bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Relationship between Energy-Adjusted Dietary Inflammatory Index (E-DII) with Quality of Life and Inflammatory Markers among Overweight and Obese Iranian Women
Authors: Ghodoosi Nasim , Arghavani Hana , Mirzababaei Atieh , Yekaninejad Mir Saeed , Keshavarz Seyed Ali , Imani Hossein , mirzaei Khadijeh -
Published: July 2020

Background

Overweight and obesity are associated with higher levels of inflammatory markers, inflammatory diseases, and lower quality of life. Recent investigations have shown that diet can modify these complications and improve quality of life.
Objective

The objective of this study was to investigate associations between Energy-Adjusted Dietary Inflammatory Index (EDII) with quality of life and serum inflammatory markers.
Methods

In the current cross-sectional study, a total of 280 females from health centers in Tehran, Iran (2018) were selected for the study using a multistage cluster random sampling method. The EDII was computed based on dietary intake, assessed by a previously validated 147-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Before calculating EDII, a residual method was used to adjust energy intake. SF-36 questionnaires were used for evaluating quality of life. Concentrations of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were determined using collected serum samples.
Results

The mean age of the study participants was 36.30 ± 8.05 years. Analyses were performed using multivariable linear regression, adjusting for age, weight, physical activity, smoking status, economic status and employment status. Linear regression analysis demonstrated that E-DII were significantly associated with certain quality of life criteria, such as physical function, mental health, and vitality (β = 5.58, 95% CI 0.72, 10.43, p = 0.024, β = 16.88, 95% CI 10.75, 23, p < 0.0001 and β = 14.29, 95% CI 9.48, 20.36, p < 0.0001, respectively). No significant associations were observed between EDII and serum level hs-CRP.
Conclusion

It was found that dietary inflammatory potential decreased some quality of life measurements and levels in overweight and obese Iranian women.
Serum Level of microRNA-429 is as a Promising Diagnostic Biomarker for Cervical Cancer Patients
Authors: Zhang Keqian , Mao Tianqi , He Zhicheng , Wu Xiaojiao , Peng Yu , Chen Yanrong , Dong Yan , Ruan Zhihua , Wang Zhe
Published: July 2020

Backgrounds: Serum microRNAs (miRNAs) are a novel class of diagnostic biomarkers for human cancers. However, the clinical relevance of circulating microRNA-429 (miR-429) in cervical cancer patients remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate serum miR-429 levels in cervical cancer patients, as well as its association with clinical characteristics and diagnostic value.Methods: Serum miR-429 expression was investigated in 113 cervical cancer patients and 107 healthy normal controls by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Chi-square test was applied to evaluate the correlation between miR-429 expression and clinicopathological parameters. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to assess the diagnostic significance of serum miR-429 in cervical cancer.Results: Serum miR-429 expression was significantly down-regulated in cervical cancer compared with healthy controls (P=0.000). In addition, serum miR-429 level was correlated with differentiation (P=0.031), FIGO stage (P=0.030), and lymph node metastasis (P=0.045). ROC curves demonstrated that serum miR-429 expression could distinguish cervical cancer patients from healthy controls with the sensitivity of 81.4% and the specificity of 69.2%. Additionally, the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.816 and the cut-off value was 0.825.Conclusion: MiR-429 is down-regulated in cervical cancer and associated with aggressive clinical characteristics. MiR-429 may be a potential diagnostic biomarker for cervical cancer.
Mechanism of Astragalus Membranaceus in the Treatment of Diabetic Nephropathy Based on Network Pharmacology
Authors: an Xuedong , Jin De , Duan LiYun , Zhao Yiru , Zhao Shenghui , Zhou RongRong , Duan YingYing , Lian Fengmei , Tong Xiaolin
Published: July 2020

Background: Diabetic nephropathy (DN), which affects more than 40% of diabetic patients, is still the main cause of end-stage renal disease in most countries. Prescription containing Astragalus Membranaceus (AM) in the treatment of early stage DN with significant effect, but the mechanism is unclear, which we would explore based on network pharmacology.Method: First, we searched the database of China National Knowledge Internet, Wanfang Database, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane database about the randomized, single (double) blind, controlled clinical studies of prescription containing AM in the treatment of DN, determined the effectiveness of prescription containing AM in the treatment of DN. Then, the effective components of AM in Traditional Chinese Medicine systems taxonomy database and analysis platform (TCMSP), Traditional Chinese medicine integrated database (TCMID) and Bioinformatics analysis tool for molecular mechanism of traditio Internal Chinese medicine (BATMAN-TCM) database were searched. According to the oral utilization ≥ 30% and drug-like ≥0.18, the effective components were screened. PubChem and health information technology (HIT) databases were searched for query validation targets and Simplified molecular input line entry specification (SMILES) of the effective ingredients, and Swisstarget prediction database was used to obtain prediction targets (possibility > 0). Drugbank, transient triple differential (TTD), and DisGeNET were searched for the targets related to DN. Finally, the data were integrated by the Cytoscape software, the drug-target-disease network was drawn, the protein interaction network was drawn with String database, and the signal pathway enrichment analysis was carried out with ClueGO.Result: The results showed that prescription containing AM could effectively reduce the urinary protein excretion rate [95% md-43.30 (- 57.00, - 29.61)]. 51 active components, 396 verified targets and 2330 predicted targets were searched. A total of 120 DN related targets were retrieved. 21 targets were found with Cytoscape. The main pathways were Interleukin-4 and 13 signaling, Activation of Matrix Metalloproteinases, EPH-Ephrin signaling.Conclusion: Prescription containing AM could effectively reduce the urinary protein excretion rate of DN patients. We speculated that AM mainly treated DN by regulating Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), Janus Kinase 1 (JAK1), and interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-13 (IL-13) signaling, activation of matrix metalloproteins, ephrin signaling and other signaling pathways based on network pharmacology, which would be verified by animal experiments or in vitro experiments in the later.
Optogenetic Stimulation of The Motor Cortex Alleviates Neuropathic Pain in Rats of Infraorbital Nerve Injury With/Without CGRP Knock-Down
Authors: Islam Jaisan , KC Elina , Oh Byeong Ho , Kim Soochong , Hyun Sang-hwan , Park Young Seok
Published: July 2020

