bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Krüppel-like factor 8 promotes aerobic glycolysis in prostate cancer cells by regulating AKT/mTOR signaling pathway
Authors: Zhang Cunming , Chen Song , Song Lide , Ye Haibo , Wang Junwei
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To investigate the effects of Krüppel-like factor 8 (KLF8) in prostate cancer (PCa) cell viability and glycolysis, and explore its role as a regulatory factor.Methods: Immunoblot assays were conducted to assess the expression of KLF8 and proteins in AKT/mTOR pathway in PCa cell lines PC-3 and DU145. Cell Counting Kit-8 assays were performed to assess the effect of KLF8 on PCa cell viability. The glycolysis capacity of PCa cells was determined by measuring the levels of glucose intake, lactic acid production, and cellular ATP levels.Results: Depletion of KLF8 decreased the survival of PCa cells in vitro (p < 0.05). KLF8 depletion also inhibited aerobic glucose metabolism in PCa cells (p < 0.05). Further studies confirmed that KLF8 contributed to the growth and glycolysis of PCa cells via the regulation of AKT/mTOR pathway.Conclusion: KLF8 regulates glycolysis in PCa cells by regulating AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and is thus a promising therapeutic target for PCa treatment.

Keywords: Krüppel-like factor 8 (KLF8), Prostate cancer (PCa), Aerobic glucose, AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, Therapeutic target
Involvement of TNF-alpha and IL-10 in breast cancer and patient survival
Authors: An Lijuan , Dou Xinman , Wang Mingli , Luo Wenjuan , Ma Qiang , Liu Xiaokang
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To investigate the involvement of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin 10 (IL-10) in the pathogenesis of breast cancer in vivo as well as the activity of ten Chinese herbal compounds in human breast cancer (MCF-7) cell proliferation in vitro.Methods: In the in vivo study, the association of serum TNF-α and IL-10 with breast cancer cell invasiveness and prognosis was determined in female patients (n = 192) with breast cancer, while in the in vitro study, ten herbal Chinese compounds were screened for their effectiveness against MCF-7 cells. The levels of TNF-α, IL-10, estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2/neu) were assayed using their respective enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Molecular docking was used to determine the lead compound(s) that can effectively inhibit TNF-α and IL-10.Results: Raised serum levels of TNF-α and IL-10 were significantly associated with breast cancer cell invasiveness and poor prognosis (p < 0.05). Moreover, there was a strong association between breast cancer prognosis and the expression levels of ER, PR and HER2/neu. Serum TNF-α and IL-10 levels were significantly elevated in stages II and III patients and in those with lymph node metastasis. Treatment of MCF-7 cells with the herbal compounds significantly reduced the synthesis and release of TNF-α and IL-10 (p < 0.05). The results of molecular docking showed that baicalein and oridonin significantly inhibited TNF- α and IL-10. The two herbal compounds had the highest docking scores for inhibition of cytokines, as well as favorable interaction energies.Conclusion: These results indicate that TNF-α and IL-10 are involved in the pathogenesis of breast cancer, and that baicalein and oridonin effectively inhibit the proliferation of the cells.

Keywords: Baicalein, Breast cancer, Interleukin 10, Oridonin, Tumor necrosis factor alpha
Formulation and characterization of artemether-loaded sodium alginate microcapsules
Authors: Nnamani Petra O. , Echezona Adaeze C. , Metu Obialunamma C. , Onoja Simeon U. , Ogbonna John-Dike N. , Akpa Paul A. , Onunkwo Godswill C. , Nzekwe Ifeanyi T. , Attama Anthony A.
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To increase the solubility of artemether (ART) in Transcutol® HP through microencapsulation in sodium alginate polymer to achieve  sustained in vivo release.Method: Graded concentrations of ART (0.00, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 1.00 g) microcapsules were produced using Tween® 80 by the cold  homogenization method at 24 x 1000 rpm for 15 min. Characterization based on yield, encapsulation efficiency (EE), particle size, pH stability,  differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and in vivo release using Peter’s four-day suppressive protocol in Wistar mice infected with Plasmodium berghei, were determined.Results: The results obtained indicate that 0.5 g ART-loaded microcapsules (AMC) showed the highest yield of 96.85 %. The EE of 88.3 %  corresponded to 0.75 g ART-loaded microcapsules. DSC results revealed that there was a significant reduction in enthalpy in all the formulations compared to the crystalline drug, but no strong bond interaction occurred except for the blank microcapsules. The AMC1.0 showed high dose-dependent plasmodial growth inhibition of 88.75 % while AMC0.25 had the least (68.13 %).Conclusion: The artemether microcapsules showed sustained release characteristics for oral delivery of artemether and therefore may reduce some of the adverse effects associated with high dose artemether therapy in conventional oral tablets.

Keywords: Malaria, Artemether, Transcutol® HP, Sustained-release, RBC count, Antiplasmodial activity
Effect of penehyclidine hydrochloride on IL-6, TNF-α, HIF- 1α and oxidative stress in lung tissue of young rats with acute lung injury
Authors: Shu Jihong , Fang Zhenjiao , Xiong Xinjun
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To investigate the effect of penehyclidine hydrochloride (PHC) on interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), and oxidative stress levels in lung tissues of acute lung injury (ALI) neonatal rats.Methods: 40 male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were assigned to model, low-dose PHC, high-dose PHC, and control groups (n = 10). Levels of IL-6, TNF-α and HIF-1α were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Pulmonary lesions were determined histologically using H&E staining.Results: The lung tissue levels of IL-6, TNF-α and HIF-1α were significantly higher in model rats than in control rats, and significantly lower in PHC-treated rats than in model group, with decrease in levels as PHC dose increased (p < 0.05). The lung tissue activity of MPO and level of MDA in model rats were significantly higher than those in control rats, but significantly lower in the lung tissues of the two PHC groups than in the model group; decrease in levels occurred as PHC dose increased (p < 0.05).Conclusion: PHC decreases the lung and serum levels of IL-6, TNF-α and HIF-1α in a rat model of ALI, and mitigates pulmonary oxidative stress and lung tissue damage. Thus, penehyclidine hydrochloride may be useful to mitigate ALI-induced damage in patients. However, further studies and clinical trials are required to ascertain this

