bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A deforestation-free path to scaling silvopastoral production systems
Authors: Castro-Nunez Augusto , Buritica Alexander , Gonzalez Carolina , Villarino Eliza , Holmann Federico , Perez Lisset , Rio Martha Del , Sandoval Danny , Eufemia Luca , Loehr katharina , Romero Miguel , Lana Marcos , Sotelo Steven , Rivera Ovidio , Loboguerrero Ana , Quintero Marcela
Published: November 2020

The global community recognizes that silvopastoral systems (SPS), which are considered a form of sustainable land use, could reduce forest loss. Studies indicate that SPS can improve livelihoods, provide ecosystem services and act as carbon sinks. What has been missing from the literature, however, is how scaling SPS influences forest cover. Our research results from the Colombian Amazon point to possible unintended deforestation due to aggregated effects of farm-level changes in herd composition from broader SPS adoption with the absence of safeguards, appropriate incentives and government agencies devoted to implementing traceability of dairy and beef products to their deforestation-free origins. Our conclusions are drawn from surveying 144 livestock producers with traditional or SPS farms in Caquetá, one of the departments with the highest deforestation rates in Colombia. Land grabbing, in tandem with cattle pasture, is one of the major deforestation and conflict drivers in Colombia. We surveyed the farmers twice, both in 2016 and 2020, to determine the impact of SPS on herd composition. Our results show that surveyed SPS farmers reduced the number of male cattle and increased the number of lactating cows and calves in the herd. This suggests that these farmers specialize in producing milk, a move that constitutes a process of intensification that with the proper safeguards and incentives would unlikely broaden deforestation at the local scale. The availability of more calves and male cattle from SPS adoption, though, may exacerbate the drivers of deforestation because there is a risk that these extra calves and males would be moved to new pastures at the forest border, where they can be fattened as a source of beef. Our findings, as such, warrant a further investigation into the risk of unintended deforestation from scaling SPS and on how to mitigate that risk to make the process deforestation-free.
Best Selection of Generative Adversarial Networks Hyper-Parameters using Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Alarsan Fajr , Younes Mamoon
Published: November 2020

Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) are most popular generative frameworks that have achieved compelling performance. They follow an adversarial approach where two deep models generator and discriminator compete with each other
In this paper, we propose a Generative Adversarial Network with best hyper-parameters selection to generate fake images for digits number 1 to 9 with generator and train discriminator to decide whereas the generated images are fake or true. Using Genetic Algorithm technique to adapt GAN hyper-parameters, the final method is named GANGA:Generative Adversarial Network with Genetic Algorithm.
Anaconda environment with tensorflow library facilitates was used, python as programming language also used with needed libraries. The implementation was done using MNIST dataset to validate our work.
The proposed method is to let Genetic algorithm to choose best values of hyper-parameters depending on minimizing a cost function such as a loss function or maximizing accuracy function. GA was used to select values of Learning rate, Batch normalization, Number of neurons and a parameter of Dropout layer.
A STUDY ON RECOVERY CHANNELS OF NPAS: AN EMPIRICAL EVALUATION
Authors:   Former Assistant Professor, Aligarh College of Engg. & Tech. (ACET), Aligarh (UP), India., Fatima Nikhat , Husain Ashraf S. ,   Senior Professor, Department of Commerce, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh (UP), India.
Published: November 2020

Banks are the backbone of a sound financial system as they play a significant role in the growth and development of a country by advancing loans to various sectors of an economy. For sustainable growth of a developing country like India, it is very imperative that its banking sector should be healthy enough to meet capital requirements of different sections. But, from last few years, high magnitude of non-performing assets (NPAs) causes momentous effect on banks earnings as they have to make provisions on NPAs. Hence, it is very crucial that banks should take efficient resolution techniques for recovering massive amount of NPAs in order to improve their financial performance. The present study investigated the various parameters of NPAs in scheduled commercial banks (SCBs) as well as examined the performance of three major legal recovery channels for NPAs that is, Lok Adalats, SARFAESI and DRTs. The study employed ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis test for analyzing the differences among recovery channels. The analysis revealed that there is significant difference in NPA recovery ratio across these channels. The author found that there has been significant increase in NPA ratios during 2007 to 2018 and concluded that SARFAESI is the most effective recovery channel as its procedure is not lengthy plus it empowers secured creditors to recover their debts without the intervention of court.
PERCEPTION OF TEACHER-EDUCATOR TOWARDS TWO YEARS B.ED. PROGRAMME
Authors:   PhD, Research Scholar, Department of Education, Seacom Skill University, West Bengal., Hoque Tafajul , Tarafdar Manjusha ,   Professor & Former, Honble Vice-Chancellor, Seacom Skill University, West Bengal., Hussain Laskar Jakir ,   Associate Professor in Education, Aliah University, Kolkata, & Former Principal in M.Ed. College, Murshidabad.
Published: November 2020

