bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-Active Site Mutants of HIV-1 Protease Influence Resistance and Sensitization Towards Protease Inhibitors
Authors: Bastys Tomas , Gapsys Vytautas , Walter Hauke , Heger Eva , Doncheva Nadezhda T , Kaiser Rolf , de Groot Bert L , Kalinina Olga V
Published: March 2020

BackgroundHIV-1 can develop resistance to antiretroviral drugs, mainly through mutations within the target regions of the drugs. In HIV-1 protease, a majority of resistance-associated mutations that develop in response to the therapy with protease inhibitors are found in the protease’s active site that serves also as a binding pocket for the protease inhibitors, thus directly impacting the protease-inhibitor interactions. Some resistance-associated mutations, however, are found in more distant regions, and the exact mechanisms how these mutations aﬀect protease-inhibitor interactions are unclear. Furthermore, some of these mutations, e.g. N88S and L76V, do not only induce resistance to the currently administered drugs, but contrarily induce sensitivity towards other drugs. In this study, mutations N88S and L76V, along with two other resistance-associated mutations, M46I and I84V, are analysed by means of molecular dynamics simulations to investigate their role in complexes of the protease with diﬀerent inhibitors and in diﬀerent background sequence contexts.ResultsUsing these simulations for alchemical calculations to estimate the eﬀects of mutations M46I, I84V, N88S, and L76V on binding free energies shows they are in general in line with the mutations’ eﬀect on IC50 values. For the primary mutation L76V, however, the presence of a background mutation M46I in our analysis inﬂuences whether the unfavourable eﬀect of L76V on inhibitor binding is suﬃcient to outweigh the accompanying reduction in catalytic activity of the protease. Finally, we show that L76V and N88S changes the hydrogen bond stability of these residues with residues D30/K45 and D30/T31/T74, respectively.ConclusionsWe demonstrate that estimating the eﬀect of both binding pocket and distant mutations on inhibitor binding free energy using alchemical calculations can reproduce their eﬀect on the experimentally measured IC50 values. We show that distant site mutations L76V and N88S aﬀect the hydrogen bond network in the protease’s active site, which oﬀers an explanation for the indirect eﬀect of these mutations on inhibitor binding. This work thus provides valuable insights on interplay between primary and background mutations and mechanisms how they aﬀect inhibitor binding.
Single-cell RNA expression profiling shows that ACE2, the putative receptor of COVID-2019, has significant expression in nasal and mouth tissue, and is co-expressed with TMPRSS2 and not co-expressed with SLC6A19 in the tissues
Authors: Wu Chao , Zheng Min
Published: March 2020

A novel coronavirus (COVID-2019) was first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, and then spreads to the other Provinces of China. COVID-2019 was reported to share the same receptor, Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), with SARS-CoV. But the infection rate of COVID-2019 is much higher than SARS-CoV. The biophysical and structural evidence showed that the COVID-2019 binds ACE2 with 10~20 times affinity than SARS-CoV. TMPRSS2 cleaves ACE2 and facilitates the entry of the virus into host cells. The presence of SLC6A19 may block the access of TMPRSS2 to the cutting site on ACE2 and weaken the entry of COVID-2019 into host cells. Here based on the public single-cell RNA-Seq datasets, we analyzed the ACE2 expression in the nasal, mouth, lung, and colon tissues. We find that the number of ACE2-expressing cells in the nasal and mouth tissues is comparable to the number of ACE2-expressing cells in the lung and colon tissues. We also find that ACE2 tends to be co-expressed with TMPRSS2 and not co-expressed with SLC6A19 in the nasal and mouth tissues. With the results, we infer that nasal and mouth tissues may be the first host cells of COVID-2019 infection. In our previous report in medRxiv and a recurrent report in New England Journal of Medicine, the COVID-2019 load tends to be higher in the nasal-swabs than in throat-swabs. We believe the roles of nasal and mouth tissues in COVID-2019 infection should be investigated, and we need to pay more attention to protect nose and mouth from COVID-2019 infection.
Anti-inflammatory Mechanism of Rhein in Treating Asthma Based on Network Pharmacology
Authors: Feng Junfang , Chen Ou , Wang Yibiao
Published: March 2020

Background: Network pharmacological methods were used to predict the anti-inflammatory targets and related pathways of rhein in the treatment of asthma and to elucidate its mechanism of action. In addition, we validated the anti-inflammatory effects of rhein in vitro.Methods: The corresponding targets of rhein were obtained from the TCMSP database, and molecular docking was performed. A network of predicted rhein targets was established and analysed with Cytoscape 3.7.1. The anti-inflammatory targets in the TTD database were searched to build a PPI network, which was merged with the ingredient-target network to screen anti-inflammatory targets associated with rhein. A network of anti-inflammatory rhein targets during the in vivo treatment of asthma was constructed to screen the anti-inflammatory targets related to asthma. KEGG enrichment analysis was performed with the Enrichr database and Cytoscape 3.7.1. The expression levels of proteins in the MAPK/NF-κB signalling pathway were assessed by Western blot analysis.Results: Altogether, 17 targets were obtained. Epidermal active growth factor receptor (EGFR), E-selectin (SELE), macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), and mitogen-activated protein kinase 14 (MAPK14) might be important anti-inflammatory targets of rhein during asthma treatment. We selected the MAPK signalling pathway to determine the anti-inflammatory effects of rhein.Conclusion: The anti-inflammatory mechanism of the treatment of asthma with rhein may be related to MAPK14, EGFR, SELE, and MIF, as well as their signalling pathways. To prevent the exacerbation of asthma, instead of targeting a single pathway or a single target, all these targets and their signalling pathways should be controlled holistically. Rhein may reduce inflammation by inhibiting the MAPK/NF-κB pathway.
Modified NUTRIC score: a predictor for mortality in patients with septic shock-a single center retrospective study
Authors: Hou Jiatong , Liu Wentao , Wu Yina , Wu Xiaoqing , Duan Jun
Published: March 2020

Objective

to evaluate the modified NUTRIC score in identifying nutritional risk patients and predicting mortality in septic shock patients.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed with septic shock patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) from January 2018 to December 2019. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to identify the performance of the instruments to predict mortality.

