bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein via Natural Compounds: A Multilayered High Throughput Virtual Screening Approach
Authors: Dhasmana Anupam , Kashyap Vivek K. , Dhasmana Swati , Kotnala Sudhir , Haque Shafiul , Ashraf Ghulam Md. , Jaggi Meena , Yallapu Murali M. , Chauhan Subhash C.
Published: August 2020

Background:

Previously human society has faced various unprecedented pandemics in the history and
viruses have majorly held the responsibilities of those outbreaks. Furthermore, due to amplified global connection
and speedy modernization, epidemic outbreaks caused by novel and re-emerging viruses signify potential risk to
community health. Despite great advancements in immunization and drug discovery processes, various viruses
still lack prophylactic vaccines and efficient antiviral therapies. Although, vaccine is a prophylaxes option, but it
cannot be applied to infected patients, hence therapeutic interventions are urgently needed to control the ongoing
global SARS- CoV-2 pandemic condition. To spot the novel antiviral therapy is of decisive importance and
Mother Nature is an excellent source for such discoveries.

Methodology:

In this article, prompt high through-put virtual screening for vetting the best possible drug candidates
from natural compounds’ databases has been implemented. Herein, time tested rigorous multi-layered drug
screening process to narrow down 66,969 natural compounds for the identification of potential lead(s) is implemented.
Druggability parameters, different docking approaches and neutralization tendency of the natural products
were employed in this study to screen the best possible natural compounds from the digital libraries.

Conclusion:

The results of this study conclude that compounds PALA and HMCA are potential inhibitors of
SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and can be further explored for experimental validation. Overall, the methodological
approach reported in this article can be suitably used to find the potential drug candidates against SARS-CoV2 in
the burning situation of COVID-19 with less expenditure and a concise span of time.
Recent Progress in the Synthesis of Benzo[b]thiophene
Authors: Duc Dau Xuan
Published: August 2020

Benzo[b]thiophenes are aromatic heterocyclic compounds containing benzene
and thiophene rings. This class of heterocycles is present in a large number of natural and
non-natural compounds. Benzo[b]thiophene derivatives have a broad range of applications in
medicinal chemistry such as antimicrobial, anticancer, antioxidant, anti-HIV and antiinflammatory
activities. The use of benzo[b]thiophene derivatives in other fields has also been
reported. Various benzo[b]thiophenes compounds have been employed as organic photoelectric
materials, while several benzo[b]thiophenes have been used as organic semiconductors.
Benzo[b]thiophenes have also been used as building blocks or intermediates for the synthesis
of pharmaceutically important molecules.

:

Due to such a wide range of applicability, the synthesis of benzo[b]thiophene derivatives has
attracted intensive research. Numerous mild and efficient approaches for the synthesis of
benzo[b]thiophenes have been developed over the years. Different catalysts and substrates have been applied for
benzo[b]thiophene synthesis. This review will focus on the studies in the construction of benzo[b]thiophene skeleton,
which date back from 2012.
Bibliometric Analysis of Current Drug Metabolism: The Twentieth Anniversary from 2000-2019
Authors: Hassan Waseem , Kamdem Jean Paul , Kamal Mohammad Amjad , da Rocha Joao Batista Teixeira
Published: August 2020

Background:

Scopus is regularly covering Current Drug Metabolism from 2000 onwards.

Objective:

The major objective is to perform the 1st bibliometric analysis of Current Drug Metabolism (CDM).

Methods:

The data was retrieved from Scopus in April-May 2020 for detail analysis.

Results:

The total number of publications was found to be 1551, with 955 reviews (61.57%) and 466 articles
(30.05%). From 2000 onwards, we calculated the relative growth rate and doubling time. Based on the number of
publications, total 4418 authors, 3235 institutions and 83 countries were directly involved in all publications. M.A.
Kamal is the highly productive scientist with fifty-three (53 or 3.73%) publications, King Abdulaziz University is the
top university with the highest number of publications (58 or 4.13%) and the USA is the top-ranked country with 365
publications (25.96%). We also provided the h-index, total citations (TC), h-index without self-citations (WSC) and
total WSC of the top ten authors, universities and countries. In citations analysis, Prof. Zhou S.F. was the top scientist
with the highest (1594) number of citations. In institutional category Department of Drug Metabolism, Merck
Research Laboratories, Rahway, United States, is the top ranked institutes with 654 total citations. While, United
States is the top-ranked country with 18409 total citations. In co-words analysis, 3387, 30564 and 17333 terms in
titles of the manuscripts, abstracts and keywords were recorded, respectively. This indicated that CDM principally
focused on understanding drug development ranging from its efficacy to delivery, metabolism, distribution, safety
and mechanism of actions. Similarly, various specific drugs were thoroughly discussed in publications. Various
enzymatic, genetics, proteins and cancer-related aspects were also described. For data presentations, we used
VOSviewer graphical maps.

Conclusion:

The data confirm that CDM showed continuous growth in the number of publications and citations.
However significant measures are needed to make overall progress and improve the rankings in relevant categories.
Repositioning of Drugs to Counter COVID-19 Pandemic - An Insight
Authors: Akilesh Sai M. , J. Rajesh , Palanisamy Dhanabal , Wadhwani Ashish
Published: August 2020

