bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expression of Serum GRP78 and CHOP in Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Pathways of Chinese Type 2 Diabetic Kidney Disease Patients
Authors: Ma Ning , Xu Ning , Yin Dong , Zheng Ping , Liu Weiwei , Wang Guofeng , Hui Yuan , Han Guanjun , Yang Chuanhui , Cheng Xingbo
Published: July 2020

Background: The kidney has a rich endoplasmic reticulum system. A close relationship exists between endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and diabetic kidney disease (DKD). The current study aimed to investigate serum glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) as well as CCAAT/enhancer binding protein homologous protein (CHOP) concentrations in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) Chinese patients, especially those with microalbuminuria. Methods: We evaluated the relationships between serum GRP78 or CHOP levels and DKD. We recruited 67 patients with T2DM and 63 control subjects. We determined serum GRP78 and CHOP concentrations by ELISA, collected anthropometric data, and measured biochemical parameters in a clinical laboratory. Results: Compared with control groups, Chinese T2DM patients showed decreased serum levels of GRP78 [0.21 (0.16–0.24) vs. 0.16 (0.16–0.19) ng/mL, p < 0.01] and CHOP [3.8 (3.0–5.5) vs. 5.5 (3.7–7.9) ng/mL, p < 0.01]. Reduction in GRP78 and CHOP serum levels was more pronounced in patients with more severe categories of microalbuminuria. Amounts of serum GRP78 correlated directly with serum fasting c-peptide, cystatin-c (cys-c), creatinine (Cr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and uric acid, and inversely with glomerular filtration rates. Serum CHOP level was positively correlated with age, Cr, BUN, cys-c, urinary microalbumin/creatinine (UmALB/Cr), and eGFR. Serum GRP78 was predicted independently by Cr, BUN, serum uric acid, eGFR, and cys-c, while CHOP depended on age, Cr, BUN, serum uric acid, eGFR, UmALB/Cr, and cys-c. After controlling for confounding factors, GRP78 and CHOP expression was significantly associated with DKD (binary logistic regression, p < 0.01). Conclusions: T2DM patients showed increased serum GRP78 and CHOP concentrations. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) areas under the curve for predicting DKD based on GRP78 and CHOP were 0.686 [95% CI: 0.558–0.813] and 0.670[0.524–0.816], respectively.
Infertility policy analysis: a comparative study of selected low-middle-and high-income countries
Authors: Morshed-Behbahani Bahar , lamyian minoor , Joulaei Hassan , Rashidi Batool Hossein , Montazeri Ali
Published: July 2020

Background

Infertility has recently become a salient but neglected global issue. Policies to address the sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) are vital, especially in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). Hence, the aim of this study was to compare the national infertility policies in the selected countries (LMICs comparing with high-income) to determine gaps or to confirm desirable policies in the given health systems.

Methods

This study has executed a comparative policy analysis of infertility services using the universal health coverage framework (financial protection, population coverage, and service features) in three scopes (prevention, treatment, and supportive care). Seven countries that had infertility programs in their health sectors were selected.

Results

The results showed that financial protection was good in high and middle-income countries, but in a low income, and in one high-income country was poor. The findings also showed that health systems in the same countries had no infertility services for men. Preventive and supportive care services were neglected in LMICs by governments.

Discussion

The findings indicate that income is not the only factor that fulfills universal health coverage for infertility care services. Perhaps to achieve equity in infertility care services, it should be seen as a universal human right to accomplish the right to have a child and to have a life with physical and mental health for all men and women.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of SuperPATH approach in hip arthroplasty
Authors: Ge Yanzhi , Zhou Li , Chen Zuxiang , Li Ting , Tong Peijian , Shan Letian
Published: July 2020

Background: To compare the clinical and radiographic results of supercapsular percutaneously assisted total hip (SuperPATH) approach and conventional approach by systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: Based on a pre-published protocol (PROSPERO CRD42020177717), we systematically retrieved databases from Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane and Web of Knowledge for relevant literatures from the earliest available date to May 30, 2020. No language restriction was applied. RevMan 5.3 software was used to perform the meta-analysis. The methodological qualities were assessed using the guidelines provided by the Cochrane Collaboration for Systematic Reviews. Two reviewers were independently extracted data from all eligible studies, including types of studies, participants, interventions, and outcomes. Randomized or fixed-effect models were used to calculate the weighted mean difference (WMD), odds ratio (OR) for continuous and dichotomous variables, respectively.Results: 6 articles were included in the study and 526 patients were selected, which was including 233 cases in the SuperPATH groups, 279 cases in the conventional groups and 4 cases performed two surgeries in succession. The SuperPATH group demonstrated shorter incision length (WMD = - 7.87, 95 % CI - 10.05 to - 5.69, P < 0.00001), decreased blood transfusion rate (OR = 0.48, 95 % CI 0.25 to 0.89, P = 0.02), decreased visual analogue scale (VAS) (WMD = -0.40, 95 % CI - 0.72 to - 0.08, P = 0.03) and higher Harris hip score (HHS) (WMD = 1.98, 95 % CI 0.18 to 3.77, P = 0.0002) than those in the conventional group. However, there was no difference in VAS and HHS between the two groups half a year later. There was no significant difference in the acetabular abduction angle (WMD = - 1.32, P = 0.32) in either group. Conclusions: SuperPATH minimally invasive approach with its reduced tissue damage, quick postoperative recovery and early rehabilitation demonstrates the short-term advantages of hip arthroplasty. However, the evidence for SuperPATH technique was limited in the number of studies and short duration of follow-up, so long-term results still need further analysis.
Risk factors for implant failure of proximal femoral nail anti-rotation (PFNA –II) in the treatment of intertrochanteric fractures (AO/OTA 31 A1 and A2)
Authors: Nie Shaobo , Ji Hui , li ming , yang di , Qi Yeqing , lei mingxing , tang peifu , zhang zhuo , Zhang Licheng
Published: July 2020

