bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Near real-time detection of blockages in the proximity of combined sewer overflows using evolutionary ANNs and statistical process control
Authors: Rosin T. R. , Kapelan Z. , Keedwell E. , Romano M.
Published: March 2022

Blockages are a major issue for wastewater utilities around the world, causing loss of service, environmental pollution, and significant clean-up costs. Increasing telemetry in combined sewer overflows (CSOs) provides the opportunity for near real-time data-driven modelling of wastewater networks. This paper presents a novel methodology, designed to detect blockages and other unusual events in the proximity of CSO chambers in near real-time. The methodology utilises an evolutionary artificial neural network (EANN) model for short-term CSO level predictions and statistical process control (SPC) techniques to analyse unusual level behaviour. The methodology was evaluated on historic blockage events from several CSOs in the UK and was demonstrated to detect blockage events quickly and reliably, with a low number of false alarms.
Particle size characteristics of sediment by sheet erosion and their responses to related parameters on a Loess hillslope: a plot-scale study
Authors: Zhang Qingwei , Ma Sanbao , Liu Sijun , Lei Xin , Liu Shanshan , Du Xue
Published: March 2022

Particle size distribution (PSD) of sediment by sheet erosion not only indicates erosion behaviors, but also provides a basis for potential nutrient losses. PSDs are significantly influenced by topographic, rainfall, and associate runoff characteristics, such as rainfall intensity (I), rainfall kinetic energy (KE), slope gradient (S), runoff velocity (v), and stream power (Ω), while their effects have not been fully understood so far. To fill this research gap, in this study, simulated rainfall experiments were conducted to investigate the characteristics of effective and ultimate PSDs of sediments, as well as their responses to related parameters, under five levels of I and S. The results showed that (1) for effective PSDs, there was a significant enrichment of clay-sized and silt-sized fractions (P<2μm and P2–50μm) in sediment (percentage range: 12.11–20.64% and 57.09–65.94%), whereas there was a depletion of sand-sized fractions (P50–250μm and P250–2000μm). The ultimate PSDs of sediment were, however, similar to the soil matrix under experimental conditions. (2) With an increase in I and S, P<2μm and P2–50μm decreased exponentially or logarithmically, and P50–250μm and P>250μm increased correspondingly. The contribution rates (PCs) of the effect of I on clay-, silt-, fine-sand-, and coarse-sand-sized fractions in sediment were 23.44, 35.45, 29.09, and 56.82%, respectively, whereas the PCs of that of S were 56.54, 24.42, 59.89, and 31.47%, respectively, indicating that S plays a more pivotal role in influencing P<2μm and P50–250μm, whereas P2–50μm and P>250μm were more sensitive to I than to S. (3) The aggregation ratio (AR) for the fractions of different sizes indicated that clay-sized particles tend to be transported as aggregates, while silt-sized particles tend to be transported as primary particles. A higher I or steeper S leads to a larger proportion of particles being transported as aggregates. (4) KE, Ω, and unit stream power (U) were the most correlated parameters influencing effective PSDs. Equations were finally established using KE, Ω, and U to predict the effective PSDs of sediment by sheet erosion. This study can further the understanding of the sheet erosion process and provide a scientific basis for the establishment of a sheet erosion model.
Free Radical Generating and Scavenging Compounds as a New Type of Drug
Authors: Matsugo Seiichi , Mizuno Masashi , Konishi Tetsuya
Published: March 2022

Recently, the free radical investigations cover a broad field of research related to chemistry, biology, medicine and biochemistry. One of the reasons for this is that the free radicals play crutial roles in many pathogenic disorders, typically carcinogenesis. So, in this sense it is very important to elucidate the precise mechanism of action of free radicals in vivo from the aspect of tumor necrosis. Indeed, many drugs have been extensively studied in relation to free radicals in recent years. These studies can be divided into two categories one of which emphasizes the advantageous side of free radicals, while the other emphasizes the toxic aspects of free radicals. In tis review article, we will discuss four major studies related free radical studies based on the chemical standpoint of view. Frist we will introduce the recent advances of radical generating drugs such as bleomycin and some ene-diyne natural products in the medicinal field. Second, we will introduce the possible use of free radical generating compounds as a condidate of the new-type of drug. Third, we will show the protective effects and importance of some recent advances in antioxidants research, which show the potentiality of natural antioxidants as the protective or therapeutic medicine for free radical deseases. Finally, we will introduce some recent progress in the gene-regulation studies by the antioxidants and show our ideas for the future application for this concept in the medicinal fields.
Steroidal and Non-Steroidal Inhibitors of Steroid Sα-Reductase
Authors: Abell A.D. , Henderson B.R.
Published: March 2022