Background: Previous studies have reported that electrical stimulation of the motor cortex is effective in reducing trigeminal neuropathic pain; however, the effects of optical motor cortex stimulation remain unclear. Objective: The present study aimed to investigate whether optical stimulation of the primary motor cortex can modulate chronic neuropathic pain in rats with infraorbital nerve constriction injury.Methods: Animals were randomly divided into a trigeminal neuralgia group, a sham group, and a control group. Trigeminal neuropathic pain was generated via constriction of the infraorbital nerve and animals were treated via selective inhibition of calcitonin gene-related peptide in the trigeminal ganglion. We assessed alterations in behavioral responses in the pre-stimulation, stimulation, and post-stimulation conditions. In vivo extracellular recordings were obtained from the ventral posteromedial nucleus of the thalamus, and viral and α-CGRP expression were investigated in the primary motor cortex and trigeminal ganglion, respectively.Results: We found that optogenetic stimulation significantly improved pain behaviors in the trigeminal neuralgia animals and it provided more significant improvement with inhibited α-CGRP state than active α-CGRP state. Electrophysiological recordings revealed decreases in abnormal thalamic firing during the stimulation-on condition.Conclusion: Our findings suggest that optical motor cortex stimulation can alleviate pain behaviors in a rat model of trigeminal neuropathic pain. Transmission of trigeminal pain signals can be modulated via knock-down of α-CGRP and optical motor cortex stimulation.
Evaluation of Near Infrared Spectroscopy for Sporozoite Detection in Mosquitoes Infected With Wild-strain Parasites From Asymptomatic Gametocyte Carriers in Kilifi Kenya
Authors: Maia Marta Ferreira , Wagah Martin G. , Karisa Jonathan , Mwakesi Robert , Mure Festus , Muturi Martha , Wambua Juliana , Hamaluba Mainga , Dowell Floyd E. , Bejon Philip , Kapulu Melissa C.
Published: July 2020

Background: Screening for Plasmodium spp. sporozoite infection in mosquitoes is routinely done using ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), a fast and non-destructive method, has recently been shown to distinguish, with 95% accuracy, between uninfected and sporozoite-infected mosquitoes using laboratory strains of Plasmodium falciparum (PfN54). The aim of this present study was to further investigate the reproducibility of NIRS to identify sporozoite infection in mosquitoes infected using field isolates of P. falciparum gametocytes from asymptomatic carriers. Methods: Healthy individuals (aged 5 years and above) were screened for gametocytaemia by thick-smear microscopy in an area of moderate transmission along the Coast of Kenya between May and September 2018. Asymptomatic gametocyte carriers were recruited for mosquito feeding assays, direct membrane feeding (DMFA) and direct skin feeding (DFA), using insectary-reared Anopheles gambiae s.s (Kilifi strain). Mosquitoes were kept for 14-days post feeding after which they were scanned using NIRS and subsequently analysed for sporozoite infection using circumsporozoite-ELISA. Predictive models were explored using partial least square regressions (PLS).Results: Two hundred and ninety-nine (299) individuals were screened for malaria parasites, 74 (24.8%) were found with circulating asexual parasites, and 16 (5.4%) with P. falciparum gametocyte stages.Fourteen (14) asymptomatic gametocyte carriers were recruited to the study for mosquito feeding assays. A total of 134 (7%, 134/1881) sporozoite-infected mosquitoes were obtained from 9 successful experiments. Three different training datasets composed of infected and uninfected mosquitoes were analysed. The PLS models were unable to distinguish between sporozoite-infected and uninfected mosquitoes. A predictive model could not be generated.Conclusions: The results of this study were not consistent with previous published research on NIRS for detection of sporozoite infection in the same mosquito species and may reflect differences between laboratory and field conditions. The current findings indicate that methods for sporozoite detection should be tested on field isolates at an early stage in their development and are informative for future research seeking novel high-throughput methods for parasite detection in mosquitoes.
Pairing patterns in one-dimensional spin- and mass-imbalanced Fermi gases
Authors: Rammelmüller Lukas , Drut Joaquín E. , Braun Jens
Published: July 2020