Background

Intertrochanteric fracture is associated with severe morbidity and mortality. The results of postoperative implant failure are catastrophic. The aim of this study was to determine risk factors for implant failure in intertrochanteric fractures treated with proximal femoral nail anti-rotation (PFNA–II) through the assessment of early therapeutic effects.
Methods

A single-center retrospective study was conducted on a continuous series of 123 intertrochanteric fracture patients treated with PFNA-II between Dec 2018 and Oct 2019. Perioperative medical and imaging data were collected. The patients were divided into two groups according to whether implant failure of not. The differences in reduction quality, nail length and tip apex distance (TAD) were analyzed to determine the risk factors of implant failure.
Results

A total of 80 patients were enrolled, with an average age of 80.2 years old. There were 6 patients with implant failure. There was no significant difference in demographic index between the two groups. The reduction quality of failure group was good, accept and poor with each 2 patients, and that of the non-failure group was 35, 35 and 4 patients respectively. The difference of reduction quality between the two groups was statistically significant. The risk of postoperative implant failure in patients with poor reduction quality was 8.75 times that of patients with good and acceptable reduction from the Logistic regression analysis(OR = 8.75,95%CI 1.215–62.99). The differences in nail length, ASA and bone quality were not statistically significant.
Conclusion

Reduction quality is a risk factor of implant failure in intertrochanteric fractures treated with PFNA-II. Even if the medial femoral cortex is anatomically reduced, there will be a triangular void area between the nail and the medial femur, which are prone to coxa vara and implant failure. Therefore, good reduction is the key to treat intertrochanteric fracture.
Natural compound rhein suppresses colorectal cancer cells growth through mTOR/p70S6 kinase pathway in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Zhang Haibo , Park Song , Huang Hai , Yi Jun koo , Park Sijun , Kwon Wookbong , Kim Eungyung , Jang Soyoung , Kim Siyong , Choi Seongkyoon , Kim Sung-Hyun , Liu Kangdong , Dong Zigang , Ryoo Zae Young , Kim Myoung Ok
Published: July 2020

Background: Rhein is a natural agent isolated from the traditional Chinese medicine rhubarb, which has been used as a medicine in China since ancient times. Although rhein was found to have significant anticancer effects in different cancer models, the effect and the underlying mechanisms of action of rhein in colorectal cancer (CRC) remain unclear. The mTOR/p70S6 kinase (p70S6K) pathway has been demonstrated as an attractive target for developing novel cancer therapeutics.Methods: The human CRC cell lines HCT116, HCT15, and DLD1 and xenograft mice were used in this study to investigate the effects of rhein. Assessments of cellular morphology, cell proliferation, and anchorage-independent colony formation were performed to examine the effects of rhein on cell growth. Wound healing assay and transwell migration and invasion assay were conducted to detect cell migration and invasion. Cell cycle and apoptosis were investigated by flow cytometry and verified by immunoblotting. Tissue microarray was used to detect mTOR expression in patients with CRC. Gene overexpression and knockdown were implemented to analyze the function of mTOR in CRC. The in vivo effect of rhein was assessed in a xenograft mouse model.Results: Rhein significantly inhibited CRC cell growth by inducing S phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. It also inhibited CRC cell migration and invasion ability through EMT process. mTOR was highly expression in CRC cancer tissues and cells exhibited high mTOR expression. Overexpression of mTOR promoted cell growth, migration, and invasion ability, whereas mTOR knockdown diminished these phenomena of CRC cells in vitro. Moreover, rhein directly targeted mTOR and suppressed the mTOR/p70S6K signaling pathway in CRC cells. Intraperitoneal administration of rhein inhibited CRC cell HCT116 xenograft tumor growth through the mTOR/p70S6K pathway.Conclusions: Rhein exerted anticancer activity in vitro and in vivo through directly targeting mTOR and inhibiting mTOR/p70S6K signaling pathway. These data indicate that rhein is a potent anticancer agent that could be useful for the prevention or treatment of CRC.
RESULTS OF A STUDY OF THE AMMONIA ABSORPTION EFFICIENCY BY A BRINЕ IN A VORTEX DEVICE
Authors: Hrubnik Alina , Novozhylova Tetiana , Semenov Evgeny
Published: July 2020

Object of research: vortex mass transfer device for the effective absorption of ammonia by brine in soda production.

Investigated problem: intensification of mass transfer processes and ensuring effective absorption of ammonia with small dimensions of the device and low hydraulic resistance

Main scientific results: studies of ammonia absorption efficiency in a laboratory device are carried out, which confirm the operability of the proposed device design. The dependences of the efficiency of the vortex device on the ammonia concentration and the brine consumption are revealed. The flow velocity and pressure in the device are simulated at various capacities.

Scope of practical use of the research results: the research results can be used in the design of mass transfer equipment, primarily equipment for purifying emissions from ammonia and gas breakers from soda ash columns.

