bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Precise detection of the germinomatous component of intracranial germ cell tumors of the basal ganglia and thalamus using placental alkaline phosphatase in cerebrospinal fluid
Authors: Chiba Kentaro , Aihara Yasuo , Kawamata Takakazu
Published: February 2021

Purpose: The disadvantages of biopsy for lesions in the basal ganglia and thalamus include a risk of various complications, difficulty in selecting the target tissue in some cases due to indistinct neuroimaging findings and limited availability of sample tissue. Placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP) plays a decisive role in the diagnosis and management of intracranial germ cell tumors (IGCTs) in the basal ganglia and thalamus. The present study aimed to demonstrate the ability, specificity, and optimal use of PLAP values obtained from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).Methods: Twenty patients with lesions in the basal ganglia and thalamus were enrolled in this study: 11 had IGCTs and 9 had non-IGCTs. The values of PLAP and other established tumor markers in the CSF were measured in all patients before treatment.Results: The mean follow-up period was 76.0 months (range, 3–168) for all lesions. PLAP was elevated in all 11 patients with IGCTs in the basal ganglia or thalamus, whereas none of the patients with non-IGCT exhibited elevated PLAP. Thus, the sensitivity and specificity of PLAP were both 100%.Conclusion: Our data demonstrated that the PLAP value can specifically identify the germinomatous component even in cases of IGCTs in the basal ganglia or thalamus with high sensitivity and specificity. PLAP is undoubtedly beneficial for the safe and timely detection of the germinomatous component of IGCTs in the basal ganglia and thalamus, because reliance on PLAP measurement enables us to avoid invasive surgical procedures and facilitates the prompt initiation of chemoradiation therapy.
Model-based Design and Simulation of a Soft Robotic Gripper for Fabric Material Handling
Authors: Wang Bowen , Urbanic Ruth Jill
Published: February 2021

Fabric and textile materials are widely used in many industrial applications, especially in automotive, aviation, and consumer goods. Currently, there is a lack of automatic solutions for rapid and effective fabric handling operations that can be expanded to various applications, causing economic loss, workplace safety issues, and process bottlenecks. As a bio-inspired novel technology, soft robotic grippers provide new opportunities for the automation of fabric handling tasks. In this research, an elastomer-based tendon-actuated soft gripper for fabric pick and place tasks is developed through a model-based design approach. Based on finite element analysis, the gripper design is simulated, modified, and validated. Multiple design variables and their impacts are studied. Detailed motion patterns of the underactuated structure are obtained. After the design is established, a prototype is fabricated trough additive manufacturing and overmolding processes to physically test the functionality of the gripper and further validate the simulation results.
Knowledge Regarding Drug Abuse among School Students
Authors: Yadav Poonam Kumari , Parajuli Rejina
Published: February 2021

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the level of knowledge regarding drug abuse among the school students. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study design was used. 106 samples were selected randomly from grade IX and X of Shree Janak Secondary School. Self-administered structured knowledge questionnaire was used for data collection. Descriptive statistics was used to calculate percentage and frequency. The chi square test was used to find association between selected demographic variable and level of knowledge. P value of 0.05 was considered significant. Results: 99.1% of the respondents heard about drug abuse, 97.9% said drug abuse is bad for health, 96.2% said Gaja is commonly available, 51.9% said high chance of getting HIV with drug abuse, 67% said financial burden as cause, 60.4% said drug abuser performed poorly at school work, 71.7% said awareness program as the way to prevent from drug abuse and 26.4% said counselling. Similarly, 52.8% said rehabilitation is the way to treat drug abuse, 88.7% said dependence to drug as the long term complication of drug abuse. Majority 57.5% had poor, 41.5% have adequate and 0.9% had good level of knowledge regarding drug abuse. Conclusion: Half of the respondents had poor knowledge regarding drug abuse and level of knowledge is significantly higher for Brahmin/Chhetri and poor for Janajati, Dalit and Madhesi.
Bartonella Species as a Cause of Culture-negative Endocarditis in South Africa 
Authors: Pecoraro Alfonso , Herbst Philip , Pienaar Colette , Taljaard Jantjie , Prozesky Hans , Janson Jacques , Doubell Anton
Published: February 2021

