bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Data-driven versus theory-driven methods to understand health service implementation problems: A case study of childhood vaccination barriers
Authors: Bonner Carissa , Tuckerman Jane , Kaufman Jessica , Costa Daniel , Durrheim David N , Trevena Lyndal , Thomas Susan , Danchin Margie
Published: October 2020

BackgroundEffective implementation requires identifying and addressing behavioural barriers to uptake. This study aimed to compare data-driven and theory-driven approaches to understanding implementation issues. We used childhood vaccination coverage as a case study, with international relevance and wide-ranging barriers contributing to low vaccine uptake.MethodsThe study utilised the Behaviour Change Wheel framework, which incorporates both individual and system level barriers to behaviour, and is based on several levels of theory: the three components of the COM-B model (capability, opportunity and motivation) can be mapped to the 14 domains of the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF), which is based on 84 underlying constructs. We first conducted a review of systematic reviews of parent-level barriers to childhood vaccination. Subsequently we: 1) inductively coded these barriers into a data-driven framework, using thematic analysis; and 2) conducted theory-driven mapping of these barriers to TDF domains and constructs. Coding and mapping were undertaken by two authors independently, and discrepancies were resolved through discussion. The data-driven and theory-driven results were compared.ResultsThe data-driven process coded 583 descriptions of barriers identified from the literature into a framework of 74 barriers in 6 categories. The initial definitions used to compare data-driven barriers with theory-driven domains/constructs led to 89% agreement at the domain level. Resolving discrepancies required further definitions at the construct level. Of the 14 TDF domains, 10 were clearly identified in the data from the barrier reviews. Some domains were not specific enough to differentiate between types of barriers (e.g. Environmental Context and Resources), while other domains were not represented in the review data (e.g. Behavioural Regulation).ConclusionsUsing both data- and theory-driven approaches can help achieve a more comprehensive understanding of barriers to health service implementation. The data-driven categories represented the review data in a clearer way than the theoretical domains, with better differentiation; but the missing domains were useful as a way to identify additional issues to investigate further. Both approaches resulted in a comprehensive list of barriers to vaccination that would not have been achieved using either approach alone. This will inform a diagnostic tool to measure the causes of under-vaccination.
Effect of Wnt5a on drug resistance in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer
Authors: Amioka Ai , Kadoya Takayuki , Sueoka Satoshi , Kobayashi Yoshie , Sasada Shinsuke , Emi Akiko , Masumoto Norio , Ito Masaoki , Nakayama Koh , Okada Morihito
Published: October 2020

BackgroundIt was previously reported by us that Wnt5a-positive breast cancer can be classified as estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer and its prognosis is worse than that of Wnt5a-negative breast cancer. Herein, the molecular mechanisms underlying the poor prognosis of Wnt5a-positive breast cancer patients were examined. MethodsA total of 151 consecutive ER-positive breast cancer patients who underwent resection between January 2011 and February 2014 were enrolled. DNA microarray and pathway analyses were performed conducted using MCF-7 cells stably expressing Wnt5a (MCF-7/Wnt5a(+)). Based on the results, cell viability and drug sensitivity assays as well as mutation analysis , were performed using culture cells and breast cancer tissue. The relationship between Wnt5a and the PI3K–AKT–mTOR signaling pathway was examined.ResultsThe relapse-free survival rate in patients with Wnt5a-positive breast cancer was significantly lower than that in patients with Wnt5a-negative breast cancer ( P = 0.047). DNA microarray data indicated that only the cytochrome P450 (CYP) pathway was significantly upregulated in MCF-7/Wnt5a(+) cells ( P = 0.0440). MCF-7/Wnt5a(+) cells showed reduced sensitivity to the metabolic substrates of CYP, tamoxifen ( P < 0.001), and paclitaxel ( P < 0.001). PIK3CA mutations were unrelated to Wnt5a expression in breast cancer tissue and culture cells.ConclusionsIn ER-positive breast cancer, Wnt5a upregulated the CYP metabolic pathway; additionally, it inhibited the sensitivity to tamoxifen and paclitaxel, which constitute the standard treatment options for ER-positive breast cancer. Wnt5a could be involved in the poor prognosis of ER-positive breast cancer independently of the PI3K–AKT–mTOR signaling pathway.
WITHDRAWN: Improving the Measurement of Alexithymia in Autistic Adults: A Psychometric Investigation and Refinement of the Twenty-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale
Authors: Williams Zachary J , Gotham Katherine O.
Published: October 2020