Innovative technological product: the design of the vortex device, which allows achieving a high degree of absorption in ammonia with a concentration of up to 130 g/m3 of the order of 99 % at low operational (due to low hydraulic resistance) and capital (due to the compactness and small size of the installation) costs.

Scope of the innovative technological product: the vortex device of the proposed design can be used to clean emissions, absorption of ammonia vapor or other mass transfer processes.
Shakespeareov Jago kao protuprimjer tradicionalnoj definiciji laži
Authors: Blečić Martina
Published: July 2020

Cilj je rada propitati tradicionalnu definiciju laži. U radu ne pružam vlastitu definiciju te pojave, ali pokušavam pokazati da je tradicionalna definicija laži, po kojoj je za laganje nužno iskazivanje neistinitih tvrdnji, neadekvatna. Kako bih to učinila, u prvom dijelu predstavljam teoriju Herberta Paula Gricea o razgovornim implikaturama, čije su hotimično neistinite inačice izrijekom isključene iz tradicionalne definicije. U nastavku, pozivajući se na teoriju o zadanim značenjima, odbacujem rašireni stav da se govornik uvijek može ograditi od pragmatički prenesene poruke. Potom, predstavljam standardnu definiciju laži i sagledavam koju ulogu u njoj imaju govornikova namjera i slušateljeva odgovornost. U drugom dijelu, dotadašnje uvide primjenjujem na Shakespeareovu tragediju Otelo. Nakon kratkog predstavljanja odnosa između Otela i Jaga, razlažem tri dramska primjera onoga što smatram lažima ostvarenima razgovornom implikaturom. Takva analiza ima dvojaku ulogu. Prva joj je zadaća pokazati nedostatnost tradicionalne definicije laži kroz tvrdnju da Jago, iako ne izgovara neistine, laže. Druga je zadaća ukazivanje na ograničeni doseg mogućnosti poništavanja pragmatički prenesene poruke; Jagove pragmatičke poruke toliko su snažne da se, iako to pokušava učiniti, od njih ne uspijeva ograditi.
Giordano Bruno i ars memoriae
Authors: Ostojić Aleksandar
Published: July 2020

Giordano Bruno u filozofijskoj tradiciji nije interpretiran jednoznačno. Analiza tih interpretacija pokazuje da je Bruno tumačen kao začetnik nove znanosti ili pak kao mistik, mag, poklonik hermetičke tradicije. Sukladno tim dvama pogledima, Brunova ars memoriae bit će tumačena kao obična tehnika pamćenja u službi empirijske znanosti ili pak kao okultna magijska vještina. Cilj je ovoga rada otvoriti puteve koji nadilaze spomenutu striktnu podjelu i kojima se može pristupiti Brunu i poimanju njegove metode. Tijekom razdoblja renesanse, koja predstavlja izniman spoj tradicije i onoga novog, magija i znanost ne isključuju se međusobno; u potrazi za znanjem, svaka metoda nalazi svoje prikladno mjesto. Ars memoriae je univerzalna metoda koja dopušta da se znanje sagleda u svojoj mnogostrukosti. U radu ćemo predstaviti neke od ključnih elemenata Brunove filozofije, ispitujući razna tumačenja i perspektive pokazati zašto je Bruno bio razumijevan na način na koji jest i zašto je neophodno pristupati ars memoriae s nastojanjem objedinjavanja znanstvenih i magijskih elemenata. Mnoštvo je mjesta kod Bruna na kojima znanstveno i magijsko ne samo da su međusobno suprotstavljeni nego, nadograđujući se uzajamno, predstavljaju nerazdvojnu cjelinu unutar koje im je upravo znanje ono zajedničko. Stoga, zadatak nije detaljno analizirati samu ars memoriae¸ nego ispitati moguće pristupe toj metodi, o čemu naposljetku i ovisi razumijevanje samog Bruna.
Comparison of influence of selected viral advertising attributes on shopping behavior of Millennials – empirical study
Authors: Mudrik Martin , Rigelsky Martin , Gavurova Beata , Bačik Radovan , Fedorko Richard
Published: July 2020

The study aims to evaluate the impact of selected factors of viral campaigns on Millennials customers’ consumer behavior. This goal was achieved in two steps: in the first step, the authors determined the impact of selected attributes on purchasing behavior in general, and in the second step, they compared the impact of the selected research campaigns – the guerrilla campaign of the company 4KA and the viral campaign of the company ABSOLUT. The inputs to the analyses were obtained through answers from 360 respondents, which completed the questionnaire on a sample of Millennials customers generation (1975–2000) – social generation, which collaborate and cooperate, expect technology to simply work for adventure and passionate about values (Smith, Nichols, 2015). The survey part of the questionnaire consisted of 8 attributes (Novelty, Relevance, Aesthetics, Clarity, Humor, Emotion arousal, Surprise, Design, Purchase intention). Data were collected based on participants’ availability and their will to participate in the questionnaire and quota selection. The PLS PM method was used to assess the impact, and the bootstrap-based parametric method was used to assess the difference in the impact. One of the most important findings is that attributes such as Novelty, Relevance, Humor, and Surprise significantly affect purchasing behavior. Concerning the company 4KA, significant impacts were seen in Relevance and Surprise, and with the company ABSOLUT, significant impacts were seen in Relevance, Humor, and Surprise. When analyzing the difference in the impact, there were no significant differences between the campaigns. Acknowledgment This article is one of the partial outputs under the scientific research grant VEGA 1/0694/20, VEGA 1/0609/19.
CONCEPÇÕES DE TECNOLOGIA E PROGRAMADORES DE SOFTWARE: OS ESTUDOS CTS NA FORMAÇÃO DE TRABALHADORES DE TECNOLOGIA DA INFORMAÇÃO
Authors: Yamanoe Mayara Cristina Pereira , Amorim Mário Lopes
Published: July 2020

