bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lessons Learned from Fighting Coronavirus Disease in the Republic of Uzbekistan
Authors: Saidaliev S. S. , Mirzabaev D. S. , Madaminov M. M.
Published: July 2020

The paper contains the data on epidemiological situation on COVID-19 in the Republic of Uzbekistan. As of June 29, 2020, 8031 laboratory confirmed cases of COVID-19 were registered across the country; 22 cases with lethal outcome. The paper describes the national policy in the prevention of importation of this infection into the territory of Uzbekistan and halting further spread among the population. Complex measures in response to the transmission of COVID-10 are specified. The paper defines support activities provided for the partner countries by the Republic of Uzbekistan to control COVID-19 pandemic.
Prospects For the Use of Loop Isothermal Amplification in the Diagnosis of Particularly Dangerous Infectious Diseases Caused by the Viruses of the Pathogenicity Group I
Authors: Kartashov M. Yu. , Chub E. V. , Mikryukova T. P. , Naidenova E. V. , Ternovoy V. A.
Published: July 2020

Dangerous viral infectious diseases pose a serious threat to human life and health, as their uncontrolled spread leads to the development of major outbreaks and epidemics. Rapid and accurate detection of the pathogen is an essential component of the fight against infectious diseases. This review is devoted to loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), which is one of the simplest and most reliable methods of molecular-genetic research that meets modern requirements. The simplicity of the analysis and registration of the obtained results, which is necessary under conditions with minimal laboratory capacities, makes it possible to consider this type of diagnostic technology as the most promising, which allows us to identify genetic markers (DNA or RNA) of pathogens of dangerous infectious diseases in the shortest possible time. Objective of the review is to summarize and systematize the data available to date on the use of LAMP for detecting RNA of dangerous infectious diseases caused by the Ebola,Marburg and Lassa viruses. The paper discusses the basic principles of the loop isothermal amplification reaction, the components that make up the reaction mixture and are used for the analysis, as well as methods for detecting the results obtained. When studying the information available in the literature sources about the advantages and disadvantages of LAMP, it is shown that in many cases, isothermal amplification is not inferior in sensitivity and specificity to the main molecular-genetic diagnostic methods currently used. Modifications that can be used for accelerated diagnostics of RNA-containing viruses are also considered.
Analysis of the Situation on Anthrax in 2019, the Forecast for 2020
Authors: Ryazanova A. G. , Skudareva O. N. , Gerasimenko D. K. , Semenova O. V. , Aksenova L. Yu. , Eremenko E. I. , Buravtseva N. P. , Golovinskaya T. M. , Varfolomeeva N. G. , Pechkovsky G. А. , Chmerenko D. K. , Kulichenko A. N.
Published: July 2020

The results of the analysis of epidemiological and epizootiological situation on anthrax in the Russian Federation and in the world in 2019 are presented in the paper. The forecast of morbidity rates in the Russian Federation for 2020 is made. In 2019, five cases of cutaneous anthrax were registered in the Russian Federation in two regions of the North Caucasian Federal District – Republic of Dagestan (4) and Stavropol Territory (1), which is two cases plus as compared to 2018. Outbreaks of infection among livestock animals and humans were recorded in such neighboring countries as Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. The unfavorable epizootiological situation on anthrax was observed almost everywhere. The highest incidence rates among wild and livestock animals were found in a number of countries in Asia and Africa. Anthrax among people was registered mainly in African countries, infection occurred mainly by alimentary route, less often – through contact with carcasses, meat of animals. Anthrax morbidity rates among animals and humans in the Russian Federation in 2020 will be largely determined by the completeness of registration and coverage with specific immunization of livestock animals and groups of people under professional risk of infection and, if measures are fully implemented, incidence will not exceed single cases.
Assessment of Epidemiological Situation on Hemorhhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome around the World and in Russia, Forecast for 2020
Authors: Savitskaya T. A. , Ivanova A. V. , Isaeva G. Sh. , Reshetnikova I. D. , Trifonov V. A. , Ziatdinov V. B. , Serova I. V. , Safronov V. A.
Published: July 2020

Objective of the review is to characterize the nature of epidemiological situation on HFRS around the world and to conduct a comparative analysis of intensity and dynamics of the epidemiological process in the Russian Federation by Federal Districts, as well as make forecast for 2020. The analysis of the epidemiological situation is based on the materials of the official websites of healthcare organizations in the USA and Europe, WHO, the data from operational monitoring carried out by the reference center for HFRS monitoring “Kazan Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology”, materials provided by the Rospotrebnadzor Institutions in the constituent entities of the Russian Federation. The analysis included all administrative territories of the Russian Federation. Statistical processing was carried out by standard methods of variation statistics applying Excel software. The epidemiological situation on hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome around the world and in Russia remains tense. In the Russian Federation, epidemically active foci are located in the European part of the country, in Western Siberia and in the Far East. Infections over the period of 2010–2019 were registered in 8 federal districts of the Russian Federation, in 58 constituent entities. However, the incidence distribution across the territory of the country was differential. In 97 % of the cases, the incidence was recorded in the European part of Russia. In the Volga Federal District, HFRS incidence amounted to 82.16 % of the total incidence recorded on the whole in Russia. High incidence rates are also recorded in the Central Federal District (CFD). Over the past 10 years (2010–2019), there has been an increase in the incidence of HFRS in the Central and North-West Federal Districts, and a decrease in the incidence in the Ural and Far Eastern Federal Districts. Varying degree of anthropogenic impact on the natural HFRS foci and climate change manifested in increased ambient air temperatures are of great importance for the spread of HFRS over the past decade. At the end of the review the forecast of the development of the epidemiological situation on HFRS in the Russian Federation for 2020 is presented.
Experimental Evaluation of Application of the Vaccine Strain Yersinia pestis EV NIIEG in Combination with Immune-Modulators
Authors: Goncharova A. Yu. , Bugorkova S. A. , Kudryavtseva O. M. , Kozhevnikov V. A. , Kravtsov A. L. , Kashtanova T. N. , Shchukovskaya T. N.
Published: July 2020

