bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalencia de anticuerpos irregulares en donantes en un banco de sangre de Antioquia, 2016-2018
Authors: Flórez-Duque Jenniffer , Gómez-Álvarez Alejandro , Patiño Carreño Jaiver , Cardona-Arias Jaiberth Antonio
Published: October 2019

Introducción: la aloinmunización se presenta entre 1,0-1,5 % de las personas expuestas a un antígeno externo o durante el embarazo, un trasplante o una transfusión. En los bancos de sangre se realiza la tamización de anticuerpos irregulares, diferentes a los del sistema ABO. Objetivo: estimar la prevalencia de anticuerpos irregulares en donantes de un banco de sangre de Medellín entre 2016 y 2018. Métodos: estudio transversal en 25 391 donantes. Se realizó control de sesgos de selección e información mediante aplicación de técnicas con excelente validez y control de calidad interno y externo, y detección mediante ID-card Liss/coombs en seis microtubos con anti-IgG y anti-C3d. El análisis se basó en medidas de resumen, frecuencias, chi cuadrado y prueba exacta de Fisher. Resultados: la edad promedio fue 34 años. La prevalencia de anticuerpos irregulares fue 0,30 %, siendo mayor anti-D con 0,071 %. No se hallaron diferencias según el sexo y el grupo etario; anti-D fue más frecuente en mujeres y donantes entre 31 y 40 años. Conclusión: se halló una alta prevalencia de anti-D y anti- Kell, que presentan gran importancia clínica después de los anticuerpos del sistema ABO. Esto evidencia la necesidad de esta prueba para reducir las reacciones post-transfusionales.
Identificación de reacciones adversas medicamentosas en pacientes tratados con dipirona en un hospital de tercer nivel
Authors: Machado-Alba Jorge Enrique , Cardona-Trejos Edwar Andrés , Sánchez-Morales Leidy Viviana , Rodríguez-Ramírez Luisa Fernanda
Published: October 2019

Introducción: la dipirona es un antipirético, analgésico y antiespasmódico, posicionado como una de las primeras opciones en el manejo del dolor. El objetivo de esta investigación fue establecer la incidencia de efectos adversos relacionados al uso de dipirona en pacientes internados en un hospital de tercer nivel en la ciudad de Pereira -Risaralda durante 2016. Métodos: estudio descriptivo que incluyó pacientes con cualquier efecto adverso relacionado con el uso de dipirona. Se utilizó la clasificación de reacciones adversas de Rawlins y Thompson. La relación de causalidad se calculó con la escala de Naranjo. Resultados: se evaluaron 59 pacientes con reacciones adversas por el uso de dipirona, con una edad media de 44,4 ± 21,6 años y el 52,5 % eran mujeres. La mayoría de las reacciones se presentaron en el servicio de cirugía (52,5 %). La indicación más frecuente para su uso fue traumatismo (39 %), seguida de algún procedimiento quirúrgico (25,4 %). La reacción reapareció en 28,8 % de los casos tras una nueva administración de dipirona en la misma hospitalización. Se presentó un caso de granulocitopenia. La incidencia de reacciones adversas fue 1,4 por cada 1 000 pacientes. Conclusión: las reacciones adversas relacionadas con el uso de dipirona son un hallazgo poco frecuente a pesar del amplio uso del medicamento. La toxicidad hematológica se debe tener en cuenta a la hora de prescribir dipirona. Se deben mejorar los protocolos de seguridad del paciente con el fin de disminuir las posibles reacciones adversas relacionados con la administración de medicamentos.
Intoxicación por acetaminofén. Nuevo esquema con N acetil cisteína
Authors: Rosas Daniel , Franco Camila , Berrouet Marie Claire
Published: October 2019

La intoxicación por acetaminofén es una intoxicación frecuente en Colombia y en su tratamiento es fundamental la administración de un antídoto. El manejo convencional con N acetil cisteína presenta potenciales eventos adversos. El objetivo de este reporte de caso es evidenciar la utilidad de un nuevo esquema de tratamiento en un paciente masculino de 19 años quien ingirió 16,5 gramos de acetaminofén y luego de seis horas inició con dolor abdominal y episodios de emésis, para lo cual se inició manejo con N acetil cisteína en la forma tradicionalmente recomendada con la cual desarrolló reacción de hipersensibilidad. Ante la necesidad de continuar con este medicamente se inició un esquema diferente del antídoto con un resultado exitoso y sin nuevas reacciones de hipersensibilidad.
Recent Advances in the Applications of the Intramolecular Suzuki Cross-coupling Reaction in Cyclization and Heterocyclization: An Update
Authors: M. Heravi Majid , Malmir Masoumeh , Moradi Razieh
Published: October 2019

:

The palladium-catalyzed reaction of aryl halide and boronic acid for the formation
of C–C bonds so-called Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling reaction has many applications
in Modern Synthetic Organic Chemistry. In 2013, we emphasized the applications of
the intramolecular Suzuki cross-coupling reaction in cyclization and heterocyclization.
Due to a plethora relevant papers appeared in the chemical literature, herein, we wish to
cover by updating our previous review, the applications of the intramolecular Suzuki
cross-coupling reaction in cyclization and heterocyclization leading to various homocyclic
and heterocyclic compounds reported during a period of 2013 to 2018.
Antimicrobial Exploration Between Counterpart Endosymbiont and Host Plant (Tamarindus indica Linn.)
Authors: Chigurupati Sridevi , Vijayabalan Shantini , Selvarajan Kesavanarayanan K. , Aldubayan Maha , Alhowail Ahmad , Mani Vasudevan , Das Suprava
Published: October 2019

Background::

Endophytic bacteria produce various bioactive secondary metabolites, which
benefit human health. Tamarindus indica L. is well known for its medicinal value in human health
care. Several studies have reported on its biological effects from various parts of T. indica, but only a
few studies have been devoted to examining the biological activity of endophytes of T. indica.