Keywords: Penehyclidine hydrochloride, Alveolar septum, Acute lung injury, Inflammatory cells, IL-6, TNF-α, HIF-1α, Oxidative stress
Z-ligustilide reduces cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity via activation of NRF2/HO-1 signaling pathways
Authors: Chen Xu , Cao Yingjie , Guo Naifeng , Lu Guoyuan
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To investigate the effect of Z-ligustilide (Z-lig) on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity and examine whether NRF2 signaling mediates the underlying mechanism of action.Methods: Human proximal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2) were pretreated with 20 or 100 μM Z-lig for 2 h, followed by 10 μM cisplatin treatment for 24 h. Cell viability was measured using (3-(4,5- dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. A commercial kit was used todetermine lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release. Apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry while Western blotting was used to evaluate protein levels. Levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were assessed by enzymelinked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results: Cisplatin decreased HK-2 cell viability and increased LDH release, while Z-lig increased cell viability and decreased LDH release in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05). Moreover, Z-lig reduced cisplatin-induced apoptosis (p < 0.01), and alleviated cellular oxidative stress caused by cisplatin (p < 0.05). Furthermore, Z-lig activated NRF2/HO-1 signaling in cells treated with cisplatin (p < 0.05).Conclusion: Z-lig reduces cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity via activation of NRF2/HO-1 signaling. Thus, Z-lig is a potential drug for the treatment of nephrotoxicity caused by cisplatin.

Keywords: Z-ligustilide, Cisplatin, Nephrotoxicity, Oxidative stress, Apoptosis, Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, Heme oxygenase-1
Ginsenoside induces cell death in breast cancer cells via ROS/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway
Authors: He Lihong , Wang Xiaorui , Ma Qing , Zhao Weipeng , Jia Yongsheng , Dong Guolei , Zhu Yuehong , Jia Xiaochen , Tong Zhongsheng
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To study the influence of ginsenoside on breast carcinoma, and the mechanism of action involved.Methods: Different concentrations of ginsenoside were used to treat MCF-7 breast cancer cell line. Cell viability was measured by MTT assay, while protein expressions of p-Akt and p-PI3K were determined using Western blotting. The concentrations of reactive oxidative reactants and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were assessed using fluorescence immunoassay and immunofluorescence assay. The mechanism of action involved in ginsenoside-mediated apoptosis was determined based on ROS/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.Results: There was no change in the inhibition of MCF-7 cell proliferation in control cells with time (p > 0.05). However, inhibition of MCF-7 cell proliferation in ginsenoside group was significantly higher than that in the control group (p < 0.05); furthermore, it increased with time and ginsenoside concentration. Apoptosis was markedly and concentration-dependently higher in ginsenoside-treated MCF-7 cells than in controls (p > 0.05). There were lower protein levels of p-PI3K and p-Akt in ginsenoside-exposed MCF-7 cells than in control group; the protein expressions  decreased with increase in ginsenoside concentration (p < 0.05). The expressions of ROS in ginsenoside-treated MCF-7 cells declined, relative to the untreated group; in addition, the expressions decreased with increase in ginsenoside concentration (p < 0.05).Conclusion: Ginsenoside suppresses proliferation of MCF-7 cell line, and exerts apoptotic effect on the cells via inhibition of the ROS/PI3K/Akt signal pathway. This provides a new approach to treat breast cancer.

Keywords: Breast cancer cells, Ginsenoside, Apoptosis, ROS/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway
Suppressive efficiency of Kojic acid from Aspergillus tamarii MM11 against HepG-2 cell line derived from human liver cancer
Authors: El-Metwally Mohammad M. , ElBealy Eman R. , Beltagy Doha M. , Shaaban Mohamed , El-kott Attalla F.
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To evaluate the antioxidant and cytotoxic properties of Kojic acid (KOJIC ACID) from Aspergillus tamarii MM11 against HepG-2 cell line derived from human liver cancer.Methods: The crude extract of A. tamarii MM11 was dissolved in a mixture of CH2Cl2/MeOH (85:15) and separation was done using silica gel chromatography using gradient size exclusion chromatograph. The non-polar oily fractions were subjected to gas chromatography-mass  spectrometric (GC-MS) analysis. Kojic acid structure was identified by x-beam crystallography and spectroscopic methods. Total antioxidant properties of KOJIC ACID were evaluated by using 1,1-diphenyl-2- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) against ascorbic acid as a reference. The cytotoxic activity of KOJIC ACID from A. tamarii MM11 was investigated on the human cell line of liver cancer (HepG-2) using a sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay based on a cell density determination by the measurement of cellular protein content.Result: Highly bioactive Kojic acid was isolated as the main product. A. tamarii MM11 Kojic acid showed good antioxidant activity with half-maximal inhibitory concentration of IC50 at concentrations of 10.34 compared to 6.79 μg/mL for ascorbic acid. Kojic acid also showed good cytotoxic activity against HepG-2 cell line of human liver cancer with IC50 at 6.20 compared to 3.25 μg/mL of reference drug doxorubicin.Conclusion: Kojic acid produced naturally from A. tamarii MM11 shows good antioxidant and cytotoxic activity against HepG-2 cell line derived from  human liver cancer. These findings suggest that Kojic acid can be therapeutically used as an antitumor drug after further in vivo studies.

