bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimized DNA-based Identification of Toxocara spp. Egg in Difficult Matrices: A Case for Specific and Sensitive Identification of Geohelminth Eggs
Authors: Jarosz Wojciech , Durant Jean-François , Irenge Leonid Mwana wa bene , Fogt-Wyrwas Renata , Mizgajska-Wiktor Hanna , Gala Jean-Luc
Published: February 2021

BackgroundToxocara canis (T. canis) and Toxocara cati (T. cati) are worldwide-distributed roundworms of canids and felids and causative agents of human toxocarosis, via ingestion of Toxocara eggs disseminated in the environment. Control of Toxocara infections is constrained by the lack of sensitive methods for screening of animal feces and environmental samples potentially contaminated by Toxocara eggs. We previously developed a quantitative duplex real-time PCR (qPCR) for sensitive and specific detection of T. canis and T. cati. In this work, a pre-analytical method for efficient extraction of DNA from Toxocara eggs present in environmental samples was set up. For this purpose, the influence of different methods for eggs lysis, DNA extraction and purification for removal of PCR inhibitors were assessed on environmental samples.MethodsSoil and sand (10g) samples were spiked with egg suspensions of T. canis. DNA was extracted from Toxocara eggs, using different DNA extraction kits (FastDNA™ SPIN Kit for Soil and DNeasy® PowerMax® Soil Kit), and an additional clean-up step (Agencourt® AMPure®). The efficiency of the above-developed process was compared with the conventional flotation-centrifugation and observation of Toxocara eggs under light microscopy.ResultsThe most effective DNA extraction method for Toxocara eggs in soil samples consisted in the combination of mechanical lysis of eggs using beads, DNA extraction with the DNeasy® PowerMax® Soil Kit and an additional DNA clean-up step with AMPure® beads. with a limit of detection of 6 eggs of T. canis spiked in 10 g of soil with a probability of 97%.ConclusionThe pre-analytical flow process developed here combined with qPCR represents an improved method for the surveillance of Toxocara contamination in the environment.
Towards Developing Innovation Management Framework (IMF) for ICT Organizations at Pakistan
Authors: Abbasi Eram , Amin Imran , Siddiqui Shama
Published: February 2021

Various aspects of innovation management have been discussed in literature over the past few decades. Most of the innovation management frameworks have been formulated by undertaking studies in the developed world and lack the industry / culture specific focus. In this paper we revisit the generic innovation management studies to develop an innovation management framework for highlighting the factors affecting innovation specifically at the ICT sector of Pakistan. A detailed literature review has been conducted to identify the factors included in the past innovation management models. To identify the factors specific for Pakistan, senior level professionals, working at the Pakistani ICT organizations were interviewed. A comparative analysis of the innovation management frameworks for Pakistan against those previously found in literature revealed interesting similarities and differences. Based on the study findings, an innovation management framework is developed that highlights the present factors which are important for innovation in the ICT sector for Pakistan. This framework can be used by Pakistan and other underdeveloped countries for improving their innovation in ICT sectors in particular and other sectors in general.
A Comparison of BTA stat and NMP 22 as Non-Invasive Screening Methods for Bladder Cancer. A Systematic Review.
Authors: Lezon Sara , Rink Michael , Eulenburg Christine Gräfin zu , Buhling Kai Joachim
Published: February 2021

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to systematically review the effects of bladder tumor antigen (BTA) stat and nuclear matrix protein (NMP) 22 as a screening method in an asymptomatic population. Methods We evaluated 381 international studies by selecting randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We descriptively evaluated and summarized all of the 381 studies to identify their strengths and weaknesses in terms of the use of BTA stat and NMP 22. ResultsWe did not identify any RCTs that used BTA stat or NMP 22 as a pure screening tools. We also did not identify any studies that used an asymptomatic population. Different cut-off values and individualized methods were discussed for NMP 22 based on age, sex, risk factors, and history of bladder cancer, introducing significant heterogeneity and bias. Interestingly, the use of NMP 22 demonstrated only in men younger than 65 years positive results. ConclusionsRCTs are needed to show a reliable sensitivity and specificity of using BTA stat or NMP 22 as a screening test. It may be worth investigating in future studies whether it would be useful to offer NMP 22 to only a certain profile of patients. Based on our findings and in consent with national and international guidelines, a screening recommendation using NMP 22 and/or BTA stat can not be given for bladder cancer in an asymptomatic population.
MicroRNA-21 Expression, Serum Tumor Markers, and Immunohistochemistry in Canine Mammary Tumors
Authors: Salem Noha Y. , Ramadan Eman S. , Emam Ibrahim A. , AbdElKader Naglaa A , Farghali Haithem A. , Khattab Marwa S.
Published: February 2021

Background: Canine mammary tumors (CMTs) are one of the most common malignancies in dogs and are associated with significant mortality. Serum tumor markers and non-coding microRNAs have recently gained widespread popularity in human oncology studies. We aimed to investigate the expression of microRNA-21 (miR21), changes in serum tumor markers (CEA and CA 15-3), and immunohistochemistry in CMTs diagnosed by clinical examination, radiology, and histopathology. This study enrolled 17 female dogs: 10 with mammary tumors and seven controls without tumors. Blood samples were collected to measure miR-21, CEA, and CA 15-3, and histological samples were prepared for histological grading and immunohistochemistry. Results: CA 15-3 was elevated in all animals, whereas CEA levels showed no change compared with controls. miR-21 was upregulated 12.84-fold in animals with CMT. The most frequently recorded CMT was mixed type. Myoepithelial cells were identified by P63 immunoreactivity, but not SMA. High expression of miR-21 was observed with positive vimentin immunoreactivity, indicating a mesenchymal origin of the tumor cells. Conclusion: The present study showed that miR-21 was elevated to a greater extent than CA 15-3 (12.84-fold vs. threefold). Mixed-type tumors with positive vimentin immunoreactivity showed the highest miR-21 levels. These findings support the hypothesis that miR-21 may be a more sensitive, noninvasive indicator for CMT.
Structural, electrical and optical properties of PVC/ZnTe nanocomposite thin films
Authors: El-Hachemi Benyahia , Miloud Sebais , Sabah Mammeri , Souad Touahri , Zineddine Ouili , Boubekeur boudine , Toufik Soltani Mohamed , Ouahiba Halimi
Published: February 2021

