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Aims: The concept of using specific dietary components to selectively modulate the gut microbiota to confer a health benefit, defined as prebiotics, originated in 1995. In 2018, a group of scientists met at the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics annual meeting in Singapore to discuss advances in the prebiotic field, focussing on issues affecting functionality, research methodology and geographical differences. Methods and Results: The discussion ranged from examining scientific literature supporting the efficacy of established prebiotics, to the prospects for establishing health benefits associated with novel compounds, isolated from different sources. Conclusions: While many promising candidate prebiotics from across the globe have been highlighted in preliminary research, there are a limited number with both demonstrated mechanism of action and defined health benefits as required to meet the prebiotic definition. Prebiotics are part of a food industry with increasing market sales, yet there are great disparities in regulations in different countries. Identification and commercialization of new prebiotics with unique health benefits means that regulation must improve and remain up‐to‐date so as not to risk stifling research with potential health benefits for humans and other animals. Significance and Impact of Study: This summary of the workshop discussions indicates potential avenues for expanding the range of prebiotic substrates, delivery methods to enhance health benefits for the end consumer and guidance to better elucidate their activities in human studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on the use of ethanol as fungal sanitizer in the preservation of paper. Effects of fungal activity on paper; Description of the chemical and physical properties of ethanol; Working mechanisms of ethanol on fungi.

Studies the bacterial metabolism of chlorinated dehydroabietic acids. How these acids are formed; Methodology used in the study; Conclusion reached from the study.

These summaries are intended as a guide to current scientific research activity, mainly for lay readers. They contain less technical terminology and jargon than the orginal articles and provide explanations for that which is retained. The uneven length of the summaries is not a measure of their relative importance, but is due to a variation in the difficulty of explaining complex technical concepts or lengthy experimental protocols and results. The purpose of a summary is to alert, interest and inform the reader. For comprehensive details of the issues, methods, results and interpretations you are strongly advised to refer to the original article. Remember also that the published results of any single investigation should not be considered as definitive, or be interpreted in isolation, or reported out of context. Progress in the understanding of MS, as in any other field of science requires critical debate and often must await independent confirmation of findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The latest study published in Nature by Andrew R. Burns, Peter J. Roy and co-authors is highlighted in this paper, they investigated a series of novel nematicidal compounds, including Selectivin-A and Selectivin-E, and explored their mechanism of action. Experiments have displayed that the Selectivin compound is inactive to human cells, fish, fungi, insects and even beneficial nematodes. In the exploration of its mechanism of action, it was found that the mechanism of action of Selectivin is different with those of commercial nematocides: Selectivin needs to be activated by biotin produced by nematodes, after that they can be transformed into compounds with high nematicidal activity. This proves that the family of Selectivin compounds has the advantages of high selectivity and environmental friendliness, and their mechanism of action is completely new, proposing a completely new path for the development of new nematicides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the problem of transporting solids on the surface of the Earth. It mentions that the sold displacement is opposed by friction and form resistance, impediments relaxed by rotational motion, transport infrastructure, and self-powering of mass units. It adds that physical processes became possible when Earth evolution produced a mechanism that could support transport.

Photogalvanic effect was studied in photogalvanic cells containing EDTA as reductant, new methylene blue, and safranine O as photosensitizer. The photopotential and photocurrent generated were 740 mV and 110 μA, respectively. The observed conversion efficiency was 0.4442% and the maximum output (power) of cell was 81.4 μW. The photogalvanic cell can be used for 95 min in the dark due to the storage capacity of the cell. The effects of various parameters on the electrical output of the cell were observed. The mechanism of generation of the photocurrent in these photogalvanic cells has also been proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An interview with Doctor (Dr.) Gary R. Strichartz is presented in regards to his paper published in the journal, titled "Current Concepts of the Mechanism of Action of Local Anesthetics." Strichartz discusses his opinion of drug-receptor interaction. He remarks on how to distinguish between psychological and physical pain in a patient. He comments on the potential for interaction between anesthetics and membrane lipids.