Results

Among the patients, 46 patients were non-survivors and 78 were survivors. The median mNUTRIC score was 5.41±1.69 vs 4.29±1.58(P<0.0001). 28-day mortality increased with higher modified NUTRIC score. In the ROC curve of mNUTRIC score, the best cut-off point was at 4. It was identified for our sample, showing the best parameters of both sensitivity and specificity for the prediction of mortality 28 days after ICU admission. The area under the curves (AUCs) of the mNUTRIC score for predicting 28-day mortality was 0.664(95%CI:0.574, 0.746).

Conclusions

The modified NUTRIC score was a good nutritional risk assessment tool for septic shock patients. mNUTRIC score showed a good performance for the prediction of 28-day mortality. A new cutoff value was identified for septic shock patients.
The relationship between a microfinance-based healthcare delivery platform, health insurance coverage, health screenings, and disease management in rural Western Kenya
Authors: Rosenberg Molly , Amisi James Akiruga , Szkwarko Daria , Tran Dan N. , Genberg Becky , Luetke Maya , Kianersi Sina , Namae Jane , Laktabai Jeremiah , Pastakia Sonak
Published: March 2020

Introduction Structural barriers often prevent rural Kenyans from receiving healthcare and diagnostic testing. The Bridging Income Generation through grouP Integrated Care (BIGPIC) Family intervention facilitates microfinance groups, provides health screenings and treatment, and delivers education about health insurance coverage to address some of these barriers. This study evaluated the association between participation in BIGPIC microfinance groups and health screening/disease management outcomes.Methods From November 2018 to March 2019, we interviewed a sample of 300 members of two rural communities in Western Kenya, 100 of whom were BIGPIC microfinance members. We queried participants about their experiences with health screening and disease management for HIV, diabetes, hypertension, tuberculosis, and cervical cancer. We used log-binomial regression models to estimate the association between microfinance membership and each health outcome, adjusting for key covariates. We also examined the individual and joint effects of microfinance and health insurance coverage on each health outcome.Results Microfinance members were more likely to be screened for the health conditions we queried, including those provided by BIGPIC [e.g. diabetes: aPR (95% CI): 3.46 (2.60, 4.60)] and those not provided [e.g. cervical cancer: aPR (95% CI): 2.43 (1.21, 4.86)]. Only 11% had active health insurance, yet we found some trends of better disease management among microfinance group members and those with health insurance.Conclusions In rural Kenya, a microfinance program integrated with healthcare delivery may be effective at increasing health screening. Interventions designed to thoughtfully and sustainably address structural barriers to healthcare will be critical to improving the health of those living in low-resource settings.
A genome-wide association study in Indian wild rice accessions for resistance to the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne graminicola
Authors: Hada Alkesh , Dutta Tushar K. , Singh Nisha , Rai Vandna , Singh Nagendra K. , Rao Uma
Published: March 2020

Background: Rice root-knot nematode (RRKN), Meloidogyne graminicola is one of the major biotic constraints in rice-growing countries of Southeast Asia. Host plant resistance is an environmentally-friendly and cost-effective mean to mitigate RRKN damage to rice. Considering the limited availability of genetic resources in the Asian rice (Oryza sativa) cultivars, exploration of novel sources and genetic basis of RRKN resistance is necessary. Results: We screened 272 diverse wild rice accessions (O. nivara, O. rufipogon, O. sativa f. spontanea) to identify genotypes resistant to RRKN. We dissected the genetic basis of RRKN resistance using a genome-wide association study with SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphism) genotyped by 50K “OsSNPnks” genic Affymetrix chip. Population structure analysis revealed that these accessions were stratified into three major sub-populations. Overall, 40 resistant accessions (nematode gall number and multiplication factor/MF < 2) were identified, with 17 novel SNPs being significantly associated with phenotypic traits such as number of galls, egg masses, eggs/egg mass and MF per plant. SNPs were localized to the quantitative trait loci (QTL) on chromosome 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 10 and 11 harboring the candidate genes including NBS-LRR, Cf2/Cf5 resistance protein, MYB, bZIP, ARF, SCARECROW and WRKY transcription factors. Expression of these identified genes was significantly (P < 0.01) upregulated in RRKN-infected plants compared to mock-inoculated plants at 7 days after inoculation. Conclusion: The identified SNPs enrich the repository of candidate genes for future marker-assisted breeding program to alleviate the damage of RRKN in rice.
Partial trisomy 4q and monosomy 5p inherited from a maternal translocationt(4;5)(q33;p15) in three adverse pregnancies
Authors: Zhang Jingbo , Zhang Bei , Liu Tong , Xie Huihui , Zhai Jingfang
Published: March 2020