The present study investigates the perceptions of teacher-educators towards two years B.Ed. programme, which introduced according to NCTE 2014, norms and regulations. The study investigated the perceptions of teacher-educators towards two years B.Ed. programme considering gender, locale & experience variations of the participants. By using selfdeveloped standardized tool,in which 136 items in a five points scale, for the study. Where sample of the studywere 150 teacher-educators from 10 B.Ed. colleges of Murshidabad district of West Bengal participated. The participants were selected by using simple random basis technique. Descriptive survey method was applied for conducting the present study. The present studyinvestigated delimiting toteacher-educators perceptions towards two years B.Ed. programmefrommurshidabad district of WestBengal only. Another delimitation of the study is teacher educators perception analysed in the context of, B.Ed. programme as professional course, generates motivation for teaching, develops professional acumens, provides essential of child psychology,B.Ed.programme influences the personality of the teacher and perceptions about two years B.Ed. course only. The obtained data were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings revealed that,significant impact existed on the opinion of teacher educators perceptions as they are agreed mostly for positive impact of secondary teacher education programme. That is mixed perceptions towards secondary teacher education programme by the teacher educators.The present findings of the study is matched with i.e. confirmatory study of Adhikary (2017) in a study where found that teacher trainees mixed perception towards the two year B.Ed. programme in Assam.
CONSERVATIVE MANAGEMENT OF ASHMARI WITH AYURVEDA: A CASE STUDY
Authors:   Research Officer (Ay.), Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences, Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India., Kumar Rai Amit , Kumari Harit ,   Research Officer (Ay.), Regional Ayurveda Research Institute, Ranikhet, CCRAS, Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India., Kumar Sanjiv ,   Assistant Director (Ay.), Central Ayurveda Research Institute for Respiratory Disorders, Patiala, CCRAS, Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India.
Published: November 2020

Ashmari is one among the eight most difficult to cure diseases (Ashtamahagada) described in Ayurveda classical texts. The symptomatology of Ashmari resembles the clinical features of Urolithiasis mentioned in the contemporary medical science. Urolithiasis is third most common disease of the urinary tract. Conventional management of Urolithiasis does not have any effect on the pathogenesis of this disease and therefore, recurrence of disease occurs very commonly. Ayurveda has more radical approach and wide range of options in the management of urolithiasis. A 23-year old Indian male student presented with the complaints of pain in right side of abdomen, burning and difficulty in micturition since last 15 days. Per abdomen examination elicited tenderness on right lumbar region of abdomen and around right renal angle. No other abnormality detected during general and systemic examination. Ultrasonography (whole abdomen) revealed multiple right renal calculi (largest being 6.9 mm). On Ayurvedic parlance, the present case was diagnosed as Ashmari based on the signs and symptoms. Patient was prescribed the Ayurvedic medicines, Gokshuradi Gugguluand Varunadi Kashaya on OPD basis. Patient was advised to follow-up initially after 07 days and later after every fortnight. Improvement in clinical features was there within 07 days. Patient showed complete relief in his complaints on third follow-up visit. Repeat Ultrasonography scan did not revealed any renal calculus. Clinically also, Gokshuradi guggulu and Varunadi Kashaya has provided complete relief in pain, burning micturition and dysuria. It can be concluded that Gokshuradi guggulu and Varunadi Kashayamay lead to disintegration and expulsion of calculi and thus provide relief in signs and symptoms of Ashmari. This case illustrates the effective conservative management of Ashmari with Ayurvedic medicines with no adverse events and no episode of recurrence even after one year.
Mídia e Desenvolvimento Sustentável: Uma Análise da Cobertura Jornalística das Conferências Ambientais da ONU
Authors: Reis Clóvis , Sabbagh Michel Imme , Barrios Yanet Maria Reimondo
Published: November 2020

O presente artigo analisa as implicações da cobertura da mídia em relação ao conceito de desenvolvimento sustentável. A investigação centrou-se em apresentar um estudo de caso sobre a cobertura das Conferências Ambientais da Organização das Nações Unidas (ONU) em 1972, 1992, 2002 e 2012 pelo Jornal de Santa Catarina (JSC). Dessa forma, e por meio de uma análise morfológica e de conteúdo, o trabalho explora o tratamento do conceito de desenvolvimento sustentável pela mídia e como se poderia avançar no entendimento das suas dimensões e na necessidade do debate permanente sobre tais questões. O estudo apontou que o JSC divulgou de maneira superficial o conceito de desenvolvimento sustentável, concentrando-se especialmente em informações oficiais e na reprodução de notícias de agências nacionais e internacionais.
Framework Integrativo de Inovação Social Colaborativa a Partir do Projeto Rondon
Authors: Torlig Eloisa , Resende Junior Pedro Carlos , Fujihara Ricardo Ken , Montezano Lana
Published: November 2020

Para se avançar no campo da inovação social, é essencial compreender o processo de geração de valor e como as interações entre os atores podem gerar algo inovador. O objetivo desse artigo é caracterizar a dinâmica de um framework integrativo de inovação social por meio das relações colaborativas do Projeto Rondon. Foi proposto um framework integrativo teórico, a partir da análise da literatura, composto de quatro dimensões de análise - desafios sociais, processo, redes e resultados, as quais subsidiaram a coleta de dados, com uso de abordagem qualitativa, por meio de entrevistas em profundidade e grupos focais com total de 38 pessoas, as quais são participantes do Núcleo Extensionista Rondon da Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, gestores públicos e com a comunidade de Rancho Queimado. Evidencia-se que a universidade viabiliza o fortalecimento das redes colaborativas entre os atores e as práticas cocriativas implicam no valor social mútuo, favorecendo o compartilhamento de conhecimentos e recursos. Em um esforço inicial de construir uma visão sistêmica, compreende-se que para avançar rumo a um novo paradigma de inovação social é necessário estimular modelos colaborativos, intersetoriais e inclusivos, de modo a proporcionar soluções inovadoras que efetivamente gerem valor na solução de problemas sociais. Por fim, recomenda-se investigações futuras para avanços da temática de inovação social.
A Dinâmica do Mercado de Trabalho Formal do Setor Sucroalcooleiro Paranaense de 2000-2017: Evolução dos Empregos e Perfil dos Trabalhadores
Authors: Pelosi Edna Marta , Shikida Pery Francisco Assis
Published: November 2020

