bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pluripotency of Wolbachia against Arboviruses: the case of yellow fever
Authors: Rocha Marcele Neves , Duarte Myrian Morato , Mansur Simone Brutman , Silva Bianca Daoud Mafra e , Pereira Thiago Nunes , Adelino Talita Émile Ribeiro , Giovanetti Marta , Alcantara Luis Carlos Junior , Santos Franciele Martins , Costa Victor Rodrigues de Melo , Teixeira Mauro Martins , Iani Felipe Campos de Melo , Costa Vivian Vasconcelos , Moreira Luciano Andrade
Published: April 2019

Background: Yellow fever outbreaks have re-emerged in Brazil during 2016-18, with mortality rates up to 30%. Although urban transmission has not been reported since 1942, the risk of re-urbanization of yellow fever is significant, as Aedes aegypti is present in most tropical and sub-tropical cities in the World and still remains the main vector of urban YFV. Although the YFV vaccine is safe and effective, it does not always reach populations at greatest risk of infection and there is an acknowledged global shortage of vaccine supply. The introgression of Wolbachia bacteria into Ae. aegypti mosquito populations is being trialed in several countries (www.worldmosquito.org) as a biocontrol method against dengue, Zika and chikungunya. Here, we studied the ability of Wolbachia to reduce the transmission potential of Ae. aegypti mosquitoes for Yellow fever virus (YFV).

Methods: Two recently isolated YFV (primate and human) were used to challenge field-derived wild-type and Wolbachia-infected (wMel +) Ae. aegypti mosquitoes. The YFV infection status was followed for 7, 14 and 21 days post-oral feeding (dpf). The YFV transmission potential of mosquitoes was evaluated via nano-injection of saliva into uninfected mosquitoes or by inoculation in mice.

Results: We found that Wolbachia was able to significantly reduce the prevalence of mosquitoes with YFV infected heads and thoraces for both viral isolates. Furthermore, analyses of mosquito saliva, through indirect injection into naïve mosquitoes or via interferon-deficient mouse model, indicated Wolbachia was associated with profound reduction in the YFV transmission potential of mosquitoes (14dpf).

Conclusions: Our results suggest that Wolbachia introgression could be used as a complementary strategy for prevention of urban yellow fever transmission, along with the human vaccination program.
Identifying market risk for substandard and falsified medicines: an analytic framework based on qualitative research in China, Indonesia, Turkey and Romania
Authors: Pisani Elizabeth , Nistor Adina-Loredana , Hasnida Amalia , Parmaksiz Koray , Xu Jingying , Kok Maarten Oliver
Published: April 2019

Introduction: Substandard and falsified medicines undermine health systems. We sought to unravel the political and economic factors which drive the production of these products, and to explain how they reach patients.

Methods: We conducted in-depth case studies in China, Indonesia, Turkey and Romania. We reviewed academic papers and press reports (n = 840), developing semi-structured questionnaires. We interviewed regulators, policy-makers, pharmaceutical manufacturers, physicians, pharmacists, patients and academics (n=88). We coded data using NVivo software, and developed an analytic framework to assess national risks for substandard and falsified medicines. We tested the framework against cases reported to the World Health Organization, from countries at all income levels.

Results: We found that increasing political commitment to provision of universal health coverage has led to public procurement policies aimed at lowering prices of medical products. In response, legitimate, profit-driven pharmaceutical companies protect their margins by cutting costs, or withdrawing from less profitable markets, while distributors engage in arbitrage. Meanwhile, health providers sometimes protect profits by 'upselling' patients to medicines not covered by insurers. Cost-cutting can undermine quality assurance, leading to substandard or degraded medicines. Other responses contribute to shortages, irrational demand and high prices. All of these provide market opportunities for producers of falsified products; they also push consumers outside of the regular supply chain, providing falsifiers with easy access to customers. The analytic framework capturing these interactions explained cases in most high and middle-income settings; additional factors operate in the poorest countries.

Conclusions: Most efforts to secure medicine quality currently focus on product regulation. However, our research suggests market mechanisms are key drivers for poor quality medicines, including where political commitments to universal health coverage are under-resourced. We have developed a framework to guide country-specific, system-wide analysis. This can flag risks and pinpoint specific actions to protect medicine quality, and thus health.
Identifi cation and Classifi cation of Risks in the Activities of Audit Firms As a Basis of Methodology for Practical Application of the Risk-Based Approach to External Control
Authors: Фомина Диана , Fomina Diana
Published: April 2019

Th e article reveals the problem of the lack of practical implementation of approaches to the external quality control of audit fi rms based on an analysis of potential risks. Th e research identifi ed the factors shaping the risk area of audit activities. A methodology for scoring risks of auditing activities is proposed, the use of which will allow the selection of a control strategy and approaches to an eff ective response to emerging risks.
Features of Audit in Non-Commercial Organizations
Authors: Скачко Г. , Skachko G.
Published: April 2019

One of the signifi cant diff erences between the audit in a non-commercial organization is the verifi cation that its revenues are in the framework of its statutory activities, which requires an obligatory check of the non-commercial status. In the course of the study conducted by the authors, based on many years of practical experience of conducting audits, the possible main violations related to the incorrect refl ection of income in non-commercial organizations were identifi ed, summarized and analyzed. We believe that the presented material will greatly assist in the process of auditing the statutory activities of NGOs.
Features of the Presentation of the Audit Report in Electronic Form
Authors: Егорова Ирина , Egorova Irina
Published: April 2019