Esse trabalho analisa as concepções sobre a categoria Tecnologia na formação de programadores de software no Arranjo Produtivo Local de Tecnologia da Informação (APL de TI) da região Sudoeste do Estado do Paraná. Tais reflexões originam-se na pesquisa sobre formação para o trabalho, no trabalho e para além do trabalho de programação, realizada a partir da coleta de dados por meio de instrumentos mistos, entrevistas e análise documental, sob a perspectiva teórico-metodológica do materialismo histórico e dialético. Nesse sentido, as informações levantadas na pesquisa permitiram também a busca pela identificação de quais concepções de Tecnologia são veiculadas nos processos formativos, especialmente os realizados pelos cursos de graduação na área de tecnologia. Foi possível verificar, de forma geral, uma perspectiva ancorada no determinismo tecnológico, que se faz presente tanto nos documentos orientadores dos cursos quanto nas falas dos programadores entrevistados. Dessa forma, buscamos trazer algumas reflexões sobre o campo de estudos críticos sobre Ciência Tecnologia e Sociedade (CTS) em contraposição à concepção hegemônica presente, que defende a tecnologia como determinante dos rumos da sociedade, naturalizada nas práticas sociais, correlacionadas à formação de trabalhadores. Considerando que esses trabalhadores têm como objeto de sua prática o desenvolvimento de tecnologias informacionais, considera-se fundamental compreender suas concepções sobre tecnologia.
TECNOLOGIA EM SAÚDE – UMA REFLEXÃO NECESSÁRIA
Authors: Boava Leon Martins , Weinert Wagner Rodrigo
Published: July 2020

A tecnologia em saúde tornou-se um ator eficaz no processo de cuidar e gerir. Ela compõe a rede de atenção em saúde. Contudo sua característica ambivalente exige uma análise crítica e multidimensional de sua ação. O presente artigo tem como objetivo apresentar uma reflexão sobre a disseminação e uso da tecnologia nos serviços de saúde, tendo como plano de fundo sua ambivalência e ação como ator na rede de assistencial. Trata-se de uma análise acerca do uso da tecnologia em saúde e suas repercuções sobre o cenário da assistência integral ao paciente. Tal ponto faz-se necessário uma vez que seu uso acarreta em dualidade em suas consequências e por vezes expressa-se através da mecanização e visão tecnicista do cuidado. Acredita-se que toda inovação tecnológica deve ser compreendida e analisada de forma crítica, uma vez que esta possui característica ambivalente e sua utilização repercute em consequência multidimensional. Desta forma para minimizar os efeitos contraditórios da tecnologia é necessário que esta tome seu papel como ator para compor o processo de cuidar e gerir a fim de prestar uma assistência integral à saúde no papel de um ator não-humano capaz de agir sob a forma de intervenção para promoção, prevenção, diagnóstico ou tratamento de doenças, e reabilitação.
AVALIAÇÃO DE METODOLOGIA DE ESTIMATIVA DE PRODUTIVIDADE DE SOJA POR MEIO DE AERONAVE NÃO TRIPULADA E TÉCNICA DE APRENDIZADO DE MÁQUINA BASEADA EM REGRESSÃO
Authors: Prestes Christopher Djonny Pereira , Guimarães Alaine Margarete , Zampier David Patrick , Gabardo Gislaine , Caires Eduardo Fávero , Asato Bruno Ricardo
Published: July 2020

O uso de índices de vegetação (VI) em um ambiente adequado pode favorecer a identificação de diferentes tipos de vegetação e a detecção de informações relacionadas a uma cultura, como a estimativa de produtividade. Esta estimativa é especialmente importante quando realizada nos estágios iniciais da cultura permitindo obter informações relevantes que contribuam para aumentar a eficiência em seu desenvolvimento. Considerando a complexidade de cada ambiente e os desafios de determinar o IV mais adequado, este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar uma nova metodologia para estimar os dados de produtividade da soja. A metodologia proposta baseia-se em imagens obtidas por meio de veículos aéreos não tripulados (VANT) e técnicas de aprendizado de máquina. Foram aplicados algoritmos de regressão nos dados espectrais extraídos de imagens com resolução de 15 cm / pixel obtidas com câmeras RGB e NIR acopladas no VANT. Como resultado, o Índice de Resistência Atmosférica Visível (VARI) baseado em RGB apresentou os melhores valores de correlação entre os cinco IVs avaliados. No entanto, o uso dos canais RGB com seus valores originais  sem a realização de combinações entre eles apresentou o melhor resultado em relação a todos os índices avaliados. O fato de todos os testes mostrarem que os valores das bandas RGB apresentam maior correlação com a produtividade da soja apresentam uma importante contribuição, demonstrando que uma câmera de menor custo pode ser usada para fornecer maior eficiência.
Avaliação da eficiência na geração de energia elétrica de um motor híbrido (combustão + ar comprimido) a partir de testes em protótipo real
Authors: Gasparini Croce Rodrigo , Dariva Antônio , Pereira Trarbach Emerson , Arthur Firmino Monhol Filipe
Published: July 2020