A good deal of interest exists in developing inhibitors of steroid Sa-reductase (SR) as a therapy for pharmacological disorders associated with elevated levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the product of SR action on testosterone (T). The recent identification of two isoforms of SR (Types 1 and 2) has intensified this effort to include the design of isoform selective and dual isoform SR inhibitors. It is anticipated that such inhibitors will provide a more efficient and specific therapy for disorders including benign prostatic hyperplasia, some prostatic cancers, certain skin disorders and male pattern baldness. The structural features which are responsible for the potency,
isoform selectivity and SR species selectivity of the traditional classes of steroid-based inhibitors, typified by epristeride 7 and finasteride 15, have been identified. This information is being applied to the design of new classes of SR inhibitors. A new and rapidly expanding area of this work is the identification of non-steroidal inhibitors of SR. A survey of the main classes of SR inhibitor is followed by a review of the key structural features that are known to influence inhibitor potency and selectivity.
Strategies for the Development of Photodynamic Sensitizers
Authors: Morgan Alan R.
Published: March 2022

The use of light activated dyes in photomedicine offers the potential to administer to patients an inert compound which can be selectively activated by photoirradiation. Such a process allows for unique control of the photochemotherapeutic process, using techniques to enhance drug targeting and/or selective irradiation of target tissues. Substantial progress has been made iri recent years in developing biologically compatible photosensitizers and in understanding their mechanisms of action. In one field of photcimedicine called Photodynamic Therapy, excitation of the sensitizer leads to the generation of activated oxygen species which then oxidize biological .substrates such as protein and
lipids. Since different sensitizers localize in different cell types and in differe-nt subcellular organelles, the mechanisms of cell necrosis may differ. Current research is aimed at better understanding the parameters responsible for these properties of photosensitizers and in expanding the disease indications to which phototherapy can be applied.
Strategies to Enhance the Localization of Anticancer lmmunoconjugates
Authors: Schreiber George J. , Kerr David E.
Published: March 2022

Monoclonal antibodies (mAb) that bind to tumor-associated antigens have been used to selectively deliver toxic agents such as drugs, radionuclides, or protein toxins to tumors. A number of mAb conjugates have been effective in killing tumor cells in vitro and in causing tumor regressions in mice; but as yet have not been curative against solid tumors in humans. One of the problems that has been identified for mAb tumor targeting is that systemic clearance tends to be slow, resulting in low tumor-to-blood ratios even many days after administration. Many strategies have been explored to accelerate mAb conjugate clearance without affecting intratumoral uptake.
This can be accomplished by extracorporeal adsorption or plasmapheresis to remove the conjugate from the blood, or by complexing the conjugate with an agent that is cleared very quickly from the blood. Such agents include carbohydrates, avidin, and mAbs directed against the immunoconjugate. Each of these strategies have been employed to enhance the tumor-to- blood ratio of immunoconjugates.
New Analogs of Methotrexate in Cancer and Arthritis
Authors: DeGraw Joseph I. , Colwell William T. , Pipert James R. , Sirotnak Francis M. , Smith R. Lane
Published: March 2022

Aminopterin and its N10-methyl analog; methotrexate, were synthesized in the late
1940s and methotrexate was subsequently incorporated into clinical use as an antitumor agent in the mid-1950s. In more recent years methotrexate has also become accepted as an effective agent for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Structure-activity studies have been ongoing over the past 40 years in an effort to develop a safer and more effective version of this powerful antifolate. Early work featured replacement of nitrogen atoms at various positions in the pterin ring, substitution about the phenyl ring in the side chain and alteration in the glutamic acid subunit. These studies shed considerable light on structural requirements for antitumor activity. However, new agents with serious potential for clinical introduction were not encountered until structural modification of the region bridging the pterin and benzoyl glutamate side chain took place. A series of 10-substituted-10-deazaaminopterin analogs was investigated and found to have activity superior to methotrexate in several tumor models in vivo. There was in vitro evidence for facilitated transport into tumor cells versus sensitive host tissue cells and increased polyglutamylation within the tumor cells such that a selective accumulation was achieved in tumor tissue. 10-Ethyl-10-deazaaminopterin (Edatrexate) was found to be clinically effective against lung and breast solid tumors.
Our laboratories have continued to pursue structural modifications of 10-deaza, 5,10-dideaza and 8,10-dideazaaminopterins in an effort to improve upon the efficacy of edatrexate. Additional variation has been made in the "bridge region" and various heterocyclic rings have been introduced in place of the side chain phenyl ring. These modifications have resulted in additional new antitumor agents and compounds with activity exceeding that of methotrexate in rheumatoid arthritis.
Macrocyclic Peptidomimetics Forcing Peptides into Bioactive Conformations
Authors: Fairlie David P. , Abbenante Giovanni , March Darren R.
Published: March 2022

Cyclic peptides that are potent regulators of biological processes are rapidly emerging as important mechanistic probes and drug leads. Nature clearly uses macrocycles to. constrain peptides into conformations that can selectively bind proteins or. small molecules. Therapeutic effects of such macrocycles, often containing additional conformational constraints that fine­ tune structure (e.g. D-amino acids, N-methyl substituents, aromatic rings, to name a few), have so far been mainly discovered by accident. However it is now becoming possible to rationally design synthetic macrocycles to selectively recognize and inhibit a specific protein. A receptor-binding struc­
ture is more easily adopted by macrocyclic peptidomimetics than more flexible acyclic peptides because the former have less conformational entropy. Macrocycles are often stable to hydrolysis by peptidases that degrade acyclic peptides and hydrophobic side chains can protect peptide bonds in macrocycles from hydrolysis, as well as enhance lipophilicity, cell permeability and bioavailability. Synthetic efforts to obtain bioactive conformations of short peptides have so far been substrate-based, guided by molecular modelling predictions and structure-activity data for modified amino acid sequences of substrates. However, dramatic advances in molecular biology, X-ray crystallography, NMR spectroscopy and computing are rapidly producing three dimensional structures of proteins, promising direct observation of protein-bound conformations of small molecules and receptor-based design of peptidomimetics with surface complementarity for proteins. This perspective review highlights examples of both natural and synthetic bioactive macrocyclic peptides containing constraints that fix conformation, and briefly illustrates the promise that receptor-based design holds for structural and functional mimicry of peptides by macrocycles.
Pyrrolic Photosensitizers
Authors: Sternberg E. , Dolphin D.
Published: March 2022