Keywords: Aspergillus tamarii, Secondary metabolites, Kojic acid, Anticancer, Liver cancer
Anti-cancer effects of Vernonia amygdalina: A systematic review
Authors: Joseph Julia , Lim Vuanghao , Rahman Heshu Sulaiman , Othman Hemn Hassan , Samad Nozlena Abdul
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To systematically review all the studies that have addressed the anti-cancer activities of the VA leaf extract in vitro to determine the strength of evidence of its anti-cancer effects and whether it can be used as an effective cancer therapy.Methods: The databases of Scopus, Science Direct, PubMed, Springer, and Directory of Open Access Journals were searched for relevant articles. Only articles published in the English language from January 2000 to November 2018 were selected for full-text retrieval and review, before being included in the final review.Results: From a total of 28 articles identified for full-text retrieval, only 17 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The papers reviewed showed that VA decreases cell viability, inhibits DNA synthesis and causes DNA damage in cancer cells. VA also induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in cancer cells via gene regulation. All in all, there is evidence showing that VA possesses time- and concentration-dependent anti-cancer activity.Conclusion: The VA leaf extract has the potential to be developed into cancer therapeutics. However, more research is needed on its effect on normal cells before VA is developed into a cancer therapeutic.

Keywords: Vernonia amygdalina, Anti-cancer effect, DNA damage, Apoptosis
Enhancement of solubility and dissolution rate of ebastine fast-disintegrating tablets by solid dispersion method
Authors: Islam Nayyer , Irfan Muhammad , Abbas Nasir , Syed Haroon Khalid , Iqbal Muhammad Shahid , Khan Ikram ullah , Rasul Akhtar , Inam Sana , Hussain Amjad , Mohsin Noor ul Amin , Arshad Mohammad Sohail , Ali Mohsin
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To investigate the efficiency of different solubilizing agents in improving solubility as well as dissolution rate of ebastine (a BCS class II drug) by incorporating prepared solid dispersion into fast disintegrating tablets.Method: The solubility of ebastine was determined in distilled water, lipids and solubilizing agents. Subsequently, the binary solid dispersions were prepared by kneading method using varying weight ratios of ebastine and solubilizing agents. The solid dispersions were then incorporated into fast disintegrating tablets (SD-FDT). Central composite rotatable design (CCD) was used to determine the impact of super disintegrating agents on disintegration time and friability of tablets. The solubility and dissolution rate of developed SD-FDT were compared with a marketed brand. The solid dispersion particles were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), powder x-ray diffraction (P-XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).Results: The saturated solubility of pure ebastine in water was 0.002 ± 0.041 mg/ml while the aqueous solubility of EBT/poloxamer solid dispersion SET3 (P) was 0.018 ± 2.510 mg/ml; on the other hand, EBT/soluplus solid dispersion SET1(S) has an aqueous solubility of 0.242 ± 1.390 mg/ml. Within 30 min, drug release was 14.00 ± 1.77, 78.00 ± 2.31 and 98.70 ± 2.54 % from pure EBT, SET3 (P) and SET1(S), respectively.Conclusion: The solubility and dissolution rate of ebastine has been successfully enhanced by incorporating its solid dispersion in fast-disintegrating tablets (SD-FDT).

Keywords: Ebastine, Solid dispersion, Poloxamer 188, Soluplus, Solubility, Dissolution
Ameliorative and anti-arthritic potential of arjunolic acid against complete Freund’s adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats
Authors: Fan Yi , Zhang Cheng , Zheng Guotao , Wu Shuai , Wang Yujie , Bian Jinsong
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To determine the anti-arthritic effect of arjunolic acid against complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis in rats.Methods: Arthritis was induced in male Sprague Dawley rats by intradermal injection of 0.1 mL of CFA at the right footpad. Upon induction of osteoarthritis, arjunolic acid was administered via oral gavage at doses of 40 and 80 mg/kg once daily for 25 successive days. Indomethacin was used as reference drug at a dose of 3 mg/kg via gavage twice weekly for 25 days. Changes in paw swelling, serum hematology, antioxidant enzymes, serum inflammatory mediators, and histopathology were determined using standard procedures.Results: Paw swelling and weight loss in CFA-induced arthritic rats were significantly reversed (p < 0.01) by arjunolic acid. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, spleen index and thymus index were significantly reduced in CFA-induced arthritic rats (p < 0.01). Moreover, arjunolic significantly increased superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities, while downregulating the expressions of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in serum (p < 0.01). The hematological and histopathological changes due to CFA-induced arthritis were ameliorated by arjunolic acid.Conclusion: The results obtained in this study indicate that arjunolic acid may possess therapeutic potentials for the management of arthritis.

