bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patient reported outcomes in a large cohort of patients receiving osteopathic care in the United Kingdom
Authors: Fawkes Carol , Carnes Dawn
Published: April 2021

Objective

The use of Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) to evaluate care is being advocated increasingly in clinical settings. Electronic data capture is both resource and environmentally friendly and convenient. This purpose of this study was to test and implement a nationwide system to collect routine PROM data from osteopathic patients using a web and mobile app.

Methods

A prospective study design was used to monitor outcomes of care for patients attending osteopathic clinics. Demographic and service data were collected, the primary outcomes were the Bournemouth Questionnaire and a Global Rating of Change score. Data concerning patients’ satisfaction and experience of care were collected also. Data were collected at baseline, one week, and six weeks post-treatment.

Results

A total of 1721 patients completed the PROM app questionnaire. The majority (65.8%) of patients who used the PROM app were between 40 and 69 years old with 11% being 70 years and over. At baseline 39.8% of patients reported they’d had their symptoms for 13 weeks or more. Low back pain was the most common symptom (55.8%). Patients reported high scores for both satisfaction and experience of osteopathic care: 88.1% were very satisfied at six weeks post-baseline and 93.5% reported very good experience at six weeks post-baseline. Data from the Global Rating of Change scale indicated that at one week post-baseline 89.1% of patients reported some measure of improvement, and at six weeks this figure rose to 92.8%. The mean sum score for the Bournemouth Questionnaire went from 30.8 at baseline to 13.3 at six weeks post-baseline. This represented a significant and clinically meaningful positive change score of 56.8%.

Conclusion

The app was well-completed and the data very encouraging. These data will help to form the basis for standards of care for patients attending osteopathic practices.
Mix and match: Patchwork domain evolution of the land plant-specific Ca2+-permeable mechanosensitive channel MCA
Authors: Nishii Kanae , Möller Michael , Iida Hidetoshi
Published: April 2021

Multidomain proteins can have a complex evolutionary history that may involve de novo domain evolution, recruitment and / or recombination of existing domains and domain losses. Here, the domain evolution of the plant-specific Ca2+-permeable mechanosensitive channel protein, MID1-COMPLEMENTING ACTIVITY (MCA), was investigated. MCA, a multidomain protein, possesses a Ca2+-influx-MCAfunc domain and a PLAC8 domain. Profile Hidden Markov Models (HMMs) of domains were assessed in 25 viridiplantae proteomes. While PLAC8 was detected in plants, animals, and fungi, MCAfunc was found in streptophytes but not in chlorophytes. Full MCA proteins were only found in embryophytes. We identified the MCAfunc domain in all streptophytes including charophytes where it appeared in E3 ubiquitin ligase-like proteins. Our Maximum Likelihood (ML) analyses suggested that the MCAfunc domain evolved early in the history of streptophytes. The PLAC8 domain showed similarity to Plant Cadmium Resistance (PCR) genes, and the coupling of MCAfunc and PLAC8 seemed to represent a single evolutionary event. This combination is unique in MCA, and does not exist in other plant mechanosensitive channels. Within angiosperms, gene duplications increased the number of MCAs. Considering their role in mechanosensing in roots, MCA might be instrumental for the rise of land plants. This study provides a textbook example of de novo domain emergence, recombination, duplication, and losses, leading to the convergence of function of proteins in plants.
Use of prehospital, hospitalization and presence of sequelae and/or disability in road traffic injury victims in Brazil
Authors: Tobias Gabriela Camargo , Mandacarú Polyana Maria Pimenta , Guimarães Rafael Alves , Morais Neto Otaliba Libânio
Published: April 2021

Objective

To estimate the prevalence and analyze the association between sociodemographic and behavioral variables with the use of prehospital care, hospitalization and sequelae and/or disability in victims of road traffic accidents victims in Brazil.

Methods

Data from the National Health Survey conducted in 2013 in Brazil were used. Data were collected through a direct household survey. The research sample consisted of 1,840 individuals who reported road traffic accidents in the previous 12 months. Poisson regression analysis was used to evaluate the factors associated with the use of prehospital care services, hospitalization, and the presence of sequelae and/or disability.

Results

The prevalence of road traffic accidents victims who received prehospital care was 13.0% (95% Confidence Interval [95% CI]: 10.3–16.3) and the factors associated with this outcome were: residing in the Northeast or North region of Brazil; residing in rural areas; and being a motorcycle occupant at the moment of the road traffic accident. The frequency of hospitalization was 7.7% (95% CI: 6.0–10.0) and the associated factors were: age between 40 and 59 years; being a motorcycle occupant or pedestrian and having received on-site care at the moment of the road traffic accident. The prevalence of sequelae and/or disability was 15.1% (95% CI: 12.5–18.2) and the associated factors were: age range between 30 and 39 years or 40 and 59 years; being a motorcycle occupant, being a pedestrian or belonging to other category of modes of transport and having received on-site care at the moment of the road traffic accident.

