bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the Virtual Learning Environment by School Children and Their Parents in Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 Pandemic After School Closure
Authors: Hegazi Moustafa Abdelaal , Butt Nadeem S , Sayed Mohamed H , Zubairi Nadeem A , Alahmadi Turki S , El-Baz Mohamed S , Atwah Ali F , Atuwiriqi Mohammad A , Saeedi Fajr A , Abdulhaq Nada M , Almurashi Saleh H
Published: February 2021

Background: No previous studies have involved school children or their parents in the evaluation of virtual learning environment (VLE). Thus, this survey was performed to develop a novel questionnaire which was then used to evaluate the satisfaction of school children and their parents with the VLE in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: A cross-sectional survey utilizing a validated and reliable questionnaire was distributed online for VLE evaluation. A median value >3 indicated participant satisfaction in each of the 5 domains of the questionnaire as well as overall VLE satisfaction. Results: Six hundred and ninety three participants including 571 Saudi citizens and 122 non-Saudi residents participated in this survey. The number of school children who agreed or strongly agreed were significantly lower than the number of children who disagreed or strongly disagreed with preferring the VLE over traditional education (p<0.001). The participants evaluated the VLE experience as unsatisfactory with a median value ≤3 for 4 out of 5 questionnaire domains with an overall satisfaction value of 2.8. Among the 117 participants who gave further written opinions/comments, 42(35.9%) participants supported the VLE as an alternative to traditional classrooms, if equipment and internet are made available and for the safety of their children.Conclusions: This is the first powerful population study, both globally and nationally, to utilize a novel validated and reliable questionnaire for exploring VLE satisfaction. This study showed the participants’ unsatisfactory VLE experience. The VLE is accepted as an alternative to traditional classrooms to keep up with learning and to maintain the safety of children and it can be a supplementary learning method but many measures are still needed to develop the VLE.
Feasibility of a Pilot Randomized Hypertension Screening Initiative in the Preoperative Setting.
Authors: Diaz Sofia , Yan Luying , Dai Feng , Zhou Bin , Burg Matthew M. , Schonberger Robert B.
Published: February 2021

Objectives: This pilot study sought to assess feasibility of a randomized trial of blood pressure intervention (home blood pressure monitoring vs counseling) in the preoperative clinic and the baseline rates of primary care follow-up after such interventions.Methods: A prospective randomized pilot study was performed at Yale New Haven Hospital Preadmission Testing Clinic. A sample of 100 adults with elevated blood pressure, were recruited during their preadmission visit, and randomized 1:1 to receive brief BP counseling and an educational brochure versus additionally receiving a home BP monitor (HBPM) with a mailed report of their home readings. At 60-day post-surgery telephone follow-up, investigators asked whether participants had primary-care follow-up; had new/adjusted hypertension treatment and felt satisfied with the study.Results: There were 51 patients in the counseling group and 49 in the HBPM group. Of 46 patients in the HBPM group who returned their monitors, 36 (78%) were hypertensive at home. At 60 days post-surgery, 31 (61%) patients in the counseling group and 30 (61%) in the HBPM group were reached by telephone with the remaining followed by EMR. 36 (71%) patients in the counseling group and 36 (73%) in the HBPM group had seen their Primary Care provider. 17 of 36 (47%) in the counseling group and 18 of 31 (58%) in the HBPM group received new or adjusted hypertension medications. 61 participants answered questions regarding their satisfaction with the study with 52 (85%) reporting that they felt moderately to very satisfied. Conclusions: This pilot study suggests that interventional blood pressure trials in the preoperative clinic are feasible, but telephone follow-up leads to significant gaps in outcome ascertainment. Trial Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03634813. Registered 16 of August 2018, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03634813
The Impact of Infectious Diseases Consultation on the Management and Outcomes of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Bacteraemia in Adults: A Retrospective Cohort Study.
Authors: Chiong Fabian , Wasef Mohammed S , Liew Kwee Chin , Cowan Raquel , Tsai Danny , Lee Yin Peng , Croft Larry , Harris Owen , Gwini Stella May , Athan Eugene
Published: February 2021

Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteraemia (PAB) is associated with high mortality. The benefits of infectious diseases consultation (IDC) has been demonstrated in Staphylococcal aureus bacteraemia and other complex infections. Impact of IDC in PAB is unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of IDC on the management and outcomes in patients with PAB.Methods: This is a retrospective cohort single-centre study from 1 November 2006 to 29 May 2019, in all adult patients admitted with first episode of PAB. Data collected included demographics, clinical management and outcomes for PAB and whether IDC occurred. In addition, 29 Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) stored isolates were available for Illumina whole genome sequencing to investigate if pathogen factors contributed to the mortality. Results: A total of 128 cases of PAB were identified, 71% received IDC. Patients who received IDC were less likely to receive inappropriate duration of antibiotic therapy (4.4% vs 67.6%; p<0.01), more likely to be de-escalated to oral antibiotic in a timely manner (87.9% vs 40.5%; p<0.01), undergo removal of infected catheter (27.5% vs 13.5%; p=0.049) and undergo surgical intervention (20.9% vs 5.4%, p=0.023) for source control. The overall 30-day all-cause mortality rate was 24.2% and was significantly higher in the no IDC group in both unadjusted (56.8% vs 11.0%, odds ratio [OR]=10.63, p<0.001) and adjusted analysis (adjusted OR=7.42; 95% confidence interval, 2.51-21.93 ). The genotypic analysis did not reveal any PA genetic features associated with increased mortality between IDC versus no IDC groups. Conclusion: Patients who received IDC for PAB had lower 30-day mortality, better source control and management was more compliant with guidelines. Further prospective studies are necessary to determine if these results can be validated in other settings.
Pattern of practice on mental health issues and attitude towards referral among general medical practitioners of North India
Authors: Mishra Sudha , Kar Sujita Kumar
Published: February 2021

