bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Harvest control rules used in U.S. federal fisheries management and implications for climate resilience
Authors: Free Christopher M. , Mangin Tracey , Wiedenmann John , Smith Conner , McVeigh Halley , Gaines Steven D.
Published: August 2022

Climate change is altering the productivity of marine fisheries and challenging the effectiveness of historical fisheries management. Harvest control rules, which describe the process for determining catch limits in fisheries, represent one pathway for promoting climate resilience. In the United States, flexibility in how regional management councils specify harvest control rules has spawned diverse approaches for reducing catch limits to precautionarily buffer against scientific and management uncertainty, some of which may be more or less resilient to climate change. Here, we synthesize the control rules used to manage all 507 U.S. federally-managed fish stocks and stock complexes. We classified these rules into seven typologies: (1) catch-based; (2) constant catch; (3) constant escapement; (4) constant F; (5) stepped F; (6) ramped F, and (7) both stepped and ramped F. We also recorded whether the control rules included a biomass limit (“cutoff”) value or were environmentally-linked as well as the type and size of the buffers used to protect against scientific and/or management uncertainty. Finally, we review the advantages and disadvantages of each typology for managing fisheries under climate change and provide seven recommendations for updating harvest control rules to improve the resilience of U.S. federally-managed fisheries to climate change.
Bacteriological Assessment of Groundwater Quality Around a Major Municipal Dumpsite, Calabar, Se-Nigeria
Authors: OCHELEBE IBU , EKWERE AZUBUIKE , EDET ANIEKAN
Published: August 2022

Waterborne diseases are major public health concerns worldwide, not only for the morbidity and mortality they cause, but also for the huge cost of their prevention and treatment. These diseases are directly related to environmental deterioration and pollution, to which water is easily vulnerable. Assessment and water quality monitoring for microbial indicators in domestic water sources are key factors in preventing these health concerns. This study investigated the microbial indicators in groundwater around a major municipal waste dumpsite in Calabar metropolis in southeastern Nigeria. Twenty-nine (29) groundwater and seven (7) surface water samples were collected around the dumpsite across wet and dry seasons. The samples were analyzed for some indicator bacteria. The results show that the average counts for total bacteria were 5155 Cfu/100ml, total coliform bacteria 76 Cfu/100ml, total salmonella/shigella 56 Cfu/100ml, and total feacal coliform 53 Cfu/100ml in the dry season. In the wet season, the average count was: total bacteria 10,356 CFU/100ml, total coliform bacteria 468 Cfu/100ml, total salmonella/shigella 1081 CFU/100ml, total feacal coliform 28 Cfu/100ml, total vibrio cholera 433 CFU/100ml, and Escherichia coli 33 Cfu/100ml. Contamination levels are beyond permissible limits for indicator organisms in groundwater across seasons, with a higher frequency in the wet season, which pose a major health risk for consumers.
Vegetative cell fusion and a new stage in the life cycle of the Aphelida (Opisthosporidia)
Authors: Tcvetkova Victoria S. , Pozdnyakov Igor R. , Seliuk Alexei O. , Zorina Natalia A. , Karpov Sergey A.
Published: August 2022

The aphelids, intracellular parasitoid of algae, play significant role in the ponds communities regulating the algae blooms. They represent a large cluster of OTUs sister to Fungi at the molecular phylogenetic tree sharing a common ancestor with fungi. Their vegetative life cycle being similar to that of chytridiomycetes includes opisthokont uniflagellar zoospores, cysts, phagotrophic intracellular stage, and multinuclear plasmodium producing zoospores. The sexual part of life cycle is not known, and, as we can see now, the asexual part is also understudied. We have found in the Aphelidium insulamus and other ahelid species a new stage – big multiflagellar, or amoeboid cells, which can be considered both, the result of zoospore fusion, or the remnant of plasmodium after zoospore formation. A study of this phenomenon lead us to the conclusion, that after multicellular infection the trophic stages of different parasitoids fuse in one plasmodium having different sorts of nuclei. Some of them become the nuclei of zoospores, while the others left in the remnant of plasmodium, which becomes a monster. The families of protein encoded genes involved in the vegetative cell fusion was also discussed.
Perspectives of older people and healthcare providers on implementing person-centred care for community-dwelling older people: a systematic review and qualitative meta-synthesis
Authors: Liao Lulu , Liu Yilan , Guan Chunyan , Feng Mingjiao , You Yanjie , Chen Yuqin
Published: August 2022

Background
Person-centred care is a critical approach to improve the quality of care targeted to community-dwelling older people. The old-age care services could be provided according to the choices, needs and preferences of the elderly. However, there have been few studies to synthesize qualitative studies and no consensus about influencing factors on providing person-centred care in community. The aim of this study was to synthesize research evidence on perceptions and experiences of older people and healthcare providers on person-centred care and determine the enablers and barriers to implementing person-centred care for community-dwelling older people.
Methods
Searches were performed in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, PsycINFO and CINAHL in published articles and were reviewed from the earliest available date to April 2022. A quality appraisal was undertaken targeted to selected articles by the Qualitative Method Appraisal Tool. And the results from the included studies were interpreted and synthesized through a meta-synthesis.
Results
Nine included articles were analyzed to identify 89 findings that were organized into 11 categories and combined into three synthesized findings—stakeholder capability; opportunities in the implementation of person-centred care; motivation in the implementation of person-centred care. Summarizing these themes helps stakeholders to identify influencing factors that improve the implementation of person-centred care.
Conclusions
The findings of this study provide a reference for implementing successful person-centred care in the community. Improving person-centred care service should develop the capability and motivation of stakeholders, and increase opportunities to build a positive environment for meaningful interactions between caregivers and older people.
A randomized, double-blinded, superiority clinical trial to compare two dimensions of traditional medical precision medicine for allergic rhinitis: syndrome differentiation-based treatment or staging treatment?
Authors: Li Yixue , Fu Wenyang , Chen Qiugu , Tong Tong , Xu Wenyu , Chen Ling , Liu Hengrui
Published: August 2022