Th is article is devoted to the need for an audit report in electronic form using a digital electronic signature. The article deals with the features of identifi cation of forms of submission of the audit report within the framework of regulatory legal acts regulating audit activities in the Russian Federation, as well as the advantages of presenting the audit report in electronic form before its submission on paper and the non — mitigation of threats associated with these.
The Analysis of Implementation Practice of Assets and Liabilities Valuation at Discounted Value in Russian Accounting
Authors: Головина Н. , Golovina N. , Долгая С. , Dolgaya S.
Published: April 2019

Th e article discusses the main stages of the implementation of assets and liabilities valuation at discounted value in the context of reforming Russian accounting. It identifi es some practical issues that are to be solved by economic actors conducting valuation at discounted value.
Resin-based composite materials: A science update
Authors: Bonsor Stephen J
Published: April 2019

Resin-based composite materials are widely used in contemporary restorative dentistry. Dental materials are constantly evolving as performance data become available and materials science advances. It is critical that the dental team is aware of changes in the science underpinning the resin-based composite materials that they are using as this may have an impact on how the materials are manipulated clinically and the ultimate success of the restoration. This paper reviews recent developments in resin-based composite materials, concentrating on those used for direct restorative procedures.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: As materials science advances, so the constituent chemicals of resin-based composites may change, affecting the way these materials should be handled clinically by the dental team.
Posterior composites: An update
Authors: Mackenzie Louis , Shortall Adrian , Burke Trevor , Parmar Dipesh
Published: April 2019

The restoration of damaged posterior teeth using direct composite materials is an integral component of contemporary dental practice. Resin-based materials are now routinely used to solve a wide range of restorative problems from the minimally invasive management of early carious lesions to the total restoration of severely worn dentitions.

As there is a wide variation in the teaching and practice of posterior composite techniques worldwide, this paper aims to provide an evidence-based update designed to help clinical teams equip practices with suitable materials and equipment and optimize all clinical stages of posterior composite procedures.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: Knowledge, understanding and advanced practical skill in posterior composite restorations is an essential requirement for contemporary clinical dentistry.
Ghost Flower 1 (for MM)
Authors: Stokes Andrea
Published: April 2019

Ghost Flower 1 (for MM) is a pencil drawing made by tracing through the enlarged flower motif of a cheap mass-produced net curtain. The text reflects on the precise and laborious task of making the drawing and the speculations that the process engendered. Childhood memories of a familiar landscape framed by a net curtain are evoked, alongside ruminations on the unknown designer of the motif. The industrial process that the net curtain has endured during its journey to market is considered, and its long history and shifting relationship to taste. As the drawing progresses the artist contemplates the act as a translation, a doubling that produces a haunting intimacy with the object.
Drawing as pattern information extraction: Linking geomorphology and art
Authors: Whalley W. Brian
Published: April 2019

In undergraduate education, drawing landscapes or landforms as part of geomorphological field exercises is rarely performed. Drawing is not, for the most part, explored in scientific disciplines despite its significance in textbooks for illustrating complex, three-dimensional, relationships such as mountain systems. Photographs in themselves are only a partial solution to recording and interpretation. Photography does not provide the ‘active’, meta-cognitive, learning opportunities that drawing does. The article explores the way in which visual feature extraction, for example in pattern matching, plays a role in analysis of an image. Not only is the identified shape or form important in revealing a structure but this may help identify an underlying physico-mathematical relationship such as power laws, complexity and emergence. The basic identification of shapes can be used to link geomorphological information with simple techniques that can be used in training undergraduates and use drawing techniques as a matter of course. The importance of metadata in titles and explanatory information is an important part of image interpretation. Examples are presented to show fieldwork sketching and linking to cognitive processes and suggest that drawing should be a part of undergraduate geomorphological education.
Figures of speech: Can conversation be a democratic mode of drawing?
Authors: Felmingham Stephen
Published: April 2019

Pattern-making is fundamental to our human consciousness; where it expresses form, place and meaning and is key to learning. Drawing is part of this impulse, as is language, speaking, dancing, movement, music, writing and other modes of gestural figure-making activity. In parallel with this, an increasing specialization and individualization in contemporary society means that one of our major challenges is to rediscover how we can work together and in doing so employ our innate creativity as human beings. This essay, therefore, is propositional in its description of the potential for language, through its patterns and gestures, as a form of drawing and a mode of democratic ‘art-working’ that is held in common. By eroding the distinction between speaking and drawing to form a larger category of embodied and communicative acts, the aim is to widen our current definitions of drawing and creativity in the social realm where speaking, conversing, gesturing and writing are part of our quotidian life and are vitally alive in human discourse from early childhood. The common element is pattern, generated by rules of language and of drawing that create form in their usage. This text will include a discussion of collaborative drawing and speaking works facilitated by the author in 2018 that begin to ‘draw out’ the forms inherent in the life of conversations that occur in moments of commonplace rituals, in this case an artist interview and a neighbourhood dialogue with the communal sharing of food. The essay concludes by raising the radical implications for drawing, the possibilities for extending its agency and that everyday conversation and the patterns of language, redefined as drawing, are democratic, generative acts that contain the potential to widen the terms of art and human creativity.
Effect of a Waterproof Device in the Noninvasive Ventilation Circuit on patient-machine Synchronization
Authors: Jieying Hu , Zeguang Zheng , Feng Yang , Lihong Zhong , Rongchang Chen
Published: April 2019

