bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Data Security in Clinical Trials Using Blockchain Technology
Authors: de-Melo-Diogo Marta , Tavares Jorge , Nunes Luís Ângelo
Published: June 2021

Blockchain technology in a clinical trial setting is a valuable asset due to decentralization, immutability, transparency, and traceability features. For this chapter, a literature review was conducted to map the current utilization of blockchain systems in clinical trials, particularly data security managing systems and their characteristics, such as applicability, interests of use, limitations, and issues. The advantages of data security are producing a more transparent and tamper-proof clinical trial by providing accurate, validated data, therefore producing a more reliable and credible clinical trial. On the other hand, data integrity is a critical issue since data obtained from trials are not instantly made public to all participants. Work needs to be done to establish the significant implications in security data when applying blockchain technology in a real-world clinical trial setting and generalized conditions of use to establish its security.
Blockchain and Clinical Data Economics
Authors: Pêgo Ana , Raposo Inês Graça , Loureiro Mitchell
Published: June 2021

Clinical research evolved side-by-side with technology, leading to exponential data generation contributing to social and economic development. Nevertheless, data storage, integrity, and privacy concerns have emerged, raising trust issues regarding data sharing. This chapter will demonstrate how blockchain technology (BT) can address these problems and help optimizing processes, minimize costs, and monetize data. It will explain why these models are not fully explored and how cryptocurrencies are advantageous compared to traditional currency. Worldwide examples of companies developing network infrastructures that rely on private players will be provided, and European cases, where consortium models that count with different partners to build health blockchain infrastructures are being developed, will be discussed. Considering the business models to be addressed under the European Union (EU) jurisdiction, a hypothetical BT-based healthcare model with potential application in the EU scenario will also be highlighted.
Promoting Self-Awareness and Social Awareness in Middle School Students Through Literature Featuring Diverse Characters
Authors: Linder Roberta
Published: June 2021

High-quality narrative and informational texts can provide young adolescents with mirrors which reflect their lived experiences and windows into the lives of those with whom they are less familiar. These texts can connect with the social-emotional learning (SEL) competencies of self-awareness and social awareness. Connections between SEL programs and integration with literacy practices are described. Literacy approaches grounded in reader response theory and critical literacy theory provide the basis for reading and understanding diverse texts and support the development of SEL competencies. The chapter presents criteria for selecting high-quality literature, 13 text recommendations for self-awareness and social awareness, and ideas for activities and discussion.
Using Activism to Cultivate Social and Emotional Learning in the English Language Arts Classroom
Authors: Spinner Elisabeth
Published: June 2021

English teachers' use of reading and writing instruction in a social justice-focused curriculum can include social action projects that encourage students to get involved in activism and also promotes social and emotional learning. This chapter outlines the research behind and steps towards using reading and writing in ways that encourage students to get involved in activism. The assignments and lessons suggested also include social and emotional learning competencies. Two specific texts are used to provide readers with concrete examples of implementing the ideas presented in classrooms.
Launching Points for Social and Emotional Learning in K-12 Classrooms
Authors: Ortlieb Evan , Schatz Susan , Votypka Jeannie , Anderson Kristin , Westberry Lee A.
Published: June 2021

Social and emotional aspects of literacy learning have become hot topics for school districts, educational leaders, and teachers as they seek means to connect the academic and affective domains of schooling. To educate is to empower; it is to equip with more than knowledge but also the resilience, fortitude, and self-efficacy for success to be within reach. The transformation of K-12 classrooms must involve launching points for social and emotional learning (SEL). These mechanisms permit educators to think through how to connect content to lived worlds, how to embed social elements to literacy experiences, and how to foster emotive responses from students regarding challenging topics for authentic debate. Now is the time to reconsider and redesign what constitutes a core focus in K-12 literacy contexts that incorporates a focus on social and emotional aspects of literacy learning. A developmental approach to SEL in literacy learning will be explored in this chapter to establish opportunities for educators to embed SEL into their K-12 classrooms.
Social and Emotional Teaching for STEAM Through Read-Aloud
Authors: Lammert Catherine , Drummond Sarah
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this chapter is to show how literacy-based social and emotional learning (SEL) can support students' engagement in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) fields. First, the unique social and emotional capacities needed to excel in STEAM fields are explored through the lens of disciplinary literacies. Then, the authors show how aligning read-aloud with one school's STEAM initiatives allowed a teacher to meet district goals while supporting her students. The authors also demonstrate how her use of practice-based research served a tool to support her reflective thinking as she integrated SEL in her teaching. The chapter concludes with recommendations for teacher educators, school and district leaders, and in-service teachers who wish to engage in the literacy-based integration of SEL across content areas.
Supporting Literacy and Social Connectedness in a Pandemic Through the “Autobiographical R/W/L/S” Method
Authors: Essary Jessica , DeRosa Jenna , Salim Dizery
Published: June 2021