ZnTe nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized using hydrothermal method and then were dispersed in poly(vinyl-chloride) (PVC) to prepare hybrid PVC/ZnTe nanocomposite thin films which were deposited on glass substrates by the dip coating technique. Structural, optical and electrical properties of films were investigated by different techniques. XRD analysis revealed that synthesized ZnTe NPs have a cubic structure and a nanoscale size,while pure PVC films have a weak degree of crystallinity and exhibit a broad diffraction peak at low angles. The PVC/ZnTe nanocomposite thin films display an intense diffraction peak corresponding to the plane (220) which indicates a preferred orientation of ZnTe nanocystallites along crystallographic axis [220]. This texture was also showed by the atomic force microscopy micrographs.The analysis by FT-IR and Raman vibrational spectroscopies confirmed the incorporation of ZnTe NPs in the PVC matrix.The ZnTe/PVC nanocomposites thin films have an optical transparency over 80 % in the visible range and an optical gap close to 4.07 eV. Discrepancies with respect to the gap of pure PVC (red shift) and bulk ZnTe (blue shift) are due to the effect of the interaction between the ZnTe NPsand the PVC matrixand alsoto the nanometric size of the ZnTe crystallites. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra showed an enhanced blue emission at 466 nm,a green emissionat 522 nm and a strong red emission at 686 nm. Thus the incorporation of oriented ZnTe NPs induced a new optical behavior of the PVC polymer matrix.Electrical measurements indicate a decrease of electrical resistivity of PVC/ZnTe nanocompositesas ZnTe NPs concentration increases.
Factors associated with use of long-acting reversible contraception among female sex workers operating in Gulu district, Northern Uganda – a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ouma Simple , Tumwesigye Nazarius Mbona , Abbo Catherine , Ndejjo Rawlance
Published: February 2021

Background: Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) are the most effective and reliable contraceptives for female sex workers (FSWs) and require periodic users’ involvement only at the time of application or re-application. However, information on LARC use among FSWs in Uganda is scarce. To fill this gap, we determined the prevalence of LARC use among FSWs and examined factors associated with LARC use among FSWs operating in Gulu district, Northern Uganda.Methods: Across-sectional study was conducted among 300 FSWs aged 18 years and above and operating in Gulu district. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to measure factors associated with the use of LARC: intrauterine device (IUD), Implants, and injectables. Data analyses were conducted using STATA 14.0 and restricted to 280 non-gravid adult FSWs aged 18-49 years who were not on permanent contraception method. To examine factors associated with LARC use, prevalence ratios (PR) with robust standard errors were computed using Poisson regression.Results: Among the participants, the mean age (SD, range) was 26.5 (5.9, 18 - 45) years, 53.2% never married, 66.1% reported consistent condom use independent of LARC, 58.9% had unintended pregnancy during a lifetime, 48.6% had at least one unintended pregnancy during sex work, and 37.4% had at least one induced abortion. The prevalence of LARC use was 58.6%; the majority were using Implants (48.2%), followed by injectables (42.7%), and IUDs (9.1%). Independent factors associated with LARC use included: longer duration of sex work [≥ two years] (adjusted PR=1.44, 95% CI: 1.03-2.02), higher parity [≥ two] (adjusted PR=1.13, 95% CI: 1.02-1.26), history of unintended pregnancy during sex work (adjusted PR=1.24 CI: 1.01-1.51), and being a brothel/lodge-based FSWs (adjusted PR=1.28, 95% CI: 1.01-1.63).Conclusions: There is a big gap in LARC use with only 58.6% of FSWs using LARC. LARC use was associated with longer duration of sex work, higher parity, history of sex work-related unintended pregnancy, and being a brothel/lodge-based FSW. Therefore, interventions to improve LARC use should intensively target the newly recruited FSWs, FSWs with low parity, and FSWs not based in brothels or lodges.
Laboratory Testing Implications of Risk-Stratification and Management of COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Liu Caidong , Wang Ziyu , Wu Wei , Xiang Changgang , Wu Lingxiang , Li Jie , Hou Weiye , Sun Huiling , Wang Youli , Nie Zhenling , Gao Yingdong , Zhang Ruisheng , Wang Qianghu , Kening Li , Xia Xinyi , Li Pengping , Wang Shukui
Published: February 2021

Objectives: To classify COVID-19 patients into low-risk and high-risk at admission by laboratory indicators.Design, Setting, and Patients: This is a case series of patients from a China healthcare system in Wuhan. In this retrospective cohort, 3563 patients confirmed COVID-19 pneumonia, including 548 patients in the training dataset, and 3015 patients in the testing dataset.Interventions: NoneMeasurements and Main Results:We first identified the significant laboratory indicators related to the severity of COVID-19 in the training dataset. Neutrophils percentage, lymphocytes percentage, creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen with AUC greater than 0.7 were included in the model. These indicators were further used to build a support vector machine model to classify patients into low-risk and high-risk at admission. Results showed that this model could stratify the patients in the testing dataset effectively (AUC=0.89). Moreover, laboratory indicators detected in the first week after admission were able to estimate the probability of death (AUC=0.95). Besides, we could diagnose COVID-19 and differentiated it from other kinds of viral pneumonia based on laboratory indicators (accuracy=0.97).Conclusions:Our risk-stratification model based on laboratory indicators could help to diagnose, monitor, and predict severity at an early stage of COVID-19.
Illegales Anbieten von Geldspielen — Auslegung und Bewertung der relevanten Bestimmungen des BGS
Authors: Weber Michael
Published: February 2021