Abstract. Objective of the work was to conduct a comparative assessment of the immune-modulating effect of the combined use of Yersinia pestis EV NIIEG vaccine strain with Polyoxidonium and Ingaron preparations on a BALB/c mouse model.

Materials and methods. Mice of the BALB/c line were immunized subcutaneously with Yersinia pestis EV NIIEG culture at a dose of 2.5 104 m.c. (1st group), in combination with Ingaron at a dose of 150 IU (2nd group) or with Polyoxidonium at a dose of 4 мg (3rd group), the 4th group is intact mice. On days 3, 7, 21 and 90 after immunization, the subpopulation composition of lymphocytes, the production of mediators of the cellular response (INF-ɣ and IL-10), the titers of specific antibodies to the capsular antigen of plague microbe (F1), the nuclear apparatus of lymphocytes, and the nature of histological changes in the organs of mice were determined. Characterization of immunogenic (protective) activity of the combined use of Y. pestis EV NIIEG with immune-modulators against Y. pestis 231 in experiments on BALB/c mice was performed on the 21st day after immunization through determining the number of dead animals and their average life expectancy.

Results and discussion. The combined administration of Y. pestis EV NIIEG vaccine strain with Polyoxidonium or Ingaron to experimental animals allowed us to establish differences in the response of the immune system of biomodels, due to the mechanism of action of a specific immune-modulator. It has been established that both Polyoxidonium and Ingaron combined with Y. pestis EV NIIEG enhance the response of immune-competent cells in experimental animals, contribute to the activation of the humoral response and the production of mediators of the cellular response, do not have a damaging effect on the tissue of the macroorganism. At the same time, the efficacy of using combined vaccination of Y. pestis EV NIIEG with immune-modulators in the inoculation test is confirmed for Polyoxidonium only.
Phylogeny and Historical-Geographical Analysis of Yersinia pestis Strains from Vietnam
Authors: Nikiforov K. A. , Kukleva L. M. , Al’khova Zh. V. , Oglodin E. G. , Makashova M. A. , Naryshkina E. A. , Guseva N. P. , Eroshenko G. A. , Dang Hong Chien , Lyong Mo Thi , Vo Viet Kyong , Kutyrev V. V.
Published: July 2020

Objective of the work was to identify molecular-genetic peculiarities, to conduct whole genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of Yersinia pestis strains isolated inVietnam between 1962 and 1989.

Materials and methods. We have studied the properties of 50 Y. pestis strains, carried out whole genome sequencing of 18 and fragment sequencing of 32 strains from Vietnam. Phylogenetic analysis was performed on the basis of whole genome SNPanalysis by 1391 identified SNPs. Whole genome SNP-analysis and search for marker SNPs were conducted applying Wombac 2.0 software package. Phylogenetic diagram construction was done using Maximum Likelihood algorithm.

Results and discussion. Several phylogenetic branches and Y. pestis populations coinciding with geographical and historical dissemination of the strains have been distinguished. The major part of the strains from Vietnam falls under the branch designated by us as 1.ORI2v. Two strains form a separate branch together with the strain from India belonging to 1.ORI2 line, one more strain, 55-801 Saigon, is set among the strains of 1.ORI1 line. Based on the data obtained and evidence from the literature sources it can be assumed that introduction of plague into Vietnam occurred through several waves: Nha Trang city in 1898, by sea; north provinces of the country – 1908. The second wave of Y. pestis dissemination across the territory of Vietnam began in 1960s with the emergence of the strains from the natural plague focus in Yunnan province, China.
Chemical entrapment and killing of insects by bacteria
Authors: Ho Louis , Daniel-Ivad Martin , Jeedigunta Swathi , Li Jing , Iliadi Konstantin , Boulianne Gabrielle , Hurd Thomas , Smibert Craig , Nodwell Justin
Published: July 2020

Actinobacteria such as the filamentous streptomycetes are widely known for their ability to produce specialized metabolites that include antibacterial and antifungal compounds. In addition, a growing body of work demonstrates that many insects harbour actinobacteria on their bodies and in their nests. The result of these mutualistic relationships is the protection of their offspring or food sources by virtue of the bacterially encoded specialized metabolites. However, some actinobacteria produce molecules that are toxic to insects and the relevance of this toxicity in nature is unknown. We have explored interactions between streptomycetes and the fruit fly Drosophila. We find that many streptomycetes produce specialized metabolites that have potent larvicidal effects against the fly. Larvae that ingest spores of the species that produce these toxic molecules die as a result. Strikingly, the mechanism of toxicity is specific to the bacterium’s chemical arsenal: cosmomycin D producing cells induce a relatively slow-acting cell death-like response in the larval digestive tract and avermectin producing cells induce rapid onset, whole-body paralysis. We further show that fruit flies are attracted to the volatile terpene 2-methylisoborneol that is produced by most streptomycetes. This interaction can influence their food choice and egg-laying destination such that they preferentially deposit their eggs on contaminated food sources. As a result, the larvae that hatch in these toxic environments are subsequently killed. This phenomena of terpene-mediated attraction and specialized metabolite toxicity must pose a significant risk to insects in nature.
Segmentation and Evaluation of COVID-19 Lesion from CT scan Slices - A Study with Kapur/Otsu Function and Cuckoo Search Algorithm
Authors: Satapathy Suresh Chandra , Hemanth D. Jude , Kadry Seifedine , Manogaran Gunasekaran , Hannon Naeem M S , Rajinikanth V.
Published: July 2020