There are three major classes of photosensitizers which can initiate a phototoxic effect to tissues upon irradiation. These are the cationic dyes (Type I Photosensitizer), the psoralens (Type I and II Photosensitizer),
and cyclic polypyrrolic compounds (Type II Photosensitizer). The polypyrrolic compounds such
as porphyrins have been investigated since the late 1800's for their ability to destroy tissue. In the last ten years, compounds such as chlorins and expanded porphyrins have begun to dominate the preclinical field because they can be activated with light at wavelengths tissue does not effectively absorb. The results of these investigation have been reported in more than
10,000 papers in the field covering aspects from mechanisms of action, photophysics, structure activity relationships, new compound development and clinical investigations. With the approval of PHOTOFRJN®, (porfimer sodium), the first of the pyrrolic compounds to win acceptance by international regulatory bodies and with nearly 10 other second generation compounds undergoing early clinical trials for diseases ranging from esophageal and skin cancers to age related macular degeneration, the field of photodynamic therapy would seem to have a bright future.
Novel Effects of Heme Biological Systemst and Heme-related Compounds in Biological Systems
Authors: Sassa Shigeru
Published: March 2022

Heme and heme-related compounds such as porphyrins have a variety of biological and clinical activities. This review highlights some of the novel effects of these compounds in medicinal chemistry. Heme which has no photoreactive properties, can serve as the prosthetic group for various hemoproteins, or as a substrate for microsomal heme oxygenase (HO). In contrast, porphyrins have photodynamic activities but usually do not serve as substrates in biological systems. Thus, heme and heme analogues are often
used to influence enzyme activities in tissues, while porphyrins by taking advantage of their
photoreactive properties are used as drugs in medicine. There are four major applications of these compounds, namely the use of (i) heme in the treatment of porphyrias and hematological disorders, (ii) synthetic metalloporphyrins in the treatment of hyperbilirubinemia, (iii) metal-free porphyrins in photodynamic therapy of malignant tumors, and (iv) porphyrin derivatives as contrast reagents in radiography. Solubility, stability, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and analytical techniques are all important considerations in the medicinal chemistry of these compounds. In man and animals in vivo, the rate of synthesis and catabolism of heme, as well as disorders of heme synthesis are important in understanding pathophysiological effects of these compounds.
Reduction of Biliverdins to Bilirubins: Its Metabolic Regulation Under Various Physiological Conditions
Authors: Valasinas Aldonia , Frydman Benjamin
Published: March 2022

Heme and hemoproteins are degraded in mammals by oxidation
to biliverdins. These linear tetrapyrroles are reduced to bilirubins by a
cytosolic biliverdin reductase (BvR) at the rate of 250-400 mg per day. While the bulk of biliary biliverdin is biliverdin IX α , other isomers such as biliverdins IXβ and IXγ are formed under conditions of oxidative stress by the chemical degradation of hemoproteins, or from the degradation of abnormal hemoglobins. Rat liver BvR was found to. be a NADPH-dependent reductase with a broad substrate specificity, which efficiently reduces a large number of biliverdins as long as they carry two propionate side-chains. The enzyme was found to exist in three molecular forms, two of which (molecular forms 1 and 3) interconvert under conditions of oxidative stress or in the presence of oxidant species. The different molecular forms have different reduction rates for the biliverdin isomers, thus securing the efficient reduction of biliverdins to bilirubins under different physiological conditions. The molecular mechanism of the enzymatic reduction entails the protonation of the basic pyrrolenine nitrogen (N23) which results in a mesomeric positive charge on the neighboring meso C-10 carbon. The C-10 then undergoes a nucleophilic addition of the hydride released by the NADPH cofactor of BvR. Our studies have established the structural requirements for a biliverdin to be efficiently reduced to a bilirubin. This metabolic step gains relevance as synthetic hemes and metalloporphyrins are increasingly used in therapeutics.
Progress in Chemotherapy of Leishmaniasis*
Authors: Ram Vishnu Ji , Nath Mahendra
Published: March 2022

This reveiw gives an overall view on the development of cheemotherapy of leishmaniasis and current state of knowledge of the disease processes.
Recent Advances in the Development of Retinoids
Authors: Curley R.W. , Robarge M.J.
Published: March 2022