Batch experiments were carried out for the sorption of methylene blue onto Paspalum notatum. The operating variables studied were initial dye concentration, initial solution pH, adsorbent dosage and contact time. Experimental equilibrium data were fitted to Freundlich, Langmuir and Redlich–Peterson isotherms by non-linear regression method. Six error functions was used to determine the optimum isotherm by non-linear regression method. The present study shows r 2 as the best error function to determine the parameters involved in both two-and three-parameter isotherms. Langmuir isotherm was found to be the optimum isotherm for methylene blue onto P. notatum. The monolayer methylene blue sorption capacity of P. notatum was found to be 31mg/g. The kinetics of methylene blue onto P. notatum was found to follow a pseudo second order kinetics. A Boyd plot confirms the external mass transfer as the rate-limiting step in the dye sorption process. The influence of initial dye concentration on the dye sorption process was represented in the form of dimensionless mass transfer numbers (Sh/Sc 0.33) and was found to vary as . [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Three-dimensional (3D) printing is a procedure used to create 3D objects in which consecutive layers of a material are computer-controlled produced. Such objects can be constructed in any shape using digital model data. First, this paper presents a state-of-the-art review of the advances in 3D printing processes of construction. Then, the architectural, economical, environmental, and structural features of 3D printing are introduced. Examples of 3D printed structures are presented, and the construction challenges facing Jordan, that encouraged this study, are stated. Finally, a precise description regarding the impact of 3D printing is provided by comparing conventional construction data of Ras Alain Multipurpose Hall in Jordan and the expected data if the same building has been built using 3D printing. The suggested model is generated using Revit software. As a result of this study, an understanding of 3D printing procedure, mechanism of action, and its impact on the future of construction and architecture through economical, structural, and environmental parameters is achieved. This leads to encourage engineers and contractors to take this subject into account for construction in Jordan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the recent paper [29], a susceptible-infected-susceptible (SIS) epidemic reaction-diffusion model with a mass action infection mechanism and linear birth-death growth with no flux boundary condition was studied. It has been recognized that spontaneous infection is an important factor in disease epidemics, in addition to disease transmission [43]. In this paper, we investigate the SIS model in [29] with spontaneous infection. We establish the global boundedness and uniform persistence in the general heterogeneous environment, and derive the global stability of the unique constant endemic equilibrium in the homogeneous environment case. Moreover, we analyze the asymptotic behavior of the endemic equilibrium when the movement (migration) rate of the susceptible or infected population tends to zero. Compared to the case that there is no spontaneous infection, our study suggests that spontaneous infection can enhance persistence of infectious disease, and hence the disease becomes more threatening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present paper, the potential of the progressive collapse of a reinforced concrete frame of a seven-storey building was evaluated by comparing the capacity curve and the M–N diagram of the beams. The advantage of this approach is that it captures the exact resistance mechanisms occurring during the progressive collapse of the structure such as flexural action, compressive arch action and catenary action. Furthermore, the overlapping of the capacity curves and the M–N diagram were proved to be an efficient tool to optimize the design of the resistance of structures to collapse. The modelling technique based on the Applied Element Method was validated by an experimental test. Consequently, numerical studies were performed according to General Services Administration guidelines using different scenarios implying the removal of one or two adjacent columns from the ground level. Additionally, the slabs were considered in the structural analysis and flexural action was identified as the main mechanism of action against total structural failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author discusses the effects of catastrophizing. He states that catastrophizing is a negative cognitive-affective response to pain. He investigated potential mechanism through which catastrophizing asserts its influence over pain-related outcomes. He states that there is a relationship between catastrophizing and pain. He also states that painful stimuli in the central nervous system is due to catastrophizing.

Copyright of Yearbook of Banjaluka Law School / Godisnjak Pravnok Fakulteta u Banjaluci is the property of University Banja Luka, Faculty of Law and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Cisplatin (CisPt), a platinum-based chemotherapeutic widely used in the treatment of various cancers, has multiple mechanisms of action, including nuclear DNA (nDNA) and mitochondrial DNA (mDNA) damage and cytoskeletal perturbations affecting, in turn, the membrane transporter activity. CisPt binding to proteins and enzymes may modulate its biochemical mechanism of action and is associated with cancer cell resistance to the drug. In this work, we investigate the interaction between cisplatin and angiogenin (Ang), a protein strongly expressed in many types of cancer and a potent angiogenic factor. The adduct formed upon reaction of CisPt with Ang (Ang@CisPt) was characterized by X-ray crystallography to evidence the exact platination site and by UV-visible (UV-vis) absorption and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopies to shed light on any possible change in the protein conformation. Furthermore, high-resolution electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometry was utilized to evaluate the Ang : CisPt stoichiometry of the Ang@CisPt adduct. The effect of the Ang@CisPt adduct on a prostate cancer cell line (PC-3) was tested by colorimetric assays in terms of