bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Environmental and economic assessment of proposed on-site wastewater management system in multi-storey residential building
Authors: Dewalkar Snehal V. , Shastri Sameer S.
Published: November 2020

In the present study, the concept of ‘environmental floors’ in the multi-storeyed building is proposed, where separate treatment of greywater by gravity-governed stabilization tank and blackwater by underground Malaprabha digester of the DOSIWAM (Decentralized On-Site Integrated WAste Management) system is carried out. The study evaluates the feasibility of the non-mechanised DOSIWAM system by comparing it with the mechanised activated sludge process (ASP) with the life cycle and cost assessment (LCA and LCCA) method. The LCA was carried out with the SimaPro software using the impact 2002+ method. Both systems served a multi-storeyed (G + 30) building with 890 population equivalent. The LCA results reveal that the non-mechanised DOSIWAM system has three to six times reduced environmental impacts than the ASP system in almost all impact categories. Although DOSIWAMS' weaker removal efficiency dominates in the results of aquatic eutrophication and acidification impact, the latter comparative economical assessment showed to be the most cost-effective alternative due to reduced land use cost, O&M cost, and benefits achieved with energy recovery in the form of biogas. The electricity and chemical consumption in the operation phase caused the highest environmental impact for the ASP system, whereas the production of clinker and steel are responsible for a detrimental impact in the construction phase of the DOSIWAM system.
A state-of-the-art-review on grey water management: a survey from 2000 to 2020s
Authors: Elhegazy Hosam , Eid Mohamed M. M.
Published: November 2020

Water reuse can contribute to reducing pressures on water resources, as an important approach and practice, reducing the demand for potable water for purposes not requiring high quality water. With water resources being depleted and the demand for water increased, grey water reuse becomes more popular in order to preserve water worldwide. This paper presents a comprehensive review of all significant research and reviews existing case studies to review the present knowledge with respect to the characteristics of grey water. The main summary table covers 63 works that focus on the application of these methods to different fields of sustainable building design. Key fields are reviewed in detail: grey water, including water reuse; grey water recycling; water sustainability; building design optimization; and wastewater of several areas simultaneously, with particular focus on buildings. This research aims to introduce the review of the research that covered the grey water management. Various engineering databases, international journals, and conference proceedings were searched. International journals were searched for relevant research papers. This paper provides perspectives on grey water context in order to frame the breadth and multiple dimensions it encompasses, to summarize recent activities on selected relevant topics, and to highlight possible future directions in research and implementations.
Biochemical Study of Fibrinolytic Protease from Euphausia superba Possessing Multifunctional Serine Protease Activity
Authors: Qian Guo-Ying , Lim Gyutae , Yin Shang-Jun , Yang Jun-Mo , Lee Jinhyuk , Park Yong-Doo
Published: November 2020

Background:

Fibrinolytic protease from Euphausia superba (EFP) was isolated.

Objective:

Biochemical distinctions, regulation of the catalytic function, and the key residues of EFP were investigated.

Methods:

The serial inhibition kinetic evaluations coupled with measurements of fluorescence spectra in the presence of 4-(2-aminoethyl) benzene sulfonyl fluoride hydrochloride (AEBSF) was conducted. The computational molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were also applied for a comparative study.

Results:

The enzyme behaved as a monomeric protein with a molecular mass of about 28.6 kD with KmBApNA= 0.629 ± 0.02 mM and kcat/KmBApNA= 7.08 s-1/mM. The real-time interval measurements revealed that the inactivation was a first-order reaction, with the kinetic processes shifting from a monophase to a biphase. Measurements of fluorescence spectra showed that serine residue modification by AEBSF directly caused conspicuous changes of the tertiary structures and exposed hydrophobic surfaces. Some osmolytes were applied to find protective roles. These results confirmed that the active region of EFP is more flexible than the overall enzyme molecule and serine, as the key residue, is associated with the regional unfolding of EFP in addition to its catalytic role. The MD simulations were supportive to the kinetics data.

Conclusion:

Our study indicated that EFP has an essential serine residue for its catalyst function and associated folding behaviors. Also, the functional role of osmolytes such as proline and glycine that may play a role in defense mechanisms from environmental adaptation in a krill’s body was suggested.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Network Pharmacology in Cardiovascular Precision Medicine
Authors: Gao Li , Cao Min , Li Jia-qi , Qin Xue-mei , Fang Jiansong
Published: November 2020

Cardiovascular disease is a major disease affecting human health, and its pathogenesis is caused by
many factors. Through the use of "omics" technology, precision medicine is playing an increasingly important
role in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Dialectical treatment with traditional Chinese
medicine (TCM will result in personalized treatment, which is consistent with precision medicine to a certain
extent. However, due to the multitarget, multipath, and multistep characteristics of TCM, its mechanism of action
is not easy to elucidate. Network pharmacology can be used to predict the mechanism, toxicity and metabolic
characteristics of TCM. This review summarizes commonly used bioinformatics resources for cardiovascular
diseases and TCM, as well as the opportunities and challenges of TCM in cardiovascular precision medicine,
with special emphasis on network pharmacology methods.
Machine Learning Methods in Prediction of Protein Palmitoylation Sites: A Brief Review
Authors: Li Yanwen , Pu Feng , Wang Jingru , Zhou Zhiguo , Zhang Chunhua , He Fei , Ma Zhiqiang , Zhang Jingbo
Published: November 2020