Conclusion

The study allowed to evaluate the factors associated with prehospital care, hospitalization and presence of sequelae and/or disability in the victims of road traffic accident and the results can guide the implementation of interventions that prioritize the population exposed to the highest risk of road traffic accident injuries and with less access to prehospital and hospital care services in Brazil.
Risk assessment of workers’ exposure to BTEX and hazardous area classification at gasoline stations
Authors: Chaiklieng Sunisa
Published: April 2021

Vaporization of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) compounds pollutes the air and causes health hazards at gasoline stations. This study revealed the risk of BTEX exposure according to the hazardous area classification at gasoline stations. The risk assessment of gasoline workers from a representative group of 47 stations, which followed the United States Environmental Protection Agency-IRIS method of assessing BTEX exposure, was expressed as the hazard index (HI). A result of matrix multipliers of the hazardous exposure index and fire possibility from flammable gas classified hazardous area-I and area-II at the fuel dispensers. BTEX concentrations were actively sampled in ambient air and a flammable gas detector was used to measure the flammability level. Results showed that the BTEX concentrations from ambient air monitoring were in the range of 0.1–136.9, 8.1–406.0, 0.8–24.1 and 0.4–105.5 ppb for benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene, respectively, which exceeded the NIOSH exposure limit of 100 ppb of benzene concentration. The risk assessment indicated that five stations reached an unacceptable risk of worker exposure to BTEX (HI>1), which correlated with the numbers of gasoline dispensers and daily gasoline sold. The risk matrix classified hazardous area-I at 4 meters and hazardous area-II at 4–8 meters in radius around the fuel dispensers. This study revealed the hazardous areas at gasoline stations and suggests that entrepreneurs must strictly control the safety operation practice of workers, install vapor recovery systems on dispenser nozzles to control BTEX vaporization and keep the hazardous areas clear of fire ignition sources within an eight-meter radius of the dispensers.
Dose-response relationships of intestinal organs and excessive mucus discharge after gynaecological radiotherapy
Authors: Alevronta Eleftheria , Skokic Viktor , Dunberger Gail , Bull Cecilia , Bergmark Karin , Jörnsten Rebecka , Steineck Gunnar
Published: April 2021

Background

The study aims to determine possible dose-volume response relationships between the rectum, sigmoid colon and small intestine and the ‘excessive mucus discharge’ syndrome after pelvic radiotherapy for gynaecological cancer.

Methods and materials

From a larger cohort, 98 gynaecological cancer survivors were included in this study. These survivors, who were followed for 2 to 14 years, received external beam radiation therapy but not brachytherapy and not did not have stoma. Thirteen of the 98 developed excessive mucus discharge syndrome. Three self-assessed symptoms were weighted together to produce a score interpreted as ‘excessive mucus discharge’ syndrome based on the factor loadings from factor analysis. The dose-volume histograms (DVHs) for rectum, sigmoid colon, small intestine for each survivor were exported from the treatment planning systems. The dose-volume response relationships for excessive mucus discharge and each organ at risk were estimated by fitting the data to the Probit, RS, LKB and gEUD models.

Results

The small intestine was found to have steep dose-response curves, having estimated dose-response parameters: γ50: 1.28, 1.23, 1.32, D50: 61.6, 63.1, 60.2 for Probit, RS and LKB respectively. The sigmoid colon (AUC: 0.68) and the small intestine (AUC: 0.65) had the highest AUC values. For the small intestine, the DVHs for survivors with and without excessive mucus discharge were well separated for low to intermediate doses; this was not true for the sigmoid colon. Based on all results, we interpret the results for the small intestine to reflect a relevant link.

Conclusion

An association was found between the mean dose to the small intestine and the occurrence of ‘excessive mucus discharge’. When trying to reduce and even eliminate the incidence of ‘excessive mucus discharge’, it would be useful and important to separately delineate the small intestine and implement the dose-response estimations reported in the study.
Results from a malaria indicator survey highlight the importance of routine data capture in high-risk forest and farm transmission sites in Vietnam to tailor location-specific malaria elimination interventions
Authors: Ngo Thang Duc , Canavati Sara E. , Dung Dang Viet , Vo Thuan Huu , Tran Duong Thanh , Tran Long Khanh , Whedbee Rosalie J. , Milgotina Ekaterina I. , Kelly Gerard C. , Edgel Kimberly A. , Martin Nicholas J.
Published: April 2021

In-line with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Technical Strategy for Malaria (2016–2030), Vietnam is striving to eliminate malaria by 2030. Targeting appropriate interventions in high-risk populations such as forest and forest-fringe communities is a critical component of malaria elimination efforts in Vietnam. In 2016, a household-level malaria indicator survey was conducted in Phu Yen Province, Vietnam with the aim of assessing the knowledge, behaviors and associated risks of malaria infection among priority mobile and migrant populations (MMPs) working and sleeping in forests and on farms. A total of 4211 people were included in the survey, comprised of 1074 heads of households and 3137 associated household members. Of the 1074 head-of-household respondents, 472 slept in a forest, 92 slept on a farm, 132 slept in both forests and farms, and 378 slept at their villages within the last 12 months. Age, literacy, and occupation were significantly different among those who slept in a forest versus on a farm. Of 301 respondents who answered questions about malaria risk factors at sleeping sites, 35% were somewhat aware of malaria prevention practices, but only 4% could recall at least four malaria prevention messages. Among the same group of 301 respondents, only 29% used nets and only 11% used treated nets. Ownership and use of nets among forest-goers was significantly lower than those who slept on a farm or in their village. Huts without walls were significantly prominent forest sleeping site locations (POR = 10.3; 95% CI 4.67–22.7). All respondents who slept in a forest requested standby malaria drugs and one-third of them self-treated without blood testing. Results from this study highlight the importance of capturing relevant location-specific data among priority populations such as remote forest and farm going mobile and migrant populations in Vietnam. Data regarding behavioral practices, knowledge, preventative measures, and intervention coverage at remote-area transmission sites must be routinely captured to effectively monitor progress and refine targeted intervention strategies accordingly.
COVID-19 and vaccine hesitancy: A longitudinal study
Authors: Fridman Ariel , Gershon Rachel , Gneezy Ayelet
Published: April 2021