Objective: Investigate the effect of connecting a waterproof device at the front end of the piezometric tube on pressure transmission and patient-machine synchronization during the noninvasive ventilation. Method: In test 1, the waterproof device was connected to the piezometric tube and put into a closed container, the pressure inside the container was varied to observe the corresponding pressure change in the piezometric tube. In test 2, a waterproof device was connected in front of the piezometric tube during noninvasive ventilation.12 subjects were received noninvasive ventilator so that dynamic changes of the pressure inside the mask (Pmask) and piezometric tube (Ptube) could be measured. Results: In test 1, when the pressure in the container was gradually increased to 50 cmH2O and then decreased to 0, the pressure inside the piezometric tube changed synchronously with the pressure inside the container, with no statistically significant difference between the pressures (0.009 ± 0.138) cmH2O. In test 2, there was no significant increase in triggering time, pressure, and power after connecting the waterproof device at the front end of the piezometric tube. There was no significant difference in the platform pressure and baseline pressure as measured by Pmask, before and after connecting the waterproof device. Finally, there was no significant difference in the platform pressure and baseline pressure between Pmask and Ptube after connecting the waterproof device.
WATER HAMMER IN PIPELINE WITH DIFFERENT CHARACTERISTICS OF VALVE CLOSING AND UNSTEADY WALL FRICTION
Authors: Jing Haixiao , Wang Wen , Li Guodong
Published: April 2019

This paper presents an analytical investigation of water hammer pressure variation in a reservoir-pipe-valve system. Laplace transform method is used to get the analytical solutions for different characteristics of the valve closing. Specifically, sudden valve closing and piecewise linear closing are used, the latter can be treated as approximated arbitrary characteristics of valve closing. Unsteady wall friction is also included. The new solutions compare well with the previous experimental data. The results show that this solution is suitable for water hammer with laminar and low Reynolds number turbulent unsteady flow. The effects of different characteristics of the valve closing on the water hammer pressure variations are also studied. This solution can be a better choice for optimization of valve closing to reduce the maximum water hammer pressure.
Professor Henry W. Hofstetter
Authors: Kędzia Bolesław
Published: April 2019

Personal memoir describing Optometric Historical Society found Henry W Hofstetter, OD, PhD's visit to Karol Marcinkowski Unviersity of Medical Sciences (KMUMS) in Poznan Poland in 1984. The author discusses Hofstetter's imact on their research on ocular emmetropia/ametropia and on the curriculum and pedagogy of founders of KMUMS' Department of Optometry.
Guest Editorial
Authors: Fugate Edna
Published: April 2019

Edna Fugate, CA, discusses the University of Pikeville Allara Library's acquisition of the Archives & Museum of Optometry collections.
Hipolit jako Edyp: reinterpretacja mitu w powieści Antoniego Libery Madame
Authors: Stróżyński Mateusz
Published: April 2019

The article is a psychoanalytically oriented analysis of the use of the myth of Hippolytus and Phaedra in A. Libera’s novel Madame. The function of the myth in the novel is presented in terms of the categories of reinterpretation and prefiguration as well as in the context of its ancient sources. Libera brings together the myth of Hippolytus and the myth of Oedipus by emphasizing the role of the symbolic mother and the narrative constitutes a defense against both Oedipal and pre-Oedipal conflicts. The end of the novel is an attempt at a positive resolution of the Oedipal tensions in the narrative by means of sublimation and symbolization, in the context of the Freudian conception of drives and culture.
Ad rem, czyli ku nowej recepcji antyku w ponowoczesnym świecie
Authors: Mikołajczak Aleksander Wojciech
Published: April 2019

This article presents the shift in the ontological status and function of Ancient Greek and Roman cultural heritage undergone by Western civilization in the last decades of the twentieth and early twenty-first centuries. Antique tradition has since ceased to be transmitted simply as a system of ideas, values or role models, which was successively actualized in the process of its reception. In the post-modern consciousness, Ancient Greek and Roman heritage began to be understood as an individual collection of objects, consumed by society and adapted for the implementation of specific aims and aspirations. This shift consequentially results in the obsolescence of the investigative methodologies used in the study of the reception of antiquity, which have been adapted so far, and thus challenges us to search for more adequate ways of description and analysis of this cultural phenomenon. In light of this, the article presents a new understanding of the reception process and postulates a new research method, referring to the categories of speculative realism, theory of metadesign and the concept of Actor Network Theory (ANT).
Differential Quadrature and Differential Transformation Methods in Buckling Analysis of Nanobeams
Authors: Jena Subrat Kumar , Chakraverty S.
Published: April 2019