Die Straftaten im Zusammenhang mit illegalem Geldspiel im schweizerischen Strafrecht haben in der Lehre bis anhin kaum Beachtung gefunden. Zu Unrecht, wie ansehnliche Fallzahlen belegen. Die vorliegende Abhandlung über den Tatbestand des illegalen Anbietens von Geldspielen soll hier Abhilfe schaffen. Die einschlägigen Straftatbestände des neuen Geldspielrechts werden ausgelegt und kommentiert. Der Auslegung folgt eine Darstellung der wichtigsten präventiven und repressiven Massnahmen im Zusammenhang mit dem illegalen Anbieten von Geldspielen. Schliesslich wird auch ersichtlich, dass — aller Kritik zum Trotz — insgesamt potente Massnahmen vorhanden sind, um das illegale Anbieten von Geldspielen zu verhindern.
Resistance to Meloidogyne enterolobii and Meloidogyne incognita in Cultivated and Wild Cowpea
Authors: Dareus Rocheteau , Porto Antonio Carlos Mota , Bogale Mesfin , DiGennaro Peter , Chase Carlene A. , Rios Esteban Fernando
Published: February 2021

Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp] is a multipurpose crop that provides nutrients for human and livestock diets, as well as regulates and supports ecosystem services. In developing countries, cowpea is exploited as a dual-purpose crop for its grain and fodder; it is cultivated primarily for grain and as a cover crop in industrialized countries. However, root-knot nematodes (RKNs) (Meloidogyne spp.) represent a threat to cowpea production worldwide. Thus, we screened the University of California, Riverside (UC-Riverside), cowpea mini-core collection for resistance to Meloidogyne incognita Kofoid and White (Chitwood) and M. enterolobii Yang and Eisenback to verify the potential of this collection to be used for improving RKN resistance in cowpeas. Both screenings showed significant genotypic variation and medium/high broad-sense heritability (H2) estimates for most traits, and several traits were also strongly correlated. For the M. incognita screening, 86.1% of accessions showed some level of resistance based on gall score (≤3), and 77.7% based on reproduction index (RI) (25 ≤ RI ≤ 50), whereas only 10.4% and 29.8% of accessions were resistant to M. enterolobii based on gall score (≤3) and RI (25 ≤ RI ≤ 50), respectively. These results demonstrate the greater virulence of M. enterolobii than M. incognita in cowpea, and that geographic origin of germplasm was not linked to sources of resistance. Among cultivars, only US-1136 showed resistance against both nematode species, whereas 12 wild/landrace germplasms exhibited resistance to M. incognita and M. enterolobii, and can be exploited for breeding resistant cowpeas.
Sustainable and Low-Cost Lithium-Ion Batteries: Nonconventional Electrode Chemistries and State of Health Characterization
Authors: Shang Ruoxu , Zerrin Taner , Dong Bo , Ozkan Cengiz S. , Ozkan Mihrimah
Published: February 2021

With the advancements in portable electronics and electric vehicle (EV) applications, the demand for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) with high energy densities is ever increasing. Battery-powered transportation is being adopted more frequently due to its potential to enable a more sustainable
society by reducing vehicle emissions from fossil fuels. There has been exponential growth in the need for high-capacity LIBs in all types of EVs, including hybrid and full electric automobiles, e-bikes, and drones, as well as electric tools, cell phones, tablets, and, more recently, house
storage; this growth significantly increases the consumption of source material commodities, especially cobalt. Despite its drop in price in the last couple of years due to increased mining, cobalt remains expensive, and its price increase has gained momentum again compared to other electrode
materials due to higher demand. Moreover, its toxicity and difficult mining practices could result in many problems, including excessive carbon dioxide and nitrogen dioxide emission along with a possible much higher demand in the long term. This provides a strong motivation to explore alternatives
to battery source materials. In this article, we present a selection of our important works on LIBs, with a focus on alternative electrode chemistries by using abundant and sustainable material sources. As alternatives to traditional graphite-based anodes, we demonstrate the successful use
of both silicon electrodes derived from beach sand and waste glass and carbon electrodes derived from portobello mushroom and waste plastic precursors. In addition, we demonstrate stable cycling of batteries with nonconventional electrode chemistries, such as lithium-sulfur with TiO2-coated
sulfur electrodes and sulfur-silicon full cell batteries with integrated lithium sources. Batteries prepared by sustainable methods not only perform better than conventional ones but also result in reduced costs. Since accurate determination of battery state of health is another important
challenge, we further present our electrochemical impedance spectroscopy-based analysis of LIBs, which could potentially be utilized in safety evaluations of current and next-generation LIBs.
The detection efficiency of digital PCR for the virulence genes of waterborne pathogenic bacteria
Authors: Shi Xiaojie , Liu Gang , Shi Liangliang , Chen Menghao , Wu Xiaojin , Zhao Jinbo , Lu Yun
Published: February 2021