Background: Previous reports have highlighted the high prevalence of blood culture negative endocarditis (BCNE) in South Africa.Methods: The Tygerberg Endocarditis cohort (TEC) study is a prospective cohort study of patients with confirmed or suspected IE presenting to Tygerberg Academic Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa. Results: To date, 44 patients have been included in this ongoing study. Fourteen of the 44 patients (31.8%) had BCNE. Further analysis of the patients with BCNE identified Bartonella species as the most common causative organism (n=6; 43%). Other causes included Mycoplasma species (n=2), C. burnetii (n=1), and non-bacterial thrombotic endocarditis due to anti-phospholipid syndrome (n=1). No cause could be identified in 4 of the 44 patients (9%). Bartonella quintana was identified with PCR of valvular tissue as the causative organism in 4 of the 5 patients that underwent urgent surgery. The patients with Bartonella IE (n=6) had an average age of 39 years with equal gender distribution The common clinical features were clubbing (n=5; 83%), anemia (n=4; 66.6%), haematuria (n=3; 50%), acute on chronic severe valvular lesion (n=3; 50%) and acute severe valvular lesion (n=2; 33.3%). The aortic valve was involved in 5 of 6 patients. During a mean follow-up period of 251 days after diagnosis, no major adverse events occurred.Conclusion: Bartonella IE is an important cause of BCNE in the Western Cape of South Africa. Imaging findings of significant valvular destruction with large vegetations on the aortic valve not affected by pre-existing congenital or rheumatic valve disease, should raise the suspicion of Bartonella IE.
Classification of Transfer Modes in Gas Metal Arc Welding Using Acoustic Signal Analysis
Authors: Cullen Mitchell , Zhao Sipei , Ji Jinchen , Qiu Xiaojun
Published: February 2021

Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) is a welding process in which an electric arc is formed between a wire electrode and a metal work piece alongside a shielding gas to protect the arc from contaminants. There are several ways in which the molten electrode droplet can be transferred to the weld pool known as metal transfer modes. Identifying the metal transfer mode automatically is essential to monitor and control the welding process, especially in automated processes employed in modern Industry 4.0 manufacturing lines. However, limited research on this topic has been found in literature. This paper explores automatic classification of metal transfer modes in GMAW based on machine learning techniques with various signals from the welding process, including acoustics, current, voltage, and gas flow rate signals. Time and frequency domain features are first extracted from these signals and are used in a support vector machine classifier to detect the metal transfer modes. A feature selection algorithm is proposed to improve the prediction rate from 80% to 99% when all the four signals are utilized. When only the non-intrusive acoustic signal is used, the prediction rates with and without the proposed feature selection algorithm are approximately 96% and 81%, respectively. The high prediction rate demonstrates the feasibility and promising accuracy of the acoustic signal based classification method for future smart welding technology with real-time adaptive feedback control of the welding process.
Adoption of ICT in Learning: Perceptions from Technical College Students in Malawi
Authors: Msowoya Tumbikani Manjawira , Munthali George N. Chidimbah , Xuelian Wu
Published: February 2021

Background: There has been a growing interest to use Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in the field of education. Most countries have made strides to adopt the use of ICT in teaching and learning. A lot of studies have been made to find out about attitudes of stakeholders in education on adopting the use of ICT. Aim: Considering that Malawi has recently been promoting the skills and vocational trades, this study was aimed at finding out how students in the technical and vocational colleges perceive the use of ICT in learning. Methods: A quantitative research study was undertaken among 208 students using a questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and analyses of variance were used to analyze the results using IBM SPSS version 23 Software. Findings: The study revealed that most students use ICT for recreational purposes than pedagogical. It was also revealed that there are no differences in perceptions of using ICT in learning between male and female students, although differences were noted between students coming from different locations. Recommendation: We recommend the use of ICT in technical and vocational college as the world is changing in the manner the business is being transacted as witnessed with the impact of COVID-19. Further we recommend authorities to put more attention in the development of ICT learning resources as it has the power to drive the economy in all sectors.
The Effect of Marketing Investment on Firm Value and Systematic Risk
Authors: Mousa Musaab , Nosratabadi Saeed , Sagi Judit , Mosavi Amir
Published: February 2021

Analyzing the financial benefit of marketing is still a critical topic for both practitioners and researchers. Companies consider marketing costs as a type of investment and expect this investment to be returned to the company in the form of profit. On the other hand, companies adopt different innovative strategies to increase their value. Therefore, this study aims to test the impact of marketing investment on firm value and systematic risk. To do so, data related to four Arabic emerging markets during the period 2010–2019 are considered, and firm share price and beta share are considered to measure firm value and systematic risk, respectively. Since a firm’s ownership concentration is a determinant factor in firm value and systematic risk, this variable is considered a moderated variable in the relationship between marketing investment and firm value and systematic risk. The findings of the study, using panel data regression, indicate that increasing investment in marketing has a positive effect on the firm value valuation model. It is also found that the ownership concentration variable has a reinforcing role in the relationship between marketing investment and firm value. It is also disclosed that it moderates the systematic risk aligned with the monitoring impact of controlling shareholders. This study provides a logical combination of governance–marketing dimensions to interpret performance indicators in the capital market.
Biosynthesis of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles by Marine Streptomyces MHM38 and their Preventive Efficacy Against Paracetamol-Inducing Hepatic Damage of Albino Rats
Authors: Hamed Moaz , Gazwi Hanaa S.S. , Youssif Asmaa M. , Bukhari Sara I. , Al-Agamy Mohamed H. , Radwan Hesham H.
Published: February 2021

The authors have withdrawn this preprint due to author disagreement.
Growth of D614G Virus : Morgan – Morgan – Finney ( MMF ) Regression 
Authors: DATTA JAYDIP
Published: February 2021

