bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coronary heart disease mortality is decreasing in Argentina and Colombia, but keeps increasing in Mexico: a time trend study
Authors: Arroyo-Quiroz Carmen , Barrientos-Gutierrez Tonatiuh , O'Flaherty Martin , Guzman-Castillo Maria , Mejia Lina Sofia Palacio , Saldarriaga Elkin de Jesus Osorio , Rodriguez Andrea Yanira Rodriguez
Published: September 2019

Background : Coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality rates have decreased in most countries but increased in low and middle-income countries. Few studies have analyzed CHD mortality trends in Latin America, specifically trends in young-adults and the effect of correcting these comparisons for nonspecific causes of death (garbage codes).Objective: To describe and compare standardized, age-specific, and garbage-code corrected mortality trends for CHD from 1985 to 2015 in Argentina, Colombia and Mexico. Methods: CHD deaths were grouped by country, year of registration, sex and 10-year age bands to calculate age-adjusted and age and sex specific rates for adults aged ≥25. We corrected for garbage-codes using the Global Burden of Disease methodology. Finally, we fitted Joinpoint regression models.Results: In 1985, age-standardized mortality rates per 100,000 were 136.6 in Argentina, 160.6 in Colombia and 87.51 in Mexico. Compared to 2015, mortality fell in Argentina and Colombia (51% and 6.5% respectively) and increased by 61% in Mexico. The steepest decline was observed in Argentinian women, and the sharpest increment in Mexican men. There has been an upward trend in young Mexicans since 1985. Garbage-code corrections produced increases in mortality rates, particularly in Argentina: approximately 80 additional deaths per 100,000 (14 in Colombia and 13 in Mexico). Conclusions: Latin American countries are at different stages of the epidemic. The disease burdens are bigger after correcting for misclassification. Although CHD mortality is falling in Argentina, the modest falls in Colombia and substantial rises in Mexico highlight the region’s need for effective, population-wide prevention policies.
Current Status In Kedir City Towards 90-90-90 Unaids Target (A Case study of Pesantren 1 Health Center)
Authors: Ssekalembe Geofrey , Isfandiari Muhammad Atoillah
Published: September 2019

Introduction In 2016, UN Member States committed to reduce new HIV infections to fewer than 500,000 annually by 2020, a 75% reduction compared with 2010, reduce AIDS-related deaths to fewer than 500 000 globally as a means of ending AIDS by 2030. The main UNAIDS 2020 target is to ensure that 90% of the people living with HIV know their status, 90% of the people living with HIV (who know their HIV status as positive) are already on ART treatment, 90% of people on treatment are virally suppressed. The objective of the study is to determine the current situation towards the 2020 90-9-90 UNAIDS target and the factors associated with HIV viral load suppression at Pesantren 1 Health center Method The study was a cross sectional study at Pesantren 1 Health Center in Kediri city. The researcher collected secondary data at from the January 2018 till May 2019, carried in depth interviews, then determined the percentage of HIV positive patients that did a HIV test and received their results as Positive, the percentage of HIV positive patients that started ART treatment, the percentage of HIV positive patients that have viral load suppression from the viral load tests done. The researcher used the chi square analysis to determine the significant factors that may determine viral suppression that are already on ART treatment and then applied the binary logistic regression to determine the significant factors that determine viral suppression among the HIV positive patients that are already on ART treatment. Results The progress towards the 90-90-90 UNAIDS target was at 2.4%, 93.4%, 20.5%. The time taken by the HIV positive patient to start ART treatment from the time of confirmation of HIV positive and the time taken to take the first viral load test from the time when this patient started ART treatment were significantly influencing Viral load suppression. Conclusion There is need to scale up HIV case-detection capacity through creating awareness about HIV, HIV testing and counselling (HTC), reducing stigma and discrimination and also need to expand of the ART services so as to achieve the 90-0-90 UNAIDS target.
Exploring pregnant women interest and anxiety to use the Internet and their perception and trust toward online information
Authors: Ahmadian Leila , Khajouei Reza , Kamali Sudabeh , Mirzaee Moghaddameh
Published: September 2019

Background The Internet often represents a source of accessible information. The aim of this study was to examine pregnant women’s interest and anxiety when they use the Internet and also to determine the criteria by which they evaluated the correctness and reliability of the information on the Internet.Methods A descriptive study was conducted between April and July 2015. The pregnant women at the offices of obstetricians/gynecologists were invited to participate in the study by filling out a questionnaire.Results Of the 450 distributed questionnaires, 420 were completed and analyzed. The mean of interest and anxiety scores respectively was 12.21 and 6.69 out of 20. The most important criteria for judging the reliability and trustworthiness of a website were whether its information is continuously updated (69.2%), or it is recommended by a doctor, nurse or other health professionals (63.1%).Conclusions : Since the interest to a website lowers the anxiety of pregnant women to use it, it is recommended to consider pregnant women’s preferences and needs and follow user-centered approaches when designing websites. Medical content of the websites also should be carefully reviewed by a multidisciplinary board of medical specialists for the correctness and reliability of the information.
Cutaneous Leishmaniasis A Neglected Tropical Disease: Community Knowledge, Attitude And Practices In An Endemic Area, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Tamiru Helina Fikre , Mashalla Yohana James , Mohammed Rezika , Tshweneagae Gloria Thupayagale
Published: September 2019