Background: Alexithymia, a personality trait characterized by difficulties interpreting emotional states, is commonly elevated in autistic adults, and a growing body of literature suggests that this trait underlies a number of cognitive and emotional differences previously attributed to autism. Although questionnaires such as the twenty-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) are frequently used to measure alexithymia in the autistic population, there have been few studies attempting to determine the psychometric properties of these questionnaires in autistic adults, including whether differential item functioning (I-DIF) exists between autistic and general population adults. Methods: We conducted an in-depth psychometric analysis of the TAS-20 in a large sample of 743 cognitively able autistic adults recruited from the Simons Foundation SPARK participant pool and 721 general population controls enrolled in a large international psychological study. The factor structure of the TAS-20 was examined using confirmatory factor analysis, and item response theory was used to further refine the scale based on local model misfit and I-DIF between the groups. Correlations between alexithymia and other clinical outcomes were used to assess the nomological validity of the revised alexithymia scale in the SPARK sample. Results: The TAS-20 did not exhibit adequate model fit in either the autistic or general population samples. Empirically driven item reduction was undertaken, resulting in an eight-item unidimensional scale (TAS-8) with sound psychometric properties and practically ignorable I-DIF between diagnostic groups. Correlational analyses indicated that TAS-8 scores meaningfully predict autistic trait levels, anxiety and depression symptoms, and quality of life, even after controlling for trait neuroticism. Limitations: Limitations of the current study include a sample of autistic adults that was overwhelmingly female, later-diagnosed, and well-educated; clinical and control groups drawn from different studies with variable measures; and an inability to test several other important psychometric characteristics of the TAS-8, including sensitivity to change and I-DIF across multiple administrations. Conclusions: These results indicate the potential of the TAS-8 as a psychometrically robust tool to measure alexithymia in both autistic and non-autistic adults. A free online score calculator has been created to facilitate the use of norm-referenced TAS-8 latent trait scores in research applications (available at http://asdmeasures.shinyapps.io/TAS8_Score).
Investigation of parametric and artificial neural network modeling approaches for total tree height prediction in cedar plantations
Authors: Karatepe Yasin , Diamantopoulou Maria J. , Özçelik Ramazan , Sürücü Zerrin
Published: October 2020

Background: Height-diameter relationships are of critical importance in tree and stand volume estimation. Stand description, site quality determination and proper forest management decisions originate from reliable stem height predictions. Methods: In the context of this work, the prediction ability of the developed height-diameter models was investigated for cedar (Cedrus libani A. Rich.) plantations in Western Mediterranean Region of Turkey. Towards this direction, parametric modeling methods such as fixed-effects, generalized models, and mixed-effects were evaluated. Furthermore, in an effort to come up with the construction of more reliable stem-height prediction models, artificial neural networks were employed using two different modeling algorithms: the Levenberg-Marquardt and the resilient back-propagation. Results: Taking into account the prediction behavior of each respective modelling strategy while using a new validation data set, the mixed-effects model with calibration using 3 trees for each plot seems to be a reliable alternative to the rest standard modelling approaches given the evaluation statistics regarding the predictions of tree heights. Conclusion: Finally, as for providing the most reliable results as compared to the remaining, the resilient propagation algorithm showed its capability of providing more accurate predictions of the tree stem height and thus it can be a reliable alternative to pre-existing modelling methodologies.
Study of the functional product’s protein compounds digestion features
Authors: Vasilevskaya E. R. , Akhremko A. G. , Polishchuk E. K. , Fedulova L. V.
Published: October 2020

The aim of the study was to investigate the transformation of meat product’s proteins from pig hearts and aortas during enzymatic hydrolysis in an in vitro model of the gastrointestinal tract. The model consisted of three phases simulating digestion processes: “oral cavity” phase (a-amylase, pH 7.0; 2 min), “stomach” phase (pork pepsin, pH 3.0; 120 min), “intestine” phase (pork pancreatin, pH 7.0; 130 min). The product was sequentially subjected to hydrolysis, at the end of each phase, samples were taken to determine the protein concentration (biuret method) and visualize the protein fractions (one-dimensional electrophoresis). A significant increase in protein concentration at the “stomach” phase was revealed by 3.2 times, and the absolute content by 4.6 times. At the “intestine” phase, a decrease in the number of peptide complexes with copper ions by 1.8 times, the absolute protein content by 8.5% was re‑ vealed. The noted tendency was confirmed by electrophoretic studies — at the stage, simulating digestion in the stomach, the prod‑ ucts of meat product’s proteins hydrolysis were visualized; at the “intestine” phase, a low expression of protein fractions in the range of more than 10 kDa is shown. The maximum hydrolysis of protein compounds at the “stomach” phase to poly- and oligopeptides was confirmed, continuing at the “intestine” stage with the accumulation of free amino acids. This methodology makes it possible to visualize the products of hydrolysis of proteins in a meat product at all stages of the model and to monitor changes in protein concentration in the system.
Ljudska priroda kod Machiavellija
Authors: Raspudić Nino
Published: October 2020

O poimanju ljudske prirode u Machiavellijevu djelu možemo govoriti na dvije razine. Prva je razina njegov temeljni antropološki pesimizam. Polazna je točka Machiavellijeve političke filozofije da su ljudi po prirodi skloni zlu, što, kako navodi u Raspravama o prvoj dekadi Tita Livija, kao početnu pretpostavku mora uzeti i svaki zakonodavac. Na drugoj razini, narav je pojedinoga čovjeka po njemu bitno nepromjenjiva pa kada se ona slaže s vremenima, on uspijeva (primjer pape Julija II.), a kada je u neskladu s onim što zahtijeva kontekst, neuspjeh je neizbježan. Na nizu primjera iz Machiavellijevih djela pokazuje se da je njegov pesimistički uvid u ljudsku prirodu temelj na kojem se gradi cijela njegova politička teorija. Zlu i sebičnosti sklona ljudska priroda objašnjenje je za stvaranja zajednice, zakona i državnih institucija, ali i dinamike koja dovodi do njihovog kvarenja i propasti.
Što je to trubadurska radost?
Authors: Prole Dragan
Published: October 2020