Infection/disease in lung is one of the acute illnesses in humans. Pneumonia is one of the major lung diseases and each year; the death rate due to the untreated pneumonia is on rise globally. From December 2019; the pneumonia caused by the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) has emerged as a global threat due to its rapidity. The clinical level assessment of the COVID-19 is normally performed with the Computed-Tomography scan Slice (CTS) or the Chest X-ray. This research aims to propose an image processing system to examine the COVID-19 infection in CTS. This work implements Cuckoo-Search-Algorithm (CSA) monitored Kapur/Otsu image thresholding and a chosen image segmentation procedure to extract the pneumonia infection. After extracting the COVID-19 infection from the CTS, a relative assessment is then executed with the Ground-Truth-Image (GTI) offered by a radiologist and the essential performance measures are then computed to confirm the superiority of the proposed technique. This work also presents a comparative assessment among the segmentation procedures, such as Level-Set (LS) and Chan-Vese (CV) methods. The experimental outcome authenticates that, the results by Kapur and Otsu threshold are approximately similar when the LS is implemented and the CV with the Otsu presents better values of Jaccard, Dice and Accuracy compared to other methods presented in this research.
Digital Data Creation for Property Tax Management
Authors: Singh Anu , Kanga Shruti
Published: July 2020

In India, the municipal corporations are facing issues in property tax collection and major reason for it is lack of count of assessed properties under its jurisdiction. Also the storage of information of the properties are majorly based on manual efforts which lead to data redundancy and failure to appropriate tax collection. The study has been carried out in the Hauz Khas Ward, South Delhi Municipal Corporation, Delhi. The purpose of this paper to develop spatial database for the property tax management which include capture of building footprint, road, land use such as Parks, paved area, Drains etc and demarcation of boundaries such as locality, slums etc on basis of regular grid net with cell size of 250 m by 250 m. Along with this, to create an unique no. to each building polygon called BUID (Building Unique ID) to provide individuality to each polygon. This data will be useful for the collection of information of properties related to property evaluation parameters for tax calculation through ground survey.
The Epitaxy of 2D materials growth
Authors: Dong Jichen , Ding Feng
Published: July 2020

A general theoretical framework for the epitaxial growth of a 2D material on an arbitrary substrate was proposed. Our extensive density functional theory (DFT) calculations show that the propagating edge of a 2D material tends to align along a high symmetry direction of the substrate and, as a conclusion, the interplay between the symmetries of the 2D material and the substrate plays a critical role in the epitaxial growth of the 2D material. Based on our results, we have outlined that unidirectional align-ment of 2D material islands on a substrate can be realized only if the symmetry group of the substrate is a subgroup of that of the 2D material. Our predictions are in perfect agreement with most experi-mental observations on 2D materials’ growth on various substrates known up to now. We believe that this general guideline will lead to the large-scale synthesis of wafer-scale single crystals of various 2D materials in the near future.
COVID-19 outbreak in Brazil: Adherence to national preventive measures and impact on people’s lives
Authors: Villela Edlaine Faria de Moura , Lopez Rossana Verónica Mendoza , Sato Ana Paula Sayuri , Oliveira Fábio Morato de , Waldman Eliseu Alves , Bergh Rafael Van den , Fodjo Joseph Nelson Siewe , Colebunders Robert
Published: July 2020

Background: The first case of COVID-19 infection was diagnosed in Brazil 26th February 2020. By March 16th, physical distancing and confinement measures were implemented by the Brazilian government. Little is known about how these measures were followed up by the Brazilian people and their impact on daily routine.Methods: In early April 2020, using an online platform, we organized an online survey among adults living in Brazil about their COVID-19 preventive behavior. Results: Data from 23.896 respondents were analyzed (mean age: 47.4 years). Due to COVID-19 restrictions, half (51.1%) of the professionals reported working from home. Regular handwashing was practiced by 98.7% of participants; 92.6% reported adhering to the 1.5-2m physical distancing rule, but only 45.5% wore a face mask when going outside. While 29.3% of respondents found it relatively easy to stay at home, indoor confinement was extremely difficult for 7.9% of participants. Moreover, 11% of participants were extremely worried about their health during the COVID-19 epidemic.Younger people, male, persons living in a rural area/village or popular neighbourhoods, students and workers reported less preventive behaviour. Conclusion: Restrictive measures markedly affected the daily and professional routines of Brazilians. Participants showed a satisfactory level of adherence to national COVID-19 prevention guidelines. Qualitative and follow-up studies are needed to monitor the impact of COVID-19 in the Brazilian society.
A case report of COVID-19 virus infection in a patient with hereditary angioedema
Authors: Kanani Amin S.
Published: July 2020