How do attitudes toward vaccination change over the course of a public health crisis? We report results from a longitudinal survey of United States residents during six months (March 16 –August 16, 2020) of the COVID-19 pandemic. Contrary to past research suggesting that the increased salience of a disease threat should improve attitudes toward vaccines, we observed a decrease in intentions of getting a COVID-19 vaccine when one becomes available. We further found a decline in general vaccine attitudes and intentions of getting the influenza vaccine. Analyses of heterogeneity indicated that this decline is driven by participants who identify as Republicans, who showed a negative trend in vaccine attitudes and intentions, whereas Democrats remained largely stable. Consistent with research on risk perception and behavior, those with less favorable attitudes toward a COVID-19 vaccination also perceived the virus to be less threatening. We provide suggestive evidence that differential exposure to media channels and social networks could explain the observed asymmetric polarization between self-identified Democrats and Republicans.
Determinants of post cesarean section surgical site infection at public hospitals in Dire Dawa administration, Eastern Ethiopia: Case control study
Authors: Dessu Samuel , Samuel Serawit , Gebremeskel Feleke , Basazin Alemu , Tariku Zerihun , Markos Meles
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Post cesarean section surgical site infection increases both the duration of a patient’s hospital stay and unplanned hospital costs. It can delays recovery, prolongs hospitalization, necessitates readmission, and adds to hospital bills and other morbidities as well as mortalities.

Method

Facility-based case-control study was conducted from 1st March to 20th April, 2019 among all the mother records enrolled from 1st January to 31st December, 2018 at Public hospitals in Dire Dawa administration. The records of the mothers’ who had post-cesarean section surgical site infection (119) was extracted by a census and every three consecutive controls (357) for each case were collected by trained data collectors using a structured data extraction tool. Variables which had p-value <0.25 in bivariate analysis were considered as candidates for multivariable analysis. Statistical significance was declared at P-value ≤0.05 with adjusted odd ratio and 95% confidence interval in the multivariable logistic regression model.

Result

Age 20–34 years (AOR:5.4; 95%CI:2.35,12.7), age >35 years (AOR:8.9; 95%CI:1.8,43.9), ≥4 per vaginal examinations (AOR: 4.2; 95%CI:2.16,8.22), current history of Chorioamnionitis (AOR:5; 95%CI:1.05,23.9), previous history of cesarean section (AOR:6.2; 95%CI: 2.72,14.36), provision of antibiotics prophylaxis (AOR:3.2; 95%CI:1.81,5.62), perioperative HCT level <30% (AOR:6.9; 95%CI:3.45,14.1) and duration of rupture of membrane >12 hours (AOR:5.4; 95%CI:1.84,15.87) were the independent determinants of post-cesarean section surgical site infection.

Conclusion

Increased in age of the mother, higher number of per vaginal examination, having a history of chorioamnionitis, having previous history of cesarean section, not receiving antibiotics prophylaxis, lower perioperative hematocrit level and longer duration of rupture of membrane were statistically significant in multivariable analysis. Therefore; emphasis should be given for mothers who have higher age category, previous cesarean scar and history of choriamnionitis. In addition; provision of antibiotics should be comprehensive for all mothers undergoing cesarean section.
An up-converting phosphor technology-based lateral flow assay for rapid detection of major mycotoxins in feed: Comparison with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhu Fenghua , Zhang Beibei , Zhu Lianqin
Published: April 2021

Current methods for detection of mycotoxin in feed are time-consuming and tedious. An up-converting phosphor technology-based lateral flow (UPT-LF) assay system is a new emerging technique for analytes detection. The aim of this study was to compare the performance of UPT-LF, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) for detecting aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), zearalenone (ZEN) and deoxynivalenol (DON) in feed. The results showed that the use of UPT-LF for AFB1, ZEN and DON detection exhibited the following: limits of detection of 3, 50 and 200 μg/kg; average recoveries of 104.39%, 102.94% and 103.65%; and precision of 13.96%, 13.71% and 12.56%; respectively. UPT-LF required 45 min to determine one mycotoxin and 1.5 h to determine three mycotoxins in a sample, which took the shortest time. Besides, there were positive correlations between the UPT-LF, ELISA and HPLC/MS/MS methods. In conclusion, UPT-LF can be used to detect and quantify AFB1, ZEN and DON in feed samples. Though the sensitivity, accuracy and precision of UPT-LF are inferior to those of HPLC-MS/MS and ELISA, the UPT-LF assay is the most convenient and rapid technique for on-site detection among the three methods.
Parental educational level and childhood wheezing and asthma: A prospective cohort study from the Japan Environment and Children’s Study
Authors: Saijo Yasuaki , Yoshioka Eiji , Sato Yukihiro , Miyamoto Toshinobu , Azuma Hiroshi , Tanahashi Yusuke , Ito Yoshiya , Kobayashi Sumitaka , Minatoya Machiko , Ait Bamai Yu , Yamazaki Keiko , Itoh Sachiko , Miyashita Chihiro , Araki Atsuko , Kishi Reiko ,   the Japan Environment and Children’s Study (JECS) Group
Published: April 2021

Background

The influence of mothers’ and fathers’ educational levels in separate evaluations of asthma has not been fully investigated. This study aims to examine the associations of the mother’s and fathers’ educational levels with childhood wheeze and asthma adjusting for crude and pre-and post-natal modifiable risk factors.