Waterborne pathogens are the primary concern for the safe reuse of wastewater. Although digital PCR (dPCR) is considered promising for absolutely quantitating genes, the detection efficiency of dPCR is affected by many factors. This study tested eight virulence genes of pathogenic bacteria on a control plasmid and reclaimed water samples with reported primer–probe sets and designed ones on quantitative PCR (qPCR) and dPCR. Probe efficiency, data analysis, and PCR inhibition were found to affect the detection efficiency of dPCR. Firstly, poor probe quality, which is determined by probe quenching and activation efficiencies, was the main cause of PCR failure. Secondly, even if the PCR was successful, the probe quality and signal intensity could still affect the quantitative process. Manual analysis of dPCR data on the weak signal intensity would significantly reduce errors. And lastly, the sensitivity of PCR inhibition was lower in dPCR than qPCR, but inhibition still existed. The dPCR produced various detection efficiencies for different targets in one sample indicating inconstant inhibitory effects. Dilution was still the proper approach to overcome inhibition, but decreased the detection limit. More studies are required to ensure accurate waterborne pathogen quantitation by dPCR.
Socio-Psychological Training as a Tool for Correcting Antivital Experiences in First-Year Students
Authors: Odinochkina Elena Victorovna
Published: February 2021

The article discusses the approaches to understanding antivital experiences, their actualization in first-year students in the process of adaptation to university studies; an empirical study of the effectiveness of socio-psychological training, built taking into account the individual results of the diagnosis of antivital experiences and vitality, is analyzed.
Molecular Energy Concept of Substances Unpacking
Authors: Haydarov Gennadiy Gasimovich , Haydarov Andrey Gennadyevich
Published: February 2021

This article brings together previously published evidence of the unified nature of physical processes and phenomena in terms of changes in the energy of a substance molecule. The unified physical nature of all these physical phenomena has been proven, as a single multistage process of energetic unpacking of molecules of a substance, which is logical to call the molecular-energy concept of unpacking a substance.
The considered processes include the following processes. Surface rupture, characterized by the surface tension coefficient. The melting process of a substance characterized by its melting point. A boiling process characterized by the boiling point. Evaporation (and condensation) process characterized by internal energy and enthalpy as well as critical point. The conclusions of the theory are confirmed by well-known empirical dependences and by reference books of the physical properties of simple substances: internal energy, enthalpy, surface tension, melting point, boiling point and critical point.
Creating Conditions for the Development of Coherent Speech of Senior Preschool Children
Authors: Stetsiuk Anzhelika Gennadevna , Suraeva Irina Gennadevna , Ulitina Irina Mikhailovna
Published: February 2021

The authors of this article reveal the issues of development of coherent speech of children of senior preschool age in the conditions of a preschool educational organization. They present the author's experience of working on the speech creativity of children by means of modern educational technologies, describe specific methods, techniques and tools in this area of children's activity. They share the forms of work on enriching the developing subject-spatial environment for activating children's coherent speech and working with parents. Present the results of their work on this issue.
Social Skills of The Personality: Diagnostics and Approaches to Analysis
Authors: Vasina Elena Alekseevna
Published: February 2021

The article considers social skills based on the polymodal approach as a means and result of the interaction of a person with social reality. The diagnostic method SUM-60 (Social skills of a personality – 60) and the results of its testing among young people are presented. The method includes a complex of social and socio-psychological skills focused on adaptive and positive behavior in the social world. The social skills analysis algorithm is proposed; their relationships with communicative and personal characteristics, value orientations, self-esteem and self-efficacy are shown.
Analysis of the Current State of Prospects for the Use of Cosmetics Containing Mucin to Combat the Effects of Acne
Authors: Sidorenko Evgeniia Vadimovna , Biriukova Natalia Viktorovna
Published: February 2021

In the course of research of scientific literature and patent documentation, a comparative analysis was carried out to identify the most effective, competitive cosmetic product containing snail mucin for the treatment of post-acne scars.
No recreio
Authors: Breder Debora , Weber Girlaine Vieira
Published: February 2021

Este artigo propõe uma reflexão sobre um rito escolar no qual os corpos (in)dóceis de meninas e meninos podem, supostamente, se expressar com mais liberdade: o recreio. O que é o recreio, esse intervalo mágico, barulhento e alvoroçado que rompe momentaneamente um continuum feito de prescrições e proscrições? A partir de um olhar etnográfico, percebemos que o recreio também é feito de regras, nem sempre explícitas, que separam, classificam e hierarquizam, concorrendo para o trabalho incessante de adestramento dos corpos na escola. Os jogos e brincadeiras que nele ocorrem são generificados, assim como os espaços nos quais se desenrolam. Da quadra ao pátio, a sanção normalizadora recai de formas distintas sobre os corpos de meninas e meninos, segundo o gênero da transgressão e as transgressões de gênero. Entretanto, apesar da vigilância constante, meninas e meninos resistem, desviam, inventam: tensionam e deslocam as fronteiras de gênero em seus jogos e brincadeiras, testando, de forma lúdica, outras formas de ser e de estar no mundo.
REFLEXÕES POLÍTICO-ECONÔMICAS E O ATELIER DE PROJETO DE ARQUITETURA EM TEMPOS DE PANDEMIA DO COVID-19
Authors: Silva Heitor de Andrade
Published: February 2021

Abordaremos a questão do ensino remoto de projeto de Arquitetura e Urbanismo em contexto de distanciamento social, inicialmente, numa perspectiva contextual, com ênfase na política e na economia. Em seguida resgataremos a noção de atelier de projeto, enquanto instrumento pedagógico presente no ensino de AU, fazendo um contraponto com esse momento atípico de ensino remoto no Brasil.
Editorial V.6 N.1 Janeiro de 2021
Authors: Veloso Maísa , Azambuja Elali Gleice
Published: February 2021

Apresenta o Expediente e o Editorial dessa edição.
Recent Updates on Current and Upcoming Biomarkers for Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Iqubal Ashif , Khan Aamir , laeeq Adeeba , Malhotra Kabil , Ansari Mohd. A. , Haque Syed E.
Published: February 2021