Background: Still, in a larger part of the world, people with mental illnesses first consult general practitioners (non-psychiatrist practitioners) to treat their mental illness. Many such patients seek psychiatric consultation with reluctance after being referred by general practitioners due to stigma. The study aimed to assess the attitude of general medical practitioners towards consultation-liaison psychiatric services.Methods: In this cross-sectional survey, a total of 61 general medical practitioners, specialists, and subspecialist physicians, surgeons from a city of North India were evaluated in a questionnaire which was designed based on previous studies and observations to assess their attitudes towards liaison psychiatric services.Findings: Nearly 98% of the general practitioners deal with the patient of psychiatric illness, out of which nearly 30% treat the patient of their own. Nearly 88% of practitioners referring a patient to psychiatrists. More than 90% of general practitioners reported psychiatric problems are associated with medical illness. More than 40%prescribe psychotropic medication, out of which benzodiazepine is the most commonly prescribed one. Depression is commonly encountered in general medical practice. More than 70% of practitioners are not comfortable prescribing psychotropic medications. About 16.39% of general practitioners faced difficulty in referring patients to a psychiatrist for various reasons. Conclusion: General practitioners treat many patients with psychiatric illness though they are not comfortable prescribing psychotropic medications.
Recension: Doris Angst / Emma Lantschner (Hrsg.), ICERD, Internationales Übereinkommen zur Beseitigung jeder Form von Rassendiskriminierung, Handkommentar
Authors: Cottier Bertil
Published: February 2021

Rédigé par une trentaine d’experts provenant d’Allemagne, d’Autriche, du Liechtenstein et de la Suisse, ce commentaire de la Convention internationale de 1965 sur l’élimination de toutes les formes de discrimination raciale se révèle remarquable à plus d’un titre. Par son ampleur d’abord : en quelque 700 pages, cet ouvrage détaille les tenants et aboutissants de cet instrument fondateur de la lutte contre le racisme. Par sa démarche originale ensuite : à l’analyse proprement juridique de chacune des dispositions, s’ajoutent de précieux considérants sur leur contexte social et politique, ainsi que sur leur rapport aux autres instruments, notamment européens, destinés à combattre la discrimination. Par son actualité enfin : en ces temps de forte résurgence de l’intolérance envers « l’autre » et de multiplication des agressions à connotation raciste, l’ICERD, que la Suisse a ratifiée il y a vingt-cinq ans, est plus que jamais indispensable.
Institutional characteristics of a geographic digital divide bridging national programs and mechanisms
Authors: Шарифьянов Т.Ф.
Published: February 2021

Объектом статьи является инфраструктура информационного доступа (широкополосный), а предметом – механизм ее диффузии на периферийные территории региона. Рассмотрены государственные практики ряда правительств, направленные на сокращение географического цифрового неравенства. Все множество практик рассмотрено со стороны их институциональных и проектных характеристик. В контексте прикладных задач региональной экономики, т.е. развития связующей центр-периферийной инфраструктуры, практики сгруппированы в двух ключевых измерениях – в разрезе звеньев цепочки формирования информационного доступа и в последовательности снижения сил рыночных, смешанных и государственных институтов при движении от центра к периферии региона.
Предложен общий синтетический механизм диффузии инфраструктуры от центра к периферии региона и его промежуточная версия для совершенствования действующего в России механизма сокращения географического цифрового неравенства. Приведены некоторые оценки преимущества нового механизма.

The information access infrastructure (broadband internet) is the object of this paper and the mechanism of the infrastructure diffusion to the peripheral territories its subject. The government’s practices aimed to bridge the geographical digital divide are considered. All of observed practices considered in terms of their institutional and design characteristics. In the context of applied regional tasks i.e. the development of a connecting center-peripheral infrastructure, practices are grouped in two key dimension – in terms of links in the information supply chain and in the sequence of market, mixed and state institutions forces reduction during the direction from the center to the periphery of the region.
A general synthetic mechanism of the central-periphery infrastructure diffusion and its intermediate version for improving the existing Russian mechanism are proposed. Some assessments of the advantages of the new mechanism listed in the article.
The role of predicted cost assessment during pilot production, result application and their management in the economic system of aircraft engine companies
Authors: Смоляков О.А.
Published: February 2021

В статье рассмотрены проблемные вопросы прогнозирования затрат при опытном производстве, которые неразрывно связаны с выполнением работ в рамках стадии – разработка, жизненного цикла перспективного авиационного двигателя. В процессе данной стадии разрабатываются технологии, которые в последующем внедряются в производство. Отмечено, что, при оценке технико-экономической эффективности, в части затрат, следует особое внимание обратить на опытное производство, как узлов (компонентов), так и перспективного авиационного двигателя в целом.