Background Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is widely used for allergic rhinitis (AR) treatment. The precision medicine of TCM treatment included 1) syndrome differentiation-based treatment (SDT) and 2) staging-based prescription modifying treatment (ST). This study conducted a randomized, controlled, double-blinded, superiority, non-inferiority, and equivalence clinical trial to compare their therapeutic effect on AR.Methods Participants were diagnosed with TCM syndrome differentiation. Participants in the SDT group received a 6-week regular SDT with different prescriptions. Participants in the ST group received a 6-week ST in which every two weeks were defined as a stage (early, mid, and late) with different prescriptions. The prescriptions were all recommended by the Chinese National Administration of TCM and their therapeutic effects were supported by both classics of TCM literature and modern reference. The symptoms and constitutions related to AR patients were assessed at week 0 and week 6 and followed up after 1 year. SDT and ST in different gender, ages, and syndrome differentiation groups were compared. All the prescriptions in this study were analyzed using TCM components and property analysis and bioinformatic analysis.Results 158 SDT and 159 ST patients were included in the analysis. Both SDT and ST significantly improved symptoms and constitution of AR. ST had a better therapeutic effect than SDT except for “Lung meridian heat” patients. Although gender might not affect the difference between SDT and ST, age might be an impact factor. The TCM components and property analysis and bioinformatic analysis provide information to better understand these classical prescriptions.Conclusion For most AR patients, the syndrome differentiation based on disease alteration course over the treatment time was more therapy-critical than the syndrome differentiation based on patients’ constitution (or disease subtypes) and syndrome differentiation type and age are affecting factors.
D.SAP, an apple-based formulation could treat SARS-CoV-2 infection, and reduce associated inflammatory responses in COVID-19 infected mice model
Authors: Dezhakam Hossein , Dezhakam Amin , Dezhakam Ani , Haghighatfard Arvin
Published: August 2022

Introduction:
The SARS-CoV-2 virus is a virus that may cause severe respiratory disorders with an unclear rate of death. Natural vinegar may have an immune-boosting quality that effectively fights influenza-like respiratory infections. We aimed to evaluate the role of a specially formulated Iranian apple vinegar called Dezhakam sap (D.SAP) in the mice model of covid-19 in the treatment of infection and reduction of covid19-associated lung inflammation.
Methods:
We designed a covid-19-positive model of male inbred BALB/c mice by viral exposure. Then all mice were examined for active SARS-CoV-2 infection. Mice with positive covid-19 infection were separated into different groups to study the effect of treatment by different concentrations of D.SAP smoke for seven days. Expression assessments for viral RNA on covid-19 affected mice models for three SARS-CoV-2 genes (RDRP, N, and E) and three inflammation markers (IL6, IL1b, and TNF) in lung tissue of all mice were assessed using Real-time PCR.
Results:
Results showed a significant decrease in viral load in the RDRP gene, N gene, and E gene in all infected rats treated with D.SAP compared with off-treatment mice. In addition, all three inflammation factor genes in infected mice that were treated with D.SAP were significantly reduced compared to the off-treatment infected mice.
Conclusion:
Findings showed the effectiveness of specially formulated apple vinegar D.SAP to attack new coronavirus. In addition, results may suggest the effectiveness of D.SAP to reduce the lethal inflammation in COVID-19 infection with low side effects. Anti-inflammatory agents block certain substances in the body that cause inflammation. D.SAP may consider a potential natural anti-inflammatory that may increase the survival rate of COVID-19 infection. It seems these effects could be related to the antimicrobial and antioxidant effects of D.SAP due to its polyphenolic compounds.
Attitudes of Young Moroccans towards the Use of Code-switching in their Facebook Interactions
Authors: Khoumssi Khawla
Published: August 2022

Code-switching is part of the daily speech of a huge number of Moroccans. The insertion of French words and expressions in the Moroccan individuals’ verbal interactions gives the impression that they are modern, educated and belonging to a higher social class. This kind of language is very common among young Moroccans, and considered as a sophisticated way of communicating, especially in social networking sites, mainly Facebook. However, there is a controversy over the use of code-switching all over the world, as some consider it a sign of first language attrition and others, on the other side, perceive it as a conscious act performed by bilingual speakers to serve different communication intents. The main purpose behind this research is to holistically investigate, through survey questionnaire, the phenomenon of code-switching among young Moroccans in Facebook, since it is highly frequent among this category, trying to trace their attitudes towards this linguistic phenomenon, and whether they consider it as a communicative strategy or a sign of Moroccan language attrition. It also attempts to find out whether demographic variables such as, ‘age’, ‘level of education’ and ‘type of school’ can be considered among factors that might influence the way young Moroccan Facebook users perceive CS. Findings achieved from statistical analysis of data also showed that socio-demographic variables mainly age, level of education, type of school, are responsible for variations at the level of attitudes of young Moroccan Facebook users.
Research on the Application of Pixel Art in Game Character Design
Authors: Zufri Tubagus , Hilman Dodi , Frans Octavianus
Published: August 2022