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a complex disease with multifactorial origin where cardiac membrane
damage, inflammation, persistent oxidative stress, apoptosis and mitochondrial damage play a significant
role. CVD is associated with high mortality rate and poor clinical outcome due to late diagnosis. Therefore, reliable
accurate and specific biomarkers help in timely diagnosis and prevention of further damage. Beside creatine
kinase-MB (CK-MB), cardiac troponin T (cTnT), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), myeloperoxidase (MPO),
etc. which are commonly used biomarkers, we need other supportive and accurate biomarkers for targeted
diagnosis, as CVD is a complex diseased condition. Further, mechanism and symptoms of different types of
CVD such as myocardial infarction, angina pectoris and heart failure are overlapping, hence in the recent time,
multi-markers are used. Multi-markers include markers for oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, membrane
damage and energy metabolism. Understanding the etiology of disease, various novel markers have been
developed and many of them are in pipeline. For bringing these biomarkers into clinical practice, various statistical
criteria such as reclassification, discrimination and calibration are needed to validate and hence these novel
biomarkers are yet to be used clinically. For pre-clinical studies, these markers play a vital role in establishing
CVD and screening molecules for their cardio protective potential. We therefore, in the current manuscript
have discussed various established and other important novel biomarkers for cardiovascular disorders, like biomarker
for oxidative stress, cardiac inflammation, membrane damage, plaque rupture and thrombosis.
Surface Engineering of Fenofibrate Nanocrystals Using Nano-by-Design Multivariate Integration: A Biopharmaceutical and Pharmacokinetic Perspective
Authors: Gite Sandip , Kakade Pratik , Patravale Vandana
Published: February 2021

Introduction:

Surface engineering of nanocrystals for improving the biopharmaceutical features is a multivariate process involving numerous formulation and process variables, thus making it a complicated process to get the desired biopharmaceutical quality profile. Nano-by-design is hereby proposed as an approach to nanonize an orally active, lipid lowering fenofibrate, to improve feasibility in product development.

Methodology:

Top-down wet ball milling (media milling) in zirconia planetary chamber was methodically explored for improving the solubility and bioavailability of fenofibrate by formulating a nanosuspension using polyvinyl alcohol as a stabilizer. Several influencing variables were screened using a systematic one-factor-at-a-time approach. DSC, SEM, XRD, and FTIR were utilized for physical characterization of the product during the development stage and study the effect of milling time, milling speed, fenofibrate: stabilizer ratio, premilling time and stabilizer concentration. Potential risk factors affecting critical quality biopharmaceutical attributes of fenofibrate nanocrystals like size, zeta potential, in vitro release, crystallinity and intrinsic solubility were optimized to improve pharmacokinetic performance.

Result:

Formulated nanosized fenofibrate exhibited a crystalize nature as evident from XRD and DSC, 411 nm size, and a rapid but complete dissolution (~99% in 30 min). This resulted into quick onset of action and improved bioavailability as observed from 51.46% shorter Tmax, 82.63% higher Cmax, and 69.34% higher AUC0–24h, respectively.
Withdrawal Notice: Novel Treatment strategies for Management of Psori-asis: Current update and Future Perspective
Authors: Thakur Sunita , Rajinikanth P.S. , Deepak Payal , Jaiswal Shweta , Anand Sneha
Published: February 2021

The article has been withdrawn at the request of the editor of the journal Current Drug Delivery due to incoherent content.

Bentham Science apologizes to the readers of the journal for any inconvenience this may have caused.

The Bentham Editorial Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at https://benthamscience.com/editorial-policies-main.php.

Bentham Science Disclaimer:

It is a condition of publication that manuscripts submitted to this journal have not been published and will not be simultaneously submitted or published elsewhere. Furthermore, any data, illustration, structure or table that has been published elsewhere must be reported, and copyright permission for reproduction must be obtained. Plagiarism is strictly forbidden, and by submit- ting the article for publication the authors agree that the publishers have the legal right to take appropriate action against the authors, if plagiarism or fabricated information is discovered. By submitting a manuscript, the authors agree that the copyright of their article is transferred to the publishers if and when the article is accepted for publication.
The Development of New Low-Molecular-Weight Factor Xa Inhibitors
that are Potential Anticoagulants
Authors: Tovbin Dmitry G. , Tarasov Dmitry N. , Malakhov Dmitry V. , Tserkovnikova Natalia A. , Aybush Arseniy V. , Drozd Natalia N.
Published: February 2021

Background:

Despite the introduction of direct oral anticoagulants, the search for new oral
anticoagulants remains an urgent task.

Objective:

By using docking and scoring, based on physical methods, simple chemical rules, methods
of synthesis, and activity measurement, develop new low-molecular-weight inhibitors of factor Xa,
which are potential anticoagulants.

Method:

The development of leads was based on chemical synthesis and structure-based drug design
methods. The basic idea was to combine the two approaches: one based on predictive modeling and
the other based on the experimental data.

Results:

In this study, we developed some nanomolar leads. Further chemical modification improved
the inhibition constant by more than one order.

Discussion:

The method proposed in this paper, as well as other methods, includes virtual screening,
chemical synthesis, and activity measurement. However, the most time–consuming process in this
method (chemical synthesis) was simplified, and the cost was reduced to the extent that was allowed;
a very simple chemical reaction was chosen, i.e., the formation of an amide bond.