Keywords: Arjunolic acid, Triterpenoid; Oxidative stress, osteoarthritis, Inflammation
Glycyrrhizin inhibits the invasion and metastasis of breast cancer cells via upregulation of expressions of miR-200c and e-cadherin
Authors: He Lihong , Wang Xiaorui , Ma Qing , Zhao Weipeng , Jia Yongsheng , Dong Guolei , Zhu Yuehong , Jia Xiaochen , Tong Zhongsheng
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To determine the inhibitory effect of glycyrrhizin (GLA) on cell invasion and metastasis in mammary carcinoma cells, and the mechanisms of actions involved.Methods: The effect of GLA at different concentrations on proliferation of breast cancer MDA-MB-231 and BT549 cells was assayed by MTT method. Transwell assay was used to determine the effect of GLA at different concentrations on invasiveness and metastasis of breast cancer MDA-MB-231 and BT549 cells. The influence of LGA on expressions of microRNA-200c and miR-200c was assayed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).Results: There was no statistically significant difference in cell proliferation amongst cells treated with 5 and 20 μM GLA and untreated breast cancer cells. However, the proliferation of cells treated with 40 μM GLA was significantly reduced (p < 0.05). In the cell invasion and migration experiments, cell population transferred to the base of Transwell chamber in the two cell lines treated with GLA was markedly decreased, relative to cells without GLA treatment, while the number of cells decreased with increase in GLA concentration (p < 0.05). Results from image-pro-plus analysis revealed that the population of cells quantitatively crossing the Transwell compartment membrane decreased with increase in GLA concentration (p < 0.05). The expression of e-cadherin was increased by GLA treatment in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, GLA treatment led to significant changes in amounts of miR-200s a, b and c, with changes in miR-200c being the most significant (p < 0.05).Conclusion: GLA suppresses the invasiveness and metastasis of breast cancer MDA-MB-231 and BT549 cells via upregulation of the expressions of miR-200c and e-cadherin. These findings provide a theoretical basis for the development of new breast cancer drugs.

Keywords: Glycyrrhiza, GLA, miR-200c, E-cadherin, Inhibition, Breast cancer cells, Invasion, Metastasis
Coenzyme Q10 attenuates airway inflammation and oxidative stress in neonatal asthmatic rats
Authors: Peng Jingwei , Ma Jilong , Zhang Lan , Lu Banghao
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To determine the therapeutic effect of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) on ovalbumin (OVA)-provoked asthma in neonatal rats.Methods: Asthma was induced by exposing neonatal rats to OVA. The levels of SOD, CAT, GPx, GSH, MDA and MPO were estimated using standard biochemical kits, while ELISA was used to measure the concentrations of Ig E and Th2 cytokines. Gene expressions were assayed with qRT-PCR, and protein expressions were determined with western blotting.Results: OVA treatment led to increases in levels of BALF inflammatory cells, lipid peroxidation, serum IgE and BALF Th2 cytokines, but it decreased antioxidant levels. Furthermore, the protein expression of NF-κB and mRNA expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were upregulated in the asthmatic rats (p < 0.05). However, coenzyme Q10 supplementation significantly decreased lipid peroxidation, and reduced inflammatory cells and IgE levels, while the antioxidant levels were enhanced (p < 0.05). Moreover, coenzyme Q10 reduced the levels of Th2 cytokines and downregulated the expressions of NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-6, and iNOS in the neonatal asthmatic rats (p < 0.05).Conclusion: Coenzyme Q10 attenuates airway inflammation and oxidative stress in neonatal asthmatic rats. Thus, coenzyme Q10 has promising therapeutic potential in the management of asthma.

Keywords: Asthma, Neonatal, Coenzyme Q10, Th2, cytokines, Oxidative stress, Antiinflammation
Methyl 4-(β-D-glucopyranosyloxy)-3-hydroxy-5- methoxybenzoate, isolated from Sanguisorba officinalis, inhibits CpG-DNA-induced inflammation
Authors: Rahman Mohammad Saydur , Ali Irshad , Arooj Madeeha , Su Xiang Dong , Yang Seo Young , Kim Young Ho , Koh Young-Sang
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of methyl-4-(β-D-glucopyranosyloxy)-3-hydroxy-5-methoxybenzoate (comp-1) on immune cells.Methods: Comp-1 was isolated from Sanguisorba officinalis. After treating with comp-1, cell viability and levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines were assessed utilizing MTT assay and ELISA, respectively. Besides, the effects of comp-1 on nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and iNOS were determined using western blotting. Moreover, nitric oxide production was assessed using the Griess reagent.Results: Treatment of dendritic cells (DCs) with CpG DNA upregulated cytokine expression. Comp-1 markedly downregulated the expressions of IL-12 p40, IL-6, and TNF-α, with 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of 1.077 ± 0.04 (p < 0.01), 0.28 ± 0.01 (p < 0.01), and 0.79 ± 0.02 μM (p < 0.01),respectively. Treatment of DCs with CpG DNA upregulated NF-κB and MAPK activation. However, pretreatment of the cells with Comp-1 suppressed CpG DNA-induced NF-κB and MAPK activation. Moreover, comp-1 exhibited a strong anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting nitric oxide production and iNOS expression.Conclusion: These results reveal that comp-1 has significant anti-inflammatory effect on immune cells.

Keywords: Natural compound, Inflammation, Pro-inflammatory cytokine, Toll-like receptor9
Anti-inflammatory effect of neo-lignan isoamericanin A via suppression of NF-κB in liposaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells
Authors: Yeo Ji Yun , Hwang Kwang Woo , Park So-Young
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To investigate the potential anti-inflammatory effects of the seeds of Opuntina humifusa and its active constituents.Methods: The extract of O. humifusa seeds was tested for the inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production in liposaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells using Griess reagent. The active constituents were isolated using bioassay-guided isolation methods. The effects of the active constituent on NO, proinflammatory cytokines, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells inhibitor (IκB) were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and western blot analysis.Results: The seed extract of O. humifusa significantly attenuated LPS-induced NO production in RAW 264.7 cells (p < 0.05). Bioassay-guided fractionation resulted in the isolation of isoamericanin A as an active constituent. Isoamericanin A reduced LPS-induced production of NO, iNOS, and proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) in a concentration-dependent manner (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the effect was accompanied by decreased translocation of NF-κB from the cytosol to the nucleus and the decreased phosphorylation of IκB in the cytosol induced by LPS (p < 0.05).Conclusion: The seed extract of O. humifusa and its active constituent, isoamericanin A, have antiinflammatory effects in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells, suggesting that they have potentials as antiinflammatory agents.