This paper analyzes the development, basic design foundations, and design principles of character designs that are often found in today's games. This discussion relates to the ability of pixel styles to survive even though the design styles of the current digital art era are developing with diverse thoughts. Pixels are the basic elements of design that are capable of producing attractive design work. Looking at the current development of pixel styles, in the midst of the proliferation of 3D-based visual works, we can find that pixel styles still have an irreplaceable influence. Pixel-based designs are still being put into practice and applied in the form of games by more designers and artists
PERFIL CIENTOMÉTRICO DA QUIMIOMETRIA NO BRASIL
Authors: Veras Germano , Alves Vitor , Ramos Hilthon , Gomes Mirelly , Figueiredo Lêd , Matias Emilly
Published: August 2022

CIENTOMETRIC PROFILE OF THE CHEMOMETRICS IN BRAZIL. The interest of researchers in understanding the stage of development of specific areas of knowledge is a way to understand their scientific maturity and their capacity for consolidation. This “popularization” of the knowledge of researchers working in a specific area of knowledge also allows a greater ability to recognize where science is produced and which actors participate in this effort from a series of evaluation parameters, indicative of the productivity of researchers through the number of articles published and the consistency of production and its relationship with the impact of this in the scientific community through citations of articles. Chemometrics, a science that relates measurements obtained in chemical systems or processes through the application of statistical and mathematical methods, an area created 50 years ago, still does not have a study evaluating the evolution of the area in qualitative and quantitative terms. In this sense, this article aims to present data from the profile of Brazilian scientific production in Chemometrics, as well as the training of human resources, in its scientometric aspects to allow an understanding of the dynamics and contemporary reality of the area. In terms of national scientific production is growing proportionally faster than the rest of the world, placing Brazil among the leading producers of knowledge in the area. Researchers in Chemometrics working in Brazil not only publish a significant number of articles, but these publications have a large number of citations, in addition to the training of human resources spread throughout Brazil, distributed among most graduate courses in chemistry, but not restricted to this area. Finally, the area of Chemometrics, which is about fifty years old, is mature, with numbers of publications and training of human resources, but it is noted that a plateau has not been reached in these two numbers, because the critical mass of researchers working in the area is still increasing.
DITERPENOS ENT-ABIETANOS DE Euphorbia phosphorea (EUPHORBIACEAE)
Authors: Meireles Roseana , Abreu Lucas , Silva Joanda , Cavalcanti Andreza , Menezes Renata , Rodrigues Gabriela , Rodrigues Junior Valnês , Melo José , Kato Massuo , Costa Vicente , Scotti Marcus , Tavares Josean
Published: August 2022

ENT-ABIETANE DITERPENES FROM Euphorbia phosphorea (EUPHORBIACEAE). Phytochemical study of the roots of Euphorbia phosphorea Mart. (Euphorbiaceae) was carried out through chromatographic techniques, resulting in the isolation of a new ent-abietane diterpene named 11β,12β-dihydroxy-ent-abieta-8(14),13(15)-dien-16,12α-olide (1), and of nine known ent-abietane diterpenes jolkinolide A (2), jolkinolide E (3), euphorin H (4), euphopilolide (5) jolkinolide F (6), ent-12-hydroxy-12[R]-abieta8(14),13(15)-dien-16,12-olide (7), ent-11α-hydroxyabieta-8(14),13(15)-dien-16,12α-olide (8), 17-hydroxyjolkinolide B (9) and caudicifolin (10). The structures of all compounds were established using spectroscopic techniques such as 1D and 2D NMR, and the structure of the compound 1 was established also with MS, IR and ECD. All compounds were submitted to an in silico study through of a predictive model and then submitted to in vitro tests against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and M. smegmatis for evaluation of their antimycobacterial activity. Compounds 5 and 9 showed mycobacterial growth inhibition with MIC values of 62.5 μM against M. tuberculosis and M. smegmatis, respectively.
DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT, AND IMPLEMENTATION OF 3D-PRINTED POLYLACTIC ACID CENTRIFUGE ROTORS FOR LABORATORY-SCALE APPLICATIONS
Authors: Moreno Luis , Vasquez Alexander , Pastrana Elizabeth , Pastrana Roxana
Published: August 2022

In this work, self-made laboratory centrifuge equipment was developed for the separation of suspensions and immiscible liquids. This centrifuge was based on the Arduino microcontroller and fabricated from simple and recycled mechanical and electronic parts, spending an inexpensive budget suitably. The centrifuge frame and rotors were manufactured of Polylactic Acid (PLA) filaments, which were printed in a 3D printer. Two rotors labeled R50 and R15 were designed and fabricated to use tubes of 50 mL and 15 mL, respectively. The maximum speed reached, without vibration interferences, was 3350 and 3030 rpm for R50 and R15 rotors, respectively. The total fabrication cost of the fabricated centrifuge was less than 100 USD and the assembly process was not complicated. Finally, the centrifuge performance was evaluated through phases of separation of precipitate of CuCO3(s) and clinical blood samples. The obtained results showed achievement in components separation, entirely comparable with those obtained employing a commercial centrifuge.
Comparação da pressão arterial mensurada pelos métodos oscilométrico ou invasivo em ovinos e caprinos
Authors: Ramirez Uscategui Ricardo Andres , Soares Abreu João Victor , Perecin Nociti Ricardo , Molinaro Coelho Cássia Maria , Fernandes Marcusso Paulo , Bizetto Meira de Andrade James Newton
Published: August 2022