The continuous research for high efficiency and low emission engines are the technological challenges nowadays. Internal combustion engines are widely used due to low-cost if compared to the electrical vehicles' propulsion systems. Unfortunately, internal combustion engines have low efficiency; about 20%-25% are converted to mechanical power. A new hybrid approach engine running on ethanol and compressed air is presented in this paper. As a result, the global engine efficiency is improved once a part of energy comes from compressed air stored in an external reservoir. By measuring the ethanol consumption and the compressed air flux is possible to calculate the global engine efficiency when it runs a stationary electric generator connected to a known load. This paper presents a conceptual working flow of an Internal Combustion Engine and a Hybrid Engine but focused to the prototype developed. The test procedures and results are shown and the potential to apply this new concept in a vehicle.
Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs): Structures, Synthesis and their Biological Profile
Authors: Sahoo Biswa Mohan , Ravi Kumar Bera Venkata Varaha , Banik Bimal Krishna , Borah Preetismita
Published: July 2020

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are aromatic compounds with two or more fused benzene
rings in their structural configurations. PAHs do not contain heteroatoms and substituents on the ring system.
PAHs containing up to four rings are called light PAHs while those that contain more than four rings are considered
as heavy PAHs. Heavy PAHs are more stable and more toxic than the light PAHs. Generally, the increase in
the size and angularity of a PAH molecule results in an increase in hydrophobicity and electrochemical stability.
Ring linkage patterns in PAHs may occur in such a way that the tertiary carbon atoms are centers of two or three
interlinked rings. The examples of PAHs are naphthalene, anthracene, phenanthrene, acenaphthylene, acenaphthene,
fluorene, fluoranthene, pyrene, benz[a]anthracene, chrysene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, etc. PAHs can be produced
either naturally or anthropogenically and have toxic properties. Due to the health risk posed by their exposure,
there is a need to control the release of PAHs through air quality management. Refinery industries are required
to monitor and regulate their discharges. There is an urgent need for the considerable efforts to be applied
in the field of research to degrade and monitor potentially hazardous substances to control, predict and avoid
negative effects of PAHs pollution.
Chemical Composition and Biological Activities of Essential Oils of Echinops spinosus and Carlina vulgaris Rich in Polyacetylene Compounds
Authors: Belabbes Rania , Mami Imane R. , Dib Mohammed E.A. , Mejdoub Kenza , Tabti Boufeldja , Costa Jean , Muselli Alain
Published: July 2020

Background:

The essential oils of aromatic plants are increasingly used as new biocontrol
alternative agents against microbial strains and insect pests of fruits and vegetables, because
of their specificity of biodegradable nature.

Objective:

This work, treats for the first time the chemical composition, antioxidant, antifungal and
insecticidal activities of the essential oils obtained from Echinops spinosus and Carlina vulgaris
from Algeria.

Methods:

The chemical compositions of oils were investigated using GC-FID and GC/MS. Antioxidant
activity was assessed using three methods (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, Ferric-Reducing Antioxidant
Power (FRAP) and β-carotene assay). Fumigation toxicity of E. spinosus and C. vulgaris
essential oils was tested against Bactrocera oleae pests of olives.

Results:

Eighteen and thirteen components representing 95.4 and 97.9% were identified in root essential
oils from Echinops spinosus and Carlina vulgaris, respectively. Polyacetylenes were the majority
compounds of essential oils. 5 (But-1-yn-3-enyl).2,2'bithiophene and α-terthienyle were highly
dominants in the E. spinosus essential oil from the roots (54.4 and 26.3%, respectively). Roots of
C. vulgaris produce an essential oil dominated by carlina oxide (33.7%) and 13-methoxy carlina oxide
(11.5%). Comparison of the antioxidant activity of E. spinosus essential oil showed more important
antioxidant effect than C. vulgaris essential oil and the synthetic antioxidant (BHT). Evaluation
of the antifungal activity showed an interesting efficiency of both essential oils against
P. expansum and A. niger with EC50s varied from 5 to 14.5 mg/L. C. arvensis essential oil exhibited
good larvicidal properties. At the concentration of 325 μL/L air, the oil caused mortality of 100% for
Bactrocera Oleae adults after 24 h of exposure.

Conclusion:

Both essential oils rich to polyacetylenes and polythiophenes.components have shown
interesting biological activities, which suggests that plants have the potential to be used as biopesticides
and provide an alternative to chemical pesticides.
Cancer Stem Cells and their Management in Cancer Therapy
Authors: Shenouda Suzan , Kulkarni Ketan , Abuetabh Yasser , Sergi Consolato
Published: July 2020

Background:

In the last decade, the proposed Cancer Stem Cell (CSC) hypothesis has
steadily changed the way cancer treatment is approached. CSCs may be the source of the heterogeneous
non-tumorigenic cell population included in a neoplasm. Intratumor and intertumoral heterogeneity
is a well-known phenomenon that massively entangles the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
The literature seems to suggest that heterogeneity develops progressively within tumor-initiating
stem cells. CSCs harbor genetic and/or epigenetic alterations that allow them to differentiate into
multiple tumor cell types sequentially.

Objective:

The CSC hypothesis, cellular therapy, and the most recent patents on CSCs were reviewed.

Methods:

PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar were screened for this information. Also, an analysis
of the most recent data targeting CSCs in pediatric cancer developed at two Canadian institutions
is provided. The genes involved with the activation of CSCs and the drugs used to antagonize
them are also highlighted.