Este artigo analisa a dinâmica do mercado de trabalho formal do setor sucroalcooleiro paranaense no período de 2000 a 2017, considerando a geração dos empregos e o perfil dos trabalhadores, a partir da Relação Anual de Informações Sociais (RAIS) e do Cadastro Geral de Empregados e Desempregados (CAGED). Os trabalhadores foram classificados intrasetorialmente por meio da atividade que exercem, sendo utilizadas as categorias da Classificação Brasileira de Ocupações (CBO) para destacar os trabalhadores agrícolas dos demais. Os dados apontam para um expressivo aumento no número de empregos entre 2000 a 2009, principalmente os relacionados às atividades agrícolas, além de uma contínua retração depois de 2009, com destaque novamente para as atividades agrícolas. Neste último período foram constatadas alterações significativas no perfil do trabalhador: mais velho; mais bem instruído e melhor remunerado.
Patrimônio Agrário como Estratégia de Desenvolvimento da Comunidade Autônoma de Castilla-La Mancha (Espanha) e sua Aplicabilidade à Microrregião de Canoinhas (Santa Catarina, Brasil)
Authors: Tomporoski Alexandre Assis , Lachman Vivian , Maia Julia Corrêa da
Published: November 2020

O objetivo deste artigo consiste em apresentar estudos realizados no território da Comunidade Autônoma de Castilla-La Mancha (Espanha), com o intuito de investigar de estratégias de desenvolvimento pautadas no conceito de patrimônio agrário, e, subsequentemente, prospectar bens agrários presentes na região do Contestado (Brasil), com vistas à elaboração de estratégias congêneres de desenvolvimento regional. A abordagem metodológica considerou o exame dos planos de desenvolvimento de Castilla-La Mancha, fundamentou-se em trabalhos de campo realizados em províncias daquele território espanhol e amparou-se na revisão de literatura sobre a categoria conceitual de patrimônio agrário. Conclui-se que a busca por estratégias de desenvolvimento pode se pautar em ações análogas realizadas em outros territórios e que sua efetivação exigirá a mobilização dos atores sociais e políticos da microrregião de Canoinhas.
Constitutional Gender Anti-Discrimination Measures in European Model of Human Rights
Authors: Buniak Daria
Published: November 2020

The present research featured anti- discrimination laws used in EU countries. The research objective was to describe the categories of equality, non-discrimination, and protection against discrimination within the European model of human rights, as well as to analyze their effectiveness. The article focuses on domestic violence, gender discrimination in the political sphere, and the so-called gender laws, or laws on gender-based violence. Even in the modern world, women still remain subject to discrimination. This fact justifies the development of special laws to protect their natural rights. However, the exact extent of gender discrimination remains unclear. The author raises the question of effectiveness of such laws and other legal provisions. The research featured both constitutional norms and current legislation in cases its norms develop the constitutionally significant principle of non-discrimination, as well as the practice of constitutional review bodies, special bodies, and legal awareness. The work was based on the dialectical method (logical method, analysis and synthesis, modeling), as well as on some special methods (formal legal, historical, systemic, etc.). The formal legal method was used to analyze the gender anti-discrimination norms of legislation of EU countries. The specific-historical method helped to interpret the legal events and facts that shaped the modern constitutional protection measures. The system method was used to describe the legislation of the EU states. Equality is the freedom for a person to choose their identity and occupation regardless of behavior stereotypes imposed by their community. The European model of human rights concentrates on such constitutional and legal aspects of the fight against discrimination as the legislation reform and bodies of constitutional control. However, sometimes such measures fail and might be used for manipulation.
Impact of hydraulic retention time on phosphorus removal from wastewater using reactive media
Authors: Benzing S. , Couceiro F. , Barnett S. , Williams J. B. , Pearce P. , Stanford C.
Published: November 2020

Phosphorus (P) discharge from wastewater treatment plants into the environment contributes to eutrophication issues. Reactive media filters represent an effective, simple and cost-effective solution to decrease the P content. Previous research used various experimental designs and often synthetic wastewater, making assessment of real-world performance difficult. This study assesses the impact of the hydraulic retention time (HRT) on P removal using real wastewater to refine design criteria for full-scale installations. Four media were compared in column experiments for >200 days. Different HRTs were applied and initially the media achieved low P effluent concentrations of >0.1 mg/L PO4–P, increasing over time. Best P removal was observed for the highest HRT with on average >99%. HRT was seen to be the driving factor for P removal rather than media capacity. Three of the four materials showed pH levels above 12 initially, decreasing over time. Water quality parameters, including organics, solids and metals, were monitored. In-depth analysis confirmed formation of calcium phosphate precipitation on the media's surface. The results suggest the importance of an optimal HRT to achieve high P removal and show that the reactive media application is an appropriate technology for P removal on small sites if the elevated pH is addressed.
Hybrid minimally invasive multivessel coronary artery bypass grafting to achieve complete myocardial revascularisation: the first clinical case
Authors: Shabaev I. , Kozyrin K. , Tarasov R.
Published: November 2020