Background
Cutaneous leishmaniasis is one of the neglected tropical diseases in the Ethiopian highlands and studies on assessment of knowledge, attitude and practice of the community in endemic areas are scanty. The study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude towards cutaneous leishmaniasis and treatment seeking practices in people living in the endemic highlands areas in the Northwest, Ethiopia and provide evidence-based information to guide development of appropriate interventions to reduce the impact of cutaneous leishmaniasis on communities.
Methods
Quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted in cutaneous leishmaniasis endemic districts (woredas) using a semi structured questionnaires. Households were randomly selected according to probability proportional to size of households in each enumeration area. Systematic random sampling of eligible households was based on the number of households recorded during listing of households. Descriptive statistics was used to describe numerical data, organise and summarise the data in a manner that gave meaning to the numerical form. Frequency tables were used to show descriptive analysis and regression analysis was used to determine correlation between variables.
Results
Majority of respondents 321(78.7%) lived in rural areas, age ranged between 18 and 85 years and most were farmers. Illiteracy was high (47.6%) among respondents and majority 358(87.8%) had seen patients with CL. Less than quarter (21.6%) had heard about sand flies and knowledge on the peak transmission period was low (46.3%). About 192 (47.1%) of the respondents indicated disfiguring lesions were the major clinical presentations, less than half 55(27.5%) of urban residents believed CL was treatable compared to 145(72.5%) of rural residents (P < 0.001). Traditional medicines were indicated as best treatment option by 209(51.2%) compared to 114(27.9%) for modern treatment. Major factors influencing treatment options included accessibility to treatment facilities, distance and short duration of treatment. Participants expressed negative experiential attitude and perceived control towards modern treatment because of inaccessibility and distance from where modern treatment is provided.
Conclusion
Priority should be given to primary prevention and appropriate awareness campaigns on lesion recognition, prevention. Information on modern treatment should be intensified.
Blade Aeration Effects on Near‐Surface Permeability and Overland Flow Likelihood on Two Stagnosol Pastures in Cumbria, UK
Authors: Wallace Ethan E. , Chappell Nick A.
Published: September 2019

Overland flow (OF) from permanent pastures is believed to be a rapid pathway to the drainage network and potentially contributes to flooding within numerous grassland regions of the world. Studies investigating whether aeration can reduce observed OF have revealed mixed findings. To improve process interpretation within these studies, topsoil saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) and penetration resistance (PR) were measured at two permanent Stagnosol (Aquic soil) pastures (P1 and P2) within Cumbria, UK, after blade aeration to 10 cm. Results were measured 2, 6, 13, and 21 wk post‐aeration and compared with the local rainfall record to assess the impact on infiltration excess overland flow (IEOF) likelihood (when rainfall intensity exceeds soil infiltration capacity). Within P1, aeration significantly increased Ks by up to a factor of 7.5 and caused several significant reductions in PR between 5 and 15 cm. Aeration decreased the IEOF likelihood during the 13‐ and 21‐wk sampling dates, reducing IEOF likelihood from up to 11.4% of rainfall periods pre‐aeration to 0.0926% of rainfall periods post‐aeration. Aeration within P2 revealed no significant increases in Ks, and no PR change besides a significant increase at 10 cm. The IEOF likelihood was virtually identical between aerated and unaerated treatments within P2. The study highlights that aeration can significantly improve Ks and PR, as well as substantially reduce the likelihood of IEOF generation, although benefits can be site specific.

Core Ideas

Aeration can significantly increase topsoil permeability and reduce compaction.

Aeration can substantially lower the likelihood of infiltration excess overland flow.

Aeration may be ineffective on impermeable subsoils or highly compacted sites.

Ex situ permeability results may have limited application within aeration research.

Combined BACI and paired‐plot approaches are advised for future aeration studies.
Distributions and Conservation Status of Carrot Wild Relatives in Tunisia: A Case Study in the Western Mediterranean Basin
Authors: Mezghani Najla , Khoury Colin K. , Carver Daniel , Achicanoy Harold A. , Simon Philipp , Flores Fernando Martínez , Spooner David
Published: September 2019

Crop wild relatives, the wild progenitors and closely related cousins of cultivated plant species, are sources of valuable genetic resources for crop improvement. Persisting gaps in knowledge of taxonomy, distributions, and characterization for traits of interest constrain their expanded use in plant breeding and likewise negatively affect ex situ (in genebanks) and in situ (in natural habitats) conservation planning. We compile the state of knowledge on the taxonomy and distributions of the wild relatives of carrot (genus Daucus L.) natively occurring within Tunisia—a hotspot of diversity of the genus, containing 13 taxa (27% of species worldwide). We use ecogeographic information to characterize their potential adaptations to abiotic stresses of interest in crop breeding and assess their ex situ and in situ conservation status. We find substantial ecogeographic variation both across taxa and between populations within taxa, with regard to adaptation to high temperatures, low precipitation, and other traits of potential interest. We categorize three of the taxa high priority for further conservation both ex situ and in situ, five medium priority, and five low priority, with none currently considered sufficiently conserved. Geographic hotspots for species diversity, especially in the northern coastal areas, represent particularly high value regions for efficient further collecting for ex situ conservation and for in situ protection in Tunisia.
Use of Freeze‐Thaw Purified Saline Water to Leach and Reclaim Gypsum‐Amended Saline‐Alkali Soils
Authors: Zhang Yue , Yang Jingsong , Huang Yanhe , Yao Rongjiang , Wang Ming Kuang , Lin Jinshi , Jiang Fangshi
Published: September 2019

Core Ideas

More salts were distributed in liquid water than saline ice during the saline water freeze‐thaw process.