U prvom dijelu članka, autor ispituje pitanje trubadurske subjektivnosti. Subjekt pjesme najavljuje samogubljenje, napuštanje postojećeg stanja stvari i samopredavanje, ali u tome ne vidi tragediju, već izvor istinske radosti. Ljubav zaslužuje žrtvu, ona je vrijedna cjelokupnog ljudskog htijenja, ali nije konvencionalna ljubav, nije ni bračna ni porodična, već je eterična i poetična ljubav prema Gospi. Za sve što može biti vezano uz takvu ljubav smatramo da je daleko prikladniji prijevod radosna nauka jer preciznije označava trubadursku poantu od uobičajenog prijevoda vesela nauka. Ono što posebno začuđuje kod naslijeđenog rješenja potpuno je promašivanje trubadurske posebnosti jer se riječ nauka može dovesti s njom u vezu jedino ako se prethodno stavi pod znakove navoda (što je i Nietzsche izričito učinio). Riječju, autor zaključuje da je demokratski naučnik sretan i optimističan, dok Nietzscheov »radosni« naučnik ne preza svima javno pokazati svoje patničko lice. Trubadurska patnja zbog daleke i neostvarive ljubavi neobično je blizu Nietzscheovoj patnji u suvremenom svijetu koji kao da nije u stanju živjeti u svijetu dalekog i odsutnog Boga.
Design of Immunobiosensors for Detection of Tumor-Associated Anti-P53 Autoantibodies: Method Development
Authors:   , Adeniyi Omotayo
Published: October 2020

Detection and profiling of circulating tumor-associated autoantibodies (TAAbs) are useful for screening and early-stage diagnosis of asymptomatic lung cancer. Immunobiosensor technologies aimed to accomplish the highly sensitive, rapid and low-cost detection of TAAbs can improve the early-stage detection of lung cancer. Immunobiosensors for the detection of anti-P53-tumour associated autoantibodies have been developed in this work. The design of sensing interfaces with immobilized P53 protein (P53ag) as a sensing element layer on a solid interface was investigated. Several methods of detecting anti-P53-antibodies (anti-P53ab) were investigated. These methods are label-free detection using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and two label techniques. The label-free electrochemical techniques utilize gold electrode pre-modified with a conducting layer of electrochemically grafted phenylethylamine for covalent immobilization of P53ag. The limit of anti-P53ab detection with the label-free EIS was 103.0 pg.ml-1. The labeled technique developed utilizes fluorescent, and peroxidase-like nanomaterial labeled antibody as a detection probe. For the fluorescence detection, fluorescent silica nanoparticles were synthesized by overloading FITC into the silica matrix and conjugated to detection antibody (anti-IgG). The detection of the anti-P53ab was based on the dissolution of the silica nanoparticles to release the loaded dye as a signal amplification strategy. The fluorescence detection was carried out on a microplate, and magnetic bead modified P53-antigen platforms and limit of detection (LoD) were 42.0 fg.ml-1 and 3.3 fg.ml-1 for anti-P53ab; respectively. Fe3O4@SiNP-APTES-Au@Pd hybrid nanoparticles were synthesized, and their peroxidase-like activity and colorimetric detection were evaluated. The Fe3O4@SiNP-APTES-Au@Pd exhibited comparable activity to HRP. The Fe3O4@SiNP-APTES-Au@Pd was conjugated to protein-G-anti-IgG for the detection of anti-P53ab on a microplate and cellulose paper platforms. The LoD was 20.0 fg.ml-1 and 63.0 fg.ml-1 for the microplate and cellulose paper platform; respectively. The potential application of the designed immunobiosensor was evaluated in simulated serum samples. The developed sensors showed higher detection sensitivity, stability and had a lower detection limit for anti-P53ab when compared with the ELISA based detection. The results have provided alternative and effective quantification approaches to ELISA and a promising future for multiplexed detection of tumor-associated autoantibodies. The developed methodologies in this thesis could be applied for the detection of other autoantibodies in other cancer types and auto-immune diseases.
Ortaokul Öğrencilerinin Sesli Okuma Kaygısı Ölçeğinin Geliştirilmesi
Authors: Özcan Mehmet Fatih , Karakaya Bahattin
Published: October 2020