Results:

It is underlined that (1) CSCs possess stem cell-like properties, including the ability for
self-renewal; (2) CSCs can start carcinogenesis and are responsible for tumor recurrence after treatment;
(3) Although some limitations have been raised, which may oppose the CSC hypothesis, cancer
progression and metastasis have been recognized to be caused by CSCs.

Conclusions:

The significant roles of cell therapy may include an auto-transplant with high-dose
treatment, an improvement of the immune function, creation of chimeric antigen receptor T cells,
and the recruitment of NK cell-based immunotherapy.
Valproic acid, A Potential Inducer of Osteogenesis in Mouse Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Akshaya Narayanan , Prasith Prakash , Abinaya Balakrishnan , Ashwin Badrinath , Chandran S.V. , Selvamurugan Nagarajan
Published: July 2020

Background:

Recent reports have unveiled the potential of flavonoids to enhance bone formation and assuage
bone resorption due to their involvement in cell signaling pathways. They also act as an effective alternative to circumvent
the disadvantages associated with existing treatment methods, which has increased their scope in orthopedic research.
Valproic acid (VA, 2-propylpentanoic acid) is one such flavonoid, obtained from an herbaceous plant, used in the
treatment of epilepsy and various types of seizures.

Objective:

In this study, the role of VA in osteogenesis and the molecular mechanisms underpinning its action in mouse
mesenchymal stem cells (mMSCs) were determined.

Methods & Results:

Cytotoxic studies validated VA’s amiable nature in mMSCs. Alizarin red and von Kossa staining
results showed an increased deposition of calcium phosphate in VA-treated mMSCs, which confirmed the occurrence of
osteoblast differentiation and mineralization at a cellular level. At the molecular level, there were increased levels of
expression of Runx2, a vital bone transcription factor, and other major osteoblast differentiation marker genes in the VAtreated mMSCs. Further, VA-treatment in mMSCs upregulated mir-21 and activated the mitogen-activated protein
kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling pathway, which might be essential for the expression/activity of
Runx2.

Conclusion:

Thus, the current study confirmed the osteoinductive nature of VA at the cellular and molecular levels,
opening the possibility for its application in bone therapeutics with mir-21.
Study of the Relationships between COVID-19, Associated Diseases, and Vitamins
Authors: Câmara Alice Barros , Brandão Igor Augusto
Published: July 2020

Background:

Some vitamins play a beneficial role in the immune system and certain diseases
may be associated with an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases and mortality.

Objectives:

In this work, we aim to verify a possible relationship between vitamin A, vitamin D, sunlight,
and COVID-19 cases and mortality. We also aim to study the relationship between chronic diseases
and COVID-19 in the world.

Methods:

We consulted online databases (Johns Hopkins, World Life Expectancy, NASA, and World
Health Organization) and used SPSS (v23) for statistical analysis.

Results:

We found that countries with the highest number of cases and deaths by COVID-19 are the
countries with the highest death rates from different types of cancer and multiple sclerosis. Besides, the
relationship between cancer death rate and COVID-19 is not biased by the life expectancy. We also
found that the low solar incidence and low vitamins A and D levels can be related to the number of cases
and deaths by COVID-19.

Conclusion:

Our findings suggest a relationship between different cancer types and multiple sclerosis
death rates and COVID-19. We also recommend that vitamins D and A may play a protective role in
COVID-19 infection.
Diyabet Öz Yönetiminde Çok Disiplinli Ekip Yaklaşımı
Authors: YILDIRIM Arzu , HACIHASANOĞLU Arif Bayram , BOZDEMİR Nafiz , HACIHASANOĞLU AŞILAR Rabia
Published: July 2020

Diyabet, önemli morbidite ve mortalite ile ilişkili olan, küresel boyutta en hızlı artan, ciddi ve maliyeti yüksek halk sağlığı sorunlarından birisidir. Hastalar tarafından günlük olarak yapılması gereken karmaşık bakım faaliyetleri ve öz yönetimle ilgili çok sayıda karar vermeyi gerektiren kronik bir hastalıktır. Diyabetle ilişkili komplikasyonları azaltma ve geciktirmede bireylerin yeterli ve etkili öz yönetim eğitimi ve desteği alması önemlidir. Bu nedenle etkili diyabet öz yönetim bilgi ve becerilerini geliştirmek için diyabeti olan bireylerin özellikle birinci basamakta aile hekimi ve hemşire liderliğinde gerçekleştirilen müdahalelerle desteklenmesi bir gerekliliktir. Bu derlemede çok disiplinli ekip yaklaşımı ile hastanın gereksinimleri, kültürel değerleri, inançları, eğitim ve ekonomik durumu göz önünde bulundurularak, uygulanabilir, kolay ve erişilebilir müdahalelerle diyabette sağlık ve öz yönetim ilişkisinin anlaşılabilirliğinde temel etkenler, objektif ve kapsamlı olarak ortaya koymak amaçlanmıştır.
Diagnostic Model for In-Hospital Bleeding in Patients with Acute ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction: Algorithm Development and Validation
Authors: Li Yong
Published: July 2020

Background

Bleeding complications in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) have been associated with increased risk of subsequent adverse consequences.

Objective

The objective of our study was to develop and externally validate a diagnostic model of in-hospital bleeding.