Keywords: Opuntia humifusa seeds, Isoamericanin A, Nitric oxide, RAW 264.7 cells, NF-kappa B
Explaining global imbalances: the role of central-bank intervention and the rise of sovereign wealth funds*
Authors: Senner Richard , Sornette Didier
Published: January 2021

Neoclassical economic theory views current-account imbalances as the result of (individual) decisions to save more than to invest domestically. Monetary analysis in the Keynesian tradition rejects such approaches and emphasizes that a country's net savings are the result, not the cause, of net selling of goods and services to foreigners. The latter, in turn, depends on global demand patterns and absolute advantages between countries. We complement this Keynesian approach, taking a closer look at the financial account of the balance of payments: a necessary condition for countries to net-sell goods and services to foreigners is the willingness of domestic sector(s) to accumulate net foreign assets. While previous analysis of global imbalances has partially discussed the role of central banks' reserve accumulation it has failed to incorporate the macroeconomic role of sovereign wealth funds (SWFs). We analyse eight surplus countries' external positions and find that the public sector typically purchases and manages significant amounts of foreign assets via both central banks and SWFs. This, in turn, supports current-account surpluses. We then consider the particular case of Switzerland where, contrary to other surplus countries, public-sector purchases of foreign assets had been absent for a long time, yet set in massively after 2008.
NGHIÊN CỨU THỰC NGHIỆM GIA CÔNG TINH BỀ MẶT KHUÔN BẰNG SÓNG SIÊU ÂM
Authors: ĐỨC NAM NGUYỄN
Published: January 2021

Các khuôn ép được sử dụng rộng rãi trong công nghiệp để chế tạo các chi tiết từ nhiều vật liệu khác nhau như nhựa, kim loại, cao su, kính, và các chất vô cơ khác. Chất lượng sản phẩm được tạo ra phụ thuộc rất lớn vào chất lượng bề mặt của khuôn. Do bề mặt khuôn có nhiều hình dạng phức tạp nên việc gia công tinh các bề mặt này gặp nhiều khó khăn. Để nâng cao độ nhám bề mặt của khuôn thì trong nghiên cứu này ứng dụng sóng siêu âm kết hợp với dung dịch mài để tiến hành mài tinh bề mặt. Các thông số ảnh hưởng đến quá trình gia công như kích thước hạt mài, nồng độ dung dịch hạt mài được khảo sát trong bài báo này. Dựa trên kết quả thực nghiệm, quá trình mài tinh bằng sóng âm kết hợp với dung dịch mài cải thiện đáng kể chất lượng bề mặt gia công, nâng cao hiệu quả của quá trình mài tinh bề mặt phức tạp. Kết quả cho thấy rằng, độ nhám bề mặt chi tiết từ Ra = 120 nm giảm xuống còn Ra = 32 nm và hiệu suất gia công tăng lên.
PHÂN TÍCH CÁC THÔNG SỐ CHÍNH CỦA CHU TRÌNH LẠNH MỘT CẤP SỬ DỤNG MÔI CHẤT R22/R410A/R32 BẰNG PHẦN MỀM MATLAB/SIMULINK
Authors: VIỆT HÙNG TRẦN , QUANG PHÚ PHẠM
Published: January 2021

Bài viết trình bày kết quả mô phỏng của chu trình lạnh một cấp sử dụng máy nén hơi, các thông số của môi chất và thông số của chu trình lạnh khi sử dụng môi chất lạnh R22, R410A và R32 dựa trên phần mềm Matlab/Simulink. Hệ thống được mô phỏng với năng suất lạnh 9000 BTU/h (2,638 kW), nhiệt độ bay hơi 50C và nhiệt độ ngưng tụ 400C. Quá trình mô phỏng đã xác định được thông số trạng thái của môi chất lạnh và ảnh hưởng của nhiệt độ đến các thông số chu trình lạnh một cấp. Kết quả mô phỏng đạt được khi ở cùng điều kiện nhiệt độ hoạt động và năng suất lạnh tương đương thì thể tích hút của máy nén sử dụng môi chất R22 lớn hơn 31%, 37% so với R410A/R32 và hệ số hiệu quả năng lượng COP 5,581 (R22)/5,177 (R410A)/5,396 (R32).
NGHIÊN CỨU THIẾT KẾ MÁY HỦY GIẤY KIỂU MỚI SỬ DỤNG CHO PHÒNG KHẢO THÍ VÀ ĐẢM BẢO CHẤT LƯỢNG TẠI CÁC CƠ SỞ ĐÀO TẠO
Authors: HOÀNG MINH ĐẶNG , VĂN BÌNH PHÙNG , VIỆT ĐỨC NGUYỄN , QUỐC THẮNG HUỲNH , THANH VŨ NGUYỄN
Published: January 2021

Hiện nay ở Việt Nam nhu cầu sử dụng máy để hủy giấy tờ tài liệu tại nhiều cơ quan xí nghiệp và đặc biệt tại các cơ sở giáo dục và đào tạo đang ngày càng gia tăng. Bài báo này đã tiến hành phân tích các ưu-nhược điểm của các loại máy hủy giấy trên thị trường hiện nay sử dụng cho văn phòng và công nghiệp. Trên cơ sở đó, các tác giả đã đề xuất một giải pháp về cơ chế hủy giấy mới dựa trên sự phân tích cấu tạo, so sánh, đánh giá tính năng, ưu điểm cùng các vấn đề kỹ thuật cần giải quyết, nhằm ứng dụng phù hợp với điều kiện tại phòng khảo thí và đảm bảo chất lượng ở các cơ sở giáo dục và đào tạo. Phương án được đề xuất hứa hẹn sẽ chế tạo ra một loại máy hủy giấy kiểu mới đáp ứng tối đa nhu cầu sử dụng tại các cơ sở này, đồng thời đóng góp vào công ngiệp xử lý giấy nói riêng và vấn đề môi trường của đất nước nói chung.
A Calculus of Interfaces for Distributed Collaborative Systems: The Guarded Attribute Grammar Approach
Authors: Badouel Eric , Djeumen Djatcha Rodrigue Aimé
Published: January 2021

We address the problem of component reuse in the context of service-oriented programming and more specifically for the design of user-centric distributed collaborative systems modelled by Guarded Attribute Grammars. Following the contract-based specification of components we devel-opp an approach to an interface theory for the components of a collaborative system in three stages: we define a composition of interfaces that specifies how the component behaves with respect to its environement, we introduce an implementation order on interfaces and finally a residual operation on interfaces characterizing the systems that, when composed with a given component, can complement it in order to realize a global specification.