In our earlier work [ 1 , ] a correlation was established between Infection fatality rate ( IFR ) vs age of the patient by logistic or sigmoid regression model . The regression model shows a more probable IFR with a sigmoid rise after 46 yrs and becoming most significant after 70 yrs and above. In the present study the frequency of infected patient by ‘ G ‘ type of mutants of SARS-COV-2 with time from Jan, 2020 to June, 2020 for 6.5 months duration of experimental study. The best fit analysis is compared to Morgan – Morgan – Finney ( MMF ) model ( 3,4 ) statistics and Polynomial regression model. Both the above model correlates a significant result with Pearson coefficient ( r ), Probability ( p-value ). The RBD of D614G( 10 ) interaction with Angiotensin Converting Enzyme-II ( ACE2) of host cell can be also correlated to another new spike mutant like N501Y ( 11) through Pearson coefficient ( r ) with p-value of significance.
Volatile compounds as potential bio-fumigants against plant-parasitic nematodes – a mini review
Authors: Bui Hung Xuan , Desaeger Johan A.
Published: February 2021

Soil fumigation remains the standard practice to manage soilborne pathogens such as plant-parasitic nematodes, bacteria, and fungi, especially in high-value crops. However, increasing regulatory pressure due to the inherent and broad-spectrum toxicity and negative environmental impact of chemical soil fumigants, its negative effect on overall soil health, and increasing demand for organic produce, has created a growing interest in biological fumigants. Many plants and microorganisms emit volatile compounds, which can potentially be used as bio-fumigants. In this mini-review, we summarize the current status of nematology studies focused on the development of volatile compounds emitted from plants and microorganisms as fumigants to control plant-parasitic nematodes. The gap of knowledge and challenges of studying volatile compounds are also addressed.
Phase transitions in the early universe
Authors: Hindmarsh Mark , Lüben Marvin , Lumma Johannes , Pauly Martin
Published: February 2021

These lecture notes are based on a course given by Mark Hindmarsh at the
24th Saalburg Summer School 2018 and written up by Marvin Lüben, Johannes Lumma and
Martin Pauly.
The aim is to provide the necessary basics to understand first-order phase transitions
in the early universe, to outline how they leave imprints in gravitational waves,
and advertise how those gravitational waves could be detected in the future.
A first-order phase transition at the electroweak scale is a prediction
of many theories beyond the Standard Model, and is also motivated
as an ingredient of some
theories attempting to provide an explanation for the matter-antimatter asymmetry in our Universe.
Starting from bosonic and fermionic statistics, we derive Boltzmann's equation
and generalise to a fluid of particles with field dependent mass.
We introduce the thermal effective potential for the field in its lowest order approximation,
discuss the transition to the Higgs phase in the Standard Model and beyond,
and compute the probability for the field to cross a potential barrier.
After these preliminaries, we provide a hydrodynamical description
of first-order phase transitions as it is appropriate for describing the early Universe.
We thereby discuss the key quantities characterising a phase transition, and
how they are imprinted in the gravitational wave power spectrum that might be detectable
by the space-based gravitational wave detector LISA in the 2030s.
Renin-Angiotensin System in Central Nervous System Diseases and its Interaction with COVID-19
Authors: Lanza Katharina , Dias Raphael , dos Santos Oliveira Rafaela Martins , Belotto Luís , Miranda Aline Silva , Simões e Silva Ana Cristina
Published: February 2021

Background:

The Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS) comprises a complex
molecular cascade with two counter-regulatory axes, the classical and the alternative. Angiotensin
II and Angiotensin-(1-7), the main peptides of the RAS, exert opposite effects
in multiple organs and systems, including the cardiovascular, renal, pulmonary, and immune
systems. Strong evidence supports the hypothesis of a local RAS in the Central
Nervous System (CNS) and its modulatory roles in neuroendocrinology and neurotransmission.

Objective:

In this narrative review, we provide a comprehensive approach to experimental
and clinical data regarding RAS molecule expression and their possible roles in the
physiology and physiopathology of CNS diseases.

Methods:

This non-systematic review summarizes evidence on RAS implications in
CNS diseases and their possible relationships with COVID-19.

Results:

We divided the possible RAS mechanisms in distinct conditions during the lifespan,
approaching from congenital infections to neurodegenerative alterations, passing
through mood disorders and cerebrovascular diseases. We also gathered current evidence
about the possible effects of RAS in Covid-19, particularly in cases with neurological
manifestations.