Leaching with saline ice melt‐water was better than leaching with saline water at reducing soil EC and SAR.

Gypsum application could improve the soil Ks when leached by the saline ice melt‐water.

The addition of gypsum could eliminate the soil alkalinity hazards post leaching.

Saline‐alkali soils adversely affect both the construction of ecological landscapes and crop production in coastal areas. This study aimed to investigate the effects of freeze‐thaw process on purifying saline water, and evaluate the potential of combining saline ice melt‐water leaching and gypsum addition for remediating coastal saline‐alkali soil. Saline water with a salinity of 10 g L−1 was tested in this study, and the leaching experiment included four treatments: saline water direct leaching (S), saline water direct leaching combined with gypsum application (SG), saline ice melt‐water leaching (SI), and saline ice melt‐water leaching combined with gypsum application (SIG). The results showed that more salts were concentrated in the bottom ice layer than in the other ice layers after the saline water was completely frozen. The salinity of the melt‐water decreased during the melting process, and the mean salinity of melt‐water during the second half of the melting process was significantly lower than the salinity of source water samples. During the leaching phase, the cumulative leachate losses of Na+, Ca2+ and Mg2+ were significantly greater for the SI treatment than that for the S treatment. After leaching, the soil electrical conductivity (EC) significantly decreased, and the SI treatment exhibited better performance than the S treatment in terms of reducing the soil EC and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR). The application of gypsum improved the soil saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) and decreased both the soil pH and alkalinity when the coastal saline soil was leached by the saline ice melt‐water.
The Texas Soil Observation Network:A Comprehensive Soil Moisture Dataset for Remote Sensing and Land Surface Model Validation
Authors: Caldwell Todd G. , Bongiovanni Tara , Cosh Michael H. , Jackson Thomas J. , Colliander Andreas , Abolt Charles J. , Casteel Richard , Larson Toti , Scanlon Bridget R. , Young Michael H.
Published: September 2019

Core Ideas

TxSON is a Core Cal/Val Site for the NASA SMAP, SMOS, and Sentinel programs.

TxSON consists of 40 in situ locations nested within a 36‐km EASE2 grid cell.

Locations monitor soil moisture, temperature, and precipitation at 5, 10, 20, and 50 cm.

Hourly, quality‐controlled data from 2015 to 2018 are available.

The spatiotemporal variability of soil water content (SWC) at the remote sensing scale requires dense monitoring for calibration and validation. Here, we present an overview of the Texas Soil Observation Network (TxSON), an intensively monitored area in the semiarid rangelands of the central Texas Hill Country. TxSON is a dense network consisting of 40 in situ locations nested at 36, 9, and 3 km within the Equal‐Area Scalable Earth Grid and serves as a Core Calibration and Validation Site for NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive mission. The 4‐yr dataset consists of hourly SWC measured at 5, 10, 20, and 50 cm. The SWC data are upscaled using arithmetic, Voronoi, and inverse distance weighting for 36‐, (2) 9‐, and (5) 3‐km grid cells. We present the site selection, environmental characteristics, network design, quality assurance (QA), upscaling algorithms, and data structure. Ancillary data include bulk density, particle size, and carbon content for each site and depth. We also provide automated QA for each location and scripts to use our binary flagging in upscaling methods. To summarize, the 36‐km grid cell has a mean bulk density of 1.34 ± 0.18 g cm−3 and a loam textural class. The in situ SWC has a root mean square error of 0.029 m3 m−3 against gravimetric data from 14 field campaigns. TxSON continues to add new locations with additional dense networks planned in other ecotones of the Edwards Plateau. The time series data along with scripts to import, plot, and upscaled SWC are available at https://doi.org/10.18738/T8/JJ16CF.
Supercurrent-induced Majorana bound states in a planar geometry
Authors: Melo André , Rubbert Sebastian , Akhmerov Anton R.
Published: September 2019

We propose a new setup for creating Majorana bound states in a
two-dimensional electron gas Josephson junction. Our proposal relies
exclusively on a supercurrent parallel to the junction as a mechanism of
breaking time-reversal symmetry. We show that combined with spin-orbit
coupling, supercurrents induce a Zeeman-like spin splitting. Further, we
identify a new conserved quantity—charge-momentum parity—that prevents
the opening of the topological gap by the supercurrent in a straight
Josephson junction. We propose breaking this conservation law by adding
a third superconductor, introducing a periodic potential, or making the
junction zigzag-shaped. By comparing the topological phase diagrams and
practical limitations of these systems we identify the zigzag-shaped
junction as the most promising option.
Fazendo renda em casa e ‘no curso’:
Authors: Brussi Júlia Dias Escobar
Published: September 2019