Retinoic acid (RA) is a metabolite of retinol (vitamin A) which is necessary for a number of biological functions including the maintenance of growth and epithelial cell differentiation. It appears that most of these functions are mediated through formation of a complex with nuclear retinoid receptors which act in a steroid hormone-like mechanism. RA and its analogs (retinoids) have found use in treating dermatological diseases and show pro-
mise as cancer chemopreventive/chemotherapeutic agents because of this impact on epithelial tissue differentiation. RA is extensively metabolized and this has a profound impact on its actions and activity. Thus, a reasonably detailed discussion of the quantitatively and/or biologically important metabolites of RA is provided as well as molecular design efforts to inhibit metabolic inactivation processes and stabilize metabolic activation products. The review is concluded with a description of current efforts in the development of more heavily structurally modified analogs, particularly those with nuclear retinoid receptor or receptor subtype specificity.
COVID-19 Effects on Geriatric Population and Failures of Aminoquinoline
Therapy: Compilation of Studies from EU, USA, and China;
Safety and Efficacy of Vaccines in the Prevention and Treatment of
COVID-19
Authors: Beeraka Narasimha M. , Tulimilli SubbaRao V. , Greeshma Mandya V. , Dallavalasa Siva , Zhang Yaowen , Xiao Wenjing , Fan Ruitai , Zhao Di , Bettadapura Anjali D.S. , Nataraj Suma M. , Madhunapantula SubbaRao V. , Liu Junqi
Published: March 2022

Background:

Mortality of the older adult population suffering from COVID-19 has
been increasing at an alarming rate, and people older than 76 years of age reported 18% mortality.
Mainly, the EU and USA exhibited a greater fatality rate due to lack of selective immunization and
anti-SARS Co-V-2 therapeutics. Very limited reports are available to delineate the impact of
COVID-19 on the geriatric population and the failures of aminoquinoline therapy.

Methods:

We performed a substantial literature review in the PubMed/Medline databases to extract
the information pertaining to the COVID-19 impact on the geriatric population and recent failures
of aminoquinoline therapy in COVID-19 patients of EU, China, USA and the requirement of vaccination.

Results and Discussions:

Both parental strains and mutant variants of SARS Co-V-2 can induce severe
respiratory complications, multiorgan failure, and clotting abnormalities in older adults due to
low immunocompetence. Aminoquinoline derivatives, such as chloroquine (CQ) and hydroxychloroquine
(HCQ), are preferred primarily for COVID-19 treatment, but several controversies
are being reported for its usage worldwide. In this review, we have provided the effects of
COVID-19 on the geriatric population of EU and an overview of the mechanism of action of aminoquinolines.
Furthermore, CQ and HCQ are not the preferred choice of drugs if the COVID-19 patients
already have existing co-morbid conditions viz., diabetes mellitus and hypertension.

Conclusion:

A new advent of COVID-19 vaccines, such as nucleic acid-based (DNA/mRNA)
vaccines, protein subunit vaccines, viral vector vaccines, and inactivated vaccines, have been developed
for treating SARS-CoV-2 infection after the failure of aminoquinoline therapy in EU, China,
and USA patients. However, some of the vaccines are yet to be examined against mutant strains of
SARS CoV-2 that originated in the UK, Nigeria, South Africa, Brazil, and India.
Casein Kinase 1δ Inhibitors as Promising Therapeutic Agents for
Neurodegenerative Disorders
Authors: Catarzi Daniela , Varano Flavia , Vigiani Erica , Lambertucci Catia , Spinaci Andrea , Volpini Rosaria , Colotta Vittoria
Published: March 2022

Casein kinase 1 (CK1) belongs to the serine-threonine kinase family and is expressed
in all eukaryotic organisms. At least six human isoforms of CK1 (termed α, γ1-3,
δ and ε) have been cloned and characterized. CK1δ isoform modulates several physiological
processes, including DNA damage repair, circadian rhythm, cellular proliferation and
apoptosis. Therefore, CK1δ dysfunction may trigger diverse pathologies, such as cancer,
inflammation and central nervous system disorders. Overexpression and aberrant activity
of CK1δ have been connected to hyperphosphorylation of key proteins implicated in the
development of neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases
and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Thus, CK1δ inhibitors have attracted attention
as potential drugs for these pathologies and several compounds have been synthesized or
isolated from natural sources to be evaluated for their CK1δ inhibitory activity. Here we
report a comprehensive review on the development of CK1δ inhibitors, with a particular
emphasis on structure-activity relationships and computational studies, which provide
useful insight for the design of novel inhibitors.
Sex Differences in Therapies for Heart Failure
Authors: Miličić Davor , Bergami Maria , Pavasović Saša
Published: March 2022