COVID-19 is a pandemic, caused by the novel coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) which is a severe
acute respiratory syndrome. The devastating impact of this novel coronavirus outbreak has necessitated
the need for rapid and effective antiviral therapies against SARS-CoV-2 to control the spread of
the disease and importantly, alleviate the severe life-threatening symptoms and disorders. Drug repurposing
strategy offers an attractive, immediate and realistic approach to tackle this growing pandemic
of COVID-19. Due to the similarities with the SARS-CoV-1 virus and phylogenetic relation to the
MERS-CoV virus, accelerated screening of approved drugs and the development of repositioning
strategies have proved to be critical for the survival of many COVID-19 patients. Numerous scientific
investigations from the initial years of the coronavirus outbreak along with upcoming advances of immunotherapy
and vaccines, may prove to be beneficial. Currently, several repurposing strategies are
under different phases of clinical trials and provide a definitive framework for the development of future
therapies for the effective treatment of COVID-19. This review article summarizes the latest developments
and trends in drug repurposing strategy for COVID-19 treatment.
Latex Proteins from Plumeria pudica with Therapeutic Potential on Acetaminophen-Induced Liver Injury
Authors: da Silva Souza Bruna , Sales Ana Clara Silva , da Silva Francisca Dayane Soares , de Souza Thalis Ferreira , de Freitas Cleverson Diniz Teixeira , Vasconcelos Daniel Fernando Pereira , de Oliveira Jefferson Soares
Published: August 2020

Liver disease is global health problem. Paracetamol (APAP) is used as an analgesic drug
and is considered safe at therapeutic doses, but at higher doses, it causes acute liver injury. N-acetyl-p-
Benzoquinone Imine (NAPQI) is a reactive toxic metabolite produced by biotransformation of APAP.
NAPQI damages the liver by oxidative stress and the formation of protein adducts. The glutathione
precursor N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is the only approved antidote against APAP hepatotoxicity, but it
has limited hepatoprotective effects. The search for new drugs and novel therapeutic intervention strategies
increasingly includes testing plant extracts and other natural products. Plumeria pudica (Jacq.,
1760) is a plant that produces latex containing molecules with therapeutic potential. Proteins obtained
from this latex (LPPp), a well-defined mixture of chitinases, proteinases proteinase inhibitors have
shown anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, antidiarrheal effects as well as a protective effect against
ulcerative colitis. These studies have demonstrated that LPPp acts on parameters such as Glutathione
(GSH) and Malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) activity, Myeloperoxidase
(MPO) activity, and TNF- α IL1-β levels. Since oxidative stress and inflammation have been
reported to affect the initiation and progression of liver injury caused by APAP, it is suggested that
LPPp can act on aspects related to paracetamol hepatoxicity. This article brings new insights into the
potential of the laticifer proteins extracted from the latex of P. pudica and opens new perspectives for
the treatment of this type of liver disease with LPPp.
Propofol Protects Against TNF-α-induced Blood-brain Barrier Disruption via the PIM-1/eNOS/NO Pathway
Authors: Lu Yan , Xu Zhendong , Shen Fuyi , Lin Rong , Li Haibing , Lv Xiang , Liu Zhiqiang
Published: August 2020

Background:

The Inflammatory cytokine, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), disrupts
blood-brain barrier (BBB). Propofol reportedly exerts an anti-inflammatory effect in the central nervous
system.

Objective:

We hypothesized that propofol could provide a protective effect against TNF-α-induced
disruption in human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells (hCMEC/D3 cells) and explored the
underlying mechanisms.

Methods:

The hCMEC/D3 cell monolayers were pretreated with propofol, followed by TNF-α
treatment. The integrity of BBB was reflected by assessing the trans-endothelial electrical resistance
(TEER) and determining the expression of proteins within tight junctions (TJs). The effect of
propofol on TNF-α-modulated nitric oxide production was measured by a nitrate reductase assay
kit. The expression of ZO-1, claudin-5, occludin, TNF receptor 1 (TNFR1), TNF receptor 2 (TNFR2),
proviral-integration site for Moloney murine leukaemia virus (PIM)-1kinase, the phosphorylation
of endothelial nitric oxide synthase at ser633 (peNOS-ser633) were detected by western blot.

Results:

In hCMEC/D3 cells, TNF-α treatment markedly disrupted the integrity of BBB. Further,
we found TNF-α treatment could increase the expression of PIM-1, then activate the phosphorylation
of eNOS and induce the release of nitric oxide (NO). More importantly, we found that TNF-
α-impaired BBB integrity could be reversed by propofol.

Conclusion:

These results suggest that the PIM-1/eNOS/NO pathway plays a vital role, in which
Propofol protects against TNF-α-induced blood-brain barrier disruption.
Microwave-Induced Ugi-Four Component Reactions: Synthesis of New Hetero- Steroid-Amino Acid Conjugates
Authors: Borah Preetismita , Sahoo Biswa Mohan , Shivling Vhatkar Dattatraya , Banik Bimal Krishna
Published: August 2020

Background:

Aza-steroids are an important class of compounds because of their numerous biological
activities. The hetero steroids have different hydrogen bonding ability and hydrophobicity in comparison to steroids.

Materials and Methods:

Microwave-induced synthesis of a novel type of hybrid hetero-steroid amine conjugates,
following Ugi-four component reactions of steroidal amines with alanine and valine methyl esters as amino
acid residues is described. Specifically, hetero-steroid-amino acid conjugate based on D-ring fused hetero steroidal
amine, hetero-steroid-amino acid conjugate based on A-ring hetero steroidal amine, and hetero-steroidamino
acid conjugate based on B-ring hetero steroidal amine are synthesized.

Results and Discussion:

The yield of the products under microwave-induced process was considerably higher
than that obtained by the conventional method. In contrast to the conventional method for the synthesis of these
molecules, microwave-induced method has several advantages.

Conclusion:

These include rapid reaction, a superior yield of the product, minimum side reaction, and economical
microwave-induced process.
Design, Synthesis and Insecticidal Activity of 3-(Ethylsulfonyl)-Pyridines Bearing Trifluoromethyl-Oxadiazole Fragment
Authors: Zhong Liangkun , Yuan Jing , Pei Dan , Liu Xinghai , Xu Tianming , Tan Chengxia
Published: August 2020

Background:

Oxadiazole fragment is one of the most prevalent structures in biochemicals,
especially in the research of new pesticides. It is necessary to develop new insecticides with a
different mode of action for the treatment of insecticide resistance problems. And, it is worth exploring
the new active insecticidal lead structures with oxadiazole fragments.