Protein palmitoylation is a fundamental and reversible post-translational lipid modification that involves a series of biological processes. Although a large number of experimental studies have explored the molecular mechanism behind the palmitoylation process, the computational methods has attracted much attention for its good performance in predicting palmitoylation sites compared with expensive and time-consuming biochemical experiments. The prediction of protein palmitoylation sites is helpful to reveal its biological mechanism. Therefore, the research on the application of machine learning methods to predict palmitoylation sites has become a hot topic in bioinformatics and promoted the development in the related fields. In this review, we briefly introduced the recent development in predicting protein palmitoylation sites by using machine learningbased methods and discussed their benefits and drawbacks. The perspective of machine learning-based methods in predicting palmitoylation sites was also provided. We hope the review could provide a guide in related fields.
Neuroprotective Effects of Ellagic Acid in Alzheimer's Disease: Focus on Underlying Molecular Mechanisms of Therapeutic Potential
Authors: Javaid Nimra , Shah Muhammad A. , Rasul Azhar , Chauhdary Zunera , Saleem Uzma , Khan Haroon , Ahmed Nazir , Uddin Md. Sahab , Mathew Bijo , Behl Tapan , Blundell Renald
Published: November 2020

Neurodegeneration is a multifactorial process involved the different cytotoxic pathways that lead to
neuronal cell death. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a persistent neurodegenerative disorder that normally has a
steady onset and gradually worsens. Neuropathology, AD is characterized by the presence of neuroinflammation,
mitochondrial dysfunction, increased oxidative stress, decreased antioxidant defense as well as increased
acetylcholinesterase activity. Moreover, enhanced expression of amyloid precursor proteins leads to neural
apoptosis, which has a vital role in the degeneration of neurons. The inability of commercial therapeutics to
treat a single feature of AD pathology leads to the attraction towards organic drugs. Ellagic acid is a dimer of
gallic acid; latest studies revealed that ellagic acid can initiate numerous cell signaling transmissions and decrease
the progression of neurodegeneration. The neuroprotective effects of ellagic acid to protect the neurons
against neurodegenerative events are due to its antioxidant effect, iron chelating, and mitochondrial protective
effect. The main goal of this review is to critically analyze the molecular mechanism of action of ellagic acid
against AD.
Recent Advances in Molecular Hydrogen Research Reducing Exercise-Induced Oxidative Stress and Inflammation
Authors: Nogueira Jonatas E. , Branco Luiz G.S.
Published: November 2020

Physical exercise-induced oxidative stress and inflammation may be beneficial when exercise is a
regular activity, but it is rather harmful when exercise is exhaustive and performed by unaccustomed organisms.
Molecular hydrogen (H2) has recently appeared as a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory molecule in numerous
pathological conditions. However, its role is relatively unknown under physiological conditions such as
physical exercise. Therefore, this review summarizes the current knowledge of the H2, reducing oxidative stress
and inflammation in physical exercise, reporting data from both animal and human studies.
Heparanase Inhibitors in Cancer Progression: Recent Advances
Authors: Kaur Rajwinder , Deb Pran Kishore , Diwan Vishal , Saini Balraj
Published: November 2020

Background:

An endo-β-glucuronidase enzyme, Heparanase (HPSE), degrades the side chains of
polymeric heparan sulfate (HS), a glycosaminoglycan formed by alternate repetitive units of D-glucosamine
and D-glucuronic acid/L-iduronic acid. HS is a major component of the extracellular matrix and basement
membranes and has been implicated in processes of the tissue’s integrity and functional state. The degradation
of HS by HPSE enzyme leads to conditions like inflammation, angiogenesis, and metastasis. An elevated HPSE
expression with a poor prognosis and its multiple roles in tumor growth and metastasis has attracted significant
interest for its inhibition as a potential anti-neoplastic target.

Methods:

We reviewed the literature from journal publication websites and electronic databases such as Bentham,
Science Direct, PubMed, Scopus, USFDA, etc., about HPSE, its structure, functions, and role in cancer.

Results:

The present review is focused on Heparanase inhibitors (HPIns) that have been isolated from natural
resources or chemically synthesized as new therapeutics for metastatic tumors and chronic inflammatory diseases
in recent years. The recent developments made in the HPSE structure and function are also discussed,
which can lead to the future design of HPIns with more potency and specificity for the target.