The “Autobiographical R/W/L/S Method” was deployed by eight teacher candidates to develop literacy skills and socio-emotional learning (SEL) competencies in 4th-grade students during the COVID-19 pandemic. The R/W/L/S intervention was focused on autobiographical writing. Interactions took place in a HyFlex environment with the intervention delivered through the Microsoft Teams video conferencing platform. After the intervention, students shared more information about themselves than before, demonstrating improved autobiographical literacy skills. The heightened willingness to share is indicative of trust-building among participants and therefore suggestive of socio-emotional learning. Outcomes also suggest that enhanced autobiographical literacy is beneficial to children who may once have struggled to express their feelings by alleviating stress and providing pathways to camaraderie through the sharing of autobiographical stories. The use of digital communication technology is thought to be key in allowing for these positive outcomes to occur during an international pandemic.
Social-Emotional Learning in Secondary ELA Classrooms
Authors: Schleiff Afton
Published: June 2021

The author discusses the use of social-emotional learning practices, specifically Conscious Discipline and the RULER approach, in a secondary English language arts classroom. Also discussed are the implications and positive results that can come from an educator implementing practices that enable students to develop emotional literacy, executive functioning skills, and self-regulation. Educators can help to create environments that support social-emotional learning and cultivate positive relationships among students and with the teacher, which provide students the confidence and skills to be resilient, innovative learners. The author also provides some structures and activities for embedding social and emotional practices within academic curriculum and instruction.
A Survey on Attacks and Defences on LoRaWAN Gateways
Authors: Magnusson Olof , Teodorsson Rikard , Wennerberg Joakim , Knoph Stig Arne
Published: June 2021

LoRaWAN (long-range wide-area network) is an emerging technology for the connection of internet of things (IoT) devices to the internet and can as such be an important part of decision support systems. In this technology, IoT devices are connected to the internet through gateways by using long-range radio signals. However, because LoRaWAN is an open network, anyone has the ability to connect an end device or set up a gateway. Thus, it is important that gateways are designed in such a way that their ability to be used maliciously is limited. This chapter covers relevant attacks against gateways and potential countermeasures against them. A number of different attacks were found in literature, including radio jamming, eavesdropping, replay attacks, and attacks against the implementation of what is called beacons in LoRaWAN. Countermeasures against these attacks are discussed, and a suggestion to improve the security of LoRaWAN is also included.
A Study of the Relationship Between the Use of Grammar Learning Strategies and Student Achievement
Authors: Yeh Helen W. M.
Published: June 2021

The paper is concerned with a study of the relationship between the use of language learning strategies and student achievement. Chastain states that all learners have their learning strategies but only some are successful. It aims to investigate the types of grammar learning strategies that Asian learners use and the differences of using grammar learning strategies between the able learners and the less able learners. The strategy inventory for language learning (SILL) developed by Oxford was used to inquire learners' use of language learning strategies. The findings showed that the able learners and the less able learners showed differences in using grammar learning strategies, and the reasons behind are related to their learning attitudes. In addition, the less able learners found few provided strategies useful whereas the able learners believed that a number of strategies are useful in English learning.
Automatic Detection of Irritable Bowel Syndrome for 3D Images Using Supervoxel and Graph Cut Algorithm
Authors: Vaithianathan Geetha , Rajkumar E.
Published: June 2021

Medical image processing is a complex exercise and involves a number of stages to identify the disease in the arena of medical imaging. Irritable bowel syndrome is an acute disorder that causes intense abdominal pain and leads to changes in the bowel system. It gives rise to various indications like bleeding, bloating, celiac disease, gastric cancer, ulcer, etc. The system proposed here seeks to segment and classify each symptom of the irritable bowel syndrome individually with the aid of supervoxel segmentation algorithm. Features are extracted depending on the color, shape, and texture of the object. The extracted features are fed into the multi-support vector machine to identify the specific region in the medical image. The experiment provides the result of a test set 100 images stored in the data set which improves accuracy that refines the final output.
Material Handling and Product Optimality of an Educational Institution Bakery Using Integer Programming
Authors: Adebayo Adedugba , Olaleke Ogunnaike , Adeyemo Kingsley , Kehinde Busola
Published: June 2021

This study presents a numerical analysis for enhancing material handling allotment and deciding whether to produce or not in a bread production section of an educational institution. The study utilized 0/1 and real variables by the means of integer linear programming. In line with this, integer linear programming was applied in a bread production plant that produces three brands of bread, such as, medium size (x1), huge size (x2), and small size (x3). The discoveries using 0/1 variable shows that x1 = x2 = x3 = 1 while Z = 80 Naira. Hence, the item mix of bread is optimal, and production can continue. The result obtained utilizing real variable demonstrated that x1 (medium-size bread) = 649, x2 (huge-size bread) = 0, x3 (small-size bread) = 145, Z=18,388 Naira. In this manner the material handling allotment was optimized to obtain a profit of 18,388 Naira. Consequently, the organization should produce more medium-size bread (x1), more small-size bread (x3), and less huge-size bread (x2).
Developing a Graphical User Interface for an Artificial Intelligence-Based Voice Assistant
Authors: Subhash S.  , Siddesh S.  , Srivatsa Prajwal N. , Ullas A.  , Santhosh B.
Published: June 2021