Nous abordons le problème de la réutilisation des composants dans le contexte de la programmation orientée services et plus spécifiquement pour la conception de systèmes collaboratifs distribués centrés sur l'utilisateur modélisés par des grammaires attribuées gardées. En suivant la démarche de la spécification contractuelle des composants, nous développons une approche de la théorie des interfaces pour les composants d'un système collaboratif en trois étapes: on définit une composition d'interfaces qui spécifie comment le composant se comporte par rapport à son environnement, on introduit un ordre d'implémentation sur les interfaces et enfin une opération de résidus sur les interfaces qui caractérise les systèmes qui, lorsqu'ils sont composés avec un composant donné, peuvent le compléter afin de réaliser une spécification du système global.
Signal and Video Processing: Developing the Noise Music Trend in Digital Edugaming
Authors: Gintere Ieva
Published: January 2021

In digital educational gaming, there are presently no games devoted to the trends of contemporary music. Also, there are no studies of noise-related sound in contemporary gaming discourse, yet noise is presently one of the most current trends in the arthouse world. The author of this study is carrying out a post-doctoral research into contemporary audio-visual art and digital game theory. Next to the other trends of modern gaming, the study incorporates analysis of noise-related artefacts that are of particular interest to the author taking into account her musicological education. The author intends to transfer knowledge gathered in the research process to the general public with an aim to facilitate the comprehension of noise music. Noise-related sound does not belong to the traditional system of musical expression thereof it requires an explanation and justification in order to be well apprehended. It has been explained in the literature of musicology, but serious gaming would help to disseminate these results and thus support intellectual education. The new experimental game Art Space explores the noise effect in order to deepen the understanding of this fuzzy area of contemporary culture. The game incorporates the historical background of noise music and its contemporary examples in the academic and alternative genres. The methods used in this study are literature analysis (theory of gaming and musicology), analyses of game sound scores and music examples. The mission of the research project and the innovative game Art Space is to pave the way to a new type of edugame that supports the documentation and analysis of aesthetical trends today.
First Steps Toward a Simple but Efficient Model-free Control Synthesis for Variable-speed Wind Turbines
Authors: Lafont Frederic , Balmat Jean-Francois , Join Cedric , Fliess Michel
Published: January 2021

In Although variable-speed three-blade wind turbines are nowadays quite popular, their control remains a challenging task. We propose a new easily implementable model-free control approach with the corresponding intelligent controllers. Several convincing computer simulations, including some fault accommodations, shows that model-free controllers are more efficient and robust than classic proportional-integral controllers.
Democracia digital y administración pública en una municipalidad distrital
Authors: Aspillaga Muñoz Francisco , Piminchumo Mendez Andrea
Published: January 2021

En la última década la democracia digital se ha convertido en un reto para el país y sus diversas instituciones a fi n de buscar la trasparencia y gestión ágil de recursos en la administración pública. Es así que la presente investigación tuvo como propósito, determinar cómo la democracia digital genera valor público en la administración pública en la Municipalidad Distrital de Picsi, 2019. El estudio tuvo alcance correlacional y se aplicó una metodología de naturaleza cuantitativa. La población de estudio se compuso por un total de 25 colaboradores de la Municipalidad Distrital de Picsi, Chiclayo – Lambayeque. La selección muestral fue no probabilística por conocimiento e interés del investigador, compuesta por toda la población, llamada también muestra universal de 25 colaboradores. La técnica de captación de datos fue la encuesta, y se construyeron dos instrumentos operativos para ello, los cuales fueron: el cuestionario sobre democracia digital y cuestionario sobre administración pública. Los resultados conseguidos determinaron que existe una vinculación altamente signifi cativa directa entre democracia digital y administración pública; ya que se ha registrado un coefi ciente de correlación de Rho Spearman de r=0,983** que señala que, a un alto nivel de democracia digital, le concierne un alto nivel de administración pública o a un bajo nivel de democracia digital, le concierne un bajo nivel de administración pública. Como conclusión es necesario promover actividades centradas en la democracia digital en los colaboradores de la Municipalidad Distrital de Picsi, 2019.
TRAUMAS POR CATETERES URETRAIS: AUTOCONFIANÇA DO ENFERMEIRO EM CENÁRIO SIMULADO
Authors: Santos Rachel Cristina Rodrigues dos , Guimarães dos Santos Almeida Rodrigo , Costa Raphael Ranieri de Oliveira , Mazzo Alessandra
Published: January 2021