Dört temel dil becerilerinden okuma, hem anlama hem de aktarma becerisini barındırması açısından konuşma, yazma ve dinleme becerilerine göre daha önemlidir. Bireyin hem anlama hem de aktarma işlevini sağlıklı bir şekilde yerine getirebilmesi doğru ve anlaşılır bir sesli okuma yapabilmesi ile mümkündür. Sesli okuma evde, sınıfta ya da bir topluluk önünde yapılması en zor eylemlerden biridir. Bunun da başlıca faktörü kaygı unsurudur. Kaygının duyuşsal, bedensel ve bilişsel etki boyutları mevcuttur. Bu etkilerin tamamen kaldırılması ya da en aza indirilmesi anlama ve aktarma becerilerinin sağlıklı bir şekilde gelişmesini sağlayacaktır. Bu doğrultuda çalışmamızın amacı ortaokul öğrencilerinin erken öğrencilik olarak adlandırılan bu dönemde sesli okumaya karşı kaygılarını tespit etmek amacıyla “ortaokul öğrencilerinin sesli okuma kaygısı” adlı bir ölçek geliştirmektir. Bu amaçla hazırlanan 57 maddelik ölçek taslağı maddeleri alanında uzman 7 kişiye gösterilerek, uzman dönütleri sonucunda madde azaltımı ve madde düzeltimi yapılarak, madde sayısı 42’ye indirilmiştir. Elde edilen 42 maddeli ölçeğin pilot uygulaması için 5. sınıftan 39, 6. sınıftan 56, 7. sınıftan 69 ve 8. sınıftan 30 ortaokul öğrencisine (n=194) uygulanmıştır. Uygulama sonrasında yapılan açımlayıcı faktör analizine göre 34 maddelik tek boyutlu bir ölçek elde edilmiştir. Ölçeğin güvenirliği için Cronbach Alfa değeri ,95 olarak belirlenmiştir. Geçerlik ve güvenirliğe ilişkin kanıtlar göz önünde bulundurularak, ortaokul öğrencilerinin sesli okuma kaygılarının belirlenmesinde bu çalışmanın güvenilir olduğu ve kullanılabileceği söylenebilir.
A Comprehensive Overview of Colon Cancer- A Grim Reaper of the 21st Century
Authors: Kumar Rajesh , Harilal Seetha , Carradori Simone , Mathew Bijo
Published: October 2020

A few decades ago, the incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) was low and is now the fourth in the list of deadly cancers producing nearly a million deaths annually. A population that is aging along with risk factors such as smoking, obesity, sedentary lifestyle with little or no physical activity, and non-healthy food habits of developed countries can increase the risk of colorectal cancer. The balance in gut microbiota and the metabolites produced during bacterial fermentation within the host plays a significant role in regulating intestinal diseases as well as colorectal cancer development. Recent progress in the understanding of illness resulted in multiple treatment options such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, including targeted therapy and multitherapies. The treatment plan for CRC depends on the location, stage and grade of cancer as well as genomic biomarker tests. Despite all the advancements made in the genetic and molecular aspects of the disease, the knowledge seems inadequate as the drug action as well as the wide variation in drug response did not appear strongly correlated with the individual molecular and genetic characteristics, which suggests the requirement of comprehensive molecular understanding of this complex heterogeneous disease. Furthermore, multitherapies or a broad spectrum approach, which is an amalgamation of the various promising as well as effective therapeutic strategies that can tackle heterogeneity and act on several targets of the disease, need to be validated in clinical studies. The latest treatment options have significantly increased the survival of up to three years in the case of advanced disease. The fact that colorectal cancer is developed from a polypoid precursor, as well as the symptoms of the disease that occur at an advanced stage, underlines how screening programs can help early detection and decrease mortality as well as morbidity from CRC.
Therapeutic effect of Prdx1 on NAFLD mice may be related to the activation of Nrf-2/HO-1 pathway
Authors: Bai Ru-Xue , Xu Ying-Ying , Chen Yan-Ming , Qin Geng , Wang Hui-Fen , Du Shi-Yu
Published: October 2020

Objective:

To investigate the effect of peroxiredoxin1 (Prdx1) on the methionine-choline deficient (MCD)-
induced mice model of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Methods:

Wild type (WT), transgenic Prdx1 over-expressing (TG) and Prdx1 knockout (KO) mice were fed with MCD
diet to construct NAFLD model. General parameters was determined followed by detection with HE staining, oil red O
staining, Immunofluorescence, Immunohistochemistry, qRT-PCR and Western blotting. The activities of MDA, GPX and
SOD were also quantified.

Results:

Compared with WT + MCD group, mice in KO + MCD group showed the decresed final weight, food intake and
the levels of glucose, insulin, total cholesterol and triglyceride, accompanying with the increased FFA, ALT and AST, as
well as the aggravated liver histopathology, which was alleviated in TG + MCD group. Also, mice from KO + MCD
group had increased F4/80 and CD68 positive staining with the upregulation of pro-inflammatory and fibrogenic factors in
liver tissues than those from WT + MCD group, as well as the enhanced MDA and the reduced GPX and SOD, while TG
+ MCD group demonstrated improvements than the WT + MCD group. Nrf-2/HO-1 pathway in liver tissues from
NFALD mice was inhibited, and Prdx1-/-
can further reduce the expression of Nrf-2 and HO-1, while Prdx1 overexpression increased Nrf-2 and HO-1 expression.