Artificial intelligence machineries have been extensively active in human life in recent times. Self-governing devices are enhancing their way of interacting with both human and devices. Contemporary vision in this topic can pave the way for a new process of human-machine interaction in which users will get to know how people can understand human language, adapting and communicating through it. One such tool is voice assistant, which can be incorporated into many other brilliant devices. In this article, the voice assistant will receive the audio from the microphone and then convert that into text, later with the help of ‘pyttsx3', and then the text response will be converted into an audio file; then the audio file will be played. The audio is processed using the voice user interface (VUI). This article develops a functional intelligent personal assistant (IPA) and integrates it with a graphical user interface that can perform mental tasks such as ON/OFF of smart applications based on the user commands.
Strategic Adaptive Leadership and Emerging Approaches to Online Marketing of a US Small Business Real Estate Firm in Response to COVID-19
Authors: Ayodeji-Ogundiran Amina I. , Burrell Darrell Norman , Lewis Eugene J.
Published: June 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the business dynamics for many organizations globally. This paper examines the demonstration of adaptable strategic leadership and marketing towards online and digital marketing approaches of a newly developed waterfront high rise condominium complex. As a result of COVID-19, business sales projections are off by 85%. This paper explores organizational development intervention practitioner-based applied qualitative action research that makes recommendations on the most resourceful options in which small businesses can attract customers and boost sales even with the pandemic. For this case study, the name Moreso, a fictitious name, will be used to respect the organization that provided the data used and approved the ability to publish these findings' privacy and intellectual capital. This research approach's value in this instance is built on the reality that many similar small businesses in the real estate industry experience these same dynamics because of COVID-19 but have no starting framework on how to respond.
Brand Equity, Brand Satisfaction, and Brand Loyalty
Authors: Mokha Anupreet Kaur
Published: June 2021

Brand equity is a rapidly growing field of research. Companies rely primarily on new and creative ways of improving high brand value. The main aim of this research was to examine the impact of brand equity and brand satisfaction on brand loyalty, particularly online shopping, in the context of e-commerce industry by considering brand satisfaction as a mediating variable. Convenience sampling was used to collect data from 500 customers who were using online shopping websites, and the data was analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis followed by structural equation modeling (SEM) through AMOS. The results revealed that brand equity and brand satisfaction had a significant positive impact on brand loyalty, and also brand satisfaction partially mediated the relationship between brand equity and brand satisfaction. This research would provide very useful insights to both academicians and marketers and would help e-commerce managers to improve the image and reputation of the brand.
Resistance and Counter-Zones of Indistinction
Authors: Çoban Funda
Published: June 2021

Agamben's concept, zone of indistinction, defines politically constructed, ambiguous time-space settings that are built by the sovereign, declaring the state of emergency, transforming the subjects into homo sacer. In this sense, a zone of indistinction is the space reproducing dominance and hierarchy. However, Agamben's analysis developed around this concept skips the reality of resistance zones which can be constructed by micro agents suspending the quasi-objective time-and-space settings organized in everyday-life practices. From this point of critical view, the article proposes a new concept, counter-zones of indistinction, which follows Agamben's analytical agenda from the side of non-dominant power relations. Thus, the article explains counter-zones of indistinction while it also analyzes the differences among counter-public spaces, heterotopias to make clear the conceptual boundaries. Hence, the article aims to contribute to Agamben's well-known study on the zone of indistinction.
In-Silico Analysis to Identify Potential Inhibitors Against the Protein NSP12 of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Vyshnavi Hima , Gayathri S. S.  , Naisam Shahanas , Kumar Suvanish , Sreekumar Nidhin
Published: June 2021

In this pandemic condition, a drug candidate which is effective against COVID-19 is very much desired. This study initiates an in silico analysis to screen small molecules such as phytochemicals, drug metabolites, and natural metabolites against Nsp12 (a catalytic unit for RNA transcription and replication). Molecular interaction analysis of 6M71 was carried out against 2,860 ligands using Schrodinger Glide software. After docking analysis, the top 10 molecules (Glide score) were subjected to MD simulation for validating the stability. It resulted in top 10 compounds with high binding affinities with the target molecule NSP 12. Out of these, top 3 compounds including PSID_08_LIG3 (HMDB0133544), PSID_08_LIG4 (HMDB0132898), and PSID_08_LIG9 (HMDB0128199) show better Glide scores, better H-bond interaction, better MMGBSA value and stability on dynamic simulation after analysis of the results. The suggested ligands can be postulated as effective antiviral drugs against COVID-19. Further in vivo analysis is needed for validating the drug efficacy.
Virtual Screening of Phyto Chemicals Against SARS-CoV-2 Targets
Authors: Naisam Shahanas , Vidhya V. S.  , Kumar Suvanish , Sreekumar Nidhin
Published: June 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic wave has recommenced and is spreading like wildfire across the globe. The well-reported antiviral potency of phyto compounds could offer potential drug molecules for the current predicament. The present study analyses the molecular interaction of selected phyto compounds and SARS-CoV-2 molecular target proteins, namely spike protein, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, 3C-like proteases, and papain-like protease. Ten newly modeled ligands were also considered for the study. Molecular docking analysis was carried out independently using MOE, AutoDock Vina, Schrodinger-Glide, and the stability of protein-ligand interaction was validated through molecular dynamics simulation. Petunidin interacts with spike protein resulting in a good Gscore, binding energy, and H-bond interaction. Also, alions, letestuianin-A, (+)-pinitol show better interaction with RdRp, 3CL-protease, and papain-like protease, respectively. The presented work screens through 2314 ligands to yield top-ranked molecules which could be taken up to develop potential lead molecules via in-vivo analysis.
A Comparative Study of Machine Learning Models for Spreading Factor Selection in LoRa Networks
Authors: Bouras Christos John , Gkamas Apostolos , Salgado Spyridon Aniceto Katsampiris , Papachristos Nikolaos
Published: June 2021