Methods:

We used a “splicing up” method introducing the trifluoromethyl-oxadiazole moiety to 3-
(ethylsulfonyl)-pyridine structure, and replaced the 6-position on the pyridine ring by different substituted
amines. Then, a series of novel 3-(ethylsulfonyl)-pyridines containing trifluoromethyloxadiazole
moiety were designed and synthesized. All these title compounds were confirmed by 1H
NMR, 13C NMR and ESI-MS.

Results:

The primary insecticidal activity results indicated that some of them (A1-A7, A10, A13-
A14) exhibited good mortality against Mythimna separate at 500 mg/L (80-100%), and compounds
A13 and A14 have moderate insecticidal activity against M. separate at 250 mg/L (50-55%).

Discussion:

The bioassay results showed that the designed compounds did not achieve excellent
insecticidal activity by introducing the potential oxadiazole fragment. Therefore, it seems that the
special physicochemical properties of the oxadiazole fragment should be considered in fragment
splicing-based design.

Conclusion:

According to the bioassay studies, the results revealed that compounds A13 and A14
may provide useful information for further designing of efficient insecticides.
Brief Academic Review and Clinical Practice Guidelines for Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Yang Yue Bo , Gohari Amir , Lam Joseph
Published: August 2020

In this clinical guidelines article, we first include a brief review of the epidemiology,
pathogenesis, clinical diagnoses, and scoring-scales for pediatric atopic dermatitis (AD). We then
offer a set of pharmacologic treatment guidelines for infants and toddlers (<2 years), children (2-12
years), and adolescents (>12 years). We recommend irritant avoidance and liberal emollient usage
as the cornerstone of treatment in all age-groups. In infants <2 years, we recommend topical corticosteroids
as first-line medication-based therapy. In infants as young as 3 months, pimecrolimus, a
topical calcineurin inhibitor, may also be used. As a last resort in patients <2 years, non-traditional
therapies, such as the Aron regime, may be a safer option for refractory or resistant AD before off-
label medications are considered. In children and adolescents >2 years, topical corticosteroids are
still considered first-line therapies, but there is sufficient safety data to utilize topical calcineurin inhibitors
and topical PDE4 inhibitors as well. In children ages 2-12 years whose atopic dermatitis
fails to respond to prior treatments, oral systemic immunosuppressants can be used. For adolescents
>12, the biologic, dupilumab, is an additional therapeutic option. A trial of phototherapy may
also be utilized in children, particularly in adolescents >12 years, if they have access to treatment.
Although not currently approved for the treatment of AD, Janus-kinase (JAK) inhibitors represent
a promising new class of biologics with recently completed phase III clinical trials (JADE--
MONO1/2).
The Presentation of Older People with Vertebral Fragility Fractures to a University Hospital: A Cross-sectional Analysis
Authors: Ong Terence , bin Syed Ali Syed Ajmal , Sahota Opinder
Published: August 2020

Introduction:

There is a lack of robust data on hospitalised acute vertebral fragility fractures.
This analysis aimed to report on the number of hospitalised vertebral fragility fractures treated
in a large UK teaching hospital. This information would support better design of hospital services
and resource allocation to manage this group of patients.

Methods:

Patients aged 50 years and over hospitalised with a vertebral fragility fracture from
1/2/2016 to 31/1/2017 were identified from radiology and hospital records. Patients sustaining vertebral
fractures due to either major trauma or malignancy were excluded. Data was collected on patient
demographics, fracture details, hospitalisation details and health outcomes.

Results:

208 patients with acute vertebral fragility fractures were hospitalised over a 12 month period.
The mean (SD) age was 80.5 (11) years, of which 68% were female. 94% presented to the
Emergency Department (ED) as their first point of contact, of which 70% were subsequently hospitalised.
Two-thirds presented with a single level vertebral fracture predominantly around the thoracolumbar
region. The majority (87%) were non-operatively managed by general physicians, of
which most were under Geriatric Medicine. The median length of stay was 12 (IQR 6-20) days and
inpatient mortality was 3%. 52% of patients went on to have a bone health assessment.

Conclusion:

We have reported on the number of patients presenting to hospital with an acute vertebral
fragility fracture over 12 months. This helps identify resources needed to design hospital services
to manage them adequately.
The Relationship Between Self-esteem and Sexual Dysfunction in Women at Reproductive Ages: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Tayebi Naeimeh , Beygi Zahra , Zaydanpanahi Zahra , Akbarzadeh Marzieh
Published: August 2020

Background:

Sexual dysfunction mainly results from psychological and personal causes.
These causes, including self-esteem, have been considered to be the dominant reason for sexual
dysfunction. Self-esteem is, in fact, among the basic factors in desirable personality development.

Objective:

Investigation of the relationship between self-esteem and sexual dysfunction in women
at reproductive ages referred to healthcare centers in Shiraz, Iran.

Materials and Methods:

This epidemiological, analytical, cross-sectional study was conducted on
268 women at reproductive ages referred to healthcare centers in Shiraz in 2014-2015. The study
data were collected using a demographic information form, Female Sexual Function Index, and
Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale.

Results:

The results revealed a significant relationship between self-esteem and sexual function
(p=0.001), sexual desire (p=0.03), sexual arousal (p=0.01), and lubrication (p=0.026). However, no
significant correlation was observed among self-esteem and orgasm (p=0.54), sexual satisfaction
(p=0.3), and pain during intercourse (p=0.1). Investigation of the relationship between demographic
indicators and self-esteem showed that the spouse's education level had a significant statistical relationship
(p = 0.008) with self-esteem, while there was no significant relationship between self-esteem
and women's education level, husband's job, income, Body Mass Index (BMI), and age of women.