Aim. To report the first clinical case of the hybrid procedure combining off-pump minimally invasive multivessel coronary artery bypass grafting (MICS-CABG) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of the obtuse marginal (OM) artery to achieve complete myocardial revascularisation.Clinical case. Bilateral in situ skeletonised left internal mammary artery (IMA) grafting to the left anterior descending artery was performed, and a Y-shape anastomosis was created from the left IMA-right IMA to the circumflex branch. At 2 hours postoperatively, graft failure caused by subtotal stenosis at the graft was diagnosed. Reconstruction of the anastomosis improved the transit time flow measurement by 3.5 hours postoperatively. Acute myocardial infarction did not develop. On postoperative day 1, graft patency was assessed, and then the OM stent was placed. On postoperative day 8, the patient was discharged and referred to the outpatient centre for further treatment and rehabilitation. Hybrid revascularisation offers the advantages of both CABG and PCI; however, the technical complexity is a major limitation for its widespread use. This case reports the development of adverse events during the surgeon's training to perform this nonstandard technology. Timely diagnosis of the initial graft failure and surgical revision led to a successful and complication-free outcome and avoided prolonged patient rehabilitation.Conclusion. Hybrid revascularisation combining MICS-CABG and PCI with new-generation drug-eluting stents can be a worthwhile alternative to conventional multivessel CABG with minimal invasiveness and complete revascularisation.
Received 5 June 2020. Revised 10 September 2020. Accepted 15 September 2020.
Funding: The study did not have sponsorship.
Conflict of interest: Authors declare no conflict of interest.
Intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation: current evidence-based and unresolved issues
Authors: Neverova Yu. , Golovina T. , Tarasov R.
Published: November 2020

This literature review provides the current evidence-based research regarding the role of intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation in the treatment of patients in various clinical situations. These include patients with acute coronary syndrome, complicated or uncomplicated by cardiogenic shock, accompanied by high-risk percutaneous coronary interventions, accompanying patients in need of coronary artery bypass surgery in various conditions as a ‘bridge’ to decision-making or treatment. Because the introduction of intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation into clinical practice, it has been the most common method of hemodynamic support in high-risk patients. The classical strategy for the treatment of acute myocardial infarction has evolved over the last decade from a thrombolysis scenario to a primary coronary revascularisation scenario, which resulted in a larger patient cohort. The currently available data, however, do not support the routine use of intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation by most of this population. Current studies have shown that the use of intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation did not lead to a decrease in 30-day mortality in patients with acute coronary syndrome and cardiogenic shock who received therapy with the strategy of early myocardial revascularisation as the planned primary goal. The expediency of using high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention as an accompanying method is ambiguous, whereas the use of the method as a ‘bridge’ to surgical myocardial revascularisation may be justified and requires additional research. The article provides the current recommendations for the treatment of patients. Research results and unresolved issues are being discussed.Received 3 June 2020. Revised 4 August 2020. Accepted 24 August 2020.Funding: The study did not have sponsorship.Conflict of interest: Authors declare no conflict of interest.
Development of a risk score for no-reflow phenomenon after percutaneous coronary interventions in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Bessonov I. , Kuznetsov V. , Gorbatenko E. , Sapozhnikov S. , Dyakova A. , Zyrianov I. , Petelina T.
Published: November 2020

Background. No-reflow phenomenon during primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a significant clinical problem in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), and its predictors remain unclear.Aim. To develop a scoring system to predict the risk of no-reflow in patients undergoing PCI for STEMI.Methods. Data were collected from 1280 consecutive patients with STEMI (59.2±11.4 years, 74.2% men, 5.2% no-reflow) who were admitted to the coronary care unit and underwent PCI. Baseline clinical, angiographic and procedural variables were used to develop the risk score in a training dataset (n=888, 70%) which was then validated in a test dataset (n=392, 30%). A credit risk assessment tool was used to construct a precise screening tool for no-reflow.Results. The model comprised age, pain to revascularisation time, neutrophil count, admission plasma glucose level, initial TIMI flow and direct stenting as the only independent predictors of no-reflow. These factors were weighted and used to develop a risk score ranging from 0 to 7. In the training dataset, the optimal threshold score for predicting no-reflow was ≥35, with 69% sensitivity and 81% specificity (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.84, p < 0.001). When these findings were applied to the test dataset, the AUC was 0.75 (p < 0.001), with 70% sensitivity and 80% specificity.Conclusion. The score developed in this study, based on clinical, angiographic and procedural features, can be used with acceptable accuracy to predict no-reflow in STEMI patients treated by PCI.
Received 29 August 2019. Revised 25 March 2020. Accepted 16 April 2020.
Funding: The study did not have sponsorship.
Conflict of interest: Authors declare no conflict of interest.
Pituitary Dysfunction as a Cause of Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Gogakos Apostolos I. , Gogakos Tasos , Kita Marina , Efstathiadou Zoe A.
Published: November 2020