The article deals with the problematic issues of forecasting costs in pilot production, which are inextricably linked with the performance of work within the stage - development, the life cycle of a promising aircraft engine. In the process of this stage, technologies are developed, which are subsequently introduced into production. It is noted that, when assessing the technical and economic effect, in terms of costs, special attention should be paid to the pilot production of both units (components) and the promising object as a whole.
Development of the digital economy in Russian society and its impact on state and regional regulation
Authors: Карташов К.А. , Демьянченко Н.В. , Овчаренко Н.А. , Сотская Т.В.
Published: February 2021

В статье приводится исторический ракурс теории в области цифровизации общества и систематизированы различные подходы к определению цифровой экономики. Раскрывается роль цифровой экономики в современной рыночной конкурентной среде и представлена авторская визуализация структуры взаимоотношений в цифровизации общества. Представлены преимущества интеграции цифровой экономики в жизнедеятельность общества и основные проблемы, риски цифровизации в стране и регионе. В заключении статьи авторами даются краткие выводы и рекомендации.

The article provides a historical perspective of the theory in the field of digitalization of society and systematizes various approaches to the definition of the digital economy. The role of the digital economy in the modern competitive market environment is revealed and the author's visualization of the structure of relationships in the digitalization of society is presented. The advantages of integrating the digital economy into the life of society and the main problems and risks of digitalization in the country and region are presented. In conclusion, the authors give brief conclusions and recommendations.
Relationship of the physical, mechanical and technological properties of binary alloys with qualitative changes in the crystallization intervals
Authors: Михайлов А.В. , Шахназаров К.Ю.
Published: February 2021

На основании анализа литературных данных по физико-механическим и технологическим свойствам двойных сплавов в представленной статье сделана попытка дать представление о диаграмме состояния как о концентрационной зависимости качественных изменений интервалов кристаллизации (перекристаллизации).
Это впервые позволяет связать с диаграммой состояния, не поддающиеся объяснению особенностями фазового состава или структуры аномалии физико-механических и технологических свойств используемых промышленно двойных сплавов.

Based on the analysis of literature data on the physicomechanical and technological properties of binary alloys, this article attempts to give an idea of the phase diagram as a concentration dependence of qualitative changes in the crystallization (recrystallization) intervals.
For the first time, this makes it possible to associate with the phase diagram the anomalies of the physicomechanical and technological properties of the industrially used binary alloys that cannot be explained by the peculiarities of the phase composition or structure.
Multilevel transfer of innovations: Cognitive modeling to decision support in managing the economic growth
Authors: Shkarupa Olena , Boronos Viktoriia , Vlasenko Dmytro , Fedchenko Kostiantyn
Published: February 2021

An essential aspect of the country’s economic growth is the transfer of innovation, which is very important nowadays. The innovative projects can be implemented through it at the level of households, companies, institutions, and local communities. The transfer of innovations is intended to cause a cumulative effect and stimulate economic growth. It is important to determine the influence of different factors on this process and consider the feedbacks in the “enterprise-region-state” system, which will increase the level of control over the process. The paper aims to find scientific instruments for managing the multilevel transfer of innovations, representing the connections between factors that act as catalysts/inhibitors of that process. The proposed methodology uses systems analysis, indicative analysis, and cognitive modeling (Fuzzy Cognitive Maps (FCM)). Based on the study results, a cognitive model was formed based on identifying the “strength of impact” of connections between elements that determine the level of influence of the micro- and macro-environment factors of the innovation multilevel transfer. From a practical point of view, this allows obtaining forecasts of its behavior under different management actions. To implement the research results, it is necessary to determine management tools that will allow stakeholders in the system “enterprise-region-state” to make a transfer of innovations most effective. It demonstrates the need for further research in this area and assessing the potential consequences of management decisions for economic growth.
AcknowledgmentThis research was funded by a grant from the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine “Modelling the Transfer of Eco-Innovations in the Enterprise-Region-State System: Impact on Ukraine’s Economic Growth and Security” (No. 0119U100364).
Analysis of dynamic response law and time-frequency characteristics of high cut slope under the action of earthquake
Authors: Jin Honghua , Wang Linfeng , Ren Qingyang , Zhang Xingxing
Published: February 2021