Conclusion:

The results indicated that self-esteem was associated with sexual dysfunction. Accordingly,
individuals with lower self-esteem showed higher sexual dysfunction.
Non-surgical Treatments for Lung Metastases in Patients with Soft Tissue Sarcoma: Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) and Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
Authors: Tetta Cecilia , Carpenzano Maria , Algargoush Areej T.J. , Algargoosh Marwah , Londero Francesco , Maessen Jos G. , Gelsomino Sandro
Published: August 2020

Background:

Radio-frequency ablation (RFA) and Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy
(SBRT) are two emerging therapies for lung metastases.

Introduction:

Aliterature review was performed to evaluate the outcomes and complications of these
procedures in patients with lung metastases from soft tissue sarcoma (STS).

Methods:

After selection, seven studies were included for each treatment encompassing a total of
424 patients: 218 in the SBRT group and 206 in the RFA group.

Results:

The mean age ranged from 47.9 to 64 years in the SBRT group and from 48 to 62.7 years
in the RFA group. The most common histologic subtype was, in both groups, leiomyosarcoma.
In the SBRT group, median overall survival ranged from 25.2 to 69 months and median disease-
free interval was from 8.4 to 45 months. Two out of seven studies reported G3 and one G3
toxicity, respectively. In RFA patients, overall survival ranged from 15 to 50 months. The most frequent
complication was pneumothorax. Local control showed a high percentage for both procedures.

Conclusion:

SBRT is recommended in patients unsuitable to surgery, in synchronous bilateral pulmonary
metastases, in case of deep lesions and patients receiving high-risk systemic therapies.
RFA is indicated in case of a long disease-free interval, in oligometastatic disease, when only the
lung is involved, in small size lesions far from large vessels.

:

Further large randomized studies are necessary to establish whether these treatments may also represent
a reliable alternative to surgery.
The Dichloromethane Fraction of Vernonia cinerea Impart Pro-Apoptotic, Genotoxic, Cell Cycle Arrest, and Drug Efflux Inhibitory Effects on Human Adenocarcinoma Cells
Authors: Beeran Asmy Appadath , Udupa Nayanabhirama , Maliyakkal Naseer
Published: August 2020

Background:

Vernonia cinerea (VC) is an important medicinal plant used in the indigenous
system of therapy. In ethnomedicine, VC has demonstrated anticancer properties. However,
the mechanisms of action VC is not known.

Objective:

To establish the anticancer mechanisms of ‘bioactive fractions of VC’ on human adenocarcinoma
cells.

Methods:

The IC50 values of characterized VC extract and fractions in human adenocarcinoma and
normal epithelial cells were determined using Sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay. Acridine Orange-
Ethidium Bromide (AO-EB) assay/Hoechst 33342 assay, Comet assay, and Cell cycle analysis
were used to determine apoptosis, genotoxicity, and cell cycle-specific changes in cancer cells, respectively.
Rhodamine 123 (Rho-123) efflux assay and Mitoxantrone (MX) efflux assay were used
to assess the inhibition of Multidrug Resistance (MDR) transporters.

Results:

The dichloromethane fraction of VC (VC-DM) imparted dose-dependent cytotoxicity in
human adenocarcinoma cells with fewer effects in human normal epithelial cells. This ‘sesquiterpenoids’
enriched fraction (VC-DM) induced apoptosis, DNA damage, genotoxicity, and G2/M
phase arrest in human adenocarcinoma cells. Interestingly, VC-DM significantly inhibited the functional
activity of MDR transporters (ABCB1 and ABCG2) and caused ‘synergistic cytotoxic effects’
with anticancer drugs in human adenocarcinoma cells.

Conclusion:

The bioactivity guided fractionation of VC revealed that the specific ‘sesquiterpenoids
enriched fraction’ (VC-DM) imparted cytotoxicity in human adenocarcinoma cells with
fewer effects on normal cells. Mechanistic studies have shown that VC-DM induced apoptosis,
DNA damage, genotoxicity, cell cycle arrest (G2/M), inhibited the functional activity of MDR transporters
(ABCB1 and ABCG2), and produced ‘synergistic cytotoxic effects’ (combinatorial treatments
with anticancer drugs) in human adenocarcinoma cells. Taken together, the findings of this
study emphasize and validates VC-DM as a promising ‘anticancer agent’ against human adenocarcinomas,
including those with a multi-drug resistant phenotype.
In Vitro Anticancer Evaluation of Some Synthesized 2H-Quinolinone and Halogenated 2H-Quinolinone Derivatives as Therapeutic Agents
Authors: El-Aziz Rahma M. Abd , Zaki Islam , El-Deen Ibrahim M. , Abd-Rahman Marwa S. , Mohammed Faten Z.
Published: August 2020

Background:

Searching for new cytotoxic agents with apoptosis induction may represent a viable
strategy for cancer treatment to overcome the increased resistance to available anticancer agents.

Objective:

The purpose of the current study was aimed at preparation and anticancer evaluation of two new
series of 2H-quinolinone and halogenated 2H-quinolinone derivatives against two cancer cell lines.

Methods:

Two new series of 2H-quinolinone and halogenated 2H-quinolinone derivatives were prepared and
screened for their cytotoxicity against breast MCF-7 and liver HepG-2 cancer cell lines as well as normal breast
MCF-10a.

Results:

The tested molecules revealed good cytotoxicity and selectivity toward cancer cell lines relative to
normal cells. These compounds were analyzed by DNA flow cytometry on MCF-7 cells. They were found to
cause G2/M phase arrest and induced apoptosis at the pre-G1 phase. In addition, increased caspase 3/7 activity
and decreased osteopontin expression verified the apoptotic activity.

