggested that specific protection against pathogens could be triggered by vaccines and biological response modifiers; although the specific mechanisms of this protection have not been clarified yet. In the crayfish 〈em〉Cherax quadricarinatus〈/em〉, a humoral lectin (CqL) binds its own granular hemocytes through a specific receptor (CqLR) and increases the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In the present study, we challenged 〈em〉in vivo〈/em〉 crayfishes with immunostimulants, β-glucan (200 μg/kg) or LPS (20 μg/kg), and identified the participation of cellular and humoral mechanisms. The stimulants generated a complex modification in the total hemocytes count (THC), as well as in the proportion of hemocyte subsets. At 2 h after the challenge, the largest value in THC was observed in either challenged crayfishes. Furthermore, at the same time, hyaline hemocytes were the most abundant subset in the hemolymph; after 6 h, granular hemocytes (GH) were the most abundant hemocyte subset. It has been observed that a specific subset of GH possesses a CqLR that has been related to ROS production. After 2 and 6 h of the β-glucan challenge, a significant increase in CqLR expression was observed in the three circulating hemocyte subsets; also, an increased expression of CqL was detected in a granular hemocytes sub-population. After 2 and 6 h of stimulation, the specific activity of the serum lectin challenged with β-glucan was 250% and 160% higher than in the LPS-treated-group, respectively (〈em〉P〈/em〉 〈 0.05). Hemocytes from challenged crayfishes were stimulated 〈em〉ex vivo〈/em〉 with CqL, ROS production was 180% higher in hemocytes treated with β-glucan + CqL than in hemocytes treated with LPS + CqL (〈em〉P〈/em〉 〈 0.05). The results evidence the effectivity of immune stimulators to activate specific crayfish defense mechanisms, the participation of CqL and its receptor (CqLR) could play an important role in the regulation of immune cellular functions, like ROS production, in 〈em〉Cherax quadricarinatus〈/em〉.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: August 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 5, Issue 8〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Martínez-Mera Eliana Andrea, Torregroza-Espinosa Ana Carolina, Crissien-Borrero Tito José, Marrugo-Negrete José Luis, González-Márquez Luis Carlos〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉This study evaluated the concentration and distribution of heavy metals (HM) (Cr, Ni, Pb, Cd, Hg, and Zn) and pesticides (organochlorine and organophosphorus) and the relationship of these pollutants with the physicochemical properties of agricultural soils in an Irrigation District (ID) in Colombia. Soils samples were analyzed for pH, humidity, organic matter, P total, N total, electric conductivity (EC), cation exchange capacity, and texture (% sand, clay and silt). Canonical correlation was used to determined relationship between soil properties and HM. Soil pollution were evaluated with geoaccumulation index (Igeo), contamination factor (CF), degree of contamination (Cdeg) and pollution load index (PLI). The results indicated that, in general, the soils had adequate physicochemical conditions for the establishment and development of crops. The presence of pesticides in the soils was not reported. However, concentrations HM was detected (Zn 〉 Cr 〉 Ni 〉 Pb 〉 Hg 〉 Cd). The soil characteristics (silt, clay, pH and EC) contributed to explain HM concentrations. The Igeo indicated that the soils are heavily contaminated with Hg (3 〈 Igeo〈4). The CF was very high for Hg (〉6). The Cdeg presented moderate to considerable variations (〉6Cdeg〈24). The PLI indicated that the soils are contaminated (1.308). The presence of HM may be associated with the agricultural and quarries activities carried out near the ID. The impact caused by high concentrations of HM can lead environmental, economic and social impacts in the study zone.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: October 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 93〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Nikolai Mugue, Nadezhda Terekhanova, Sergey Afanasyev, Aleksei Krasnov〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Sturgeons represent a substantial scientific interest due to their high economic value, endangered status and also as the most primitive group of ray-finned fishes. Rapid progress in knowledge of sturgeon immunity was achieved recently with use of RNA sequencing. We report transcriptome sequencing of gill, head kidney, and spleen of bester sturgeon (a hybrid of beluga 〈em〉Huso huso〈/em〉 and sterlet 〈em〉Acipen〈/em〉s〈em〉er ruthenus〈/em〉) injected with synthetic double-stranded RNA (polyI:C). The composition of transcriptome and responses to treatment were examined in the context of comparative genomics with focus on immune genes. Sturgeon transcripts matched to 21.5 k different proteins (blastx). With reference to Atlantic salmon, the functional groups and pathways of the immune system were uniformly represented: at average 36.5 ± 0.8% genes were found. Immune genes comprise a significant fraction of transcriptome. Among twenty genes with highest transcription levels, five are specialized immune genes and two encode heme and iron binding proteins (〈em〉serotransferrin〈/em〉 and 〈em〉hemopexin〈/em〉) also known as acute phase proteins. Challenge induced multiple functional groups including apoptosis, cell cycle and a number of metabolic pathways. Treatment stimulated innate antiviral immunity, which is well conserved between sturgeon and salmon, the most responsive genes were 〈em〉mx, rsad2 (viperin)〈/em〉, 〈em〉interferon induced protein 44〈/em〉 and 〈em〉protein with tetratricopeptide repeats 5〈/em〉, 〈em〉cd87〈/em〉 and 〈em〉receptor transporting protein 3〈/em〉. Results added to knowledge of immune phylogeny. Gain and loss of genes was assessed by comparison with genomes from different phylogenetic groups. Among differentially expressed genes, percentage of acquired and lost genes was much lower in comparison with genes present in all vertebrates. Innate antiviral immunity was subject to the greatest changes in evolution of jawed vertebrates. A significant fraction of genes (15%) was lost in mammals and only half of genes is annotated in public databases as involved in antiviral responses. Change of function may have an important role in evolution of immunity together with gain and loss of genes.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: October 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 93〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Malene Soleng, Lill-Heidi Johansen, Hanne Johnsen, Gunhild S. Johansson, Mette W. Breiland, Lisbeth Rørmark, Karin Pittman, Lars-Flemming Pedersen, Carlo C. Lazado〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Peracetic acid (PAA), a strong organic peroxide, is considered a relatively sustainable disinfectant in aquaculture because of its broad effectivity against many pathogens at low concentrations and because it degrades spontaneously to harmless residues. The impacts of PAA on fish health must be determined before its use as either a routine disinfectant or chemotherapeutant. Here we investigated the systemic and mucosal stress responses of Atlantic salmon (〈em〉Salmo salar〈/em〉) to PAA. In experiment 1, salmon were exposed to different nominal concentrations (0, 0.6, and 2.4 ppm) of PAA for 5 min, followed by a re-exposure to the same concentrations for 30 min 2 weeks later. Sampling was performed before exposure to PAA and at 2 h, 48 h, and 2 w after exposures. In experiment 2, fish were subjected to crowding stress prior to PAA exposure at 4.8 ppm for 30 min. The fish were sampled before exposure and 1 h, 4 h, and 2 w after. The two trials were performed in a recirculation system. Both systemic (i.e., plasma cortisol, glucose, lactate, total antioxidant capacity) and mucosal (i.e., expression of antioxidant coding genes in the skin and gills) stress indicators were affected by the treatments at varying levels, and it was apparent that the fish were able to mount a robust response to the physiological demands of PAA exposure. The cortisol levels increased in the early hours after exposure and returned to basal level afterwards. Prior exposure history to PAA did not markedly affect the levels of plasma lactate and glucose when fish were re-exposed to PAA. Crowding stress before PAA treatment, however, did alter some of the stress indicators (i.e., lactate, glucose and expression of antioxidant genes in the gills), suggesting that stress history serves as both a confounding and compounding factor on how stress responses to PAA are mobilised. Nonetheless, the changes were not substantial. Gene expression profile analyses revealed that the antioxidant system was more responsive to PAA in the gills than in the skin. The increased antioxidant capacity in the plasma, particularly at 2.4 ppm and higher, indicates that antioxidants were produced to neutralise the internal redox imbalance resulting from PAA exposure. In conclusion, the results show that salmon were able to mount a robust adaptive response to different PAA doses and exposure times, and a combined exposure to stress and PAA. These results underscore the potential of PAA as a chemotherapeutant for salmon at PAA concentrations commonly applied to control parasitic infestations.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: October 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 93〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Zhiwei Cao, Sijia Liu, Hao Nan, Kaixia Zhao, Xiaodong Xu, Gaoxue Wang, Hong Ji, Hongying Chen〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Cyprinid herpesvirus 2 (CyHV-2) is the causative pathogen of herpesviral haematopoietic necrosis disease, which has caused huge economic losses to aquaculture industry in China. In this study, nine truncated CyHV-2 membrane glycoproteins (ORF25, ORF25C, ORF25D, ORF30, ORF124, ORF131, ORF136, ORF142A, ORF146) and a GFP reporter protein were respectively expressed using baculovirus surface displaying system. Western blot showed that the proteins were successfully packaged in the recombinant virus particles. In baculovirus transduced gibel carp kidney cells, the target proteins were expressed and displayed on the fish cell surface. Healthy gibel carp were immunized by immersion with the recombinant baculoviruses and the fish treated with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) were served as mock group. The expression of 〈em〉interleukin-11〈/em〉 (〈em〉IL-11〈/em〉), 〈em〉interferon α〈/em〉 (〈em〉IFNα〈/em〉) and a complement component gene 〈em〉C3〈/em〉 were significantly up-regulated in most experimental groups, and 〈em〉interferon γ〈/em〉 (〈em〉IFNγ〈/em〉) expression in some groups were also induced after immunization. Subsequently, the immunized gibel carp were challenged by intraperitoneal injection of CyHV-2 virus. All the immunized groups exhibited reduced mortality after CyHV-2 challenge. In the groups immunized with baculoviruses displaying and expressing ORF25, ORF25C and ORF146, the relative percentage survival values reached 83.3%, 87.5% and 70.8%, respectively. Our data suggested that baculovirus-displayed ORF25, ORF25C and ORF146 could be potential vaccine candidates for the prevention of CyHV-2 infection in gibel carp.