Conclusion:

In this work, we demonstrated how using simple chemical rules based on the structurebased
drug design, substances with a nanomolar concentration of activity can be developed.
The Effect of Potato Almond Orange Cookies on their Weight, BMI, Hemoglobin, and Lymphocyte Status of Undernourished Older People during COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Fatmah
Published: February 2021

Background:

Older people vulnerability to COVID-19 is related to the presence of comorbidities,
diseases, and low immunity. Undernutrition conditions make them prone to anemia
(low hemoglobin/Hb), and low lymphocyte level brings a higher risk for COVID-19 infection.

Objective:

To assess the effect of potato almond orange cookies on weight, Hb, and lymphocyte
levels of undernourished older people amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods:

This 3-week randomized controlled trial involved 48 subjects > 60 years, divided randomly
into treatment group (potato almond orange cookies) and control groups (potato almond
cookies). Lymphocyte and Hb were collected before and after the study. Both groups received
nutrition education. The analysis was performed using an independent t-test and paired t-test.

Results:

Weight gained in the treatment group (0.7 kg) was significantly different from the control
group (p=0.002), with a 0.3 point change observed in the BMI of the treatment group.
Changes were also seen in vitamin C intake in treatment group (+10.3 mg, p = 0.03) and vitamin
E intake in both groups (+4.6 mcg, p = 0.001 and +2.9 mcg, p = 0.001, respectively), but not for
inter-group. Weight, Hb, and lymphocyte level increased in both groups, with the highest weight
increased in the treatment group while the highest Hb increased in the control group. The lymphocyte
increased 1 point in both groups. Weight, Hb, and lymphocyte level differences were insignificant
between the two groups.

Conclusion:

Potato almond orange consumption tends to increase weight, Hb, and lymphocyte
level in undernourished older people during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Characterization of Therapeutic Targets from Aspergillus fumigates in response
to Adjunctive Combination Therapy (Ketoconazole with EDTA)
Authors: Ruhil Sonam , Kumar Vikash , Malik Monika , Balhara Meenakshi , Chhillar Anil Kumar
Published: February 2021

Background:

The Kingdom (Fungi) comprises numerous species that are associated
with numerous fungal diseases. Moreover, the fungal resistance, stagnation in the development of
antifungal agents and unacceptably high mortality rate associated with some resistant fungus indicate
that alternative therapeutic options should be considered.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to find out new therapeutic targets of A.fumigatus in response
to adjunctive combination, i.e., Ketoconazole (KTZ) plus EDTA.

Methods:

A.fumigatus was cultured in the absence and presence of a sublethal dose (MIC 50) of
EDTA, KTZ and a combination of KTZ plus EDTA. The cytosolic proteins were extracted by mechanical
grinding of fungal cells. The protein profile was studied by using a proteomic approach
and the identification of protein was done by MALDI-TOF/MS. The morphological effect of the
combination on A. fumigatus was studied by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and toxic effect
on erythrocytes by haemolytic assay.

Result:

The combination of KTZ with EDTA was non-toxic up to 500 μg/ml by MTT assay. It inhibits
the expression of the following proteins: Glutamatedehydrogenase, Phenyl alanyl t-RNA synthetase
POD G, CaO19-5601, AN6454.2 (Conserved domain; MFS (Major Facilitator Superfamily),
serine/threonine-protein kinase and dipeptidyl peptidase (identified by peptide mass fingerprinting).
Some of these proteins are involved in hyphal development. Morphological defects on the development
of fungus (like disrupted hyphal tips, phialide) were observed.

Conclusion:

These targets can be used for novel drug development as some of them are involved
in fungal virulence, and adjunctive combination therapy can be an optimistic approach.
Acidic Pyridinium Inner Salt as a New, Effective and Reusable Catalyst for the One-Pot Three-Component Synthesis of N-substituted 5-aryl-4-benzoyl- 3-hydroxy-3-pyrrolin-2-ones in Aqueous Media
Authors: Shahnaei Roya , Kabirifard Hassan
Published: February 2021

Background:

The present method is facile and effective for the synthesis of N-substituted
5-aryl-4-benzoyl-3-hydroxy-3-pyrrolin-2-one derivatives which are obtained by one-pot threecomponent
condensation reactions of aromatic aldehydes, primary amines and ethyl benzoylpyruvate
in the presence of a novel homogeneous catalyst including acidic pyridinium inner salt (PIS)
at 50°C in ethanol and water mixture as solvent.

Methods:

5-Aryl-4-benzoyl-3-hydroxy-3-pyrrolin-2-ones were synthesized through a one-pot three-
-component tandem formation of Schiff base cyclo condensation reaction of aromatic aldehydes,
primary amines and ethyl benzoylpyruvate in the presence of 10 mol% of acidic pyridinium inner
salt as a catalyst under aqueous ethanol medium at 50°C. All obtained structures were confirmed
by their elemental analysis data and IR, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopy.

Results:

Three-component synthesis of 5-aryl-4-benzoyl-3-hydroxy-3-pyrrolin-2-ones catalyzed by
acidic pyridinium inner salt with aromatic aldehydes, primary amines and ethyl benzoylpyruvate in
aqueous ethanol medium at 50°C was prepared. The achieved derivatives (eight entries) were well
synthesized in excellent yields.