Background Carriers of balanced reciprocal chromosomal translocations are at known reproductive risk for offspring with unbalanced genotypes and resultantly abnormal phenotypes. After fertilization of a balanced translocation carrier with a normal gamete, the partial monomer or partial trisomy embryo will undergo abortion, fetal arrest or fetal malformatio. We reported a woman with balanced translocation who had two adverse pregnancies. Prenatal diagnosis was made for her third pregnancy to provide genetic counseling and guide her fertility. Case presentation Routine G banding was used to analyze the chromosome karyotypes of amniotic fluid, pregnant women and her son in peripheral blood, and then the chromosomal abnormalities were precisely located by CNV-seq detection. The karyotype of the women was 46,XX,t(4;5)(q33;p15). The karyotypethe of the boy was 46,XY,add(5)(p14). CNV-seq was used for further analysis of the structural chromosomal rearrangement in the boy.The results were shown a deletion of short arm of chromosome 5 capturing regions 5p15.33p15.2, a copy gain of the distal region of chromosome 4 at segment 4q32.3q35.2, a duplication of chromosome 1 at segment 1q41q42.11 and a duplication of chromosome 17 at segment 17p12. Amniocentesis was performed at 17 weeks of gestation. Chromosome karyotype hinted 46,XY,add(5)(p14). Further detection of chromosomal aberrations by CNV-seq showed a deletion of short arm (p) of chromosome 5 at the segment 5p15.33p15.2 and a duplication of the distal region of chromosome 4 at segment 4q32.3q35.2. Conclusions Chromosomal abnormalities in three pregnancies were inherited from the mother. Preimplantation genetic diagnosis is recommended to prevent the birth of children with chromosomal abnormalities.
Autoantibodies directed against α1-adrenergic receptor and endothelin receptor A in patients with prostate cancer
Authors: Wallukat Gerd , Jandrig Burkhand , Becker Niels-Peter , Wendler Johann J. , Göttel Peter , Müller Johannes , Schostak Martin , Schimke Ingolf
Published: March 2020

Background: For prostate cancer, signaling pathways induced by over-boarding stimulation of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCR) such as the endothelin, α1- and β-adrenergic, muscarinic and angiotensin 1 receptors were accused to support the carcinogenesis. However, excessive receptor stimulation by physiological receptor ligands is minimized by a control system that induces receptor sensitization and down-regulation. This system is missing when so-called "functional autoantibodies" bind to the GPCR (GPCR-AAB). If GPCR-AAB were found in patients with prostate cancer, uncontrolled GPCR stimulation could make these autoantibodies an additional supporter in prostate cancer. Methods: Using the bioassay of spontaneously beating cultured rat neonatal cardiomyocytes, GPCR-AAB were identified, quantified and characterized in the serum of 25 patients (aged 56-78 years, median 70 years) with prostate cancer compared to 10 male patients (aged 48-82 years, median 64) with urinary stone disorders (controls). Results: Of the cancer patients, 24 (96%) and 17 (68%), respectively, carried autoantibodies directed against the α1-adrenergic receptor (α1-AAB) and endothelin receptor A (ETA-AAB). No patient was negative for both GPCR-AAB. In contrast, ETA-AAB and α1-AAB were absent in all (100%) and 9 (90%) of the 10 control patients, respectively. While α1-AAB targeted a specific epitope of the first extracellular loop of the α1-adrenergic receptor subtype A, an epitope of the second extracellular loop of the ETA receptor was identified as a target of ETA-AAB. As demonstrated in vitro, the functional activity of both autoantibodies found in prostate cancer can be neutralized by the aptamer BC007. Conclusions: We hypothesized that α1-AAB and ETA-AAB, which are highly present in prostate cancer patients, could by their functional activity support carcinogenesis by excessive receptor stimulation. The in vitro demonstrated neutralization of α1- and ETA-AAB by the aptamer BC007 could open the door to complement the treatments already available for prostate cancer.
A multifunctional platform with single-NIR-laser-triggered photothermal and NO release for synergistic therapy against multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria and their biofilms
Authors: Zhao Baohua , Wang He , Dong Wenjing , Cheng Shaowen , Li Haisheng , Tan Jianglin , Zhou Junyi , He Weifeng , Li Lanlan , Zhang Jianxiang , Luo Gaoxing , Qian Wei
Published: March 2020

Background Infectious diseases caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, especially MDR Gram-negative strains, have become a global public health challenge. Multifunctional nanomaterials for controlling MDR bacterial infections via eradication of planktonic bacteria and their biofilms are of great interest. Results In this study, we developed a multifunctional platform (TG-NO-B) with single NIR laser-triggered PTT and NO release for synergistic therapy against MDR Gram-negative bacteria and their biofilms. When located at the infected sites, TG-NO-B was able to selectively bind to the surfaces of Gram-negative bacterial cells and their biofilm matrix through covalent coupling between the BA groups of TG-NO-B and the bacterial LPS units, which could greatly improve the antibacterial efficiency, and reduce side damages to ambient normal tissues. Upon single NIR laser irradiation, TG-NO-B could generate hyperthermia and simultaneously release NO, which would synergistically disrupt bacterial cell membrane, further cause leakage and damage of intracellular components, and finally induce bacteria death. On one hand, the combination of NO and PTT could largely improve the antibacterial efficiency. On the other hand, the bacterial cell membrane damage could improve the permeability and sensitivity to heat, decrease the photothermal temperature and avoid damages caused by high temperature. Moreover, TG-NO-B could be effectively utilized for synergistic therapy against the in vivo infections of MDR Gram-negative bacteria and their biofilms and accelerate wound healing as well as exhibit excellent biocompatibility both in vitro and in vivo. Conclusions Our study demonstrates that TG-NO-B can be considered as a promising alternative for treating infections caused by MDR Gram-negative bacteria and their biofilms.
Heme oxygenase-1 deficiency presenting with interstitial lung disease and hemophagocytic flares
Authors: Chau Alice S , Cole Bonnie L , Debley Jason S , Nanda Kabita , Rosen Aaron BI , Bamshad Michael J , Nickerson Deborah A , Torgerson Troy R , Allenspach Eric J
Published: March 2020