Conclusion:

The potent compounds discovered in this study can be a hit for the discovery of new cytotoxic
agents and are worthy of further investigation.
Cyclotron Production of PET Radiometals in Liquid Targets: Aspects and Prospects
Authors: Pandey Mukesh K. , DeGrado Timothy R.
Published: August 2020

:

The present review describes the methodological aspects and prospects of the production
of Positron Emission Tomography (PET) radiometals in a liquid target using low-medium energy
medical cyclotrons. The main objective of this review is to delineate and discuss the critical factors
involved in the liquid target production of radiometals, including type of salt solution, solution
composition, beam energy, beam current, the effect of irradiation duration (length of irradiation)
and challenges posed by in-target chemistry in relation with irradiation parameters. We also summarize
the optimal parameters for the production of various radiometals in liquid targets.

:

Additionally, we discuss the future prospects of PET radiometals production in the liquid targets
for academic research and clinical applications. Significant emphasis has been given to the production
of 68Ga using liquid targets due to the growing demand for 68Ga labeled PSMA vectors, [68Ga]-
Ga-DOTATATE, [68Ga]Ga-DOTANOC and some upcoming 68Ga labeled radiopharmaceuticals.
Other PET radiometals included in the discussion are 86Y, 63Zn and 89Zr.
Natural Resources for Sustainable Water Treatment - A Review
Authors: Karnena Manoj Kumar , Saritha Vara
Published: August 2020

Background:

Purification and remediation of water remain to be a mammoth
challenge for environmental engineers, continuously mounting pressure on providing safe
water for consumers. Nevertheless, care has to be taken to avoid chemicals in treatment,
which could prove to be toxic. One of the most prominent stages in treating water for human
consumption is clarification through coagulation and flocculation to remove colloidal
particles including silt, clay, precipitated iron or manganese oxides along with bacteria and
algae.

Objective:

In order to achieve sustainability, the only possible way is to use innate materials
in combination with inherent technologies. Considering this, the present review will appraise
the efficiency of natural coagulants in treating surface water. Several researchers
have tested numerous natural coagulants for clarification of water. Nevertheless, information
on various natural coagulants and their efficiency has not yet been presented.

Methods:

Hence, an attempt is made to bring about a comprehensive account of various
natural coagulants and also to understand their properties and efficiencies in treating water.

Results:

Cumulative information regarding natural coagulants presented in this review will
add to the database of natural coagulants and can be adopted at various temporal and spatial
levels according to the availability of these coagulants to treat water. Nevertheless, precise
research on coagulation parameters and shelf life of treated water will enhance the opportunities
for point of use water treatment technologies.

Conclusion:

The current review presents natural coagulants having the potential to treat
surface water as sustainable alternatives to point of use treatment.
Quantization Algorithms in Healthcare Information Telematics Using
Wireless Interactive Services of Digital Video Broadcasting
Authors: Kardaras Konstantinos , Lambrou George I. , Koutsouris Dimitrios
Published: August 2020

Background:

In the new era of wireless communications new challenges emerge including the
provision of various services over the digital television network. In particular, such services become more important when
referring to the tele-medical applications through terrestrial Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB).

Objective:

One of the most significant aspects of video broadcasting is the quality and information content of data.
Towards that end several algorithms have been proposed for image processing in order to achieve the most convenient
data compression.

Methods:

Given that medical video and data are highly demanding in terms of resources it is imperative to find methods
and algorithms that will facilitate medical data transmission with ordinary infrastructure such as DVB.

Results:

In the present work we have utilized a quantization algorithm for data compression and we have attempted to
transform video signal in such a way that would transmit information and data with a minimum loss in quality and
succeed a near maximum End-user approval.

Conclusions:

Such approaches are proven to be of great significance in emergency handling situations, which also include
health care and emergency care applications.
Association of Socioeconomic Changes due to the COVID-19 Pandemic With Health Outcomes in Patients With Skin Diseases: Cross-Sectional Survey Study
Authors: Guo Yeye , Shen Minxue , Zhang Xu , Xiao Yi , Zhao Shuang , Yin Mingzhu , Bu Wenbo , Wang Yan , Chen Xiang , Su Juan
Published: August 2020

Background

The outbreak of COVID-19 has profoundly influenced people’s lifestyles; these impacts have varied across subgroups of people. The pandemic-related impacts on the health outcomes of people with dermatological conditions are unknown.

Objective

The aim of this paper was to study the association of COVID-19 pandemic–related impacts with health-related quality of life in patients with skin diseases.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study among Chinese patients with skin diseases. A self-administered web-based questionnaire was distributed through social media. Demographic and clinical data and pandemic-related impacts (isolation status, income changes, and employment status) were collected. The main outcomes included perceived stress (Visual Analog Scale), symptoms of anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7) and depression (9-Item Patient Health Questionnaire), quality of life (Dermatology Life Quality Index), and health utility mapping based on the EQ-5D-3L descriptive system. Multivariable logistic regression was used to investigate the associations.

Results

A total of 506 patients with skin diseases completed the survey. The mean age of the patients was 33.5 years (SD 14.0), and 217/506 patients (42.9%) were male. Among the 506 respondents, 128 (25.3%) were quarantined, 102 (20.2%) reported unemployment, and 317 (62.6%) reported decrease or loss of income since the pandemic. The pandemic-related impacts were significantly associated with impaired mental well-being and quality of life with different effects. Unemployment and complete loss of income were associated with the highest risks of adverse outcomes, with increases of 110% to 162% in the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and impaired quality of life.