Objectives:

In the present study, an endophyte was isolated from the leaves of T. indica and screened
for its antimicrobial potential.

Methods:

The selected endophyte was identified by 16s rRNA partial genome sequencing and investigated
for their antimicrobial potency. The preliminary phytochemical tests were conducted for the affirmation
of phytoconstituents in the endophytic crude ethyl acetate extract of T. indica (TIM) and total
phenolic content was performed. The antimicrobial potential of TIM was evaluated against human
pathogenic ATCC gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial strains.

Results:

TIM exhibited an appreciable amount of gallic acid equivalent phenolic content (21.6 ± 0.04
mg GAE/g of crude extract). TIM showed the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) at 250 μg/mL
and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) at 500 μg/mL among the selected human pathogenic
ATCC strains. At MIC of 500 μg/mL, TIM displayed a significant zone of inhibition against P. aeruginosa
and N. gonorrhoeae.

Conclusion:

The results from our study highlighted for the first time the antimicrobial potential of endophytic
bacterial strain Bacillus velezensis in T. indica leaves and it could be further explored as a
source of natural antimicrobial agents.
Cardiovascular Modulating Effects of Magnolol and Honokiol, Two Polyphenolic Compounds from Traditional Chinese Medicine-Magnolia Officinalis
Authors: Yuan Yuan , Zhou Xiaocui , Wang Yuanyuan , Wang Yan , Teng Xiangyan , Wang Shuaiyu
Published: October 2019

Honokiol and its isomer magnolol are poly-phenolic compounds isolated from the Magnolia
officinalis that exert cardiovascular modulating effects via a variety of mechanisms. They are used
as blood-quickening and stasis-dispelling agents in Traditional Chinese Medicine and confirmed to
have therapeutic potential in atherosclerosis, thrombosis, hypertension, and cardiac hypertrophy. This
comprehensive review summarizes the current data regarding the cardioprotective mechanisms of
those compounds and identifies areas for further research.
The Promise of miRNA Replacement Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Elhefnawi Mahmoud , Salah Zeinab , Soliman Bangly
Published: October 2019

Hepatocellular carcinoma is a devastating tumor which accounts for death mortality rate
94% globally, and about 780,000 new cases each year. Tumor suppressor miRNAs represent a class of
noncoding RNAs, which exhibit decreased or inhibited expression in the case of carcinogenesis.
Therefore, the replacement of these molecules leads to post-transcriptional regulation of tens to hundreds
of oncogenic targets and limiting the tumor. Interestingly, there is a group of tumor silencer
miRNAs that have been highlighted in HCC and herein, our review will discuss the prominent examples
of these miRs in terms of their efficient delivery using vectors, nano-delivery systems, their successful
models either in vitro or in vivo and pre-clinical trials. Collectively, tumor suppressor miRNAs
can act as novel therapeutics for HCC and more studies should be directed towards these promising
therapeutics.
Immunogenetics of Celiac Disease: A Focus on Arab Countries
Authors: Younes Nadin , Younes Salma , Alsharabasi Ola. A. , El Zowalaty Mohamed E. , Mustafa Ibrahim , Jahromi Mohamed , Uddin Shahab , Al-Nesf Mariam , Pintus Gianfranco , Zayed Hatem
Published: October 2019

Celiac Disease (CD) is a complex immunogenic disease mainly triggered by
gluten intake in genetically susceptible individuals with a prevalence of 1 in 100-300. CD
results from the interplay between genetic and environmental factors. Genetic
susceptibility is believed to play a prominent role in the pathogenicity of CD, mainly due
to human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-related class II genes. Although CD is wellrecognized
among Arab populations, there are few studies on the genetic epidemiology
and prevalence of CD in the Arab countries. Therefore, the aim of this review was to
highlight the importance of studying this disease in the Arab world in the context of a
global perspective. Within the few studies published so far, it was found that Arab
populations have a distinctive susceptibility genetic profile from other ethnic groups with
the DQ2.5 and DQ8 genotypes that are considered the major genotypes that confer
susceptibility among Arab patients with CD. Our findings will pave the way to perform
further epidemiological studies that will help identify potential therapeutic targets against
CD among Arab patients that are diagnosed with CD.
Occipital Encephalocele: Cause, Incidence, Neuroimaging and Surgical Management
Authors: Markovic Ivana , Bosnjakovic Petar , Milenkovic Zoran
Published: October 2019

Aim:

To review and present the current knowledge of incidence, signs and symptoms,
diagnosis and treatment of the occipital encephalocele.

Background:

Encephalocele (E) is a defect of the neural tube that refers to congenital malformations
featured by skull defect and dura with extracranial spread of intracranial structures. Occipital
encephalocele (OE) are the most common form of this congenital disorder and are manifested as a
swelling of different sizes over the occipital bone in the midline. Proper diagnosis and treatment is
highly important in the management of this congenital malformation of brain.