Conclusion:

HPIns can be a better target to be explored against various cancers.
An Updated Coverage on the Synthesis of Benzo[b]thiophenes via Transition-metalcatalyzed Reactions: A Review
Authors: Ejaz Saba , Zubair Muhammad , Rizwan Komal , Karakaya Idris , Rasheed Tahir , Rasool Nasir
Published: November 2020

The benzo[b]thiophene nucleus is ubiquitous in biologically and pharmaceutically
important compounds. These moieties are highly important in materials science. The synthesis
of benzothiophene as a privileged structure has readily become a subject of great interest
and actively pursued in recent years. This review focuses on facile and convenient methods of
synthesis of benzo[b]thiophene based molecules through different transition metals catalyzed
reactions.
Comparison between Phenolic Content, Antioxidant, and Antibacterial Activity of Algerian and Turkish Propolis
Authors: Segueni Narimane , Keskin Şaban , Kadour Benlabed , Kolaylı Sevgi , Salah Akkal
Published: November 2020

Background:

Propolis is a natural resinous material produced by honeybees. The
biological activity and phenolic profile of propolis were largely studied all over the world.
However, only a few investigations have been carried out on Algerian and Turkish propolis. The
aim of the present study was to compare the phenolic content, antioxidant, and antibacterial
activity of propolis samples collected from different localities of Algeria and Turkey.

Methods:

Propolis extracts were performed using maceration in ethanol 80%. Total phenolic and
flavonoid contents were determined. Antioxidant and antibacterial activities were evaluated using
FRAP assay and the MIC was determined against four bacterial strains (S. aureus ATCC 25923, E.
coli ATCC 25922, P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853 and K. pneumonia).

Results:

TP varied from 19.51 ± 0.86 to 219.66 ± 1.23 mg GAE/g. Whereas, TF varied from 5.27±
0.07 to 74.57 ± 1.03 QE/g. All samples showed good ferric reducing antioxidant power ranging
from 267.30 ± 4.77 to 2387.30 ± 44.15 μmol Trolox eq./g. All Algerian propolis samples displayed
a more pronounced activity against S. aureus ATCC 25923 with MIC values ranging from 0,04 ±
0.00 mg/mL to 0.30±0.06 mg/Ml, with an activity 30 times more powerful than Anatolian propolis.
While, Anatolian propolis samples were most active against P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853 with MIC
values ranging from 0.20±0.00 mg/mL to 0.60±0.00 mg/Ml, with an activity 5 to 10 times more
powerful than Algerian propolis.

Conclusion:

Algerian and Anatolian propolis possessed considerable phenolic and flavonoids
contents. In addition, they exhibited interesting antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Our
findings suggest that both propolis could be useful in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
Concomitant Drug Treatment and Elimination in the RCC-affected Kidneys: Can We Kill Two Birds with One Stone?
Authors: Ahmed Muhammad Bilal , Salman Ul Islam  , Lee Young Sup
Published: November 2020

Background:

The kidneys are vital organs acting as the body’s filters that eliminate drugs and other waste products from the body. For effective cancer therapy, a delicate balance is required in the drug treatment and its elimination, which is critical for drug accumulation, toxicity, and kidney malfunction. However, how renal cell carcinoma (RCC) affects the kidneys in safely eliminating the byproducts of drug treatments in patients with severely dysregulated kidney functions had remained elusive. Recent advancements in dose adjustment have added to our understanding regarding how drug treatments could be effectively regulated in aberrant kidney cells, driving safe elimination and reducing drug accumulation and toxicity at the right time and space. Dose adjustment is the only standard systemic way applicable; however, it presents certain limitations. There is significant room for developing new strategies and alternatives to improve it.

Objectives:

Our analysis of the available treatments in literature discusses the treatment and their safe eliminations. In this study, we give an overview of the measures that could be taken to maintain the elimination gradient of anti-cancer drugs and restore normal kidney function in RCC. Differential therapeutics of RCC/mRCC in various clinical phase trials and the interaction of targeted therapeutics in response to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were also discussed.

Conclusion:

Such information might suggest a new direction in controlling treatment with safe elimination through dose adjustment and its associated alternatives in a judicious manner. A strategy to systematically focus on the safe elimination of anti-cancer drugs in RCC strongly needs advocating.
Pharmacokinetic Research Progress of Anti-tumor Drugs Targeting for Pulmonary Administration
Authors: Zhao Mengfan , Jing Ziwei , Zhou Lin , Zhao Hongyu , Du Qiuzheng , Sun Zhi
Published: November 2020

Background::

Cancer is a major problem that threatens human survival and has a high mortality rate.
The traditional chemotherapy methods are mainly intravenous injection and oral administration, but have obvious
toxic and side effects. Anti-tumor drugs for pulmonary administration can enhance drug targeting, increase
local drug concentration, and reduce the damage to systemic organs, especially for the treatment of lung cancer.

Methods::

The articles on the pharmacokinetics of anti-tumor drugs targeting pulmonary administration were retrieved
from the Pub Med database. This article mainly took lung cancer as an example and summarized the
pharmacokinetic characteristics of anti-tumor drugs targeting for pulmonary administration contained in nanoparticles,
dendrimers, liposomes and micelles.

Results::

The review shows that the pharmacokinetics process of pulmonary administration is associated with a
drug carrier by increasing the deposition and release of drugs in the lung, and retarding the lung clearance rate.
Among them, the surface of dendrimers could be readily modified, and polymer micelles have favorable loading
efficiency. In the case of inhalation administration, liposomes exhibit more excellent lung retention properties
compared to other non-lipid carriers. Therefore, the appropriate drug carrier is instrumental to increase the
curative effect of anti-tumor drugs and reduce the toxic effect on surrounding healthy tissues or organs.