The hypothalamic-pituitary axis is responsible for the neuroendocrine control of several organ systems. The anterior pituitary directly affects the functions of the thyroid gland, the adrenal glands, and gonads, and regulates growth and milk production. The posterior hypophysis, through nerve connections with the hypothalamic nuclei, releases vasopressin and oxytocin responsible for water balance and social bonding, sexual reproduction and childbirth, respectively. Pituitary gland hormonal excess or deficiency results in dysregulation of metabolic pathways and mechanisms that are important for the homeostasis of the organism and are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Cardiovascular (CV) disorders are common in pituitary disease and have a significant impact on survival. Hormonal imbalance is associated with CV complications either through direct effects on the heart structure and function and vasculature or indirectly by altering the metabolic profile. Optimal endocrine control can prevent or reverse CV defects and preserve survival and quality of life. In this review, we discuss the effects of pituitary hormone excess and deficiency on the CV system. Specifically, we assess the impact of Somatotroph, Corticotroph, Gonadotroph, and Lactotroph anterior pituitary axes on the CV system. The effect of posterior pituitary function on the CV system is also explored.
Cardiovascular Risk in Patients with Primary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Tournis Symeon , Makris Konstantinos , Cavalier Etienne , Trovas George
Published: November 2020

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is one of the most common endocrine disorders characterized by parathyroid hormone (PTH)-dependent hypercalcemia. Cardinal features include low trauma fractures, nephrolithiasis, and chronic kidney disease. Several experimental studies established that parathyroid hormone exerts actions on the cardiovascular (CV) system, including vasodilatation and positive inotropic and chronotropic effects. Observational studies, especially in severe cases, report a higher prevalence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, lipid abnormalities, endothelial dysfunction, arrhythmias, and left ventricular hypertrophy in patients with PHPT, while the risk of CV events seems to be increased in severe cases. However, the effect of surgery is inconsistent on CV abnormalities and, more importantly, on CV disease (CVD) events, especially in mild cases. In the current review, we describe the available evidence linking PHPT and CVD, as well as the effect of surgical management and pharmacological treatment on CVD manifestations in patients with PHPT. Based on the current evidence, CVD is not considered an indication for surgery.
Comparative Study of Gene Expression Profiling Unravels Functions Associated with Pathogenesis of Dengue Infection
Authors: Warsi Mohiuddin K. , Kamal Mohammad A. , Baeshen Mohammed N. , Izhari Mohammad A. , Firoz Ahmad , Mobashir Mohammad
Published: November 2020

Background:

Dengue virus is a potential source of propagating dengue hemorrhagic fever. This
virus leads to dengue hemorrhagic fever/dengue shock syndrome, benign syndrome, and severe syndrome and
due to its infection, there occurs alterations at multiple levels such as gene expression and pathway levels. So, it
is critical to understand the pathogenesis of dengue infection in terms of gene expression and the associated
functions.

Methods:

For this purpose, here, we have analyzed the temporal gene expression profiling for the dengue hemorrhagic
fever dataset at 12, 24, and 48 hours.

Results:

The outcome appears that the dengue hemorrhagic fever evolves differently at different time periods
or stages.

Counclusions:

The change in the gene expression pattern increases exponentially from 12 hours to 48 hours and
the number of altered functions (pathways) also increases. Wnt, apoptosis, and transcription signaling are
among the critical pathways which are dominantly altered. In the initial phase (first 12 hours), only two pathways
are altered due to dengue infection, while in the next 12 hours, eight pathways are altered, and finally, in
the next 24 hours, 11 pathways are altered and most of these 11 pathways are very critical in terms of biological
pathways and functions.
Functional Characterization and Structural Modelling of Peptidoglycan Degrading β-N-acetyl-glucosaminidase from a Dental Isolate of Serratia marcescens
Authors: Rathee Aditi , Panwar Anil , Kumari Seema , Chhibber Sanjay , Kumar Ashok
Published: November 2020

Introduction:

Enzymatic degradation of peptidoglycan, a structural cell wall component
of Gram-positive bacteria, has attracted considerable attention being a specific target for many
known antibiotics.

Methods:

Peptidoglycan hydrolases are involved in bacterial lysis through peptidoglycan
degradation. β-N-acetyl-glucosaminidase, a peptidoglycan hydrolase, acts on O-glycosidic bonds
formed by N-acetylglucosamine and N-acetyl muramic acid residues of peptidoglycan. Aim of
present study was to study the action of β-N-acetylglucosaminidase, on methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and other Gram-negative bacteria.

Results:

We investigated its dynamic behaviour using molecular dynamics simulation and
observed that serine and alanine residues are involved in catalytic reaction in addition to aspartic
acid, histidine, lysine and arginine residues. When simulated in its bound state, the RMSD values
were found lesser than crystal form in the time stamp of 1000 picoseconds revealing its stability.
Structure remained stably folded over 1000 picoseconds without undergoing any major change
further confirming the stability of complex.