We study spin- and mass-imbalanced mixtures of spin-1/2 fermions interacting via an attractive contact potential in
one spatial dimension. Specifically, we address the influence of unequal particle masses on the pair formation by means of the complex
Langevin method. By computing the pair-correlation function and the associated pair-momentum distribution we find that inhomogeneous pairing is
present for all studied spin polarizations and mass imbalances. To further characterize the pairing behavior, we analyze the density-density correlations in
momentum space, the so-called shot noise, which is experimentally accessible through time-of-flight imaging. At finite spin polarization, the latter is known to
show distinct maxima at momentum configurations associated with the Fulde-Ferrell-Larkin-Ovchinnikov (FFLO) instability. Besides those maxima, we find that
additional features emerge in the noise correlations when mass imbalance is increased, revealing the stability of FFLO-type correlations
against mass imbalance and furnishing an experimentally accessible signature to probe this type of pairing.
Effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (Glomus mosseae) on growth enhancement and nutrient (NPK) uptake of three grape (Vitis vinifera L.) cultivars under three different water deficit levels
Authors: Kamayestani Azimeh , Rezaei Mehdi , Sarkhosh Ali , Asghari Hamid Reza
Published: July 2020

We tested the effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and three levels of water deficit on growth enhancement, physiological performance and nutrient uptake of three local Iranian grape cultivars. Mycorrhizal inoculation (Glomus mosseae) showed a significant increase in grape's growth characteristics, and variation was observed among the cultivars and field capacity percent (FC %) levels. Mycorrhiza inoculation increased significantly (p<0.05) the number of leaves in ‘Pikani’ and ‘Shahroudi’. The results showed that water deficit significantly increased the chlorophyll index and decreased the stomatal conductance, leaf relative water content (RWC), leaf area index, nitrogen (N%) content, and increased proline content (P<0.05). Water deficit and mycorrhiza increased potassium (K%) in all cultivars and phosphorous (P%) in two cultivars (‘Shahrudi’ and ‘Keshmeshi’) significantly (P<0.05). By increasing the water deficit level, ‘Shahrudi’ and ‘Keshmeshi’ showed more relative drought resistance than ‘Pikani’. The cultivar ‘Shahrudi’ showed a better symbiotic interaction with mycorrhiza and more resistance to water deficit in some traits in comparison to other two cultivars.
TARİHÎ GERÇEKLİK AÇISINDAN KARANFİL ROMANI
Authors: SINAR UĞURLU Alev
Published: July 2020

2013 tarihli Karanfil romanı, 1988-1994 yılları arasında Azerbaycan ve Ermenistan arasında yaşanan Karabağ Savaşı’nı işleyen bir eserdir. Emekli General Osman Gazi Kandemir’in kaleme aldığı romanda Azerbaycan’a bağlı olan yüzlerce yıllık Türk toprağı Dağlık Karabağ bölgesinin Ermenistan silahlı kuvvetleri tarafından işgali, çarpışmanın en yoğun yaşandığı 1992 yılına odaklanılarak anlatılmıştır. Karanfil, Karabağ Savaşı’nı tarihî gerçekliği kurguya yedirerek işlemesi bakımından hem çarpıcı bir savaş edebiyatı örneği hem de Karabağ Savaşı’nı Türk romanına taşıyan dikkat çekici romandır. Azerbaycan Türklerinin yaşadıklarından hareketle müstakil bir vatanda yaşamanın önemini fark ettirerek vatana bağlılığın anlamını somutlaştırması açısından da önemlidir. Osman Gazi Kandemir bu romanıyla tarihî bir gerçeği kurguya yedirip Azerbaycan Türklerinin yakın tarihte yaşadıkları büyük felâketi hatırlatarak toplumsal hafızayı canlı tutmayı hedeflemiştir.
Empatía y percepción del riesgo del cambio climático en estudiantes de Ciencias de la Salud
Authors: Salazar-Ceballos Alexander , Álvarez-Miño Lidice
Published: July 2020

Para determinar el aumento de los niveles de empatía y percepción del riesgo del cambio climático en estudiantes universitarios de la salud se realizó un estudio cuasi-experimental. La intervención fue una estrategia educativa. Se seleccionaron por conveniencia dos grupos de estudiantes de ciencias de la salud. Los niveles de empatía se midieron con la Escala de Empatía Médica de Jefferson versión estudiantes y de la Encuesta de percepción sobre riesgo al cambio climático como una amenaza para la salud humana se midieron dos ítems: índice de percepción de riesgo y conocimiento sobre los efectos en la salud por causa del cambio climático. Se encontraron diferencias entre pre y post-test (p < 0,05). En el pre-test ambos grupos presentaron niveles de empatía altos con un promedio de 107. Para el post-test, el grupo experimental, presentó un aumento estadísticamente significativo en los niveles de empatía. Se establecieron correlaciones significativas entre empatía global y factores de empatía: cuidado con compasión y toma de perspectiva; y correlación significativa entre el factor de empatía Cuidado con compasión y Conocimiento sobre los efectos en la salud por el cambio climático. Este trabajo evidenció como una estrategia educativa puede fomentar la empatía en estudiantes de la salud.
Nefrectomía laparoscópica en un programa de donante vivo en la Costa Caribe de Colombia
Authors: Baez-Suarez Yenny , Amaya-Nieto Javier , Girón-Luque Fernando
Published: July 2020