Conclusion::

In the process of pulmonary administration, the carrier-embedded antitumor drugs have the characteristics
of targeted and sustained release compared with non-packaging drugs, which provides a theoretical basis
for the clinical rational formulation of chemotherapy regimens. However, there is currently a lack of comparative
research between drug packaging materials, and more importantly, the development of safe and effective
anti-tumor drugs targeting for pulmonary administration requires more data.
Current Updates in Transdermal Therapeutic Systems and Their Role in Neurological Disorders
Authors: Yadav Neelu , Mittal Ashu , Ali Javed , Sahoo Jagannath
Published: November 2020

The transdermal therapeutic system plays an important role in the treatment of neuropathic
pain. Transdermal drug delivery is considered an ideal therapeutic approach for the management
of chronic neurological disorders in the elderly population. It is a simple to use, non-invasive
and painless drug delivery system, which provides sustained therapeutic plasma levels of drug for
an extended period. Moreover, it bypasses the first-pass metabolism of the active agent, improves
bioavailability and reduces undesired adverse effects, which in turn improves patient compliance.
Several transdermal delivery systems are currently under investigation for the treatment of Parkinson’s
syndrome, Alzheimer’s disorders, and Neurological pain. Drug delivery via the transdermal
route is proposed as an alternative remedy to overcome the drawbacks associated with the conventional
dosage forms for chronic neurological disorders. The management of Alzheimer’s disease
via transdermal drug administration exhibits the greatest therapeutic improvements in the treatment
of cognition and global functioning among neuropathic patients. Technological breakthroughs in
transdermal drug administration such as the microreservior system, microneedles, metered-dose
transdermal spray (MDTS), needle-free injections, and ultrasound-based transdermal therapeutic
systems have been successfully used to treat neurological disorders. For example, microneedle (MN)
is a highly efficient and versatile device due to its distinctive properties. Ultrasounds have been
very popular for the delivery of bioactive agents across the skin barrier. This review focuses on the
recent advances of various technologies employed in the transdermal therapeutic systems and their
applications on neurological disorders for achieving therapeutic outcomes on patients.
The Involvement of the Mammalian Target of Rapamycin, Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1b and Dipeptidase 4 Signaling Pathways in Cancer and Diabetes: A Narrative Review
Authors: Zhang Jiajia , Wu Ning , Shi Dayong
Published: November 2020

Background:

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), protein tyrosine phosphatase
1b (PTP1B) and dipeptidase 4 (DPP4) signaling pathways regulate eukaryotic cell proliferation and
metabolism. Previous researches described different transduction mechanisms in the progression of
cancer and diabetes.

Methodology:

We reviewed recent advances in the signal transduction pathways of mTOR, PTP1B
and DPP4 regulation and determined the crosstalk and common pathway in diabetes and cancer.

Results:

We showed that according to numerous past studies, the proteins participate in the signaling
networks for both diseases.

Conclusion:

There are common pathways and specific proteins involved in diabetes and cancer. This
article demonstrates and explains the potential mechanisms of association and future prospects for
targeting these proteins in pharmacological studies.
Interleukin-10 in Oral Lichen Planus – Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Agha-Hosseini Farzaneh , Rezaei Nima , Moosavi Mahdieh-Sadat
Published: November 2020

Background:

Interleukin 10 (IL-10) is a powerful anti-inflammatory cytokine capable of preventing inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Oral lichen planus (OLP) is an autoimmune, chronic, inflammatory disease with relapsing nature involving oral mucous membranes. It was prevsiouly assumed that like other autoimmune diseases, IL-10 may have a role in OLP pathogenesis, and many studies focused on that. But there are obvious controversies among IL-10 levels in OLP patients.

Objective:

In this review with Meta-Analysis, we attempt to assess IL-10 expression in OLP patients.

Methods:

The search was conducted via Pubmed, Ovid, and Google Scholar, to identify articles published up to Jun 2020. A meta-Analysis by Revman 5.3 was conducted based on serum levels of IL-10 in 313 OLPs and 203 controls.

Results:

With Meta-Analysis in 313 OLPs and 203 controls, the Mean difference between IL-10 in OLPs and controls was obtained as 0.26 (95% CI: -0.51-1.03), demonstrating no statistically significant difference.

Conclusion:

IL-10, in concert with its receptors, has a crucial role in the pathogenesis of various diseases, including inflammatory, infectious, and autoimmune diseases. Both over-expression, as well as IL-10 deficiency, have been described in oral lichen planus. With Meta-Analysis on serum IL-10 levels, it is speculated that no significant relationship exists between IL-10 and OLP pathogenesis. With respect to the importance of cytokines in the autoimmunity process, performing additional studies is of necessity to understand the association of other cytokines with OLP predisposition and its underlying pathological processes.
Predictors of Cardiovascular Affection in Patients with Active Rheumatoid Arthritis: Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Ibrahem Eman M. , El-gendi Salwa S. , Mahmoud Amal A. , Abdel-Aal Sherif M. , El Nouby Fatma H. , El-Deen Mohammed Hanan Sharaf
Published: November 2020

Objective:

This is a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial that aimed to assess
subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by measuring carotid
artery intima-media thickness (CIMT) and correlating it with disease activity and inflammatory
markers (including levels of matrix metalloproteinase-3(MMP-3) and matrix metalloproteinase-9
(MMP-9)) and to detect the effectiveness of agents that inhibit matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)
as doxycycline in RA therapy.