Conclusions

Isolation, income loss, and unemployment are associated with impaired health-related quality of life in patients with skin diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Integration of Conversion Factors for the Development of an Inclusive eHealth Tool With Caregivers of Functionally Dependent Older Persons: Social Justice Design (Preprint)
Authors: Latulippe Karine , Hamel Christine , Giroux Dominique
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

eHealth can help reduce social health inequalities (SHIs); at the same time, it also has the potential to increase them. Several conversion factors can be integrated into the development of an eHealth tool to make it inclusive: (1) providing physical, technical, and financial access to eHealth; (2) enabling the integration of people at risk of SHIs into the research and development of digital projects targeting such populations (co-design or participatory research); (3) promoting consistency between the digital health literacy level of future users (FUs) and the eHealth tool; (4) developing an eHealth tool that is consistent with the technological skills of FUs; (5) ensuring that the eHealth tool is consistent with the help-seeking process of FUs; (6) respecting the learning capacities of FUs; and (7) being sensitive to FUs’ cultural context. However, only little empirical evidence pointing out how these conversion factors can be integrated into an effective eHealth tool is available.

OBJECTIVE

On the basis of Amartya Sen’s theoretical framework of social justice, the objective of this study was to explore how these 7 conversion factors can be integrated into an eHealth tool for caregivers of functionally dependent older persons.

METHODS

This study was based on a social justice design and participant observation as part of a large-scale research project funded by the Ministère de la Famille through the Quebec Ami des Aînés Program. Data were collected by recording the preparation sessions, the co-design and advisory committee sessions, as well as the debriefing sessions. The results were analyzed using Miles and Huberman’s method.

RESULTS

A total of 78 co-designers participated in 11 co-design sessions, 24 preparation sessions, and 11 debriefing sessions. Of the 7 conversion factors, 5 could be explored in this experiment. The integration of conversion factors has been uneven. The participation of FUs in the development of the tool supports other conversion factors. Respecting the eHealth literacy level of FUs means that their learning abilities and technological skills are also respected because they are closely related to one another and are therefore practically difficult to be distinguished.

CONCLUSIONS

Conversion factors can be integrated into the development of eHealth tools that are intended to be inclusive and contribute to curbing SHIs by integrating FU participation into the tool design process.
The Use of Telehealth Technology to Support Health Coaching for Older Adults: Literature Review (Preprint)
Authors: Markert Carl , Sasangohar Farzan , Mortazavi Bobak J , Fields Sherecce
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

Health coaching is an intervention process for driving behavior change through goal-setting, education, encouragement, and feedback on health-related behaviors. Telehealth systems that include health coaching and remote monitoring are making inroads in managing chronic conditions and may be especially suited for older populations.

OBJECTIVE

This literature review aimed to investigate the current status of health coaching interventions incorporating telehealth technology and the associated effectiveness of this intervention to deliver health care with an emphasis on older adults (aged 65 and older).

METHODS

A literature review was conducted to identify the research conducted on health coaching combined with remote monitoring for delivering health care to older adults. The Ovid MEDLINE and CINAHL databases were queried using a combination of relevant search terms (including middle aged, aged, older adult, elderly, health coaching, and wellness coaching). The search retrieved 196 papers published from January 2010 to September 2019 in English. Following a systematic review process, the titles and abstracts of the papers retrieved were screened for applicability to health coaching for older adults to define a subset for further review. Papers were excluded if the studied population did not include older adults. The full text of the 42 papers in this subset was then reviewed, and 13 papers related to health coaching combined with remote monitoring for older adults were included in this review.

RESULTS

Of the 13 studies reviewed, 10 found coaching supported by telehealth technology to provide effective outcomes. Effectiveness outcomes assessed in the studies included hospital admissions/re-admissions, mortality, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level, body weight, blood pressure, physical activity level, fatigue, quality of life, and user acceptance of the coaching program and technology.

CONCLUSIONS

Telehealth systems that include health coaching have been implemented in older populations as a viable intervention method for managing chronic conditions with mixed results. Health coaching combined with telehealth may be an effective solution for providing health care to older adults. However, health coaching is predominantly performed by human coaches with limited use of technology to augment or replace the human coach. The opportunity exists to expand health coaching to include automated coaching.
Nurses of Diverse Cultures’ Attitudes Regarding Mistake and Near Mistake in the Health System
Authors: Yeganeh Gilat , Cojocaru Stefan
Published: August 2020

This article deals with the issue of whether near mistake is a mistake, and what are the feelings of nurses from different cultures about reporting near mistake incidents. Research literature shows that there is knowledge on the subject, but not on the issue that distinguishes between mistake and near mistake. Studies indicate that there is no need to report events that are almost unintentional, so that no harm is done to the patient. Hence, near mistakes are not reported and therefore are not investigated (Reason, 2000). This article shows that the mistake is perceived by the nursing staff as a negative value in view of the negative response from the environment, the fear of punishment (Gutman, 2001). Mistakes in the health system are not always caused by a human factor, they are usually influenced by the environment and the conditions under which the nurses work (Koren, 2003). This article is based on a qualitative study that was written as part of a doctoral thesis on perceptions and feelings of nurses from different cultures about near mistake reporting. In this article I will discuss the difference between mistake and near mistake and the importance of reporting incidents of near mistake.
O aspecto contextual da textualidade via LSF numa intervenção pedagógica sobre a atividade tradutória
Authors: Vieira Teresinha Penaforte , Praxedes Filho Pedro Henrique Lima
Published: August 2020

Neste artigo, buscamos relatar parte de uma pesquisa cujo objetivo foi investigar o desenvolvimento da subcompetência bilíngue e metarreflexão de tradutores em formação (HURTADO ALBIR, 2005; PACTE, 2003; VASCONCELLOS; PAGANO, 2005; entre outros) sobre aspectos relativos à textualidade/tessitura (HALLIDAY; MATTHIESSEN, 2014), no par linguístico português-inglês. A parte relatada trata apenas do aspecto ‘relação textos-contexto’. A pesquisa, orientada pela LSF e estudos da tradução, foi desenvolvida via intervenção pedagógica aplicada a bacharelandos em Língua Inglesa/Tradução da Universidade Estadual do Ceará. O corpus foi constituído pelas respostas a questões em cinco atividades pedagógicas e pelos comentários feitos em entrevistas inicial e final. Os resultados relativos à Atividade 1, sobre a relação textos-contexto, e a comentários na entrevista final demonstraram uma elevação no nível de subcompetência bilíngue dos participantes e de sua capacidade metarreflexiva sobre esse aspecto, tendo levado ao incremento de suas habilidades de leitura (no sentido amplo), o que, consequentemente, influencia suas escolhas tradutórias.
Processos mentais em experienciação de desejos e construção de identidades em moradores de um distrito de Pernambuco
Authors: Da Silva Junior Valmir Joaquim , Souza Maria Medianeira De
Published: August 2020