In this paper, two computationally efficient techniques viz. Differential Quadrature Method (DQM) and Differential Transformation Method (DTM) have been used for buckling analysis of Euler-Bernoulli nanobeam incorporation with the nonlocal theory of Eringen. Complete procedures of both the methods along with their mathematical formulations are discussed, and MATLAB codes have been developed for both the methods to handle the boundary conditions. Various classical boundary conditions such as SS, CS, and CC have been considered for investigation. A comparative study for the convergence of DQM and DTM approaches are carried out, and the obtained results are also illustrated to demonstrate the effects of the nonlocal parameter, aspect ratio (L/h) and the boundary condition on the critical buckling load parameter.
Stable s-minimal cones in ℝ3 are flat for s ~ 1
Authors: Cabré Xavier , Cinti Eleonora , Serra Joaquim
Published: April 2019

We prove that half spaces are the only stable nonlocal s-minimal cones in

ℝ
3

{\mathbb{R}^{3}}

, for

s
∈

(
0
,
1
)

{s\in(0,1)}

sufficiently close to 1. This is the first classification result of stable s-minimal cones in dimension higher than two. Its proof cannot rely on a compactness argument perturbing from

s
=
1

{s=1}

. In fact, our proof gives a quantifiable value for the required closeness of s to 1. We use the geometric formula for the second variation of the fractional s-perimeter, which involves a squared nonlocal second fundamental form, as well as the recent BV estimates for stable nonlocal minimal sets.
A simulation-based approach to training in heuristic clinical decision-making
Authors: Altabbaa Ghazwan , Raven Amanda D. , Laberge Jason
Published: April 2019

Background

Cognitive biases may negatively impact clinical decision-making. The dynamic nature of a simulation environment can facilitate heuristic decision-making which can serve as a teaching opportunity.

Methods

Momentum bias, confirmation bias, playing-the-odds bias, and order-effect bias were integrated into four simulation scenarios. Clinical simulation educators and human factors specialists designed a script of events during scenarios to trigger heuristic decision-making. Debriefing included the exploration of frames (mental models) resulting in the observed actions, as well as a discussion of specific bias-prone frames and bias-resistant frames. Simulation sessions and debriefings were coded to measure the occurrence of bias, recovery from biased decision-making, and effectiveness of debriefings.

Results

Twenty medical residents and 18 medical students participated in the study. Twenty pairs (of one medical student and one resident) and two individuals (medical residents alone) completed a simulation session. Evidence of bias was observed in 11 of 20 (55%) sessions. While most participant pairs were able to avoid or recover from the anticipated bias, there were three sessions with no recovery. Evaluation of debriefings showed exploration of frames in all the participant pairs. Establishing new bias-resistant frames occurred more often when the learners experienced the bias.

Conclusions

Instructional design using experiential learning can focus learner attention on the specific elements of diagnostic decision-making. Using scenario design and debriefing enabled trainees to experience and analyze their own cognitive biases.
Toxicological Evaluation of Thermal Treatment of Drilling Waste from Shale Gas Exploration in Poland
Authors: Drzewicz Przemysław , Nałęcz-Jawecki Grzegorz , Drobniewska Agata , Zgadzaj Anna , Smoliński Adam , Krzan Marcel , Starzycka Anita
Published: April 2019

The oil containing drilling waste is a worldwide environmental problem associated with oil and gas exploration. In Poland, the problem of the drilling waste has become important since starting of shale gas exploration. The results of thermal treatment of drilling waste from shale gas exploration are presented. It has been shown that organic content vaporized completely at temperature up to 500 °C. The main problem is high content of chloride, sulfate, sodium, potassium, magnesium in the waste and its water leachate. Toxicity tests confirmed that high salinity of the samples pose important risk for environment. Due to the high content of barium, the drilling waste may be utilized in production of cement with high chemical and heat resistance and opaque to X-ray. Thermal treatment process is a viable option for remediation of the drilling waste; however, the product of the process needs further treatment in order to remove its high salinity.
Sorption of Hydrogen Chloridein The Fluidized Bed Reactor
Authors: Olek Małgorzata , Żukowski Witold , Baron Jerzy
Published: April 2019

Combustion of fuels, including renewable fuels and thermal treatment of waste (CFCs, pesticides), is associated with emissions of pollutants including halogens. The reversible process of sorption/desorption of HCl, in a fluidized (bubbling) bed reactor (BFB), during co-combustion of Cl-materials, was carried out. The thermal decomposition of methylene chloride (DCM, CH2Cl2) in an inert sand bed with the addition of the hydroxyapatite sorbent (HAp, Ca5(PO4)3(OH)) was investigated. The process parameters were as follows: temperature - 930 °C, the air excess - 1.3, stream rate of CH2Cl2 - 50 cm3/h. The concentration of HCl, CCl4, CHCl3, CH2Cl2, CH3Cl, COCl2 in the exhaust gases were monitored online with FTIR spectroscopy. The main chlorine product was hydrogen chloride. Samples of unprocessed HAp, taken from the bed during the process, and solid apatite residues were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The content of chlorapatite (Ca5(PO4)3Cl) in the analyzed samples was respectively 11, 53 and 19 %. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis showed the molar ratio of Ca:P:Cl was: 1.00:0.36:0.01, 1.00:0.36:0.09, 1.00:0.37:0.04 respectively. The HAp could be used as an sorbent of the HCl(g) during combustion of materials containing chlorine.
Adsorption of Malachite Green and Congo Red Dyes from Water: Recent Progress and Future Outlook
Authors: Swan Ng Boon , Zaini Muhammad Abbas Ahmad
Published: April 2019