Background: This is the first reported case of coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) in a patient with hereditary angioedema (HAE) type 1/2. Case presentation: A female with HAE receiving C1 inhibitor prophylaxis had no angioedema attacks when contracting the COVID-19 virus and had a mild clinical course.Conclusions: In this case there was no exacerbation of angioedema with the COVID-19 virus and the mild clinical course could possibly be from receiving C1 inhibitor prophylaxis.
Ethanol-Drop Grinding Approach: Cadmium Oxide Nanoparticles Catalyzed the Synthesis of [1,3]Dioxolo[g][1]benzopyran-6-carboxylic Acids and Pyrido[d]pyrimidine-7-carboxylic Acids
Authors: Dahi-Azar Saman , Abdolmohammadi Shahrzad , Mokhtari Javad
Published: July 2020

Aim and Objective:

In the last decades, it has extensively been verified that
nanostructured transition metal oxides emerge as inexpensive, available and extremely efficient
heterogeneous catalysts in chemical transformations. The high electrical conductivity, high carrier
concentration, and improved reactivity in cadmium oxide nanoparticles (CdO NPs) make it as a
potential candidate for applications in the fields of nanocatalysis. [1]Benzopyran and
pyridopyrimidine derivatives compose major classes of heterocyclic compounds, which have a
wide spectrum of biological activities.

Materials and Methods:

In the present work, we report a facile and highly effective synthesis of 8-
aryl-8H-[1,3]dioxolo[4,5-g][1]benzopyran-6-carboxylic acids and 1,3-dimethyl-2,4-dioxo-5-
phenyl-1,2,3,4,5,8-hexahydropyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine-7-carboxylic acids via CdO NPs catalyzed
cyclo condensation reaction of 4-substituted phenylmethylidenepyruvic acids with 3,4-
methylenedioxyphenol or 6-amino-1,3-dimethyluracil, which was accomplished under ethanoldrop
grinding at room temperature. The described catalyst was prepared successfully by a simple
precipitation method and characterized by the Fourier transformed infrared absorption (FT-IR)
spectroscopy, X-Ray diffraction (XRD) analytical technique, and scanning electron microscopy
(SEM).

Results:

A number of [1,3]dioxolo[g][1]benzopyran-6-carboxylic acids and pyrido[d]pyrimidine-
7-carboxylic acids were effectively synthesized in high yields (96-98%) within short reaction
times (10-15 min). All synthesized compounds were well-characterized by IR, 1H and 13C NMR
spectroscopy, and also by elemental analyses.

Conclusion:

In summary, we have developed a very simple and impressive procedure for the
synthesis of 8-aryl-8H-[1,3]dioxolo[4,5-g][1]benzopyran-6-carboxylic acids and 1,3-dimethyl-
2,4-dioxo-5-phenyl-1,2,3,4,5,8-hexahydropyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine-7-carboxylic acids as
biologically interesting structures in the presence of CdO NPs as an efficient recyclable
heterogeneous catalyst. The remarkable advantages for the offered protocol compared with
traditional methods are short reaction time, good yields of the products, and the ease of operation
with simple work-up procedure.
Host Plant Strategies to Combat Against Viruses Effector Proteins
Authors: Marwal Avinash , Gaur Rajarshi Kumar
Published: July 2020

Viruses are obligate parasites that exist in an inactive state until they enter the host body.
Upon entry, viruses become active and start replicating by using the host cell machinery. All plant viruses
can augment their transmission, thus powering their detrimental effects on the host plant. To diminish
infection and diseases caused by viruses, the plant has a defence mechanism known as pathogenesis-
related biochemicals, which are metabolites and proteins. Proteins that ultimately prevent
pathogenic diseases are called R proteins. Several plant R genes (that confirm resistance) and avirulence
protein (Avr) (pathogen Avr gene-encoded proteins [effector/elicitor proteins involved in pathogenicity])
molecules have been identified. The recognition of such a factor results in the plant defence
mechanism. During plant viral infection, the replication and expression of a viral molecule lead to a
series of a hypersensitive response (HR) and affect the host plant’s immunity (pathogen-associated
molecular pattern–triggered immunity and effector-triggered immunity). Avr protein renders the host
RNA silencing mechanism and its innate immunity, chiefly known as silencing suppressors towards
the plant defensive machinery. This is a strong reply to the plant defensive machinery by harmful
plant viruses. In this review, we describe the plant pathogen resistance protein and how these proteins
regulate host immunity during plant–virus interactions. Furthermore, we have discussed regarding ribosome-
inactivating proteins, ubiquitin proteasome system, translation repression (nuclear shuttle protein
interacting kinase 1), DNA methylation, dominant resistance genes, and autophagy-mediated protein
degradation, which are crucial in antiviral defences.
Vitamin D and Non-coding RNAs: New Insights into the Regulation of Breast Cancer
Authors: Shahrzad Mohammad Karim , Gharehgozlou Reyhaneh , Fadaei Sara , Hajian Parastoo , Mirzaei Hamid Reza
Published: July 2020

Breast cancer, a life-threatening serious disease with a high incident rate among women, is responsible for thousands of cancer-associated death worldwide. Numerous investigations have evaluated the possible mechanisms related to this malignancy. Among them, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), i.e., microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs have recently attracted attention of researchers. In addition to recent studies for evaluating the role of ncRNAs in breast cancer etiology, some investigations have revealed that vitamin D has regulatory and therapeutic roles in breast cancer. Moreover, an important link between vitamin D and ncRNAs in cancer therapy has been highlighted. Herein, the aim of this study was to discuss the available data on the mentioned link in breast cancer.
Regulation of Breast Cancer Progression by Noncoding RNAs
Authors: Akshaya Ravishkumar L. , Rohini Muthukumar , Selvamurugan Nagarajan
Published: July 2020