Methods

We conducted a prospective cohort study using data from the Japan Environment and Children’s Study, which recruited pregnant women from 2011 to 2014. The mother’s and father’s educational levels were surveyed by a questionnaire during the pregnancy, and childhood wheezing and doctor-diagnosed asthma were estimated using a 3-year questionnaire. Multilevel logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between the mother’s and father’s educational levels and childhood wheezing and asthma, adjusted for pre-and post-natal factors.

Results

A total of 69,607 pairs of parents and their single infants were analyzed. We found 17.3% of children had wheezing and 7.7% had asthma. In crude analyses, lower educational level of parents was associated with an increased risk of childhood wheezing and asthma. After full adjustment, a lower educational level of mothers was associated with an increased risk of childhood asthma (junior high school (reference: high school); odds ratio (OR): 1.17, 95% CI, 1.01–1.36), and higher educational level, especially the mother’s, was associated with an increased risk of childhood wheezing (technical junior college, technical/vocational college, or associate degree (ECD3); OR: 1.12, 95% CI, 1.06–1.18, bachelor’s degree, or postgraduate degree; OR: 1.10, 95% CI, 1.03–1.18), and asthma (ECD3; OR: 1.13, 95% CI, 1.04–1.21).

Conclusions

Parents’ lower educational level was a crude risk factor for childhood wheezing and asthma. However, an increased risk of wheezing due to mothers’ higher educational level was found after adjusting for pre-and post-natal factors.
Nep1-like proteins as a target for plant pathogen control
Authors: Pirc Katja , Hodnik Vesna , Snoj Tina , Lenarčič Tea , Caserman Simon , Podobnik Marjetka , Böhm Hannah , Albert Isabell , Kotar Anita , Plavec Janez , Borišek Jure , Damuzzo Martina , Magistrato Alessandra , Brus Boris , Sosič Izidor , Gobec Stanislav , Nürnberger Thorsten , Anderluh Gregor
Published: April 2021

The lack of efficient methods to control the major diseases of crops most important to agriculture leads to huge economic losses and seriously threatens global food security. Many of the most important microbial plant pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, and oomycetes, secrete necrosis- and ethylene-inducing peptide 1 (Nep1)-like proteins (NLPs), which critically contribute to the virulence and spread of the disease. NLPs are cytotoxic to eudicot plants, as they disturb the plant plasma membrane by binding to specific plant membrane sphingolipid receptors. Their pivotal role in plant infection and broad taxonomic distribution makes NLPs a promising target for the development of novel phytopharmaceutical compounds. To identify compounds that bind to NLPs from the oomycetesPythium aphanidermatumandPhytophthora parasitica, a library of 587 small molecules, most of which are commercially unavailable, was screened by surface plasmon resonance. Importantly, compounds that exhibited the highest affinity to NLPs were also found to inhibit NLP-mediated necrosis in tobacco leaves andPhytophthora infestansgrowth on potato leaves. Saturation transfer difference-nuclear magnetic resonance and molecular modelling of the most promising compound, anthranilic acid derivative, confirmed stable binding to the NLP protein, which resulted in decreased necrotic activity and reduced ion leakage from tobacco leaves. We, therefore, confirmed that NLPs are an appealing target for the development of novel phytopharmaceutical agents and strategies, which aim to directly interfere with the function of these major microbial virulence factors. The compounds identified in this study represent lead structures for further optimization and antimicrobial product development.
The antiviral sirtuin 3 bridges protein acetylation to mitochondrial integrity and metabolism during human cytomegalovirus infection
Authors: Sheng Xinlei , Cristea Ileana M.
Published: April 2021

Regulation of mitochondrial structure and function is a central component of infection with viruses, including human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), as a virus means to modulate cellular metabolism and immune responses. Here, we link the activity of the mitochondrial deacetylase SIRT3 and global mitochondrial acetylation status to host antiviral responses via regulation of both mitochondrial structural integrity and metabolism during HCMV infection. We establish that SIRT3 deacetylase activity is necessary for suppressing virus production, and that SIRT3 maintains mitochondrial pH and membrane potential during infection. By defining the temporal dynamics of SIRT3-substrate interactions during infection, and overlaying acetylome and proteome information, we find altered SIRT3 associations with the mitochondrial fusion factor OPA1 and acetyl-CoA acyltransferase 2 (ACAA2), concomitant with changes in their acetylation levels. Using mutagenesis, microscopy, and virology assays, we determine OPA1 regulates mitochondrial morphology of infected cells and inhibits HCMV production. OPA1 acetylation status modulates these functions, and we establish K834 as a site regulated by SIRT3. Control of SIRT3 protein levels or enzymatic activity is sufficient for regulating mitochondrial filamentous structure. Lastly, we establish a virus restriction function for ACAA2, an enzyme involved in fatty acid beta-oxidation. Altogether, we highlight SIRT3 activity as a regulatory hub for mitochondrial acetylation and morphology during HCMV infection and point to global acetylation as a reflection of mitochondrial health.
Spaanse kinderen. Los niños españoles exiliados en Bélgica durante la guerra civil. Experiencia pedagógica e historias de vida
Authors: Payà Rico Andrés
Published: April 2021