Global concern on dyes-laden effluent has intensified over the years. Dyes are toxic, stable to light, and hardly oxidized and bio-degraded, hence causing severe physiological effects to living organisms. In water, dye hinders the light penetration for photosynthetic activity, consequently oxygen is deficient for respiration by aquatic creatures. Adsorption has been widely recognized as the effective removal strategy to abate dye wastewater. However, the quests to improve the adsorption efficiency are continuously sought through new adsorbents with special characters, while performing the removal process at optimum operating conditions. This short review aims to summarize the recent progress in adsorption studies of two commonly used industrial dyes, namely malachite green and congo red by various adsorbents. From the quoted studies, the oxidized mesoporous carbon yields a higher adsorption capacity of malachite green at 1265 mg/g, while Fe3O4@nSiO2@mSiO2 displays a greater capacity for congo red removal at 1429 mg/g. A superior adsorption relies not only on specific surface area but also the synergistic interactions of pore width and mesoporosity, surface chemistry, and operating conditions. The dyes properties and factors affecting the adsorption are also highlighted and discussed, with recommendations and future outlook.
nflWAR: a reproducible method for offensive player evaluation in football
Authors: Yurko Ronald , Ventura Samuel , Horowitz Maksim
Published: April 2019

Existing methods for player evaluation in American football rely heavily on proprietary data, are often not reproducible, lag behind those of other major sports, and are not interpretable in terms of game outcomes. We present four contributions to the study of football statistics to address these issues. First, we develop the R package nflscrapR to provide easy access to publicly available play-by-play data from the National Football League (NFL). Second, we introduce a novel multinomial logistic regression approach for estimating the expected points for each play. Third, we use the expected points as input into a generalized additive model for estimating the win probability for each play. Fourth, we introduce our nflWAR framework, using multilevel models to isolate the contributions of individual offensive skill players in terms of their wins above replacement (WAR). We assess the uncertainty in WAR through a resampling approach specifically designed for football, and we present results for the 2017 NFL season. We discuss how our reproducible WAR framework can be extended to estimate WAR for players at any position if researchers have data specifying the players on the field during each play. Finally, we discuss the potential implications of this work for NFL teams.
On the C/edge linking mechanism. Evidence from Polish
Authors: Sopata Aldona
Published: April 2019

The main aim of the paper is to examine Polish data from the perspective of Sigurðsson’s (2011, 2014) theory of C/edge linking. The crucial point of the theory lies in the hypothesis that phases are equipped with silent edge features which enable narrow syntax to link to context. All definite arguments, overt as well as null arguments, must be successfully C/edge linked, e.g. they have to match at least one feature in the broad C-domain.

The present study focuses on utterances in Polish with direct object expressed as pronoun or null.The account proves successful in explaining some distributional patterns of null vs. pronoun objects in Polish. The Polish data investigated in this study indicates that the theory of silent edge linkers providing a communication channel for syntax and context is a step towards understanding the relation between syntax and pragmatics better.
Local habitat preferences of a semi-aquatic mammal, the Pyrenean desmanGalemys pyrenaicus
Authors: Biffi Marjorie , Laffaille Pascal , Buisson Laëtitia
Published: April 2019

To date, the large-scale distribution of the endangered Pyrenean desman,Galemys pyrenaicus, has been related to various abiotic factors (e.g. riverbed and riverbank characteristics, hydrology, topography, climate). However, none could fully explain the recent observed range contraction of the species, suggesting the influence of other drivers. In this study, the potential effect of some unexplored variables on the Pyrenean desman presence was investigated at the local scale (i.e. stream reaches) in the French Pyrenees. They described not only the riverbed, riverbanks, water chemistry, topography and pedology but also the presence of potential interacting species. Generalised linear models were implemented to select the best drivers of the Pyrenean desman presence. Our results stressed the relevance of considering human impacts at the riverbed scale, river narrowing and water chemistry to explain the local distribution of the Pyrenean desman. The presence of two potential competitors, the Eurasian water shrewNeomys fodiensand the dipperCinclus cinclus, was also highly correlated to the species presence in stream reaches. This suggests that all three species may use the same resources within streams, which could be a potential source of competitive interactions. This study not only highlights the importance of maintaining the riverbed integrity for the Pyrenean desman but also stresses the need to assess the extent to which biotic interactions may affect its distribution in order to understand its current decline.
A Mn(II) complex with an amide-containing ligand: synthesis, structural characterization, and magnetic properties
Authors: Zhu Xiao-Hong , Jiang Ding-Yun , Cheng Xiao-Chun , Li Deng-Hao , Du Wei-Gang
Published: April 2019

A new Mn(II) complex [Mn2(L)(H2O)3] · (H2O)4.8 (1) was synthesized via the hydrothermal reaction of MnCl2 · 4H2O with N
4,N
4′-di(5-isophthalyl)biphenyl-4,4′-dicarboxamide (H4L). Complex 1 is characterized by single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, and elemental and thermogravimetric analyses. 1 exhibits a uninodal 5-connected 3D bnn framework structure with (46.64) topology. The magnetic properties of 1 were investigated.
Nigella sativa and its Derivatives as Food Toxicity Protectant Agents
Authors: Karimi Zahra , Mirza Alizadeh Adel , Ezzati Nazhad Dolatabadi Jafar , Dehghan Parvin
Published: April 2019