Low power wide area networks (LPWAN) technologies offer reasonably priced connectivity to a large number of low-power devices spread over great geographical ranges. Long range (LoRa) is a LPWAN technology that empowers energy-efficient communication. In LoRaWAN networks, collisions are strongly correlated with spreading factor (SF) assignment of end-nodes which affects network performance. In this work, SF assignment using machine learning models in simulation environment is presented. This work examines three approaches for the selection of the SF during LoRa transmissions: 1) random SF assignment, 2) adaptive data rate (ADR), and 3) SF selection through machine learning (ML). The main target is to study and determine the most efficient approach as well as to investigate the benefits of using ML techniques in the context of LoRa networks. In this research, a library that enables the communication between ML libraries and OMNeT++ simulator was created. The performance of the approaches is evaluated for different scenarios using the delivery ratio and energy consumption metrics.
A Requirements Engineering Framework for Software Startup Companies
Authors: Parthasarathy Sudhaman , Daneva Maya
Published: June 2021

Requirements engineering (RE) for startups has only recently become an area of intense exploration. This paper provides results of a qualitative study with 45 practitioners from four startup companies in four countries. This research was planned and executed using the design science research (DSR) methodology and yielded a descriptive framework that was subjected to a first evaluation in empirical settings. The authors found that practitioners in startups deploy rapid prototyping practices and user feedback but in a different way than the agile methods assume. This research concludes with discussion on validity threats and some implications for practice and research.
Trends in obstetric emergency department attendance the first months of the coronavirus pandemic
Authors: Yambasu Sahr , Gaughan Eve
Published: June 2021

Many medical disciplines reported a decline in patient attendance during the coronavirus pandemic. Our paper examines the effects that the coronavirus pandemic had on obstetric Emergency Department (ED) attendances in a tertiary maternity centre in the Republic of Ireland. A retrospective cross-sectional analysis was performed on administrative data regarding the number of obstetric patients attending the ED from January to July in 2019 and 2020. These numbers were compared to the number of reported coronavirus cases in Ireland as released in official government publications. A paired sample t-test was carried out to see if there was a significant difference in attendance in the obstetric ED in 2020 compared to in 2019. When COVID-19 cases peaked at 17,377 in April 2020, ED attendance showed their largest decline of 27%. The cumulative decline in ED attendances from January to July in 2019 to 2020 was 13%. However, this decline was not found to be statistically significant. In contrast to other disciplines, the COVID-19 pandemic did not cause a decrease in obstetric ED attendance.
Simultaneous arterial and venous thromboembolic events associated with COVID-19. A case report
Authors: Reed Ashley , Howard Caroline , Barakat Mohamed , Navi Ali
Published: June 2021

Infections with COVID-19 can induce thrombophilia and increase the risk of thrombotic events. We describe a case of a 64- years-old male who presents with intermediate-risk pulmonary embolism and brachial artery thrombosis secondary to an undiagnosed patent foramen ovale and COVID-19 infection. The patient was successfully treated with thrombolysis and heparin infusions and was discharged home with long-term anticoagulation. Managing patients with multiple pathologies occurring concurrently requires effective inter-speciality working in order to take a holistic approach to managing the patient opposed to managing the conditions in isolation. This case report highlights how clinical guidelines can support decision making of the individual pathologies but working as a team will enable the best care.
Analysis of irrigation system performance based on an integrated approach with Sentinel-2 satellite images
Authors: Er-Rami Meriem , D'Urso Guido , Lamaddalena Nicola , D'Agostino Daniela , Belfiore Oscar Rosario
Published: June 2021