Conclusion:

Although there are limitations and controversies, the analysis of RAS mechanisms
in the CNS certainly represents an interesting field of research. However, further
investigation is necessary to support the noteworthy interactions and provide a better
comprehension of the cross-talk between RAS and the CNS. Investigations in this research
field may shed light on the novel therapeutic targets.
Alcoholysis Versus Fission of the Ester Group During the Reaction of Dialkyl Phenylphosphonates in the Presence of Ionic Liquids
Authors: Harsági Nikoletta , Bertha Csilla , Kiss Nóra Zsuzsa , Henyecz Réka , Varga Petra Regina , Ábrányi-Balogh Péter , Drahos László , Keglevich György
Published: February 2021

In the microwave-assisted alcoholysis of dialkyl phenylphosphonates performed in
the presence of suitable ionic liquids, such as [bmim][BF4] or [bmim][PF6], affording the
phosphonate with mixed alkoxy groups and the fully transesterified product, the fission of the
phosphonate function to the ester-acid or diacid moiety was inevitable. Moreover, in the
presence of [emim][HSO4], the reaction could be performed to afford the phosphonic esteracid
with a selectivity of 66% and the diacid with a selectivity of 97%. The ester-acids provided
by the new protocol may be valuable intermediates.
Resveratrol and Cardiac Fibrosis Prevention and Treatment
Authors: Zivarpour Parinaz , Reiner Željko , Hallajzadeh Jamal , Mirsafaei Liaosadat
Published: February 2021

Cardiovascular diseases are some of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in developed or developing countries but in developed countries as well. Cardiac fibrosis is one of the most often pathological changes of heart tissues. It occurs as a result of extracellular matrix proteins accumulation at myocardia. Cardiac fibrosis results in impaired cardiac systolic and diastolic functions and is associated with other effects. Therapies with medicines have not been sufficiently successful in treating chronic diseases such as CVD. Therefore, the interest for therapeutic potential of natural compounds and medicinal plants has increased. Plants such as grapes, berries and peanuts contain a polyphenolic compound called "resveratrol" which has been reported to have various therapeutic properties for a variety of diseases. Studies on laboratory models that show that resveratrol has beneficial effects on cardiovascular diseases including myocardial infarction, high blood pressure cardiomyopathy, thrombosis, cardiac fibrosis, and atherosclerosis. In vitro animal models using resveratrol indicated protective effects on the heart by neutralizing reactive oxygen species, preventing inflammation, increasing neoangiogenesis, dilating blood vessels, suppressing apoptosis and delaying atherosclerosis. In this review, we are presenting experimental and clinical results of studies concerning resveratrol effects on cardiac fibrosis as a CVD outcome in humans.
Limonene and Perillyl Alcohol Derivatives: Synthesis and Anticancer Activity
Authors: da Silva Cesar Emiliano Hoffmann , Gosmann Grace , de Andrade Saulo Fernandes
Published: February 2021

Limonene and perillyl alcohol are natural monoterpenes that have attracted the attention of
medicinal chemists due to their promising anticancer activities. Considering this, both compounds
were explored as scaffolds to obtain various derivatives with anticancer activity. In this review, the
data are organized for the first time, with a focus on the synthetic methods and strategies to obtain the
derivatives throughout the period from 2000 to 2020. A brief discussion regarding the structure and
activity relationships of the most active derivatives, stereoisomers, and their mechanisms of action is
presented. Among the active compounds, a series of limonenes with thiosemicarbazone groups and
perillyl alcohol hybrids with glycosides or drugs are illustrated. Taking all of this into account, this
review may help researchers develop new promising anticancer candidates based on the structures of
limonene and perillyl alcohol.
Multi-Target Drug Design of Anti-Alzheimer’s Disease based on Tacrine
Authors: Tian Sen , Huang Zhongwei , Meng Qingguo , Liu Zongliang
Published: February 2021

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease with concealed onset,
which is characterized by the damage of the cholinergic system, deposition, and accumulation of β-
amyloid protein (Aβ) and neurofibrillary tangles. Because the cholinergic system plays a key role in
the process of brain memory, it has become one of the important targets in anti-AD research. In view
of the complicated pathological characteristics of AD, the multi-target directed ligands (MTDLs) that
can act on multiple targets are considered to be an effective treatment strategy at present. Tacrine, as
the first acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor, has been discontinued because of its hepatotoxicity,
but its core structure is simple and easy to modify. By using tacrine to target the active catalytic site
(CAS), the tacrine-based MTDLs can act on both CAS and peripheral anion site (PAS) of AChE to
serve as a dual-site AChE inhibitor. Additionally, the tacrine-based MTDLs can also be designed on
the basis of other theories of AD, for example, introducing functional moieties to modulate the formation
of β-amyloid (Aβ), oxidation resistance, or metal chelation. In this paper, the research progress
of tacrine-based MTDLs is summarized.
Xanthone: Potential Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitor for Alzheimer's Disease Treatment
Authors: Vanessa Vincentsia Vienna , Mah Siau Hui
Published: February 2021

Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that results in progressive and irreversible
central nervous system impairment, which has become one of the severe issues recently. The most
successful approach of Alzheimer’s treatment is the administration of cholinesterase inhibitors to prevent
the hydrolysis of acetylcholine and subsequently improve cholinergic postsynaptic transmission.
This review highlights a class of heterocycles, namely xanthone, and its remarkable acetylcholinesterase
inhibitory activities. Naturally occurring xanthones, including oxygenated, prenylated, pyrano, and
glycosylated xanthones, exhibited promising inhibition effects towards acetylcholinesterase. Interestingly,
synthetic xanthone derivatives with complex substituents such as alkyl, pyrrolidine, piperidine,
and morpholine have shown greater acetylcholinesterase inhibition activities. The structure-activity
relationship of xanthones revealed that the type and position of the substituent(s) attached to the xanthone
moiety influenced acetylcholinesterase inhibition activities where hydrophobic moiety will lead
to an improved activity by contributing to the π-π interactions, as well as the hydroxy substituent(s) by
forming hydrogen-bond interactions. Thus, further studies, including quantitative structure-activity
relationship, in vivo and clinical validation studies are crucial for the development of xanthones into
novel anti-Alzheimer's disease drugs.
Role of Cathepsin B in Cancer Progression: A Potential Target for Coordination Compounds
Authors: Akinyemi Amos Olalekan , Pereira George Bueno Santana , Rocha Fillipe Vieira
Published: February 2021