A pressão arterial é um parâmetro indispensável na monitorização anestésica. A mensuração da pressão artéria invasiva (iPA) mediante cateterização arterial periférica é confiável, mas requer experiência e pode desencadear complicações. A técnica oscilométrica não é invasiva (NiPA), só requer um manguito sobre uma artéria periférica e a mensuração é automatizada. Não obstante a acurácia da NiPA tem sido pouco explorada e, por tal motivo, este estudo objetivou comparar esta técnica com a iPA em ovelhas e cabras. Foram utilizadas 20 ovelhas e 20 cabras que seriam submetidas a laparoscopia sob anestesia geral. Uma vez em plano anestésico, foi cateterizada a artéria auricular caudal e conectada a um transdutor eletrônico de pressão acoplado a monitor multiparamétrico para mensuração da iPA, sistólica (S), diastólica (D) e média (M). Ao mesmo tempo um manguito de tamanho apropriado foi posicionado sobre a artéria radial e conectado ao mesmo monitor. A cada 5 minutos foram registradas as pressões arteriais por ambos os métodos, posteriormente, comparadas pelo teste Student, correlacionados pelo Pearson e avaliada a concordância pelo Bland-Altman. Nas ovelhas, a PAD foi semelhante e correlacionada entre NiPA e iPA (P=0,69; r=0,65; viés 0,7 ± 13,1 mmHg), já a PAS e PAM foram superestimadas pela NiPA. Em Cabras, a PAM resultou semelhante e correlacionada entre NiPA e iPA (P=0,566; r=0,57; viés 2,4 ± 20,2 mmHg), enquanto PAS foi superestimada e PAD subestimada. Conclui-se que, em ovelhas apenas a PAD e em cabras a PAM, mensuradas pelo método oscilométrico, são alternativas acuradas, factíveis e confiáveis para a monitoração anestésica da pressão arterial.
Impuestos verdes y ganadería: un debate que vale la pena dar
Authors: Palomino Cadavid Paula , Naranjo R Juan F
Published: August 2022

Hace unas semanas se revivió un debate sobre una supuesta posibilidad de imponer impuestos a la carne y la leche en Colombia. Se publicó en los medios una propuesta que en 2020 publicó en Twitter el designado director de la DIAN Luis Carlos Reyes, donde se planteaba gravar con $15.000 por mes cada cabeza de ganado y recaudar $4,5 billones. Ideas en esta dirección no son nuevas. Hace meses, la Alcaldía de Bogotá presentó un decreto para promover en la ciudad la práctica de un día sin carne. La Alcaldía de Medellín en 2017 intentó tramitar un acuerdo del Concejo (el 076 de diciembre 3 de 2017), para implementar una “alimentación verde en el Municipio de Medellín y sus entidades descentralizadas”. Oportunamente, esa iniciativa fue denunciada (Caracol Radio, 2017) porque vulnera derechos fundamentales, en especial de niños y adolescentes, consignados en la Constitución Política del país. Estas iniciativas pueden tener una intención loable, sin embargo, como dicen por ahí: el camino al infierno está empedrado de buenas intenciones.
Discovery of STAT3 Inhibitors: Recent Advances and Future Perspectives
Authors: Song Jiatao , Wang Jiawei , Tian Sheng , Li Huanqiu
Published: August 2022

Background:

STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) is a
member of the STAT family of proteins that function as signal transducers and transcription
factors. Previous research has demonstrated its importance in cell proliferation, differentiation,
apoptosis, and immunological and inflammatory responses. Targeting the
STAT3 protein has recently been hailed as a viable cancer therapeutic method. Even
though none of these inhibitors have yet been exploited in clinical cancer therapy, a
small number have made them into clinical trials, leading researchers to explore more
promising inhibitors.

Methods:

Based on the mechanism of STAT3 activation, several types of STAT3 inhibitors
were described and summarized according to their origins, structures, bioactivity and
mechanism of action. Direct inhibition of STAT3 mainly targeted one of the three distinct
structural regions of the protein, namely the SH2 domain, the DNA binding domain,
and the coiled-coil domain.

Results:

The progress in STAT3 inhibitor discovery from 2010 to 2021 is comprehensively
summarized in this review. STAT3 inhibitors are mainly classified into small
molecule inhibitors, natural product inhibitors, and peptides/peptidomimetics. Moreover,
it also covers relevant analogues, as well as their core framework.