Conclusion:

Prdx1 improved oxidative stress, inflammation and fibrosis in liver of NAFLD mice, which may be associate
with the activation of Nrf-2/HO-1 pathway.
Understanding the Potential Role and Delivery Approaches of Nitric Oxide in Chronic Wound Healing Management
Authors: Kandhwal Mimansa , Behl Tapan , Kumar Arun , Arora Sandeep
Published: October 2020

Nitric oxide (NO) is a promising pharmaceutical component that has vasodilator, anti-bacterial, and wound healing activities. Chronic ulcers are non-healing disorders that are generally associated with distortion of lower limbs. Among the severe consequence derivatives of these diseases are the problems of chronic wound progression. NO, which is categorized as the smallest gaseous neurotransmitter, has beneficial effects in different phases of chronic inflammation. The defensive mechanism of NO is found useful in several severe conditions, such as gestational healing, gastrointestinal healing, and diabetic healing. The current review presents an updated collection of literature about the role of NO in chronic ulcers due to the prevalence of diabetes, DPN, and diabetic foot ulcers, and because of the lack of available effective treatments to directly address the pathology contributing to these conditions, novel treatments are being sought. This review also collects information about deficiency of NO synthase in diabetic patients, leading to a lack of vascularization of the peripheral nerves, which causes diabetic neuropathy, and this could be treated with vasodilators such as nitric oxide. Apart from the pharmacological mechanism of NO, the article also reviewed and analyzed to elucidate the potential of transdermal delivery of NO for the treatment of chronic ulcers.
Repaglinide and Metformin-Loaded Amberlite Resin-Based Floating Microspheres for the Effective Management of Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Jain Akhlesh K. , Sahu Praveen , Mishra Keerti , Jain Sunil K.
Published: October 2020

Background:

Low bioavailability of anti-diabetic drugs results in the partial absorption
of the drug as they are mainly absorbed from the stomach and the lower part of the GIT. Drug bioavailability
of anti-diabetic drugs can be significantly increased by prolonging gastric retention time
through gastro-retentive dosage form such as floating microspheres.

Objective:

The study was aimed to develop and characterize resin based floating microspheres of
Repaglinide and Metformin for superior and prolonged maintenance of normoglycaemia in type-2
diabetes mellitus.

Methods:

Repaglinide and metformin were complexed with amberlite resin; later resin complexed
drug was encapsulated in Ethylcellulose floating microspheres. Floating microspheres were characterized
for morphology, particle size, IR spectroscopy, DSC, in vitro release and buoyancy studies.
Further, floating microspheres were tested for in vivo blood glucose reduction potential in Streptozocin-
induced diabetic mice.

Results:

Floating microspheres had spherical shape and slight rough surface with the entrapment efficiency in a range of 49-
78% for Metformin and 52-73% for Repaglinide. DSC studies revealed that no chemical interaction took place between polymer and drugs. Floating microspheres showed good buoyancy behavior (P<0.05) and prolonged drug release as compared
to plain drug (P<0.05). Blood glucose lowering effect of floating microspheres in Streptozocin induced diabetic rats was
significantly greater (P<0.05) and prolonged (˃12h) and normoglycaemia was maintained for 6hr.

Conclusion:

Floating microspheres containing drug resin complex were able to prolong drug release
in an efficient way for a sustained period of time; as a result, profound therapeutic response
was obtained.
Stilbenes and Xanthones from Medicinal Plants as Potential Antitumor Agents
Authors: Teodor Eugenia D. , Ungureanu Oana , Moroeanu Veronica , Radu Gabriel L.
Published: October 2020

There is an emerging interest in plant polyphenols as dietary ingredients, particularly for
digestive disorders and/or as antitumor agents. The plant compounds or extracts continue to be an
alternative to drug use, and many studies aim to find natural substances with selective cytotoxicity
on abnormal cells. Phenolic compounds, as important secondary metabolites from plants, are intensively
studied as a substitute for drugs. In this review, the recent literature data from the past five
years about the potential anticancer/antitumor effect of some categories of phenolics such as stilbenes
and xanthones extracted from medicinal plants were surveyed. The most important results
concerning the effectiveness of these active compounds as antitumor/anticancer agents, isolated
compounds or as plant extracts, some bioavailability aspects and their mechanism of action in vitro
and in vivo, were considered.
Relationship with Metalloproteinase 13, E-cadherin, Homocysteine and Co Factors Folic Acid and Vitamin B12 in Patients Diagnosed with Prostate Cancer
Authors: Gascón Thaís M. , Lourenço Beatriz G. , Pereira Edimar C. , da Costa Aguiar Beatriz A. , Veiga Glaucia L. , de Sousa Gehrke Flavia , Adami Fernando , Fonseca Fernando L.A.
Published: October 2020

Introduction::

Prostate cancer (Pc) is the most frequent neoplasia in men and the second
cause of death in Brazil.

Objective::

To analyze the interactions and biologicals responses of Pc oxidative stress and prostatespecific
antigen (PSA), E-cadherin and MMP-13. Demonstrate whether the increase of the amount of
the form of E-cadherin found in the plasma of Pc patients, correlates with decrease of the PSA.

Methods::

Samples were obtained through peripheral venipuncture to analyse parameters of biomarkers
pc as PSA, E-cadherin, MMP-13, Homocysteine, Folic acid, Vitamin B12, Testosterone T and free following
the patients diagnosis, 3 and 6 months during their treatment to analyze the biological responses
of Pc oxidative stress.

Results::

The analysis was performed by using immunoenzymatic assay. Statistical data processed
through Excel in Windows Vista and analyzed through the Shapiro-wilk Test, ANOVA, and Spearman
Test. An increase in the concentration of E-cadherin (p = 0.02), as a decrease in concentration of PSA
(p < 0.001), total testosterone (p < 0.001) and free testosterone (p = 0.02) was observed during the
treatment period without significant alterations in the remaining markers for either of the periods.