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: October 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 93〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Armando Vega-López, Nataraj S. Pagadala, Brenda P. López-Tapia, Ruth L. Madera-Sandoval, Erika Rosales-Cruz, Minerva Nájera-Martínez, Elba Reyes-Maldonado〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉The signaling mediated by small non-proteinogenic molecules, which probably have the capacity to serve as a bridge amongst complex systems is one of the most exiting challenges for the study. In the current report, stem cells differentiation of the immune system in Nile tilapia treated with sub-basal doses of GABA evaluated as c-kit〈sup〉+〈/sup〉 and Sca-1〈sup〉+〈/sup〉 cells disappearance on pronephros, thymus, spleen and peripheral blood mononuclear cells by flow cytometry was assessed. Explanation of biological response was performed by molecular docking approach and multiparametric analysis. Stem cell differentiation depends on a delicate balance of negative and positive interactions of this neurotransmitter with receptors and transcription factors involved in this process. This in turn depends on the type of interaction with hematopoietic niche to differentiate into primordial, early or late hematopoiesis as well as from the dose delivery. In fish treated with the low doses of GABA (0.1% over basal value) primordial hematopoiesis is regulated by interaction of glutamate (Glu) with the Ly-6 antigen. Early hematopoiesis was influenced by the bond of GABA near or adjacent to turns of FLTR3-Ig-IV domain. During late hematopoiesis, negative regulation by structural modifications on PU.1/IRF-4 complex, IL-7Rα and GM-CSFR mainly prevails. Results of molecular docking were in agreement with the percentages of the main blood cells lineages estimated in pronephros by flow cytometry. Current study provides the first evidences about the role of inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmitters such as GABA and Glu, respectively with the most transcriptional factors and receptors involved on hematopoiesis in adult Nile tilapia.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S1050464819308320-fx1.jpg" width="266" alt="Image 1" title="Image 1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: August 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 5, Issue 8〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Norma Flores-Holguín, Juan Frau, Daniel Glossman-Mitnik〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉A methodology based on the concepts that arise from Density Functional Theory (CDFT) was chosen for the calculation of the global and local reactivity descriptors of the Phallotoxin family of fungal peptides. The determination of the active sites for the molecules has been achieved by resorting some descriptors within Molecular Electron Density Theory (MEDT) like the Dual Descriptor and the Parr functions. Phallosacin has been found as the most reactive of the peptides on the basis of the calculated Global Reactivity Descriptors. The pKas of the seven studied peptides were established using a proposed relationship between this property and the calculated Global Hardness. The bioactivity properties of the peptides considered in this study were obtained by resorting to a homology model by comparison with the bioactivity of related molecules in their interaction with different receptors.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: October 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 93〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Xianyun Ren, Yunbin Zhang, Ping Liu, Jian Li〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉This study aimed to use isobaric tags (IBTs) to investigate the immune response of the hepatopancreas of 〈em〉Marsupenaeus japonicas〈/em〉 infected with 〈em〉Vibrio parahaemolyticus〈/em〉 or white spot syndrome virus (WSSV). Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and protein sequencing identified 1005 proteins. Among them, 109 proteins were upregulated and 94 were downregulated after 〈em〉V. parahaemolyticus〈/em〉 infection. After WSSV infection, 130 proteins were identified as differentially abundant, including 88 that were upregulated and 42 were downregulated. Fifty-four proteins were identified as differentially abundant after both 〈em〉V. parahaemolyticus〈/em〉 and WSSV infection. A number of proteins related to cytoskeletal processes, including actin and myosin, and apoptosis-related proteins were upregulated in shrimp after 〈em〉V. parahaemolyticus〈/em〉 and WSSV infection, indicating that phagocytosis and apoptosis may be involved in the response to in 〈em〉V. parahaemolyticus〈/em〉 or WSSV infection. Quantitative real-time PCR was carried out to verify the reliability of the proteomic data. These data provide a basis to characterize the immunity-related processes of shrimp in response to infection with WSSV or 〈em〉V. parahaemolyticus〈/em〉.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: August 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 5, Issue 8〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Obindah Gershon, Nnaemeka Emmanuel Ezenwa, Romanus Osabohien〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉The study examines the implications of oil price shocks on developing net oil-importing countries. The study considers the casual relationship, impulse response function, and vector decomposition between oil prices and macroeconomic variables using an unrestricted vector autoregressive (VAR) model. In addition, other robust econometric techniques were applied to the time series of oil prices, GDP per capita (GDPC), and energy consumption from 1980 to 2015. Mix results were obtained for the selected African countries - Cape Verde, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia. Evidence from the granger test shows that oil prices cause GDPC in Liberia and Sierra Leone. Furthermore, analyses from the VAR model and Impulse response indicate that oil price increase will temporarily increase GDP per capita in the short run for the selected countries. The study recommends policies that can effectively mitigate the adverse effect of the oil price increase.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: August 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 5, Issue 8〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Bayu Arie Fianto, Hayu Maulida, Nisful Laila〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉This paper investigates the determining factors of non-performing financing in Islamic microfinance institutions (MFIs) in Indonesia. Using logistic regression, the study sample comprises data from 140 clients; 90 with a good financing status and 50 with a poor financing status. The results show that age, gender, occupation, and type of contract influence the non-performance of clients of Islamic MFIs in Indonesia. Probit regression confirmed the results.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: August 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 5, Issue 8〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Abdulkhaliq Alazzawie〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉 〈p〉Adopting the Cartography research program (Rizzi, 1997, 2001, 2004), the present work investigates the CP layer in Standard Arabic (SA); specifically, the nature and position of topicalized and object focused phrases in the left periphery. The paper also seeks to establish that in fact subjects, like objects and obliques, can also topicalize, the difference being that the pronoun is optionally lexically expressed in subject-topicalization. The ‘Subject’ initial-DP will be treated as a topic located high up in the clausal structure - in the specifier position of the Top node above Foc. Elements in this position fill a special pragmatic sense and discourse role of being presumed, given and identifiable topics rather than an argument or a thematic function.〈/p〉 〈p〉Building on Rizzi's (2004) and Ouhalla's (1997) proposals that generate moved objects and 〈em〉wh〈/em〉-phrases in [Spec, Foc], two focus positions will be posited for SA – one is located immediately above 〈em〉v〈/em〉P and the second is right below TopP. It will be proposed that object movement over the subject is triggered by the [F] feature on Foc and derives the VOS order. Triggered by the higher [F] feature, the raised object and the raised 〈em〉wh〈/em〉-word can raise again to the higher [Spec, Foc]. It is concluded that the position occupied by topicalized DP's differs from that of focused DP's. In particular, SA topics occupy a higher position in the left periphery, namely [Spec, TopP].〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: August 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 5, Issue 8〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Poushpi Dwivedi, P.K. Mishra, Manoj Kumar Mondal, Neha Srivastava〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Nowadays, increasing population, widespread urbanization, rise in living standards together with versatile use of polymers have caused non-biodegradable polymeric wastes affecting the environment a chronic global problem, simultaneously, the existing high energy demand in our society is a matter of great concern. Hence forth, this review article provides an insight into the technological approach of pyrolysis emphasizing catalytic pyrolysis for conversion of polymeric wastes into energy products and presents an alternative waste management technique which is a leap towards developing sustainable environment. Pyrolysis of waste non-biodegradable polymer materials involves controlled thermal decomposition in the absence of oxygen, cracking their macromolecules into lower molecular weight ones, resulting into the formation of a wide range of products from hydrogen, hydrocarbons to coke. Nanocatalyzed pyrolysis is a recommended solution to the low thermal conductivity of polymers, promoting faster reactions in breaking the C-C bonds at lower temperatures, denoting less energy consumption and enabling enhancement in the process selectivity, whereby higher value added products are generated with increased yield. Nanotechnology plays an indispensable role in academic research as well as in industrial applications. Existing reviews illustrate that one of the oldest application field of nanotechnology is in the arena of nanocatalysis. Nanocatalysis closes the gap between homo and heterogeneous catalyses while combines their advantageous characteristics and positive aspects, reducing the respective drawbacks. During the current nanohype, nanostructured catalysts are esteemed materials and their exploration provide promising solutions for challenges from the perspective of cost and factors influencing catalytic activity, due to their featured high surface area to volume ratio which render enhanced properties with respect to the bulk catalyst.