This study aimed to reveal the dynamic response law and time-frequency characteristics of the slope under the action of earthquake. Based on an actual project in earthquake area, the stability of the slope under natural and seismic conditions was calculated and the meso parameters of rock and soil were obtained by indoor rock and soil specimen parameter test firstly. Meanwhile, a three-dimensional particle flow model of the high-cut slope was established by the three-dimensional particle flow software PFC3D. Then, the law of dynamic response of the slope acceleration was obtained by inputting the horizontal wave of 2008 Wenchuan earthquake. Furthermore, MATLAB programming was used to analyze the time-history signal of acceleration of the slope, and finally the time-frequency characteristics of the high cut slope under the action of earthquake were studied. The results show that the dynamic response characteristics of soil particles in horizontal and vertical directions show surface-tending effect and elevation amplification effect respectively under the action of earthquake. The analysis of time-frequency characteristics showed that the Fourier dominant frequency of soil particles is distributed between 0-5 Hz under the action of earthquake, the low frequency band (0-15.625 Hz) accounts for as high as 88.07 %, and the high frequency band (125-250 Hz) accounts for as low as 0.34 %.
Application of numerical modeling to reservoir immersion assessment and control in dual-formation hydrogeological unit
Authors: Yang Yun , Nan Wengui , Guo Shenggen , Jin Dan , Wu Jianhui , Zhang Yu , Dou Zhi , Zhou Zhifang
Published: February 2021

Reservoir immersion is a serious environmental geological issue in a dual-formation structural reservoir bank (DFB) induced by dynamic surface water impoundment (SWI) that has implications for low-lying farmland and buried infrastructure. It is a major challenge to identify the dynamic immersion process and make economic and scientific joint mitigation measures for controlling groundwater immersion. Here, we develop a three-dimensional groundwater flow model and apply it to evaluate and control reservoir immersion in the typical low-lying DFB of Xingan Navigation and Power Junction Project (XGNPJ) across Ganjiang River in Jiangxi Province, China. The field-scale model is well calibrated to predict where the groundwater immersion could potentially occur. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the countermeasures adopted for the reduction of reservoir immersion areas were analysed based on the simulation model by considering the projected future combination scenarios of engineering measures. Results indicate that without engineering mitigation measures, SWI generates groundwater inundation across 23% of the total study area. Comprehensive comparative analysis on different seepage control schemes reveals that the joint engineering measures can effectively control the immersion range to 5% of the total area. The findings can provide scientific basis for groundwater immersion assessment and guide immersion control of XGNPJ project.
Green synthesis of Fe nanoparticles by using Mangifera indica extract and its application in photo-catalytic degradation of dyes
Authors: Zulfikar Mona , Nadeem Raziya , Javed Tariq , Jilani Muhammad Idrees , Javed Iram
Published: February 2021

An exceedingly facile green approach that produces a reliable adsorbent based on a transition metal such as Iron (Fe) using Mangifera indica leaf extract at room temperature is described. A single pot method was used for synthesis with no capping agents, surfactants or other templates. The main intention of this study is to synthesize iron nanoparticles from leaf extract (Mangifera indica) and examine its degradation potential for photo-catalytic removal of dyes (Congo red and brilliant green) from wastewater. Characterization of synthesized nanoparticles was executed by pHpzc, scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy studies and results confirm the presence of iron nano-sheets with biomolecules. All photo-catalytic experimental results were assessed by sum of squared estimate of errors and simple linear regression R2 with dye concentration, pH, contact time and dose rate as dependent and independent variables. Adsorption experimental data was verified by kinetics and isothermal models. Results showed that Langmuir and pseudo second order models give best fitness towards the photo-catalytic adsorption procedure. Thermodynamics revealed that adsorption mechanism is endothermic, described by the values of changes in Gibbs free energy, enthalpy and entropy, and is chemisorption in nature, with spontaneous processes. Overall photo-catalytic adsorption execution with synthesized iron nanoparticles and simple biomass of Mangifera indica gives satisfactory results for treating dye wastewater.
Potential Application of CRISPR/Cas9 System to Engineer Abiotic Stress Tolerance in Plants
Authors: Ahmed Temoor , Noman Muhammad , Shahid Muhammad , Muhammad Sher , Tahir ul Qamar Muhammad , Ali Md. Arshad , Maqsood Awais , Hafeez Rahila , Ogunyemi Solabomi Olaitan , Li Bin
Published: February 2021

Abiotic stresses in plants such as salinity, drought, heavy metal toxicity, heat, and nutrients
limitations significantly reduce agricultural production worldwide. The genome editing techniques
such as transcriptional activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs) and zinc finger nucleases
(ZFNs) have been used for genome manipulations in plants. However, clustered regularly interspaced
short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) technique has recently
emerged as a promising tool for genome editing in plants to acquire desirable traits. The
CRISPR/Cas9 system has a great potential to develop crop varieties with improved tolerance
against abiotic stresses. This review is centered on the biology and potential application of the
CRISPR/Cas9 system to improve abiotic stress tolerance in plants. Furthermore, this review highlighted
the recent advancements of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing for sustainable agriculture.
MicroRNAs in the Management of Heart Failure
Authors: Kalampogias Aimilios , Siasos Gerasimos , Oikonomou Evangelos , Mourouzis Konstantinos , Bletsa Evanthia , Stampouloglou Panagiota K. , Katsianos Efstratios , Vlasis Konstantinos , Marinos Georgios , Charalambous Georgios , Vavouranakis Manolis , Tousoulis Dimitris
Published: February 2021

Background:

In recent years much research has been devoted to the deployment of biomarkers in the field of heart failure.