A member of cathepsin enzymes called Cathepsin B is a cysteine-protease enzyme that
plays significant role in metalloproteinase regulation. Cathepsin B stands out amidst other members of
cathepsin because of its role in both normal body physiology and pathophysiology. Being an antiapoptotic
and a pro-apoptotic agent, Cathepsin B has been reported to have deleterious effects, especially
when its expression, activities, and distribution are outrageous. The over-expression of cathepsin
B is traceable to dysregulation of one or more regulated steps involved in its synthesis. Consequently,
the over-expression of cathepsin B contributes to the pathogenesis of different types of cancers
- a global menace. Interestingly, the synthesis of this enzyme has been reported to be inhibited by
several metal compounds, thus, curbing its involvement in carcinogenesis. In this review, the synthesis,
structure, localization, and roles of cathepsin B in carcinogenesis were explored. Likewise, we
also discussed the capacity of metallic compounds to inhibit this enzyme. Metals such as gold, ruthenium,
palladium, Iridium, and Tellurium demonstrated remarkable activity toward cathepsin B of different
modes. A relationship between cytotoxicity and inhibition constants was observed.
Effective Classification of Melting Curve in Real-time PCR Based on Dynamic Filter-based Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Gai Di , Shen Xuanjing , Chen Haipeng
Published: February 2021

Background:

The effective classification of the melting curve is conducive to measure the specificity of the amplified products and the influence of invalid data on subsequent experiments is excluded.

Objective:

In this paper, a convolutional neural network (CNN) classification model based on dynamic filter is proposed, which can categorize the number of peaks in the melting curve image and distinguish the pollution data represented by the noise peaks.

Methods:

The main advantage of the proposed model is that it adopts the filter which changes with the
input and uses the dynamic filter to capture more information in the image, making the network learning
more accurate. In addition, the residual module is used to extract the characteristics of the melting
curve, and the pooling operation is replaced with an atrous convolution to prevent the loss of context information.

Result:

In order to train the proposed model, a novel melting curve dataset is created, which includes a
balanced dataset and an unbalanced dataset. The proposed method uses six classification-based assessment
criteria to compare with seven representative methods based on deep learning. Experimental results
show that the proposed method not only markedly outperforms the other state-of-the-art methods
in accuracy, but also has much less running time.

Conclusion:

It evidently proves that the proposed method is suitable for judging the specificity of amplification
products according to the melting curve. Simultaneously, it overcomes the difficulties of
manual selection with low efficiency and artificial bias.
Dioclea Altissima Seed Lectin (DAL) Prevents Anxiety-like Behavioral Responses
in Adult Zebrafish (Danio Rerio): Involvement of GABAergic and
5-HT Systems
Authors: Araújo João Ronielly Campêlo , Campos Adriana Rolim , Ferreira Maria Kueirislene Amâncio , Santos Sacha Aubrey Alves Rodrigues , de Barros Mamede Vidal Damasceno Marina , Magalhães Francisco Ernani Alves , de Azevedo Moreira Renato , de Oliveira Monteiro-Moreira Ana Cristina
Published: February 2021

Background:

Plant lectins have shown promising neuropharmacological activities in animal
models.

Objective:

This study evaluated the effect of Dioclea altissima seed lectin (DAL) on adult zebrafish
behavior.

Method:

Zebrafish (n=6/group) were treated (i.p.; 20 μL) with DAL (0.025; 0.05 or 0.1 mg/mL),
vehicle or diazepam (DZP) and submitted to several tests (open field, light/dark preference or novel
tank). Flumazenil, pizotifen or granisetron were administered 15 min before DAL (0.05 mg/mL),
and the animals were evaluated on light/dark preference test. It was also verified whether the DAL
effect depended on its structural integrity and ability to interact with carbohydrates.

Results:

DAL decreased the locomotor activity of adult zebrafish (0.025; 0.05 or 0.1 mg/mL), increased
the time spent in the upper region of the aquarium (0.025 mg/mL), and decreased the latency
time of adult zebrafish to enter the upper region on the novel tank test. DAL (0.05 mg/mL) also
increased their permanence in the light zone of the light/dark preference test. The effect of DAL
was dependent on carbohydrate interaction and protein structure integrity and was prevented by pizotifen,
granizetron and flumazenil.