cell viability, at both levels of nuclear and mitochondrial damage, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Cellular imaging by laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSM) was utilized to scrutinize the cytoskeleton actin reorganization and the lysosome and mitochondria organelle perturbation. These studies highlight the possibility of new molecular pathways and targets for CisPt activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: It is interesting to study the consistency of outcomes arising from two genomic platforms: Microarray and RNAseq, which are established on fundamentally different technologies. This topic has been frequently discussed from the prospect of comparing differentially expressed genes (DEGs). In this study, we explore the inter-platform concordance between microarray and RNASeq in their ability to classify samples based on genomic information. We use a set of 7 standard multi-class classifiers and an adaptive ensemble classifier developed around them to predict Chemical Modes of Actions (MOA) of data profiled by microarray and RNASeq platforms from Rat Liver samples exposed to a variety of chemical compounds. We study the concordance between microarray and RNASeq data in various forms, based on classifier's performance between two platforms. Results: Using an ensemble classifier we observe improved prediction performance compared to a set of standard classifiers. We discover a clear concordance between each individual classifier's performances in two genomic platforms. Additionally, we identify a set of important genes those specifies MOAs, by focusing on their impact on the classification and later we find that some of these top genes have direct associations with the presence of toxic compounds in the liver. Conclusion: Overall there appears to be fair amount of concordance between the two platforms as far as classification is concerned. We observe widely different classification performances among individual classifiers, which reflect the unreliability of restricting to a single classifier in the case of high dimensional classification problems. Reviewers: An extended abstract of this research paper was selected for the CAMDA Satellite Meeting to ISMB 2015 by the CAMDA Programme Committee. The full research paper then underwent two rounds of Open Peer Review under a responsible CAMDA Programme Committee member, Lan Hu, PhD (Bio-Rad Laboratories, Digital Biology Center-Cambridge). Open Peer Review was provided by Yiyi Liu and Partha Dey. The Reviewer Comments section shows the full reviews and author responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Food & Machinery is the property of Food & Machinery Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Ivermectin is an antiparasitic drug that has shown also an effective pharmacological activity towards various infective agents, including viruses. This paper proposes an alternative mechanism of action for this drug that makes it capable of having an antiviral action, also against the novel coronavirus, in addition to the processes already reported in literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Probiotics are live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host. Although their mechanism of action is not clearly explained, it is known that they positively modulate the immune system, which leads to immunity potentiation. A number of studies prove that probiotics strengthen cognitive functions, reduce anxiety, and regulate the lipid metabolism in the human body. Probiotics used in humans are most often of the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species. However, as more research is conducted, new species with beneficial, probiotic properties are being discovered. This paper provides a review of available information about the influence of probiotics on human health. It summarizes the current knowledge on the mechanism of action of probiotics as well as clinical trial results proving their efficacy in allergic, neurodegenerative, and cardiac diseases. This review also discusses the data concerning the safety of probiotics in clinical treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tea is a traditional and popular beverage worldwide, and the consumption of tea has been demonstrated to possess many health benefits, such as cardiovascular protection, anti-obesity, anti-diabetes, and anticancer. Epidemiological studies have shown that the consumption of tea is inversely associated with the risk of several cancers. In addition, experimental studies have revealed that the anticancer actions of tea are mainly attributed to tea polyphenols, such as epigallocatechin-3-gallate and theaflavins. Both in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated that the possible anticancer mechanisms are the inhibition on proliferation, anti-angiogenesis, induction of apoptosis, suppression on metastasis, inhibition on cancer stem cells, and modulation on gut microbiota. Its synergetic anticancer effects with drugs or other compounds could promote anticancer therapies. Furthermore, clinical trials have elucidated that intervention of tea phytochemicals is effective in the prevention of several cancers. This paper is an updated review for the prevention and management of cancers by tea based on the findings from epidemiological, experimental and clinical studies, and special attention is paid on the mechanisms of action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although antibiotic has been frequently used for the treatment of infection, it has led to the emergence of resistant problem. Plant-derived compounds are alternative source for discovering novel therapeutics. Flavonoid is widely distributed and present in plant kingdom. This compound possessed several pharmacological properties including antibacterial. This review aims to present some information about the potency of flavonoids as antibacterial compound including their mechanism of antibacterial action as well as the relationship between their activity and flavonoid structure. The synergistic effect of flavonoids when used in combination with antibiotics against resistant bacterial is also described. Published literatures were collected from data bases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct and Scopus. Scientific papers were selected based on information of antibacterial activity of