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: August 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 5, Issue 8〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Alaa M.M.A. Mahgoub〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉The study of the extent of variability and the order of importance for the impact of environmental factors on species distribution and weed community structure from one region to the other is an interesting research subject. The present study aimed to discuss the issue to give a comparative view with the author's findings about the impact of the prevailing climate, soil type, crop type, crop sustainability and urbanization on species distribution and weed community structure in the coastal farmland and adjacent territories in northwest delta region (Mahgoub, 2019). A new sample area selected and comprised the reclaimed land of El Ballah region in Isthmus of Suez and adjoining farmland east Nile delta. A total of 245 species were recorded. Agglomerative Hierarchical Clustering (AHC) identified four vegetative sociation groups (VSG). The diversity of the four identified VSG or weed communities was evaluated at different levels. Parincipal Component Analysis (PCA) indicated the influence of the five eco factors on species distribution and variability of weed community structure, summarized the relationships among variables and investigated the proximity among samples and how they related to variables. ANOVA followed by Tukey's test were applied twice for the resulted VSG, one depending on soil variables as explanatory variables and the other on sampling site's indicative scores for the five eco factors. The results of ANOVA (R〈sup〉2〈/sup〉, F, P), sample variance (S〈sup〉2〈/sup〉) and other multivariate analyses indicated a different order of importance for the impact of the five eco factors in comparable to the former study denoted above. The soil type was the most impacting factor on species distribution and weed community structure, followed by crop type, crop sustainability, prevailing climate and urbanization, respectively.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: November 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 94〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Jiajia Yu, Hongxia Wang, Xin Yue, Baozhong Liu〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈em〉Meretrix petechialis〈/em〉 is an important commercial aquaculture species in China. During the clam culture period, mass mortality events often occurred due to the 〈em〉Vibrio〈/em〉 infection. In this paper, 〈em〉M. petechialis〈/em〉 were challenged with 〈em〉Vibrio parahaemolyticus〈/em〉 immersion to simulate a natural infection, and the infection process were divided into four phases including latency, prodrome, onset and recovery phases based on the clam mortality data. Then, the dynamic response of clams to 〈em〉Vibrio〈/em〉 infection at different infection phases were investigated by transcriptome analysis. A total of 38,067 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified at different infection phases. DEG annotations showed that immune-related and metabolism-related signaling pathways were enriched, indicating that immune defense and metabolism process play key roles during bacterial infection. Three kinds of expression pattern were classified by cluster analysis, including U-shape, L-shape and inverted V-shape. Anabolism and cellular growth proliferation related signaling pathways were repressed (long-lasting or transient) during bacterial infection. However, the immune related signaling pathways with different immune functions showed induction expression or repression expression against bacterial infection, which indicated that immune system take different strategies against bacterial infection. Furthermore, some signaling pathways such as PI3K-Akt signaling pathway both involved in immune defense and cell metabolism. This study provides a sight that the dynamic immunity and metabolic responses may be integrated to improve the host survival and shift more energy for immune defense.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: August 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 5, Issue 8〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Youssef Elrhayam, Ahmed Elharfi〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉The models of Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship (QSAR) are indeed useful for understanding the mechanism of chemical modification of wood by the method of acetylation. This study shows that the electrophile index ω in combination with other descriptors, namely LUMO energy, HOMO, hardness (η) and chemical potential (μ), prove their utility in predicting the chemical modification of wood (gain in mass). The QSAR models are developed through use of Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) methods. The statistical results indicate that the multiple correlation coefficient R〈sup〉〈strong〉2〈/strong〉〈/sup〉 = 0.987, R〈sup〉〈strong〉2〈/strong〉〈/sup〉 adjusted = 0.981 and RMCE = 0.012. This shows both the favorable estimation stability and the appropriate predictive power. The results also indicate that there are significant correlations between the weight gain and the highest occupied molecular orbital HOMO. They also show that the chemical potential μ which are useful for modeling the wood modification are characterized by large hydrophobic properties and high electrophilic powers and therefore could be applied effectively in estimating the acetylation of wood. Finally, the developed model shows that cellulose and hemicellulose are mostly affected by the chemical modification of hydroxyl groups.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: August 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 5, Issue 8〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): B.V. Dharmendra, Shyam Prasad Kodali, B. Nageswara Rao〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉There is a need for heavy-duty machining equipment and tooling to minimize chatter due to work-hardening of the INCONEL materials ahead of cutting. Optimum EDM parameters are to be identified to produce quality products of INCONEL800. Modified Taguchi approach is adopted in the multi-objective optimization to identify the optimum peak current, pulse-on-time and pulse-off-time in the nano powder mixed EDM (n-PMEDM) of INCONEL800 with copper electrode for high material removal rate (MRR) and low surface roughness (SR). Empirical relations for MRR and SR are developed easily in terms of the EDM parameters without use of the MINITAB Release-16 software and validated with test results. Test results are found to be within the expected range. It also demonstrates the advantages of opting Taguchi approach to get complete information through few experiments.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: August 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 5, Issue 8〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Godshelp Osas Egharevba, Omotayo O. Dosumu, Stephen O. Oguntoye, Ngaitad S. Njinga, Samuel Olatunde Dahunsi, A. Abdulmumeen Hamid, Ajay Anand, Zehra Amtul, Priyanka Ujjukuri〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Aims〈/h6〉 〈p〉Plant extracts have long been used for the ethnomedical treatment of diabetes, microbial infections and as a source of antioxidant. This study was aimed at investigating the antidiabetic, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities of the n-hexane and ethyl acetate extract of 〈em〉Tephrosia bracteolata〈/em〉 leaves (TBL) as associated with the ethnobotanical knowledge of the local people of Nigeria.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Main methods〈/h6〉 〈p〉The phytochemical composition of the n-hexane and ethyl acetate extract of the leaves of 〈em〉T. bracteolata〈/em〉 were determined following standard procedures in literature, and it's 〈em〉in vitro〈/em〉 inhibitory activities against α-glucosidase enzyme. 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS〈sup〉.+〈/sup〉) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH〈sup〉+〈/sup〉) antioxidant activities were also examined. Well diffusion method was employed in evaluating the antimicrobial property of the extracts.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Key findings〈/h6〉 〈p〉The ethyl acetate extract of 〈em〉T. bracteolata〈/em〉 leaves had the greatest inhibitory effect on α-glucosidase, followed by the n-hexane with IC〈sub〉50〈/sub〉 43.95 μg/ml and IC〈sub〉50〈/sub〉 ˃50 μg/ml respectively. The ethyl acetate also exhibited significant DPPH〈sup〉+〈/sup〉 and ABTS〈sup〉.+〈/sup〉 antioxidant activity with IC〈sub〉50〈/sub〉 of 24.96 μg/ml and 6.48 μg/ml as compared to Ascorbic acid and Trolox (12.24 μg/ml and 5.91 μg/ml) respectively. The zones of inhibition of the ethyl acetate extract of 〈em〉T. bracteolata〈/em〉 leaves ranges from 10 – 25 mm at a concentration of 6.25–200 mg/ml, and it showed a greater antibacterial activity than the n-hexane extract, having a zone of inhibition from 10 – 20 mm at concentration of 12.5–200 mg/ml when compared to the standard Gentamycin. Similarly, the ethyl acetate extract of 〈em〉T. bracteolata〈/em〉 showed a better anti fungi activity at concentration range 12.5–200 mg/ml than the n-hexane extract at concentration range of 25–200 mg/ml with reference to Tioconazole. These results indicated for the first time that the ethyl acetate extract of 〈em〉T. bracteolata〈/em〉 leaves extracts exerted potent inhibitory effects against α-glucosidase, actively scavenge DPPH〈sup〉+〈/sup〉 and ABTS〈sup〉.+〈/sup〉 free radicals and successfully inhibits the proliferation of Gram positive and Gram negative microorganism.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Significance〈/h6〉 〈p〉TBL is an important source of antidiabetic, antimicrobial and antioxidant agent.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: August 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 5, Issue 8〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Florencia Cattaneo, Julieta Roco, Gabriela Alarcón, María Inés Isla, Susana Jeréz〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Aims〈/h6〉 〈p〉〈em〉Prosopis alba〈/em〉 flour is a natural source of nutrient and phytochemicals with potential effects on cardiovascular risk factors. The aim of this work was to examine the effects of dietary supplementation with 〈em〉Prosopis alba〈/em〉 seed flour (Pr-Feed) on a high fat diet (FD)-induced rabbit model of metabolic syndrome.