Conclusion:

It can be concluded that enzymes belonging to this category can serve as a tool in
eradicating Gram-positive pathogens and associated infections.
Hemisyntheses and In-silico Study of New Analogues of Carlina Oxide from Carthamus Caeruleus Roots
Authors: Mami Imane Rihab , Amina Tabet Zatla , Pérard Joëlle , Arrar Zoheir , Dib Mohammed El Amine
Published: November 2020

Aim and Objective:

Nowadays, developing effective antibiotics for bacteria control has become difficult due to
increased resistance to the available medicines in the market. Essential oils have very interesting biological properties; some
of their components have very powerful antiviral and antibacterial properties. Carthamus caeruleus is a plant that has antibacterial
and antioxidant activity due to the presence of an acetylenic compound, Carlina oxide. The aim of this work was to
provide for the first time the chemical modifications to the structure of Carlina oxide and the in-silico study of these analogues.

Materials and Methods:

The essential oil of Carthamus caeruleus was extracted by steam distillation in a Clevenger-type
apparatus. Carlina oxide component was separated by column chromatography. Five new analogues were synthetized and
identified by spectroscopic analyses (RMN, IR and SM). Molecular docking simulation study was performed using Molecular
Operating Environment software (MOE) on three enzymes of bacterial origin (Streptococcus pyogenesis and Enterococcus
faecalis).

Results:

Five new compounds derived from Carlina oxide were synthesized (IM8-IM12), and their structures were characterized
by infrared (IR), 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The new synthesized compounds were evaluated as
mSpeB, DHFR from Enterococcus faecalis and DNA gyrase inhibitors by a docking analysis using MOE. These results
show interesting ligand interactions with the three enzymes, and the best result was attributed to the complexes formed with
IM9, which had the lowest score.

Conclusion:

In fact, these new compounds could lead to powerful approaches for the research and development of new antibiotics.
Comprehensive Analysis of Transcriptomics and Metabolomics between the Heads and Tails of Angelica Sinensis: Genes Related to Phenylpropanoid Biosynthesis Pathway
Authors: Yang Jie , Zhang Chi , Li Wei-Hong , Zhang Tian-Er , Fan Guang-Zhong , Guo Bu-Fa , Yao Wei-Yi , Gong Di-Hong , Peng Qi-Lun , Ding Wei-Jun
Published: November 2020

Background:

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the heads and tails of Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels
(AS) is used in treating different diseases due to their different pharmaceutical efficacies. The underline mechanisms, however,
have not been fully explored.

Objective:

Novel mechanisms responsible for the discrepant activities between AS heads and tails were explored by a combined
strategy of transcriptomes and metabolomics.

Method::

Six pairs of the heads and tails of AS roots were collected in Min County, China. Total RNA and metabolites,
which were used for RNA-seq and untargeted metabolomics analysis, were respectively isolated from each AS sample (0.1
g) by Trizol and methanol reagent. Subsequently, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and discrepant pharmaceutical metabolites
were identified for comparing AS heads and tails. Key DEGs and metabolites were quantified by qRT-PCR and
targeted metabolomics experiment.

Results:

Comprehensive analysis of transcriptomes and metabolomics results suggested that five
KEGG pathways with significant differences included 57 DEGs. Especially, fourteen DEGs and
six key metabolites were related to the metabolic regulation of Phenylpropanoid biosynthesis (PB)
pathway. Results of RT-qPCR and targeted metabolomics indicated that higher levels of
expression of crucial genes in PB pathway, such as PAL, CAD, COMT and peroxidase in the tail
of AS, were positively correlated with levels of ferulic acid-related metabolites. The average
content of ferulic acid in tails (569.58±162.39 nmol/g) was higher than those in the heads (168.73
± 67.30 nmol/g) (P˂0.01); Caffeic acid in tails (3.82 ± 0.88 nmol/g) vs heads (1.37 ± 0.41 nmol/g)
(P˂0.01), and Cinnamic acid in tails (0.24 ± 0.09 nmol/g) vs heads (0.14 ± 0.02 nmol/g) (P˂0.05).

Conclusion:

Our work demonstrated that overexpressed genes and accumulated metabolites derived from PB pathway
might be responsible for the discrepant pharmaceutical efficacies between AS heads and tails.
Circulating Tumor DNA as a Biomarker for Outcomes Prediction in Colorectal Cancer Patients
Authors: Petrillo Angelica , Salati Massimiliano , Trapani Dario , Ghidini Michele
Published: November 2020

Circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) is a novel tool that has been investigated in several types of tumours, including colorectal cancer (CRC). In fact, the techniques based on liquid biopsies are proposed as appealing non-invasive alternatives to tissue biopsy, adding more insights into tumour molecular profile, heterogeneity and for cancer detection and monitoring. Additionally, some analysis showed that in CRC patients, ctDNA seems to act as a biomarker able to predict the outcome (prognostic role) and the response to treatments (predictive role). In particular, in the early stage CRC (stage I-III), it could represent a time marker of adjuvant therapy as well as a marker of minimal residual disease and recurrence risk in addition to the already recognized risk factors. In metastatic CRC, the analysis of molecular tumour profile by ctDNA has shown to have high concordance with the tissue biopsy at diagnosis. Additionally, some studies demonstrated that ctDNA level during the treatment was linked with the early response to treatment and prognosis. Finally, the quantitative analysis of ctDNA and copy number alterations may be useful in order to detect resistance to therapy at the time of progression of disease and to help in finding new therapeutic targets.
A Low-Cost Method to Prepare Biocompatible Filaments with Enhanced Physico-Mechanical Properties for FDM 3D Printing
Authors: Tan Deck Khong , Münzenrieder Niko , Maniruzzaman Mohammed , Nokhodchi Ali
Published: November 2020

Background::

Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) 3D printing has received much interest
as a fabrication method in the medical and pharmaceutical industry due to its accessibility and
cost-effectiveness. A low-cost method to produce biocompatible and biodegradable filaments can
improve the usability of FDM 3D printing for biomedical applications.