flavonoid compounds. The information may provide an insight on the potency of flavonoid compounds to overcome resistant problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Farmacia is the property of Societatea de Stiinte Farmaceutice Romania and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Studies on the early 2000s documented increasing attrition rates and duration of clinical trials, leading to a representation of a "productivity crisis" in pharmaceutical research and development (R&D). In this paper, we produce a new set of analyses for the last decade and report a recent increase of R&D productivity within the industry.Methods: We use an extensive data set on the development history of more than 50,000 projects between 1990 and 2017, which we integrate with data on sales, patents, and anagraphical information on each institution involved. We devise an indicator to quantify the novelty of each project, based on its set of mechanisms of action.Results: First, we investigate how R&D projects are allocated across therapeutic areas and find a polarization towards high uncertainty/high potential reward indications, with a strong focus on oncology. Second, we find that attrition rates have been decreasing at all stages of clinical research in recent years. In parallel, for each phase, we observe a significant reduction of time required to identify projects to be discontinued. Moreover, our analysis shows that more recent successful R&D projects are increasingly based on novel mechanisms of action and target novel indications, which are characterized by relatively small patient populations. Third, we find that the number of R&D projects on advanced therapies is also growing. Finally, we investigate the relative contribution to productivity variations of different types of institutions along the drug development process, with a specific focus on the distinction between the roles of Originators and Developers of R&D projects. We document that in the last decade Originator-Developer collaborations in which biotech companies act as Developers have been growing in importance. Moreover, we show that biotechnology companies have reached levels of productivity in project development that are equivalent to those of large pharmaceutical companies.Conclusions: Our study reports on the state of R&D productivity in the bio-pharmaceutical industry, finding several signals of an improving performance, with R&D projects becoming more targeted and novel in terms of indications and mechanisms of action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents a review of literature data on various aspects of one of the most rapidly developing methods for the treatment of neurological and mental disorders. A definition is proposed for the term "neuromodulation." Various widely used methods of neuromodulation are described and classified. We propose a hypothesis on the mechanisms of action of various methods of neuromodulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Mycosystema is the property of Mycosystema Editorial Board and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Increasing demands in modern production pose new challenges to established forming processes. One approach to meet these challenges is the combined use of established process classes such as sheet and bulk forming. This innovative process class, also called sheet-bulk metal forming (SBMF), facilitates the forming of minute functional elements such as lock toothing and gear toothing on sheet-metal bodies. High tool loads and a complex material flow that is hard to control are characteristic of SBMF. Due to these challenging process conditions, the forming of functional elements is often insufficient and necessitates rework. This negatively affects economic efficiency. In order to make use of SBMF in industrial contexts, it is necessary to develop measures for improving the forming of functional elements and thereby push existing forming boundaries. This paper describes the design and numerical replication of both a forward and a lateral extrusion process so as to create involute gearing in combination with carrier teeth. In a combined numerical-experimental approach, measures for extending the die filling in sheet-metal extrusion processes are identified and investigated. Here, the focus is on approaches such as process parameters, component design and locally adjusted tribological conditions; so-called 'tailored surfaces'. Based on the findings, fundamental mechanisms of action are identified, and measures are assessed with regard to their potential for application. The examined approaches show their potential for improving the forming of functional elements and, consequently, the improvement of geometrical accuracies in functional areas of the workpieces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The strength of reef limestone is an important parameter for conducting the bearing capacity designing of coral reef foundation. Therefore, it is important to obtain the strength index of reef limestone to ensure the strength and stability of reef foundation. In this paper, reef limestone of three different cementation types [gravelly calcareous sandstone (A); calcareous conglomerate (B); coral limestone (C)] were tested by field point load test. Then, the uniaxial compression test was carried out indoors by using the rock samples of corresponding cementation type, and the relationship between the two strengths was discussed. The results show that: ① the point load strength and uniaxial compressive strength of gravelly calcareous sandstone (A) are similar to that of calcareous conglomerate (B), and are significantly lower than that of coral limestone (C); the point load strength is about 1/3 to 1/2 of that of coral limestone and the uniaxial compressive strength is less than 50% of that of coral limestone. ② The uniaxial compressive strength of reef limestone is generally greater than the point load strength, which is due to the brittle nature of the reef limestone, and the different mechanism of action of point load test and uniaxial compression test. ③ There is a positive correlation between the point load strength and uniaxial compressive strength of reef limestone. The difference between the two strengths varies with the cementation type. The quantitative research on relationship between the two strengths of reef limestone must take into