Background: Heme oxygenase-1 (HMOX1) catalyzes the metabolism of heme into carbon monoxide, ferrous iron, and biliverdin. Through biliverdin reductase, biliverdin becomes bilirubin. HMOX1-deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive disorder with hallmark features of direct antibody negative hemolytic anemia with normal bilirubin, hyperinflammation and features similar to macrophage activation syndrome. Clinical findings have included asplenia, nephritis, hepatitis, and vasculitis. Pulmonary features and evaluation of the immune response have been limited.Case presentation: We present a young boy who presented with chronic respiratory failure due to nonspecific interstitial pneumonia following a chronic history of infection-triggered recurrent hyperinflammatory flares. Episodes included hemolysis without hyperbilirubinemia, immunodeficiency, hepatomegaly with mild transaminitis, asplenia, leukocytosis, thrombocytosis, joint pain and features of macrophage activation with negative autoimmune serologies. Lung biopsy revealed cholesterol granulomas. He was found post-mortem by whole exome sequencing to have a compound heterozygous paternal frame shift a paternal frame shift HMOX1 c.264delCTGG (p.L89Sfs*24) and maternal splice donor HMOX1 (c.636+2 T>A) consistent with HMOX1 deficiency. Western blot analysis confirmed lack of HMOX1 protein upon oxidant stimulation of the patient cells. Conclusions: Here, we describe a phenotype expansion for HMOX1-deficiency to include not only asplenia and hepatomegaly, but also interstitial lung disease with cholesterol granulomas and inflammatory flares with hemophagocytosis present in the bone marrow that can mimic systemic-onset juvenile arthritis.
Modeling and optimizing electro-persulfate processes using Fe and Al electrodes for paper industry wastewater treatment
Authors: Varank Gamze , Yazici Guvenc Senem , Demir Ahmet , Kavan Nihal , Donmez Nurten , Onen Zeynep Tugce
Published: March 2020

In this study, the treatment of paper industry wastewaters by the electrocoagulation (EC) process with a strong oxidant, persulfate addition, was investigated. Persulfate was activated by dissolution of Fe and Al from electrodes during the process. Central composite design method, being one of the response surface methods, was applied for the optimization of process parameters and the development of a mathematical model for chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal from paper industry wastewaters. The effects of S2O8−2/COD ratio, current, pH, and reaction time, being the variables of process, were assessed on the efficiency of contaminant removal. For COD removal in EC processes in which Fe and Al electrodes were used, the model's correlation coefficients (R2) were determined as 90.14% and 87.46%, respectively. As the result of experimental study actualized under optimum conditions determined by the model in order to obtain maximum contaminant removal, COD removal efficiencies were determined as 63.5% and 72.8% respectively for the Fe electrode (S2O8−2/COD ratio: 1.25, current: 4.14 A, pH: 6, and reaction time: 5 minutes), and the Al electrode (S2O8−2/COD ratio: 0.5, current: 4.25 A, pH: 7.25, and reaction time: 25 minutes). Electro-activated persulfate process is an appropriate treatment alternative for COD removal from paper industry wastewaters.
Application of surface response method (RSM) to optimize ammonia nitrogen removal from fresh leachate using combination of ultrasound and ultraviolet
Authors: Zarghi Mohammad Hasan , Jaafarzadeh Neamat , Roudbari Aliakbar , Zahedi Amir
Published: March 2020

Ammonia nitrogen levels are very high in leachate. This study was conducted to optimize the removal of ammonia nitrogen from fresh landfill leachate using a combination of ultrasound waves and ultraviolet irradiation. A sample of fresh landfill leachate was obtained from a municipal landfill site, located in Shahroud (Semnan, Iran) and its ammonia nitrogen was measured by spectrophotometric method. Ultrasound and ultraviolet irradiation were simultaneously used to remove ammonia nitrogen. Box–Behnken design (BBD) based on response surface method (RSM) was applied to analyze and optimize ammonia nitrogen removal by different variables, including pH, contact time, ultrasound frequency and UV intensity. Based on this method, 29 samples with three replications were tested. The analysis of variance indicated quadratic model was significant for removal of ammonia nitrogen from leachate. According to the model, 99.7% removal efficiency (%) of ammonia nitrogen was obtained in the optimal conditions (pH at 9.7, contact time of 59.1 min, ultrasound frequency of 54 kHz and UV intensity of 40 W). The removal efficiency of ammonia nitrogen was obtained 98.6% from the laboratory experiment in these conditions, which agrees well with the predicted response value.
Ventanillas de Salud: Defeating challenges in healthcare access for Mexican immigrants in the United States
Authors: Valle Valeria Marina , Gandoy Vázquez Wilma Laura , Valenzuela Moreno Karla Angélica
Published: March 2020