Objetivo: avaliar autoconfiança do enfermeiro frente ao trauma de uretra ocasionado pela inserção de cateter. Método: Estudo descritivo, exploratório, quantitativo, realizado com 53 enfermeiros de um programa de capacitação de um hospital universitário. Para a coleta de dados utilizou-se a Escala de Autoconfiança na Assistência de Enfermagem à Retenção Urinária (EAAERU). Resultados: a maioria dos enfermeiros já havia vivenciado dificuldades na realização do procedimento e avaliação do trauma uretral ocasionado pela introdução de cateter. A conduta mediante ao fato foi comunicar o fato e solicitar avaliação de outro profissional. O menor escore encontrado na autoconfiança dos profissionais vinculou-se ao fator 1) Intervenções realizadas durante o cateterismo urinário. Observou-se ainda correlação entre a frequência de realização do cateterismo urinário e autoconfiança. Conclusão: Uma vez que o cateterismo é de competência do enfermeiro, são necessários estratégias de que capacitem os profissionais para sua realização e manejo em situações adversas, como o trauma uretral.
Early Onset of Hepatosplenic T-cell Lymphoma Following Azathioprine Cessation in Ulcerative Colitis: A Case Report
Authors:   Division of Gastroenterology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia, Astrid-Jane Greenup , Greg Rosenfeld ,   Division of Gastroenterology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia, Mikameh Kazem ,   Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Canada
Published: January 2021

Hepatosplenic T Cell Lymphoma (HSTCL) is a rare but deadly form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma which is increasingly reported in the context of chronic immunosuppression in patients with solid organ transplant, lymphoproliferative disorder, or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It is of note that there is an association between the development of HSTCLand the use of thiopurines or anti-tumor-necrosis alpha inhibitors (anti-TNFs) in patients with IBD. The development of HSTCL is usually concurrent with the use of a thiopurine and an anti-TNF. We report a case of a young male with extensive Ulcerative Colitis who developed HSTCL eight months following cessation of azathioprine monotherapy. This case highlights the need for consideration of potential significant adverse side effects such as HSTCL when prescribing azathioprine, particularly in the described demographic of a young male. Furthermore, the risk for HSTCL can persist despite cessation of azathioprine.
Can Radiation Enhance Response to Checkpoint Inhibition in Advanced-Stage NSCLC? A Case Series and Review of the Literature
Authors:   Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA, Shraddha M Dalwadi , Hector A Preti ,   Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA, Stephen B Chiang ,   Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA, E Brian Butler ,   Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA, Bin S The ,   Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA, Andrew M Farach ,   Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
Published: January 2021

Introduction: The abscopal effect is an elusive phenomenon first described by Mole in 1953 as tumor regression observed at sites distant to an irradiated area. Anti-PDL1 monoclonal antibodies (such as nivolumab) were recently approved as first and second-line treatment for advanced-stage NSCLC, but overall response rates remain low for these patients. Herein, we report two cases of stage IV lung adenocarcinoma that achieved complete response after the addition of radiation therapy to an existing anti-PD-1 regimen. Methods: Retrospective chart review of two patients was conducted, followed by systematic literature review using PubMed for abscopal effect observed in lung adenocarcinoma. Results: Two patients with widely metastastic lung adenocarcinoma and progression on multimodal therapy experienced complete resolution of radiographic disease after palliative radiotherapy administered in combination with maintenance anti-PD-1 therapy. Conclusion: Few studies describe the abscopal phenomenon in lung cancer. Adjunct radiotherapy may boost response rates in advanced-stage NSCLC managed with checkpoint inhibition via the abscopal effect. Investigative efforts are necessary to examine combined immunoradiotherapy in metastatic NSCLC.
Precipitação provável e veranicos no Vale do Jequitinhonha-MG
Authors: Lacerda Matheus Gobira , Brito Bruna Laíz Nogueira , Lima Vico Mendes Pereira
Published: January 2021

O conhecimento da variação e da distribuição das precipitações permite determinar períodos críticos predominantes numa determinada região e reduzir consequências causadas pelas flutuações do regime pluviométrico. Vários modelos de distribuição de frequência têm sido utilizados, visando à estimativa da precipitação provável para diferentes locais e períodos de ocorrência. No presente trabalho os dados de registros pluviométricos do município de Jequitinhonha, entre 1977 a 2002, foram utilizados para adequação dos modelos de distribuição de probabilidades. Os registros pluviométricos dos anos de 1950 a 2019, da mesma estação, foram utilizados para comparar as precipitações prováveis aos dados históricos e verificar a ocorrência de veranicos. Considerando o nível de probabilidade de 75%, verificou-se uma precipitação provável no período chuvoso (novembro a março) de 70,6 mm e no período seco (abril a outubro) de 13,7 mm. No mês de dezembro, com 75% de probabilidade de ocorrência, é esperada uma lâmina de 114 mm. A irregular distribuição das chuvas e a severidade dos veranicos nos anos de 2015 a 2019 resultou em perda de produção de grãos, diminuição da segurança alimentar e desabastecimento das famílias.

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Influência parental no esporte: uma revisão da psicologia do esporte
Authors: Fabris Fernando de Lima , Morão Kauan Galvão , Machado Afonso Antonio
Published: January 2021

Diversos são os aspectos que envolvem a prática esportiva, como as regras, a interação com outros participantes, o ambiente, os materiais utilizados, em muitos a torcida que está presente e o foco da pesquisa, que é a influência dos pais e familiares. Este último responsável por fazer parte do primeiro contexto social de nossas vidas, considerando tanto para o cenário esportivo quanto o social. Desta forma o trabalho buscou em publicações científicas identificar os fatores de interferência externa na prática de atividades esportivas, principalmente na relação parental. Foi utilizado o percurso de pesquisa bibliográfica, sendo desenvolvido por material já elaborado, como livros e artigos científicos, adotando-se do caráter qualitativo para análise e reflexão dos dados, prezou-se pela seleção e análise de trabalhos na língua portuguesa e língua inglesa. Através da análise dos dados foi possível destacar os principais fatores emocionais e psicológicos que envolvem o relacionamento entre pais e atletas, discutindo o papel da psicologia do esporte, rendimento esportivo e a sua prática, apontando as principais alternativas que melhoram essa relação parental no esporte. Portando foi possível aumentar os níveis de compreensão para os diversos aspectos psicológicos de influência externa que podem interferência no comportamento durante a prática de atividades esportivas e também em sociedade.
Las competencias profesionales del entrenador de deportes colectivos
Authors: Machado Gómez Mónica Fabiola
Published: January 2021