Heart failure (HF) is a common cause of morbimortality with different etiopathogenesis and prognosis
between men and women. This review provides a brief overview of gender-based differences in response to
pharmacological therapies of heart failure with or without reduced ejection fraction (EF). It focuses on the differences
in therapy outcomes with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi), angiotensin receptor
blockers (ARBs), angiotensin neprilysin inhibitors (ARNI), beta-adrenergic blockers, mineralocorticoid/
aldosterone receptor antagonists, diuretics, ivabradine and digoxin. The baseline data originate from randomised
controlled trials (RCTs) and large registries. We conclude that current guidelines recommending similar
therapeutic approaches for both men and women are appropriate, while additional consideration should be given
to different approaches regarding the use of ARBs, ACEi, and digoxin. Based on the available data, the
ARBs might be considered a first-line therapy of HR for women instead of ACEi. Moreover, female patients
should have stricter digoxin monitoring due to higher sensitivity and increased risk of complications. Finally,
women are underrepresented in current clinical trials, and therefore future trials should aim to balance the gender
recruitment disparity allowing sub-group analysis and comparisons between genders to guide individualised
therapeutic strategies and appropriately targeted preventative steps.
Biheterocyclic Coumarins: A Simple Yet Versatile Resource for Futuristic Design and
Applications in Bio-molecular and Material Chemistry
Authors: Anand Ashish , Khanapurmath Netravati , Kulkarni Manohar V. , Guru Row Tayur N.
Published: March 2022

Coumarin derivatives occur widely in nature and are a part of both traditional and
modern advancements in synthesis and application. To date, thousands of coumarin derivatives
have been synthesized in lab or isolated from plant and marine life. These are essentially 2-
pyrone core fused with a benzene ring and belong to the family of aromatic oxygen heterocycles.
Coumarin in conjugation with various other heterocyclic systems has provided a robust
framework for tuning the properties associated with the parent structure. The frequency of
reports has increased for these biheterocyclic systems from the mid twentieth century. Biheterocyclic
coumarins have also attracted the attention of many organic and pharmaceutical chemists
as these systems serve as useful synthetic intermediates in the synthesis of analogs of existing
drugs. Their application in the design of effective organocatalysts and chemosensors has
further extended their versatility. Coumarin biheterocyclic core is utilized in the rational design and tuning of complex
molecular entities in molecular recognition, analytical and material chemistry. This review highlights the advancements
in the synthesis and applications of coumarin-linked nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur heterocycles. It also
provides an account of five-, six-, and seven-membered heterocyclic rings linked to coumarin core. Critical physicochemical
properties coupled with their application will make this review useful for synthetic chemists and drug
discovery labs. A comprehensive spectrum of literature in this review will facilitate further development of biheterocycles
along with their promising applications in the future.
Which Metrological Index, the BASMI or EDASMI, is Best Correlated
with Disease-Related Parameters in Spondylarthritis Patients?
Authors: Triki Wafa , Maatallah Kaouther , Ferjani Hanene , Nessib Dorra Ben , Kaffel Dhia , Hamdi Wafa
Published: March 2022

Objective:

This study aimed at comparing the Edmonton Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrol-ogy Index (EDASMI) and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI) to determine which of the two is best correlated with disease-related parameters in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) patients.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was carried out involving 86 patients with radiographic axSpA. Sociodemographic data, the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), the Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS), the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Func-tional Index (BASFI), and the Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life (ASQoL) questionnaire were applied. Spinal mobility was assessed by two indices: the BASMI and the EDASMI. Structural damage of the spine was also evaluated by two indices: the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Radiology Index (BASRI) and the modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spine Score (mSASSS).

Results:

Eighty-six patients with an average age of 43.21 ± 11.43 years (20-79) were included. Im-paired spinal mobility, which corresponds to higher BASMI scores, was correlated with prolonged disease duration (p < 0.01, r = 0.310), higher ASDAS-CRP (p < 0.001, r = 0.386), severe functional disability on the BASFI (p < 0.01, r = 0.505) and poorer quality of life according to the ASQoL (p < 0.01, r = 0.369). However, the EDASMI score did not correlate with any disease parameter. The BASMI was correlated with the total BASRI (p < 0.01, r = 0.634) and mSASSS (p < 0.01, r = 0.388). Unlike the BASMI, the EDASMI was neither correlated with the BASRI (p = 0.520, r = 0.245) nor the mSASSS (p = 0.252, r = -0.120).

Conclusion:

Our results indicate that among the studied metrological indices, the BASMI is more contributory since it is correlated with clinical disease parameters and structural damage, unlike the EDASMI.
Preliminary Observations on Soaps Increasing Slipperiness and Bathroom Injuries
Authors: Anzelc Madison J. , Burkhart Craig G. , Black Curt
Published: March 2022

Every year, about 235,000 people over the age of 15 suffer from falls in the bathroom and visit the emergency room, with 37.3% being related to bathing or showering. While various approaches exist to minimize these risks, the core etiology of slipping is often overlooked by consumers, producers, and physicians.

The foremost contributor to the cause of slipping in the shower or bath is the use of soaps and bathing products. These products can accumulate on the floor of the shower or tub and consequently alter its surface properties, such as decreasing friction or hindering the body’s natural ability to sense position. Two of the major contributors to this increased slipperiness found in many bath products are oils and surfactants. This brings to light the question of using less dangerous substances in the products, as well as educating the consumer about the inclusion of properties that predispose to slipping. Overall, the consumers’ safety needs to be considered when products are created and marketed.