El presente artículo narra la experiencia pedagógica llevada a cabo el curso 2011-2012 por el autor en la Universiteit Gent (Bélgica), en la cual se intentó recuperar la memoria histórico-pedagógica mediante la historia oral. La búsqueda y análisis documental en archivos belgas de correspondencia, fotografías y dibujos, así como el empleo de entrevistas e historias de vida a los «niños» exiliados en Gante durante la Guerra Civil española, son las fuentes empleadas para el estudio de estas historias de la infancia. Una investigación histórica compartida con los estudiantes de Pedagogische Wetenschappen (Ciencias de la Educación) que se convirtió en una verdadera experiencia de aprendizaje histórico-educativo.
Los fondos documentales de la Audiencia Escolástica de la Universidad de Salamanca: posibilidades y líneas de investigación
Authors: Hernández Sánchez Gustavo
Published: April 2021

El artículo estudia las posibilidades de investigación de los Fondos documentales de la Audiencia Escolástica del Archivo Universitario Salmantino, recientemente catalogados (2010) –segunda mitad del siglo XVI y primeros años del XVII–. Propone además algunos temas de investigación, dentro de las líneas desarrolladas en el estudio de las universidades de Antiguo Régimen: en el ámbito de las relaciones de poder y la vida cotidiana, y en el de los estudios comparados, a partir de los trabajos realizados en otras universidades; como forma de contribuir al desarrollo de la investigación y conservación de nuestro patrimonio histórico, adjunta la transcripción de un pleito-tipo.
Rivalidades en las redes de poder de Manila: el golpe contra el gobernador Diego de Salcedo
Authors: Picazo Muntaner Antoni
Published: April 2021

En la segunda mitad del siglo XVII Filipinas vivió un inusitado golpe de mano contra su gobernador y capitán general Diego de Salcedo, el cual fue detenido por la Inquisición de las islas y procesado. Proceso que fue el final de una confrontación como nunca se había vivido entre diferentes redes de poder y que acabó con la intervención de la Corte y la condena unánime de todos los participantes en aquellos acontecimientos.
Pan para el cabildo catedral de Burgos (1754-1760). Hornos, panadeo y privilegios de clase
Authors: Sanz De La Higuera Francisco J.
Published: April 2021

El Cabildo Catedral de Burgos consideró, a partir de 1754, que era posible desligarse del sistema de abastecimiento de pan según el método de la «obligación», implantado en el municipio por el Concejo y la administración borbónica –con la «colaboración» de los vecinos de Arcos de la Llana y otros pueblos de los alrededores–, e instaurar su particular y propio método de hacer llegar el pan a las mesas de los prebendados catedralicios. Para ello, y en el derrotero urbano de permitir la instalación de hornos particulares en la ciudad de una manera más o menos libre, el Cabildo contrató a un panadero, con el que subscribió una «Escriptura para dar abasto de pan al Cavildo». Instalados los hornos en la calle La Calera, la experiencia, convergente con otras logísticas de productos esenciales –cacao y chocolate, carnero, vino, aceite, etcétera– controladas por la Mesa Capitular de la Catedral, acabó fracasando por la negligencia de los panaderos. En la práctica, esta propuesta tenía mucho de contestataria contra el gobierno y a favor de una autonomía capitular cada vez más amenazada por el Estado borbónico.
Estudio de ncRNA en varones con cáncer de mama
Authors: Díez Castro David , Ovejero Sánchez María , González Sarmiento Rogelio
Published: April 2021

RESUMEN: El cáncer de mama (CM) en varones es una enfermedad rara, ya que se trata de menos del 1% de los cánceres de mama detectados. Por ello es importante encontrar formas de prevenir este tipo de enfermedades y saber por qué se producen y si existe algún factor genético que predispone a padecer este tipo de cáncer. En este sentido, se sabe que algunos RNA no codificantes (ncRNA) están involucrados en el CM en mujeres, pero no hay nada descrito referente a su implicación en varones. En este trabajo se pretende averiguar si determinados ncRNA predisponen o protegen a varones de padecer CM. En concreto se han estudiado algunos polimorfismos de nucleótido único de los genes que codifican para los mir-146A, mir-196A2, mir-499A y el lnRNA HotAIR mediante la técnica de genotipado con sondas Taqman, que permite discriminar entre los polimorfismos de cada ncRNA. La población de estudio ha sido facilitada por el Consejo genético del Centro de Investigación del Cáncer. Los resultados obtenidos indican que el alelo C del polimorfismo rs2910164 del gen que codifica el mir-146A y el genotipo CA del polimorfismo rs1899663 del gen que codifica HOTAIR podrían proteger frente a la aparición de CM en varones
Recent Developments in the Synthesis and Applications of
Metal Organic Framework: A Concise Review
Authors: Adhikari Chandan , Farooq Rehana
Published: April 2021

Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) are one of those compounds which have drawn attention in various
applications due to their several interesting properties like tunable shape, size, pore size, easy
functionalization, high surface area, pore volume, etc. Metal organic frameworks due to their uniform
structures, tunable porosity, wide variety and stability on various topology, geometry, dimension and
chemical functions of the molecular network give a remarkable structural diversity in comparison to
other porous materials. This enables scientists to handle numerous framework structures, porosity and
functionality effectively. The unique structural architecture and tunable properties of MOF’s makes
them an interesting hybrid material consisting of organic and inorganic materials. MOF can be randomly
constructed like Lego bricks and superior in terms of versatility in comparisson to other porous materials.
A number of MOFs containing a wide variety of metal e.g. zinc, copper, iron, aluminium, magnesium,
chromium, zirconium, gadolinium, manganese are gaining rapid growth in commercial markets for
gas storage, adsorption, separation and catalytic applications. This concise review emphasizes various
synthetic methods e.g. solvothermal process, hydrothermal synthesis, electrochemical synthesis,
microwave synthesis, sonochemical synthesis, mechanochemical synthesis, of metal organic framework
developed in the last few decades. It also addresses various applications of metal organic framework
e.g. hydrogen storage, gas adsorption, drug delivery systems and bioimaging agents, biocatalysts,
biosensors, electrochemical sensors, etc. It also comments on various challenges and futuristic
applications of metal organic frameworks in various field e.g. liquid wate management, gaseous waste
management, sunlight assisted catalysis, water purification, building materials, electronic devices,
battery technologies, targeted drug delivery, solar cells, etc. of science and technology in coming
decades.
Surface Modified Chitosan with Cadmium Sulfide Quantum
Dots as Luminescent Probe for Detection of Silver Ions
Authors: Santhosh Chella , Ravindran R.S. Ernest
Published: April 2021