Discussion::

It was found that during treatment of men diagnosed with pc that there was an an increase
in the concentration of plasmatic E-cadherin, which was negatively correlated with the concentrations
of folic acid (-0,03 (0,87) rs (p). It was observed that the levels of hcy are positively correlated with
concentrations of total testosterone and a negative correlation. Vitamins B12 remained within the parameters
of normality during the entire study.

Conclusion::

P.S.A levels were free and total testosterone levels decreased. In this way, monitoring the
folic acid, E-cadherin dosages of patients during the treatment phases can effectively complement in the
face of remission, since it would be a way of preventing abnormal cell replications, with a clinical view
prudent so that the cell methylation cycle is not affected.
Severe Pancytopenia Following Single Dose Methotrexate In Psoriasis: A Rare And Potentially Lethal Manifestation
Authors: Singh Ajeet , Choudhary Ritul , Chhabra Namrata , Ganguly Satyaki , Rathore Vinay
Published: October 2020

:

Methotrexate is an anti-metabolite, anti-cancer drug frequently used in the treatment of extensive chronic plaque psoriasis. Psoriatic plaque erosion is a rare toxic side effect of single-dose methotrexate and is described as a sign of impending pancytopenia. Here, we report a case of a 48- year-old male presented with multiple oral and genital erosions, accompanied by fissuring over palm and soles for 5 days. His laboratory tests revealed severe pancytopenia and nephropathy. He had a history of chronic plaque psoriasis for which he took a single dose of 15 mg methotrexate. During the hospital stay, the patient needed folate antagonist, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), intravenous fluids, blood transfusions, and platelet transfusions. He recovered within 12 days of admission.
In Vitro Anti-proliferative Properties of Flavonoids Isolated from Artocarpus Heterophyllus on Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Mat Daud Nik Nurul Najihah Nik , Abu Bakar Noor Azlina , Septama Abdi Wira
Published: October 2020

:

Artocarpus heterophyllus has been used as a folk medicine. This plant contained a wide
range of flavonoid compounds and possessed several pharmacological properties including anticancer
properties. Chemotherapeutic agent is a major option for cancer treatment. However, it may
lead to tumor relapse. Therefore, it needs to discover an alternative to reduce this limitation using
natural products.

Objective:

This study was aimed to determine anti-proliferative activities of isolated compounds
against cancer cell lines. The morphological changes of cancer cell lines after treatment with the
compounds was also evaluated.

Methods:

The flavonoid compounds were determined for their cytotoxic activity against leukaemia
HL-60 (CCL-240), colorectal adenocarcinoma HT-29 (HTB-38), breast adenocarcinoma cancer
MCF-7 (HTB-22), and non-small lung cancer H460 (HTB-177) cell lines using MTT assay.
Hoechst 33342/PI staining assay was used to evaluate the morphological changes, and observed using
a fluorescent microscope.

Results:

It showed that amongst compound, artocarpin consistently exhibited strong cytotoxic activity
against H460, HT-29, MCF-7, and HL-60 cancer cell lines with IC50 values of 5.07, 5.56,
12.53, and 19.94 μg/mL, respectively. The activity was comparable to the cisplatin as a positive
control. Morphological observations showed the most typical apoptotic morphology of cancer cells
upon treatment with artocarpin and the least typical of apoptotic structure with other compounds.

Conclusion:

It can be suggested that A. heterophyllus bioactive compound modulates apoptosis by
the presence of its distinctive, typical forms of morphological changes in treating cancer cells.
Thus, artocarpin compound may provide high potential therapeutic use in chemotherapeutic strategies.
Withdrawal Notice: Role, Significance and Association of microRNA-10a/b in Physiology of Cancer
Authors: Elgeshy Khaled M. , Abdel Wahab Abdel Hady A.
Published: October 2020

The article has been withdrawn by agreement between the editors and publisher ofMicroRNA. The authors are not responding to the editor’s requests to provide the language-edited version.

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

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Evaluating the Safety and Toxicity of a Modified Dextran-based Biopolymer as a Hemostat
Authors: Maleksabet Narges , Masoumian Mohammadreza , Aramvash Asieh
Published: October 2020

Background:

As an effective alternative to conventional suture techniques, topical hemostatic agents are widely used to control bleeding and close wounds in surgeries.

Objective:

This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a novel hydrogel hemostat that is easy to use in an applicator under normal conditions according to ISO 10993.

Methods:

The safety of DexGel, a natural surgical hemostat containing mainly dextran that is an effective hydrogel in bleeding stop, was evaluated and compared to that of AristaTM. APTT test and cytotoxicity tests (i.e., MTT assay, Crystal violet assay, and qualitative estimation) were carried out for considering safety in skin sensitization in a guinea pig model.

Results:

This study has shown that DexGel does not cause any noticeable sensitization such as edema and erythema or observable toxicity for skin and does not disturb the coagulation process. In addition, cytotoxicity results approve its safety for cell survival.

Conclusion:

It can be concluded that the safety and efficacy of DexGel (5 g) are comparable or even better to that of AristaTM, which is a commercial and frequently used hemostat, and the lack of skin irritation and toxicity for DexGel alleviates initial safety concerns for products based on these polymers and oligomers.
Withdrawal Notice: Placental Therapy as Panacea: An Insight to Its Therapeutic Potential
Authors: Mumtaz Sayed Md , Gupta Madhu , Goyal Ramesh K.
Published: October 2020

The article has been withdrawn at the request of the authors and editor of the journal Current Traditional Medicine
due to incoherent content.