Methods:

One hundred and sixty RA patients were assigned in a randomized clinical trial (clinicaltrial.
gov NCT03194204). Disease activity score 28(DAS28), laboratory markers, including erythrocyte
sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), MMP-3, and MMP-9 were evaluated and
mean CIMT was measured. Subjects were allocated randomly into one of two treatment arms, either
methotrexate (MTX) alone or MTX with doxycycline 200mg per day orally. Follow up ESR,
CRP, DAS28, MMP-3, and MMP-9 levels were re-evaluated after 3 months.

Results:

There were positive significant correlations between CIMT and disease duration
(r = 0.461, p = 0.001), age (r=0.459, p= 0.001), DAS28 score (r= 0.547, p = 0.001), ESR (r =0.413,
p = 0.001), CRP (r = 0.281, p = 0.001), MMP-3 (r = 0.476, p = 0.001), and MMP-9 (r = 0.593,
p =0.001). Patients treated with MTX and doxycycline showed lower levels of DAS28, ESR, CRP,
MMP-3, and MMP-9 and this was statistically significant.

Conclusion:

CIMT seems to be the ultimate method to screen for subclinical atherosclerosis in RA
patients. MMP-3 and 9 play a key role in both RA synovitis and cardiovascular changes, making
them important therapeutic targets, especially with safe and cost-effective agents like doxycycline.
This clinical trial was carried out in Assiut University Hospital (AUH), Assiut, Egypt (Clinical
Trial Registration No. clinicaltrial.gov NCT03194204).
Recent Applications of Supercritical Fluid Chromatography in Modern Analysis: Updates from 2017 to 2020
Authors: Soni Pankaj , Pabla Gagandeep , Verma Kritika , Ganti Subrahmanya S. , Bhatia Rohit
Published: November 2020

Background:

Supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) is one of the powerful analytical techniques of the
modern time. Recently, extensive analytical work has been reported and is in progress by utilizing the advanced features
of SFC. Low solvent consumption, high sensitivity and solvent recovery make it advantageous over the traditional liquid
chromatographic techniques. It utilizes supercritical fluids having properties of both liquid and gases making the
applicability of this technique to wider range of analytes.

Methods:

Various research reports were collected from search engines like Sciencedirect, Pubmed, Researchgate and
Google Scholar. Further upon through study of these reports, significant findings/data was collected and compiled under
suitable headings. Important parameters/conditions utilized in methodologies were depicted with the help of tables.

Results:

It was found in various reports that SFC and its hyphenation with mass spectroscopy (MS), ultra violet
spectroscopy (UV), high resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), photo diode array detector (PDA), nuclear magnetic
resonance (NMR), charged aerosol detector (CAD) etc. have made possible to quantify analytes even in ultra small
concentrations in complex matrices. These techniques have been successfully employed for the quantification of a wide
variety of analytes with excellent accuracy, selectivity and sensitivity.

Conclusion:

The present review highlights the recent applications of SFC techniques in various analytical fields such as
pesticide analysis, vitamin analysis, enantioseparation, lipid analysis, drug metabolite estimation, polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons and steroid analysis. Reports from 2017 to 2020 have been included in this compilation.
Conventional Plastics' Harmful Effects and Biological and Molecular Strategies for Biodegradable Plastics' Production
Authors: Edaes Felipe S. , de Souza Cleide B.
Published: November 2020

Background:

Plastic materials are ubiquitous and, despite the great benefits and advantages
that the materials provide to human beings and society, their harmful effects are remarkable.
Plastics’ ingestion is harmful and can occur through microplastics and their by-products (BPA and
DEHP). It can trigger health problems. Also, the material decomposition time is significant and
consequently, plastic waste accumulates in the environment, posing a major problem to fauna and
flora.

Objectives:

The aim of this study is to develop a review of conventional plastics’ negative aspect in
human and environmental life, as well as to study the existing biological and molecular strategies
for the production of biodegradable plastics, making a comparison of their advantages over conventional
plastics, in favor of socio-environmental welfare.

Methods:

In this review, articles published in the last 20 years related to different aspects of conventional
plastics and biodegradable plastics were accurately analyzed and reviewed. The subjects
addressed ranged from conventional plastics and the problems related to their large-scale production,
as well as biodegradable plastics, their advantages and the most recent advances in the development
of production methods and improvement of these biopolymers were extensively reviewed
and discussed concisely.

Results:

The present study demonstrated that, among the biopolymers discussed, thermoplastic
starch (TPS) is the most promising one due to its low cost, being one of the best materials to provide
a viable alternative in the search for biodegradable plastics. Polylactic acid (PLA) presents the
greatest potential for future medical applications due to its unique physicochemical properties and
the possibility of being used in 3D printing techniques.Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) have the
greatest commercial potential in replacing fossil fuel-based plastics because of their similar properties
to conventional plastics and because they are synthesized by microorganisms from renewable
carbon sources.