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Main methods〈/h6〉 〈p〉Rabbits were separated in four groups: fed regular diet (CD); CD supplemented with Pr-Feed; fed on 18 % FD; FD supplemented with Pr-Feed. All diets were administrated for 6 weeks. After the feeding period body weights, mean blood pressure, heart rate and visceral abdominal fat (VAF) were determined; glucose tolerance test (GTT) was performed; total cholesterol (TC), HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), fasting glucose (FG), aspartate amino transferase, alanine amino transferase, bilirubin and creatinine were measured in serum. Abdominal aorta was excised and vascular function was assessed by acetylcholine relaxation and contractile response to KCl, norepinephrine and angiotensin II.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Key findings〈/h6〉 〈p〉Phytochemical analyses showed that the main compounds of Pr-Feed were apigenin C-glycosides. FD increased VAF, FG, TG, reduced HDL-cholesterol and induced abnormal GTT. Pr-Feed addition to FD did not modify these alterations. Aortic rings from rabbits fed on FD exhibited an impaired relaxation-response to acetylcholine and increased agonist vasoconstrictor responses. Pr Feed-supplemented FD improved the response to acetylcholine, and prevented the increase of the contractile response to KCl, norepinephrine and angiotensin II.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Significance〈/h6〉 〈p〉Results suggest that dietary supplementation with Pr-Feed, rich in apigenin C-glycosides, has vascular protector properties and could be used to prevent vascular alterations characterizing the metabolic syndrome.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: August 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 5, Issue 8〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Mahmoud O. Hassan, Yasser M. Hassan〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Human impact in newly urbanized deserts creates new environments that may favor the establishment/dominance of certain plant species. In this study, we showed how the human activities during desert urbanization do affect distribution, composition and diversity of plant species in a new urban ecosystem. In a field study during 2015–2016 and 2017–2018 growing seasons, we investigated these vegetation criteria in three new habitats created recently due to human manipulations in addition to the old habitat of such area (i.e. the desert). We also compared vegetation criteria comprising the floristic cover, composition and diversity between the desert locations inside and on the outskirts of the city. The detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) successfully separated the different habitats studied. Besides, the floristic composition and diversity were significantly varied amongst these habitats. The canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) revealed an apparent correlation between floristic composition and soil criteria across the study area. For the desert vegetation, the cover values of both 〈em〉Tamarix nilotica〈/em〉 and 〈em〉Zygophyllum coccineum〈/em〉, in addition to the whole diversity indices, were significantly suppressed in the desert fragments inside the newly constructed city in comparison with their cover in the desert adjacent to it. Moreover, the cover of both species was significantly declined in 2018 compared with their cover in 2015. On converse, the covering areas of 〈em〉Phragmites australis〈/em〉 and 〈em〉Bassia indica〈/em〉 were increased after intensive constructions in 2018. These results suggest that the human activities and, consequently, urbanization may influence plant life in newly urbanized desert ecosystems, leading to dispersal of new species and destruction of plant cover in some parts of the desert. Efforts and conservation strategies should be devoted to save the desert species that are vulnerable to elimination due to expansion of urbanization.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: August 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 5, Issue 8〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Dalal Z. Husein, Reda Hassanien, Mostafa F. Al-Hakkani〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉The release of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Ibuprofen (Ibu), Naproxen (Nab) and Diclofenac (Dic) to the aquatic system cause serious environmental problems. In this study, green-synthesized copper nanoparticles (Cu NPs) have been used as nano-adsorbent for the removal of Ibu, Nab, and Dic from wastewater samples. Formation of Cu NPs was confirmed by different analytical techniques. The adsorption parameters such as temperature, pH, adsorbate concentration, adsorbent dose and contact time were studied. The best removal results were obtained at these conditions: temperature 298 K, pH = 4.5, 10.0 mg Cu NPs, 60 min. At these conditions, the removal percentage of Ibu, Nap, and Dic were found to be 74.4, 86.9 and 91.4% respectively. The maximum monolayer adsorption capacities were calculated as 36.0, 33.9 and 33.9 mg/g for Dic, Nap, and Ibu respectively. The kinetic studies conducted that the sorption process obeyed the second order kinetic model, while the thermodynamic results revealed that the adsorption process was spontaneous, endothermic (+23.8, +40.8 and +38.3 kJ/mol for Ibu, Nap and Dic respectively). The results revealed that green-synthesized copper nano-adsorbent may be used for the removal of the anti-inflammatory drugs from real wastewater efficiently.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: August 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 5, Issue 8〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Andrea Carpentieri, Angelo Sebastianelli, Chiara Melchiorre, Gabriella Pinto, Marco Trifuoggi, Vincenzo Lettera, Angela Amoresano〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉 〈p〉The biomolecular characterization of edible products is gaining an increasing importance in food chemistry. The characteristic aroma or bouquet of a wine is the result of complex interactions of volatile molecules and odor receptors. Its characterization is the subject of many different studies, aimed at the development of new methods to be used for the discovery of frauds and for the typization of Protected Designation of Origin (P.D.O.) or Protected Geographic Indication (P.G.I.) wines.〈/p〉 〈p〉We previously outlined the proteomic profile of three cultivars of 〈em〉Vitis vinifera〈/em〉 from South Italy (Campania) used for white wine production (Fiano, Greco and Falanghina) during the ripening. In this work, we present a mass spectrometry based study aimed at obtaining the profile of volatiles on the same samples using solid phase micro extraction coupled to gas chromatography.〈/p〉 〈p〉We demonstrated that some of the main constituents of aroma (namely terpenes, alcohols, aldehydes, etc.) were characteristic of certain grapes and absent in others.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: August 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 5, Issue 8〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): N.K. Udaya Prakash, N. Sripriya, K. Gowtham, S. Suresh, B. Sampathkumar, S. Bhuvaneswari〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Diwali is celebrated widely in Asian countries, with a custom of firing crackers. Crackers pollute the environment with noise, particulate matter and chemicals. There are reports on the variation of particulates during firing crackers but none on airborne microbes. The present study was conducted to know the impact of fire crackers on airborne microflora. The air samples were collected 3 days prior to Diwali, on Diwali and 3 days after Diwali during the year 2017 at 15 different areas in Chennai, India. Andersen N-6 viable particle air sampler was exposed with petridishes containing nutrient agar and potato dextrose agar for the isolation of bacteria and fungi respectively. An average of 1,904 ± 2.5 CFU/m〈sup〉3〈/sup〉 of bacteria recorded prior Diwali was reduced by 53.23% on Diwali and increased by 27.37% after Diwali. This reduction on Diwali is attributed to the exposure of bacteria to chemicals emitted by the crackers. For fungi, an average of 235.57 ± 1.67 CFU/m〈sup〉3〈/sup〉 was recorded prior Diwali, with an increase of 78.5% on Diwali. The increase in fungal count might be due to the release of spores by ground crackers. The study shows that bacteria are susceptible to the chemicals emitted by fire crackers when compared with fungi.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: August 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 5, Issue 8〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Simon Svanborg Kjeldsen, Erhard Trillingsgaard Næss-Schmidt, Gunhild Mo Hansen, Jørgen Feldbæk Nielsen, Peter William Stubbs〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Blood flow restriction training (BFRT) has been proposed for elderly and clinical populations with weakness. Before being used in these populations it is important to understand the neurological effects of, and subject perceptions to, BFRT. Seventeen healthy subjects were recruited and performed 2 experimental sessions, BFRT and training without blood flow restriction (TR-only), on separate days. Four sets of concentric/eccentric dorsiflexion contractions against theraband resistance were performed. Surface electromyography of the tibialis anterior was recorded during exercise and for the electrophysiological measures. At baseline, immediately-post, 10-min-post and 20-min-post exercise, motor evoked potentials (MEPs) from single pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), paired-pulse TMS with interstimulus intervals of 2-ms (SICI) and 15-ms (ICF), and the M-max amplitude were recorded in the resting TA. Following training, subjects provided a numerical rating of the levels of pain, discomfort, fatigue, focus and difficulty during training. Muscle activation was higher in the last 20 contractions during BFRT compared to TR. There was no difference (time × condition interaction) between BFRT and TR for single-pulse MEP, SICI, ICF or M-max amplitude. There was a significant main effect of timepoint for single-pulse MEP and M-max amplitudes with both significantly reduced for 20-min-post exercise. No reductions were observed for SICI and ICF amplitudes. Taken together, BFRT and TR-only were only different during exercise and both regimes induced similar significant reductions in M-Max and MEP-amplitude post-training. Due to the lack of changes in SICI and ICF, it is unlikely that changes occurred in cortical sites related to these pathways. The increased surface electromyography activity in the last 20 contractions, indicate that the training regimes are different and that BFRT possibly induces more fatigue than TR. As such, BFRT could be used as an adjunct to conventional training. However, as subjects perceived BFRT as more painful, difficult and uncomfortable than TR-only, people should be selected carefully to undertake BFRT.