Methods

We performed multivariate logistic regression of a cohort for hospitalized patients with acute STEMI in the emergency department of a university hospital. Participants: The model development data set was obtained from 4262 hospitalized patients with acute STEMI from January 2002 to December 2013. A set of 6015 hospitalized patients with acute STEMI from January 2014 to August 2019 were used for external validation. We used logistic regression analysis to analyze the risk factors of in-hospital bleeding in the development data set. We developed a diagnostic model of in-hospital bleeding and constructed a nomogram. We assessed the predictive performance of the diagnostic model in the validation data sets by examining measures of discrimination, calibration, and decision curve analysis (DCA).

Results

In-hospital bleeding occurred in 112 of 4262 participants (2.6%) in the development data set. The strongest predictors of in-hospital bleeding were advanced age and high Killip classification. Logistic regression analysis showed differences between the groups with and without in-hospital bleeding in age (odds ratio [OR] 1.047, 95% CI 1.029-1.066; P<.001), Killip III (OR 3.265, 95% CI 2.008-5.31; P<.001), and Killip IV (OR 5.133, 95% CI 3.196-8.242; P<.001). We developed a diagnostic model of in-hospital bleeding. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.777 (SD 0.021, 95% CI 0.73576-0.81823). We constructed a nomogram based on age and Killip classification. In-hospital bleeding occurred in 117 of 6015 participants (1.9%) in the validation data set. The AUC was 0.7234 (SD 0.0252, 95% CI 0.67392-0.77289).

Conclusions

We developed and externally validated a diagnostic model of in-hospital bleeding in patients with acute STEMI. The discrimination, calibration, and DCA of the model were found to be satisfactory.

Trial Registration

ChiCTR.org ChiCTR1900027578; http://www.chictr.org.cn/showprojen.aspx?proj=45926
Current Challenges of Digital Health Interventions in Pakistan: Mixed Methods Analysis
Authors: Kazi Abdul Momin , Qazi Saad Ahmed , Ahsan Nazia , Khawaja Sadori , Sameen Fareeha , Saqib Muhammad , Khan Mughal Muhammad Ayub , Wajidali Zabin , Ali Sikander , Ahmed Rao Moueed , Kalimuddin Hussain , Rauf Yasir , Mahmood Fatima , Zafar Saad , Abbasi Tufail Ahmad , Khoumbati Khalil-Ur-Rahmen , Abbasi Munir A , Stergioulas Lampros K
Published: July 2020

Background

Digital health is well-positioned in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) to revolutionize health care due, in part, to increasing mobile phone access and internet connectivity. This paper evaluates the underlying factors that can potentially facilitate or hinder the progress of digital health in Pakistan.

Objective

The objective of this study is to identify the current digital health projects and studies being carried out in Pakistan, as well as the key stakeholders involved in these initiatives. We aim to follow a mixed-methods strategy and to evaluate these projects and studies through a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis to identify the internal and external factors that can potentially facilitate or hinder the progress of digital health in Pakistan.

Methods

This study aims to evaluate digital health projects carried out in the last 5 years in Pakistan with mixed methods. The qualitative and quantitative data obtained from field surveys were categorized according to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended building blocks for health systems research, and the data were analyzed using a SWOT analysis strategy.

Results

Of the digital health projects carried out in the last 5 years in Pakistan, 51 are studied. Of these projects, 46% (23/51) used technology for conducting research, 30% (15/51) used technology for implementation, and 12% (6/51) used technology for app development. The health domains targeted were general health (23/51, 46%), immunization (13/51, 26%), and diagnostics (5/51, 10%). Smartphones and devices were used in 55% (28/51) of the interventions, and 59% (30/51) of projects included plans for scaling up. Artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning (ML) was used in 31% (16/51) of projects, and 74% (38/51) of interventions were being evaluated. The barriers faced by developers during the implementation phase included the populations’ inability to use the technology or mobile phones in 21% (11/51) of projects, costs in 16% (8/51) of projects, and privacy concerns in 12% (6/51) of projects.

Conclusions

We conclude that while digital health has a promising future in Pakistan, it is still in its infancy at the time of this study. However, due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, there is an increase in demand for digital health and implementation of health outcomes following global social distancing protocols, especially in LMICs. Hence, there is a need for active involvement by public and private organizations to regulate, mobilize, and expand the digital health sector for the improvement of health care systems in countries.
The Tango of Problem Formulation: A Patient’s/Researcher’s Reflection on an Action Design Research Journey (Preprint)
Authors: Twomey Michael B , Sammon David , Nagle Tadhg
Published: July 2020

UNSTRUCTURED

This paper reports on the reflection of the lead researcher, a 48-year-old patient with cystic fibrosis (CF), and aims to portray his real-life experience of a 10-month action design research (ADR) project. Playing a dual role, as both a patient and researcher, the lead researcher reflects deeply on his ADR experience with particular emphasis on the problem formulation stage of creating a simple yet impactful checklist to aid memory recall of CF patients or caregivers during a medical appointment. Using Driscoll’s model of reflection, a real-life unsanitized ADR experience is carefully imparted via a series of 4 vignettes, including 4 key learnings, which highlight the connection between a meticulous considered approach to problem formulation and truly effective outcomes. By providing this rich account of problem formulation within ADR, it is hoped that this reflection will help researchers to better understand the complexity of problem formulation in design-oriented research; to avoid making assumptions and becoming fixated on solutions; and to move instead to an end point where several possible ways of examining a problem have been considered, explored, and understood—an end point where successful end results are reached through grit and determination. This paper advocates for the inclusion and portrayal of the actual realities or ups and downs of this dynamic and evolving stage of ADR, capturing the often-tacit knowledge of problem formulation and begetting a sense of realism and humanity to ADR serving as knowledge contributions in their own right. The lead researcher is the patient and researcher in this ADR project. This is my story!
The Role of Health Technology and Informatics in a Global Public Health Emergency: Practices and Implications From the COVID-19 Pandemic (Preprint)
Authors: Ye Jiancheng
Published: July 2020