O presente trabalho tem por objetivo investigar como se dá a experienciação do desejo em moradores do distrito de Tejucupapo, localizado no município de Goiana, no Estado de Pernambuco. O intuito foi perceber quais e como os desejos são construídos no discurso dessas pessoas, por meio do Processo Mental querer, e como aspectos identitários são revelados. Esta pesquisa é parte de uma dissertação de mestrado defendida na Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, em 2017. Para realizar este recorte, tomamos por base os pressupostos de Halliday & Matthiessen (2014) e Figueiredo (2011) sobre os Processos Mentais, especialmente os chamados Desiderativos, responsáveis por materializar os desejos, bem como Bucholtz e Hall (2005), entre outros, para discutir a noção de identidade. Após transcrição das entrevistas, foi realizado um mapeamento das ocorrências do Processo querer. A análise dos usos desse Processo mostrou que os desejos experienciados apontam para uma forte religiosidade, tendo em vista o expressivo número de ocorrências nas quais Deus e Jesus foram os Experienciadores. Também fomos capazes de ver como os participantes da pesquisa marcam suas identidades por meio da diferença, quando apontam que outros tejucupapenses têm anseios diferentes dos seus. Por fim, a análise revelou o otimismo e a esperança como traços particulares desses indivíduos.
Las aproximaciones organizacionales caracterización, objeto y problemática
Authors: Montaño Luis , Rendon Marcela
Published: August 2020

En este artículo se presenta una visión global y sintética de las diferentes perspectivas de los estudios de la organización. La evolución de estos estudios sigue de alguna manera la dinámica de cambio de las organizaciones y sus contextos, aunque la reflexión permanecería incompleta si no se incorporaran también la evolución de las herramientas metodológicas y la misma reflexión teórica. En este sentido, se destaca el conjunto de disciplinas que concurren a la explicación del fenómeno organizacional, observándose en la actualidad una mayor incorporación del pensamiento social crítico, de la filosofía, la lingüística y la antropología, lo cual deriva en el desdibujamiento del paradigma positivista para dar lugar a una explicación de tipo constructivista que enfatiza el uso de metodologías de tipo cualitativo. Así, la racionalidad abre paso a la vida simbólica, la funcionalidad a las relaciones de poder y, entre otros, la comunicación a la ambigüedad.
Sobre la administración comentarios a un texto de Bunge
Authors: Silva Camarena Juan Manuel
Published: August 2020

Con el fin de pensar rigurosamente la cuestión relacionada con la posible cientificidad de la administración nos propusimos elaborar este ensayo, por medio de una serie de comentarios, como una lectura crítica de la ponencia del filósofo de la ciencia argentino Mario Bunge titulada "status epistemológico de la administración". El escrito de Bunge nos ofrece la oportunidad de examinar con cierto detalle la tesis que desde el principio señalamos como inadmisible: la propuesta de Bunge de que las cuestiones de la administración puedan plantearse y resolverse de manera científica sin que la administración misma sea una ciencia, aun cuando coincidamos plenamente en la idea de que la ciencia es fundamentalmente una versión desinteresada de la realidad.
La valuación de empresas en México aplicación del modelo de valor económico agregado: 1991-2000
Authors: SAAVEDRA GARCÍA MARÍA LUISA
Published: August 2020

EL OBJETIVO DE ESTE ARTÍCULO ES MOSTRAR LA APLICACIÓN DEL MODELO DE VALOR ECONÓMICO AGREGADO EN LAS EMPRESAS QUE COTIZAN EN LA BOLSA MEXICANA DE VALORES CON EL FIN DE DETERMINAR SU VALOR Y BUSCAR SI EXISTE ALGÚN PATRÓN DE COMPORTAMIENTO DEL MODELO AL VALUAR A ESTE CONJUNTO DE EMPRESAS POR UN PERÍODO DE 10 AÑOS (1991 A 2000). EN ESTA INVESTIGACIÓN SE PROPUSO Y SE APLICÓ UNA METODOLOGÍA PARA LA DETERMINACIÓN DEL VALOR EN EMPRESAS MEXICANAS QUE COTIZAN EN LA BOLSA MEXICANA DE VALORES CON EL MODELO DE VALOR ECONÓMICO AGREGADO, CONSIDERANDO QUE SÓLO SE CONTABA CON INFORMACIÓN PÚBLICA DE ESTE CONJUNTO DE EMPRESAS. EL PRINCIPAL HALLAZGO DE ESTA INVESTIGACIÓN ES QUE EL MODELO DE VALOR ECONÓMICO AGREGADO SÍ SIGUE UNA TENDENCIA CONSISTENTE AL VALUAR LAS EMPRESAS QUE COTIZAN EN LA BOLSA MEXICANA DE VALORES; SI SE TOMA COMO PATRÓN DE REFERENCIA EL PRECIO DE MERCADO, SE PODRÍA DECIR QUE DE MANERA GENERAL ESTE MODELO SUBESTIMA EL VALOR DE ESTAS EMPRESAS; ESTA SUBESTIMACIÓN SE EXPLICÓ POR LAS VARIABLES VINCULADAS AL MISMO MODELO SIN CONSIDERAR OTROS ASPECTOS.
Editorial Número 217
Authors: Contaduría y Administración Revista
Published: August 2020