Objective:

To review and present the current knowledge of incidence, signs and symptoms, diagnosis
and treatment of the occipital encephalocele.

Methods:

We conducted a search of case reports or case-series of patients by the use of electronic
databases: Pub Med, Medline, Index Medicus, Scorpus. The key words were: encephalocele, occipital
encephalocele, neural tube defect, congenital malformation. The search was updated to December
31, 2018. Papers published in English were the only source of information.

Results:

Occipital encephalocelle are more frequent in females than in males. The incidence is between
1 in 3000 to 1 in 10,000 live births; approximately 90% of them involve the midline. Magnetic
resonance imaging is the method of choice in diagnosis and surgery is the best option for the
treatment of OE. Overall morbidity and mortality is still high in spite of advenced surgical management,
but have been significantly improved in recent years thanks to sophisticated highresolution
imaging, adequate and proper surgical treatment and decent post-operative care.

Conclusion:

Occipital encephalocele is the most common form of encephalocele. The diagnosis is
mostly based by the use of neuroimaging techniques. Operation is the best option for treatment.
Overall morbidity and mortality is still high, but have been significantly improved in recent years
thanks to sophisticated high-resolution imaging, adequate and proper surgical treatment and decent
post-operative care.
Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis: Relationship with Disease-Related Variables
Authors: Elolemy Gehan , Aboughanima Ahmed , Ganeb Sahar , Elziat Haytham
Published: October 2019

Background:

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic progressive inflammatory disease
leading to functional limitations and subsequently impaired quality of life (QoL). Despite the
fact that QoL was recognized as a significant perception, it was excluded from the core domains
(defined by the Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society), because of ambiguity of
measurement choice.

Aim:

To assess QoL in patients with AS using a generic; Short Form-36 (SF-36) and a diseasespecific;
Ankylosing Spondylitis quality of life (ASQoL) instruments and to explore its relationship
to the clinical characteristics, disease activity, functional status, and radiographic severity.

Methods:

A total of 47 AS patients who fulfilled modified New York criteria were included. Disease
activity, functional status, spinal mobility, and radiographic severity were assessed by Bath AS
Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), Bath AS Functional Index (BASFI), Bath AS Metrology Index
(BASMI) and Bath AS Radiology Index (BASRI) respectively. SF-36 and ASQoL instruments
evaluated Qol.

Results:

Physical health was more affected especially in patients with peripheral arthritis by SF-36
(p=0.008) and ASQoL (p=0.022) scores. Both SF-36 total and ASQoL scores correlated significantly
with BASDAI (r = -0.329, p = 0.024 and r = 0.420, p = 0.003), BASFI (r = -0.399, p = 0.005
and r = 0.513, p=0.001) and BASMI (r = -0.382, p = 0.008 and r = 0.482, p= 0.001) respectively.

Conclusion:

QoL was impaired in AS patients with highest impact on physical health especially in
association with peripheral arthritis. SF-36 and ASQol have a comparable achievement in the
evaluation of QoL in AS patients and both physical function and spinal mobility were identified as
predictors of poor QoL.
Risk Factors Associated with Development of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension and Corpulmonale in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Sindaghatta Krishnarao Chaya , Maheshwarappa Mahendra , Thippeswamy Thippeswamy , Siddaiah Jayaraj Biligere , Lokesh Komarla Sundararaja , Mahesh Padukudru Anand
Published: October 2019

Background:

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is an important cause of morbidity
and mortality globally. The onset of pulmonary hypertension and corpulmonale is associated with
decreased survival in patients with COPD.

Objective:

To assess risk factors associated with the development of pulmonary hypertension and
corpulmonale and to identify high-risk phenotypes who may need early evaluation and intervention.

Methods:

Consecutive adult patients with COPD were evaluated for factors influencing the
development of pulmonary hypertension and corpulmonale which included symptomatology,
hospitalization in the previous year, MMRC dyspnea grade, SGRQ score, 6 minute walk test, ABG,
CRP, spirometry and echocardiography.

Results:

We found Pulmonary Hypertension in 36(30%) patients and 27(22.5%) had corpulmonale.
On multivariate analysis, we found PaO2 ≤75 mm Hg and six minute walk test <80% predicted to be
significantly associated with the development of Pulmonary hypertension and we found
hospitalization in the previous year to be significantly and independently associated with the
development of corpulmonale.

Conclusion:

We observed hospitalization in the previous year was an independent risk factor for the
development of corpulmonale and six-minute walk test <80% predicted, PaO2 <75 mm Hg were
independent risk factors for the development of pulmonary hypertension.
Type 2 Diabetes and its Impact on the Immune System
Authors: Berbudi Afiat , Rahmadika Nofri , Tjahjadi Adi Imam , Ruslami Rovina
Published: October 2019

Introduction::

Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) is a major health problem worldwide. This metabolic
disease is indicated by high blood glucose levels due to insufficient insulin production by the pancreas.
An inflammatory response occurs as a result of the immune response to high blood glucose levels as
well as the presence of inflammatory mediators produced by adipocytes and macrophages in fat tissue.
This low and chronic inflammation damages the pancreatic beta cells and leads to insufficient insulin
production, which results in hyperglycemia.