Conclusion:

We found acidic pyridinium inner salt as a proper catalyst for this method. A catalyst’s
novelty is excellent catalytic activity, easy separation of the reaction mixture by washing with
cold water and reusability of the catalyst for six consecutive periods without disrupting the activity
of this catalyst system.
Filogenia de Lysiloma (Fabaceae), un género restringido a Megaméxico con especies atípicas en las Antillas y Florida
Authors: Duno de Stefano Rodrigo , Tun Tun Christian , López Contreras José Enrique , Carnevali Fernández-Concha Germán , Leopardi-Verde Carlos Luis , Ramírez-Prado Jorge Humberto , Can Itza Lilia Lorena , Tamayo Cen Ivan
Published: February 2021

Antecedentes y Objetivos: Lysiloma es un género neotropical de la familia Fabaceae que comprende ocho especies, seis de las cuales se distribuyen ampliamente en México y dos más que ocurren en las Antillas y La Florida. Lysiloma es frecuente en los bosques secos de Megaméxico. Un estudio filogenético previo incluyó tres especies de Lysiloma y Hesperalbizia occidentalis. Ambos géneros están estrechamente relacionados, pero su divergencia tiene un apoyo débil. Nuestros objetivos fueron probar la monofilia del género, evaluar las relaciones de grupo hermano dentro del género y estimar los tiempos de divergencia. Métodos: Se realizó un análisis filogenético basado en caracteres morfológicos, marcadores moleculares (ETS, matK y trnK), así como un análisis combinado (morfología + moléculas). Las matrices de datos se analizaron tanto individualmente como concatenadas (enfoque de evidencia total) con inferencia Bayesiana y máxima parsimonia. Además, los tiempos de divergencia molecular se estimaron a partir del conjunto de datos ETS con un modelo de reloj bayesiano relajado lognormal no correlacionado. Resultados clave: El análisis morfológico respalda la monofilia del Lysiloma con Hesperalbizia como grupo hermano. Sin embargo, los análisis moleculares individuales y combinado no proporcionan resolución para aclarar las relaciones entre Hesperalbizia occidentalis, Lysiloma sabicu y el núcleo de Lysiloma. El análisis de evidencia total (incluida la morfología) respalda la monofilia de Lysiloma, pero con un bajo soporte. Según nuestro modelo de reloj molecular, el clado Lysiloma+Hesperalbizia se separó de otros miembros de la tribu Acacieae+Ingeae hace unos 32 millones de años y la diversificación del núcleo del Lysiloma se produjo a lo largo del Mioceno.Conclusiones: Lysiloma+Hesperalbizia es un clado de divergencia temprana de las tribus Acacieae+Ingeae. Existen suficientes diferencias morfológicas para reconocer ambos linajes. Los caracteres morfológicos utilizados informalmente para la delimitación taxonómica parecen haber evolucionado de manera homoplásica. El clado de Lysiloma y Hesperalbizia se separó de otros miembros de la tribu Acacieae+Ingeae en el Oligoceno, pero la diversificación del núcleo del género coincidió con la expansión del bosque seco a principios del Mioceno.
Redesigning the Affordable Healthcare Program in the Context of Economic Market
Authors: Nwaokoro Amaechi N. , Ojemakinde Abiodun
Published: February 2021

Repealing and replacing the Affordable Healthcare Act 2010 (Obamacare) was one of the most controversial issues during and after the U.S. 2016 presidential campaign. The importance of the issue bears on searching for the generally acceptable healthcare program to the American taxpayers. Before the passage of the Act, the United States was the only advanced nation that did not provide affordable healthcare insurance for its citizens. The recognition of the uninsured millions’ healthcare plight, the rising cancellations and premiums of the private insurance policies, and the high healthcare costs led to the Act’s passage.
Research on Protection and Redevelopment Strategies of Industrial Heritage from the Perspective of Urban Innovation
Authors: Jin Cong-yi
Published: February 2021

Since the 18th century, industrial production has promoted the transformation of social productive forces and the progress of human civilization, formed a unique factory model and industrial civilization, and became a manifestation of the interaction between human and environment. With the industrial transformation in the middle of the 20th century, many large factories have stopped production and closed down, and their abandoned sites have formed a huge industrial heritage because they retain a large number of industrial buildings and machinery and equipment, which has become the focus of attention in urban environmental management and context protection. Industrial heritage has profound historical accumulation and cultural value. For the protection and redevelopment of industrial heritage, reasonable reconstruction plans should be formulated according to the preservation state and cultural value of the local industrial architectural landscape and the innovative needs of the city in terms of economy, people’s livelihood and environment. Under the current background of sustainable urban development and self-innovation, proper protection and development of industrial heritage is not only the functional transformation of abandoned industrial parks but also the functional repair of old urban areas. It is of positive significance for urban tourism development, economic revitalization, livelihood improvement, cultural protection and resilience design
Elementary English Language School Teachers Self Evaluation: A Case Study from Real Life Application
Authors: Darwish Salwa H. Al
Published: February 2021

Self- evaluation is a central “tool” to express how we know what we do when we teach, and as we make decisions on our own while we teach, self- evaluation has the power to help us link knowledge and theoretical information and to use each area of expertise more professionally. This paper will discuss primary school English Language teacher trainee’s self- evaluation which will be carried out between the instructor (researcher/ mentor) and the student teacher trainees. This study aims to explore the benefits of the process of self-evaluation during the student trainees while teaching English as a foreign language in public elementary schools in the form of the practice classes (Practicum Course). Another purpose of this research will be to find out more about students’ perceptions, problems and difficulties of teaching the target language (English) to young learners in order to find the instrument that will help the teacher trainees to better prepare, monitor and evaluate their own teaching through the self-evaluation and peer evaluation. The chosen instrument for this research will be observation for each individual by the instructor (mentor) and the teacher trainees, followed by a questionnaire distributed among the teacher trainees. The sample will consist of 30 female teacher trainees. Each participant is assigned four classmates to be observed and evaluated; followed by the mentor observation and evaluation for each teacher trainee. The results were not similar between the teacher trainees and the mentor.
MEĐUGENERACIJSKA SOLIRADNOST U SRBIJI- KOLIKO BRINEMO O STARIJIM OSOBAMA
Authors: Glisic Milica
Published: February 2021