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: August 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 5, Issue 8〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Andualem Merga, H.C.Ananda Murthy, Enyew Amare, Kalid Ahmed, Eshetu Bekele〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Electrical porcelain insulator was fabricated from local ceramic raw materials, Bombowha kaolin/clay, Arero feldspar and Arero quartz available in Ethiopia. The raw materials mineralogy, chemical composition, and thermal properties were characterized by using x-ray diffractometer (XRD), atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS) and thermogravimetry (TGA), respectively. Plasticity of clay was determined according to Atterberg plasticity test. Based on the raw materials chemical composition, five different porcelain insulator test bodies were prepared at firing temperature of 1000 °C, 1100 °C, 1200 °C and 1300 °C. Water absorbance, apparent porosity, bulk density, dielectric strength and microstructure of fired porcelain insulators were studied as a function of firing temperature. The XRD and AAS results revealed that in Bombowha clay, kaolinite mineral was found to be a major mineral constituent with appreciable silica (46.84 wt%) and alumina (36.74 wt%) content with moderate plasticity (PI = 19–21%). The Arero feldspar belongs to anorthoclase feldspar minerals with less alkali content (Na〈sub〉2〈/sub〉O + K〈sub〉2〈/sub〉0) of 〈7wt %. Among the tested porcelain insulator bodies, the test body with composition of 45% kaolin, 45% feldspar and 10 % quartz exhibited superior properties of having a water absorbance of 0.010%, porosity of 0.088%, density of 2.466 g/cm〈sup〉3〈/sup〉, dielectric strength of 8 Kv/mm at firing temperature of 1300 °C with mullite and quartz phase embedded in sufficient glassy phase. Therefore, the experimental result confirmed that standard porcelain insulator can be fabricated from locally available ceramic raw materials (clay and quartz) in Ethiopia at optimized condition.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: October 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 93〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Guang-hua Wang, Zhao-xia Li, En-mian Guo, Jing-jing Wang, Min Zhang, Yong-hua Hu〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Calreticulin (CRT) is a highly conserved and multi-functional protein with diverse localizations. CRT has lectin-like properties and possesses important immunological activities in mammalian. In teleost, very limited studies on CRT immunologic function have been documented. In the present study, a CRT homologue (SsCRT) was cloned, identified and characterized from black rockfish, 〈em〉Sebastes schlegeli〈/em〉, an important aquaculture species in East Asia. The full length of 〈em〉SsCRT〈/em〉 cDNA is 2180 bp and encoded a polypeptide of 425 amino acids. SsCRT contains a signal peptide, three distinct structural and functional domains (N-, P- and C-domains), and an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) retrieval signal sequence (KDEL). The deduced amino acid sequence of SsCRT shares 89–92% overall sequence identities with the CRT proteins of several fish species. 〈em〉SsCRT〈/em〉 was distributed ubiquitously in all the detected tissues and was highly expressed in the spleen, muscle and liver. After the infection of fish extracellular bacterial pathogen 〈em〉Vibrio anguillarum〈/em〉 and intracellular bacterial pathogen 〈em〉Edwardsiella tarda〈/em〉, the mRNA transcripts of 〈em〉SsCRT〈/em〉 in spleen, liver, and head kidney were significantly up-regulated. The expression patterns were time-dependent and tissue-dependent. Recombinant SsCRT (rSsCRT) exhibited apparent binding activities against different bacteria and PAMPs. 〈em〉In vivo〈/em〉 studies showed that the expressions of multiple immune-related genes such as TNF13B, IL-1β, IL-8, SAA, Hsp70, and ISG15 in head kidney were significantly enhanced when black rockfish were treated with rSsCRT. Furthermore, rSsCRT reduced pathogen dissemination and replication in fish kidney and spleen. These results indicated that SsCRT served as an immune receptor to recognize and eliminate the invading pathogens, which played a vital role in the immune response of 〈em〉Sebastes schlegeli〈/em〉. These findings provide new insights into understanding the roles of CRT proteins in immune response and pathogen infection in teleost.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: October 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 93〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Ying Wu, Yongcan Zhou, Zhenjie Cao, Yun Sun, Yang Chen, Yajing Xiang, Lu Wang, Shengnan Zhang, Weiliang Guo〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Interleukins (ILs) are a subgroup of cytokines, which are molecules involved in the intercellular regulation of the immune system. These cytokines have been extensively studied in mammalian models, but systematic analyses of fish are limited. In the current study, 3 IL genes from golden pompano (〈em〉Trachinotus ovatus〈/em〉) were characterized. The IL-1β protein contains IL-1 family signature motif, and four long helices (αA - αD) in IL-11 and IL-34, which were well conserved. All 3 ILs clustered phylogenetically with their respective IL relatives in mammalian and other teleost species. Under normal physiological conditions, the expression of IL-1β, IL-11, and IL-34 were detected at varied levels in the 11 tissues examined. Most of the 3 ILs examined were highly expressed in liver, spleen, kidney, gill, or skin. Following pathogenic bacterial, viral, or parasitic challenge, IL-1β, IL-11, and IL-34 exhibited distinctly different expression profiles in a time-, tissue-, and pathogen-dependent manner. In general, IL-1β was expressed at higher levels following challenge with all pathogens examined than was observed for IL-11 and IL-34. Furthermore, 〈em〉Streptococcus agalactiae〈/em〉 and 〈em〉Cryptocaryon irritans〈/em〉 caused higher levels of IL-1β and IL-11 expression than 〈em〉Vibrio harveyi〈/em〉 and viral nervous necrosis virus (VNNV). The increased expression of IL-34 caused by VNNV and 〈em〉C. irritans〈/em〉 were higher than that caused by 〈em〉V. harveyi〈/em〉 and 〈em〉S. agalactiae〈/em〉. These results suggest that these 3 ILs in 〈em〉T. ovatus〈/em〉 may play different effect pathogen type specific responses.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: October 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 93〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Dinglong Yang, Yijing Han, Lizhu Chen, Ruiwen Cao, Qing Wang, Zhijun Dong, Hui Liu, Xiaoli Zhang, Qianqian Zhang, Jianmin Zhao〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Bactericidal permeability-increasing protein (BPI) is an antimicrobial protein with potent endotoxin-neutralising activity and plays a crucial role in innate immunity against bacterial infection. In the present study, a 〈em〉bpi〈/em〉 (designed as 〈em〉rpbpi〈/em〉) was identified and characterized from manila clam 〈em〉Ruditapes philippinarum〈/em〉. Multiple alignments and phylogenetic analysis suggested that 〈em〉rpbpi〈/em〉 was a new member of the 〈em〉bpis〈/em〉 family. In non-stimulated clams, 〈em〉rpbpi〈/em〉 transcripts were ubiquitously expressed in all tested tissues with the highest expression level in hemocytes. After 〈em〉Vibrio anguillarum〈/em〉 challenge, the expression levels of 〈em〉rpbpi〈/em〉 mRNA in hemocytes were up-regulated significantly at 3 h and 48 h compared with that in the control, which were 4.01- and 19.10-fold (〈em〉P〈/em〉 〈 0.05), respectively. The recombinant RpBPI (rRpBPI) showed high antibacterial activities against Gram-negative bacteria 〈em〉Escherichia coli〈/em〉 and 〈em〉V. anguillarum〈/em〉, but not 〈em〉Staphylococcus aureus〈/em〉. Moreover, membrane integrity analysis revealed that rRpBPI increased the membrane permeability of Gram-negative bacteria, and then resulted in cell death. Overall, our results suggested that RpBPI played an important role in the elimination of invaded bacteria through membrane-disruptive activity.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: August 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 5, Issue 8〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Soukhyarani Gopal Nayak, Boja Poojary〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Pursuing our recent interest regarding the antimicrobial activity of Schiff bases derivatives, we have synthesized a series of 6-(substitutedphenyl)-〈em〉N'〈/em〉-((〈em〉E〈/em〉)-(substitutedphenyl)methylidene)-2-methylpyridine-3-carbohydrazides (〈strong〉5a-n〈/strong〉) and evaluated their antibacterial activity. Structures of these compounds were confirmed by standard studies of FTIR, 〈sup〉1〈/sup〉H NMR, 〈sup〉13〈/sup〉C NMR, MS and elemental analysis. Antibacterial activity of synthesized molecules was tested against Gram-positive (〈em〉S. aureus〈/em〉 and 〈em〉E. faecalis〈/em〉) and Gram-negative (〈em〉E. coli〈/em〉 and 〈em〉P. aeruginosa〈/em〉) bacterial strains. Synthesized compounds showed good antibacterial activity at a lower concentration than standard. Most of the compounds (〈strong〉5a〈/strong〉, 〈strong〉5c〈/strong〉, 〈strong〉5i〈/strong〉, 〈strong〉5j〈/strong〉 and 〈strong〉5n〈/strong〉) are potent against all the tested bacterial strains with MIC values ranging from 1.56-12.5 μg/mL.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: August 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 5, Issue 8〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Mohamed Hawashi, Ali Altway, Tri Widjaja, Setiyo Gunawan〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Cassava leaves are a crucial source of alternative protein resources for both humans and livestock in developing societies in African and Asian countries that do not have easy access to available protein sources. Hence, cassava has the capacity to promote the economic development of these countries and provide food security. However, it has some disadvantages due to the anti-nutrient compounds present in its tissues, which limits the nutritional value of cassava leaves. Thus, proper processing of cassava leaves is essential in order to reduce the anti-nutrients to a safer limit before utilization. This study focuses on reducing the tannin content of cassava leaves during solid-state fermentation using 〈em〉Saccharomyces cerevisiae〈/em〉. In addition, the Box-Behnken design of the Response Surface Methodology was applied to optimize various process parameters, such as carbon concentration, nitrogen concentration, moisture content, and incubation time for maximum reduction of tannin content in cassava leaves. A quadratic model was developed for the reduction of tannin content, which resulted in a perfect fit of the experimental data (p 〈 0.01). The optimal conditions were found at 1.4% (w/w) of carbon concentration, 0.55% (w/w) of nitrogen concentration, 57% (v/w) moisture content, and an incubation time of 96 h. The minimum tannin content obtained under these conditions was 0.125%, which indicated a reduction of 89.32 % in tannin content. Conversely, the protein content was increased with a further increase in fermentation time from 24 to 96 h (from 10.08 to 14.11–16.07 %). Furthermore, the ability of 〈em〉Saccharomyces cerevisiae〈/em〉 to produce tannase under solid-state fermentation of cassava leaves was also studied. The maximum yield was obtained with an enzyme activity of 0.53 U/gds after 72 h of incubation.