:

Hyperglycemia in diabetes is thought to cause dysfunction of the immune response, which fails to control
the spread of invading pathogens in diabetic subjects. Therefore, diabetic subjects are known to
more susceptible to infections. The increased prevalence of T2D will increase the incidence of infectious
diseases and related comorbidities.

Objective: :

This review provides an overview of the immunological aspect of T2D and the possible
mechanisms that result in increased infections in diabetics.

Conclusion: :

A better understanding of how immune dysfunctions occur during hyperglycemia can lead
to novel treatments and preventions for infectious diseases and T2D comorbidities, thus improving the
outcome of infectious disease treatment in T2D patients.
Mammographic and Sonographic Features of Breast Cancer in Women Before 30 Years of Age
Authors: Park Jong Soo , Kim Young Seon , Lee Seung Eun
Published: October 2019

Background:

Breast cancer uncommonly occurs in young women, but, tends to be diagnosed
at a later stage and have a poorer prognosis than in older women. Standard screening
guidelines for this age group are not established and the radiologic features of breast cancer in
young women are not fully studied yet, because of the low incidence.

Objectives:

To investigate the imaging findings for breast cancer in women aged 30 years or
younger and to correlate them with clinicopathologic features and immunohistochemical subtypes.

Methods:

The study included 52 women with surgically confirmed breast cancer. The medical records
of the patients were retrospectively reviewed and the mammographic and ultrasonographic
findings were evaluated according to the fifth edition of the ACR BI-RADS lexicon.

Results:

Most of the tumors in this study were presented as a self-detected mass (42/52, 80.8%)
and were of histologic grade III (31/43 invasive carcinoma, 72.1%) and the estrogen receptorpositive
subtype (32/52, 61.5%). The most common mammographic finding was an irregular
(19/24, 79.2%), indistinct (16/24, 66.7%), and hyperdense (20/24, 83.3%) mass. The ultrasonographic
findings were of an irregular (32/47, 68.1%), indistinct (19/47, 40.4%), and hypoechoic/
heterogeneous (40/47, 85.1%) mass with no posterior features (34/47, 72.3%). An
oval/round-shaped mass on ultrasonography was also correlated with triple-negative cancer
(p=0.011).

Conclusion:

On mammography and ultrasonography, breast cancer in young women usually presents
as a mass with irregular shape and indistinct margin. Some radiologic findings could be used
to predict the molecular phenotype of the tumor.
Detection of Thyroid Nodules with Ultrasound Images Based on Deep Learning
Authors: Yu Xia , Wang Hongjie , Ma Liyong
Published: October 2019

Background:

Thyroid nodules are a common clinical entity with high incidence. Ultrasound
is often employed to detect and evaluate thyroid nodules. The development of an efficient
automated method to detect thyroid nodules using ultrasound has the potential to reduce both physician
workload and operator-dependence.

Objective:

To study the method of automatic detection of thyroid nodules based on deep learning
using ultrasound, and to obtain the detection method with higher accuracy and better performance.

Methods:

A total of 1200 ultrasound images of thyroid nodules and 800 ultrasound thyroid images
without nodule are collected. An improved faster R-CNN based detection method of thyroid nodule
is proposed. Instead of using VGG16 as the backbone, ResNet is employed as the backbone
for faster R-CNN. SVM, CNN and Faster-RCNN methods are used for thyroid nodule detection
test. Precision, sensitivity, specificity and F1-score indicators are used to evaluate the detection
performance of different methods.

Results:

The method based on deep learning is superior to that based on SVM. Faster R-CNN
method and the improved method are better than CNN method. Compared with VGG16 as the
backbone, RestNet101 backbone based faster R-CNN method achieves better thyroid detection
effect. From the accuracy index, the proposed method is 0.084, 0.032 and 0.019 higher than SVM,
CNN and faster R-CNN, respectively. Similar results can be seen in precision, sensitivity, specificity
and F1-Score indicators.

Conclusion:

The proposed method of deep learning achieves the best performance values with the
highest true positive and true negative detection compared to other methods and performs best in
the detection of thyroid nodules.
ANN Classification and Modified Otsu Labeling on Retinal Blood Vessels
Authors: Balasubramanian Kishore , N.P. Ananthamoorthy
Published: October 2019

Background:

Diagnosis of ophthalmologic and cardiovascular systems most often rely
on the prerequisite step of segmentation of retinal blood vessels. Analysis of vascular structures in
the retinal fundus images can aid in the early screening or detection of many ophthalmological
diseases like glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, vein occlusions, hemorrhages etc. In most cases, optic
nerve gets damaged causing a blind spot. In this paper, a method of blood vessel segmentation
using improved SOM (iSOM) and ANN classifier is presented.

Methods:

Morphological operations are carried out to enhance the input image. Clustering of pixels
is done using improved Kohonen Self- Organizing Map (SOM) based on texture feature wherein
a new node is introduced and new learning methodology is adopted using constrained weight
updation. Finally, modified Otsu method is designed to label the output neuron class as vessel and
non -vessel.