The 2010 Affordable Care Act (ACA) improved access to healthcare in the United States. However, immigrants —especially those undocumented— still faced difficulties, which have increased during the Trump administration. In order to bring access to health services to its nationals, the Mexican government has implemented the Health Windows Program (Ventanillas de Salud, or VDS). The article reviews changes in the U.S. healthcare system from the ACA to date, and assesses the role of VDS. The methodology is qualitative, consisting of a literature review, interviews with community leaders and Mexican government officials, and questionnaires sent to four VDS: Arizona, Florida, Idaho and Texas. Results show that VDS provide reliable and affordable access to basic healthcare services, and detection of chronic and non-communicable diseases, especially within undocumented immigrants. Public policy recommendations are offered based on these findings. Limitations of the study include the data collected, which is non-representative of all VDS.
A Review on Poly (ADP-ribose) Polymerase (PARP) Inhibitors and Synthetic Methodologies
Authors: Li Ying , Liu Chen-Fu , Rao Guo-Wu
Published: March 2020

Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) acts as an essential DNA repair enzyme.
PARP inhibitors are novel small molecule targeted drugs based on the principle of "Synthetic
Lethality", which affect DNA repair process by competitively inhibiting the activity of PARP
enzyme and thereby kill cancer cells. Currently, four PARP inhibitors including olaparib, rucaparib,
niraparib, and talazoparib have been approved by FDA for cancer treatment and have
achieved great success in the treatment of ovarian cancer, breast cancer, and pancreatic cancer,
etc. This paper provides a general overview of the research progress of PARP inhibitors
including the major structure types, structure-activity relationship (SAR), and synthetic
routes, with the aim of providing ideas for the discovery and synthesis of novel PARP inhibitors.
Effects of Succinic Acid Supplementation on Stable Cell Line Growth, Aggregation, and IgG and IgA Production
Authors: Argentova Victoria , Aliev Teimur , Dolgikh Dmitry , Kirpichnikov Mikhail
Published: March 2020

Background:

Immunoglobulin (Ig) G is the most commonly used therapeutic antibodies.
Recently, the interest in IgA antibodies to treat respiratory infectious diseases has been
increasing. The reason for the inefficient use of IgA is recombinant antibody aggregation in cell culture,
affecting the longevity and productivity of cell lines. Lactate is an important metabolite that affects
the cultivation of stable cell lines producing monoclonal antibodies.

Methods:

In the present study, we investigated whether different combinations of succinic acid and
micro-additives affect lactate production, which correlates with productivity. The effect of succinic acid
substitution on productivity of cells producing IgG/IgA was analyzed using the static culture method
in a six-well plate. Lactate was measured in supernatant of cell culture indirectly by using the activity
of Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH).A low lactate level was observed in cultivation medium supplemented
with succinic acid or asparagine combined with some inorganic salts.

Result:

The results also demonstrated the effect of component supplementation on homogeneity, longevity,
and productivity of cell culture. Supplementation of succinic acid eliminated cell aggregation
and improved homogeneity of stable cell lines producing IgG and, especially, IgA.

Conclusion:

Overall, succinic acid supplementation to the culture medium has potential biotechnological
applications in the production IgG and IgA.
A Review on the Current Methods of Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) Cells Cultivation for the Production of Therapeutic Protein
Authors: Sharker Shazid Md. , Rahman Atiqur
Published: March 2020

:

Most of the clinical approved protein-based drugs or under clinical trials have a profound
impact on the treatment of critical diseases. The mammalian eukaryotic cells culture approaches,
particularly the CHO (Chinese Hamster Ovary) cells are mainly used in the biopharmaceutical
industry for the mass-production of the therapeutic protein. Recent advances in CHO cell
bioprocessing to yield recombinant proteins and monoclonal antibodies have enabled the expression
of quality protein. The developments of cell lines are possible to enhance specific productivity.
As a result, it holds an interesting area for academic as well as industrial researchers around the
world. This review will focus on the recent progress of the mammalian CHO cells culture technology
and the future scope of further development for the mass-production of protein therapeutics.
Concurrent Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Septicemia and Thyroid Abscess in a Young Male with Dengue
Authors: Meena Durga Shankar , Kumar Deepak , Bohra Gopal Krishana , Garg Mahendra kumar , Midha Naresh , Yadav Taruna , Yadav Prakrati
Published: March 2020

Background:

Dengue fever is an arthropod-borne viral infection with a very high incidence rate in Southeast Asia. Most patients present with self-limiting febrile illness, while some patients may develop complications like acute kidney injury, acute liver failure, myocarditis or Guillain– Barre syndrome. The coexistence of Dengue and MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus ) is rarely reported in the literature.

Case:

A 28-year-old male is presented with high-grade fever, polyserositis and thrombocytopenia. The patient was treated symptomatically for dengue infection. During the course of hospitalization, patient developed neck swelling (thyroid abscess) and left forearm abscess. MRSA was isolated from blood culture and pus, and successfully treated with iv antibiotics (Vancomycin).