Sin lugar a dudas la investigación constituye una de las labores más importantes del hombre: gracias a ella se logra que crezca y se perfeccione el conjunto de conocimientos de que disponemos, ya sea encontrando nuevos saberes o sometiendo a prueba los que se han gestado precisamente con base en la tarea de investigación emprendida anteriormente. Es decir, esta labor no se ocupa únicamente de generar conocimientos novedosos que constituyen grandes pasos o sólo avances modestos en la construcción del saber, también es propia de los investigadores la responsabilidad de constatar la validez de los conocimientos ya existentes procurando con ello la comprensión de sus alcances y limitaciones. De lo anterior se desprende por qué la investigación es un trabajo permanente de los académicos, independientemente de cual sea el área del saber que ocupa su interés.
Una propuesta para un sistema de análisis técnico para compra y venta de acciones en la Bolsa Mexicana de Valores
Authors: DÍAZ MATA ALFREDO
Published: August 2020

SE PRESENTA EL PROCEDIMIENTO Y EL CONJUNTO DE HERRAMIENTAS DEL ANÁLISIS TÉCNICO QUE UTILIZA UN SISTEMA COMPUTARIZADO QUE SE ESTÁ CONSTRUYENDO CON EL PROPÓSITO DE TOMAR DECISIONES DE COMPRA Y VENTA DE ACCIONES EN LA BOLSA MEXICANA DE VALORES (BMV), ASÍ COMO TAMBIÉN LOS RESULTADOS ALCANZADOS EN 14 MESES. EL SISTEMA CONSISTE, BÁSICAMENTE, EN REALIZAR SIMULACIONES Y EVALUACIONES SOBRE LOS PRECIOS DE 29 ACCIONES DE ALTA BURSATILIDAD DE LA BOLSA MEXICANA DE VALORES (BMV) Y SOBRE LOS VALORES DEL ÍNDICE DE PRECIOS Y COTIZACIONES (IPC) DE LA PROPIA BMV Y DEL DOW JONES INDUSTRIAL AVERAGE (DJIA) DE LA BOLSA DE VALORES DE NUEVA YORK, UTILIZANDO HERRAMIENTAS DEL ANÁLISIS TÉCNICO BURSÁTIL Y CON BASE EN DOS PROGRAMAS DE CÓMPUTO; UNO DE ELLOS ES EL METASTOCK, UN PROGRAMA COMERCIAL DE ANÁLISIS TÉCNICO Y EL OTRO ES UNO QUE ESTÁ SIENDO DESARROLLADO POR EL AUTOR, CON AYUDA DE ESPECIALISTAS, ESPECÍFICAMENTE EN VISUAL BASIC 6.0 PARA INCLUIR LOS MECANISMOS PROPUESTOS EN EL SISTEMA QUE SE PRESENTA AQUÍ.
Les principes de gouvernement d´entreprise de l´OCDE
Authors: OECD OCDE
Published: August 2020

EL OBJETIVO CENTRAL DE ESTE TRABAJO ES CONTRIBUIR A LA DIVULGACIÓN DE UN CONOCIMIENTO MAS CERTERO Y OBJETIVO DEL FENÓMENO DE INTERNACIONALIZACIÓN DE LA ECONOMÍA, SU ALCANCE Y SUS EFECTOS PRINCIPALES EN EL PROCESO DE DESARROLLO ECONÓMICO Y SOCIAL RECIENTE DE NUESTRO PAÍS. A PESAR DE LO MUCHO QUE SE HA ESCRITO SOBRE EL TEMA DE LA GLOBALIZACIÓN RESULTA MUY COMÚN, INCLUSIVE EN EL ÁMBITO ACADÉMICO, ESCUCHAR DIVERSAS INTERPRETACIONES SOBRE ESTE CONCEPTO Y TAMBIÉN SE APRECIA, COMO RESULTADO DE LA MAYOR DIFUSIÓN Y SENCILLEZ QUE TIENEN LAS IDEAS CENTRALES, RECURRIR A EXPLICACIONES BASADAS EN LA NOCIÓN ”POP” DE LA GLOBALIZACIÓN, MISMA QUE TIENDE A OSCURECER EL FONDO DESIGUAL Y ASIMÉTRICO EN QUE SE LLEVAN A CABO LAS RELACIONES ECONÓMICAS, POLÍTICAS Y SOCIALES ENTRE LAS DIFERENTES NACIONES DEL MUNDO. LA GLOBALIZACIÓN EN SU PERIODO HISTÓRICO MAS RECIENTE, APROXIMADAMENTE EN LOS ÚLTIMOS VEINTICINCO AÑOS, HA ESTADO ACOMPAÑADA Y HA SIDO APOYADA POR UNA POLÍTICA ECONÓMICA QUE LAS POTENCIAS CENTRALES PROCURAN ESTABLECER E IMPULSAR EN TODOS LOS DEMÁS PAÍSES DEL MUNDO, SIN TOMAR EN CUENTA SUS DIFERENCIAS HISTÓRICAS, CULTURALES, POLÍTICAS, SOCIALES Y DESDE LUEGO ECONÓMICAS. SE BUSCA, EN ESTAS NOTAS, DEJAR EN CLARO QUE LA GLOBALIZACIÓN RESPONDE A LAS NECESIDADES DE EXPANSIÓN Y DOMINIO DE LOS MERCADOS DE LOS PAÍSES CON MAYOR GRADO DE DESARROLLO RELATIVO Y QUE LAS NACIONES DEPENDIENTES ENFRENTAN PROBLEMAS CADA VEZ MAS SERIOS PARA SUPERAR EL DESEMPLEO, LA SUBOCUPACIÓN, LA POBREZA Y LA MARGINACIÓN DE LOS SECTORES MAS NUMEROSOS DE SU POBLACIÓN.