Conclusions:

This study demonstrated the various harmful effects that the large-scale use and improper
disposal of conventional plastic materials generated to the environment and human health,
and proposed an alternative to this problem, the biodegradable plastics. Although this study presented
three promising biodegradable plastics (TPS, PLA and PHAs), as well as described their production
methods, there are currently no viable biodegradable plastic polymers that can be used for the
total replacement of conventional plastics, especially from an economic perspective. However, in
the future, modifications in the production methods and chemical structures of these polymers will
allow the replacement of conventional plastics by biodegradable plastics, as well as a more extensive
application of these biopolymers.
Serum Biomarkers for Noninvasive Diagnosis of Liver Diseases: How Laudable are These Tools?
Authors: Singh Ankita , Ranjan Vipul , Das Rina , Bhatti Karun , Mehta Dinesh Kumar , Chidurala Ram Mohan
Published: November 2020

:

Innumerable reasons have been reported that affect and infect the liver and cause liver
diseases. The evaluation and follow-up of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis have been traditionally performed
by liver biopsy. However, it has become evident that this once defined as “gold-standard”
is now not the best method as it involves many limitations. Attempts to reveal non-invasive diagnostic
tools have generated serum biomarkers, multiple scores, formulae, and imaging modalities.
All are better tolerated, safer, more acceptable to the patient, and are less expensive than a liver
biopsy. Biomarkers have various advantages like minimally invasive, easy to apply with great availability
and easier reproducibility, useful for monitoring therapy and less expensive. But then, direct
biomarkers involved in extracellular matrix turnover need further validation in different geographic
population and indirect biomarkers may not predict early pathophysiological changes in liver
parenchyma. The accuracy and diagnostic value of most, if not all, of these biomarkers remain controversial.
Hence, there is a need for a biomarker that is specific for the liver and can identify the
magnitude of the clinical outcome of the disease.

:

In this review, we discuss the clinical utility, limitations, and development of noninvasive biomarkers
in their use as diagnostic and prognostic tests and analyze whether the present known serum biomarkers
are laudable and accurate tools for the diagnosis of liver diseases.
An Outlook to Six- and Pseudo Six-component Reactions in Organic Synthesis with a Glance at Some Aspects of Green Chemistry
Authors: Yielzoleh Fatemeh Molaei , Nikoofar Kobra
Published: November 2020

In this review, we focused on the six- and pseudo-six-component transformations in organic
syntheses as a class of important and applicable MCRs. Although the MCRs usage in recent
years is enhanced the reports for more than five-component MCRs are still rare. In some cases,
these kinds of MCRs are the combination of some tandem named reactions that generated a union
MCR. Preparation of multi-functionalized heterocycles, prevention of intermediate separation, reaction
progressing in a one-pot continuous manner, elevated total yield, high atom economy, and
preparation of potent bioactive multi-cycles hetero-organics via the construction of several new
bonds are some highlighted features of MCRs. In this article, we classified the mentioned sixcomponent
reactions based on reaction media. Another subdivision is applied based on thermal
energy usage or ambient temperature. In fact, two aspects of the green chemistry rules have been
discussed.
Incredible Edible Selenium Nanoparticles Produced by Food-Grade Microorganisms
Authors: Ghanem Arwa Al. , Nasim Muhammad Jawad , Alnahas Faez , Ney Yannick , Weiss Agnes-Valencia , Koch Marcus , Schneider Marc , Jacob Claus
Published: November 2020

Background:

Microorganisms commonly employed in food industry, such as Lactobacillus
plantarum and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, are also excellent natural nanotechnologists. They
reduce selenite (SeO3
2-) to form nanoparticles of red selenium (Se) of exceptional quality and with
interesting physical and (bio-)chemical properties.

Objectives:

The production of these nanoparticles has been studied in several relevant microorganisms
to gain a better picture of the overall properties and quality of these particles, possible differences
between producers, ease of production and, in particular, biological activity.

Methods:

Several common microorganisms, namely L. plantarum, S. cerevisiae and E. coli have
been cultured under standard conditions and 1 mM concentrations of SeO2 have been converted into
red particles of elemental selenium. These particles are characterized extensively with respect to
uniformity, size, shape, consistency and, in particular, biological activity against infectious microbes.

Results:

Highly uniform amorphous spherical particles of 100 nm to 200 nm in diameter could be
produced by several microorganisms, including Lactobacillus. Although originating in bacteria and
yeast, these particles exhibit antimicrobial activity when employed at concentrations of around 100
μM. This activity may in part be due to the inherent chemistry of selenium and /or of the protein
coating of the particles. Interestingly, yeast also forms larger rod-like structures. These micro-needles
with around 85 nm in diameter and up to 3 μm in length exhibit considerable antibacterial activity,
possibly resulting from additional, physical interactions with cellular structures.