Objectives:

To study the potential of post-transcriptional regulation by microRNAs on the diagnosis, management and therapy of heart failure.

Methods:

Literature search focus on the role of microRNAs in heart failure.

Results:

MicroRNAs are expressed and regulated in the course of the pathological manifestations
of heart failure (HF). This wide and uncharted area of genetic imprints consisting
of small non-coding RNA molecule is upregulated and released into the bloodstream
from organs under certain conditions and or stress. The use of genetically based strategies
for the management of HF has gained great interest in the field of biomedical science
because they can be used as biomarkers providing information regarding cardiac status
and function. They also appear as promising tools with therapeutic potential because
of their ability to induce changes at the cellular level without creating alterations in the
gene sequence. In addition, with the advances in genomic sequencing, quantification and
synthesis in technologies of microRNAs identification as well as the growing knowledge
of the biology of miRNAs and their involvement in HF, it is expected to favorably affect
the prognosis of HF patients.

Conclusion:

MicroRNAs are involved in the regulation of multibiological processes involved
in the progress of heart failure. More studies are needed to achieve a clinical valuable
implementation of microRNAs in the management of HF.
Viral Envelope Membrane: A Special Entry Pathway and a Promising Drug Target
Authors: Palombi Nastasja , Brai Annalaura , Gerace Martina , Di Maria Salvatore , Orofino Francesco , Corelli Federico
Published: February 2021

Enveloped viruses belong to a large class of pathogens responsible for multiple
serious diseases. Their spread into new territories has been the cause of major epidemics
throughout human history, including the Spanish flu in 1918 and the latest
COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to their outer membrane, consisting essentially of host
lipids, enveloped viruses are more resistant to enzymes and are also less susceptible to
host immune defenses than their naked counterparts. Therefore, the development of effective
approaches to combat enveloped virus infections represents a major challenge for antiviral
therapy in the current century. This review focuses on the characteristics of enveloped
viruses, their importance in the entry phase, drugs targeting envelope membrane-
mediated entry, and those specifically designed to target the envelope. The broad-
-spectrum antiviral activity of these compounds can be attributed to their ability to affect
the envelope, an essential structural feature common to several viruses. This makes this
class of compounds agents of great interest when no specific drugs or vaccines are available
to block viral infections.
Recent Multi-target Approaches on the Development of Anti- Alzheimer's Agents Integrating Metal Chelation Activity
Authors: Santos M. Amélia , Chaves Sílvia , Várnagy Katalin
Published: February 2021

Alzheimer´s disease (AD) is the most common and severe age-dependent neurodegenerative
disorder worldwide. Notwithstanding the large amount of research dedicated
to both the elucidation of this pathology and the development of an effective drug,
the multifaceted nature and complexity of the disease are certainly a rationale for the
absence of cure so far. Currently available drugs are used, mainly to compensate the decline
of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine by acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition,
though they only provide temporary symptomatic benefits and cannot stop AD progression.
Although the multiple factors that contribute to trigger AD onset and progression
are not yet fully understood, several pathological features and underneath pathways have
been recognized to contribute to its pathology, such as metal dyshomeostasis, protein misfolding,
oxidative stress and neurotransmitter deficiencies, some of them being interconnected.
Thus, there is widespread recent interest in the development of multitarget-directed
ligands (MTDLs) for simultaneous interaction with several pathological targets of
AD. In this review, a selection of the most recent reports (2016-up to present) on metal
chelators of MTDLs with multifunctionalities is presented. These compounds enable the
hitting of several AD targets or pathways, such as modulation of specific biometal ions
(e.g., Cu, Fe, Zn) and of protein misfolding (β-amyloid and tau protein), anti-oxidant activity
and AChE inhibition. The properties found for these hybrids are discussed in comparison
with the original reference compounds, some MTDLs being outlined as leading
compounds for pursuing future studies in view of efficient potential applications in AD
therapy.
Advances of Inorganic Materials in the Detection and Therapeutic Uses against Coronaviruses
Authors: Sathish Veerasamy , Manivannan Chandrakumar , Balasubramaniyan Malathi , Kumar Arumugam Ramesh , Thanasekaran Pounraj
Published: February 2021

Coronaviruses (CoVs) are enveloped viruses with particle-like characteristics
and a diameter of 60-140 nm, positively charged, and single-stranded RNA genomes,
which caused a major outbreak of human fatal pneumonia in the beginning of the 21st
century. COVID-19 is currently considered a continuous potential pandemic threat
across the globe. Therefore, considerable efforts have been made to develop innovative
methods and technologies for suppressing the spread of viruses as well as inactivating
the viruses but COVID-19 vaccines are still in the development phase. This perspective
focuses on the sensing, detection and therapeutic applications of CoVs using inorganic-
based nanomaterials, metal complexes, and metal-conjugates. Synthetic inorganic-
based nanoparticles interact strongly with proteins of viruses due to their morphological
similarities, and therefore, numerous antivirals have been tested for efficacy against
different viruses in vitro through colorimetric and electrochemical assays. Metal complexes-
based agents such as bismuth complexes form an attractive class of drugs with a number
of therapeutic applications, including the inhibition and duplex-unwinding activity of
SARS-CoV helicase by quantitative real-time PCR (Q-RT-PCR), phosphate release assay
and radioassay studies. Metal-conjugates show major effects on inhibiting the 3Clike
protease of SARS-CoV and the replication of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp).
We anticipate that these approaches will provide rapid and accurate antiviral strategies
in the development of these innovative sensors for the detection, inhibition and antiviral
activities of coronaviruses.
Possible Therapeutic Uses of Extracellular Vesicles for Reversion
of Activated Hepatic Stellate Cells: Context and Future
Perspectives
Authors: Tasin Fahim Rejanur , Halder Debasish , Mandal Chanchal
Published: February 2021