O presente artigo busca apresentar o processo de aprendizagem da renda de bilro por meio de observações realizadas tanto no ambiente doméstico, como no curso de renda. Tem como objetivo principal destacar que os principais elementos desse processo são os mesmos. Independente do contexto a aprendizagem se dá na prática e importam aspectos como o engajamento ativo do aprendiz, sua vontade e empenho, além das repetições e observações atentas.
Quantification of Angiogenesis and Lymphangiogenesis in the Dual ex vivo Aortic and Thoracic Duct Assay
Authors: Wang Shuangyong , Yamakawa Michael , Santosa Samuel M. , Chawla Neeraj , Guo Kai , Montana Mario , Hallak Joelle A. , Han Kyu-Yeon , Ema Masatsugu , Rosenblatt Mark I. , Chang Jin-Hong , Azar Dimitri T.
Published: September 2019

Background::

Lymphatic vessel formation (lymphangiogenesis) plays important roles in cancer metastasis, organ rejection, and lymphedema, but the underlying molecular events remain unclear. Furthermore, despite significant overlap in the molecular families involved in angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, little is known about the crosstalk between these processes. The ex vivo aortic ring assay and lymphatic ring assay have enabled detailed studies of vessel sprouting, but harvesting and imaging clear thoracic duct samples remain challenging. Here we present a modified ex vivo dual aortic ring and thoracic duct assay using tissues from dual fluorescence reporter Prox1- GFP/Flt1-DsRed (PGFD) mice, which permit simultaneous visualization of blood and lymphatic endothelial cells.

Objective::

To characterize the concurrent sprouting of intrinsically fluorescent blood and lymphatic vessels from harvested aorta and thoracic duct samples.

Methods::

Dual aorta and thoracic duct specimens were harvested from PGFD mice, grown in six types of endothelial cell growth media (one control, five that each lack a specific growth factor), and visualized by confocal fluorescence microscopy. Linear mixed models were used to compare the extent of vessel growth and sprouting over a 28-day period.

Results::

Angiogenesis occurred prior to lymphangiogenesis in our assay. The control medium generally induced superior growth of both vessel types compared with the different modified media formulations. The greatest decrease in lymphangiogenesis was observed in vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C)-devoid medium, suggesting the importance of VEGF-C in lymphangiogenesis.

Conclusion::

The modified ex vivo dual aortic ring and thoracic duct assay represents a powerful tool for studying angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis in concert.
Crosstalk between Platelet and Bacteria: A Therapeutic Prospect
Authors: Yadav Vivek K. , Singh Pradeep K. , Agarwal Vishnu , Singh Sunil K.
Published: September 2019

Platelets are typically recognized for their roles in the maintenance of hemostasis and vascular wall repair to reduce blood loss. Beyond hemostasis, platelets also play a critical role in pathophysiological conditions like atherosclerosis, stroke, thrombosis, and infections. During infection, platelets interact directly and indirectly with bacteria through a wide range of cellular and molecular mechanisms. Platelet surface receptors such as GPIbα, FcγRIIA, GPIIbIIIa, and TLRs, etc. facilitate direct interaction with bacterial cells. Besides, the indirect interaction between platelet and bacteria involves host plasma proteins such as von Willebrand Factor (vWF), fibronectin, IgG, and fibrinogen. Bacterial cells induce platelet activation, aggregation, and thrombus formation in the microvasculature. The activated platelets induce the Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs) formation, which further contribute to thrombosis. Thus, platelets are extensively anticipated as vital immune modulator cells during infection, which may further lead to cardiovascular complications. In this review, we cover the interaction mechanisms between platelets and bacteria that may lead to the development of thrombotic disorders. Platelet receptors and other host molecules involved in such interactions can be used to develop new therapeutic strategies to combat against infection-induced cardiovascular complications. In addition, we highlight other receptor and enzyme targets that may further reduce infection-induced platelet activation and various pathological conditions.
Computational Strategy Revealing the Structural Determinant of Ligand Selectivity towards Highly Similar Protein Targets
Authors: Wang Hanxun , Gao Yinli , Wang Jian , Cheng Maosheng
Published: September 2019

Background:

Poor selectivity of drug candidates may lead to toxicity and side effects accounting for as high as 60% failure rate, thus, the selectivity is consistently significant and challenging for drug discovery.

Objective:

To find highly specific small molecules towards very similar protein targets, multiple strategies are always employed, including (1) To make use of the diverse shape of binding pocket to avoid steric bump; (2) To increase binding affinities for favorite residues; (3) To achieve selectivity through allosteric regulation of target; (4) To stabalize the inactive conformation of protein target and (5) To occupy dual binding pockets of single target.

Conclusion:

In this review, we summarize computational strategies along with examples of their successful applications in designing selective ligands, with the aim to provide insights into everdiversifying drug development practice and inspire medicinal chemists to utilize computational strategies to avoid potential side effects due to low selectivity of ligands.
The Use of Chemical Compounds to Identify the Regulatory Mechanisms of Vertebrate Circadian Clocks
Authors: Okamoto-Uchida Yoshimi , Nishimura Akari , Izawa Junko , Hattori Atsuhiko , Suzuki Nobuo , Hirayama Jun
Published: September 2019