Conclusion:

High anticipation and vigilance are required to detect concurrent bacteremia in dengue patients. Early recognition of warning signs with readily antibiotic therapy is important to prevent mortality and morbidity in these patients. Our report also highlights the MRSA as a rare cause of thyroid abscess, with only 5 cases reported in the literature so far.
Conspectus of Phytoconstituents and Pharmacological Activities of Barleria lupulina> Lindl.: A Review
Authors: Banerjee Sabyasachi , Banerjee Subhasis , Jha Gaurab Kumar , Bose Sankhadip
Published: March 2020

Folk medicine system has served mankind as a remedy of several clinical conditions
since antiquity. Abundance and diversity of synthetic medicaments eclipsed the implementation of
traditional medicines for some time, but the adverse reactions of synthetic medicaments have shifted
people to the traditional medicine system again to retrieve its position. Over a duration of time,
advancement in research and technology on traditional medicine systems has attracted people to
start believing in the safety aspects of natural products. This review illustrates the diverse pharmacological
benefits of numerous phytoconstituents of a magical plant, Barleria lupulina Lindl., belonging
to the family Acanthaceaec, native to East Africa (Mauritius), Eastern India, Bangladesh;
apart from that, it is also cultured in some places like Sri Lanka. It is commonly known as hophead
Philippine violet, Lal-tarokh, etc. Traditionally the plant leaves are utilized to medicate in
snakebites, dog bites, swelling, boils, sexual disorder, cough, fever, body ache, eczema, itches,
bleeding wounds and rheumatism. The other pharmacological properties include antibacterial, anti-
inflammatory, antidiabetic, antiulcer, antimitotic, diuretic, saluretic, kaliuretic, antiarthritic, antiviral,
psychopharmacological, anticancer, analgesic, antioxidant and immunomodulatory activity.
Till date, diversified phytoconstituents have been isolated and structurally elucidated, in which
saponins, glycosides, resins, steroids, phenolic compounds, alkaloids, tannins and flavonoids are
the predominant ones. With this ample information, the herb can be considered for isolating biomarkers
to develop new lead for making of novel drugs. In an attempt to illuminate the importance
of B. lupulina, this review has been developed upon contemplating its traditional, morphological,
ecological, phytochemical, and pharmacological studies.
Rare Itemsets Selector with Association Rules for Revenue Analysis by Association Rare Itemset Rule Mining Approach
Authors: Selvarani S. , Jeyakarthic M.
Published: March 2020

Background:

Knowledge discovering rare itemsets mining, and association rules are
significant in a transactional dataset. Be that as it may, rare association rules are now and again
more intriguing than frequent association rules since rare rules indicate an unforeseen or obscure
association. The utilization of rare itemsets mining with item selector is unavoidable and has
turned into an emerging field of research; therefore, this subject has numerous challenges.

Objective:

To perform the revenue examination of the marketing sector by rare itemsets selector by
threshold and time series-based prediction technique.

Methods:

This paper gives the revenue examination of marketing sector by rare itemsets selector by threshold and time series-based prediction technique. A new algorithm for locating the rare itemsets by Association Rare itemset Rule Mining (ARIRM) to produced rules then utility itemsets discover by the threshold. When the rare patterns are analyzed, the ARIMA model used to anticipate the revenue. Based on the investigation of rare showcasing data with rules of the mining space, this methodology uses a tree structure to learn the rare items.

Results:

The test results in the "K" transactions with high revenues discovered utilizing the proposed
model contrasted with other existing procedures; this forecast procedure is helpful for upcoming
transactions.

Conclusion:

Based on the investigation of rare showcasing data with rules of the mining space, this methodology uses a tree structure to learn the rare items.
Cost-Effective Cluster-Based Energy Efficient Routing for Green Wireless Sensor Network
Authors: Verma Sandeep , Sood Neetu , Sharma Ajay K.
Published: March 2020

Background:

The green Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) have brought a revolution in uplifting the technology efficiently to facilitate human sector in the best possible way. Green Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) tactically focuses on improving the survival period of deployed nodes (as they have limited battery) in any target area.

Objectives:

To address this concern, the main objective is to improve the routing in WSN. The cluster-
based routing helps in acquiring the same with the appropriate Cluster Head (CH) selection.
The use of energy heterogeneous nodes that normally comprise of high energy nodes, puts a lot of
financial burden on the users as they incur a huge cost, thus becoming a bottleneck for the growth
of green WSN. Therefore , another objective of the study is to reduce this cost involved in the network.

Method:

A cost-effective routing protocol is proposed that introduces energy-efficient CH selection
by incorporating parameters namely, node density, residual energy, the total energy of network
and distance factor. Thus, the proposed protocol is termed as Cost-Effective Cluster-based
Routing Protocol (CECRP) as it performs remarkably better with only two energy level nodes as
compared to state-of-the-art protocols with three levels nodes.

Results:

It can be encapsulated from the simulation results that CECRP outperforms state-of-theprotocols
on different performance metrics.

Conclusion:

Furthermore, it is comprehended from the simulation results that CECRP proves to be
33.33% more cost-effective as compared to the competent protocols, hence CECRP favors the
green WSN.
COGNITIVE FUNCTIONS CONDITION OF POST-STROKE PATIENTS
Authors: Gerasymchuk V. R. , Uwa-Agbonikhena I. F. , Maksymchuk L. T. , Kupnovytska-Sabadosh M. Yu. , Nehrych T. I. , Doroshenko O. O. , Sorokhman A. V. , Genyk S. I.
Published: March 2020

60 patients after a hemispheric ischemic stroke (IS) were examined. Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB), Trail Making Test A and B (TMT), and the Clock Drawing Test (CDT) were used for the cognitive status assessment. A decrease in the MMSE, FAB and MoCA score compared to the control group (CG) (p<0.05) was observed, with probable differences mainly in the domains of attention (p<0.05) and executive functions (p<0.05). An increase in the time of task execution by 45.5% was detected for TMT A (p <0.05) and 61.9% for TMT B (p <0.01), and violation of CDT performance compared to the CG (p<0.05). Thus, the study of cognitive status using TMT and CDT may be recommended for timely detection of the initial executive functions impairment.
PECULIARITIES OF COMPLEX REHABILITATION OF PATIENTS WITH MOTOR AND COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENTS AFTER A HEMISPHERIC ISCHEMIC STROKE
Authors: Pulyk O. R. , Hyryavets M. V.
Published: March 2020

Purpose: Improve the recovery of the motor function of the hand in patients with cognitive impairment after a hemispheric ischemic stroke by using unilateral mirror therapy.