Conclusion:

Small-molecule inhibitors of STAT3 like BP-1-102 and BTP analogues displayed
great potential against various cancers, while natural products, as well as peptide
and peptidomimetics, also showed promising application. Therefore, STAT3 has become
a promising target with great research value, and the development of STAT3 inhibitors
may provide more therapeutic strategies for STAT3-related diseases.
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: Recent Clinical Advances and Future
Prospects
Authors: Banday Abid H. , Abdalla Mohnad
Published: August 2022

Immune checkpoints are vital molecules and pathways of the immune system
with defined roles of controlling immune responses from being destructive to the healthy
cells in the body. They include inhibitory receptors and ligands, which check the recognition
of most cancers by the immune system. This happens when proteins on the surface
of T cells called immune checkpoint proteins identify partner proteins on the cancer cells
and bind to them, sending brake signals to the T cells to evade immune attack. However,
drugs called immune checkpoint inhibitors block checkpoint proteins from binding to
their partner proteins, thereby inhibiting the brake signals from being sent to T cells. This
eventually allows the T cells to destroy cancer cells and arbitrate robust tumor regression.
Many such inhibitors have already been approved and are in various developmental
stages. The well-illustrated inhibitory checkpoints include the cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated
molecule-4 (CTLA-4), programmed cell death receptor-1 (PD-1), and programmed
cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1). Though many molecules blocking these checkpoints
have shown promise in treating many malignancies, such treatment options have
limited success in terms of the immune response in most patients. Against this backdrop,
exploring new pathways and next-generation inhibitors becomes imperative for developing
more responsive and effective immune checkpoint therapy. Owing to the complex biology
and unexplored ambiguities in the mechanistic aspects of immune checkpoint pathways,
analysis of the activity profile of new drugs is the subject of strenuous investigation.
We herein report the recent progress in developing new inhibitory pathways and potential
therapeutics and delineate the developments based on their merit. Further, the ensuing
challenges towards developing efficacious checkpoint therapies and the impending
opportunities are also discussed.
Centrosome Clustering & Chemotherapy
Authors: Saleem Rahman Shah Zaib , Firdous Farhat , Raza Hadeeqa Gull , Chotana Ghayoor Abbas , Choudhary M. Iqbal , Faisal Amir
Published: August 2022

Centrosome abnormalities are the hallmark of cancer. How it affects tumorigenesis is
still a mystery. However, the presence of more than two centrosomes at the onset of mitosis often
leads to chromosomal instability and subsequent tumorigenesis. Unlike normal cells that undergo
repair or apoptosis in response to this instability, cancer cells learn to cope with supernumerary
centrosomes through various mechanisms and survive. Centrosome clustering is the most prevalent
mechanism, allowing the cancer cells to form two daughter cells through a pseudo-bipolar
spindle. Since healthy cells are devoid of the mechanisms involved in clustering, the de-clustering
of centrosomes can be considered a promising approach to selectively eliminate cells with extra
centrosomes. Several proteins such as PARP, KIFC1, Hsp70, Cortical actin, APC/C-CDH1 complex
and Eg5 have been discussed in this review which participate in centrosome clustering, and
the inhibition of these proteins can facilitate in impeding tumor growth specifically by declustering
centrosomes. In this review, we also present the role of the centrosome in the cell cycle, centrosome
amplification, clustering mechanism and reported centrosome de-clustering agents to present
the current state of work in the field.
The Effect of Bacterial Composition Shifts in the Oral Microbiota
on Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Moghadam Majid Taati , Mojtahedi Ali , Bakhshayesh Babak , Babakhani Sajad , Ajorloo Parisa , Shariati Aref , Mirzaei Mehrnaz , Heidarzadeh Siamak , Jazi Faramarz Masjedian
Published: August 2022

Alzheimer's disease (AD), a neurological disorder, despite significant
advances in medical science, has not yet been definitively cured, and the exact causes
of the disease remain unclear. Due to the importance of AD in the clinic, large expenses
are spent annually to deal with this neurological disorder, and neurologists warn of an
increase in this disease in elderly in the near future. It has been believed that microbiota
dysbiosis leads to Alzheimer’s as a multi-step disease. In this regard, the presence of
footprints of perturbations in the oral microbiome and the predominance of pathogenic
bacteria and their effect on the nervous system, especially AD, is a very interesting topic
that has been considered by researchers in the last decade. Some studies have looked
at the mechanisms by which oral microbiota cause AD. However, many aspects of this
interaction are still unclear as to how oral microbiota composition can contribute to this
disease. Understanding this interaction requires extensive collaboration by
interdisciplinary researchers to explore all aspects of the issue. In order to reveal the
link between the composition of the oral microbiota and this disease, researchers from
various domains have sought to explain the mechanisms of shift in oral microbiota in AD
in this review.
Protective or Inhibitory Effect of Pharmacological Therapy on Cardiac Ischemic Preconditioning: A Literature Review
Authors: de Paula Leonardo Jorge Cordeiro , Uchida Augusto Hiroshi , Rezende Paulo Cury , Soares Paulo , Scudeler Thiago Luis
Published: August 2022