Circadian clocks are intrinsic, time-tracking processes that confer a survival advantage on
an organism. Under natural conditions, they follow approximately a 24-h day, modulated by environmental
time cues, such as light, to maximize an organism’s physiological efficiency. The exact timing
of this rhythm is established by cell-autonomous oscillators called cellular clocks, which are controlled
by transcription–translation negative feedback loops. Studies of cell-based systems and wholeanimal
models have utilized a pharmacological approach in which chemical compounds are used to
identify molecular mechanisms capable of establishing and maintaining cellular clocks, such as posttranslational
modifications of cellular clock regulators, chromatin remodeling of cellular clock target
genes’ promoters, and stability control of cellular clock components. In addition, studies with chemical
compounds have contributed to the characterization of light-signaling pathways and their impact
on the cellular clock. Here, the use of chemical compounds to study the molecular, cellular, and behavioral
aspects of the vertebrate circadian clock system is described.
Host Pathways of Hemostasis that Regulate Group A Streptococcus pyogenes Pathogenicity
Authors: Ploplis Victoria A. , Castellino Francis J.
Published: September 2019

A hallmark feature of severe Group A Streptococcus pyogenes (GAS) infection is dysregulated hemostasis. Hemostasis is the primary pathway for regulating blood flow through events that contribute towards clot formation and its dissolution. However, a number of studies have identified components of hemostasis in regulating survival and dissemination of GAS. Several proteins have been identified on the surface of GAS and they serve to either facilitate invasion to host distal sites or regulate inflammatory responses to the pathogen. GAS M-protein, a surface-exposed virulence factor, appears to be a major target for interactions with host hemostasis proteins. These interactions mediate biochemical events both on the surface of GAS and in the solution when M-protein is released into the surrounding environment through shedding or regulated proteolytic processes that dictate the fate of this pathogen. A thorough understanding of the mechanisms associated with these interactions could lead to novel approaches for altering the course of GAS pathogenicity.
Coumarin-based Scaffold as α-glucosidase Inhibitory Activity: Implication for the Development of Potent Antidiabetic Agents
Authors: Tafesse Tadesse Bekele , Bule Mohammed Hussen , Khoobi Mehdi , Faramarzi Mohammad Ali , Abdollahi Mohammad , Amini Mohsen
Published: September 2019

Background:

Delaying the absorption of glucose through α-glucosidase enzyme inhibition
is one of the therapeutic approaches in the management of Type 2 diabetes, which can reduce the incidence
of postprandial hyperglycemia. The existence of chronic postprandial hyperglycemia impaired
the endogenous antioxidant defense by inducing oxidative stress-induced pancreatic β-cell destruction
through uncontrolled generation of free radicals such as ROS, which in turn, leads to various macrovascular
and microvascular complications. The currently available α -glucosidase inhibitors, for instance,
acarbose, have some side effects such as hypoglycemia at higher doses, liver problems, meteorism,
diarrhea, and lactic acidosis. Therefore, there is an urgent need to discover and develop potential
α-glucosidase inhibitors.

Objective:

Based on suchmotifs, researchers are intrigued to search for the best scaffold that displays
various biological activities. Among them, coumarin scaffold has attracted great attention. The compound
and its derivatives can be isolated from various natural products and/or synthesized for the development
of novel α-glucosidase inhibitors.

Results:

This study focused on coumarin and its derivatives as well as on their application as potent
antidiabetic agents and has also concentrated on the structure-activity relationship.

Conclusion:

This review describes the applications of coumarin-containing derivatives as α -
glucosidase inhibitors based on published reports which will be useful for innovative approaches in the
search for novel coumarin-based antidiabetic drugs with less toxicity and more potency.
Signal Pathways and Therapeutic Prospects of Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Sun Feifei , Fang Xiaosheng , Wang Xin
Published: September 2019

Background:

Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common type of non-Hodgkin
lymphoma which is heterogeneous both clinically and morphologically. Over the past decades, significant advances
have been made in the understanding of the molecular genesis, leading to the identification of multiple
pathways and molecules that can be targeted for clinical benefit.

Objective:

The current review aims to present a brief overview of signal pathways of DLBCL, which mainly
focus on B-cell antigen Receptor (BCR), Nuclear Factor-κB (NF-κB), Phosphatidylinositol-3-Kinase (PI3K) –
protein kinase B (Akt) – mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR), Janus Kinase (JAK) – Signal Transducer
and Activator (STAT), Wnt/β-catenin, and P53 pathways.

Methods:

Activation of signal pathways may contribute to the generation, development, chemotherapy sensitivity
of DLBCL, and expression of pathway molecules is associated with the prognosis of DLBCL. Some agents
targeting these pathways have been proved effective and relevant clinical trials are in progress. These agents
used single or combined with chemotherapy/each other might raise the possibility of improving clinical outcomes
in DLBCL.

Conclusion:

This review presents several signal pathways of DLBCL and targeted agents had a tendency to
improve the curative effect, especially in high-risk or relapsed/refractory DLBCL.
GABRB2 in Neuropsychiatric Disorders: Genetic Associations and Functional Evidences
Authors: Tsang Shui Y. , Ullah Ata , Xue Hong
Published: September 2019

Background:

The inhibitory GABAergic system has shown an association with
multiple psychiatric disorders. The type A GABA receptors are an integral component of
this system, and in recent years, evidence has accumulated to support an essential role in
disease etiology for one of the receptor genes GABRB2 which encodes for the receptor β2
subunit.