:

Liver fibrosis is one of the leading causes for cirrhotic liver disease and the lack of therapies to treat fibrotic liver is a major concern. Liver fibrosis is mainly occurred by activation of hepatic stellate cells and some stem cell therapies had previously reported for treatment. However, due to some problems with cell-based treatment, a safe therapeutic agent is vehemently sought by the researchers. Extracellular vesicles are cell-derived nanoparticles that are employed in several therapeutic approaches, including fibrosis, for their ability to transfer specific molecules in the target cells. In this review the possibilities of extracellular vesicles to inactivate stellate cells are summarized and discussed. According to several studies, extracellular vesicles from different sources can either put beneficial or detrimental effects by regulating the activation of stellate cells. Therefore, targeting extracellular vesicles for maximizing or inhibiting their production is a potential approach for fibrotic liver treatment. Extracellular vesicles from different cells can also inactivate stellate cells by carrying out the paracrine effects of those cells, working as the agents. They are also implicated as smart carrier of anti-fibrotic molecules when their respective parent cells are engineered to produce specific stellate cell-regulating substances. A number of studies showed stellate cell activation can be regulated by up/downregulation of specific proteins, and extracellular vesicle-based therapies can be an effective move to exploit these mechanisms. In conclusion, EVs are advantageous nano-carriers with the potential to treat fibrotic liver by inactivating activated stellate cells by various mechanisms.
Sevoflurane But Not Propofol Provided Dual Effects of Cell Survival in Human Neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y Cells
Authors: Gao Xue , Wang Xiu , Zhang Lei , Liang Ge , Mund Rachel , Wei Huafeng
Published: February 2021

Background:

We have hypothesized that the most commonly used intravenous (propofol)
and inhalational (sevoflurane) general anesthetics affect cell survival concentration and duration
dependently with different potency associated with their differential potency to affect intracellular Ca+2
homeostasis.

Methods:

Human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells stably transfected with either wild type or M146L
mutant human presenilin 1 were cultured and exposed to equipotent of propofol or sevoflurane. Cell
viability, cytosolic and mitochondrial calcium were measured.

Results:

Sevoflurane but not propofol, at clinically relevant concentrations and durations, promoted
cell survival. Prolonged exposure (24 hours) of 1% sevoflurane resulted in significant cell damage in
both types of cells. Both sevoflurane and propofol had significantly higher cell response rates to the
elevation of cytosolic Ca+2 or mitochondrial Ca+2 in the presence of extracellular calcium. With the
contribution of Ca+2 influx, sevoflurane but not equipotent 1 MAC propofol, caused a significantly
greater increase in peak and overall Ca+2 in Alzheimer’s mutation cell than in wild type cells, but significantly
more increase in overall mitochondrial Ca+2 concentrations in wild type than mutation cells.
In the absence of extracellular Ca+2 influx, sevoflurane, but not propofol, caused more significant elevations
of overall mitochondrial Ca+2 concentration in mutation cells than control cells.

Conclusion:

Calcium influx contributed to the general anesthetics mediated elevation of cytosolic or
mitochondrial Ca+2, which is especially true for propofol. Sevoflurane has a greater potency to either
promote or inhibit cell survival than propofol, which may be associated with its ability to affect cytosolic
or mitochondrial Ca+2 concentrations.
Clinical Characteristics and CT Imaging Features of COVID-19 on Admission: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Liu Changchun , Cai Jianping , Zhang Mengmeng , Li Huizhen , Liu Chunyan , Dong Jian , Dong Jinghui
Published: February 2021

Background and aims:

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has become a
global health issue. This study aimed to explore the clinical characteristics and CT imaging features
of patients with COVID-19 on admission.

Methods:

Consecutive patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 were retrospectively recruited
to this study from January 2020 to March 2020. According to the disease severity status on admission,
patients were divided into two groups, the common group, and the severe group.

Results:

Forty-four patients (F/M 20/24) who were COVID-19 positive were enrolled in this study.
The most common onset symptom was fever (90.9%), followed by cough (43.2%). As for the laboratory
tests, common findings included increased C reactive protein (47.7%) and erythrocyte sedimentation
rate (43.2%) and decreased lymphocyte (34.1%). The frequency of decreased lymphocyte
count and increased lactate dehydrogenasewas higher in the severe group (n=14) than in the
common group (n=30). About 86% of patients showed typical imaging findings of COVID-19 infection,
including ground-glass opacity with ill-defined margins, air bronchogram, interlobular septal
thickening, and consolidation. Lesions were mainly located in the peripheral and subpleural regions
with diffused distribution and multiple lung lobes were found to be affected.