Results:

Segmentation is tested on public image sets, High Resolution Fundus (HRF) images and
DRIONS-DB databases for Accuracy, Recall rate, Precision, F-Score, AUC and JC. The results
achieve an appreciable level of accuracy (~97%) as compared to other similar methods of classification.
The average time taken is less in estimating the neuron class and is about 12.1 sec per image
when evaluated on Intel Core i5 CPU running at 2.30 GHz coupled with 4 GB RAM. The
mean squared error for the segmented images is found to be in the range of 4-5%.

Conclusion:

Segmentation of retinal blood vessels based on artificial neural networks employing
iSOM preserves the topology consuming less time for constrained weight updation achieving better
results than SOM. A new model to detect vessels can be developed by concatenating iSOMs in
parallel for multi class functions.
New Entrants into Clinical Trials for Targeted Therapy of Breast Cancer: An Insight
Authors: Verma Priyanka , Mittal Pooja , Singh Archana , Singh Indrakant K.
Published: October 2019

Breast cancer is too complex with various different molecular alterations involved in its pathogenesis and progression. Over the decade, we have seen a surge in the development of drugs for bimolecular targets and for the signal transduction pathways involved in the treatment line of breast cancer. These drugs, either alone or in combination with conventional treatments like chemotherapy, hormone therapy and radiotherapy, will help oncologists to get a better insight and do the needful treatment. These novel therapies bring various challenges along with them, which include the dosage selection, patient selection, schedule of treatment and weighing of clinical benefits over side effects. In this review, we highlight the recently studied target molecules that have received indications in breast carcinoma, both in the localized and in an advanced state and about their inhibitors which are in clinical development which can give the immense potential to clinical care in the near future.
Syncope in a Child with Pulmonary Hypertension and Positive Gene Tests for Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia and Long QT Syndrome
Authors: Das Bibhuti B. , Chan Kak-Chen
Published: October 2019

We present a 10-year-old boy with syncope who was found to have long-QT syndrome
and severe Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) both in the absence of a secondary cause; to our
knowledge, this is the first report with this unusual coexistence. His genetic tests were positive for
hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia and Long QT Syndrome (LQTS) without any family history of
PH or LQTS. We demonstrated that digital subtraction pulmonary angiography was more useful
compared to CT angiogram to demonstrate pulmonary vascular changes which correlated with a noresponse
to acute vasoreactivity testing during right heart catheterization. He has been stable for the
last 2 years on Ambrisentan, Sildenafil, and Nadolol without recurrence of symptoms.
Lipidomic Insight of Anticandidal Perillyl Alcohol and Sesamol Induced Candida Membrane Disruption: Implications of Lipid Alteration, Impaired Fluidity and Flippase Activity
Authors: Fatima Zeeshan , Hameed Saif
Published: October 2019

Background: :

Considering the emergence of multidrug resistance (MDR) in prevalent
human fungal pathogen, Candida albicans, there is parallel spurt in the development of novel
strategies aimed to disrupt MDR. The cell envelope of C. albicans comprises a wealth of lipid
moieties contributing towards long-term survival of pathogen that could be exploited as efficient
antifungal target owing to the advancements made in mass spectrometry based lipidomics technology.

Objective: :

This study aimed to utilize the lipidomics approach to unveil several lipid-associated
changes in response to two natural anticandidal compounds perillyl alcohol (PA) and sesamol
(Ses).

Method: :

Lipidomics is performed through ESI-MS, flippase activity by FACS, fluorescence
spectrometric analysis is used to assess membrane fluidity.

Results: :

Lipidomic analyses revealed that phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho) were decreased in the
presence of Ses with considerable differences at specie level. Concurrently, we explored increased
inward translocation (flip) of fluorophore labelled PtdCho across the plasma membrane attributed
to enhanced PtdCho specific flippase activity. A considerable decrement in phosphatidylethanolamine
(PtdEtn) leading to altered membrane fluidity was observed in response to PA and Ses.
Additionally, we could detect alteration in the levels of phohatidylserine (PtdSer) and phosphatidylglycerol
(PtdGro) along with decreased triacylglycerides (TAG). The differential expressions
of various lipid biosynthetic pathway genes by RT-PCR corroborated with the lipidomics data.
Furthermore, PA and Ses leads to potentiation of membrane targeting drugs (azole and polyene)
and displayed additive effect.

Conclusion::

Our work offers the basis of further understanding the regulation of lipid homeostasis
in C. abicans so that better therapeutic targets could be identified to combat MDR.
The Association of Potassium Status with Parameters of Glucose Metabolism is influenced by Age in Adults
Authors: Elmadfa Ibrahim , Meyer Alexa L. , Hasenegger Verena , Moeslinger Thomas , Ekmekcioglu Cem
Published: October 2019

Background:

Potassium status has been found to affect glucose homeostasis.

Objective:

his study therefore aimed at investigating relationships between potassium status or dietary
intake and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) or glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) in a sample of Austrian
adults (18-80 years, n = 421, 61% women) from the Austrian Study on Nutritional Status 2012.

Methods:

Dietary potassium intake was obtained by two 24 h recalls. FPG, plasma K+, and urinary K+
were determined photometrically, HbA1c by HPLC. Associations between the parameters were studied
using multiple regression analysis after controlling for confounders and after age stratification of the
sample (18-64 y vs. 65-80 y).