Background:

Breast cancer (BC) is the cardinal cause of cancer-related deaths among women across the globe. Our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying BC invasion and metastasis remains insufficient. Recent studies provide compelling evidence on the prospective contribution of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) and the association of different interactive mechanisms between these ncRNAs with breast carcinogenesis. MicroRNAs (small ncRNAs) and lncRNAs (long ncRNAs) have been explored extensively as classes of ncRNAs in the pathogenesis of several malignancies, including BC.

Objective:

In this review, we aim to provide a better understanding of the involvement of miRNAs and lncRNAs and their underlying mechanisms in BC development and progression that may assist the development of monitoring biomarkers and therapeutic strategies to effectively combat BC.

Conclusion:

These ncRNAs play critical roles in cell growth, cell cycle regulation, epithelialmesenchymal transition (EMT), invasion, migration, and apoptosis among others, and were observed to be highly dysregulated in several cancers. The miRNAs and lncRNAs were observed to interact with each other through several mechanisms that governed the expression of their respective targets and could act either as tumor suppressors or as oncogenes, playing a crucial part in breast carcinogenesis.
No Increase in HIV Drug Resistance Mutations among Injecting Drug Users on Methadone Maintenance Therapy: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Huang Chunyuan , Ye Li , Abdullah Abu S , Liang Bingyu , Jiang Junjun , Ning Chuanyi , Zang Ning , Zhang Yu , Yang Yuan , Hu Xi , Yang Quanlue , Luo Chaolian , Lao Feixiang , Liu Huifang , Liang Hao , Huang Jiegang
Published: July 2020

Background:

Whether HIV-positive injecting drug users (IDUs) are at higher risk of
developing drug resistance mutations (DRMs) after methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) than
any other HIV-positive population is unclear.

Objective:

To compare the incidence of new DRMs in two population groups: antiretroviraltreatment
(ART) HIV-positive IDUs and non-drug users.

Methods:

A prospective cohort of ART HIV-positive patients including IDUs who received MMT
(MMT group) and non-drug users (N-MMT group) was established from April 2016 to December
2017 in Guangxi, China.

Results:

Of the 80 participants, 43 were in the MMT group and 37 were in the N-MMT group.
Compared with the N-MMT group, the HRs of PIs, NRTIs and NNRTIs for new DRMs in the
MMT group was 1.55 (95%CI: 0.28-8.64; P = 0.616), 1.51 (95%CI: 0.44-5.20; P = 0.512) and 0.45
(95%CI: 0.15-1.35; P = 0.155), respectively. There was no dose-response relationship between
MMT and new DRMs for PIs, NRTIs and NNRTIs (P > 0.05). The new DRM incidence for NRTIs
(138.23 per 104 person-months) was higher than for PIs (94.16 per 104 person-months) and
NNRTIs (95.41per 104 person-months) in the MMT group, while the new DRM incidence for
NNRTIs (208.24 per 104 person-months) was higher than for PIs (44.13 per 104 person-months)
and NRTIs (91.78 per 104 person-months) in the N-MMT group.

Conclusion:

Among ART HIV-positive patients, there is no significant difference in the incidence
of new DRMs between IDUs receiving MMT and non-drug users. MMT has little impact on the
development of DRMs among IDUs.
Prevalence of COVID-19-like Symptoms among People Living with HIV, and Using Antiretroviral Therapy for Prevention and Treatment
Authors: SeyedAlinaghi SeyedAhmad , Ghadimi Maryam , Hajiabdolbaghi Mahboubeh , Rasoolinejad Mehrnaz , Abbasian Ladan , Nezhad Malihe Hassan , Manshadi SeyedAli Dehghan , Ghadimi Fatemeh , Ahmadinejad Zahra
Published: July 2020

Background:

COVID-19 has spread globally with remarkable speed, and currently,
there is limited data available exploring any aspect of the intersection between HIV and SARSCoV-
2 co-infection.

Objective:

To estimate the prevalence of clinical symptoms associated with COVID-19 among
people living with HIV (PLWH) in Tehran, Iran.

Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Methods:

A total of 200 PLWH were recruited through the positive club via sampling, and completed
the symptom-based questionnaire for COVID-19, which was delivered by trained peers.

Results:

Of 200 participants, respiratory symptoms, including cough, sputum, and shortness of
breath, were the most prevalent among participants, but only one person developed symptoms collectively
suggested COVID-19 and sought treatments.

Conclusions:

It appears that existing infection with HIV or receiving antiretroviral treatment (ART)
might reduce the susceptibility to the infection with SARS-CoV-2 or decrease the severity of the
infection acquired. Further research is needed to understand causal mechanisms.
The Effect of Myrtus communis Aqueous Extract-Containing Gel on Wound Healing in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Khodaie Seyed-Ali , Emadi Fatemeh , Naseri Mohsen , Kamalinejad Mohammad , Riahi Seyed Mohammad , Alijaniha Fatemeh , Roghani Mehrdad
Published: July 2020

Background: :

The medicinal plant Myrtus communis L. (Myrtle) has been medicinal properties including antiinflammatory and wound healing in Persian Medicine.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to explore the wound healing potential of the local application of a gel containing
aqueous extract of the plant berry in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats.