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: August 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 5, Issue 8〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Paula Valentina Polania-Guzmán, Juan Fernando Vélez-García〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉The northern tamandua (〈em〉Tamandua mexicana〈/em〉) is a xenarthran mammal with a distribution from Mexico to Peru. This species arrives to wildlife care centres due to illegal trafficking and attacks by domestic dogs, both of which are situations where the northern tamandua's thoracic limbs (forelimbs) can be affected. As such, it is necessary to have anatomical studies that allow us to perform better medical and surgical procedures. Among these, studies about the musculoskeletal system also aid in the muscular reconstructions of extinct species. The aim of this study was to characterize the craniolateral muscles of the forearm in 〈em〉Tamandua mexicana〈/em〉 and compare them with other Xenarthrans to determine their gross adaptations. Six dead specimens were used, and none were sacrificed for the purpose of this investigation. In five specimens, arterial repletion was done. Four were fixed with 10% formaldehyde and 5% glycerin, and two were dissected in fresh. All were dissected in the Veterinary Anatomy Laboratory of the Universidad del Tolima. The weights of the muscles from seven forearms were taken and divided in three functional groups for comparison with non-parametric statistics. Two muscular groups were found: one superficial formed by the brachioradialis, brachioradialis accesorius, extensor carpi radialis, extensor digitorum communis, extensor digitorum lateralis and extensor carpi ulnaris; and one deep muscular group formed by the supinator, extensor digiti III et IV, abductor digiti I longus, and extensor digiti I et II. They were supplied by different branches of the cranial interosseous, transverse cubital and superficial brachial arteries, which had the shape of 〈em〉rete mirabile〈/em〉; and all muscles were innervated by the deep branch of the radial nerve. The presence of the brachioradialis accesorius muscle in this species allows its hand to remain in semi-supination when it is mobilized in a quadrupedal manner. It must also support elbow flexion together with the action of the brachioradialis and the extensor carpi radialis muscles. All the antebrachial digital muscles sent tendons for the digit III making it the most functional for different grip activities such as climbing trees and searching for its food, however, the most strength was directed to supination and carpal extension, and therefore also to the flexion of the elbow.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: August 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 5, Issue 8〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): U.G. Spizzirri, G. Carullo, L. De Cicco, A. Crispini, F. Scarpelli, D. Restuccia, F. Aiello〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Tea (〈em〉Camellia Sinensis〈/em〉) is one of the most popular drink, consumed as infusion or bottled ready to drink beverages. Although tea leaves contain many antioxidants compounds, after processing they can drastically decrease, sometimes up to a full degradation, as in the case of catechin, a very healthy flavan-3-ol. In this context, the synthesis of a cocrystal between (+)-catechin and L-(+)-ascorbic acid, was proved to be a useful strategy to make a new ingredient able to ameliorate the antioxidant profile of both infusions and bottled teas. The obtained cocrystal showed a three-fold higher solubility than (+)catechin and its formation was elucidated unambiguously by FT-IR, thermal (DSC) and diffraction (PXRD) analyses. Antioxidant characteristics of the samples were evaluated by colorimetric assays. As expected, infusions showed much better antioxidant features than ready-to-use lemon and peach teas. The same trend was confirmed after the addition of the cocrystal at two concentration levels. In particular, supplementation at concentration of 2 mg mL〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 improved the bottled tea antioxidant values to the level showed by the not-added infusion tea.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: August 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 5, Issue 8〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Ekarat Tangsiriratana, Wanwisa Skolpap, Robert J. Patterson, Kobsak Sriprapha〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉In this study, a micro-encapsulated phase change material (PCM) was composed of sugarcane wax−Al〈sub〉2〈/sub〉O〈sub〉3〈/sub〉composite as the core material and gelatin−gum Arabic as the polymer shell materials prepared by complex coacervation. The thermal behavior of solar panels integrated with this encapsulated PCM (EPCM) was investigated. The heat storage-dissipation performance and thermal stability of the sugarcane wax−based composite PCM layer with the heat capacity of 2.86 J/g·°C was influenced by its thickness. Increasing the composite PCM layer thickness from 4 mm to 7 mm could lower the module's front-facing glass temperature by 4% resulting in enhanced the photovoltaic power generation by 12% at the peak, because of the temperature storage ability of the composite PCM. Moreover, the thermal conductivity of the microencapsulated sugarcane wax was calculated using a steady-state one-dimensional energy balance equation. The thermal conductivities estimated across the composite PCM layer depth were found to be temperature dependent. A nonlinear regression of the power law thermal conductivity model gave a good agreement with the observed EPCM-surface temperatures.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: August 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 5, Issue 8〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Sulayman T. Balogun, Umar K. Sandabe, Kenneth O. Okon, Ayodele O. Akanmu, Fatai A. Fehintola〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉The study re-visited malaria burden and pre-hospital medication among malarious subjects in Maiduguri, Northeast Nigeria. A total of 1,657 febrile subjects were screened for malaria by microscopy at two health institutions. Giemsa-stained blood smears were examined for parasitaemia and gametocytaemia; and parasite density (PD), gametocyte density (GD) and gametocyte sex ratio (GSR) were determined. The mean age of the 1,657 subjects was 27.5 ± 12.2 years and 7.8% (130/1,657) of the subjects aged 〈5 years. Sex distribution showed 47.0% (778/1,657) males and 53.0% (879/1657) females. Parasitaemia was recorded in 22.6% (375/1,657) with geometric mean PD of 8,925 (320–275,000) parasites/μl blood. The prevalence of parasitaemia was highest among subjects 〈5 years (χ〈sup〉2〈/sup〉 = 401.1; df = 5; p 〈 0.0001) and in August and September (χ〈sup〉2〈/sup〉 = 406.9; df = 11; p 〈 0.0001). Prevalence of gametocytaemia was 12.8% (48/375) with geometric mean GD of 109 (8–464) gametocytes/μl blood. The prevalence was higher in dry (16.5%, 29/176) than wet (9.5%, 19/199) months (χ〈sup〉2〈/sup〉 = 4.0; df = 1; p = 0.045). The weighted mean GSR was 0.4 ± 0.1 with highest value in March (0.7 ± 0.2). Pre-hospital medication was recorded in 74.1% (278/375) of the subjects with parasitaemia. Analgesics (51.7%; 194/375) accounted for the highest proportion of drug consumed while 9.3% (35/375) of the subjects took antimalarial drugs. Malaria persisted in Maiduguri especially among subjects 〈5 years during wet months and pre-hospital medication is a common practice. These findings could serve as guide for policy decision that could contribute to effective treatment and control of malaria in the region.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: October 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 93〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Wenlin Wu, Congjie Dai, Xunwei Duan, Cuifang Wang, Xiaosi Lin, Jiaying Ke, Yixuan Wang, Xiaobo Zhang, Haipeng Liu〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉White shrimp 〈em〉Litopenaeus vannamei〈/em〉 are widely cultured in the world and white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) led to huge economic losses in the shrimp industry every year. In the present study, miRNAs involved in the response of shrimp 〈em〉L. vannamei〈/em〉 to WSSV infection were obtained through the Illumina HiSeq 2500 high-throughput next-generation sequencing technique. A total number of 7 known miRNAs and 54 putative novel miRNAs were obtained. Among them, 14 DEMs were identified in the shrimp infected with WSSV. The putative target genes of these DEMs were related to host immune response or signaling pathways, indicating the importance of miRNAs in shrimp against WSSV infection. The results will provide information for further research on shrimp response to virus infection and contribute to the development of new strategies for effective protection against WSSV infections.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: October 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 93〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Rahul Krishnan, Syed Shariq Nazir Qadiri, Myung-Joo Oh〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Nectin-4/PVRL4 belonging to the family of immunoglobulin-like cell adhesion molecules was identified as a potential cellular receptor for several animal viruses. Here we show that nervous necrosis virus that causes viral nervous necrosis in teleosts uses the same receptor in its life cycle. Transfection of SSN-1 cell lines with an expression vector encoding Nectin-4 rendered them to be more susceptible to NNV. Immunofluorescence microscopy on Nectin-4 expressing cells revealed that the protein interacted with NNV specifically. A virus binding assay indicated that Nectin-4 was a bonafide receptor that supported virus attachment to the host cell whereas siRNA directed against Nectin-4 blocked NNV infections in grouper primary brain cells. Results of the present study will improve our understanding of the pathogenesis of NNV infection and provide a target for the development of novel antiviral interventions in marine finfish aquaculture.