Results:

Most of the participants had a potassium intake of less than the estimated adequate daily intake
of 4000 mg/d. In the multiple regression analyses in the whole sample plasma K+ had a statistically
significant positive effect on FPG only in the crude model (ß = 0.128, p < 0.01) and on HbA1c
also in the fully adjusted model (ß = 0.129, p - 0.05). The small effects on HbA1c were also detected in
the younger age group but were absent in the older population. However, in this latter, a reverse association
of urinary K+ on HbA1c was observed as well as of dietary potassium intake on FPG with no
effects in the younger sample.

Conclusion:

We suggest that age dependent differences in the association between parameters of potassium
status and blood glucose regulation should also be taken into account.
Needle-disk Electrospinning: Mechanism Elucidation, Parameter Optimization and Productivity Improvement
Authors: Liu Zhi , Zhou Lei , Ruan Fangtao , Wei Anfang , Zhao Jianghui , Feng Quan
Published: October 2019

Background:

Nanofiber’s productivity plagues nanofibrous membranes’ applications in many areas. Herein, we present the needle-disk electrospinning to improve throughput. In this method, multiple high-curvature mentals are used as the spinning electrode.

Methods:

Three aspects were investigated: 1) mechanism elucidation of the needle-disk electrospinning; 2) parameter optimization of the needle-disk electrospinning; 3) productivity improvement of the needle-disk electrospinning.

Results:

Results show that high-curvature electrode evokes high electric field intensity, making lower voltage supply in spinning process. The needle number, needle length and needle curvature synergistically affect the spinning process and nanofiber morphology. Additionally, higher disk rotation velocity and higher voltage supply can also result in higher nanofiber’s productivity.

Conclusion:

Compared with previous patents related to this topic, the needle-disk electrospinning is featured with the merits of high throughput, low voltage supply, controllable spinning process and nanofiber morphology, benefiting the nanofiber practical industrial employment and further applications of nanofiber-based materials.
Influence of Albumin in the Microfluidic Synthesis of PEG-PLGA Nanoparticles
Authors: Poller Bettina , Painter Gavin F. , Walker Greg F.
Published: October 2019

Background:

A key challenge in the manufacturing of polymeric colloids is
producing nanoparticles with good batch-to-batch consistency.

Objective:

Develop a robust microfluidics method for the preparation of PEG-PLGA nanoparticles
using dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as the organic phase solvent for the encapsulation
of DMSO soluble agents.

Method:

Microfluidic process parameters, total flow rate (10 mL/min), flow rate ratio
(1:1) of the aqueous phase and the organic polymer solution, and polymer concentration (5
mg/ml). Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) or human serum albumin (HSA) was included in the
aqueous phase. Dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy were used
to investigate the size and morphology of particles.

Results:

PLGA nanoparticles made using DMSO with the aqueous solvent containing
PVA (2%) had an average size of 60 nm while PLGA-PEG nanoparticles made with and
without PVA (2%) had an average size of 70 and 100 nm, respectively. PLGA-PEG nanoparticles
generated with or without PVA had a high batch-to-batch coefficient of variation
for the particle size of 20% while for PLGA nanoparticles with PVA it was 4%. HSA added
to the aqueous phase reduced the size and the zeta potential of PEG-PLGA nanoparticles
as well the batch-to-batch coefficient of variation for particle size to < 5%. Nanoparticles
were stable in solution and after lyophilized in the presence of sucrose.

Conclusion:

Albumin was involved in the self-assembly of PEG-PLGA nanoparticles altering
the physicochemical properties of nanoparticles. Adding protein to the aqueous
phase in the microfluidic fabrication process may be a valuable tool for tuning the properties
of nanoparticles and improving batch-to-batch consistency.
Effects of Electromagnetic Hydrolysis on Algal Concentration in Warm, Stagnant Surface Water
Authors: Bloetscher Frederick , E. Meeroff Daniel , Iles Matthew , Sethi Rohan
Published: October 2019

Background::

The study was conducted in-situ at the INCA Pond system in the
City of Boynton Beach, Florida which has experienced issues with the formation of harmful
algae blooms that create nuisance complaints and unhealthy conditions in the water and surrounding
area.

Objective::

The EMOH device is designed to supersaturate water as a means to deter harmful
algal blooms. This pilot study was conducted to determine if an Electromagnetic Hydrolysis
(EMOH) device can improve the health of residential surface water by adding dissolved
oxygen to the water to allow the existing bacteria to remove the substrate that provides
a food source for blue-green algae outbreaks when combined with naturally occurring
aerobic bacteria.

Methods::

Combining the EMOH device with naturally occurring aerobic bacteria demonstrated that a pond that normally contained a low DO and copious amounts of algae, would contain fewer algal blooms, that the bacteria would consume the detrital layer on the bottom of the pond that acts as nutrient source for the algae and that DO levels increase with temperature, in contrast to expectations. Four configurations were compared.

Results: :

The EMOH device successfully reduced the detrital layer on the bottom of the
pond and experienced fewer algal blooms. The use of surface aeration permits the oxygen to
escape, so having the EMOH discharge below the surface increases efficiency.