In present work, the surface modified cadmium sulfide quantum dots (CdS QDs) was synthesized
with chitosan for the detection of silver ions. Chitosan was employed as matrix medium to fabricate
CdS QDs, resulting in the formation of novel QDs/chitosan composite. The CdS quantum dots surface
coated with chitosan were analyzed using UV-vis spectrophotometer, X-ray diffraction and transmission
electron microscope. The chitosan + CdS QDs exhibited high aqueous solubility with better steadiness.
By using chitosan + CdS, the silver ions were not only detected but also reduced to nanosize due to the
reducing property of chitosan. The mechanism of fluorescence quenching of chitosan + CdS by Ag+
was investigated using photoluminescence spectroscopy.
Green Synthesis of Zero Valent Iron (ZVI) using Tea Leaves Extract and
its Application as Fenton like Catalyst for Textile Dyes Removal
Authors: Nursyamsiah Dian , Solihudin  , Eddy Diana Rakhmawaty
Published: April 2021

This study aims to develop an alternative method in the green synthesis of zero valent iron (ZVI) from
tea leaves extract and its application as a Fenton catalyst for textile dyes removal. Tea leaves extract
having high polyphenolic contents were used as reducing agents in this study and the ZVI obtained
from them was characterized by UV-VIS, SEM-EDS, FTIR, PSA and XRD techniques. The synthesized
zero valent iron (ZVI) was utilized as a Fenton like catalyst for textile dyes removal. The results
showed that this system was highly efficient regarding the dyes removal of about 95.96% using 80
mg/L ZVI. Moreover, using 100 mg/L ZVI, the COD number reduced to 94.68%.
Simultaneous Detection and Validation of Analytical Markers of Swertia chirata by
HPLC-DAD to Evaluate the Potency of Extracts and Fractions against Antioxidant Potential
Authors: Janoti Deepak Singh , Upadhyaya Kumud
Published: April 2021

The present study is based on the selection of extract and fraction of Swertia chirata plant for the
antioxidant potential with HPLC fingerprinting, which includes the simultaneous detection and
quantification of four analytical markers protocatechuic acid (PCA), swertiamarin (SM), mangiferin
(MF) and amarogentin (AG) by HPLC-DAD. The yield of water extract (SWA), hydroalcoholic extract
(SHA) and fractions of hydroalcoholic extracts were evaluated for their antioxidant potential against
2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl-hydrate free radical assay (DPPH assay), 2,2′-azino-bis(3-
ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid radical scavenging assay (ABTS assay), total reducing assay (TRA),
ferric reducing antioxidant potential assay (FRAP assay), total antioxidant capacity assay (TAC assay).
The hydroalcoholic extracts (SHA) can be a better choice as compared to water extract (SWA) due to
higher yield of extract (13.680 ± 0.548%) and higher antioxidant activity against DPPH assay, ABTS
assay, TRA assay, FRAP assay and TAC assay. In hydroalcoholic extract (SHA), ethyl acetate fraction
(SEA) showed most potent activity against DPPH (IC50 = 0.008 ± 0.002 mg/mL) and ABTS (0.025 ±
0.001 mg/mL). n-Hexane fraction of SHA showed higher FRAP (28.664 ± 3.153 μmol/mL) and TAC
(3.263 ± 0.325 μmol/mL) value (equivalent to ascorbic acid in μmol/mL) but showed very low yield
(0.468 ± 0.018%), SBU showed higher TRA value (0.413 ± 0.309 mg/mL). The ethyl acetate fraction
(SEA) can be a choice for antioxidant as it showed second highest FRAP (19.547 ± 2.119 μmol/mL)
and TAC (2.750 ± 0.466 μmol/mL) with better yield (2.473 ± 0.594%) as compared to n-hexane (SH)
fractions (0.468 ± 0.018%).
Synthesis, Characterization and in vitro Evaluation of
3-(4-(Methylthio)phenyl)-1-(thiophene-3-yl)prop-2-en-1-one
Authors: Acharjee Binkey , Dhineshkumar E. , Bandyopadhyay Debasis , Srinivasan S.
Published: April 2021