The improvement of performance of irrigation systems plays a fundamental role in increasing their efficiency in order to reach a sound use of irrigation water. The COPAM (Combined Optimization and Performance Analysis Model) has proven its usefulness in performance evaluation of on-demand irrigation systems; however, in many cases, input data, such as water volumes delivered by hydrants, is not readily available. To support a wider application of the COPAM, we tested the possibility of using irrigation volumes estimated by means of space-borne remote sensing. The Sentinel-2 (S2) constellation provides high spatial resolution images with a frequency between 2 and 5 days, which is compatible with COPAM input requirements. In the present work, an irrigation sector in the Capitanata irrigation network (Foggia Province, no. 6 of District 10) in Italy was chosen to assess its performance by using COPAM with volumes estimated from Sentinel-2 data. As an input of COPAM, the upstream discharge was determined after a proper transformation of the estimated irrigation water requirement volumes and the recorded volumes into flowrates. The estimation of the irrigation water requirement volumes was accomplished through the estimation of crop evapotranspiration, Etcrop, and effective precipitation, Pn, by combining crop parameters (leaf area index - LAI, fractional vegetation cover - fc, and Albedo) derived from S2 images and the meteorological data from the ERA5 single levels reanalysis dataset collected for the whole study period, from June 1st to September 30th, 2019. The study comprised a comparison of the estimated irrigation water volumes and the corresponding recorded volumes. The results showed a good agreement between the estimated and the registered volumes in a large time scale for 10 days and a one-month period, while a large difference was observed in a daily time scale. The performance analysis was carried out for the overall system and at hydrant level. The estimated discharge was lower than the registered discharge, indicating better performance. Last but not least, some recommendations were proposed for improving performance in critical zones.
A rare case of superior ophthalmic vein thrombosis and thrombocytopenia following ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine against SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Panovska-Stavridis Irina
Published: June 2021

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Données climatologiques et nivométriques du projet ARCHIVES
Authors: Tapsoba D , Guay F
Published: June 2021

The climatological (minimum and maximum temperatures, precipitation) and nivometric (water equivalents of snow) variables are observed at various sites distributed over the ARCHIVES project study area. On the basis of these scattered point measurements,
algorithms are applied which make it possible to estimate the values of these different variables at all points or nodes of a regular grid superimposed on this domain. The algorithms used are those of kriging. They make it possible to integrate the spatial behavior of each variable, the effects of
auxiliary data such as topography, and finally to provide a barometer for quantifying the errors associated with the estimations. In this way, maps of the spatial distribution of climatological and snow-metric variables are constructed, which are then linked to dendrometric
data.
Établissement de la base de données de référence ARCHIVES
Authors: Bégin Y , Nicault A , Bégin C
Published: June 2021

Like other dendrochronological networks in the world, the ARCHIVES group has established a collection of sites based on a stratified sampling plan taking into account average hydric conditions (mesic environments), in terms of exposure, and seeking to represent
the major regional types of forest formations (spruce-lichen and spruce-moss forests). The distribution of sites also took into account the altitude, continentality and latitude to achieve at best the geographic coverage over the area stretching from James Bay to Labrador and between the 53rd and
56th parallels. The homogeneity and density of the stands, the age of the trees and their physiognomy were selection criteria used to eliminate certain possible effects such as competition during plant succession and other factors related to the heterogeneity of the sites or of the life history of
trees. The area covered by the ARCHIVES network is 360,000 km2, a territory large enough to allow the combined analysis of climate and hydrological model data and dendrochonological data. For the millennial series, subfossil trees were sampled in a set of lakes selected on the basis of catchment
physiography, spatial distribution over the vast designated area and fire history. The laminated sedimentary series of a few lakes were also used to complete the multi-proxy approach put forward in the ARCHIVES project. Finally, ARCHIVES used a complex assemblage of grid data obtained by kriging of
instrumental registers, reanalyses and modeled series.
Reconstitution des apports en eau des deux derniers siècles : approche méthodologique. Application au réservoir Caniapiscau (Complexe La Grande, Québec)
Authors: Nicault A , Boucher É , Guiot J , Bégin Y
Published: June 2021

The objective of this study was to reconstruct 200 years of spring (Qspr), summer (Qsum) and annual (Qann) water supply variability at the Caniapiscau Reservoir in the remote area of northern Quebec. This key area for hydropower production lacks long-term
hydrological records, and tree-ring proxies are thought to be the best substitute for extending the instrumental climatic records. Tree-ring widths, ring densities and stable isotope ratios (delta-13C and delta-18O) were used to perform paleohydrological reconstructions. The following reconstruction
techniques were evaluated for each variable reconstructed: partial least square (PLS) regression applied to all of the tree-ring series, PLS regression applied to selected tree-ring series, and the best analogue method (BAM) applied to selected tree-ring series. These three reconstructions were then
combined into a composite reconstruction. Reconstruction verification shows that the annual and summer water supply reconstruction quality is good, while the verification tests disqualified our spring water supply reconstruction. The reconstructed long-term water supply variations over the past two
centuries are dominated by decadal to sub-decadal fluctuations, and also show that there are distinct long hydrological periods during which water supplies change in intensity and variability. Annual water supplies (Qann) inversely correlate with both winter and summer North Atlantic Oscillation
(NAO) indices. Arctic oscillation (AO) indices also influence Qann to a greater degree than NAO indices. Summer water supplies inversely correlate only with AO and NAO summer indices.
Comparaison entre les apports hydrologiques naturels observés, reconstitués et simulés
Authors: Paquin D , Nicault A , Perreault L , Grenier P , Roy R , Boucher É
Published: June 2021