La nefrectomía laparoscópica en donante vivo es la mejor opción en el proceso del trasplante para pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica en estadio cuatro y cinco. El objetivo del artículo es describir la experiencia en el programa de donante vivo de riñón entre el 2013 y el 2018 en Colombiana de Trasplantes en la costa Caribe colombiana. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo que incluyó una muestra consecutiva de 55 donantes vivos de riñón operados por Colombiana de Trasplantes, entre enero de 2013 y enero de 2018; se llevó a cabo el análisis estadístico de las variables relevantes. La media de la edad fue de 41 años. El 57,4% de los donantes fueron mujeres. El tiempo de cirugía tuvo una media de 1,9 horas. Ninguno de los pacientes falleció en el seguimiento a los seis meses y el promedio de la estancia hospitalaria posterior a la cirugía fue de dos días. Las variables relevantes y los desenlaces de los pacientes son similares a los de otros grupos de trasplantes, sin embargo, hay características específicas que pueden ayudar a mejorar las estrategias en salud en la costa Caribe colombiana.
Procedure for the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders: application in underground mining works
Authors: Rodríguez-Ruíz Yordán , Pérez-Mergarejo Elizabeth , Barrantes-Pastor Walter Alejandro
Published: July 2020

The incidence and prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders is currently one of the most important challenges facing the mining sector. This paper proposes a procedure to prevent these diseases, based on the active participation of workers. The procedure was structured in four stages: hazard identification, risk assessment, proposal of improvements, and implementation and follow-up. To support the application of the procedure, a set of ergonomic methods and tools appropriate for mining work were proposed. The main results of the application of the procedure in an underground mine in Peru are shown, demonstrating its practical value, as well as its usefulness in the improvement of working conditions and in the creation of a preventive culture. The proposed procedure is expected to serve as a reference in the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders in mining works.
Comportamiento psicométrico de la Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale-15 (SAS-15) versión español, durante el aislamiento físico por pandemia por Covid-19
Authors: Rodríguez-de Avila Ubaldo Enrique , Leon-Valle Zuleima Lucía , Ceballos-Ospino Guillermo Augusto
Published: July 2020

En diciembre del año 2019 surgió un brote sin precedentes de neumonía de etiología desconocida en la ciudad de Wuhan (Hubei, China) y a partir de ahí un nuevo coronavirus fue identificado como el agente causal y posteriormente la enfermedad fue denominada COVID-19 por la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS), considerado un pariente del síndrome respiratorio agudo severo (SARS) y del síndrome respiratorio de Medio Oriente (MERS), causado por un betacoronavirus llamado SARS-CoV-2 que afecta el tracto respiratorio inferior y se manifiesta como neumonía en humanos1. Es así que, desde todo el mes de febrero de 2020, la pandemia de la enfermedad por coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) en la provincia de Hubei, China, estaba en su apogeo, lo que requería el aislamiento físico de la población. Esta circunstancia se extendió por todo el mundo y el Aislamiento Físico es la estrategia fundamental para contener la velocidad de expansión de la enfermedad y evitar que los sistemas de salud en países como Colombia colapsen.
INOVAÇÕES SOCIAIS E TERRITORIAIS NA GESTÃO DE RESÍDUOS SÓLIDOS URBANOS:
Authors: De Oliveira Neves Fabio
Published: July 2020

Programas de troca de lixo por alimentos vêm sendo adotados por cidades brasileiras de diferentes tamanhos. Envolvem múltiplos atores com distintas funções (cooperativas de catadores, pequenos produtores rurais etc.). Podem ser considerados como inovações de baixo custo que têm aliado o incentivo à reciclagem com o reforço alimentar de famílias pobres. Este artigo busca refletir sobre os potenciais deste tipo de programa e recursos, por exemplo as moedas verdes, que o potencializam. Os resultados expõem alguns elementos centrais no desenvolvimento destes, como a continuidade e previsibilidade do programa, assim como a importância de resultados mais imediatos, como o reforço na segurança alimentar das famílias. Fazem parte, portanto, de uma iniciativa relevante em prol de uma gestão mais criativa dos resíduos sólidos urbanos.
TERRITORIALIDADES LGBTs:
Authors: Leite Maiara , Zanetti Valéria , Toniolo Maria Angélica
Published: July 2020

Este estudo, reflexivo, descritivo e exploratório, visa discutir como a população LGBT produz e ocupa os espaços da República e do Baixo Augusta, localizados no centro da cidade de São Paulo, concebidos nesse estudo como territórios, que concentram a diversidade homoerótica. Além de referências conceituais sobre Território e Região Moral, utilizou-se como recurso metodológico depoimentos de seis indivíduos da comunidade LGBT para entender a visão destes sobre os espaços de sociabilidades e encontros na cidade de São Paulo. O estudo mostrou que a região da República e Baixo Augusta, ao mesmo tempo que acolhe a população LGBT, reitera e consagra as desigualdades, legitimadas pela lógica do mercado.
XAMANISMO E REDES DE RELAÇÕES INTERINDÍGENAS: AMAZÔNIA E NORDESTE BRASILEIRO
Authors: Andrade Ugo Maia
Published: July 2020

Trata-se de produzir considerações a partir de dois contextos etnográficos distintos de relações de trocas interindígenas baseadas no xamanismo: o submédio São Francisco (divisa BA/PE) e o baixo Oiapoque e rio Uaçá (fronteira Brasil/Guiana Francesa). Caracterizadas por suas respectivas literaturas etnológicas como antigas zonas de contato entre índios e entre índios e não índios – experimentando densamente as presenças colonial e missionária – as regiões em pauta apresentam ainda hoje relevantes circuitos de trocas xamânicas que vão da complementaridade ritual à dissensão provocada por acusações de feitiçaria, modulando relações políticas intra e intercomunitárias. Essas permutas estão conectadas a outras de tipos matrimonial, comercial, etc., não configurando um domínio autônomo de relações intersociais. Contudo, dada a importância dos intercâmbios rituais nos registros das relações interindígenas em ambas regiões, faz-se necessário indagar e cotejar os princípios que os ordenam e suas transformações nas respectivas histórias regionais
Production of economic statistics for tourist accommodation services of Belo Horizonte under the flexible geography approach
Authors: César Soares Gonçalves Caio
Published: July 2020