Exposure to food toxins generate multiple adverse health effects. Heavy metals, antibioticsresidue, mycotoxins, pesticides and some food additives are examples of the most importantfood toxins. The common mechanism of toxicity and carcinogenicity effects of food toxins is thegeneration of oxidative stress that leads to DNA damages. Moreover, based on epidemiologicevidence unhealthy eating habits and food toxicities are associated with cancers occurrence.Therefore, application of bioactive food additives as harmless or safe components in foodindustry is expensive. Nigella sativa L. is a broadly used herb-drug for various diseases all overthe world and has been used as preservative and food additive. Based on various studies N. sativahas shown various pharmacological activities including therapeutic efficacy against differenthuman diseases and antioxidant anti-inflammatory effects against environmental toxins. N.sativa decreases the adverse health effects induced by mentioned food toxins via modulating theaction of antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione-S-transferasecatalase and act as reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavengers in different organs. Besides, N.sativa and thymoquinone (TQ) have protective effects on food products through removal andinhibition of various toxic compounds. Therefore, in the present review we will describe allprotective effects of N. sativa and its main constituents, TQ, against food induced toxicities.
Signaling Pathways of Receptors Involved in Platelet Activation andShedding of These Receptors in Stored Platelets
Authors: Amelirad Asra , Shamsasenjan Karim , Akbarzadehlaleh Parvin , Pashoutan Sarvar Davoud
Published: April 2019

All cells encounter various signals coming from the surrounding environment and they need toreceive and respond to these signals in order to perform their functions. Cell surface receptorsare responsible for signal transduction .Platelets are blood cells which perform several functionsusing diverse receptors. Platelet concentrate is one of the most consumed blood products.However, due to the short lifespan of the platelets and platelets damage during storage, we faceshortage of platelet products. One of the damages that platelets undergo during storage is theloss of surface receptors. Since cell surface receptors are responsible for all cell functions, theloss of platelet receptors reduces the quality of platelet products. In this study, we reviewed theimportant receptors involved in platelet activation and their associated signaling pathways. Wealso looked at the platelet receptors that shed during storage and the causes of this incident.We found that GPIbα, P-selectin, CD40 and GPVI are platelet receptors that fall during plateletstorage at room temperature. Considering that GPVI and GPIbα are the most important receptorswhich involved in platelet activation, their shedding can cause decrease in platelet activationafter transfusion and decrease thrombus consistence. Shear stress and platelet contact with thecontainer wall are among the mechanisms discussed in this process, but studies in this area haveto be continued.
Purification of a Novel Anti-VEGFR2 Single Chain Antibody Fragmentand Evaluation of Binding Affinity by Surface Plasmon Resonance
Authors: Kordi Shirafkan , Rahmati-Yamchi Mohammad , Asghari Vostakolaei Mehdi , Barzegari Abolfazl , Abdolalizadeh Jalal
Published: April 2019

Purpose: The single-chain variable fragment (scFv) domain of antibodies is now considered asone of the therapeutic tools that can be produced by phage display technology (PDT). Antibodypurification is one of the most important steps in antibodies production. The aim of study waspurification and characterization of anti-VEGFR2 scFv antibody fragments.Methods: After the coating of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) peptidein ELISA microplates, the phage display library of Tomlinson was used for antibody isolation.The targeted scFv was purified by chromatography using a zeolite-based column. The purity andfunctional assessment of purified scFv were evaluated by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamidegel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and western blotting techniques, respectively. Affinity bindingwas evaluated by surface plasmon resonance (SPR).Results: The desired scFv was selected after four stages of biopanning. SDS-PAGE analysisshowed a 28 kDa scFv with high purity (>90%). The western bloting analysis confirmed thebinding of produced scFv antibody to the desired peptide. The affinity binding of scFv antibodyanalyzed by SPR was about 60 μM.Conclusion: In this study, the novel scFv antibody against VEGFR2 peptide was purified bychromatography column containing zeolite. Based on our findings the produced antibody maybe applied for diagnosis or targeting of VEGFR2 in antibody-based therapy strategies.
In Silico Exploration of Aryl Halides Analogues as CheckpointKinase 1 Inhibitors by Using 3D QSAR, Molecular Docking Study,and ADMET Screening
Authors: Ghaleb Adib , Aouidate Adnane , Bouachrine Mohammed , Lakhlifi Tahar , Sbai Abdelouhid
Published: April 2019