This section presents a comparison between three sources of inflows for the Caniapiscau and Churchill Falls basins in the Quebec-Labrador peninsula, namely observational data, ARCHIVES reconstructions and climatic simulations, whether regional from CRCM4 driven
ERA40C (1960-2000) or global from CMIP3's GCM (1850-2100). Over the most recent period, 1960-2000, the regional simulation produced on a small domain (Quebec) reproduces rather well the characteristics of observations and reconstructions, while over a large domain (North America) it differs
significantly from the observed distribution. For the period 1850-2000, the GCM simulations including all the forcings (natural and anthropogenic) generate water inputs whose certain important statistical properties are similar to the series of inputs reconstituted by
dendrochronology.
Preparation and characterization of Eudragit L 100-55/chitosan enteric nanoparticles containing omeprazole using general factorial design
Authors: Rezazadeh Mahboubeh , Safaran Reza , Minaiyan Mohsen , Mostafavi Abolfazl
Published: June 2021

Background and purpose:

Omeprazole (OMP) is broadly used for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux and other acid-related diseases. The current study aimed to prepare enteric-coated nanoparticles containing OMP to achieve a stable powder formulation easily prescribed in children.

Experimental approach:

The nanoparticles were formed by complex coacervation method using chitosan (CTS) and Eudragit L100/55 (EU) and the impact of various formulation variables (the concentrations of EU solution and its volume ratio to CTS solution) were assessed using 32 fractional design. The mean particle size (PS), zeta potential (ZP), encapsulation efficiency (EE), and drug loading (DL) were determined. Finally, the pharmacological effects of the optimized OMP enteric nanoparticles were evaluated by an in vivo antiulcer study using Sprague-Dawley rats.

Findings/Results:

The highest desirability value was for formulation F5 (containing EU concentration 4 mg/mL and EU/CTS volume ratio 2:1). PS, ZP, EE, and DL of the optimized OMP-loaded nanoparticles were confirmed 810 ± 14 nm, -38.2 ± 1.8 mV, 83.1± 4.2%, and 13.1± 1.5%, respectively. in vitro release studies showed the pH sensitivity of nanoparticles and OMP release was pH-dependent. in vivo pharmacological assessment revealed that the optimized formulation was able to protect rat stomach against ulcer formation induced by indomethacin compared to the group that received normal saline which demonstrated severe peptic ulcer and hemorrhagic spots.

Conclusion and implication:

Our results indicated that the enteric EU/CTS nanoparticles were successfully prepared via a complex coacervation method and their efficacy could be comparable with commercial OMP pellets.
Phytochemical screening, antioxidant potential, and cytotoxic effects of different extracts of red algae (Laurencia snyderiae) on HT29 cells
Authors: Karimzadeh Katayoon , Zahmatkesh Asgar
Published: June 2021

Background and purpose:

Marine algae are potential renewable and sustainable sources of bioactive natural products which can be utilized in nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries.

Experimental approach:

Different extracts (methanol, chloroform, and ethyl acetate) of red algae, Laurencia snyderiae, was evaluated for their antioxidant potential, with various antioxidant assessment assays, cytotoxic properties (using MTT colorimetric assay), and phytochemical constituents (total phenolic and flavonoid contents). The GC-MS analyses of the algal methanolic extract and its apoptotic effects on the human colon carcinoma cell line (HT29) were also investigated.

Findings/Results:

The total phenolic content in the methanol, chloroform, and ethyl acetate extracts of L. snyderiae was 3.6 ± 0.12, 3.2 ± 0.41, and 3.3 ± 0.35 μg/mg of gallic acid, respectively. Among different algae extracts, chloroform extract showed significantly chelating ability (IC50 = 0.027 mg/mL) and reducing power activity (IC50 = 0.082 mg/mL), while the highest DPPH scavenging activity (IC50 = 0.058 mg/mL) exhibited in the methanol extract compared to the other extracts. The methanolic extract was found to have a higher cytotoxicity effect on colon carcinoma cells with IC50 70.2 μg/mL. The viability of the cancer cells was increased with the decrease in the concentration in different extracts. GC-MS analysis of the algal methanolic extract revealed the presence of active antitumor constituents and apoptosis-based cytotoxicity against colon cancer cells through the DNA damage was also confirmed.

Conclusion and implications:

Based on these results, the red algae L. snyderiae possesses potent bioactive constituents and can use as additional resources as a natural antioxidant and antitumor agent in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical area.
Benzylidene-6-hydroxy-3,4-dihydronaphthalenone chalconoids as potent tyrosinase inhibitors
Authors: Ranjbar Sara , Kamarei Mehraneh Mohammadabadi , Khoshneviszadeh Mahsima , Hosseinpoor Hona , Edraki Najmeh , Khoshneviszadeh Mehdi
Published: June 2021

Background and purpose:

Tyrosinase enzyme has a key role in melanin biosynthesis by converting tyrosine into dopaquinone. It also participates in the enzymatic browning of vegetables by polyphenol oxidation. Therefore, tyrosinase inhibitors are useful in the fields of medicine, cosmetics, and agriculture. Many tyrosinase inhibitors having drawbacks have been reported to date; so, finding new inhibitors is a great need.