Conclusion:

DAL was found to have an anxiolytic-like effect mediated by the 5-HT and GABAergic
receptors.
Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Dementia: Decoding the Causal link of Diabetes Mellitus in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Rasool Mahmood , Malik Arif , Waquar Sulayman , Zaheer Ahmad , Asif Muhammad , Iqbal Zafar , Gauthaman Kalamegam , Kamal Mohammad Amjad , Pushparaj Peter Natesan
Published: February 2021

Dementia and diabetes are the two major disorders that are linked at both biochemical
and molecular levels, which is due to the existing similarities between pancreatic beta-cells and
neuronal cells at the transcriptional and translational levels. Both diseases have similar causative
genes or factors, and dementia is one of the advanced complications in about 50-52% of patients
with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Further, patients with T2DM are at a higher risk of neuronal
degeneration and Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Dementia, which is most common in AD, is associated
with diminished insulin receptors by nearly 80%. The impairment in insulin signaling thus
leads to the development of dementia and AD. Biochemical changes in ‘tau’ protein and amyloid--
beta proteins make them critical players in the formation of plaques in patients with dementia and
AD. Here, we decode various cellular and molecular mechanisms associated with the development
of dementia in patients with diabetes and AD.
Role of Calcium Homeostasis in Ischemic Stroke: A Review
Authors: Ludhiadch Abhilash , Sharma Rashmi , Muriki Aishwarya , Munshi Anjana
Published: February 2021

:

Stroke is the second most common cause of death worldwide. It occurs due to the insufficient
supply of oxygen-rich blood to the brain. It is a complex disease with multiple associated risk
factors, including smoking, alcoholism, age, sex, ethnicity, etc. Calcium ions are known to play a
vital role in cell death pathways, which is a ubiquitous intracellular messenger during and immediately
after an ischemic period. Disruption in normal calcium homeostasis is known to be a major
initiator and activator of the ischemic cell death pathway. Under ischemic stroke conditions, glutamate
is released from the neurons and glia, which further activates the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)
receptor and triggers the rapid translocation of Ca2+ from extracellular to intracellular spaces
in cerebral tissues and vice versa. Various studies indicated that Ca2+ could have harmful effects
on neurons under acute ischemic conditions. Mitochondrial dysfunction also contributes to delayed
neuronal death, and it was established decades ago that massive calcium accumulation triggers mitochondrial
damage. Elevated Ca2+ levels cause mitochondria to swell and release their contents.
As a result, oxidative stress and mitochondrial calcium accumulation activate mitochondrial permeability
transition and lead to depolarization-coupled production of reactive oxygen species. This association
between calcium levels and mitochondrial death suggests that elevated calcium levels
might have a role in the neurological outcome in ischemic stroke. Previous studies have also reported
that elevated Ca2+ levels play a role in the determination of infarct size, outcome, and recurrence
of ischemic stroke. The current review has been compiled to understand the multidimensional
role of altered Ca2+ levels in the initiation and alteration of neuronal death after an ischemic attack.
The underlying mechanisms understood to date have also been discussed.
The Role of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme in Immunity: Shedding
Light on Experimental Findings
Authors: Aghsaeifard Ziba , Alizadeh Reza
Published: February 2021

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is a zinc-dependent dicarboxypeptidase with
two catalytic components, which has an important role in regulating blood pressure by converting
angiotensin I to angiotensin II. ACE breaks down other peptides besides angiotensin I and has a variety
of physiological effects together with renal growth and reproduction in men. ACE also acts on
innate and acquired immune systems by affecting macrophage and neutrophil function, and these
outcomes are exacerbated due to the overexpression of ACE. Overexpression of ACE in
macrophages imposes antitumor and antimicrobial response, and it enhances the ability of neutrophils
to produced super peroxide that has a bactericidal effect. ACE is also known to contribute
to the expression of Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class I and MHC class II peptides
through enzymatic alterations of these peptides. Apprehending the expression of ACE and its effects
on myeloid cell (myelogenous cells) activity can be promising in therapeutic interventions, including
treatment of infection and malignancy.
Effects of Orally Administered Preliminary Analgesic Therapy in Diagnostic Colposcopy Patients: A Prospective Questionnaire Study
Authors: Michail Georgios , Androutsopoulos Georgios , Panas Panagiotis , Valasoulis Georgios , Papadimitriou Ifigenia , Poulas Konstantinos , Adonakis Georgios
Published: February 2021

Background:

Colposcopy has a key role in the diagnostic work-up and management of abnormal cervical cytology, but it might generate negative feelings of mainly anxiety and pain to the patients undergoing such examination. These feelings are interrelated, with the anxiety fueling the painful sensations. The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of preliminary administration in terms of pain and anxiety relief that the preliminary administration of paracetamol would have on patients undergoing diagnostic colposcopy.

Materials & Methods:

We conducted a single center prospective study which enrolled 112 patients with diagnosed or suspected cervical pathology who were examined at the Outpatient Colposcopy Clinic of Patras University Hospital, over a 7-months period. Patients were randomly assigned to one of the two groups. The interventional group received 1gr of paracetamol (acematiminofen) in pill form, 30 to 60 minutes before colposcopic assessment; the control group received no medication. At the end of consultation, all participants completed a 2-page questionnaire.