In present study, a novel 3-(4-(methylthio)phenyl)-1-(thiophene-3-yl)prop-2-en-1-one (1) was
synthesized through the chalcone reaction. The FT-IR, 1H & 13C NMR and mass analysis, UV-visible
and fluorescent spectroscopic system were utilized to characterize the synthesized compound. The
charge density data was used to explain the characteristics of molecular systems. In addition, in the
form of the complete and partial density of states, the HOMO-LUMO energy gap and electrostatic
potential map, etc. and some quantum chemical insights have been obtained. Furthermore, to
demonstrate the possible applications of thiophene-chalcone derivative (1) in nonlinear optics, the
polarizability and first hyperpolarizability were measured. Molecular docking studies were also
conducted in order to illustrate the over expression of estrogen receptor in 75% of 5J6A protein. The
novel compound was tested for its anticancer and antioxidant activities of in vitro analyses. The
substantial antioxidant activity was demonstrated by the newly synthesized compound 1.
COVID-19 Protease Inhibitor using Azole N-Mannich Bases: A Molecular Docking Approach
Authors: Arathi K.N. , Khayum K. Abdul , Alnasser Sulaiman Mohammed , Meroka Onsinyo James
Published: April 2021

Coronaviruses are the largest group of viruses belonging to the Nidovirales order, which includes
Coronaviridae, Arteriviridae and Roniviridae families. In this work, a molecular modeling technique
is adopted to find out the excellent moiety to inhibit the protease enzyme which is present in the
coronavirus. Autodock 4.2 tool was used to find out the docking score of 32 ligands. The molinspiration
server helps to find out the drug-likeness property and whether these ligands having a binding towards
the protease enzyme. The synthetic N-Mannich bases of azole were docked with COVID-19 main
protease in complex with an inhibitor N3 (PDB id: 6lu7). Among 32 ligand molecules, around 25
ligands showed an excellent binding score when compared to the standard drug favipiravir. The presence
of dimethyl group in the pyrazole nucleus helps good interaction with protease enzyme. Among the
Mannich bases, the secondary amine mannich base of piperazine considered as the best derivative to
inhibit the protease enzyme.
Microwave Assisted Synthesis of Quinoline Fused Benzodiazepines as Anxiolytic and Antimicrobial Agents
Authors: Marganakop S.B. , Kamble R.R. , Nesaragi A.R. , Bayannavar P.K. , Joshi S.D. , Kattimani P.P. , Sudha B.S.
Published: April 2021

In the present study, an efficient, facile and green protocol for synthesis of quinoline fused 1,4-benzodiazepine (4a-j) by microwave irradiated condensation of 6/7/8-substituted 3-bromomethyl- 2-chloro-quinoline (3a-j) obtained from 2-chloro 6/7/8-substituted quinoline-3-carbaldehyde (1a-j) with 1, 2-phenylenediamine was developed. Surflex docking studies with K+ channel is one of the physiological targets and inhibition, which plays a role in the pathophysiology of depression revealed that all these compounds show consensus score in the range 2.71-3.68 indicating the summary of all forces of interaction. Further, compounds 4d, 4g and 4i exhibited potent antibacterial activity
Synthesis and Antimicrobial Activity of Cyclic Dithiocarbamates Employing Triton-B/CS2 System
Authors: Vishnoi Rishi Kumar , Bajpai Sangeeta , Chaturvedi Devdutt , Shukla Manisha , Kishore Ram , Srivastava Nitin
Published: April 2021

An efficient and green methodology to synthesize cyclic dithiocarbamates (compounds 1-11) was
developed by reaction of primary amines, CS2 and 1,2-dibromoethane or 1,4-dibromobutane, catalyzed
by Triton-B (as PTC)/CS2 system. Mass spectroscopy, elemental analysis and 1H NMR are used for
characterization of the synthesized compounds (1-11). This effectual green tactics give good yield of
product which entails mild conditions. Compounds (1-11) were found to possess in vitro antimicrobial
activities against the pathogenic bacterial and fungal strain. The microbial strains used to screen activities
are Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans.
Study of Correlation between High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein and Serum Uric Acid in Acute Stroke
Authors: Jayachandra Jayachandra , Chandrashekar Arjun P. , Bhat Sowrabha S. , Yoganand Yoganand , Chethan Chethan , Rakshith Rakshith
Published: April 2021

BACKGROUND Relationship between serum uric acid and cardiovascular system has been recognised since years. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is a known risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. The role of uric acid as a risk factor for vascular disease and acute stroke is controversial and there is little information about it.1 It is unclear as to whether high uric acid concentrations promote or protect against the development of cerebrovascular disease, or simply acts as a passive marker of increased risk. As serum hs-CRP is an established risk factor for stroke, its positive correlation with serum uric acid levels would suggest that high serum uric acid could predict stroke risk. Also, it would prove to be a more cost-effective investigative tool in our present set up. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, we assessed 100 patients admitted with acute stroke in Victoria and Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital from October 2016 to November 2018. Clinical records, routine investigations, radiological imaging, serum uric acid and hs-CRP of the patients were investigated. RESULTS Majority of the patients (33 %) belonged to the age group of > 70 yrs., followed by 61 - 70 yrs. (26 %). 69 % of the patients were males and 31 % were females. 67 % of them were hypertensive and 32 % were diabetic. 91 % had an hs-CRP level of > 3.0 mg / L and 8 % had hs-CRP levels between 1.0 and 3.0 mg / L. None of the female patients had a serum uric acid value > 6.5 mg / dL and none of the male patients had a uric acid level of > 7.0 mg / dL. There was a correlation between serum uric acid levels and serum hs-CRP levels in patients ≤ 50 yrs. of age. There was no correlation between serum hs-CRP levels and serum uric acid levels in patients more than 50 yrs. of age. CONCLUSIONS Our study showed that stroke is most common in persons > 70 yrs. of age and is more common in males compared to females. Hypertension is an independent risk factor for stroke. hs-CRP is a well-established risk marker for stroke, being raised in majority of stroke patients. Serum uric acid is not raised in all patients of acute stroke. So, it cannot be used as a risk marker for stroke. KEY WORDS hs-CRP, Serum Uric Acid, Acute Stroke
The Next Big Thing is Really Big!! Magnification in Dentistry
Authors: Sedani Shweta Kishor , Ikhar Anuja Dhananjay , Thote Akshay Pramod
Published: April 2021