Experimental approach:

A variety of 6-hydroxy-3,4-dihydronaphthalenone chalcone-like analogs (C1-C10) have been synthesized by aldol condensation of 6-hydroxy tetralone and differently substituted benzaldehydes. The compounds were evaluated for their inhibitory effect on mushroom tyrosinase by a spectrophotometric method. Moreover, the inhibition manner of the most active compound was determined by Lineweaver-Burk plots. Docking study was done using AutoDock 4.2. The drug-likeness scores and ADME features of the active derivatives were also predicted.

Results/Findings:

Most of the compounds showed remarkable inhibitory activity against the tyrosinase enzyme. 6-Hydroxy-2-(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzylidene)-3,4-dihydronaphthalen-1(2H)-one (C2) was the most potent derivative amongst the series with an IC50 value of 8.8 μM which was slightly more favorable to that of the reference kojic acid (IC50 = 9.7 μM). Inhibitory kinetic studies revealed that C2 behaves as a competitive inhibitor. According to the docking results, compound C2 formed the most stable enzyme-inhibitor complex, mainly via establishing interactions with the two copper ions in the active site. In silico drug-likeness and pharmacokinetics predictions for the proposed tyrosinase inhibitors revealed that most of the compounds including C2 have proper drug-likeness scores and pharmacokinetic properties.

Conclusion and implications:

Therefore, C2 could be suggested as a promising tyrosinase inhibitor that might be a good lead compound in medicine, cosmetics, and the food industry, and further drug development of this compound might be of great interest.
E-Health
Authors: Latifi Masoomeh , Anvari Tafti Motahare , Davari Dolatabadi Nasrin , Rafiei Zahra , Allahbakhshian Farsani Leili
Published: June 2021

Background:

Patients with heart failure are one of the high-risk groups for coronary artery. Distance education of self-care behaviors can be effective in preventing the disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of social networks in explaining the awareness of cardiovascular patients' self-care behaviors toward COVID-19.

Materials and Methods:

In the present survey study, 227 patients with a history of heart failure were selected from Shahid Rajaei Hospital in Tehran by the available sampling method (May to July 2020). Data collection tools were the standard European Self-Care Behavior Questionnaire for heart failure and the Dorty Elizabeth Orem self-care model. Data were analyzed using SPSS Version 22.

Results:

The results of the Pearson correlation coefficient showed a positive and relatively strong linear relationship between the variable of the degree of persistence in the use of networks with the eight dimensions of self-care behavior except psychological emotion control (r = −0.39, P = 0.315). Furthermore, a significant weak inverse relationship between the dimension of “cooperation with physicians and treatment staff” (r = −0.22, P = 0.129). Moreover, psychological support (r = −0/034, P = 0.446) was observed with the use of networks. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that the type of activity and participation in networks has a greater share and effect in increasing the score of self-care behavior of 0.55.

Conclusions:

Since the use of networks has a positive effect on patients' self-care behavior, the use of these networks is recommended as a community-based approach in the health system and to improve health and health outcomes.
Investigation the Effectiveness of Duloxetine in Quality of Life and Symptoms of Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Authors: Salehian Razieh , Mokhtare Marjan , Ghanbari Jolfaei Atefeh , Noorian Rouhallah
Published: June 2021

Background:

Selective norepinephrine-serotonin receptor inhibitors (SNRIs) such as duloxetine have already shown beneficial effects on symptoms in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients. The purpose of the present investigation was to assess the efficacy of duloxetine in the symptom and quality of life improvement in diarrhea predominant-IBS (IBS-D) patients.

Materials and Methods:

IN a randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled study, sixty patients diagnosed with IBS-D (ROM-IV criteria), referred to the gastrointestinal clinic of Rasoul-e-Akram Hospital of Iran university of medical sciences, randomly assigned in the treatment groups, group A: patients who received 135 mg mebeverine tablet twice a day combined with 30 mg duloxetine capsule per day and group B, who received the same regimen, except for placebo capsule once per day instead of duloxetine for twelve weeks. The assessment was performed using the IBS severity index, and IBS quality of life questionnaire (IBS-QOF) at baseline, and weeks 4, 8, and 12 after beginning the treatment. Drug adverse effects and compliance to treatment were evaluated every 2 weeks after starting the treatment.

Results:

Sixty patients completed the trial. The duloxetine group showed significantly greater improvement on the IBS symptoms (P < 0.001), and the IBS-QOF (P < 0.001) in comparison to the placebo group at the endpoint.