Conclusion:

Fever and cough were the most common onset symptoms of COVID-19. Increased C
reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were the most common laboratory findings.
Typical signs of chest CT imaging of COVID-19 included ground-glass opacity with ill-defined
margins, air bronchogram, interlobular septal thickening, and consolidation.
Detection of Ureteral Stones in Kidney Ureter Bladder Radiography: Usefulness of Digital Post-processing
Authors: Choi Sang Lim , Park Sung Bin , Yang Seungwook , Lee Eun Sun , Park Hyun Jeong , Lee Jong Beum , Choi Byung Ihn
Published: February 2021

Purpose:

Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder radiography (KUB) has frequently been used in
suspected urolithiasis, but its performance is known to be lower than that of Computed Tomography
(CT). This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic performance of digitally KUB in the detection
of ureteral stones.

Materials And Methods:

Thirty patients who underwent digital KUB and CT were included in this
retrospective study. The original digital KUB underwent post-processing that involved noise estimation,
reduction, and whitening in improving the visibility of ureteral stones. Thus, 60 digital original
or post-processed KUB images were obtained and ordered randomly for blinded review. After
a period, a second review was performed after unblinding stone laterality. The detection rates were
evaluated at both initial and second reviews, using CT as a reference standard. The objective (size)
and subjective (visibility) parameters of ureteral stones were analyzed. Fisher’s exact test was used
to compare the detection sensitivity between the original and post-processed KUB data set. Visibility
analysis was assessed with a paired t-test. The correlation of stone size between CT and digital
KUB data sets was assessed with the Pearson’s correlation test.

Results:

The detection rate was higher for most reviewers once stone laterality was provided and
was non-significantly better for the post-processed KUB images (p > 0.05). There was no significant
difference in stone size among CT and digital KUB data sets. In all reviews, visibility grade
was higher in the post-processed KUB images, irrespective of whether stone laterality was provided.

Conclusion:

Digital post-processing of KUB yielded higher visibility of ureteral stones and could
improve stone detection, especially when stone laterality was available. Thus, digitally post-processed
KUB can be an excellent modality for detecting ureteral stones and measuring their exact
size.
Antibiotic use Evaluation in Hospitalized Pediatric Patients with Respiratory
Tract Infections: A Retrospective Chart Review Study
Authors: Mahboobipour Amir Ali , Baniasadi Shadi , Shahrebabaki Elahe Saberi , Tashayoie-Nejad Sabereh , Hassanzad Maryam
Published: February 2021

Introduction:

Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are a common cause of antibiotic usage
in hospitalized pediatric patients. Inappropriate use of antibiotics may lead to the emergence of
multidrug-resistant microorganisms and increased treatment costs.

Objective:

This study was designed to assess antibiotic usage in hospitalized pediatric patients with
RTIs.

Methods:

Medical charts of the patients admitted to the pediatric ward (PW) and pediatric intensive
care unit (PICU) of a tertiary respiratory center were reviewed. Patients’ demographic and clinical
data, including gender, age, weight, history of allergy, length of hospital stay, clinical diagnosis,
and prescribed antibiotics (indication, dose, and frequency of administration) were collected.
The appropriateness of antibiotic usage was evaluated in each patient according to international
guidelines.

Results:

Two hundred seventy-nine hospitalized patients were included in the study. The most common
reason for hospitalization was pneumonia (38%), followed by cystic fibrosis (20.1%) and
bronchitis (5%). The most commonly used antimicrobial agents were ceftriaxone, azithromycin,
and clindamycin which guideline adherence for their usage was 85.3%, 23.3%, and 47%; respectively.
Inappropriate dose selection was the main reason for non-adherence to the guidelines. The
adherence rate to RTIs’ guidelines (considering all parameters for each patient) was 27.6%. Multivariate
logistic regression analysis demonstrated CF and prescription of azithromycin are predictors
of guideline non-adherence.

Conclusion:

We found relatively low adherence to international guidelines in our center that could
be related to restricted definitions of optimal antibiotic therapy. Despite most patients received logical
antimicrobial therapy, actions should be taken into account to reach optimal antibiotic usage.
Computational Analysis of Drug Resistance Network in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Kara Altan , Özgür Aykut , Tekin Şaban , Tutar Yusuf
Published: February 2021

Background:

Lung cancer is a significant health problem and accounts for one-third of the deaths worldwide. A great majority of these deaths are caused by non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Chemotherapy is the leading treatment method for NSCLC, but resistance to chemotherapeutics is an important limiting factor that reduces the treatment success of patients with NSCLC.

Objective:

In this study, the relationship between differentially expressed genes affecting the survival of the patients, according to the bioinformatics analyses, and the mechanism of drug resistance is investigated for non-small cell lung adenocarcinoma patients.