With such a high incidence of slipping occurrences related to bathing or showering, there is a need for more research in this specific area. The high-risk environment due to soaps, coupled with the lack of research regarding this topic, warrants further evaluation from the product producers. It is imperative that further research is required on the specific chemical properties and their effect on surfaces and how they contribute to consumers’ safety.
Withdrawn: Variations in Altered Global Gene Expression caused by
Topoisomerase II Poisons Assessed with Reference to Differences in DNA
Binding
Authors: Zihlif Malek , Catchpoole Daniel R. , Stewart Bernard W. , Wakelin Laurence P.G.
Published: March 2022

The article has been withdrawn at the request of the authors of the journal Current Molecular Pharmacology.

Bentham Science apologizes to the readers of the journal for any inconvenience this may have caused.

The Bentham Editorial Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at https://benthamscience.com/editorial-policies-main.php

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Green Synthesis of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles Using Eichhornia Crassipes Leaf Extract, its Antibacterial and Photocatalytic Activities
Authors: Tadele Kirubel T. , Saligedo Tamene S. , Muleta Gutta G. , Tsega Tilahun W.
Published: March 2022

Background:

Green approach is among the preferable methods for metal-based nanoparticles synthesis due to its simplicity, cost-effectiveness, ecofriendly reagents, and a broad spectrum of biological activities. This study aimed to synthesize copper oxide nanoparticles using Eichhornia Crassipes (Water hyacinth) leaf extract in an eco-friendly manner.

Methods:

Copper oxide nanoparticles were synthesized using Eichhornia Crassipes (Water hyacinth) leaf extract. The effect of different parameters, such as concentration of the plant extract, time, light, and pH, on the formation of the nanoparticles was investigated. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by UV-Vis, FTIR, TEM, and P-XRD spectroscopic techniques. The antibacterial and photocatalytic activities of the synthesized copper oxide nanoparticles were determined.

Results:

Powder X-Ray diffraction analysis (PXRD) showed that the copper oxide nanoparticles have a size of 9.1 nm. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images displayed that the Nps were spherical, polydispersed, and well crystallized. The nanoparticles displayed good antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus, Bacillus subtilis, and Salmonella typhi, with the highest activity against Salmonella typhi.

Conclusion:

Copper oxide nanoparticles were effectively synthesized, and secondary metabolites, such as flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, and phenols, acted as both capping and stabilizing agents. The good antibacterial and photocatalytic activities of the synthesized nanoparticles indicated their potential for applications in pharmacology and environmental protections, respectively. However, the product needs further investigation to enhance its antibacterial potential for efficient pharmacological application.
The Use of Molasses as Additive with Different Ensiling Time and Physical Quality, pH and Nutritive of Value Maize Stover Silage
Authors: Hartutik Hartutik , Marjuki Marjuki , Huda Asri Nurul , Ndaru Hazanah Poespitasari , Arsianty Yuanita Nur , Rohmah Binti Nur
Published: March 2022

The objectives of this experimental research was to determine the effect of different ensiling time of maize stover silage with molasses as additive on physical quality, pH and nutritive value. The experiment used Factorial Randomized Completely Design (RCD) of two factors (maize stover = A and maize stover + 10% molasses = B), 3 ensiling time (0, 7, 14 days) and 4 replications. The treatments consisted of (A0 = maize stover without incubation, A1 = maize stover incubated for 7 days, A2 = maize stover incubated for 14 days) and (B0 = maize stover + 10% molasses without incubation, B1 = maize stover + 10 % molasses incubated for 7 days, and B2 = maize stover + 10 % molasses incubated for 14 days). The variable was measured physical quality, pH and nutritive value. The results showed that incubation time of A and B gave significant effect on physical quality and pH silage, maize stover silage without and with 10 % molasses incubated 14 days gave the best result of physical quality and pH (A = 4.00 and B = 3.89) silage. The result showed that incubation time of A and B gave highly significant effect (P<0.01) on Dry Matter (DM) and Ether Extract (EE), however it did not give significant effect (P>0.05) on Organic Matter (OM). It can be concluded that maize stover silage with 10% molasses incubated for 14 days could increase physical quality, decreased pH and maintain nutritive value.
Кинетика IV -> III полиморфного превращения в монокристаллах Rb-=SUB=-1-x-=/SUB=-Cs-=SUB=-x-=/SUB=-NO-=SUB=-3-=/SUB=- (x=0.025, 0.05, 0.1)
Authors: Хазиева А.Ф. , Насиров В.И. , Алыев Ю.И. , Джабаров С.Г.
Published: March 2022

Методом оптической микроскопии измерена скорость роста кристаллов III-модификации от температуры при превращении IV -> III в монокристаллах Rb1-xCsxNO3 (x=0.025, 0.05, 0.1). Показано, что скорость роста кристаллов III-модификации в зависимости от температуры при превращении IV -> III описывается эмпирической формулой IV->III=(-0.486Delta T+0.592Delta T2 -0.0015Delta T3)·10-2 см/с для x=0.025, IV-> III=(-0.49Delta T+0.563Delta T2-0.0018Delta T3)·10-2 см/с для x=0.005 и IV->III= (-0.437Delta T+0.484Delta T2-0.0014Delta T3)·10-2см/с для x=0.1, где Delta T=Ttr+T0. Вычислена энергия активации процесса IV -> III превращения, которая равна E=85.5 кДж/моль для x=0.025, E=82.8 кДж/моль для x=0.005 и E=84.8 кДж/моль для x=0.1. Ключевые слова: кристаллы, полиморфные превращения, энергия активации.
Clustering Diagnoses From 58 Million Patient Visits in Finland Between 2015 and 2018
Authors: Fränti Pasi , Sieranoja Sami , Wikström Katja , Laatikainen Tiina
Published: March 2022

Background

Multiple chronic diseases in patients are a major burden on the health service system. Currently, diseases are mostly treated separately without paying sufficient attention to their relationships, which results in the fragmentation of the care process. The better integration of services can lead to the more effective organization of the overall health care system.