Conclusions:

This study showed that adding duloxetine to mebeverine is safe with good efficacy on symptoms and QOL improvement in IBS-D patients. Besides, this study showed that 12 weeks' treatment duration is significantly more effective than 4 weeks' treatment, and drug adverse effects are more prominently seen in the first 2 weeks of treatment.
Antidepressants Relieved Consecutive Chest Pain after Radiofrequency Ablation
Authors: Zhang Lijun , Liu Meiyan
Published: June 2021

Preexcitation symptom presents morbidity of 0.1% to 0.3% in the general population, which could lead to deadly events while accompanying arrhythmia. The classical type is Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome characterized as a shorter PR period, longer QRS duration, and δ wave. Radiofrequency catheter ablation (RCA) takes a vital role in treating WPW and has a high success rate. While some patients complain of consecutive chest pain after RCA, which influence their daily life severely. A 45-year-old man went to a hospital for examination because of uncomfortable palpitation. The electrocardiogram (ECG) presenting WPW syndrome (left free wall accessory pathway), then he was admitted to the hospital and scheduled for RCA. The RCA was very successful and the ECG became normal. However, after ablation, he reported consecutive chest pain, accompanied by insomnia and hypertension. No abnormal elevations of cardiac-Troponin I, myoglobin, cytokeratin, creatine kinase MB were found, and the left ventricular ejection fraction was 60%. His mental status was measured by Patient-Health Questionnaire-9, 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-7, Athens Insomnia Scale, indicating depressive status and anxiety status. The predominant managements involved flupentixol-melitracen and duloxetine. His chest pain, depressive, and anxiety symptoms were gradually relieved after 3-month treatment, and the drugs were slowly tapered in the 1½ years' follow-up period. Ultimately, he recovered and worked as before. This case highlights the importance of evaluating psychological status in patients with unexplained chest pain resulting from RCA and adopting antidepressants in those patients that coexist with definite depression or anxiety.
Metastatic Ovarian Cancer Presenting as Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Ho Jamie S.Y. , Ming Ng Timothy Yi , Cen Shuyun , Sia Ching-Hui , Chan Po-Fun , Yeo Tiong-Cheng
Published: June 2021

A 65-year-old female presented with 2 weeks of dyspnoea, associated with orthopnoea and lower limb pitting edema. There were no prior major physical or emotional stressors. Initial investigations showed elevated N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-ProBNP), Troponin-I and dynamic ST-T changes on electrocardiogram. Coronary angiography was normal and echocardiography demonstrated apical akinesis and ballooning with normokinesis of the base of the left ventricle. A diagnosis of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC) was made. The patient was initially treated for heart failure as well but a thoracentesis of pleural fluid demonstrated adenocarcinoma. Computed tomography revealed newly diagnosed metastatic ovarian adenocarcinoma. To our knowledge, TC as a presentation of undiagnosed metastatic ovarian cancer has not been reported before and we believe that this case adds to the growing literature of the link between TC and cancer.
Bilateral gemination of permanent maxillary canine with labial and palatal talon's cusps
Authors: Nandini D B , Deepak B S , Singh Deepak Ningombam , Aparnadevi P
Published: June 2021

Gemination is a morphologic anomaly of the tooth characterized by the formation of a macrodont. Bilateral presentation is rarely reported in permanent canines. Talon's cusp is an accessory cusp projecting lingually from the cingulum to the incisal edge and may be seen facially sometimes. Simultaneous occurrence of facial and lingual talons on the same tooth is rare. Concurrent occurrence of all the three entities has not been reported. These anomalies can cause unpleasant esthetic appearance due to irregular morphology. The presence of deep grooves on these teeth increases the susceptible to caries and periodontal disease requiring an endodontic intervention. Proper clinical and radiographic examination provides an accurate diagnosis and helps the clinician in the proper treatment planning and avoiding further complications. This article presents a unique case of simultaneous occurrence of bilateral gemination in the permanent maxillary canines with labial and palatal talon's cusps, which has not been reported in the literature till date.
“Migratory Kerato osteomyelitis” – A refractory lesion of the mandible
Authors: Indu Sudip , Babu Narendra
Published: June 2021

A 62 year old female patient presented with a chief complaint of non healing extraction socket in the lower left back teeth region. She underwent extraction of 37 at a private clinic following which an ulceroinfiltrative lesion developed at operated side. Multiple biopsies from the lesion were inconclusive. Computed tomography revealed an osteolytic lesion radiologically simulating carcinoma or a chondrosarcoma. Because of persistent debilitating symptoms the patient underwent Wide local excision (WLE) with left segmental mandibulectomy. Frozen sections were negative for malignancy. All margins were free from malignancy. Lymph nodes dissected showed reactive morphology. Ziehl–Neelsen, Periodic acid-Schiff and Gram stain were all negative. The lesion continued to spread even after successful surgical intervention with adequate surgical margin. The patient was eventually lost because of severe cardiac arrest during her last surgical intervention for mandibular arch reconstruction. As the lesion migrated from one side of the mandible to the other, kept showing clinical features of inflammation of the bone and bone marrow simulating features of osteomyelitis and the continued presence of keratin histologically, we contemplated whether we could give a nomenclature to the lesion as that of “Migratory Kerato osteomyelitis of the oral cavity.” This could be one of case of a lifetime where multiple consultations with oral and general pathologists failed to reach a conclusive diagnosis!