Ischemic preconditioning (IP) is an innate phenomenon, triggered by brief, non-lethal cycles of ischemia/reperfusion applied to a tissue or organ that confers tolerance to a subsequent more prolonged ischemic event. Once started, it can reduce the severity of myocardial ischemia associated with some clinical situations, such as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and intermittent aortic clamping during coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). Although the mechanisms underlying IP have not been completely elucidated, several studies have shown that this phenomenon involves the participation of cell triggers, intracellular signaling pathways, and end-effectors. Understanding this mechanism enables the development of preconditioning mimetic agents. It is known that a range of medications that activate the signaling cascades at different cellular levels can interfere with both the stimulation and the blockade of IP. Investigations of signaling pathways underlying ischemic conditioning have identified a number of therapeutic targets for pharmacological manipulation. The aim of this review is to present and discuss the effects of several medications on myocardial IP.
Association Between Telomere Length and Cardiovascular Risk:
Pharmacological Treatments Affecting Telomeres and Telomerase Activity
Authors: Zafirovic Sonja , Macvanin Mirjana , Stanimirovic Julijana , Obradovic Milan , Radovanovic Jelena , Melih Irena , Isenovic Esma
Published: August 2022

Telomeres represent the ends of chromosomes, and they are composed of an extensive number of – TTAGGG nucleotide sequence repeats in humans. Telomeres prevent chromosome degradation, participate in stabilization, and regulate the DNA repair system. Inflammation and oxidative stress have been identified as important processes causing cardiovascular disease and accelerating telomere shortening rate. This review investigates the link between telomere length and pathological vascular conditions from experimental and human studies. Also, we discuss pharmacological treatments affecting telomeres and telomerase activity.
Graviola Protects Against Hepatic Toxicity Associated with DMBA induced
Breast Cancer via Restoration of Antioxidants and Attenuation of
Inflammatory Pathways
Authors: Zeweil Mohamed M. , Sadek Kadry M. , Abouzed Tarek K. , Wasef Lamiaa , Saleh Hamida , Albogami Sarah M. , Alotaibi Saqer S. , Alsayegh Abdulrahman A. , Alexiou Athanasios , Batiha Gaber El-Saber
Published: August 2022

Aims:

This study documented hepatic tissue's protective activity against oxidative damage
mediated experimental models of breast cancer.

Background:

Gaviola has a long history of improving the protection mechanism against many diseases as
an antioxidant and anticancer dietary agent.

Objective:

The purpose of this study is to establish changes in hepatic profiling, antioxidants, inflammatory
cytokine expression, and DMBA-induced hepatic histopathology of mammalian rats.

Methods:

7,12-dimethylbenz[a] anthracene (DMBA), PAHs, used orally in female Sprague Dawley rats
Fifty-seven days-old with breast cancer single-dose diluted in sesame oil of 20 mg/kg/body weight. The
cancer-bearing animals had 45 days gastrogavagated at 200 mg/kg/body weight with Graviola. The serum
samples were taken at the end of the experiment. The rats were sacrificed to establish the hepatic protective
activity of the Graviola by testing hepatic and oxidative stress markers.

Results:

Graviola therapy shows that enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants and lipid peroxide levels
have increased efficiency and have restored the high activity of hepatic marker enzymes such as ALT,
AST, ALP, and GGT. To date, hepatic expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-like 2 (Nfe2l2) and nuclear
factor kappa B subunit 1 (Nfkb1) mediated rats have normalized. In addition, histological observations
have demonstrated that Graviola's treatment effectively protects the liver from the oxidative damage
caused by DMBA, reinforcing its hepatic defensive nature.

Conclusion:

Graviola therapy improves the efficiency of both enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants
and lipid peroxide levels. It also helps in the restoration of other liver enzymes.
Research Progress in Regulation of Ferroptosis by Epigallocatechin-3-
gallate in Tumor Cells
Authors: Li Yan , Zhang Lei , Dong Rongjian
Published: August 2022

Ferroptosis is an identified form of regulated cell death different from cell necrosis, autophagy,
and apoptosis, characterized by iron-dependent accumulation of lipid reactive oxygen species. The processes
of ferroptosis are mainly related to iron metabolism disorder, inactivation of glutathione peroxidase
4 (GPX4), and coenzyme Q10-dependent pathway. Inducing ferroptosis is considered a promising strategy
to fight against cancers, especially apoptosis-resistant tumors. Epigallocatechin-gallate (EGCG) is the
predominately active substance in green tea, which is widely consumed worldwide as a beverage. Recently,
EGCG has been proved to play an important role in inducing ferroptosis by modulation of the iron
metabolism and promotion of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) protein degradation. Therefore, this review
mainly elaborates the regulating effects of EGCG on ferroptosis, aiming to create a new space for
the research and development of novel anticancer drugs.
The Assessment of the Quality of Life in Patients with Rheumatoid Foot
Authors: Wisłowska Małgorzata , Chruściak Monika , Kowalik Ilona , Chruściak Tomasz
Published: August 2022

Background:

The negative effects of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are multi-dimensional. Foot deformities lead to disability, pain, and impaired quality of life.

Objective:

Identifying the difficulties in functioning rheumatoid foot and assessing the quality of life in this aspect.

Materials and Methods:

The material included 50 patients of Rheumatology Policlinic of the Central Clinical Hospital of Interior Affairs in Warsaw and a matched control group of 50 individuals without RA. The degree of foot joint damage was assessed using the Manchester scale, lower limb movement and quality of life using the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society Score and HAQ.