This paper aims to produce an experimental economic statistic for the tourist accommodation services for Belo Horizonte under a flexible geography perspective. The starting point is the definition of economic activities in the tourist accommodation concept. The methodology adopted is up-down divided into four steps including filtering processes to accompany the definition, discounts related to obtaining information only for the tourists and procedures for adjustments to the statistics always being compared to the official disclosures and respecting the sum of regions. This analysis revealed an erratic behaviour of the number of establishments in Belo Horizonte across the years and half of the workforce is concentrated in micro and small enterprises. The data from the perspective of the flexible geography allowed to verify where the almost R$ 86 million indicated by the value added of the tourist accommodations were located in 2015.

Keywords: Economic Statistics. Economic Geography. Accommodation Services. Flexible Geography.
Management of Glioblastoma Multiforme by Phytochemicals: Applications of Nanoparticle-Based Targeted Drug Delivery System
Authors: Mumtaz Sayed M. , Bhardwaj Gautam , Goswami Shikha , Tonk Rajiv Kumar , Goyal Ramesh K. , Abu-Izneid Tareq , Pottoo Faheem Hyder
Published: July 2020

The Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM; grade IV astrocytoma) exhorts tumors of star-shaped
glial cells in the brain. It is a fast-growing tumor that spreads to nearby brain regions specifically to
cerebral hemispheres in frontal and temporal lobes. The etiology of GBM is unknown, but major risk
factors are genetic disorders like neurofibromatosis and schwannomatosis, which develop the tumor in
the nervous system. The management of GBM with chemo-radiotherapy leads to resistance, and current
drug regimen like Temozolomide (TMZ) is less efficacious. The reasons behind the failure of
drugs are due to DNA alkylation in the cell cycle by enzyme DNA guanidase and mitochondrial dysfunction.
Naturally occurring bioactive compounds from plants referred as phytochemicals, serve as
vital sources for anti-cancer drugs. Some prototypical examples include taxol analogs, vinca alkaloids
(vincristine, vinblastine), podophyllotoxin analogs, camptothecin, curcumin, aloe-emodin, quercetin,
berberine etc. These phytochemicals often regulate diverse molecular pathways, which are implicated
in the growth and progression of cancers. However, the challenges posed by the presence of
BBB/BBTB to restrict the passage of these phytochemicals, culminates in their low bioavailability and
relative toxicity. In this review, we integrated nanotech as a novel drug delivery system to deliver phytochemicals
from traditional medicine to the specific site within the brain for the management of
GBM.
In-vitro Bactericidal Activity of a Novel Plant Source Plumeria pudica against Some Human and Fish Pathogenic Bacteria
Authors: Das Shubhaisi , Burman Sunanda , Chandra Goutam
Published: July 2020

Background:

The only remedy for up surging problem of antibiotic resistance is the
discovery of antibacterial agents of natural origin.

Objective:

The present study was aimed at finding antibacterial potential of crude and solvent extracts
of mature leaves of Plumeria pudica.

Methods:

Antibacterial activity of three different solvent extracts were evaluated in four human
and four fish pathogenic bacteria by measuring the zone of inhibition and determining Minimum
Inhibitory Concentration and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration values. Standard antibiotics
were used as positive control. Preliminary phytochemical screening of most effective extract i.e.,
ethyl acetate extract, Fourier Transform Infra Red analysis and GC-MS analysis of the Thin Layer
Chromatographic (TLC) fraction of ethyl acetate extract were done meticulously. All experiments
were done thrice and analyzed statistically.

Results:

Crude leaf extracts and solvent extracts caused good inhibition of bacterial growth in all
selected bacteria. Ethyl acetate extract showed highest inhibition zones in all tested strains with
maximum inhibition (19.50±0.29 mm) in Escherichia coli (MTCC 739). MBC/MIC of the extracts
indicated that all three solvent extracts were bactericidal. Preliminary phytochemical tests revealed
the presence of tannins, steroids and alkaloids and FT-IR analysis revealed presence of many functional
groups namely alcoholic, amide, amine salt and aldehyde groups. From the GC-MS analysis of
TLC fraction of ethyl acetate extract, five different bioactive compounds e.g., 2,4-ditert –butylphenyl
5-hydroxypentanoate, Oxalic acid; allyl nonyl ester, 7,9-Ditert-butyl-1-oxaspiro(4,5)deca-6,9-diene-
2,8-dione, Dibutyl phthalate and 2,3,5,8-tetramethyl-decane were identified.

Conclusion:

Leaf extracts of P. pudica contain bioactive compounds that can be used as broad spectrum bactericidal agent.
Acute Hemorrhagic Edema of Infancy: A Diagnostic Challenge for the General Pediatrician
Authors: Leung Alexander K.C. , Leong Kin F. , Lam Joseph M.
Published: July 2020

Background::

Acute hemorrhagic edema of infancy (AHEI), a benign and self-limited
disease, can be easily mistaken to be a number of diseases with similar dermatological manifestations
but with potentially adverse outcomes.