Results:

More patients of the interventional arm did not experience any pain at all during colposcopy compared with the control group. However, this difference was statistically not significant, probably because of the small number of patients. Moreover, there were no differences in mild and moderate pain rates between the interventional and control groups. Severe pain was only experienced by patients in the control group. Further data analysis from the first time as and for repeat colposcopy patients showed similar findings regarding pain intensity rates in the interventional and control group. When considering anxiety levels, no differences were observed between the two groups.

Conclusion:

The preliminary administration of low dose paracetamol in a pilot sample of colposcopy patients did not illustrate significant benefits in terms of experienced pain and anxiety levels.
Examining the Influence of Personality Traits and Family Income on Psychological Distress Among Farmers: The Role of Educational Status
Authors: Olatunji Olabimpe A. , Idemudia Erhabor S. , Olawa Babatola D.
Published: February 2021

Introduction:

Farming in most developing nations is still largely agrarian. Hence, ensuring high productivity among farmers requires that they must be both physically and psychologically healthy. The current study aimed at investigating the role of personality types and some demographic factors on psychological distress in farmers.

Methods:

The study employed a cross-sectional survey design of 301 farmers (male = 193, female = 107; age range = 17 – 74; M = 45.6 SD = 11.5) sampled purposively and conveniently from three major farm settlements in Ekiti State, Nigeria. Data were analyzed using multiple regression stratified by educational status.

Results:

Findings revealed that high neuroticism and low family income predicted psychological distress in less-educated farmers but not among more educated counterparts.

Conclusion:

Outcomes imply that less-educated farmers may be vulnerable to psychological distress due to personality disposition and economic factors. Increasing the level of literacy among farmers may wane the negative impact of neuroticism and low income on emotional wellness.
Research Progress of Nanostructured Lipid Carriers in Ocular Drug Delivery
Authors: Chakole Chandrashekhar Mahadeo , Chauhan Meenakshi Kanwar
Published: February 2021

:

The eye is the most important sensory organ, which restricts most of the active substances
due to its static and dynamic barriers. The application of conventional eye drop is still popular,
but it was found to be less permeable to both anterior and posterior eye portions, requiring
more frequent administration. It seems to be a great challenge for the researcher to fabricate an ocular
formulation that crosses the barriers and achieves an optimal therapeutic concentration at the ocular
globe. Recent studies revealed that a nanostructured lipid carrier has great potential in ophthalmic
use and has become more popular due to its permeability in the eye cavity.

:

This review describes the nanostructured lipid carriers with respect to the mechanism of ocular
permeation, structural feature, manufacturing process, characterization, and its merits over other
nanocarriers. In recent years, newly nanostructured-based ocular formulations have been developed,
like surface-modified with various cationic compounds and their integration with different
polymeric systems, to enhance ocular bioavailability in both regions of the eye. Newly developed
nanostructured lipid carriers include surface modified cationic lipid, polymers, and thiolated compounds,
etc., that increases mucoadhesive property. Finally, nanostructured incorporated forms, in
situ gel, and hydrogel increase permeation in the posterior region of the eye.
Gynecological Cancer Awareness: Reproductive Age and Postmenopausal Women
Authors: KAYA ŞENOL Derya , POLAT Filiz , DOĞAN Merve
Published: February 2021

Objective: An important factor in the protection of women from gynecological cancers is awareness. Increasing awareness of gynecological cancer is important in terms of early diagnosis of the disease, treatment and reduction of mortality. The research was conducted to determine the gynecological cancer awareness of women of reproductive age and postmenopausal period. Methods: The study, designed as a descriptive cross-sectional type, was conducted with women who were admitted to a state hospital in Çankırı between October 2019 and February 2020. The sample consisted of 339 women who met the inclusion criteria. At the data collection stage, the 'Participant Information Form' and 'Gynecological Cancers Awareness Scale', which includes socio-demographic obstetric and general health characteristics (age, marital status, education, number of pregnancy, genital cancer history, sexual disease history) '' used. SPSS 21.0 (Statistical packet for Social Sciences for Windows) package program was used for the analysis of the data obtained from the study. Results: In the study, it was determined that women in the age group of 36-50, working, with 1-3 pregnancies and children, using oral contraceptives and having ideas about whether gynecological cancers can be prevented, had higher Gynecological Cancers Awareness Scale mean scores. It was determined that the gynecological Cancer Awareness Scale total mean scores were higher in women of reproductive age (150.7±20.6) compared to women in the postmenopausal period (144.4±18.5), and the difference between them was statistically significant (p <0.05). Conclusion: According to the research results; In women, factors such as education, number of pregnancies, number of births, family planning used and being in reproductive age affect gynecological cancer awareness. Postmenopausal women need information about gynecological cancer awareness.
Selección de variedades de frijol común rojo (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), tolerantes a la sequía en diferentes condiciones de riego en campo
Authors: Domínguez Suárez Amalia , Darias Rodríguez Rodolfo , Martínez Dávalos Yordanys , Sosa del Castillo Maryla , Sosa del Castillo Daynet
Published: February 2021