Results:

The duration of symptoms was 16.0 ± 8.9 years. High activity of RA measured by the DAS was observed in 20% of patients, moderate in 26%, and low in 54%. The most common foot deformities were: hammer toes (82%), longitudinal flat feet (74%), and hyperkeratosis (56%). The least frequent were: stiff toe (38%) and overlapping fingers (28%). In the RA group, the outcomes of the FAOS questionnaire were statistically significantly worse than in the control group in all categories (p<0.001). The worst-rated domain was the sport and recreation subscale (median 55.0), the best daily activity (median 86.8). The strongest relationship was demonstrated between the FAOS and HAQ indices. Spearman's HAQ correlation coefficient with the ADL subscale was r=-0.85, p<0.001; with the QOL, sport/recreation and pain subscales moderate, it was r=-0.72; r= 0.71, p <0.001.

Conclusions:

Lower limb movement function and quality of life are worse in RA patients; pain accompanies climbing and descending stairs; running and jumping require effort.
Anxiety, Depression, and Fear among People with and without Diabetes
During the Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant
Authors: Robert Asirvatham Alwin , Al Dawish Abdulrahman , Al Dawish Raseel Mohammed , Al Mutairi Safa Muqhim , Alanazi Maryam Salem , Al Dawish Mohamed Abdulaziz
Published: August 2022

Background and Aim:

The present study aimed to evaluate the anxiety, depression, and
fear in people with and without diabetes during the transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant.

Methods:

In this comparative study (n= 353), people with diabetes (n= 121) and those without diabetes
(n= 232) were investigated for physiological aspects of COVID-19 during the SARS-CoV-2
Omicron variant outbreak. This study was performed at the Prince Sultan Military Medical City
(PSMMC), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. On request, the participants responded to the survey questionnaires,
providing data on demographics, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), and Patient
Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2) to screen for anxiety, depression, and COVID-19-related fears.

Results:

The GAD statement revealed a significantly higher degree of nervousness and anxiety
among people with diabetes when compared to people without diabetes (P = 0.001). For the other
GAD statements, no statistical difference was observed between the responses of people with and
without diabetes, including the overall GAD-7 (P = 0.091). The PHQ-2 statement, concerning a
feeling of depression or hopelessness noted a significant escalation among diabetes compared to
nondiabetes (P = 0.004). Furthermore, in the overall PHQ-2, a significant escalation (P = 0.011)
was noticed among people with diabetes compared to nondiabetes. In addition, people with diabetes
had a significantly high (P = 0.037) COVID-19-related fear reported, compared to people without
diabetes.

Conclusion:

The need for comprehensive research is urgent, as it will facilitate a better understanding
of the physiological aspects of COVID-19 for patients with diabetes.
Imaging Profile After Treatment with Tocilizumab in COVID-19: A Case
Series
Authors: Tondo Pasquale , Lacedonia Donato , Scioscia Giulia , Fuso Paolo , De Pace Cosimo C. , Sassani Ennio V. , Foschino Barbaro Maria Pia
Published: August 2022

Introduction::

COVID-19 is a pandemic disease, mainly affecting the respiratory tract, triggering
an inflammatory cascade complicated by multiorgan failure up to death. Among the tested medications
for this disease, tocilizumab appears to act directly on the inflammatory cascade, improving
COVID-19 outcomes. For this reason, we have tested the efficacy of tocilizumab on lung damage using
chest computed tomography (CT).

CASE Presentation:

The study was conducted on twenty-one hospitalised COVID-19 patients between
March-June 2020. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the therapies administered
(TCZ group= treatment with tocilizumab and NTZ group= other therapies). At admission, TCZ group
presented worse laboratory test values, respiratory profile (PaO2/FiO2 ratio: 145.37±38.16 mmHg vs
257.9±95.3 mmHg of NTZ group, P<0.01) and radiological signs (multifocal opacity at chest-X-ray:
88% vs 23% of NTZ group, P<0.01). After performing chest CT during the clinical recovery, the scans
of the 2 groups were compared and we observed that some features (e.g., ground glass opacity, consolidation
and parenchymal bands) were less marked in the TCZ group.

Conclusion:

In our study, patients treated with tocilizumab presented a worse overall clinical and radiological
profile at admission, but the control CT showed a similar imaging profile to patients treated
with standard therapy. Based on this evidence, we may suggest that tocilizumab plays an important
role in COVID-19 patients in reducing lung inflammation.
Radiomics and Artificial Intelligence in Predicting Axillary Lymph Node
Metastasis in Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review
Authors: Eldaly Abdullah S. , Avila Francisco R. , Torres-Guzman Ricardo A. , Maita Karla , Garcia John P. , Serrano Luiza Palmieri , Forte Antonio J.
Published: August 2022

Background:

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy and the second most common cause of death in women worldwide. Axillary lymph node metastasis (ALNM) is the most significant prognostic factor in breast cancer. Under the current guidelines, sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is the standard of axillary staging in patients with clinically-node negative breast cancer. Despite the minimally invasive nature of SLNB, it can cause short and long-term morbidities including pain, sensory impairment, and upper limb motor dysfunction. However, lymphedema remains the most feared adverse event, and it affects 7% of patients within 36 months of follow-up.
Recently, we have witnessed the implication of radiomics and artificial intelligence domains in the diagnosis and follow-up of many malignancies with promising results. Therefore, we have conducted a systematic search to investigate the potentials of radiomics and artificial intelligence in predicting ALNM.

Methods:

Four electronic databases were searched: PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and Web of Science. We used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis as our basis of organization.