account the cementation type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change abandons the Kyoto Protocol's paradigm of binding emissions targets and relies instead on countries' voluntary contributions. However, the Paris Agreement encourages not only governments but also sub-national governments, corporations and civil society to contribute to reaching ambitious climate goals. In a transition from the regulated architecture of the Kyoto Protocol to the open system of the Paris Agreement, the Agreement seeks to integrate non-state actors into the treaty-based climate regime. In 2014 the secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Peru and France created the Non-State Actor Zone for Climate Action (and launched the Global Climate Action portal). In December 2019, this portal recorded more than twenty thousand climate-commitments of private and public non-state entities, making the non-state venues of international climate meetings decisively more exciting than the formal negotiation space. This level engagement and governments' response to it raises a flurry of questions in relation to the evolving nature of the climate regime and climate change governance, including the role of private actors as standard setters and the lack of accountability mechanisms for non-state actions. This paper takes these developments as occasion to discuss the changing role of private actors in the climate regime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Annali di Igiene, Medicina Preventiva e di Comunità is the property of Societa Editrice Universo s.r.l. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Te is an alloy element which is capable of improving the morphology of sulfide in free-cutting steel. In this paper, the effect of modification and mechanism of action of Te on sulfide was studied by addition of various Te masses to the Y1Cr13 free-cutting stainless steel. The results revealed that the typical sulfide in Y1Cr13 was MnS, and when Te content exceeded 170 ppm, it was transformed into a solid solution and precipitated as MnTe in Te–Mn–S solution. The solid solution of Te in MnS coarsened MnS and improved its hardness. The precipitated MnTe enveloped MnS and absorbed the rolling stress in high temperature. Both forms of Te improved the morphology of MnS, promoted the transition from type II to type I and III as the Te content increased. The effect of the modification was good, and it was mainly ascribed to the precipitation of MnTe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. (PM), called Heshouwu in China, is a popular Chinese medicine in clinical practice. Several clinical studies have been conducted to evaluate the traditional therapeutic claims and to study the potential therapeutic activity of PM in dyslipidemia and neurodegenerative diseases, highlighting available clinical evidence. In recent years, reports on clinical adverse reactions of Raw Radix P. multiflorum (RPM) and P. multiflorum Praeparata (PMP) have been on the increase, especially with respect to liver injury. Most liver injury cases had been assessed for causality using RUCAM (Roussel Uclaf Causality Assessment Method) in this paper. However, the components of PM responsible for the reported hepatotoxic effects have not yet been identified. Moreover, many of the reports are contradictory, while studies on the mechanism involved in PM-induced liver damage are not comprehensive. This study was aimed at reviewing the status of research on liver injury due to PM, including clinical characteristics, risk factors, material basis research and mechanism of action, with a view to understanding PM-induced hepatotoxicity, and taking reasonable and effective measures to prevent it. In short, quality control is still one of the major safety problems in TCM drug safety concerns. The model of safety monitoring and risk management of PM drugs is not yet developed. Indeed, the characteristics and risk factors associated with PM require both proper understanding and control of the risk by strengthening standardization of clinical applications, basic science research, quality control in manufacturing, active monitoring methodology and enhancement of international communication and cooperation. Measures should also be encouraged and implemented to promote healthy development of the TCM industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Genistein is one among the several other known isoflavones that is found in different soybeans and soy products. The chemical name of genistein is 4′,5,7-trihydroxyisoflavone. Genistein has drawn attention of scientific community because of its potential beneficial effects on human grave diseases, such as cancer. Mechanistic insight of genistein reveals its potential for apoptotic induction, cell cycle arrest, as well as antiangiogenic, antimetastatic, and anti-inflammatory effects. Objective: The purpose of this review is to unravel and analyze various molecular mechanisms of genistein in diverse cancer models. Data sources: English language literature was searched using various databases, such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, EBOSCOhost, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. Key words used in various combinations included genistein, cancer, anticancer, molecular mechanisms prevention, treatment, in vivo , in vitro , and clinical studies. Study selection: Study selection was carried out strictly in accordance with the statement of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses. Data extraction: Four authors independently carried out the extraction of articles. Data synthesis: One hundred one papers were found suitable for use in this review. Conclusion: This review covers various molecular interactions of genistein with various cellular targets in cancer models. It will help the scientific community understand genistein and cancer biology and will provoke them to design novel therapeutic strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a new type of green environment‐friendly cementitious material, microbial‐induced mineralization products have garnered more and more attention. In this paper, the synthesis of mineralization products under microbial inducement was conducted. The composition and microstructure of mineralization products were studied using energy‐dispersive spectrometer (EDS), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The