Conclusion::

The EMOH device successfully accomplished its intended goals.
Comparison of Basic Regulatory Requirements for Generic Drug Products Registration in CIS and Latin American Countries
Authors: Mohit  , Deep Aakash , Khurana Gaurav , Kumar Jagdeep , Monga Akshay
Published: October 2019

The product registration in the rest of the World is a challenging task because the regions
under it are not harmonized. CIS and Latin American regions come under semi-regulated
market. These regions have somewhat harmonized their regulatory organization. The significance
of an emerging market is increasing globally. It is important for pharmaceutical companies to be
up-to-date with the latest regulatory development. Both the regions follow their regional checklist
for Drug Product Registration. Latin America includes a group of countries like Brazil, Guatemala
and Peru etc, whereas CIS includes Russia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Armenia and Tajikistan etc.
Pharmacological Activities of Components Contained in Camellia Oil and Camellia Oil Cake and their Applications in Various Industries
Authors: Li Zhang , Wang Zhong-Chang , Zhang Liang-Bo , Zhu Hai-Liang
Published: October 2019

Camellia oil is a common edible oil extracted from Camellia oleifera seeds in
China, and it is also a traditional medicine for stomachaches and burns in folk. Camellia oil
exhibits a good regulation effect on the human heart and brain blood vessels, digestion, reproduction,
neuroendocrine and immune system. Meanwhile, various bioactive components
such as unsaturated fatty acids, tea polyphenols, squalene, and carotene isolated from Camellia
oil exhibit significant free radical scavenging, antioxidant activity, anti-tumor, antiinflammatory
and hypoglycemic effects. The material remaining after oil extraction was
named as Camellia oil cake, which also contains numerous bioactive components such as
sasanquasaponin (SQS), flavonoid and tannin. Many studies had shown that these components
have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, anti-tumor and some other special
pharmacological activities. In this review, we summarize the main components and its
pharmacological activities of Camellia oil and Camellia oil cake, and their applications in
various industries, thus providing a valuable reference for the future development and utilization
of Camellia seeds.
Protective Effect of Metformin, Resveratrol and Alpha-lipoic Acid on Radiation- Induced Pneumonitis and Fibrosis: A Histopathological Study
Authors: Yahyapour Rasoul , Amini Peyman , Saffar Hana , Motevaseli Elahe , Farhood Bagher , Pooladvand Vahid , Shabeeb Dheyauldeen , Musa Ahmed Eleojo , Najafi Masoud
Published: October 2019

Background:

Radiation-induced pneumonitis and fibrosis are the most common side effects of chest radiotherapy. They result from massive and chronic production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), inhibition of antioxidant enzymes as well as the release of several inflammatory mediators. In this study, we aimed to detect the radioprotective effects of metformin (as inhibitor of mitochondrial ROS), resveratrol (as stimulator of antioxidant defense enzymes) and alpha-lipoic acid (as direct antioxidant) for alleviating radiation-induced pneumonitis and fibrosis.

Methods:

80 Male Mice were randomly allotted to eight groups which include G1: control; G2: resveratrol; G3: alpha-lipoic acid; G4: metformin; G5: radiation; G6: radiation plus resveratrol; G7: radiation plus alpha-lipoic acid; G8: radiation plus metformin. Drugs’ doses were as follows: 100 mg/kg metformin, 200 mg/kg resveratrol and 200 mg/kg alpha-lipoic acid. Irradiation with a single radiation dose of 18 Gy was performed using a cobalt-60 (60Co) gamma-ray source. After 80 days, all mice were sacrificed and their lung tissues evaluated for morphological changes using histopathological markers.

Results:

Irradiation led to acute pneumonitis including infiltration of inflammatory cells and damages to alveolar and vascular, as well as mild fibrosis. Metformin, alpha-lipoic acid and resveratrol were able to reduce pneumonitis and overcome radiation-induced fibrosis.

Conclusion:

All agents could protect against radiation-induced lung injury moderately. It is possible that administering higher doses of these drugs over a long period of time could give better radioprotection of the lung.
Immunomodulatory Effects of Antipsychotic Drugs in Whole Blood Cell Cultures from Healthy Subjects
Authors: Kim Eun-Jeong , Kim Yong-Ku
Published: October 2019

Objective:

We aimed to evaluate the effects of various antipsychotics on the in vitro production of C-reactive protein (CRP) in whole blood cell cultures from healthy volunteers. The evaluation was performed using haloperidol, quetiapine, clozapine, amisulpride, and chlorpromazine.

Methods:

Antipsychotic agents were added to the participants' whole blood samples, and the resulting CRP levels were measured. For each agent, three different concentrations were tested: the therapeutic concentration, one-tenth the therapeutic concentration, and ten times the therapeutic concentration. The differences in CRP concentrations before and after drug administration were investigated.

Results:

The Friedman test showed that haloperidol, amisulpride, and chlorpromazine significantly increased CRP levels in the blood culture samples; however, clozapine and quetiapine did not increase CRP levels. In the case of chlorpromazine, elevated CRP levels were noted at all concentrations tested.

Conclusion:

Our study suggests that some antipsychotics elevate CRP levels in vitro. These results agree with previous studies showing that antipsychotics have immunomodulatory effects. Future research will clarify our findings and our understanding of antipsychotic drugs and their impact on immune regulation.
A Content Analysis of Social Media Sites’ Terms of Use and Community Guidelines (Preprint)
Authors: Abroms Lorien
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

Digital technologies have become part of the fabric of daily life in the United States, where a majority of adults use at least one social media site (SMS). Many of the leading SMS have published regulations, including their “Terms of Use” and “Community Guidelines,” that provide guidance on the posting of content by users and the actions SMS will take in response to violations.