Methods:

Seven days after diabetes establishment, full-thickness excision skin wounds were made in normal and diabetic
rats and treated groups received topical application of a gel containing 6% aqueous extract of myrtle berries for 3 weeks.
The rate of wound healing and the level of epidermal and dermal maturation in the wound tissue were determined.

Results:

The results showed that after 3 and 7 days of wound injury, the gel significantly improved wound healing by accelerating epidermal and dermal maturation in diabetic rats with no significant effect in control group. However, the wounds
of all groups almost completely healed after 3 weeks.

Conclusion:

These results demonstrate that aqueous extract of myrtle possesses a definite wound healing potential in diabetic condition. Our present findings may suggest the use of topical myrtle berries aqueous extract gel 6% to treat and manage
intractable diabetic wounds.
The Toxicity Effect of Echium amoenum on the Liver and Kidney of Mice
Authors: Ghorbani Mozhgan , Araghi Atefeh , Shariatifar Nabi , Mirbaha Seyed Hooman , Abbasabadi Behrokh Marzban , Samarghandian Saeed , Farkhondeh Tahereh , Sadighara Parisa
Published: July 2020

Aims:

The aim of this study was to investigate the toxic effect of Echium amoenum
plants on the liver and kidney of the animal model.

Background:

Echium amoenum is one of the medicinal plants containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids
with several properties which has widely consumed among different communities.

Objective:

The toxic effects of Echium amoenum on the liver and kidney were investigated in this study.

Methods:

Sixty mice were kept for 28 days under the appropriate laboratory conditions. Echium
amoenum extract (25, 12.5, 50 mg / kg, ip.) was administered for 28 days. At the end of the experiment,
blood samples were drawn and liver and kidneys were removed for evaluating hepatotoxicity
and nephrotoxicity of extract. Additionally, experiments were conducted to assay the enzymatic
and oxidative activities.

Results:

There was no significant difference in the levels of copper ion in the liver and kidneys
among all groups. There was a significant difference in the levels of lipid peroxidation in the liver
of treated groups versus the control group. The significant difference was not observed in the levels
of glutathione of the liver of all groups. However, the levels of glutathione of the kidney significantly
decreased in the treated groups versus the control group. There was no significant difference
in the liver enzymes, including ALP, SGOT, and SGPT, between all groups. This indicates
that damage increases with enhancing the time and concentrations of the extract. Biochemical
analysis showed the creatinine and urea levels did not change in the treated groups versus the control
group.

Conclusion:

According to the present findings, it is suggested that Echium amoenum causes hepatotoxicity
and nephrotoxicity effects in dose and time-dependent manner.
Potential Fatty Acid as Antibacterial Agent Against Oral Bacteria of Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sanguinis from Basil (Ocimum americanum): In vitro and In silico Studies
Authors: Herdiyati Yetty , Astrid Yonada , Shadrina Aldina Amalia Nur , Wiani Ika , Satari Mieke Hemiawati , Kurnia Dikdik
Published: July 2020

Background:

Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sanguinis are Gram-positive
bacteria that cause dental caries. MurA enzyme acts as a catalyst in the formation of peptidoglycan
in bacterial cell walls, making it ideal as an antibacterial target. Basil (Ocimum americanum)
is an edible plant that is diverse and has been used as a herbal medicine for a long time. It has
been reported that basil has a pharmacological effect as well as antibacterial activity. The purpose
of this study was to identify antibacterial compounds in O. americanum and analyze their inhibition
activity on MurA enzyme.

Methods:

Fresh leaves from O. americanum extracted with n-hexane and purified by a combination of column chromatography on normal and reverse phase together with guided by in vitro bioactivity assay against S. mutans ATCC 25175 and S.
sanguinis ATCC 10556, respectively, while in silico molecular docking simulation of lauric acid (1) using PyRx 0.8.

Results:

The structure determination of antibacterial compound by spectroscopic methods resulted in an active compound 1
as lauric acid. The in vitro evaluation of antibacterial activity compound 1 showed the MIC and MBC of 78.13 & 156.3 ppm
and 1250 & 2500 ppm against S. sanguinis and in S. mutans, respectively. Further analysis in silico evaluation as MurA Enzyme inhibitor, lauric acid (1) has a binding affinity of -5.2 Kcal/mol those higher than fosfomycin.

Conclusion:

Lauric acid showed the potential as a new natural antibacterial agent through MurA
inhibition in bacterial cell wall biosynthesis.
3,4,5-Trisubstituted-1,2,4-triazole Derivatives as Antiproliferative Agents: Synthesis, In vitro Evaluation and Molecular Modelling
Authors: Yurttaş Leyla , Evren Asaf Evrim , Kubilay Aslıhan , Temel Halide Edip , Çiftçi Gülşen Akalın
Published: July 2020

Background:

Cancer is the name given to various diseases that are mainly uncontrolled,
related to cell growth and can affect various organs. Among them, lung cancer is the one, which, in
its earliest stages, is difficult to diagnose, and it is asymptomatic until the disease progresses.
Triazole ring is an important heterocyclic ring known with various pharmacological activities.

Objective:

It is aimed to synthesize and characterize novel 1,2,4-triazole derivatives and screen them
for in vitro antiproliferative activity and binding analysis through docking studies.