results showed that mineralization products were calcite, while the shape was similar to globular type, and particle size was about 5 μm. The effect of microbial culture solution, secretion solution, and concentration on the conductivity of the solution was compared and analyzed. During the formation of mineralization products, bacterial bodies not only played the role of nucleation sites but also accelerated the deposition of mineralization products. Thus, it could be seen that the bacterial bodies had a certain influence on the reaction kinetics. The adhesion force of mineralization products was evaluated by the interfacial adhesion properties between the mineralization products and glass slides. The results of the sonication test and scratch test indicated that the interfacial adhesion strength between mineralization products and glass slides was closely related to the mass of mineralization products deposited. The larger the mass of mineralization products deposited, the greater the interfacial adhesion strength. Based on the above research and analysis, the reaction process and mechanism model of microbial‐induced mineralization were defined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by psoriasis, synovitis, enthesitis, spondylitis, and association with extra-articular manifestations and comorbidities. Treatment of PsA dramatically changed since the introduction of anti-TNF drugs which have shown to reduce the symptoms and signs of the disease and slow the radiographic progression. Despite the introduction of new molecules with different mechanisms of action, the role of anti-TNF in the treatment of all disease manifestations of this intriguing disease is still central. Areas covered: The aim of this paper is to review the role of anti-TNF drugs in the treatment of different disease domains in PsA (peripheral and axial joints, skin, enthesis, patient's reported outcomes, extra-articular manifestations), reporting data from randomized clinical trials and observational studies. An extensive literature search was performed on PubMed, with no limits or filters. The following search terms were used: 'anti-TNF', 'Psoriatic Arthritis'. Expert opinion: Despite the emergence of different new treatments, anti-TNF therapy remains central in the management of all disease domains in PsA patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Chinese Journal of Pesticide Science / Nongyaoxue Xuebao is the property of Chinese Journal of Pesticide Science and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

DNA variants that alter gene expression contribute to variation in many phenotypic traits. In particular, trans-acting variants, which are often located on different chromosomes from the genes they affect, are an important source of heritable gene expression variation. However, our knowledge about the identity and mechanism of causal trans-acting variants remains limited. Here, we developed a fine-mapping strategy called CRISPR-Swap and dissected three expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) hotspots known to alter the expression of numerous genes in trans in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Causal variants were identified by engineering recombinant alleles and quantifying the effects of these alleles on the expression of a green fluorescent protein-tagged gene affected by the given locus in trans. We validated the effect of each variant on the expression of multiple genes by RNA-sequencing. The three variants differed in their molecular mechanism, the type of genes they reside in, and their distribution in natural populations. While a missense leucine-to-serine variant at position 63 in the transcription factor Oaf1 (L63S) was almost exclusively present in the reference laboratory strain, the two other variants were frequent among S. cerevisiae isolates. A causal missense variant in the glucose receptor Rgt2 (V539I) occurred at a poorly conserved amino acid residue and its effect was strongly dependent on the concentration of glucose in the culture medium. A noncoding variant in the conserved fatty acid regulated (FAR) element of the OLE1 promoter influenced the expression of the fatty acid desaturase Ole1 in cis and, by modulating the level of this essential enzyme, other genes in trans. The OAF1 and OLE1 variants showed a non-additive genetic interaction, and affected cellular lipid metabolism. These results demonstrate that the molecular basis of trans-regulatory variation is diverse, highlighting the challenges in predicting which natural genetic variants affect gene expression. Author summary: Differences in the DNA sequence of individual genomes contribute to differences in many traits, such as appearance, physiology, and the risk for common diseases. An important group of these DNA variants influences how individual genes across the genome are turned on or off. In this paper, we describe a strategy for identifying such "trans-acting" variants in different strains of baker's yeast. We used this strategy to reveal three single DNA base changes that each influences the expression of dozens of genes. These three DNA variants were very different from each other. Two of them changed the protein sequence, one in a transcription factor and the other in a sugar sensor. The third changed the expression of an enzyme, a change that in turn caused other genes to alter their expression. One variant existed in only a few yeast isolates, while the other two existed in many isolates collected from around the world. This diversity of DNA variants that influence the expression of many other genes illustrates how difficult it is to predict which DNA variants in an individual's genome will have effects on the organism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This paper aims to explore the key targets and mechanism of action of Shaoyao Gancao Decoction in the treatment of cancer pain. Methods: TCMSP database was adopted to screen the active components and potential targets of Shaoyao Gancao Decoction. Genecards and OMIM databases were used to collect disease targets for cancer pain. Cytoscape software was used to construct the drug-component-target-disease network diagram. STRING database was used to draw PPI network. Finally, gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were performed on key targets. Results: There were 98 potential targets for