Conclusion:

Common microorganisms traditionally employed in the preparation of food produce
nanoparticles of selenium which may be harvested and explored as natural antimicrobial agents or
antioxidants. These particles provide a fine example of natural nanotechnology with biological activity
and applications in the food and food supplementation, medicine, agriculture and cosmetics.
Development of Terahertz Intensity Interferometry for Very High Angular Resolution Observations
Authors: Matsuo Hiroshi
Published: November 2020

Intensity interferometers are extremely important to the field of astronomy as they enable astronomers to determine the apparent angular diameter of a radio source or star. Ultimately, they help scientists observe the Universe in significantly improved ways, facilitating relatively
detailed observations of stars, galaxies and black holes. Now a team of researchers led by Dr Hiroshi Matsuo and based at the Advanced Technology Center of National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, is investigating a means of developing terahertz (THz) intensity interferometry which will
build upon advanced technology and transform our understanding of astrophysical objects.
Spotlight on e-Asia JRP
Authors: Sharp Lucy
Published: November 2020

In East Asia, the e-ASIA Joint Research Program has been supporting research for nearly a decade. Now, the 2020 calls for proposal have been released, and the Program is seeking to nurture a variety of important and pertinent projects with the potential to shape the research landscape
in the East Asian region and beyond.
A Cognitive-Based Board Game With Augmented Reality for Older Adults: Development and Usability Study
Authors: Chen Yen-Fu , Janicki Sylvia
Published: November 2020

Background

Older adults in Taiwan are advised to adopt regular physical and social activities for the maintenance of their cognitive and physical health. Games offer a means of engaging older individuals in these activities. For this study, a collaborative cognitive-based board game, Nostalgic Seekers, was designed and developed with augmented reality technology to support cognitive engagement in older adults.

Objective

A user study of the board game was conducted to understand how the game facilitates communication, problem solving, and emotional response in older players and whether augmented reality is a suitable technology in game design for these players.

Methods

A total of 23 participants aged 50 to 59 years were recruited to play and evaluate the game. In each session, participants’ interactions were observed and recorded, then analyzed through Bales’ interaction process analysis. Following each session, participants were interviewed to provide feedback on their experience.

Results

The quantitative analysis results showed that the participants engaged in task-oriented communication more frequently than social-emotional communication during the game. In particular, there was a high number of answers relative to questions. The analysis also showed a significant positive correlation between task-oriented acts and the game score. Qualitative analysis indicated that participants found the experience of playing the game enjoyable, nostalgic objects triggered positive emotional responses, and augmented reality technology was widely accepted by participants and provided effective engagement in the game.

Conclusions

Nostalgic Seekers provided cognitive exercise and social engagement to players and demonstrated the positive potential of integrating augmented reality technology into cognitive-based games for older adults. Future game designs could explore strategies for regular and continuous engagement.
Arabic Translation of the Weight Self-Stigma Questionnaire: Instrument Validation Study of Factor Structure and Reliability (Preprint)
Authors: BinDhim Nasser F , Althumiri Nora A , Basyouni Mada H , Sims Omar T , Alhusseini Noara , Alqahtani Saleh A
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND

While it is most often associated with its effects on physical health, obesity is also associated with serious self-stigmatization. The lack of a suitable, validated tool to measure weight-related self-stigma in Arabic countries may be partly responsible for the scarcity of literature about this problem.

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the reliability and validity of an Arabic version of the Weight Self-Stigma Questionnaire (WSSQ).

METHODS

Data on the Arabic-translated version of the 12-item WSSQ were collected using two cross-sectional electronic questionnaires distributed among Saudi nationals through the Sharik Association for Health Research’s database in June 2020. Internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and exploratory factor analysis of the Arabic WSSQ were assessed and compared with the original English version and other translations.

RESULTS

For reliability analysis, 43 participants completed the Arabic WSSQ during two time periods. Internal consistency was α=.898 for the overall survey, α=.819 for the fear of enacted stigma subscale (factor 1), and α=.847 for the self-devaluation subscale (factor 2). The test-retest reliability of the intraclass correlation coefﬁcient was α=.982. In the factor structure analysis, 295 participants completed the questionnaire. The Arabic WSSQ loading of the items was consistent with the original WSSQ, except for the loading of item 9, which was stronger in factor 2 than in factor 1. The two factors accounted for the observed variances of 47.7% and 10.6%.

CONCLUSIONS

The Arabic version of the WSSQ has good internal consistency and reliability, and the factorial structure is similar to that of the original WSSQ. The Arabic WSSQ is adaptable for clinicians seeking to assess weight-related self-stigma in Arabic-speaking people.
Medical Students’ Perceptions of Play and Learning: Qualitative Study With Focus Groups and Thematic Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Van Gaalen A E J , Jaarsma A D C , Georgiadis J R
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND

In times where distance learning is becoming the norm, game-based learning (GBL) is increasingly applied to health profession education. Yet, decisions for if, when, how, and for whom GBL should be designed cannot be made on a solid empirical basis. Though the act of play seems to be intertwined with GBL, it is generally ignored in the current scientific literature.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of our study was to explore students’ perceptions of play in leisure time and of GBL as part of a mechanistic, bottom-up approach towards evidence-informed design and implementation of GBL in health profession education.

METHODS

We conducted 6 focus group discussions with medical and dentistry students, which were analyzed using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 58 students participated. We identified 4 major themes based on the students’ perception of play in leisure time and on the combination of play and learning. Our results indicate that, while play preferences were highly various in our health profession student cohort, pleasure was the common ground reported for playing. Crucially, play and the serious act of learning seemed paradoxical, indicating that the value and meaning of play are strongly context-dependent for students.