UNSTRUCTURED

At present, the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is spreading around the world. It is a critical and important task to take thorough efforts to prevent and control the pandemic. Compared with severe acute respiratory syndrome and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, COVID-19 spreads more rapidly owing to increased globalization, a longer incubation period, and unobvious symptoms. As the coronavirus has the characteristics of strong transmission and weak lethality, and since the large-scale increase of infected people may overwhelm health care systems, efforts are needed to treat critical patients, track and manage the health status of residents, and isolate suspected patients. The application of emerging health technologies and digital practices in health care, such as artificial intelligence, telemedicine or telehealth, mobile health, big data, 5G, and the Internet of Things, have become powerful “weapons” to fight against the pandemic and provide strong support in pandemic prevention and control. Applications and evaluations of all of these technologies, practices, and health delivery services are highlighted in this study.
SarsCo-V2 Induced Organizing Pneumonia: Are We Failing To Initiate Effective Treatment For The Most Common Form Of COVID-19 Lung Injury? (Preprint)
Authors: Kory, MD Pierre , Kanne Jeffrey P
Published: July 2020

UNSTRUCTURED

The persistent harms to COVID-19 patients caused by the under-recognition of a treatable and commonly reported radiographic lung injury pattern in COVID-19 is discussed. Pathologic findings of organizing pneumonia in post-mortem lung biopsies and autopsies are reviewed, concluding that many patients are suffering from a condition called secondary organizing pneumonia, a common complication of certain viral infections, including in the prior coronavirus pandemics. Initiation of immediate corticosteroid therapy in all patients presenting with secondary organizing pneumonia syndromes due to Sars-CoV2 may alter the clinical trajectories of many patients away from ventilators and ICU beds while dramatically reducing the morbidity and mortality of this disease.
A Digital Pathology Platform for Artificial Intelligence Data Sharing (Preprint)
Authors: Kang Yunsook , Kim Yoo Jung , Park Seongkeun , Ro Gun , Hong Choyeon , Jang Hyungjoon , Cho Sungduk , Hong Won Jae , Kang Dong Un , Kim EunSung , Chun Jonghoon , Lee Kyoungbun , Kang Gyeong Hoon , Moon Kyoung Chul , Choe Gheeyoung , Lee Kyu Sang , Park Jeong Hwan , Jeong Won-Ki , Chun Se Young , Park Peom , Choi Jinwook
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND

High-quality learning materials are needed for artificial intelligence (AI) development, but are not practically available; this situation is especially poor in the medical field. In particular, annotating medical images (e.g., annotation for tumor area by pathologists) is massive as well as expensive, and subject to privacy protection. These are major limitations for AI developers to approach and reproduce medical image data.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to reduce barriers for AI researchers to access medical image datasets by collating and sharing high-quality medical images with pathologists, and to find applicable ways to apply diagnostic AI assistance to reduce the pathologists’ workload.

METHODS

Pathology slides of tumors of five organs (liver, colon, prostate, pancreas and biliary tract, and kidney) from histologically confirmed cases were selected for this study. After scanning the slides to obtain whole slide digital images, the patient information was de-identified, and annotation for the tumor area was performed by the pathologist. Next, an AI-assisted annotation process was used in parallel to improve the annotation workload of pathologists and to draw complex lesion boundaries more accurately. This allowed all the data to include the annotations confirmed by experienced pathologists, and to be used as an AI learning dataset.

RESULTS

A web-based data-sharing platform for AI learning was built, and was unveiled in 2019. In total, 3,100 massive datasets of 5 organ carcinomas were shared through this platform, and were accessible to all researchers. The platform had the advantage that users could search data visually and intuitively; except for commercial purposes, all researchers made free use of the provided dataset for their research. Finally, the platform also provided five image data pre-processing algorithms that could help AI modeling learners.

CONCLUSIONS

We built and operated a web-based data-sharing platform for AI researchers providing a high-quality digital pathology dataset personally annotated by pathologists. We hope that our experience will help researchers who want to build such a platform in future, by sharing issues gained from collecting and sharing these valuable data.
Panic makes you more susceptible to covid-19 (Preprint)
Authors: Hossain Md Musharraf , Dunstan Colin R
Published: July 2020

UNSTRUCTURED

COVID-19 is the official name describing the coronavirus disease causing by the virus SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2). Its higher infection rate has led to worldwide spread making it a more dangerous threat than other coronavirus related diseases. As this virus spreads and responses from governments become more constraining of normal activities, we are seeing levels of anxiety among people increase over a relatively short period of time. When we are stressed the immune system’s ability to defend us from infections is reduced. Stress can suppress the innate immune system that provides the initial defence against viral infection making us more susceptible to Covid-19. In contrast, stress can cause overactivity of the adaptive immune system making a cytokine storm response leading to severe disease and death more likely. Management of stress levels has become an important strategy to reduce the risks of COVID-19.