Objective:

To summarize the different lines of evidence supporting the important role of
GABRB2 in psychiatric disorders, with a particular focus on schizophrenia, and evaluate
the recently-proposed GABRB2-origin of schizophrenia hypothesis.

Results:

In terms of genetics, Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) in GABRB2 have
been associated with a number of psychiatric disorders, and some of the associations have
remained significant following meta-analysis. Importantly, expression and alternative
splicing of the gene was shown to be dependent on the genotypes of the associated SNPs,
and receptors containing the long isoform displayed functional differences compared to
those containing the short isoform. Moreover, differential epigenetic regulation and imprinting
imbalance of the gene were observed in schizophrenic patients compared to
healthy subjects. Finally, recent findings from a Gabrb2-knockout mouse model demonstrated
that knockout of the gene alone was sufficient to induce a wide range of schizophrenia-
like symptoms and comorbid phenotypes.

Conclusion:

The different lines of evidence coalesce to strongly support the recentlyproposed
GABRB2-origin of schizophrenia hypothesis, and GABRB2 may also have a potential
role in cognition, the dysfunction of which is common to many psychiatric disorders.
A study on the effect of Janaranjanakam Anjana in the management of Senile Immature Cataract
Authors: Kamath Shilpa , S. Rathi
Published: September 2019

Senile cataract is an important cause of age dependent visual impairment and blindness. Till date, an effective medical treatment for senile cataract has not been found out. The only treatment of choice is surgery. Considering the increased rate of incidence of senile cataract, on availability of effective medical measures, possible complications and contraindications surgery, the need arises to research for drugs that could effectively help in arresting the progression and disintegrate the opacification of lens proteins. The Symptoms such as blurriness of vision, Glare, Diplopia etc. are mentioned in senile immature cataract which can be correlated with Kaphaja Timira. Objective of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of Janaranjanakam Anjana and Vimalanjana in the management of SIMC and to compare the efficacy of Janaranjanakam Anjana and Vimalanjana in the management of SIMC. In present study 40 patients were randomly selected and divided into 2 groups, with 20 patients each. Group A patients were treated with Janaranjanakam Anjana for 60 days. Group B were treated with Vimalanjana for 60 days. After the treatment it was observed that there was statistically significant result in the main signs and symptoms i.e. blurring of vision, floaters, glare, visual acuity for distant and near vision and slit lamp bio-microscopy. Amongst 40 patients, 1 patient were getting no improvement, 12 patients were getting Mild improvement, 23 patients were getting Moderate improvement and 4 patients were getting Marked improvement.
A Comparative Pharmaco-Clinical Study of Arjuna and Manjishtha w.s.r. to Vyanga
Authors: Mishra Kamayani , Shukla Umesh , Garg K. C. , Sharma Shraddha
Published: September 2019

In Ayurveda Vyanga is a disease which is firstly described by Acharya Sushruta under Kshudra Roga. According to Acharya Sushruta Krodha and Shoka are responsible for development of Vyanga, as these psychological factors vitiate Pitta and Vata Dosha which then travel and get localized on facial skin and leads to development of Nirujam, Tanu Shyava Varna Mandala. Ayurveda is very effective in treating skin disorders and skin is also mentioned as a route of drug administration in terms of Bahiparimarajan Chikitsa. Acharya Sharangdhara has mentioned various Lepa formulations for various skin diseases; among them he has quoted Arjuna Twak Churna and Manjishtha Churna for treatment of Vyanga. It is easy to understand about Manjishtha because it is a very well known established Varnya drug, but regarding Arjuna it was very much important to trail it clinically as it is an established drug for heart. From Dravyaguna point of view it was very important to study Arjuna, that how it would have broken the pathogenesis of Vyanga, what are the major chemicals present in Arjuna that work on hyper pigmentation. So a proper revalidation of Shastrokta quote of Acharya Sharangdhara was done by clinical trial and pharmacognostical and HPTLC analysis of Arjuna and Manjishtha.
An experiemental study to evaluate the principle Trini Dravyani Nati Upayunjita w.s.r. to Kshara (Alkali)
Authors: Paul Amrita , Baragi Umapati C. , Hadimur Kashinath , Deshmukh R. A.
Published: September 2019

Background: In Charaka Samhita it has been mentioned that three medicinal substances viz. Pippali (Piper longum), Kshara (alkali) and Lavana (salt) can be used as emergency medicine, but they should not be consumed in excess (Ati Upayunjita). If they are consumed in excess quantity they will cause several adverse effects in the body. Hence in the present study Kshara has been evaluated in experimental animals in two different phases viz. acute administration at graded doses as part of acute toxicity study and sub-acute administration at fixed dose level, as part of sub-acute toxicity study, to assess the possible adverse effects if any. Objectives: To evaluate the acute and sub-acute toxic effect of Kshara in albino rats to establish the principle of Trini Dravyani Nati Upayunjita. Materials and Methods: Wister strain albino rats of either sex weighing between 150 - 200g body weights were used for experimental study. The experiment was carried out as per ‘Ayush Guidelines’ after the IAEC clearance. For Acute Toxicity - 9 Albino rats were used and for Sub-Acute Toxicity - 12 Albino rats were used. The dose calculation was done on the basis of body surface area ratio using the table of ‘Paget and Barnes rule’. Results: In Acute toxicity study no mortality and behavioral changes were observed when the drug Kshara was studied after two dose level i.e. TED X 5 and TED X 10. In Sub-acute study some behavioral changes (including cage side behavior) were observed. No mortality was observed in any of the groups. Discussion: Acute toxicity study of Kshara showed no immediate and evident toxic signs and mortality within 24 hours of observation. In Sub-acute toxicity study in all four groups, no mortality or evident toxic effects were observed, however some mild histopathological changes were observed in sub-acute study.
Laser biostimulation for improving seeds germinative capacity and seedlings growth of Prosopis laevigata and Jacaranda mimosifolia
Authors: Costilla-Hermosillo María Guadalupe , Ortiz-Morales Martín , Loza-Cornejo Sofía , Frausto-Reyes Claudio , Ali Metwally Sami
Published: September 2019