Objective

This study aimed to analyze the connections between diseases based on their co-occurrences to support decision-makers in better organizing health care services.

Methods

We performed a cluster analysis of diagnoses by using data from the Finnish Health Care Registers for primary and specialized health care visits and inpatient care. The target population of this study comprised those 3.8 million individuals (3,835,531/5,487,308, 69.90% of the whole population) aged ≥18 years who used health care services from the years 2015 to 2018. They had a total of 58 million visits. Clustering was performed based on the co-occurrence of diagnoses. The more the same pair of diagnoses appeared in the records of the same patients, the more the diagnoses correlated with each other. On the basis of the co-occurrences, we calculated the relative risk of each pair of diagnoses and clustered the data by using a graph-based clustering algorithm called the M-algorithm—a variant of k-means.

Results

The results revealed multimorbidity clusters, of which some were expected (eg, one representing hypertensive and cardiovascular diseases). Other clusters were more unexpected, such as the cluster containing lower respiratory tract diseases and systemic connective tissue disorders. The annual cost of all clusters was €10.0 billion, and the costliest cluster was cardiovascular and metabolic problems, costing €2.3 billion.

Conclusions

The method and the achieved results provide new insights into identifying key multimorbidity groups, especially those resulting in burden and costs in health care services.
Internet-Based Information Behavior After Pregnancy Loss: Interview Study (Preprint)
Authors: Andalibi Nazanin , Bowen Kristen
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND

Information behavior describes all human behaviors in relation to information. Individuals experiencing disruption or stigma often use internet-based tools and spaces to meet their associated information needs. One such context is pregnancy loss, which, although impactful and common, has been absent from much of feminist and reproductive health and information behavior scholarship. By understanding information behavior after pregnancy loss and accounting for it in designing internet-based information spaces, we can take a meaningful step toward countering the stigma and silence that many who experience such loss endure, facilitate coping, and make space for diverse pregnancy narratives in our society.

OBJECTIVE

This study’s objective is to provide a characterization of internet-based information behavior after pregnancy loss.

METHODS

We examined internet-based information behavior after pregnancy loss through 9 in-depth interviews with individuals residing in the United States. We analyzed the data by using open and axial coding.

RESULTS

We identified the following three themes in relation to participants’ information behavior in internet-based spaces: needed information types, information-related concerns, and information outcomes. We drew from information behavior frameworks to interpret the processes and concerns described by participants as they moved from recognizing information needs to searching for information and to using information and experiencing outcomes. Specifically, we aligned these themes with information use concepts from the information behavior literature—information search, knowledge construction, information production, information application, and information effects. Participants’ main concerns centered on being able to easily find information (ie, searchability), particularly on topics that had already been covered (ie, persistence), and, once found, being able to assess the information for its relevance, helpfulness, and credibility (ie, assessability). We suggest the following design implications that support health information behavior: assessability, persistence, and searchability.

CONCLUSIONS

We examined internet-based information behavior in the context of pregnancy loss, an important yet silenced reproductive health experience. Owing to the prevalence of information seeking during pregnancy, we advocate that generic pregnancy-related information spaces should address the needs related to pregnancy loss that we identified in addition to spaces dedicated to pregnancy loss. Such a shift could not only support those who use these spaces to manage pregnancies and then experience a loss but also help combat the silence and stigma associated with loss and the linear and normative narrative by which pregnancies are often represented.

CLINICALTRIAL
Application of Virtual and Augmented Reality Technology in Hip Surgery: Systematic Review (Preprint)
Authors: Sun Peng , Zhao Yao , Men Jie , Ma Zhe-Ru , Jiang Hao-Zhuo , Liu Cheng-Yan , Feng Wei
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND

Virtual and augmented reality (VAR) represents a combination of current state-of-the-art computer and imaging technologies and has the potential to be a revolutionary technology in many surgical fields. An increasing number of investigators have developed and applied VAR in hip-related surgery with the aim of using this technology to reduce hip surgery–related complications, improve surgical success rates, and reduce surgical risks. These technologies are beginning to be widely used in hip-related preoperative operation simulation and training, intraoperative navigation tools in the operating room, and postoperative rehabilitation.

OBJECTIVE

With the aim of reviewing the current status of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) in hip-related surgery and summarizing its benefits, we discussed and briefly described the applicability, advantages, limitations, and future perspectives of VR and AR techniques in hip-related surgery, such as preoperative operation simulation and training; explored the possible future applications of AR in the operating room; and discussed the bright prospects of VR and AR technologies in postoperative rehabilitation after hip surgery.