Method:

In this study, we have synthesized new 2-[[5-[(4-aminophenoxy)methyl]-4-phenyl-4H-
1,2,4-triazol-3-yl]thio]-N-(substituted aryl)acetamide (5a-h) derivatives and investigated their
anticancer activities against human lung cancer (A549) and mouse embryo fibroblast cell lines
(NIH/3T3) by MTT, flow cytometric, caspase-3 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) inhibition
assays.

Results:

Compounds 5f, 5g and 5h showed the highest cytotoxicity and caused significant
apoptosis. These compounds inhibited MMP-9, slightly whereas they did not effect caspase-3.

Conclusion:

5f namely, N-(5-acetyl-4-methylthiazol-2-yl)-2-((5-((4-aminophenoxy)methyl)-4-
phenyl-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)thio)acetamide exhibited as the most active compound with selective
cytotoxicity and the highest MMP-9 inhibition. Besides, molecular modelling assessment was
signified that antiproliferative activity of the compounds 5f, 5g and 5h was through a slight MMP-9
inhibition pathway.
HLA-DQ Gene Polymorphisms Associated with Hepatitis B Virus in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression
Authors: Mohamed Amal A. , Abdel-Rahman Adel A.-H. , Saad Somia , Mousa Shrook , Tantawi Omnia , Zahran Fawkia E. , Shafik Nevine F. , Elshimy Reham A.A. , Alkhalegy Ayman A.-H. , Kandil Alaa , Ahmed Rehab , Khalil Mahmoud , Soliman Moataz Y. , Abo-Amer Yousry E.-E. , Abd-Elsalam Sherief
Published: July 2020

Background:

The development and progression of hepatitis B (HBV)-related disease
can lead to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (LC and HCC, respectively). Human leukocyte
antigen (HLA) DQ polymorphism has been reported in other recent studies to deal with the association
between HBV and liver disease. Our study on the Egyptian population was introduced to
assess the strong association between HLA-DQ polymorphism and HBV infection in addition to
the progression of HCC.

Aim:

The aim of this work was to estimate HLA-DQ gene polymorphisms in HBV and HCC.

Methods:

HLA-DQ genotype polymorphism was assayed by using the ABI Taq Man allelic discrimination
assay in different groups in this study. According to the relevant HLA Class II single
nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) literature, one single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) was selected
as the candidate site; it was an HLA-DQ, which showed minor allele frequencies AA, GA, and
GG.

Results:

Haplotype analysis was performed on all the subjects in the study; AA haplotype was the
most frequent haplotype in HCC cases (18%) in comparison with HBV and healthy individuals
(3%). The haplotype GA was more frequent in the HCC group and slightly more frequent in LC
when compared to HBV only cases and also when compared to the control group. In contrast, the
GG haplotype was recorded less frequently in HCC individuals, but the HBV and LC groups
showed more frequency of this haplotype compared with the HCC group. There was a correlation
between AFP serum levels and the frequency of GA and AA polymorphism in HCC cases.

Conclusion:

We found that AA and GA haplotype was significantly most frequent in HCC. Our
findings suggest that HLA-DQ AA and GG polymorphism might serve as a novel potential predictive
marker for HCC and may function in tumorigenesis of HBV.
Brain Tumor Segmentation of T1w MRI Images Based on Clustering Using Dimensionality Reduction Random Projection Technique
Authors: Babu K. Rajesh , Nagajaneyulu P.V. , Prasad K. Satya
Published: July 2020

Background:

Early diagnosis of a brain tumor may increase life expectancy. Magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI) accompanied by several segmentation algorithms is preferred as a reliable
method for assessment. The availability of high-dimensional medical image data during diagnosis
places a heavy computational burden and a suitable pre-processing step is required for lower-
dimensional representation. The storage requirement and complexity of image data are also a
concern. To address this concern, the random projection technique (RPT) is widely used as a multivariate
approach for data reduction.

Aim:

This study mainly focuses on T1-weighted MRI image clustering for brain tumor segmentation
with dimension reduction by using the conventional principal component analysis (PCA) and
RPT.

Methods:

Two clustering algorithms, K-means and fuzzy c-means (FCM) were used for brain tumor
detection. The primary study objective was to present a comparison of the two clustering methods
between MRI images subjected to PCA and RPT. In addition to the original dimension of 512
× 512, three other image sizes, 256 × 256, 128 × 128, and 64 × 64, were used to determine the effect
of the methods.

Results:

In terms of average reconstruction, Euclidean distance, and segmentation distance errors,
the RPT produced better results than the PCA method for all the clustered images from clustering
techniques.

Conclusion:

According to the values of performance metrics, RPT supported fuzzy c-means in
achieving the best clustering performance and provided significant results for each new size of the
MRI images.
FDG-PET/CT Radiomics Models for The Early Prediction of Locoregional Recurrence in Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Cong Hu , Peng Wang , Tian Zhou , Vallières Martin , Chuanpei Xu , Aijun Zhu , Benxin Zhang
Published: July 2020

Purpose:

Both CT and PET radiomics is considered as a potential prognostic biomarker
in head and neck cancer. This study investigates the value of fused pre-treatment functional imaging
(18F-FDG PET/CT) radiomics for modeling of local recurrence of head and neck cancers.