Purpose: In this review, a set of aryl halides analogs were identified as potent checkpoint kinase1 (Chk1) inhibitors through a series of computer-aided drug design processes, to develop modelswith good predictive ability, highlight the important interactions between the ligand and theChk1 receptor protein and determine properties of the new proposed drugs as Chk1 inhibitorsagents.Methods: Three-dimensional quantitative structure–activity relationship (3D-QSAR) modeling,molecular docking and absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity (ADMET)approaches are used to determine structure activity relationship and confirm the stableconformation on the receptor pocket.Results: The statistical analysis results of comparative -molecular field analysis (CoMFA) andcomparative molecular similarity indices analysis (CoMSIA) models that employed for a trainingset of 24 compounds gives reliable values of Q2 (0.70 and 0.94, respectively) and R2 (0.68 and0.96, respectively).Conclusion: Computer–aided drug design tools used to develop models that possess goodpredictive ability, and to determine the stability of the observed and predicted molecules in thereceptor pocket, also in silico of pharmacokinetic (ADMET) results shows good properties andbioavailability for these new proposed Chk1 inhibitors agents.
Development of Theophylline Microbeads Using PregelatinizedBreadfruit Starch (Artocarpus altilis) as a Novel Co-polymer for Controlled Release
Authors: Okunlola Adenike , Adewusi Shukuralilahi Abidemi
Published: April 2019

Purpose: The aim of this study was to prepare formulations of theophylline microbeads usingpregelatinized breadfruit starch (Artocarpus altilis, family Moraceae) in combination withsodium alginate and chitosan at various polymer: drug ratios. Microbead formulations forcontrolled delivery of theophylline would be better alternatives to conventional dosage formsfor optimized drug therapy.Methods: The native and pregelatinized starches were characterized for morphology (scanningelectron microscope), crystallinity (Fourier transform intra-red spectroscopy, FTIR and X-raydiffractometer, XRD), thermal flow (differential scanning colorimeter), density and flowproperties. Theophylline microbeads were prepared by ionic gelation and characterized usingsize, swelling index, entrapment efficiency and time required for 15% and 50% drug release (t15and t50 respectively).Results: FTIR and XRD spectra revealed the orderly arrangement of granules of the semi-crystallinebreadfruit starch was disrupted on gelatinization. The viscosity and flow of pregelatinized starchwere enhanced. Theophylline microbeads were near spherical in shape with size range 1.09± 0.672 to 1.58 ± 0.54 mm. FTIR and XRD spectra confirmed there was no drug-polymerinteraction. Microsphere size, swelling increased while entrapment and dissolution time (t50)reduced with polymer: drug ratio. The entrapment efficiency ranged from 30.99 ± 1.32 to 78.50± 2.37%. Optimized formulation, starch: alginate ratio 3:1 at polymer: drug ratio of 2:1, gave aprolonged dissolution time (t50 = 8.40 ± 1.20 h).Conclusion: Breadfruit starch was suitable as a copolymer for the controlled delivery oftheophylline in microbeads which could serve as a substitute to synthetic polymers in drugdelivery.
Cobalt Oxide Nanoparticles/Graphene/Ionic Liquid CrystalModified Carbon Paste Electrochemical Sensor for Ultra-sensitiveDetermination of a Narcotic Drug
Authors: Atta Nada Farouk , Galal Ahmed , El-Ads Ekram Hamdy , Hassan Samar Hamed
Published: April 2019

Purpose: Drug-abuse, namely morphine (MO) affects the metabolism of neurotransmitterssuch as dopamine (DA). Therefore, it is crucial to devise a sensitive sensing technique tosimultaneously determine both compounds in real samples.Methods: The fabrication of the sensor is based on in situ modification of a carbon paste (CP)electrode with cobalt oxide nanoparticles, graphene, and ionic liquid crystal in presence ofsodium dodecyl sulfate; CoGILCCP-SDS. The modified sensor is characterized using scanningelectron microscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and voltammetry measurements.Results: Electron transfer kinetics and analytical performance of the proposed sensor wereenhanced due to the synergistic role of all the modifiers. The simultaneous determination of MOand DA achieved low detection limits of 0.54 nmol L−1 and 0.25 nmol L−1, respectively. Besides,a carbon-based electrochemical sensor is fabricated for the nano-molar determination of MOin real samples and formulations. The sensor showed fouling resistance and anti-interferenceability in presence of other species in human fluids. The real sample analysis of MO wassuccessfully achieved with good recovery results in urine samples and pharmaceutical tablets.Linear dynamic range, sensitivity, detection limit and quantification limit of MO in urine were5 nmol L−1 to 0.6 μmol L−1, 6.19 μA/μmol L-1, 0.484 nmol L−1 and 1.61 nmol L−1, respectively.Conclusion: This sensor has great ability to be extended for electrochemical applications inassaying of many drugs.
Enantioselective Box Behenken Optimized HPLC-DAD Method for the Simultaneous Estimation of Alogliptin Enantiomorphs in Pharmaceutical For mulations and their Pharmacokinetic Study in Rat Plasma
Authors: Kant Ravi , Bodla Ramesh Babu , Bhutani Rubina , Kapoor Garima
Published: April 2019