Objectives::

The feasibility of producing low-cost filaments suitable for FDM 3D printing via single
screw and twin-screw hot melt extrusion was explored.

Methods::

A single-screw extruder and a twin-screw extruder were used to produce biocompatible
filaments composed of varying concentrations of polyethylene glycol (PEG) at 10%, 20%, 30%
w/w and polylactic acid (PLA) 90%, 80% and 70% w/w, respectively. DSC, TGA and FTIR were
employed to investigate the effect of PEG on the PLA filaments.

Results::

The presence of PEG lowered the processing temperature of the formulation compositions
via melt-extrusion, making it suitable for pharmaceutical applications. The use of PEG can lower
the melting point of the PLA polymer to 170°C, hence lowering the printing temperature. PEG can
also improve the plasticity of the filaments, as the rupture strain of twin-screw extruded filaments
increased up to 10-fold as compared to the commercial filaments. Advanced application of FTIR
analysis confirmed the compatibility and miscibility of PEG with PLA.

Conclusion::

Twin-screw extrusion is more effective in producing a polymeric mixture of filaments as the mixing is more
homogenous. The PEG/PLA filament is suitable to be used in 3D printing of medical or pharmaceutical applications such as
medical implants, drug delivery systems, or personalised tablets.
Sterically Stabilized Polyionic Complex Nanogels of Chitosan Lysate and PEG-b-Polyglutamic Acid Copolymer for the Delivery of Irinotecan Active Metabolite (SN-38)
Authors: Salmanpour Mohsen , Saeed-Vaghefi Mahvand , Abolmaali Samira Sadat , Tamaddon Ali Mohamad
Published: November 2020

Background:

Poly Ionic Complex (PIC) nanogels are promising delivery systems with
numerous attractions such as simple, fast, and organic solvent-free particle formation and mild
drug loading conditions. Among polyelectrolytes, poly (L-amino acid) copolymers, such as poly
(ethylene glycol)-block-poly (L-glutamic acid) copolymers (PEG-b-PGlu) are interesting biocompatible
and biodegradable candidates bearing carboxylic acid functional groups.

Objectives:

Aiming to solubilize and to preserve short-acting irinotecan active metabolite (SN38),
sterically stabilized PIC nanogels were prepared through electrostatic charge neutralization between
PEG-b-PGlu and chitosan lysate, a polycationic natural polymer obtained through digestion
of chitosan by hydrogen peroxide oxidation and is soluble in a wide range of pH.

Methods:

Synthesis of PEG-b-PGlu was accomplished by N-carboxy anhydride polymerization of
γ -benzyl L-glutamic acid, which is initiated by methoxy PEG-NH2 and successive debenzylation
reaction.

Result:

The resulting block copolymer was characterized by FTIR, 1H-NMR, and Size Exclusion
Chromatography (SEC). Self-assembling properties of the PIC nanogels were investigated by
pyrene assay, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM),
indicating the formation of homogeneous spherical particles with a mean size of 28 nm at the PEGb-
PGlu concentrations/LMWC weight ratio of 5:1. Upon direct loading of SN38, the drug solubility
enhanced more than 4×103 folds with a mean loading efficiency of 89% and the drug loading of
30%. PIC nanogels exhibited zeta potential of +1 mV, acceptable biocompatibility, and superior cytotoxicity
in murine colorectal carcinoma (CT26 cell line) compared to free drug.

Conclusion:

In addition, the PIC nanogels provided SN38 protection against hydrolytic degradation
in physiologic conditions. Conclusively, the well-tuned PIC nanogels are suggested as a potentially
biocompatible nanocarrier for SN38 delivery.
Design, Synthesis, Characterization and In Silico Molecular Docking Studies and In Vivo Anti-inflammatory Activity of Pyrazoline Clubbed Thiazolinone Derivatives
Authors: Singh Deepak Kumar , Kulshreshtha Mayank , Kumar Yogesh , Chawla Pooja A. , Ved Akash , Shukla Karuna Shanker
Published: November 2020

The pyrazolines give the reactions of aliphatic derivatives, resembling unsaturated compounds
in their behavior towards permanganate and nascent hydrogen. This nucleus has been associated
with various biological activities, including inflammatory action. Thiazolinone is a heterocyclic
compound that contains both sulfur and nitrogen atom with a carbonyl group in their structure.
Thiazolinone and their derivatives have attracted continuing interest because of their various biological
activities, such as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-proliferative, antiviral, anticonvulsant, etc.
The aim of the research was to club pyrazoline nucleus with thiazolinone in order to have a significant
anti-inflammatory activity. The synthesized compounds were chemically characterized for the establishment
of their chemical structures and to evaluate it as an anti-inflammatory agent.