BACKGROUND The advances in the magnification sector have revolutionised the endodontic treatment from tactile and radiograph based to the vision driven. Using magnification tools like loupes, microscopes, rod lens endoscopes and oroscopes in the endodontic practice enables the clinician to magnify the field of treatment further than that by naked eyes. Suitable illumination along with magnification adds to the success of any dental procedure. Dating back to 1870, surgical loupes have been used. Apotheker and Jako introduced microscope in dentistry for the first time in 1978. Carr, in 1992 highlighted the role of the surgical operating microscope in endodontics. Various applications of surgical operating microscopes include minimally invasive surgical techniques like in periodontal regenerative procedures, adhesive dentistry and various procedures in endodontics like caries detection, for hidden canals, pulp stone removal, instrument removal, surgical endodontics, retreatment, perforation seal etc. Parts of operating microscope include optical components, objective lens, binocular tubes, eyepieces, lighting unit and mounting system. Accessories include motorised / foot-controlled adjustment of focal length, mechanical optical rotating assembly (MORA) interface and beam splitter. Magnification aids assist in producing higher quality procedures due to better precision and accuracy. Using the microscope aids improved ergonomics for the operator. Using loupes or microscopes improves the clarity in treatment plan as well as its execution. The magnification aids with camera and video monitor attached, enhance the patient education and better documentation. A strong consideration should be given to adopt using the concept of magnification. This review intended to explain the use of these tools in dental procedures for better accuracy, handling and thoroughness, which will lead to fewer procedural errors. KEY WORDS Magnification, Illumination, Loupes
Regeneration Therapy in Furcation Defect
Authors: Munjal Neha , Kapoor Shalini , Bhardwaj Amit , Thakur Gaurav , Karhana Preeti
Published: April 2021

One of the main objectives of periodontal therapy is to regenerate tissues lost as a result of periodontal disease.1 Regeneration is the growth and differentiation of the new cells and intercellular substances to form its precursor or regeneration occurs through same type of tissue that has been destroyed from same type of precursor. It is a continuous-physiological phenomenon of new cells along with tissues which are constantly formed and manifested by mitotic activity in epithelium and connective tissue, new bone formation, and continuous cementum deposition. Histological and clinical studies have reported the potential of guided tissue regeneration (GTR) to regenerate alveolar bone, cementum and the periodontal ligament.2,3 The furcation area represents a unique periodontal site with specific anatomic and pathogenic characteristics and with important clinical and therapeutic implications. The progression of chronic inflammation during periodontitis may affect the bifurcation or trifurcation of multirooted teeth. Furcation morphology may restrict access for adequate debridement and root instrumentation and may have a reduced source of available cells and blood supply from the periodontal ligament and bone defect. One important factor for successful regeneration at furcation and nonfurcation sites is the amount of periodontium that remains apical and lateral to the defect. Coronal migration of cells originating from the periodontal ligament and bone marrow spaces is particularly critical to the healing outcome following periodontal regenerative procedures in furcation defects.
An Awakening Alarm for Dental Professionals in Pandemic of Covid-19
Authors: Chandak Aditi Vinay , Godbole Surekha Dubey , Balwani Tanvi Rajesh , Patil Tanuj Sunil
Published: April 2021

Ecosystem, which consists of the physical environment and all the living organisms, on which we all depend, is declining rapidly because of its destruction caused by humans. It’s a two-way relationship between the humans and mother nature. If we destroy the natural environment around us, human life will be seriously affected, and the life of next generation will be endangered unless serious steps are taken. One such effect of human overexploitations has come in the form of coronavirus outbreak. Coronavirus, a contagious disease of 2019 known as Covid-19, is the latest swiftly spreading global infection. The aetiology of Covid-19 is different from SARS-CoV which has the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), but it has the same host receptor, human angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). The novel coronavirus which is zoonotic (spreading from an animal to a human) and mainly found in the bats and pangolins is a single stranded ribonucleic acid virus of Coronaviridae family. 1 The typical structure of 2019-nCoV possessed ‘spike protein’ in the membrane envelope, also expressed various polyproteins, nucleoproteins and membrane protein. The S protein binds to the receptor cell of host to facilitate the entry of virus in the host. Currently four genera for coronavirus are found α-CoV, ßCoV, γ-CoV, δ-CoV. SARS-CoV first originated in Wuhan, China and has spread across the globe. World Health Organization (WHO) and public health emergency of international concern declared it as 2019 - 2020 pandemic disease.2 According to WHO report, (7th April 2020) update on this pandemic coronavirus disease, there have been more than 13,65,004 confirmed cases and 76,507 deaths across the world and these figures are rapidly increasing. Therefore, actions for proper recognition, management and its prevention must be prompted for relevant alleviation of its outspread.3 Health care professionals are mainly indulged in the national crises and are working diligently around-the-clock, small ratio of the health care workers have become affected and few died tragically. Dentists are most often the first ones to be affected because they work with patients in close proximity. On 15th March 2020, the New York Times published an article titled “The workers who face the greatest Coronavirus risk” described the dentists are highly exposed, than the paramedical staffs and general physicians, to the risk of novel coronavirus disease 19.4