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

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

Bentham Science Disclaimer:

It is a condition of publication that manuscripts submitted to this journal have not been published and will not be
simultaneously submitted or published elsewhere. Furthermore, any data, illustration, structure or table that has been
published elsewhere must be reported, and copyright permission for reproduction must be obtained. Plagiarism is
strictly forbidden, and by submitting the article for publication the authors agree that the publishers have the legal
right to take appropriate action against the authors, if plagiarism or fabricated information is discovered. By
submitting a manuscript, the authors agree that the copyright of their article is transferred to the publishers if and
when the article is accepted for publication.
A Mini-Review on Cardiovascular and Hematological Complications of COVID-19
Authors: Masjedi Moein , Jafari Pegah
Published: October 2020

Background::

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is named as the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19). Patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection experience a wide range of symptoms and they are at the risk of various systemic complications. Besides the pulmonary complications, COVID-19 cases may develop cardiovascular and hematological complications. This study aimed to review the most important hematological and cardiovascular complications caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Methods:

The English databases, including Pubmed, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Google Scholar, were searched. The published papers were selected and reviewed based on the subject of this study.

Results::

The review of the literature showed that several cardiovascular complications related to COVID-19, including acute myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathy, acute heart failure, and venous thromboembolic events due to coagulation abnormalities, have been reported. COVID-19 associated hematological complications include elevated levels of hematological factors including C-reactive protein, lactate dehydrogenase, procalcitonin, and ferritin. Furthermore, the levels of blood cells, including lymphocytes and thrombocytes, can be reduced.

Conclusion::

This study reviewed COVID-19-associated cardiovascular and hematopoietic complications. In conclusion, the patients may experience a wide range of cardiovascular and hematological issues during the illness. These complications are often associated with the need for ICU support and care which imposes further costs to the healthcare system. So the healthcare team must consider the possible complications when treating COVID-19 patients to reduce the treatment costs and mortality of patients.
WITHDRAWAL NOTICE: Review of the Times When One-Third of the Mankind is Under Lockdown Due to Coronavirus
Authors: Gware Pramod , Gulati Deepanshu
Published: October 2020

The article has been withdrawn at the request of the editor of the journal Coronaviruses.

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

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

Bentham Science Disclaimer:

It is a condition of publication that manuscripts submitted to this journal have not been published and will not be simultaneously
submitted or published elsewhere. Furthermore, any data, illustration, structure or table that has been published elsewhere
must be reported, and copyright permission for reproduction must be obtained. Plagiarism is strictly forbidden, and by submitting
the article for publication the authors agree that the publishers have the legal right to take appropriate action against the
authors, if plagiarism or fabricated information is discovered. By submitting a manuscript, the authors agree that the copyright
of their article is transferred to the publishers if and when the article is accepted for publication.
No Time to Waste: Real-World Repurposing of Generic Drugs as a Multifaceted Strategy Against COVID-19
Authors: Rogosnitzky Moshe , Berkowitz Esther , Jadad Alejandro R
Published: October 2020

Real-world drug repurposing—the immediate “off-label” prescribing of drugs to address urgent clinical needs—is an indispensable strategy gaining rapid traction in the current COVID-19 crisis. Although off-label prescribing (ie, for a nonapproved indication) is legal in most countries, it tends to shift the burden of liability and cost to physicians and patients, respectively. Nevertheless, in urgent public health crises, it is often the only realistic source of a meaningful potential solution. To be considered for real-world repurposing, drug candidates should ideally have a track record of safety, affordability, and wide accessibility. Although thousands of such drugs are already available, the absence of a central repository of off-label uses presents a barrier to the immediate identification and selection of the safest, potentially useful interventions. Using the current COVID-19 pandemic as an example, we provide a glimpse at the extensive literature that supports the rationale behind six generic drugs, in four classes, all of which are affordable, supported by decades of safety data, and pleiotropically target the underlying pathophysiology that makes COVID-19 so dangerous. Having previously fast-tracked this paper to publication in summary form, we now expand on why cimetidine/famotidine (histamine type-2 receptor antagonists), dipyridamole (antiplatelet agent), fenofibrate/bezafibrate (cholesterol/triglyceride-lowering agents), and sildenafil (phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor) are worth considering for patients with COVID-19 based on their antiviral, anti-inflammatory, renoprotective, cardioprotective, and anticoagulation properties. These examples also reveal the unlimited opportunity to future-proof public health by proactively mining, synthesizing, and cataloging the off-label treatment opportunities of thousands of safe, well-established, and affordable generic drugs.
Consumers’ Intentions to Adopt Blockchain-Based Personal Health Records and Data Sharing: Focus Group Study
Authors: Lu Chang , Batista Danielle , Hamouda Hoda , Lemieux Victoria
Published: October 2020

Background

Although researchers are giving increased attention to blockchain-based personal health records (PHRs) and data sharing, the majority of research focuses on technical design. Very little is known about health care consumers’ intentions to adopt the applications.