Materials and Methods: The study was conducted at the department of vascular neurology Uzhgorod central city hospital for six months of 2018. All patients underwent general clinical examination, neuroimaging examination, neuropsychological examination using a battery of tests, functional examination using Scandinavian Stroke Study Group Scale and The Modified Ashworth Scale, Scale for assessing muscle strength (Peak L. M. and Braddom R.), Hospital anxiety and depression scale, Modified Rankin Scale.  Unilateral mirror therapy was carried out 3 times a week twice a day for 15 minutes, initially on the basis of the department further outpatient for 2 months.

Results: The study involved 56 patients, residents of Uzhgorod, have suffered hemispheric ischemic stroke. At the end of the treatment, the Scandinavian Scale of Stroke Scale Improvement Therapy and the muscle strength score were observed in patients in both groups; in the main group, the median score was significantly higher. The muscle strength score also showed improvement in both groups, but the arm function was probably better recovered in the group of patients using mirror therapy. After rehabilitation, muscle tone diminished in both groups, no significant differences were observed. The probable improvement of cognitive function in the main group, vizual-spatial, peripheral-visual perception and the speed of mental reactions was revealed. At the same time, reduction of depression in patients of both groups was established.

Conclusions: the involvement of unilateral mirror therapy in the rehabilitation of patients with motor and cognitive impairment after a hemispheric ischemic stroke improves the motor function of the arm
Integrating Health Technologies in Health Services for Syrian Refugees in Lebanon: Qualitative Study
Authors: Talhouk Reem , Akik Chaza , Araujo-Soares Vera , Ahmad Balsam , Mesmar Sandra , Olivier Patrick , Balaam Madeline , Montague Kyle , Garbett Andrew , Ghattas Hala
Published: March 2020

Background

Lebanon currently hosts around one million Syrian refugees. There has been an increasing interest in integrating eHealth and mHealth technologies into the provision of primary health care to refugees and Lebanese citizens.

Objective

We aimed to gain a deeper understanding of the potential for technology integration in primary health care provision in the context of the protracted Syrian refugee crisis in Lebanon.

Methods

A total of 17 face-to-face semistructured interviews were conducted with key informants (n=8) and health care providers (n=9) involved in the provision of health care to the Syrian refugee population in Lebanon. Interviews were audio recorded and directly translated and transcribed from Arabic to English. Thematic analysis was conducted.

Results

Study participants indicated that varying resources, primarily time and the availability of technologies at primary health care centers, were the main challenges for integrating technologies for the provision of health care services for refugees. This challenge is compounded by refugees being viewed by participants as a mobile population thus making primary health care centers less willing to invest in refugee health technologies. Lastly, participant views regarding the health and technology literacies of refugees varied and that was considered to be a challenge that needs to be addressed for the successful integration of refugee health technologies.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that in the context of integrating technology into the provision of health care for refugees in a low or middle income country such as Lebanon, some barriers for technology integration related to the availability of resources are similar to those found elsewhere. However, we identified participant views of refugees’ health and technology literacies to be a challenge specific to the context of this refugee crisis. These challenges need to be addressed when considering refugee health technologies. This could be done by increasing the visibility of refugee capabilities and configuring refugee health technologies so that they may create spaces in which refugees are empowered within the health care system and can work toward debunking the views discovered in this study.
Information Loss in Harmonizing Granular Race and Ethnicity Data: Descriptive Study of Standards
Authors: Wang Karen , Grossetta Nardini Holly , Post Lori , Edwards Todd , Nunez-Smith Marcella , Brandt Cynthia
Published: March 2020

Background

Data standards for race and ethnicity have significant implications for health equity research.

Objective

We aim to describe a challenge encountered when working with a multiple–race and ethnicity assessment in the Eastern Caribbean Health Outcomes Research Network (ECHORN), a research collaborative of Barbados, Puerto Rico, Trinidad and Tobago, and the US Virgin Islands.

Methods

We examined the data standards guiding harmonization of race and ethnicity data for multiracial and multiethnic populations, using the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Statistical Policy Directive No. 15.

Results

Of 1211 participants in the ECHORN cohort study, 901 (74.40%) selected 1 racial category. Of those that selected 1 category, 13.0% (117/901) selected Caribbean; 6.4% (58/901), Puerto Rican or Boricua; and 13.5% (122/901), the mixed or multiracial category. A total of 17.84% (216/1211) of participants selected 2 or more categories, with 15.19% (184/1211) selecting 2 categories and 2.64% (32/1211) selecting 3 or more categories. With aggregation of ECHORN data into OMB categories, 27.91% (338/1211) of the participants can be placed in the “more than one race” category.