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: October 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 93〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Jun Di, Zhipeng Chu, Shuhuan Zhang, Jun Huang, Hao Du, Qiwei Wei〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉In the present study, we aimed to screen the potential probiotic 〈em〉Bacillus subtilis〈/em〉 isolated from the gut of healthy fish using 〈em〉in vitro〈/em〉 assays and to evaluate its effect on Dabry's sturgeon (〈em〉Acipenser dabryanus〈/em〉) using 〈em〉in vivo〈/em〉 feeding experiments. Among the isolates, 〈em〉B. subtilis〈/em〉 BSth-5 and BSth-19 exhibited antimicrobial effect against four sturgeon-pathogenic bacteria, including 〈em〉Aeromonas hydrophila〈/em〉, 〈em〉A. veronii〈/em〉, 〈em〉A. media〈/em〉, and 〈em〉Streptococcus iniae〈/em〉. The cell number of 〈em〉B. subtilis〈/em〉 BSth-5 and BSth-19 changed little after 2 h of exposure to pH 3.0 or fresh Dabry's sturgeon bile at 2.5% and 5.0%. Meanwhile, 〈em〉B. subtilis〈/em〉 BSth-5 and BSth-19 produced extracellular protease, cellulose, and lipase. And it was proved that 〈em〉B. subtilis〈/em〉 BSth-5 and BSth-19 were harmless after injection of Dabry's sturgeon. One group of Dabry's sturgeon was fed a control diet and two groups were fed experimental diets containing 2.0 × 10〈sup〉8〈/sup〉 CFU/g BSth-5 (T1 group) or BSth-19 (T2 group) for 8 weeks. No significant differences in final weight, weight gain rate, and special growth rate were observed in the T1 and T2 groups compared to the control group (〈em〉P〈/em〉 〉 0.05), but a significant improvement in survival rate was detected after 4 and 8 weeks of feeding (〈em〉P〈/em〉 〈 0.05). After 8 weeks, serum total antioxidant capacity, total superoxide dismutase activity, and IgM levels were significantly higher in the T1 and T2 groups compared to the control group (〈em〉P〈/em〉 〈 0.05). Moreover, serum lysozyme activity was significantly higher in the T1 group relative to the control group during the whole experiment period (〈em〉P〈/em〉 〈 0.05); however, the differences were not significant between the T2 and control groups (〈em〉P〈/em〉 〉 0.05). Serum malondialdehyde levels in the T1 and T2 groups were significantly lower than those in the control group after 4 weeks (〈em〉P〈/em〉 〈 0.05). Sturgeons in the T1 and T2 groups showed a higher survival rate after 〈em〉Aeromonas hydrophila〈/em〉 infection. To summarize, dietary supplementation with BSth-5 and BSth-19 could enhance the survival rate, antioxidant activity, serum immunity, and disease resistance in 〈em〉A. dabryanus〈/em〉.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S1050464819308204-fx1.jpg" width="388" alt="Image 1" title="Image 1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: October 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 93〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Håvard Bjørgen, Oskar Mongstad Løken, Ida Bergva Aas, Per Gunnar Fjelldal, Tom Hansen, Lars Austbø, Erling Olaf Koppang〈/p〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: October 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 93〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Pan Wu, Weiguang Yang, Yuying Dong, Yanling Wang, Ying Zhang, Xuejun Zou, Hui Ge, Dongxue Hu, Yubo Cui, Zhaobo Chen〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Application of traditional bait in aquaculture caused environment pollution and disease frequent occurrence. Residual coconut could be re-utilized to culture Spinibarbus sinensis as dietary supplement. Therefore, a novel integrated system of the improvement of yield, antioxidant and nonspecific immunity of Spinibarbus sinensis by dietary residual coconut was proposed and investigated. Spinibarbus sinensis could grow well in all supplement residual coconut groups. Survival rate, yield, whole fish body composition under 15–45% groups were increased compared with control group (CK). Bioactive substances (polyphenols and vitamin) in residual coconut enhanced AKP, ACP, phagocytic, SOD, CAT activities through up-regulating 〈em〉AKP, ACP, SOD, CAT〈/em〉 genes expression levels. Theoretical analysis showed bioactive substances regulated these genes expressions and enzyme activities as stimulus signal, component, active center. Moreover, residual coconut improved mTOR and NF-kB signaling pathway. Furthermore, residual coconut inhibited 〈em〉Aeromonas hydrophila〈/em〉 that increased resistance to diseases. This technology completed the solid waste recovery and the Spinibarbus sinensis culture simultaneously.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: October 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 93〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Jianting Lu, Xianyong Bu, Shusheng Xiao, Zhideng Lin, Xinyue Wang, Yongyi Jia, Xiaodan Wang, Jian G. Qin, Liqiao Chen〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉This study evaluates the effect of dietary supplementation of immunostimulants on the Chinese mitten crab (〈em〉Eriocheir sinensis〈/em〉) with a single administration of mannan oligosaccharide (MOS), or its combination with either β-glucan or with inulin for 8 weeks. Four diets included an untreated control diet (C), MOS alone (3 g kg〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉, M), MOS with β-glucan (3 g kg 〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 MOS + 1.5 g kg 〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 β-glucan, MB), and MOS with inulin (3 g kg 〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 MOS + 10 g kg 〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 inulin, MI). The weight gain and specific growth rate of the crabs fed M, MB, and MI diets were improved by lowing feed conversion ratio. The growth and feed utilization of the crabs fed the MB diet were improved compared with the other three groups. The crabs fed the M, MB and MI diets showed a higher intestinal trypsin activity than that in the M and control groups. The highest trypsin activity in the hepatopancreas was observed in the MB group. Crabs fed M, MB and MI diets increased antioxidant system-related enzyme activities, but reduced malondialdehyde. The highest activities of alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, lysozyme and phenol oxidase in the gut and the respiratory burst of the crabs were found in the MB group. The MB diet promoted the mRNA expression of 〈em〉E. sinensis〈/em〉 immune genes (ES-PT, ES-Relish, ES-LITAF, p38MAPK and Crustin) compared with the control. After 3 days of infection with 〈em〉Aeromonas hydrophila〈/em〉, the highest survival of crabs was also found in the MB group. This study indicates that the combination of MOS with β-glucan or with inulin can improve growth, antioxidant capacity, non-specific immunity and disease resistance in 〈em〉E. sinensis〈/em〉.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: October 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 93〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Marco Rozas-Serri, Andrea Peña, Lucerina Maldonado〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Piscirickettsiosis is the most challenging disease present in the Chilean salmon industry. The aim of this study was to describe the expression of genes associated with immune response of Atlantic salmon intraperitoneally infected with LF-89 and EM-90 〈em〉Piscirickettsia salmonis〈/em〉 and vaccinated with inactivated whole-cell bacterin of 〈em〉P. salmonis〈/em〉. The fish infected with PS-LF-89 showed an anti-inflammatory response, whereas this finding was not observed in the PS-EM-90-infected fish and vaccinated fish. Fish infected with both 〈em〉P. salmonis〈/em〉 isolates showed 〈em〉mhc1-mhc2〈/em〉, 〈em〉cd4-cd8b〈/em〉 and 〈em〉igm〈/em〉 overexpression, suggesting that 〈em〉P. salmonis〈/em〉 promotes a T CD4〈sup〉+〈/sup〉 and T CD8〈sup〉+〈/sup〉 cell response and a humoral immune response. The vaccinated-fish exhibited 〈em〉mhc1〈/em〉, 〈em〉mhc2〈/em〉 and 〈em〉cd4〈/em〉 overexpression but a significant downregulation of 〈em〉cd8b〈/em〉 and 〈em〉igm〈/em〉, suggesting that the vaccine supported the CD4〈sup〉+〈/sup〉 T-cell response but did not induce an immune response mediated by CD8〈sup〉+〈/sup〉 T cells or a humoral response. In conclusion, the expression pattern of genes related to the humoral and cell-mediated adaptive immune response showed upregulation in fish infected with 〈em〉P. salmonis〈/em〉 and down-regulation in vaccinated fish. The results of this study contribute to our understanding of the immune response against 〈em〉P. salmonis〈/em〉 and can be used in the optimization of SRS prevention and control measures.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: October 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 93〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Wen-rui Li, Yong-hua Hu, Shuai Jiang, Li Sun〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Japanese flounder (〈em〉Paralichthys olivaceus〈/em〉) is an important economic fish species farmed in China and other countries. It is susceptible to infection by 〈em〉Edwardsiella tarda〈/em〉, a severe fish pathogen with a broad host range. In this study, we employed high-throughput deep sequencing technology to identify, in a global scale, flounder kidney microRNAs (miRNAs) induced by 〈em〉E. tarda〈/em〉 at different stages of infection. Differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) and mRNAs (DEmRNAs) exhibiting significantly altered expression levels before and after 〈em〉E. tarda〈/em〉 infection were examined. A total of 96 DEmiRNAs were identified, for which 2779 target genes were predicted. Eighty-seven miRNA–mRNA pairs, involving 29 DEmiRNAs and 86 DEmRNAs, showed negative correlations in their expression patterns. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that the putative target genes of the DEmiRNAs were associated with diverse biological processes, cellular components, and molecular functions. One of the DEmiRNAs, pol-miR-182-5p, was demonstrated to regulate sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 (PoS1PR1) negatively in a manner that depended on the specific interaction between the seed sequence of pol-miR-182-5p and the 3'-UTR of PoS1PR1. Overexpression of pol-miR-182-5p in flounder cells promoted apoptosis and inhibited cellular viability. Knockdown of PoS1PR1 in flounder enhanced 〈em〉E. tarda〈/em〉 invasion and dissemination in fish tissues. These results provide new insights into miRNA-mediated anti-bacterial immunity in flounder.