Objective

This study aims to explore the intentions and concerns of health care consumers regarding the adoption of blockchain-based personal health records and data sharing.

Methods

Three focus groups were conducted, in which 26 participants were shown a prototype of a user interface for a self-sovereign blockchain-based PHR system (ie, a system in which the individual owns, has custody of, and controls access to their personal health information) to be used for privacy and secure health data sharing. A microinterlocutor analysis of focus group transcriptions was performed to show a descriptive overview of participant responses. NVivo 12.0 was used to code the categories of the responses.

Results

Participants did not exhibit a substantial increase in their willingness to become owners of health data and share the data with third parties after the blockchain solution was introduced. Participants were concerned about the risks of losing private keys, the resulting difficulty in accessing care, and the irrevocability of data access on blockchain. They did, however, favor a blockchain-based PHR that incorporates a private key recovery system and offers a health wallet hosted by government or other positively perceived organizations. They were more inclined to share data via blockchain if the third party used the data for collective good and offered participants nonmonetary forms of compensation and if the access could be revoked from the third party.

Conclusions

Health care consumers were not strongly inclined to adopt blockchain-based PHRs and health data sharing. However, their intentions may increase when the concerns and recommendations demonstrated in this study are considered in application design.
Mental Health and Burnout Syndrome Among Postgraduate Students in Medical and Multidisciplinary Residencies During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Brazil: Protocol for a Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Pinho Rebeca Da Nóbrega Lucena , Costa Thais Ferreira , Silva Nayane Miranda , Barros-Areal Adriana F , Salles André De Mattos , Oliveira Andrea Pedrosa , Rassi Carlos , Valero Caroline Elizabeth Brero , Gomes Ciro Martins , Mendonça-Silva Dayde , Oliveira Fernando , Jochims Isadora , Ranulfo Ivan , Neves Juliana De Brito Seixas , Oliveira Lucas , Dantas Maria Nogueira , Rosal Marta , Soares Mayra , Kurizky Patrícia , Peterle Viviane Uliana , Faro Yasmin Furtado , Gomides Ana Paula , da Mota Licia , Albuquerque Cleandro , Simaan Cezar Kozak , Amado Veronica M
Published: October 2020

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to high levels of physical, psychological, and social stress among health care professionals, including postgraduate students in medical and multidisciplinary residencies. This stress is associated with the intense fear of occupational exposure to SARS-CoV-2, the virus known to cause COVID-19. These professionals are at risk of developing physical and mental illnesses not only due to the infection but also due to prolonged exposure to multidimensional stress and continued work overload.

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of symptoms suggestive of mental disorders and burnout syndrome and determine the risk factors for burnout among postgraduate students in medical and multidisciplinary residencies in Brazil during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

For this prospective cohort study with parallel groups, participants were recruited between July and September 2020 to achieve a sample size of at least 1144 participants. Research instruments such as Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale; Patient Health Questionnaire; Brief Resilient Coping Scale; and Oldenburg Burnout Inventory will be used to collect data. Data will be collected in 2 waves: the first wave will include data related to sample characterization and psychosocial evaluation, and the second wave will be launched 12 weeks later and will include an evaluation of the incidence of burnout as well as correlations with the potential predictive factors collected in the first wave. Additionally, we will collect data regarding participants’ withdrawal from work.

Results

The recruitment took place from July 29 to September 5, 2020. Data analyses for this phase is already in progress. The second phase of the study is also in progress. The final data collection began on December 1, 2020, and it will be completed by December 31, 2020.

Conclusions

We believe the findings of this study will help evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health conditions of health professionals in Brazil as well as contribute to the planning and implementation of appropriate measures that can alleviate these mental health challenges.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/24298
Is the Online Friendship Scale Fit for High School Students?
Authors: Helmi Avin Fadilla
Published: October 2020

Online friendship is an inevitable phenomenon especially for young people for which Helmi et al. developed a concept and an online friendship scale with university students as their trial subject. From a  developmental perspective, university students are in the early adulthood stage. With the Internet’s asynchronous nature and the absence of non-verbal cues, the scale was applied to high school students in this present study. The purpose of this study was to test whether or not the online friendship scale has sound psychometric properties when applied to high school students. The subjects of this study were 214 high school students. The results of the structural equation model analysis met the goodness of fit criteria for construct validity, which include TL, GFT, and RMSEA indices. Its Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficient was also satisfying. A drive to create activities with friends on social media mitigates the lack of non-verbal signs resulting from online communication. This result supports the social enhancement hypothesis. Consequently, Online Friendship Scale can be implemented in adolescence and young adult.
L2 Written Production by Japanese Learners of English
Authors: Yamaguchi Yumiko
Published: October 2020

This paper presents part of the results of a learner corpus study of English spoken and written performances by Japanese native speakers. For the current study, the written data from 80 participants were used. Their English written production was examined based on Processability Theory (PT; Pienemann, 1998, 2005; Bettoni & Di Biase, 2015) as well as on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR; Council of Europe, 2001). Results demonstrated that there was an implicational pattern in the acquisition of English L2 grammar by the Japanese learners as predicted in PT. It was also shown that there was a linear connection between second language (L2) development as found in PT analysis and L2 proficiency levels as measured by the CEFR rating, while a statistically significant difference was not found.