Conclusions

This analysis exposes the fundamental informatics challenges that current race and ethnicity data standards present to meaningful collection, organization, and dissemination of granular data about subgroup populations in diverse and marginalized communities. Current standards should reflect the science of measuring race and ethnicity and the need for multidisciplinary teams to improve evolving standards throughout the data life cycle.
The Evolving Family Mealtime: Findings From Focus Group Interviews With Hispanic Mothers (Preprint)
Authors: Hammons Amber Jean , Villegas Elizabeth , Olvera Norma , Greder Kimberly , Fiese Barbara , Teran-Garcia Margarita ,   The Abriendo Caminos Team
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND

Given the protective effects of shared family mealtimes and the importance of family in the Hispanic culture, this context should be explored further to determine how it can be leveraged and optimized for interventions.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore contextual factors associated with family mealtimes in Mexican and Puerto Rican families.

METHODS

A total of 63 mothers participated in 13 focus group interviews across 4 states. Thematic analysis was used to analyze transcripts.

RESULTS

Seven overarching themes were identified through the thematic analysis. Themes reflected who was present at the mealtime, what occurs during mealtime, the presence of television, the influence of technology during mealtime, and how mealtimes have changed since the mothers were children.

CONCLUSIONS

Hispanic mothers may be adapting family mealtimes to fit their current situations and needs, keeping the television and other devices on during mealtimes, and making additional meals for multiple family members to appease everyone’s tastes. All of these are areas that can be incorporated into existing culturally tailored obesity prevention programs to help families lead healthier lives.
Real-time cardiac monitoring through the development of a smart holter to detect pathologies through an expert algorithm (Preprint)
Authors: Carreres-Prieto Daniel , Cerdán-Cartagena Fernando , Suardiaz-Muro Juan , Cabrera-Lozoya Andrés
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND

Constant monitoring of the heart’s state is essential for the early detection of pathologies. In the past, this analysis could only be carried out in hospitals, using sophisticated equipment handled by qualified staff. Today there is a wide range of portable monitoring devices (Holters) on the market but with a set of drawbacks (low number of leads supported and their low signal quality among others) that make it difficult to consider them as a viable replacement for the equipment used in medical practice

OBJECTIVE

This article describes the process of designing and implementing a Smart Holter able to record up to six leads at the same time, providing a signal quality comparable to the equipment used in medical practice, but with the dimensions, consumption and ease of use of portable devices. We also describe the workings of the expert algorithm for detecting cardiac anomalies in real time monitoring, which is embedded in the device itself, and which is capable of detecting tachycardia, bradycardia, ischemia and atrial fibrillation episodes with a high success rate.

METHODS

The hardware developed, performs the acquisition of 6 leads simultaneously, with a signal quality comparable to that of equipment used in medical practice. Each of the signals are processed by the algorithm described in this paper. This algorithm decomposes each lead into each heartbeat and extracts each of the segments that compose it (QRS complex) as well as a series of additional parameters. Based on the duration, amplitude and different thresholds, the system is able to detect with a high success rate, the existence of a certain cardiac pathology.

RESULTS

Performance evaluation shows the capacity of the Smart Holter devised to offer a high quality signal that combined with an embedded expert algorithm is capable of detecting tachycardia, bradycardia, ischemia and atrial fibrillation episodes in real time with a high success rate.

CONCLUSIONS

Development presented in this paper offers better characteristics, because it resolves a wide range of drawbacks inherent in that type of portable medical equipment, mainly in terms of signal quality. One aspect to highlight is the improvement in noise immunity of the equipment. Although it is not possible to compensate large artefacts produced while playing sports, which still remains a challenge for current monitoring systems, an important step has been taken in the right direction to achieve even greater attenuation in the future, through the use of dynamic filtering systems controlled digitally, unlike the systems currently present on the market.
De la "Noche oscura" de san Juan de la Cruz a los Cuatro cuartetos de T. S. Eliot
Authors: González Padilla María Enriqueta
Published: March 2020

Artículo
Carl Friedrich Philipp von Martius, Frey Apollonio. Novela del Brasil, vivida y contada por Hartoman
Authors: Rall Marlene
Published: March 2020

Artículo
The Nothing that from Nothing Came. From Epicurean to Heideggerian Nothingness in Shakespeare's King Lear
Authors: Rodríguez Aguilar Juan Carlos
Published: March 2020

Artículo
La cuestión religiosa en España Peregrina
Authors: Ruiz García Claudia
Published: March 2020

Artículo
King Lear as El rey Lear: Two Spanish Dragons and Their Wrath
Authors: Michel Modenessi Alfredo
Published: March 2020

Artículo
Breve aproximación a L'école des filles y Le portier des chartreux (dos ejemplos de novelas libertinas de los siglos XVII y XVIII)
Authors: Ruiz García Claudia
Published: March 2020

Artículo
La prisión del ser: The Rise of Life on Earth de Joyce Carol Oates
Authors: Fe Marina
Published: March 2020

Artículo
Paradojas narrativas en Beloved
Authors: Constantino Julia
Published: March 2020

Artículo
Lo solemne y lo festivo: contrastes y paralelismos en el primer ciclo de historias de Los cuentos de Canterbury
Authors: Piñeiro Aurora
Published: March 2020

Artículo
Surréalisme vs. Oulipisme: deux poétiques du jeu incompatibles?
Authors: Silva Ochoa Haydée
Published: March 2020

Artículo