METHODS

We searched the PubMed and Web of Science databases using the following key search terms: (“virtual reality” OR “augmented reality”) AND (“pelvis” OR “hip”). The literature on basic and clinical research related to the aforementioned key search terms, that is, studies evaluating the key factors, challenges, or problems of using of VAR technology in hip-related surgery, was collected.

RESULTS

A total of 40 studies and reports were included and classified into the following categories: total hip arthroplasty, hip resurfacing, femoral neck fracture, pelvic fracture, acetabular fracture, tumor, arthroscopy, and postoperative rehabilitation. Quality assessment could be performed in 30 studies. Among the clinical studies, there were 16 case series with an average score of 89 out of 100 points (89%) and 1 case report that scored 81 (SD 10.11) out of 100 points (81%) according to the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist. Two cadaveric studies scored 85 of 100 points (85%) and 92 of 100 points (92%) according to the Quality Appraisal for Cadaveric Studies scale.

CONCLUSIONS

VR and AR technologies hold great promise for hip-related surgeries, especially for preoperative operation simulation and training, feasibility applications in the operating room, and postoperative rehabilitation, and have the potential to assist orthopedic surgeons in operating more accurately and safely. More comparative studies are necessary, including studies focusing on clinical outcomes and cost-effectiveness.
Extracorporeal Treatment for Methotrexate Poisoning
Authors: Ghannoum Marc , Roberts Darren M. , Goldfarb David S. , Heldrup Jesper , Anseeuw Kurt , Galvao Tais F. , Nolin Thomas D. , Hoffman Robert S. , Lavergne Valery , Meyers Paul , Gosselin Sophie , Botnaru Tudor , Mardini Karine , Wood David M.
Published: March 2022

Methotrexate is used in the treatment of many malignancies, rheumatological diseases, and inflammatory bowel disease. Toxicity from use is associated with severe morbidity and mortality. Rescue treatments include intravenous hydration, folinic acid, and, in some centers, glucarpidase. We conducted systematic reviews of the literature following published EXtracorporeal TReatments In Poisoning (EXTRIP) methods to determine the utility of extracorporeal treatments in the management of methotrexate toxicity. The quality of the evidence and the strength of recommendations (either “strong” or “weak/conditional”) were graded according to the GRADE approach. A formal voting process using a modified Delphi method assessed the level of agreement between panelists on the final recommendations. A total of 92 articles met inclusion criteria. Toxicokinetic data were available on 90 patients (89 with impaired kidney function). Methotrexate was considered to be moderately dialyzable by intermittent hemodialysis. Data were available for clinical analysis on 109 patients (high-dose methotrexate [>0.5 g/m2]: 91 patients; low-dose [≤0.5 g/m2]: 18). Overall mortality in these publications was 19.5% and 26.7% in those with high-dose and low-dose methotrexate–related toxicity, respectively. Although one observational study reported lower mortality in patients treated with glucarpidase compared with those treated with hemodialysis, there were important limitations in the study. For patients with severe methotrexate toxicity receiving standard care, the EXTRIP workgroup: (1) suggested against extracorporeal treatments when glucarpidase is not administered; (2) recommended against extracorporeal treatments when glucarpidase is administered; and (3) recommended against extracorporeal treatments instead of administering glucarpidase. The quality of evidence for these recommendations was very low. Rationales for these recommendations included: (1) extracorporeal treatments mainly remove drugs in the intravascular compartment, whereas methotrexate rapidly distributes into cells; (2) extracorporeal treatments remove folinic acid; (3) in rare cases where fast removal of methotrexate is required, glucarpidase will outperform any extracorporeal treatment; and (4) extracorporeal treatments do not appear to reduce the incidence and magnitude of methotrexate toxicity.
Analysis and elaboration of lemon balms teas (melissa officinali l.) in São Gabriel da Cachoeira-AM
Authors: Silveira Cleoni Virginio da , Batista Anderson Pedro Bernardina , Júnior Elias Fernandes de Medeiros , Moreira Renato Valadares de Sousa , Marcolan Luís Gustavo , e Silva Rosibel Rodrigues , Silva Marcelo Côrtes , Leiria Anderson Aquino
Published: March 2022

The diversity of plants in the Alto Rio Negro region and the traditional knowledge of indigenous peoples on the consumption of medicinal plants for the cure of diseases are factors that justify the need to expand knowledge about these practices, especially about forms of consumption. The IFAM CSGC carried out the research on sensory analysis with the Institution's workers and students, evaluating the Lemon Balm species (Melissa Officinalis L.), aiming to prepare and evaluate the Lemon Balm tea by the academic community of the IFAM Campus São Gabriel da Cachoeira, Amazonas. Tea is the most consumed food for the treatment of various illnesses in the region, mainly as a natural tranquilizer. To prepare the tea, three techniques were used: infusion, decoction, and maceration. For the sensorial analysis, the hedonic scale was used, according to the methodology of Monteiro (1984). The research on Lemon Balm tea resulted in high levels of sensory acceptability, highlighting the infusion technique by workers, and the decoction technique among students, in which the "age" factor may have influenced the results, as adult individuals tend to show loss of some organoleptic characteristics such as aroma and flavor, and young individuals do not yet have these characteristics fully developed.