Objective:

This review aimed to familiarize pediatricians with the natural history, clinical manifestations,
diagnosis, and management of AHEI.

Methods:

A PubMed search was conducted in February 2020 in Clinical Queries using the key
terms “acute hemorrhagic edema of infancy” OR “Finkelstein disease” OR “Seidlmayer disease”.
The search strategy included meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, clinical trials, observational
studies, and reviews published within the past 10 years. Only papers published in the English
literature were included in this review. The information retrieved from the above search was used
in the compilation of the present article.

Results:

AHEI, a rare cutaneous leukocytoclastic small-vessel vasculitis, typically presents with
palpable purpura, peripheral acral edema, and frequently with fever, most often in children between
4 and 24 months of age. A significant number of children experience prodromal symptoms of an
upper respiratory infection. Fever is typically low grade and is present in approximately 50% of
cases. The cutaneous lesions are characterized by rapid onset of small erythematous macules or
papules that progress to well demarcated, annular, rosette, medallion-like, or targetoid purpuric
plaques or ecchymosis in 24 to 48 hours. The skin lesions are typically palpable, nonpruritic, and
symmetrically distributed. Sites of predilection include the face, auricles, and extremities. Edema is
typically nonpitting and asymmetrical and occurs primarily on the dorsum of the hands and feet,
the face, and the auricles. In spite of the acuteness and extent of the cutaneous findings, the child
looks well and nontoxic. Systemic and/or visceral involvement are rare. The differential diagnosis
is broad and includes, among others, Henoch-Schönlein purpura. It is crucial to distinguish AHEI
from the other diseases since the management of these diseases is quite different. The clinical features
of mimickers of AHEI are reviewed and clues to differentiate AHEI from these mimickers are
highlighted..AHEI is a benign, self-limited disease with complete spontaneous recovery in one to
three weeks in the majority of cases.

Conclusion:

Recognizing this rare disease is important for the pediatrician to rapidly differentiate
AHEI from other potentially serious diseases that require prompt therapy and monitoring. With
rapid recognition of AHEI, unnecessary investigations and inappropriate interventions can be prevented
and parental anxiety can be avoided.
In silico Study to Evaluate the Antiviral Activity of Novel Structures against 3C-like Protease of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and SARS-CoV
Authors: Chunduru Kiran , Sankhe Runali , Begum Farmiza , Sodum Nalini , Kumar Nitesh , Kishore Anoop , Shenoy Rekha R. , Rao Chamallamudi M. , Saravu Kavitha
Published: July 2020

Background:

Globally, over 4.3 million laboratory confirmed cases of COVID-19 have
been reported from over 105 countries. No FDA approved antiviral is available for the treatment of
this infection. Zhavoronkov et al., with their generative chemistry pipeline, have generated structures
that can be potential novel drug-like inhibitors for COVID-19, provided they are validated. 3C–like
protease (3CLP) is a homodimeric cysteine protease that is present in coronaviruses. Interestingly,
3CLP is 96.1% structurally similar between SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2.

Objective:

To evaluate interaction of generated structures with 3CLP of SARS-CoV (RCSB PDB ID:
4MDS).

Methods:

Crystal structure of human SARS-CoV with a non-covalent inhibitor with resolution: 1.598
Å was obtained and molecular docking was performed to evaluate the interaction with generated
structures. The MM-GBSA and IFD-SP were performed to narrow down to the structures with better
binding energy and IFD score. The ADME analysis was performed on top 5 hits and further MD
simulation was employed for top 2 hits.

Results:

In XP docking, IFD-SP and molecular dynamic simulation studies, the top 2 hits 32 and 61
showed interaction with key amino acid residue GLU166. Structure 61, also showed interaction with
HIS164. These interactions of generated structure 32 and 61, with GLU166 and HIS164, indicate the
binding of the selected drug within the close proximity of 3CLP. In the MD simulation, the protein–
ligand complex of 4MDS and structure 61 was found to be more stable for 10ns.

Conclusion:

These identified structures can be further assessed for their antiviral activity to combat
SARS-CoV and COVID-19.
COVID 19, All a Radiologist Needs to Know: A Narrative Review
Authors: Shobeirian Farzaneh
Published: July 2020

Background:

Coronaviruses are non-segmented enveloped positive-sense single-strand
RNA viruses, and COVID-19 is the seventh known coronavirus, infecting humans.

Objective:

As the COVID-19 continued to spread the world wildly, every radiologist or clinician
needs to be familiar with its imaging findings.

Methods:

In this study, we reviewed available studies to provide a comprehensive statement on
COVID-19 imaging findings.

Results:

Ground-glass opacities, linear opacities, interlobular septal thickening, consolidation, and
Crazy-paving patterns are the most frequent findings in computed tomography (CT) of lungs in
patients with COVID-19 pneumonia, which are mostly bilateral, multifocal, and peripheral. Staff
needs to follow some rules to reduce infection transmission.

Conclusion:

COVID-19 pneumonia is a new global concern that has many unknown features. In this
article, the radiologic characteristics of COVID-19 pneumonia are discussed. We also discussed
appropriate protective measures that the radiology team should be aware of.
Levofloxacin Versus Ceftriaxone for the Treatment of Acute Pyelonephritis in Iranian Adults
Authors: Tehrani Shabnam , Elyasi Fereshteh , Abolghasemi Sara
Published: July 2020

Introduction:

Acute pyelonephritis is among the most common bacterial infections. Options
for initial treatment of pyelonephritis include an extended-spectrum cephalosporin or a fluoroquinolone.
This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of patients receiving ceftriaxone to
those who received levofloxacin for the treatment of acute pyelonephritis.