Purpose: A stereoselective high performance liquid chromatographic analytical method withphotodiode array detector was developed and validated as per the International Conferenceon Harmonization (ICH) guidelines for the determination of alogliptin (ALO) enantiomers informulations and rat plasma.Methods: Enantiomeric separation was performed on a Phenomenex Lux Cellulose-2 chiralcolumn. Box-Behnken design was used to identify the optimum conditions of the threeindependent variables for the desired output responses.Results: The HPLC peaks of ALO enantiomers and the internal standard pioglitazone wereachieved before 8 min with a resolution of 0.77 min between R and S enantiomer and resolutionof more than 2.0 between each enantiomer and pioglitazone (internal) with more than 95%recovery. The linearity range and the limit of quantification of both the enantiomers in rat plasmawere 10-70 ng mL-1 and 1.2 ng mL-1 respectively.Conclusion: The developed method after validation was successfully applied for estimation ofALO enantiomers in formulations. Single oral dose of 25 mg of the ALO racemate tablets wereadministered to a group of 6 healthy rats for a comparative pharmacokinetic study of both theenantiomers.
Detection and Management of Common Medication Errors inInternal Medicine Wards: Impact on Medication Costs and Patient Care
Authors: Boostani Kamal , Noshad Hamid , Farnood Farahnoosh , Rezaee Haleh , Teimouri Soheil , Entezari-Maleki Taher , Najafiazar Reyhane , Hassanpouri-Olia Azam , Gharekhani Afshin
Published: April 2019

Introduction: Medication errors (MEs) are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, yet they have remained as confusing and underappreciated concept. The complex pharmacotherapy in hospitalized patients and sometimes serious clinical consequences of MEs necessitate continued report and surveillance of MEs as well as persistent pharmaceutical care for patients at medical wards. This study evaluated the frequency, types, clinical significance, and costs of MEs in internal medicine wards. Method: In this 8-month prospective and cross-sectional study, an attending clinical pharmacist, as an integral member of a health care team, visited the patients during each physician's ward round at the morning. All MEs including prescription, transcription, and administration errors were detected, recorded, and subsequently appropriate corrective interventions were proposed during these rounds. The changes in the medications' cost after implementing clinical pharmacist's interventions were compared to the calculated medications' cost, assuming that the MEs would not have been detected by clinical pharmacist and continued up to discharge time of the patients. Results: 89% of the patients experienced at least one ME during their hospitalization. A mean of 2.6 errors per patient or 0.2 errors per ordered medication occurred in this study. More than 70% of MEs happened at the prescription stage by treating physicians. The most prevalent prescription errors were inappropriate drug selection, unauthorized drugs and untreated indication. The highest MEs occurred on cardiovascular agents followed by antibiotics, and vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes. Total number of MEs showed a marked correlation with the total number of ordered medications and patients’ length of hospitalization. The net effect of clinical pharmacist’s contributions in medication therapy management was to decline medications’ costs by 33.9%. None of the MEs caused the patients harm. Conclusion: The role of clinical pharmacy services in detection, prevention and reducing the cost of MEs is of paramount importance to internal medicine wards. Key words: clinical pharmacist; medication errors; pharmaceutical care; internal medicine.
Davidson, Reasons, and Causes: A Plea for a Little Bit More Empathy
Authors: Stueber Karsten R.
Published: April 2019

In this essay, I will suggest ways of improving on Davidson’s conception of the explanatory autonomy of folk psychological explanations. For that purpose, I will appeal to insights from the recent theory of mind debate emphasizing the centrality of various forms of empathy for our understanding of another person’s mindedness. While I will argue that we need to abandon Davidson’s position of anomalous monism, I will also show that my account is fully compatible with Davidson’s non-reductive and interpretationist account of meaning and mental content. Indeed, my account does more justice to the empathic capacities underlying our interpretive capacities, which Davidson himself has to acknowledge in thinking about the constitutive features of thought and meaning. More specifically, I will propose a new way of philosophically safeguarding the causal-explanatory autonomy of our ordinary action explanations by showing how our empathic capacities are involved in epistemically delineating the domain of rational agency.
The Historic 2 April 2017 Louisiana Tornado Outbreak
Authors: Megnia Robert W. , Humphrey Timothy W. , Rackley Jared A.
Published: April 2019

On 2 April 2017 Louisiana saw one of its largest tornado outbreaks since 1950. The day saw a total of 21 tornadoes, six of which were classified as significant (EF2+). This extreme event resulted in an estimated 4.2 million dollars in damage and two fatalities. A climatology of Louisiana individual tornado days dating back to 1950 ranked this event second for total number of tornadoes (21) in a day and second for number of significant (EF2+) tornadoes (6) in a day. To assess the overall impact of this outbreak, the Destruction Potential Index (DPI) was used to compare both the overall number and strength of tornadoes to previous events. The 2 April 2017 event had the highest DPI for the state of Louisiana since 1950. Comparisons made to tornado days in nearby states in the region also highlight the significance of this event. The synoptic conditions of 2 April 2017 were compared to a 25-member synoptic scale composite of past Louisiana tornado days with six or more tornadoes. The composite highlighted anomalies in synoptic ingredients that contribute to tornado outbreak environments. Most notably, the synoptic structure consisted of a more meridional flow pattern, which allowed for stronger moisture transport, low level shear, deep layer shear, and increased thermal advection. This produced an optimal mesoscale environment with high instability and storm-relative environmental helicity. The meteorological significance of this event with respect to Louisiana stems from the uncommon combination of a high shear/high CAPE near-storm environment in a southern tornado outbreak. The high shear/high CAPE environment largely responsible for the 2 April 2017 Louisiana tornado outbreak is more commonly observed in Great Plains tornado outbreaks.