the treatment of cancer pain in Shaoyao Gancao Decoction. The protein interaction network suggested that IL-6, VEGFA, CASP3, EGFR and MAPK8 may be the core targets for the treatment of cancer pain in Shaoyao Gancao Decoction. GO enrichment analysis showed 127 cellular biological processes, and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed 116 related signaling pathways, including MPAK, AGE-RAGE, TNF, ErbB and so on. Conclusions: The treatment of cancer pain by Shaoyao Gancao Decoction may be multi-target, multi-channel and multi-level. This consequence may provide ideas and basis for further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 'European Alliance Against Depression' community-based intervention approach simultaneously targets depression and suicidal behaviour by a multifaceted community based intervention and has been implemented in more than 115 regions worldwide. The two main aims of the European Union funded project "Optimizing Suicide Prevention Programmes and Their Implementation in Europe" were to optimise this approach and to evaluate its implementation and impact. This paper reports on the primary outcome of the intervention (the number of completed and attempted suicides combined as 'suicidal acts') and on results concerning process evaluation analysis. Interventions were implemented in four European cities in Germany, Hungary, Portugal and Ireland, with matched control sites. The intervention comprised activities with predefined minimal intensity at four levels: training of primary care providers, a public awareness campaign, training of community facilitators, support for patients and their relatives. Changes in frequency of suicidal acts with respect to a one-year baseline in the four intervention regions were compared to those in the four control regions (chi-square tests). The decrease in suicidal acts compared to baseline in the intervention regions (-58 cases, -3.26%) did not differ significantly (χ2 = 0.13; p = 0.72) from the decrease in the control regions (-18 cases, -1.40%). However, intervention effects differed between countries (χ2 = 8.59; p = 0.04), with significant effects on suicidal acts in Portugal (χ2 = 4.82; p = 0.03). The interviews and observations explored local circumstances in each site throughout the study. Hypothesised mechanisms of action for successful implementation were observed and drivers for 'added-value' were identified: local partnership working and 'in-kind' contributions; an approach which valued existing partnership strengths; and synergies operating across intervention levels. It can be assumed that significant events during the implementation phase had a certain impact on the observed outcomes. However, this impact was, of course, not proven. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Qβ phage replicase has been the first RNA-directed RNA polymerase purified to homogeneity and intensively studied in vitro. In the mid-sixties, papers on Qβ and related replicases appeared in nearly every issue of the PNAS journal. By 1968, the mechanism of its action seemed to be almost completely understood. However, even now, a half of century later, a number of fundamental questions remains unanswered. How does the replicase manage to prevent the template and its complementary copy from annealing during the entire replication round? How does it recognize its templates? What is the function of the translation factors present in the replicase molecule? What is the mechanism the replicase uses to join (recombine) separate RNA molecules? Even the determination of the crystal structure of Qβ replicase did not help much. Certainly, there remains a lot to discover in the replication of Qβ phage, one of the smallest viruses known. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is found in various settings. Reports of chemical suicide, where individuals have combined readily available household chemicals to produce lethal concentrations of H2S, have demonstrated that H2S is easily produced. Governmental agencies have warned of potential threats of use of H2S for a chemical attack, but currently there are no FDA-approved antidotes for H2S. An ideal antidote would be one that is effective in small volume, readily available, safe, and chemically stable. In this paper we performed a review of the available literature on the mechanism of toxicity, clinical presentation, and development of countermeasures for H2S toxicity. Discussion: In vivo, H2S undergoes an incomplete oxidation after an exposure. The remaining non-oxidized H2S is found in dissolved and combined forms. Dissolved forms such as H2S gas and sulfhydryl anion can diffuse between blood and tissue. The combined non-soluble forms are found as acid-labile sulfides and sulfhydrated proteins, which play a role in toxicity. Recent countermeasure development takes into account the toxicokinetics of H2S. Some countermeasures focus on binding free hydrogen sulfide (hydroxocobalamin, cobinamide); some have direct effects on the mitochondria (methylene blue), while others work by mitigating end organ damage by generating other substances such as nitric oxide (NaNO2). Conclusion: H2S exists in two main pools in vivo after exposure. While several countermeasures are being studied for H2S intoxication, a need exists for a small-volume, safe, highly effective antidote with a long shelf life to treat acute toxicity as well as prevent long-term effects of exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Shipin Kexue/ Food Science is the property of Food Science Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The effect of specific alloy elements on adiabatic shearing sensitivity was studied by cutting experiment for the industrial pure titanium (TA2) and titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) in the level of valence electron structure (VES). The valence electron structure (VES) parameters that affect adiabatic shearing sensitivity were studied in this paper. The results show the electron density of heterophase boundary and the lattice electron density are related to adiabatic shearing sensitivity. The higher the electron density of heterophase boundary, the lower the lattice electron density, the higher adiabatic shearing sensitivity, and the easier the formation of the serrated chips. The electron density of heterophase boundary and the lattice electron density have coupling