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: October 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Volume 93〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Hongli Xia, Yuan Li, Zhiwen Wang, Wenjie Chen, Jun Cheng, Dapeng Yu, Yishan Lu〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Nile tilapia (〈em〉Oreochromis niloticus〈/em〉) is a pivotal economic fish that has been plagued by Streptococcus infections. Tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 5 (TRAF5) is a crucial adaptor molecule, which can trigger downstream signaling cascades involved in immune pathway. In this study, Nile tilapia TRAF5 coding sequence (named OnTRAF5) was obtained, which contained typical functional domains, such as RING, zinc finger, coiled-coil and MATH domain. Different from other TRAF molecules, OnTRAF5 had shown relatively low identify with its homolog, and it was clustered into other teleost TRAF5 proteins. qRT-PCR was used to analysis the expression level of OnTRAF5 in gill, skin, muscle, head kidney, heart, intestine, thymus, liver, spleen and brain, In healthy Nile tilapia, the expression level of OnTRAF5 in intestine, gill and spleen were significantly higher than other tissues. While under 〈em〉Streptococcus agalactiae〈/em〉 infection, the expression level of OnTRAF5 was improved significantly in all detected organs. Additionally, over-expression WT OnTRAF5 activated NF-κB, deletion of RING or zinc finger caused the activity impaired. In conclusion, OnTRAF5 participate in anti-bacteria immune response and is crucial for the signaling transduction.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: August 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 5, Issue 8〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Chunlian Tian, Yu Chang, Zehui Zhang, Hong Wang, Shibo Xiao, Cancan Cui, Mingchun Liu〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Research on the extraction technology, component analysis, and antioxidant, antibacterial, analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of flavonoids fraction from 〈em〉Tribulus terrestris〈/em〉 L. leaves was carried out. The extraction process was optimized by response surface method, and the maximum yield 0.27% for flavonoids fraction was achieved with concentration of ethanol solution 25.87%, ratio of solvent to material 30:1 ml/g, and ultrasonic extraction time 27.93 min. Moreover, 14 compositions were identified separately from flavonoids fraction by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS〈sup〉2〈/sup〉. In addition, flavonoids fraction exhibited a better antioxidant activity demonstrated by assays of ABTS, DPPH radical scavenging activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power activity. Furthermore, the antibacterial, analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of flavonoids fraction were also proved to be stronger. Therefore, the present findings suggest that flavonoids fraction from 〈em〉Tribulus terrestris〈/em〉 L. leaves can be a very interesting candidate for the research and development of natural and healthy herbal medicine for the pharmaceutical and food industries.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: August 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 5, Issue 8〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Jamilah Borjac, Manal El Joumaa, Rawan Kawach, Lobna Youssef, Diane A. Blake〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Environmental pollution generated from uncontrolled dumping is a major problem in Lebanon due to the lack of proper waste management plans. Deir Kanoun Ras El Ain is the village that harbors the worst dumps in Lebanon. Wastewater leachates of this dump influx into an adjacent nearby canal used for irrigation and drinking purposes. The aim of this study is to assess the concentrations of heavy metals (Pb, Cd, As, and Hg) and the presence of organic compounds (phthalates, bisphenol A, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)) in water samples collected from two different sites around the dump and two canal sites during winter and summer seasons. The concentrations of heavy metals were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry, while the identification of the extracted organic compounds was performed using High Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled to Mass Spectrometry (HPLC–MS). The carried analyses revealed that water samples collected from dump and canal were heavily polluted by Cd, As, Hg, phthalates, bisphenol A, and PAHs caused by pyrogenic and petrogenic sources. The concentrations of the found heavy metals were far above the maximum tolerable levels set by different guidelines. The findings suggest that the studied water sources are not safe for irrigation and drinking. The serious implications of dumping wastes on the health of inhabitants recall for an immediate employment of efficient waste management policies to resolve this problem.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: August 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 5, Issue 8〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Keisuke Okubo, Takashi Ito, Yasuyoshi Shiota, Yusuke Kawata, Tadashi Yamamoto, Shogo Takashiba〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Contamination of dental unit waterlines (DUWL) with heterotrophic bacteria can cause problems in immune compromised patients (aged, tumor and organ transplantation-patients). We focused on the use of low-concentrated ozonized water (OZW) as the biofilm formation restraint system for DUWL. Here, we examined the effects of low-concentrated OZW on the growth of bacteria and related biofilm formation and harmfulness to dental unit components (DUCs) 〈em〉in vitro〈/em〉.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Objectives〈/h6〉 〈p〉To evaluate the bactericidal effects of OZW on biofilms in DUWL and DUC 〈em〉in vitro〈/em〉.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Methods〈/h6〉 〈p〉Low-concentrated OZW (0.4 mg/L) was generated using an OZS-PTDX generator. Heterotrophic bacterial biofilms in old DUWL tubes and 〈em〉Candia albicans〈/em〉 solution (control microbe) were treated with OZW for 1 h with gentle agitation before static culturing for 96 h in Reasoner's 2A liquid media. The control solutions were 0.1% cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), chlorinated tap water (TW), and phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) amounts of the microbes were measured and the biofilms of these microbes were observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Moreover, surfaces of DUC soaked in OZW and TW were observed by SEM.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Results〈/h6〉 〈p〉The OZW reduced ATP levels in microbes to 50% compared to TW and PBS treatment, although CPC reduced it below detection limits. SEM observation revealed deformation of microbes cultured with OZW, whereas no changes were seen on DUC surfaces.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Conclusions〈/h6〉 〈p〉Low-concentrated OZW is bactericidal against heterotrophic bacteria biofilms and it is not harmful to DUC, suggesting that it might be useful in preventing DUWL contamination.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: August 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 5, Issue 8〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Christian Baresel, Vincent Schaller, Christian Jonasson, Christer Johansson, Romain Bordes, Vinay Chauhan, Abhilash Sugunan, Jens Sommertune, Sebastian Welling〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉In this study, we have taken the concept of water treatment by functionalized magnetic particles one step forward by integrating the technology into a complete proof of concept, which included the preparation of surface modified beads, their use as highly selective absorbents for heavy metals ions (Zinc, Nickel), and their performance in terms of magnetic separation. The separation characteristics were studied both through experiments and by simulations. The data gathered from these experimental works enabled the elaboration of various scenarios for Life Cycle Analysis (LCA). The LCA showed that the environmental impact of the system is highly dependent on the recovery rate of the magnetic particles. The absolute impact on climate change varied significantly among the scenarios studied and the recovery rates. The results support the hypothesis that chelation specificity, magnetic separation and bead recovery should be optimized to specific targets and applications.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: August 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Heliyon, Volume 5, Issue 8〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): C.S. Martinez, D.E. Igartúa, I. Czarnowski, D.A. Feas, S.delV. Alonso, M.J. Prieto〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉 〈p〉The development and use of nanomaterials are increasing significantly. Among nanomaterials, carbon nanotubes are of particular interest due to its distinctive physicochemical properties. This material composed of sheets of graphite has very high thermal conductivity, metallic-type electrical conductivity, stiffness, toughness and unique ability to bond to itself in an extended network with extraordinary strength. Its application in the industry is continuously growing, which could lead to the accumulation in the environment and a consequent impact on both humans and ecosystems. Considering that environmental systems are dynamic, it is difficult to predict the risks associated with the release of nanomaterials to the environment. Bioindicators are useful tools as primary signals of environmental risk, and their responses reveal the organism and ecosystem health.〈/p〉 〈p〉In the present study, we evaluated the impact of multi-walled carbon nanotubes with different dimensions and agglomeration pattern on zebrafish embryo and larvae; mainly, studies were focused on physiological and behavioral responses. In embryos, measurements were hatching rate, morphology changes, and viability. In larvae, locomotor activity, heart rate, innate inflammatory response, general and tissue-specific morphology were measured. MWCNT-S (short, wide and mostly dispersed) caused depression of the locomotor activity of larvae, indicating an alteration of the central nervous system, and depression of neutrophil migration activity. MWCNT-L (long, thin and agglomerated) caused malformations during larval development, a decrease of neutrophil migration and alteration of cardiac rhythm. Results obtained for both carbon nanotubes were different, highlighting the importance of dimensions of the same nanomaterial, and also the kind of agglomeration and shape adopted, for the toxic effects on organisms.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈/div〉