Methods:

In this randomized, open-label trial, hospitalized adults with acute pyelonephritis were
treated with ceftriaxone (1g IV every 12 hours) or levofloxacin (750 mg IV daily) for at least 7
days. Clinical and microbiological characteristics were compared among patients treated with ceftriaxone
and levofloxacin.

Results:

A total of 59 patients were randomized, 30 to the ceftriaxone group and 29 to the levofloxacin
group. The clinical response was that 68.0% of patients in the ceftriaxone group and
56.0% of patients in the levofloxacin group were cured. The microbiological response, i.e. pathogen
eradication rates was 68.7% in the ceftriaxone group and 21.4% in the levofloxacin group. (P
value=0.00028) Escherichia coli was the most common pathogen (n = 31), followed by Klebsiella
pneumoniae (n = 21). High resistance rates were detected for cotrimoxazole (55%), ciprofloxacin
(48%), and ceftriaxone (34.4%) in isolated E.coli. Likewise, all K. pneumoniae isolates were resistant
to ciprofloxacin.

Conclusions:

This study indicates that ceftriaxone was more effective than levofloxacin in the treatment
of acute pyelonephritis, on the basis of microbiological response, but there were no statistically
significant differences between the treatment groups in the rates of clinical cure. The resistance
of uropathogens to the most used antibiotics was relatively high. Choosing the treatment regimen
based on susceptibility testing results and shortening the duration of the therapy are now recommended
to be the most important approaches to decrease the spread of antibiotic resistance worldwide.
One Pot Conversion of Carboxylic Acid to Ketone Using Trimethylsilyl Chloride
Authors: Mekonnen Habtamu G. , Jana Samaresh
Published: July 2020

Background:

Ketone is abundant in many natural products and in pharmaceuticals. It is believed to be one of
the important functional groups in organic chemistry. Till date,several research approaches have been made to access ketone from a readily available starting materials. One such notable transformation consists of the conversion of carboxylic
acid to the corresponding ketone in a one pot manner.

Objective:

We aimed to develop a simple one pot reaction for the conversion of carboxylic acid to ketone. This reaction
could be useful to convert all types of carboxylic acid to ketone in a facile manner.

Methods:

In this procedure, a carboxylic acid has been converted to the corresponding trimethylsilyl ester using trimethylsilyl chloride in the presence of a base. A suitable organometallic reagent can interact with the ester formed at 20°C
to produce the corresponding ketone.

Results:

Under the optimized reaction conditions, various aromatic, aliphatic and heteroaromatic carboxylic acids have
been converted to the corresponding ketones using organolithium reagents, in a one pot manner. Moderate to good yields
of the desired ketones were observed in most of the transformations.

Conclusion:

Conversion of carboxylic acid to ketone has been reported in a one pot fashion, where carboxylic acid has been
transformed to its silyl ester. Organolithium reagents were used as nucleophile for our reaction purpose, whereas the organomagnesium reagents were not useful for this transformation. Aliphatic, aromatic and heteroaromatic carboxylic acids have
been converted to the ketones following a simple process.
Design of Automatic Recharging System of Robot Based on RFID Radio Frequency Technology
Authors: Xiao Zheng
Published: July 2020

Background:

In order to study the interference of wired transmission mode on robot motion,
a mobile robot attitude calculation and debugging system based on radio frequency (RF) technology
are proposed.

Methods:

Microcontroller STM32 has been used as the control core for the attitude information of
the robot by using MEMS gyroscope and accelerometer. The optimal attitude Angle of the robot is
calculated through nRF24L01, which is the core of the wireless communication module, attitude
acquisition module and wireless data communication upper computer application platform.

Results:

The results show that the positioning accuracy is better than ± 5mm.

Conclusion:

Radio frequency, automatic recharging, infrared ray, positioning accuracy, radio frequency identification, system
structure.
A Novel Dynamic Weight Allocation Method for Assessing the Health Status of Remote Terminal Unit in Distribution Automation System Based on AHM and GRA
Authors: Bian Xinhao , Tang Jinrui , Chen Guoyan , Mo Wenxiong , Wang Hongbin
Published: July 2020

Background:

The Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) in the Distribution Automation System
(DAS) are widely used in the field in recent years. It is lack of sample data in different operation
status that makes the RTU maintenance improper. The weight allocation for the monitoring indicators
in the health status evaluation needs to be identified efficiently and properly.

Methods:

A systematic health status assessment indicator system is constructed firstly. Then, a hybrid
indicator weight allocation algorithm based on the Attribute Hierarchy Model (AHM) and grey
relational degree (GRA) is proposed to identify the elementary item in the weight allocation under
small sample condition. The final indicator weight would be dynamically adjusted according to the
equilibrium coefficient, which is determined by the indicator condition parameter.

Results:

The simulation results show that the weight allocation can be effectively and reasonably
adjusted according to the indicator value even under small sample condition.