effect on adiabatic shearing sensitivity. The adding of Al and V elements for Ti-6Al-4V can increase the electron density of heterophase boundary and reduce the lattice electron density, so its adiabatic shearing sensitivity is higher than that of TA2, which would produce easily serrated chips divided evenly by the adiabatic shear band (ASB) and enlarge the degree of serration to exacerbate the tool vibration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper problematizes the applicability of traditional top-down strategic planning in a continuously changing media industry and builds a practice-theoretical perspective for analyzing strategy emergence. Through a qualitative analysis of 22 interviews, with media professionals and consultants of a German-based print magazine company, we identify a jointly enacted practice that we call "shared inquiry". This practice includes recursive and adaptive strategizing actions towards (1) searching and learning (actions of employees), (2) facilitating and questioning (actions of managers), and (3) guiding and reflecting (actions of consultants). We demonstrate how these actions form a mechanism through which media managers create the conditions to cope with continuous change and how they manage in order to achieve strategy emergence both locally and on an organization-wide level. Ultimately, we show how strategic actions can be mapped in a continuum that supports "responsive coping". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Farmacia is the property of Societatea de Stiinte Farmaceutice Romania and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The principles of minimally invasive dentistry clearly dictate the need for clinically effective measures to remineralize early enamel caries lesions. While fluoride-mediated remineralization is the cornerstone of current caries management philosophies, a number of new remineralization strategies have been commercialized or are under development that claim to promote deeper remineralization of lesions, reduce the potential risks associated with high-fluoride oral care products, and facilitate caries control over a lifetime. These non-fluoride remineralizing systems can be broadly categorized into biomimetic enamel regenerative technologies and the approaches that repair caries lesions by enhancing fluoride efficacy. This paper discusses the rationale for non-fluoride remineralization and the mechanism of action, challenges, and evidence behind some of the most promising advances in enamel remineralization therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improved feed efficiency is the current drive of today's livestock enterprise and this may be actualized using feed supplementation. The use of natural growth promoting products in livestock feed is on the increase because of the ban on the use of antibiotics in feed by the European Union (EU). The use of antibiotics in animal feed has been reported to increase antimicrobial resistance and this has made animal nutritionist search for natural alternatives to antibiotics. Yeast, one of such natural alternatives in animal production, has received great attention in the last couple of decades. Research has shown that about 2500 yeast species exist in nature of which Saccharomyces cerevisiae is prominent. This paper reviews the current body of knowledge on production and physiological indices of livestock and poultry fed yeast diets. The chemical composition, nutritional analysis, and mechanism of actions of yeast were also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of British Journal of Pharmacology is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an environmental endocrine disrupting chemical widely used in the production of consumer products, such as polycarbonate plastics, epoxies, and thermal receipt paper. Human exposure to BPA is ubiquitous due to its high-volume production and use. BPA exposure has been associated with obesity, diabetes, reproductive disorders, and cancer. Yet, the molecular mechanisms or modes of action underlying these disease outcomes are poorly understood due to the pleiotropic effects induced by BPA. A further confounding factor in understanding BPA's impact on human health is that co-exposure of BPA with endogenous and exogenous agents occurs during the course of daily life. Studies investigating BPA exposure effects and their relationship to adverse health outcomes often ignore interactions between BPA and other chemicals present in the environment. This review examines BPA co-exposure studies to highlight potentially unexplored mechanisms of action and their possible associations with the adverse health effects attributed to BPA. Importantly, both adverse and beneficial co-exposure effects are observed between BPA and natural chemicals or environmental stressors in in vitro and in vivo models. These interactions clearly influence cellular responses and impact endpoint measures and need to be considered when evaluating BPA exposures and their health effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a clinical syndrome characterized by a rapid loss of renal function, which may further develop into chronic kidney damage (CKD) or even end-stage renal disease (ESRD). AKI is a global health problem associated with high morbidity and costly treatments, and there is no specific or effective strategy to treat AKI. In recent years, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has attracted more attention, with lines of evidence showing that application of TCM improved AKI, and the mechanisms of action for some TCMs have been well illustrated. However, reviews summarizing the progress in this field are still lacking. In this paper, we reviewed TCM preparations and TCM monomers in the treatment of AKI over the last 10 years, describing their renal protective effects and mechanisms of action, including alleviating inflammation, programmed cell death, necrosis, and reactive oxygen species. By focusing on the mechanisms of TCMs to improve renal function, we provide effective complementary evidence to promote the development of TCMs to treat AKI. Moreover, we also summarized TCMs with nephrotoxicity, which provides a more comprehensive understanding of TCMs in the treatment of AKI. This review may provide a theoretical basis for the clinical application of TCMs in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]