Demografski trend starenja stanovništa predstavlja globalni fenomen. U Srbiji broj starijih osoba u ukupnoj populaciji je u stalnom porastu, što neminovno dovodi do porasta broja osoba sa funkcionalnim zavisnostima i hroničnim oboljenjima. Ovo znači da će sistemi pružanja dugoročne nege morati da se adaptiraju u cilju pružanja adekvatne i kvalitetne nege, a istovremeno će rasti značaj neformalnih oblika pružanja pomoći. Cilj ovog istraživanja je prikaz obima i karakteristika međugeneracijske solidarnosti u Srbiji. Za realizaciju cilja koristili smo dostupnu relevantnu literaturu. Analizirali smo rezultate istraživanja obima i sadržaja međugeneracijske razmene u okviru projekta „Međugeneracijske solidarnosti“, kao i relevantnih istraživanja sprovedenih u zemljama Evropske unije. Zaključujemo da je međugeneracijska solidarnost u Srbiji intenzivna, da podrazumeva učešće svih generacija (mlađih, srednjih i starijih) i da postoji prostor za nova istraživanja u oboj oblasti koja bi predstavljala osnov za kreiranje inkluzivnih javnih politika. Međugeneracijska solidarnost izuzetno je važna i zahteva ekosistemski pristup u njenom izučavanju zbog neprestanih interakcija i transakcija između pojedinaca, porodica i zajednice.
POLITIKA AZILA: IZAZOVI I ODGOVORI SISTEMA U REPUBLICI SRBIJI
Authors: Pavlovic Danijela
Published: February 2021

Predmet analize u ovom radu jeste politika azila u Republici Srbiji. Cilj je analiza politike azila sa fokusom na postojeći normativni, strateški i institucionalni okvir u ovoj oblasti i njihovu usklađenost sa standardima i propisima Evropske unije i međunarodnim dokumentima. Teorijski okvir analize predstavlja koncept migracije između blagostanja i državljanstva koji istovremeno uključuje i isključuje migrante. Metodološki pristup zasniva se na analizi sadržaja statističkih, političkih i legislativnih dokumenata. Rezultati analize pokazuju da navedeni sistem zahteva postojanje uređenog okvira koji sačinjava jasnu politiku azila i organizacionu i normativnu strukturu koja će omogućiti pravednu proceduru i zaštitu prava tražilaca azila. Praćenje i analiza procesa sprovođenja i kreiranja odgovarajuće politike azila dobija posebnu dimenziju, ne samo zbog povećavanja broja tražilaca azila, već i zbog praćenja stanja i kreiranje poželjnog sistema u ovoj oblasti.
СРАВНИТЕЛЬНЫЙ АНАЛИЗ ПАРАМЕТРОВ СТАНДАРТНЫХ ЦИФРОВЫХ ЭЛЕМЕНТОВ НА ПРИМЕРЕ БИБЛИОТЕК В БАЗИСЕ ТЕХНОЛОГИИ КМОП 28 НМ
Authors: Ильин С.А. , Копейкин Д.Ю. , Ласточкин О.В. , Шипицин Д.С.
Published: February 2021

Выполнен сравнительный анализ результатов моделирования кольцевого генератора для разных длин канала приборов и опций порогового напряжения и результатов структурного синтеза библиотек с длиной канала транзистора 35 и 40 нм с разными опциями порогового напряжения.
ДЕГРАДАЦИЯ ПРИБОРОВ НА ОСНОВЕ SIC ПРИ ОБЛУЧЕНИИ ПРОТОНАМИ И ЭЛЕКТРОНАМИ
Authors: Лебедев А.А. , Козловский В.В. , Калинина Е.В. , Левинштейн М.Е. , Стрельчук А.М.
Published: February 2021

Исследовано изменение вольт-амперных характеристик и величины Nd-Na в базе диодов Шоттки и JBS-диодов на основе 4H-SiC при их облучении электронами с энергией О,9 МэВ и протонами с энергией 15 МэВП, показано, что исследованные диоды Шоттки сохраняли выпрямляющие вольт-амперные характеристики вплоть до доз облучения ~1О17 см-2. Установлено, что радиационная стойкость диодов Шоттки на основе SiC существенно превосходит радиационную стойкость кремниевых p-i-n-диодов с аналогичными напряжениями пробоя. Впервые исследовано влияние протонного облучения (энергия протонов 15 МэВ) на электрофизические и шумовые параметры 4H-SiC мощных вертикальных MOSFET.
СОВЕРШЕНСТВОВАНИЕ МОДЕЛИ БТИЗ ДЛЯ ИНТЕГРАЦИИ В ПРОГРАММУ СХЕМОТЕХНИЧЕСКОГО МОДЕЛИРОВАНИЯ
Authors: Кокин С.А. , Мальков С.В. , Осипов Е.О. , Перминов Д.В.
Published: February 2021

Усовершенствована модель БТИЗ, для которой решены проблемы сходимости математических алгоритмов при схемотехническом моделировании. В целях повышения точности моделирования электрофизических характеристик внесены дополнения в формульные описания компактной модели.
МЕТОД ПОВЫШЕНИЯ ТОЧНОСТИ СХЕМОТЕХНИЧЕСКОГО МОДЕЛИРОВАНИЯ НА ОСНОВЕ УЧЕТА LDE-ПАРАМЕТРОВ ДЛЯ ТЕХНОЛОГИИ 28 НМ
Authors: Надин А.С. , Тюрин А.В. , Шипицин Д.С.
Published: February 2021

В данной работе предложена методология по повышению точности моделирования и прогнозирования работы схемы в суб-микронных технологиях 90 нм и ниже, способная корректно учитывать LDE-параметры на этапе pre-layout-моделирования.