Methods:

Five hundred thirteen patient samples were compared with fifty-nine control samples. The employed dataset was downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The information on how the drug activity altered against the expressional diversification of the genes was extracted from the NCI-60 database. Four hundred thirty-three drugs with known mechanism of action (MoA) were analyzed. Diversifications of the activity of these drugs related to genes were considered based on nine lung cancer cell lines virtually. The analyses were performed using R programming language, GDCRNATools, rcellminer, and Cytoscape.

Results:

This work analyzed the common signaling pathways and expressional alterations of the proteins in these pathways associated with survival and drug resistance in lung adenocarcinoma. Deduced computational data demonstrated that proteins of EGFR, JNK/MAPK, NF-κB, PI3K /AKT/mTOR, JAK/STAT, and Wnt signaling pathways were associated with molecular mechanism of resistance to anticancer drugs in NSCLC cells.

Conclusion:

To understand the relationships between resistance to anticancer drugs and EGFR, JNK/MAPK, NF-κB, PI3K /AKT/mTOR, JAK/STAT, and Wnt signaling pathways is an important approach to design effective therapeutics for individuals with NSCLC adenocarcinoma.
COVID-19 and Neurology: An Emerging Association
Authors: Gupta Amit , Yadav Prakrati , Kumar Deepak
Published: February 2021

Background:

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus, which is a cause of the ongoing pandemic, has the potential to infect the nervous system and causing neurological manifestations. However, patients with primarily neurological symptoms are often overlooked and tested later.

Objective :

We aim to summarise all the neurological manifestations which are reported so far to aid in early diagnosis and preventingze all the neurological manifestations that are reported so far to aid in early diagnosis and prevent further complication of the disease.

Methods and Material:

We did a literature search on the topic using Google search engine through Google Scholar, PubMed, and WHO resources by keywords including Coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, Clinical features, Stroke, Transverse myelitis, Encephalitis, Encephalopathy, Guillain-Barre syndrome, Hypogeusia, Hyposmia, Anosmia, and Neurological manifestations.

Discussion:

SARS-CoV-2 can affect the neuronal cells by both direct and indirect mechanisms. This can lead to various neurological manifestations ranging from subtle symptoms of myalgia, headache, dizziness, hypogeusia, hyposmia to dreaded complications like stroke, encephalitis, demyelinating disease like Guillain-Barre syndrome.

Conclusions:

Presentation of COVID-19 with neurological features is not uncommon, and these patients should be tested earlier to help in the prevention of transmission, early diagnosis, and management.
Parkinson’s Disease: Is there a Role for Dietary and Herbal Supplements?
Authors: Onaolapo Olakunle J. , Odeniyi Ademola O. , Onaolapo Adejoke Y.
Published: February 2021

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is characterised by degeneration of the neurons of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic pathway of the brain. The pharmacological cornerstone of PD management is mainly the use of dopamine precursors, dopamine receptor agonists, and agents that inhibit the biochemical degradation of dopamine. While these drugs initially provide relief to the symptoms and improve the quality of life of the patients, progression of the underlying pathological processes, such as oxidative stress and neuroinflammation (which have been strongly associated with PD and other neurodegenerative disorders), eventually reduce their benefits, making further benefits achievable, only at high doses due to which the magnitude and frequency of side-effects are amplified. Also, while it is becoming obvious that mainstream pharmacological agents may not always provide the much-needed answer, the question remains what succour can nature provide through dietary supplements, nutraceuticals and herbal remedies? This narrative review examines current literature for evidence of the possible roles (if any) of nutraceuticals, dietary supplements and herbal remedies in the prevention or management of PD by examining how these compounds could modulate key factors and pathways that are crucial to the pathogenesis and/or progression of PD. The likely limitations of this approach and its possible future roles in PD prevention and management are also considered.
Prospective Role of Polyphenolic Compounds in the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Akter Rokeya , Rahman Habibur , Behl Tapan , Chowdhury Mohammad Arifur Rahman , Manirujjaman Mohammad , Bulbul Israt Jahan , Elshenaw Shimaa E. , Tit Delia Mirela , Bungau Simona
Published: February 2021

Aging is an important stage of the human life cycle and the primary risk factor for Neurodegenerative Diseases (ND). The aging process contributes to modifications in cells, which may lead to a lack of nutrient signaling, disrupted cellular activity, increased oxidative pressure, cell homeostasis depletion, genomic instability, misfolded protein aggregation, impaired cellular protection, and telomere reduction. The neuropathologies found in Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and Parkinson's Disease (PD) are internally and extrinsically compound environmental stressors which may be partially alleviated by using different phytochemicals. The new therapies for ND are restricted as they are primarily targeted at final disease progression, including behavioral shifts, neurological disorders, proteinopathies and neuronal failure. This review presents the role of phytochemicals-related polyphenolic compounds as an accompanying therapy model to avoid neuropathologies linked to AD, PD and to simultaneously enhance two stochastic stressors, namely inflammation and oxidative stress, promoting their disease pathologies. Therefore, this approach represents a prophylactic way to target risk factors that rely on their action against ND that does not occur through current pharmacological agents over the life of a person.