Results:

For radiomics, area under the curve (AUC) for the included studies ranged from 0.715 to 0.93. Accuracy ranged from 67.7% to 98%. Sensitivity and specificity ranged from 70.3% to 97.8% and 58.4% to 98.2%, respectively. For other artificial intelligence methods, AUC ranged from 0.68 to 0.98, while accuracy ranged from 55% to 89%.

Conclusion:

The results of radiomics and artificial intelligence in predicting ALNM are promising. However, validation as a substitute to SLNB requires more substantial evidence from large randomized trials.
A Huge Gastric Angiolipoma Presenting with Acute Upper Gastrointestinal
Hemorrhage: A Case Report
Authors: Park Sung Bin , Choi Joo Hyeok , Lee Jong Beum , Lee Tae-Jin , Park Hyun Jeong , Lee Eun Sun
Published: August 2022

Background:

Angiolipoma is a benign neoplasm mainly composed of adipose tissue and
proliferating blood vessels and is relatively rare in the gastrointestinal tract. And among them, gastric
angiolipomas are extremely rare and tend to be small.

Case Presentation:

We report the clinical and imaging features of a patient with a huge angiolipoma in
the stomach and an episode of hematemesis and melena, caused by the ulceration of the gastric mucosa
overlying the gastric subepithelial angiolipoma revealed by the endoscopic evaluation. The patient was
anemic, and the anemia resolved after local surgical resection of the tumor. We also reviewed the imaging
and histological features of the presenting gastric angiolipoma.

Conclusion:

Radiologists should be aware of this rare benign gastric tumor that may present with gastrointestinal
hemorrhage.
Improved Bioavailablity of Curcumin by Derivatisation with Isoleucine in
Plasma and Reproductive Tissues of Female Rats is Mainly Due to Altered
Affinity for P-gp Transporter
Authors: Muthukumar Serva Peddha , Divyashree Sheshadri , Janhavi Prakash , Kumar Nanjundaswamy Vijendra , Bettadaiah Bheemanakere Kempaiah
Published: August 2022

Aim:

The present study aimed to investigate the bioavailability of curcumin conjugated
with isoleucine.

Background:

Curcumin has various health beneficiary properties; however, it is poorly bioavailable
because of its insolubility in water, poor absorption and quick systemic elimination. Hence,
any approach that could improve bioavailability is necessary.

Objective:

The objective of the present study is to examine whether the bioavailability and biodistribution
of curcumin is improved upon derivatisation with isoleucine than that of native curcumin.

Methods:

About 0.1 g/kg bw of curcumin and its isoleucine-derivative were administered to fasting
rats. Then the blood and tissue samples were collected at different time intervals (0, 1800,
3600, 7200, 14400, 28800, 43200, 86400, and 172800 seconds) and processed for the extraction of
curcumin and its derivative with methanol. The processed samples were subjected to HPLC analysis
and compared with the standard curcumin and its derivative. The results were analysed using
the software, PKSolver, for determining the bioavailability and biodistribution. Further, the docking
studies were carried out to better understand the results obtained.

Results:

We found that isoleucine-curcumin conjugates have better bioavailable in plasma, ovary
and uterus in the experimental rats. The curcumin and its isoleucine-derivative was detected to be
maximum at 14400 seconds. However, the concentration of isoleucine-derivative of curcumin was
significantly high at Tmax compared to native curcumin. Further, curcumin and its derivative were
found in the reproductive organs only at 28800 seconds, 43200 seconds and 86400 seconds. The
binding energy of isoleucine-derivative of curcumin with p-glycoprotein transporter was found to
be more compared to the native form. This may be the reason for the increased bioavailability of
isoleucine-derivative of curcumin.

Conclusion:

The isoleucine-curcumin conjugate has better bioavailability compared to curcumin
both in plasma and reproductive organs.
An Improved Amperometric D-amino Acid Biosensor Based on Immobilization
of D-Amino Acid Oxidase on Nanocomposite of Chitosan/Fe3O4NPs/
cMWCNT/GC Electrode
Authors: Pundir Chandra Shekhar , Lata Suman , Batra Bhawna , Ahlawat Jyoti
Published: August 2022

Objective:

An improved amperometric D aminoacid (DAA) biosensor was fabricated by immobilizing
covalently, D-amino acid oxidase (DAAO) onto nanocomposite of chitosan (CHIT)/ iron oxide
nanoparticles (Fe3O4NPs)/ carboxylated multiwalled carbon nanotubes (cMWCNT)/ electrodeposited
onto glassy carbon (GC) electrode

Methods:

The iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4NPs) were prepared and characterized by UV spectroscopy,
transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy.

Results:

The enzyme electrode (DAAO/CHIT/ Fe3O4NPs/cMWCNT/GC) was characterized by scanning
electron microscopy (SEM), FTIR and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The biosensor
showed maximum response within 2s at pH 8.0, 35°C and potential of 0.09V vs. Ag/AgCl with a linear
working range of 0.02-0.80 μM, sensitivity of 919.29 μAcm-2μM-1 and detection limit of 0.02 μM.

Conclusion:

The within and between batch coefficients of variation (CVs) for determination of DAA by
present biosensor were 2.35% and 2.87%, respectively. The level of DAA in real fruit juices as measured
by the present biosensor matched with those by the standard spectrophotometric method with a good correlation
(r = 0.978). The biosensor lost 30 % of its initial activity over a period of 120 days when stored
dry at 4°C.