CONCLUSIONS

Four key points can be constructed from our study. First, students play for pleasure. Perceptions of pleasure vary considerably among students. Second, students consider play as inefficient. Inefficiency will only be justified when it increases learning. Third, play should be balanced with the serious and only be used for difficult or tedious courses. Fourth, GBL activities should not be made compulsory for students. We provide practical implications and directions for future research.
Tracking Subjective Sleep Quality and Mood With Mobile Sensing: Multiverse Study (Preprint)
Authors: Niemeijer Koen , Mestdagh Merijn , Kuppens Peter
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND

Sleep influences moods and mood disorders. Existing methods for tracking the quality of people’s sleep are laborious and obtrusive. If a method were available that would allow effortless and unobtrusive tracking of sleep quality, it would mark a significant step toward obtaining sleep data for research and clinical applications.

OBJECTIVE

Our goal was to evaluate the potential of mobile sensing data to obtain information about a person’s sleep quality. For this purpose, we investigated to what extent various automatically gathered mobile sensing features are capable of predicting (1) subjective sleep quality (SSQ), (2) negative affect (NA), and (3) depression; these variables are associated with objective sleep quality. Through a multiverse analysis, we examined how the predictive quality varied as a function of the selected sensor, the extracted feature, various preprocessing options, and the statistical prediction model.

METHODS

We used data from a 2-week trial where we collected mobile sensing and experience sampling data from an initial sample of 60 participants. After data cleaning and removing participants with poor compliance, we retained 50 participants. Mobile sensing data involved the accelerometer, charging status, light sensor, physical activity, screen activity, and Wi-Fi status. Instructions were given to participants to keep their smartphone charged and connected to Wi-Fi at night. We constructed 1 model for every combination of multiverse parameters to evaluate their effects on each of the outcome variables. We evaluated the statistical models by applying them to training, validation, and test sets to prevent overfitting.

RESULTS

Most models (on either of the outcome variables) were not informative on the validation set (ie, predicted R2≤0). However, our best models achieved R2 values of 0.658, 0.779, and 0.074 for SSQ, NA, and depression, respectively on the training set and R2 values of 0.348, 0.103, and 0.025, respectively on the test set.

CONCLUSIONS

The approach demonstrated in this paper has shown that different choices (eg, preprocessing choices, various statistical models, different features) lead to vastly different results that are bad and relatively good as well. Nevertheless, there were some promising results, particularly for SSQ, which warrant further research on this topic.
Facilitators of and Barriers to Lifestyle Support and eHealth Solutions: Interview Study Among Health Care Professionals Working in Cardiac Care (Preprint)
Authors: Cohen Rodrigues Talia R , de Buisonjé David R , Keesman Mike , Reijnders Thomas , van der Geer Jessica E , Janssen Veronica R , Kraaijenhagen Roderik A , Atsma Douwe E , Evers Andrea W M
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) pose a significant health threat and reduce both people’s life expectancy and quality of life. Healthy living is a key component in the effective prevention and treatment of CVD. However, health care professionals (HCPs) experience difficulties in supporting lifestyle changes among their patients. eHealth can provide a solution to these barriers.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to provide insights into the factors HCPs find important in the support of patients with CVD in the uptake of and adherence to a healthy lifestyle and the perceived facilitators of and barriers to using eHealth to provide lifestyle support to patients with CVD.

METHODS

In-depth interviews were conducted with 16 Dutch HCPs specializing in lifestyle support in cardiac care.

RESULTS

We identified 13 themes, of which the first 12 concerned lifestyle support in general and were related to intervention, patient, or health care. Throughout these themes, the use of eHealth reoccurred as a potential facilitator of or solution to barriers to lifestyle support. Our final theme specifically concerned barriers to the adoption and usability of eHealth.

CONCLUSIONS

HCPs do recognize the potential advantages of eHealth while experiencing barriers to using digital tools. Incorporating their needs and values in the development of lifestyle support programs, especially eHealth, could increase their use and lead to a more widespread adoption of eHealth into health care.
Mycobacteriosis treatment challenges in patients with HIV-infection
Authors: Savchenko M. A. , Panteleev A. M.
Published: November 2020

Over the past decade, in Russian Federation there has been a steady increase in the incidence of MAC-infection in patients with HIV (the growth of nosology over the past ﬁve years, on average, was 57% per year). This determines the interest in this problem, especially in terms of the high inefficiency of treatment for the disease, the long term and cost of treatment. The history of the study of Mycobacterium Avium Complex-infection (MAC) originates in the early eighties in the United States, when the prognosis for a patient with AIDS and mycobacteriosis was extremely poor: mortality within one year after the detection of pathogen reached 71%. The role of infection in the thanatogenesis of patients was, however, established only by the beginning of the nineties. The detection of macrolide activity against the pathogen signiﬁcantly improved the prognosis for patients, especially in combination with highly active antiretroviral therapy. The widespread introduction of antiviral drugs into practice and the ability to achieve immune reconstitution prevented the development of opportunistic infections, but did not solve the remaining issues of the treatment of the MAC-infection. The main one is the treatment of patients with a clarithromycin-resistant pathogen. There is no consensus on the sensitivity of non-tuberculous mycobacteria to antibacterials.