El objetivo del presente trabajo fue seleccionar variedades de frijol rojo más tolerantes a la sequía, en condiciones experimentales de sequía, en Campo. Para ello se realizó un experimentos con cinco variedades de frijol común de color rojo (Buenaventura, CC 25-9 rojo, Velazco Largo, La Cuba 154 y Delicia 364), en diferentes condiciones de humedad del suelo. Se evaluaron indicadores fenológicos y de rendimiento, en condiciones diferentes de riego, cinco riegos (sequía) y 10 riegos (condiciones óptimas de humedad). Con los datos de rendimientos en las dos condiciones de humedad se calculó el porcentaje de pérdidas del rendimiento, los índices de intensidad de sequía (IIS) y susceptibilidad a la sequía (ISS). El análisis estadistico fue realizado utilizando el programa InfoStat versión 2011. Se llegó a la conclusión que las variedades Cuba Cueto 25-9 colorado, La Cuba 154 y Delicia 364 fueron las que tuvieron el comportamiento más tolerante en las condiciones de experimentación.
Mobile Apps to Support Family Caregivers of People With Alzheimer Disease and Related Dementias in Managing Disruptive Behaviors: Qualitative Study With Users Embedded in a Scoping Review
Authors: Désormeaux-Moreau Marjorie , Michel Charlie-Maude , Vallières Mélanie , Racine Maryse , Poulin-Paquet Myriame , Lacasse Delphine , Gionet Pascale , Genereux Melissa , Lachiheb Wael , Provencher Véronique
Published: February 2021

Background

People with Alzheimer disease and related dementias often display disruptive behaviors (eg, aggression, wandering, and restlessness), which increase family caregivers’ burden of care. However, there are few tools currently available to help these caregivers manage disruptive behaviors. Mobile apps could meet this need, but to date little is known about them.

Objective

The aims of our study were to identify existing mobile apps designed to support family caregivers of people with Alzheimer disease and related dementias in managing disruptive behaviors; explore whether family caregivers view these mobile apps as relevant to meeting their needs and as useful in managing disruptive behaviors; and document the types of mobile apps that are of interest and appeal to most family caregivers (with regard to format, ergonomics, and clarity).

Methods

A review of mobile apps initially conducted in February 2018 was updated in March 2019 with 2 platforms (App Store [Apple Inc.] and Google Play [Google]). The selected apps were first analyzed independently by 3 raters (2 students and 1 researcher) for each of the platforms. A focus group discussion was then held with 4 family caregivers to explore their perceptions of the apps according to their needs and interests. The content of the discussion was analyzed.

Results

Initially, 7 of 118 apps identified met the inclusion criteria. An eighth app, recommended by one of the knowledge users, was added later. Four family caregivers (women aged between 58 and 78 years) participated in the discussion. Participants expressed a preference for easy-to-understand apps that provide concrete intervention strategies. They reported being most inclined to use two apps, Dementia Advisor and DTA Behaviours.

Conclusions

Few mobile apps on the market meet the needs of family caregivers in terms of content and usability. Our results could help to address this gap by identifying what family caregivers deem relevant in a mobile app to help them manage disruptive behaviors.
Effectiveness of Mobile Health–Based Exercise Interventions for Patients with Peripheral Artery Disease: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kim Mihui , Kim Changhwan , Kim Eunkyo , Choi Mona
Published: February 2021

Background

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) affects over 236 million people worldwide, and exercise interventions are commonly used to alleviate symptoms of this condition. However, no previous systematic review has evaluated the effects of mobile health (mHealth)–based exercise interventions for patients with PAD.

Objective

This study aimed to assess the effect of mHealth-based exercise interventions on walking performance, functional status, and quality of life in patients with PAD.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted. We searched in seven databases to identify randomized controlled trials of patients with PAD published in English up to December 4, 2020. Studies were included if patients participated in mHealth-based exercise interventions and were assessed for walking performance. We analyzed pooled effect size on walking performance, functional status, and quality of life based on the standardized mean differences between groups.

Results

A total of seven studies were selected for the systematic review, and six studies were included in the meta-analysis. The duration of interventions in the included studies was 12 to 48 weeks. In the pooled analysis, when compared with the control groups, the mHealth-based exercise intervention groups were associated with significant improvements in pain-free walking (95% CI 0.13-0.88), maximal walking (95% CI 0.03-0.87), 6-minute walk test (6MWT) distance (95% CI 0.59-1.24), and walking distance (95% CI 0.02-0.49). However, benefits of the interventions on walking speed, stair-climbing ability, and quality of life were not observed.

Conclusions

mHealth-based exercise interventions for patients with PAD were beneficial for improving pain-free walking, maximal walking, and 6MWT distance. We found that exercise interventions using mHealth are an important strategy for improving the exercise effectiveness and adherence rate of patients with PAD. Future studies should consider the use of various and suitable functions of mHealth that can increase the adherence rates and improve the effectiveness of exercise.