In the present work, eight derivatives of substituted pyrazoline (PT1-PT8) were synthesized by a threestep
reaction. The compounds were subjected to spectral analysis by Infrared, Mass, and Nuclear magnetic
resonance spectroscopy and elemental analysis data. All the synthesized derivatives were evaluated
for their in vivo anti-inflammatory activity. The synthesized derivatives were evaluated for their affinity
towards target COX-1 and COX-2, using indomethacin as the reference compound molecular
docking visualization through AutoDock Vina.

Compounds PT-1, PT-3, PT-4, and PT-8 exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity at 3rd hour,
being 50.7%, 54.3%, 52.3%, and 57%, respectively, closer to that of the standard drug indomethacin
(61.9%). From selected anti-inflammatory targets, the synthesized derivatives exhibited better interaction
with COX-1 and COX-2 receptor, where indomethacin showed a docking score of -6.5 kJ/mol,
compound PT-1 exhibited the highest docking score of -9.1 kJ/mol for COX-1 and compound PT-8
had a docking score of 9.4 kJ/mol for COX-2.

It was concluded that synthesized derivatives have more interaction with COX-2 receptors in comparison
to the COX-1 receptors because the docking score with COX-2 receptors was very good. It is concluded
that the synthesized derivatives (PT-1 to PT-8) are potent COX-2 inhibitors.
Phenyl Substituted Thiazole Linked 1, 2, 4-triazole Derivatives: Synthesis and Their Biological Evaluation
Authors: Jain Sonika , Dhall Esha , Devi Meenu , Sharma Swapnil , Dwivedi Jaya , Sahu Sanjeev Kumar
Published: November 2020

Synthesize and evaluate some phenyl substituted thiazole linked 1, 2, 4-triazole derivatives as
antimicrobial agents.

Compounds containing 1, 2, 4-triazole moieties are widely used as antimicrobial and antifungal agents
whereas thiazole is another heterocyclic ring exhibiting various pharmacological actions. It is interesting
to incorporate different bioactive pharmacophores in the same molecular framework to examine cumulative
effect exerted by the moiety. This hypothesis was applied in research work by having triazole and
thiazole in the same molecular framework.

The present work was mainly focused on synthesis of some 1, 2, 4-triazole derivatives linking with phenyl
substituted thiazole nucleus and their evaluation for biological activity.
The compounds (8a-8j) were synthesized as per design scheme and elucidated their structures using
different spectroscopic data of IR, 1HNMR, 13CNMR & mass spectroscopy. These synthesized
derivatives were evaluated for their antibacterial activity using broth dilution assay. Further, mechanism
of action of test compounds was examined using protein leakage assay.

All the spectral data were confirmed the synthesis of phenyl substituted thiazole linked 1, 2, 4- triazole
derivatives and some of them exhibited significant antimicrobial activity.

Amongst all compound 8c showed most potent activity with lowest IC50 values 180 μg/ml and 120
μg/ml against S. aureus & B. cereus respectively. Whereas compound 8j demonstrated strong
inhibitory activities only against negative strains P. aeruginosa and E. coli with lowest IC50 values
240 μg/mL and 200μg/mL respectively.
Efficacy and Cardiovascular Safety of Insulins
Authors: Fernandez Cornelius James , Radhakrishnan Chandni
Published: November 2020

Insulin is a lifesaving drug for patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Many type 2 diabetes
mellitus patients will eventually require insulin. The rapid-acting and long-acting insulin analogues
(RAIAs and LAIAs) have a pharmacological profile that closely mimics normal human physiology
when compared to Neutral Protamine Hagedorn (NPH) insulin and regular human insulin,
respectively. Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) were found to have a proven
cardiovascular safety. They are preferred over insulin in many recent guidelines. Fixed-ratio combinations
of GLP-1RAs and insulin are also recommended when either of these molecules fail to
achieve glycaemic control. Despite decades of experience in using insulin, there is a debate among
the scientific community over the safety of exogenous insulin, especially regarding their cardiovascular
safety and the risk of cancer. There is also an ongoing debate regarding the safety, even
though two long-acting insulin analogues (glargine and degludec) have proven their cardiovascular
non-inferiority. Drugs with proven safety are often preferred in patients with pre-existing cardiovascular
disease or at high risk of cardiovascular disease. In this review we will critically analyse efficacy
and safety issues related to insulin molecules to help in clinical decision making.
Fundamentals of Nanocarriers and Probiotics in the Treatment of Cervical Cancer
Authors: Singh Amandeep , Negi Deepa , kaur Simranjeet , Bhattachary Sankha , Singh Gurmeet
Published: November 2020

Cancer is a pivotal disease, which is a serious concern towards scientific research.
In the recent era of scientific discovery and innovation, probiotics have been proposed
as a new preventive and therapeutic option in therapy and to control cancer growth.
Probiotics may thus offer a new way in research to investigate active compounds in different
probiotic strains having anticancer features. Studies in laboratory animals and cell lines
with respect to cancer treatments are encouraging. With rare conventional treatments, the
need for new alternatives as the transportation of chemotherapeutic agents by nanocarriers
using nanotechnology is one such approach. This review considers various drug delivery
systems used in the therapy of cervical cancer, such as dendrimers, liposomes and nanoparticles.
These drug delivery systems assist in the improvement of pharmacological activity,
solubility, bioavailability and, thus, facilitating new innovative therapeutic technologies.
This review summarizes the application of nanotechnology and probiotics in the treatment
of cervical cancer.