“Jacaranda” (Jacaranda mimosifolia) and "mezquite” (Prosopis laevigata) are timber species that generally present problems with regard to the germination of their seeds in natural conditions, since they have a very hard and impermeable cover. Different treatments have been applied to improve the germinative response of both species with unfavorable results. This study aimed to know the effect of the pre-sowing laser biostimulation on germination and seedlings growth of these species. The seeds were biostimulated with a He-Ne laser (632 nm, 10 mW). Considering three replications of 50 seeds for each species, five irradiation treatments were applied (30 s, 60 s, 90 s, 120 s, 150 s) and control. The results for mezquite demonstrated that the highest number of germinated seeds (96%) was obtained with the treatments 90 s and 150 s; in contrast, the control seeds showed a lower germination percentage (16%). Additionally, the 30 s treatment produced a positive effect on the growth of the root, and it was different (p < 0.05) to the remaining treatments and the control. For Jacaranda, there were significant statistical differences (p < 0.05) between the control and the different treatments. 29% of seed germination occurs without any treatment. However, for 90 s and 120 s, germination is induced in a relatively high percent (97%-99%). For both species, the best treatment was 120 s, since higher values were recorded for all the morphological variables. It is concluded that laser biostimulation can produce beneficial effects on the germination of seeds and seedling growth and it could contribute to the propagation and conservation of these species.
Culture of Pleurotus ostreatus in pine shavings: isolation of strains and evaluation of their productivity
Authors: Mata Gerardo , Pérez-Torres José Antonio , Medel Rosario , Pérez-Merlo Rosalía , Salmones Dulce
Published: September 2019

In order to obtain strains of the edible mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus that can be cultivated in pine wood shavings, 36 monosporic cultures were isolated and propagated in vitro, selecting 6 cultures of rapid mycelial growth in order to obtain interspecimen crosses and dikaryon-monokaryon mating. Eleven of the crosses obtained and their 6 parental strains were cultured in vitro in order to determine their growth in pine shavings and barley straw (control), selecting 6 strains (3 crosses, 3 parental strains) for sporome production in the two growth substrates. At in vitro level, significant differences were found between the mycelial areas of monokaryons and dikaryons in the treatments (time, substrate) evaluated. In terms of sporome productivity, the cultures in barley straw presented higher biological efficiency (22.6%-46.4%) and production rate (0.31%-0.77%) values than those in the pine shavings (3.3%-12% and 0.03%-0.11%, respectively). Sporome pileus diameters of 5 cm to 9.9 cm were the most frequent in both substrates. In general, the crosses surpassed their parents in both mycelial growth and sporome production, although further study is required in order to facilitate increased productivity of the strains in this potentially useful agroforestry residue.
Distribución actual y futura del bosque subalpino de Pinus hartwegii Lindl en el Eje Neovolcánico Transversal
Authors: Manzanilla-Quiñones Ulises , Aguirre-Calderón Óscar Alberto , Jiménez-Pérez Javier , Treviño-Garza Eduardo Javier , Yerena-Yamallel José Israel
Published: September 2019

De acuerdo con las proyecciones del clima a futuro, muchas especies verían reducidas sus áreas de distribución, principalmente, aquellas que habitan en zonas templadas y frías. El objetivo principal del presente fue modelar la distribución actual y bajo escenarios de cambio climático del bosque subalpino de Pinus hartwegii Lindl para 2041-2060 en el Eje Neovolcánico Transversal. Se obtuvieron los registros de Pinus hartwegii Lindl de la plataforma GBIF y campo. Se descargaron las 19 variables bioclimáticas WorldClim para el presente y futuro de los modelos de circulación global CRNMCM5 y HADGEM2_ES con dos forzamientos radiactivos de 4.5 (trayectorias de CO2 constantes) y 8.5 (trayectorias de CO2 altas). Se eliminó la autocorrelación espacial de las variables. Se cargaron las variables y los registros de presencia al programa MaxEnt, utilizando 75% de los datos para entrenar los modelos y 25% para validarlos. Se transfirieron los parámetros del mejor modelo para generar los modelos a futuro. Los modelos presentaron un excelente ajuste estadístico (pruebas de entrenamiento y validación > 0.9) para ambos periodos. Las variables determinantes de ambos periodos analizados fueron temperatura promedio anual (BIO1) y altitud (DEM). Los escenarios de cambio climático predicen un aumento en temperatura promedio anual entre 0.7 °C y 2.1 °C y reducciones entre 11.7% y 26.9% en el nicho subalpino de Pinus hartwegii Lindl., siendo el Nevado de Toluca y el Pico de Orizaba los sitios más susceptibles al cambio climático. Por otra parte, el parque Izta-Popo presentaría un aumento de nicho de 37.4%.
The Added Value of In-Hospital Tracking of the Efficacy of Decongestion Therapy and Prognostic Value of a Wearable Thoracic Impedance Sensor in Acutely Decompensated Heart Failure With Volume Overload: Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Smeets Christophe J P , Lee Seulki , Groenendaal Willemijn , Squillace Gabriel , Vranken Julie , De Cannière Hélène , Van Hoof Chris , Grieten Lars , Mullens Wilfried , Nijst Petra , Vandervoort Pieter M
Published: September 2019