Conclusion:

The expert experience and objective data laws are combined and used in our proposed
dynamic weight allocation method. It can be used to assess the health status of RTU in the electrical
power distribution network.
A Fast and Reliable Balanced Approach for Detecting and Tracking Road Vehicles
Authors: Farag Wael
Published: July 2020

Introduction:

An advanced, reliable and fast vehicle detection-and-tracking technique
is proposed, implemented and tested. In this paper, an advanced-and-reliable vehicle detectionand-
tracking technique is proposed and implemented. The Real-Time Vehicle Detection-and-
Tracking (RT_VDT) technique is well suited for Advanced Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS)
applications or Self-Driving Cars (SDC).

Methods:

The Real-Time Vehicle Detection-and-Tracking (RT_VDT) is proposed, and it is
mainly a pipeline of reliable computer-vision and machine-learning algorithms that augment
each other and take in raw RGB images to produce the required boundary boxes of the vehicles
that appear in the front driving space of the car. The main emphasis is the careful fusion of the
employed algorithms, where some of them work in parallel to strengthen each other in order to
produce a precise and sophisticated real-time output.

Results:

The RT_VDT is tested and its performance is evaluated using actual road images and
videos captured by the front-mounted camera of the car as well as on the KITTI benchmark. The
evaluation of the RT_VDT shows that it reliably detects and tracks vehicle boundaries under
various conditions.

Discussion:

Robust real-time vehicle detection and tracking is required for Advanced Driving
Assistance Systems (ADAS) applications or Self-Driving Cars (SDC).
A peaceful solution to the nuclear tension in the Korean peninsula
Authors: Torres Rojas Gloria Milena
Published: July 2020

In spite of the efforts of the international community to solve the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) nuclear crisis, this issue remains unsolved. The relevance of this matter lies in the need to find a permanent solution to the crisis that leads to a total denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. Therefore, the aim of this article is to demonstrate the need of a peaceful solution to the DPRK nuclear issue in which the security concerns of North Korea are addressed by signing a peace treaty with Pyongyang that ensures that the United States will not attack the regime, will remove its troops from South Korea and will finish its military drills with this ally. This article will discuss what elements will be necessary to achieve a peaceful solution to this nuclear conundrum.
Diplomacia comercial China-Estados Unidos: enfoques metodológicos y sistémicos
Authors: Lechuga-Cardozo Jorge Isaac
Published: July 2020

El presente artículo es producto de una revisión bibliográfica, cuyo objetivo consistió en analizar los diferentes enfoques internacionales que explican la diplomacia comercial actual entre China y Estados Unidos desde las relaciones internacionales. Se aplicó el método de análisis, con un enfoque cualitativo, diseño no experimental, bajo un nivel documental-bibliográfico transversal. Tras la revisión documental se enlistan los elementos que le han permitido a China hacer frente a las restricciones arancelarias impuestas por el gobierno de Estados Unidos. Se concluye que la política proteccionista en la estrategia de gobierno de los Estados Unidos tiene un trasfondo geopolítico a favor de fuerzas “nacionalistas” y “americanistas” por recuperar el poder angloamericano.
El Estado Islámico, el salafismo y la securitización de la religión
Authors: Ospina Morales Guillermo
Published: July 2020

La securitización, como enfoque teórico, permite comprender las dinámicas que se producen cuando un asunto se considera un tema de seguridad. No obstante, cuando la religión se aborda como objeto referente, produce una dinámica tanto ofensiva como defensiva para responder a la amenaza. En este sentido, se analiza cómo el Estado Islámico realiza un proceso de securitización de la religión que se fundamenta en principios teológicos, y bajo el cual enmarca sus objetivos, legitima sus acciones, define al enemigo y controla a la población. De esta manera, se acude al concepto de “ramas de la securitización” para comprender las diferentes audiencias a las que dirige su discurso salafista.
Guerra cultural en el capitalismo tardío: apuntes desde el libro negro de la nueva izquierda, un análisis a partir de la obra del pensador Slavoj Žižek
Authors: González Julián , Rodríguez Moreno Ana Catalina
Published: July 2020

Tomando como punto de partida El libro negro de la nueva izquierda de los escritores argentinos Nicolás Márquez y Agustín Laje, el presente artículo hace un análisis de la corriente ideológica denominada Alt Right o derecha alternativa, con el propósito de intentar comprender el modo en que la guerra cultural entre conservadores morales y progresistas funciona como mecanismo de desplazamiento de las contradicciones inherentes al actual capitalismo global. Todo esto, a la luz de las importantes reflexiones realizadas por el pensador esloveno Slavoj Žižek, con relación a la actual era de liberalismo posideológico y el mecanismo pospolítico de renegación del acto político.
Telehealth for Noncritical Patients With Chronic Diseases During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Liu Na , Huang Robin , Baldacchino Tanya , Sud Archana , Sud Kamal , Khadra Mohamed , Kim Jinman
Published: July 2020

During the recent coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, telehealth has received greater attention due to its role in reducing hospital visits from patients with COVID-19 or other conditions, while supporting home isolation in patients with mild symptoms. The needs of patients with chronic diseases tend to be overlooked during the pandemic. With reduced opportunities for routine clinic visits, these patients are adopting various telehealth services such as video consultation and remote monitoring. We advocate for more innovative designs to be considered to enhance patients’ feelings of “copresence”—a sense of connection with another interactant via digital technology—with their health care providers during this time. The copresence-enhanced design has been shown to reduce patients’ anxiety and increase their confidence in managing their chronic disease condition. It has the potential to reduce the patient’s need to reach out to their health care provider during a time when health care resources are being stretched.