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this analysis is to determine how public health related topics are addressed by SMS in their policy documents.

METHODS

A list of leading SMS in the US was compiled: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and Snapchat. Both the Terms of Use and the Community Guidelines documents were analyzed for each site (N=7). A coding scheme was developed using an iterative process to identify guidelines set by SMS regarding content areas relevant to public health. The final coding system was comprised of 8 distinct guidelines (3 related to regulations and 5 related to actions taken in response to violations) covering 11 public health content areas. Documents were coded by two independent coders for the presence of each guideline.

RESULTS

With respect to regulations, in the Terms of Use, all 7 sites had general regulations that prohibited the posting of objectionable content generally, while 3 or fewer sites had regulations for specific content areas. In the Community Guidelines, 6 out of 7 sites had general regulations, and all sites had regulations against content that included threats and violence, bullying/harassment, hate speech, sexual content overall and sexual content related to children, and that came from dangerous organizations. No sites had prohibitions against misinformation. With respect to actions taken in response to violations in the Terms of Use, all sites stated they would remove content that violated regulations and 6 sites stated the same in the Community Guidelines. Additional actions that were commonly mentioned in the Terms of Use included suspending accounts or banning users. Less common in the Terms of Use was referral to law enforcement and providing resources. Additional actions that were commonly mentioned in the Community Guidelines included suspending accounts or banning users, providing resources and referral to law enforcement. Less common, though present, was adding a warning.

CONCLUSIONS

SMS policy documents prohibit the posting of public health related content by its users and specify actions that will be taken by the service provider for violations. A better understanding of SMS policies could allow for the identification of omitted topics of interest and advocacy for their inclusion.
Understanding the Uptake of Big Data in Health Care: Protocol for a Multinational Mixed-Methods Study (Preprint)
Authors: Wehrens Rik , Sihag Vikrant , Sülz Sandra , van Elten Hilco , van Raaij Erik , de Bont Antoinette , Weggelaar-Jansen Anne Marie
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

Despite the high potential of big data, their applications in health care face many organizational, social, financial, and regulatory challenges. The societal dimensions of big data are underrepresented in much medical research. Little is known about integrating big data applications in the corporate routines of hospitals and other care providers. Equally little is understood about embedding big data applications in daily work practices and how they lead to actual improvements for health care actors, such as patients, care professionals, care providers, information technology companies, payers, and the society.

OBJECTIVE

This planned study aims to provide an integrated analysis of big data applications, focusing on the interrelations among concrete big data experiments, organizational routines, and relevant systemic and societal dimensions. To understand the similarities and differences between interactions in various contexts, the study covers 12 big data pilot projects in eight European countries, each with its own health care system. Workshops will be held with stakeholders to discuss the findings, our recommendations, and the implementation. Dissemination is supported by visual representations developed to share the knowledge gained.

METHODS

This study will utilize a mixed-methods approach that combines performance measurements, interviews, document analysis, and cocreation workshops. Analysis will be structured around the following four key dimensions: performance, embedding, legitimation, and value creation. Data and their interrelations across the dimensions will be synthesized per application and per country.

RESULTS

The study was funded in August 2017. Data collection started in April 2018 and will continue until September 2021. The multidisciplinary focus of this study enables us to combine insights from several social sciences (health policy analysis, business administration, innovation studies, organization studies, ethics, and health services research) to advance a holistic understanding of big data value realization. The multinational character enables comparative analysis across the following eight European countries: Austria, France, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. Given that national and organizational contexts change over time, it will not be possible to isolate the factors and actors that explain the implementation of big data applications. The visual representations developed for dissemination purposes will help to reduce complexity and clarify the relations between the various dimensions.

CONCLUSIONS

This study will develop an integrated approach to big data applications that considers the interrelations among concrete big data experiments, organizational routines, and relevant systemic and societal dimensions.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/16779
Message Appeals on an Instagram Account Promoting Seat Belt Use That Attract Adolescents and Young Adults: Elaboration-Likelihood Perspective Study (Preprint)
Authors: Zhang Ni , Drake Stacy A , Ding Kele
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

Adolescents and young adults demonstrate the highest rate of unrestrained motor vehicle fatalities, making the promotion of seat belt restraint a priority for public health practitioners. Because social media use among adolescents and young adults has proliferated in recent years, it is critical to explore how to use this tool to promote seat belt use among this population. Social media posts can contain various types of information within each post and this information can be communicated using different modalities.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, based on the elaboration likelihood model, we aimed to examine how adolescents and young adults reacted to different appeals in various components of posts in the pilot of a promotion intervention on the Instagram BuckleUp4Life account.

METHODS

Using thematic analysis, we examined different appeals in 3 components (photo, text, and caption) of 199 posts in BuckleUp4Life and compared the number of likes for different appeals.

RESULTS

We found that 6 appeals were used in the posts: rational, ego, social, fun, positive emotional, and fear appeals. The results of our study showed that in photos, fun appeals were the most popular. Rational and positive emotional appeals were the most appealing in text and captions. Regardless of the location of the components (photo, text, or captions), rational appeal was the most popular appeal.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the findings of our study, we recommend that public health practitioners utilize fun photos with rational and positive emotional appeals in text and captions rather than fear or social appeals, when promoting seat belt use through social media, especially Instagram.