Introducción: El entrenador de deportes colectivos es el gestor fundamental del éxito o fracaso de sus dirigidos, su desempeño efectivo es proporcional a la experticia y al dominio de los conocimientos, directamente relacionado con las competencias profesionales que posee. Objetivo: Determinar el nivel e importancia de las competencias del entrenador de deportes colectivos. Métodos: Investigación teórico-descriptiva con orden estructural y análisis cualitativo-correlacional, aplicando un muestreo intencional no probabilístico para seleccionar dos grupos independientes de 22 especialistas (Grupo 1: 11 nacionales y Grupo 2: 11 internacionales), estudiando mediante cuestionario 13 competencias vinculadas al entrenador de deportes colectivos. Resultados: El orden de importancia emitido por los especialistas nacionales inició con el indicador más bajo en “DO” (3,45), el indicador “MC”, “TEIC” y “CS” con un mismo puntaje medio (3,91), los indicadores “DTIC” y “CR” (4,09), el indicador “G” (4,36), los indicadores “CCTP” y “C” (4,55), los indicadores “T”, “DM” y “L” (4,64) y el indicador “V” (4,73) respectivamente. En los especialistas internacionales inicio con el valor más bajo en “CS” (3,91), el indicador “DO” (4), el indicador “V” (4,36), el “C” (4,55), el “CCTP” (4,64), los indicadores “CR”, “L” y “TEIC” (4,73), los indicadores “T”, “DM” y “MC” (4,82), el indicador “DTIC” (4,91) y el indicador “G” (5) respectivamente. Conclusiones: La importancia teórica evidencia una cualificación de las competencias estudiadas con un nivel entre “Medio” a “Muy Alto”, evidenciando la necesidad de mejorar en el ámbito nacional algunos aspectos relacionados con el proceso de dirección del entrenamiento.
Reflexões sobre os protocolos do Programa Nacional de Segurança do Paciente em um hospital público
Authors: Amaral Adaíse Passos Souza , Pinheiro Gleide Magali Lemos
Published: January 2021

O Programa Nacional de Segurança do Paciente (PNSP) foi instituído no Brasil, em 2013, com o intuito de contribuir com a qualificação do cuidado em todos os estabelecimentos de saúde do território nacional. Objetivo: Descrever as reflexões sobre a implantação dos protocolos do Programa Nacional de Segurança do Paciente em um hospital público. Método: trata-se de relato de experiência, a partir de observação in loco, sobre a possibilidade de implantação dos protocolos do PNSP em um hospital público no interior da Bahia. Resultados e discussão: A implantação dos protocolos esbarra em entraves, como a falta destes protocolos na unidade, deficiências na estrutura física, aquisição e manutenção de materiais de consumo e permanentes, e inconsistência da cultura de segurança do paciente na instituição. Como fator positivo, o hospital possui o Núcleo de Segurança do Paciente, que pode elaborar os protocolos voltados à realidade local e os indicadores para monitoramento, e planejar as ações para sua implantação. Conclusão: Os protocolos são viáveis para implantação no hospital do estudo, devendo ser encorajados sua implementação e seguimento.
Navigating the Drinking Self: A Qualitative Study of Beer Consumption Among the Working-Poor in Botswana
Authors: Sebeelo Tebogo , Belgrave Linda
Published: January 2021

Alcohol consumption studies in sub-Saharan Africa have largely focused on social control and regulatory mechanisms in specific settings without particular reference to how drinkers negotiate and navigate their drinking selves. Existing studies do not give enough attention to how consumers enact, make sense and experience drinking in light of state regulatory efforts. Using a constructivist grounded theory approach among twenty (20) beer drinkers, this study identifies how beer drinkers in Botswana experienced alcohol. Our findings demonstrate a theoretical category of Negotiating the Drinking Self where beer drinkers constructed and enacted a drinking self throughout the life-course, from the point of exposure at home through adolescence and up to maturity. The drinking self-constitutes an important part of the drinker’s identity and adapts to each stage of the life-course. Among the working poor in Botswana, beer drinking is complex, situated and embedded in webs of patterned social interactions.
Documentário e memória: os usos do testemunho em Nostalgia de la luz
Authors: Bueno Samuel Torres
Published: January 2021

Neste artigo visamos esboçar uma chave de leitura do documentário Nostalgia de la Luz, do chileno Patricio Guzmán, a partir da identificação dos possíveis usos da memória observáveis ali. Esse filme, um dos mais notórios da filmografia de Guzmán, busca interligar as atividades de três grupos que possuem o deserto do Atacama como cenário da investigação do passado: os astrônomos, os arqueólogos e as mulheres que, vasculhando aquela imensidão árida almejam encontrar os restos dos seus familiares desaparecidos pela ditadura militar no Chile. Além disso, há a presença de sobreviventes dos campos de tortura e extermínio daquele regime autoritário. Dessa maneira, os nossos propósitos são: destrinchar como o documentário trabalha com os depoimentos dos seus personagens; o que poderia significar esse trabalho da memória; quais são os sentidos plausíveis dos testemunhos da obra, e quais são as práticas memorialísticas realizadas pelo documentário
Transformações e permanências do movimento peronista na Argentina
Authors: Fernandes Lanzoni Raquel
Published: January 2021

SEBRELI, Juan José. Los deseos imaginarios del peronismo. Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires: Sudamericana, 2019.