Background

Incomplete relief of congestion in acute decompensated heart failure (HF) is related to poor outcomes. However, congestion can be difficult to evaluate, stressing the urgent need for new objective approaches. Due to its inverse correlation with tissue hydration, continuous bioimpedance monitoring might be an effective method for serial fluid status assessments.

Objective

This study aimed to determine whether in-hospital bioimpedance monitoring can be used to track fluid changes (ie, the efficacy of decongestion therapy) and the relationships between bioimpedance changes and HF hospitalization and all-cause mortality.

Methods

A wearable bioimpedance monitoring device was used for thoracic impedance measurements. Thirty-six patients with signs of acute decompensated HF and volume overload were included. Changes in the resistance at 80 kHz (R80kHz) were analyzed, with fluid balance (fluid in/out) used as a reference. Patients were divided into two groups depending on the change in R80kHz during hospitalization: increase in R80kHz or decrease in R80kHz. Clinical outcomes in terms of HF rehospitalization and all-cause mortality were studied at 30 days and 1 year of follow-up.

Results

During hospitalization, R80kHz increased for 24 patients, and decreased for 12 patients. For the total study sample, a moderate negative correlation was found between changes in fluid balance (in/out) and relative changes in R80kHz during hospitalization (rs=-0.51, P<.001). Clinical outcomes at both 30 days and 1 year of follow-up were significantly better for patients with an increase in R80kHz. At 1 year of follow-up, 88% (21/24) of patients with an increase in R80kHz were free from all-cause mortality, compared with 50% (6/12) of patients with a decrease in R80kHz (P=.01); 75% (18/24) and 25% (3/12) were free from all-cause mortality and HF hospitalization, respectively (P=.01). A decrease in R80kHz resulted in a significant hazard ratio of 4.96 (95% CI 1.82-14.37, P=.003) on the composite endpoint.

Conclusions

The wearable bioimpedance device was able to track changes in fluid status during hospitalization and is a convenient method to assess the efficacy of decongestion therapy during hospitalization. Patients who do not show an improvement in thoracic impedance tend to have worse clinical outcomes, indicating the potential use of thoracic impedance as a prognostic parameter.
Objectively Monitoring Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Patient Symptoms During Clinical Trials With Sensors: Observational Study
Authors: Garcia-Gancedo Luis , Kelly Madeline L , Lavrov Arseniy , Parr Jim , Hart Rob , Marsden Rachael , Turner Martin R , Talbot Kevin , Chiwera Theresa , Shaw Christopher E , Al-Chalabi Ammar
Published: September 2019

Background

Objective symptom monitoring of patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) has the potential to provide an important source of information to evaluate the impact of the disease on aspects of real-world functional capacity and activities of daily living in the home setting, providing useful objective outcome measures for clinical trials.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of a novel digital platform for remote data collection of multiple symptoms—physical activity, heart rate variability (HRV), and digital speech characteristics—in 25 patients with ALS in an observational clinical trial setting to explore the impact of the devices on patients’ everyday life and to record tolerability related to the devices and study procedures over 48 weeks.

Methods

In this exploratory, noncontrolled, nondrug study, patients attended a clinical site visit every 3 months to perform activity reference tasks while wearing a sensor, to conduct digital speech tests and for conventional ALS monitoring. In addition, patients wore the sensor in their daily life for approximately 3 days every month for the duration of the study.

Results

The amount and quality of digital speech data captured at the clinical sites were as intended, and there were no significant issues. All the home monitoring sensor data available were propagated through the system and were received as expected. However, the amount and quality of physical activity home monitoring data were lower than anticipated. A total of 3 or more days (or partial days) of data were recorded for 65% of protocol time points, with no data collected for 24% of time points. At baseline, 24 of 25 patients provided data, reduced to 13 of 18 patients at Week 48. Lower-than-expected quality HRV data were obtained, likely because of poor contact between the sensor and the skin. In total, 6 of 25 patients had mild or moderate adverse events (AEs) in the skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders category because of skin irritation caused by the electrode patch. There were no reports of serious AEs or deaths. Most patients found the sensor comfortable, with no or minimal impact on daily activities.

Conclusions

The platform can measure physical activity in patients with ALS in their home environment; patients used the equipment successfully, and it was generally well tolerated. The quantity of home monitoring physical activity data was lower than expected, although it was sufficient to allow investigation of novel physical activity end points. Good-quality in-clinic speech data were successfully captured for analysis. Future studies using objective patient monitoring approaches, combined with the most current technological advances, may be useful to elucidate novel digital biomarkers of disease progression.