Material and Methods:

Firstly, 298 patients have been divided into a training set (n = 192) and
verification set (n = 106). Secondly, PETs and CTs are fused based on wavelet transform. Thirdly,
radiomics features are extracted from the 3D tumor area from PETCT fusion. The training set is
used to select the features reduction and predict local recurrence, and the random forest prediction
models combining radiomics and clinical variables are constructed. Finally, the ROC curve and KM
analysis are used to evaluate the prediction efficiency of the model on the validation set.

Results:

Two PET/CT fusion radiomics features and three clinic parameters are extracted to construct
the radiomics model. AUC value in the verification set 0.70 is better than no fused sets 0.69.
The accuracy of 0.66 is not the highest value (0.67). Either consistency index CI 0.70 (from 0.67 to
0.70) or the p-value 0.025 (from 0.03 to 0.025) get the best result in all four models.

Conclusion:

The radiomics model based on the fusion of PETCT is better than the model based on
PET or CT alone in predicting local recurrence, the inclusion of clinical parameters may result in
more accurate predictions, which has certain guiding significance for the development of personalized,
precise treatment scheme.
Structure Prediction of SPAK C-terminal Domain and Analysis of its Binding to RFXV/I Motifs by Homology Modelling, Docking and Molecular Dynamics Simulation Studies
Authors: Alamri Mubarak A. , Alafnan Ahmed D. , Afzal Obaid , Alabbas Alhumaidi B. , Alqahtani Safar M.
Published: July 2020

Background:

The STE20/SPS1-related proline/alanine-rich kinase (SPAK) is a component
of WNK-SPAK/OSR1 signaling pathway that plays an essential role in blood pressure regulation.
The function of SPAK is mediated by its highly conserved C-terminal domain (CTD) that interacts
with RFXV/I motifs of upstream activators, WNK kinases, and downstream substrate, cation-
chloride cotransporters.

Objective:

To determine and validate the three-dimensional structure of the CTD of SPAK and to study and analyze its
interaction with the RFXV/I motifs.

Methods:

A homology model of SPAK CTD was generated and validated through multiple approaches.
The model was based on utilizing the OSR1 protein kinase as a template. This model was
subjected to a 100 ns molecular dynamic (MD) simulation to evaluate its dynamic stability. The final
equilibrated model was used to dock the RFQV-peptide derived from WNK4 into the primary
pocket that was determined based on the homology sequence between human SPAK and OSR1
CTDs. The mechanism of interaction, conformational rearrangement and dynamic stability of the
binding of RFQV-peptide to SPAK CTD were characterized by molecular docking and molecular
dynamic simulation.

Results:

The MD simulation suggested that the binding of RFQV induces a large conformational
change due to the distribution of salt bridge within the loop regions. These results may help in understanding
the relationship between the structure and function of SPAK CTD and to support the
drug design of potential SPAK kinase inhibitors as antihypertensive agents.

Conclusion:

This study provides deep insight into SPAK CTD structure and function relationship.
Antimicrobial Applications of Nanoliposome Encapsulated Silver Nanoparticles: A Potential Strategy to Overcome Bacterial Resistance
Authors: Mozafari M.R. , Torkaman Sarabanou , Karamouzian Fatemeh Mahsa , Rasti Babak , Baral Bikash
Published: July 2020

Bacterial infections result in hundreds of million cases of severe illness annually worldwide.
Rapidly increasing drug resistance of pathogens further aggravates this threat to human health
and warrants the search for effective broad-spectrum antibacterial agents. Silver metal has a long
history of application in human medicine and healthcare. In ancient times, silver was employed as a
disinfectant for water purification and storage while it is still being used as an antimicrobial ingredient
in some nanotechnology-based products. Encapsulation of antimicrobial substances such as silver
nanoparticles in nanoliposomes could provide protection and targeting for the encapsulated or entrapped
material. Nanoliposomes are biocompatible and biodegradable drug delivery systems with
the ability to encapsulate both lipid-soluble and water-soluble compounds, as well as metal ions.
Furthermore, nanoliposomes have been shown to be able to deliver encapsulated agents to target
bacteria in vitro as well as in vivo. In this review, we present the use of nanoliposome-encapsulated
silver nanoparticles as an efficient system for antibacterial applications.
From Embryo to Adult: One Carbon Metabolism in Stem Cells
Authors: Altundag Özlem , Çelebi-Saltik Betül
Published: July 2020

Stem cells are undifferentiated cells with self-renewal property and varying differentiation potential that allow the regeneration of tissue cells of an organism throughout adult life beginning from embryonic development. Through the asymmetric cell divisions, each stem cell replicates itself and produces an offspring identical with the mother cell, and a daughter cell that possesses the characteristics of a progenitor cell and commits to a specific lineage to differentiate into tissue cells to maintain homeostasis. To maintain a pool of stem cells to ensure tissue regeneration and homeostasis, it is important to regulate the metabolic functioning of stem cells, progenitor cells and adult tissue stem cells that will meet their internal and external needs. Upon fertilization, the zygote transforms metabolic reprogramming while implantation, embryonic development, organogenesis processes and after birth through adult life. Metabolism in stem cells is a concept that is relatively new to be enlightened. There are no adequate and comprehensive in vitro studies on the comparative analysis of the effects of one-carbon (1-C) metabolism on fetal and adult stem cells compared to embryonic and cancer stem cells’ studies that have been reported recently. Since 1-C metabolism is linking parental environmental/ dietary factors and fetal development, investigating the epigenetic, genetic, metabolic and developmental effects on adult period is necessary. Several mutations and abnormalities in 1-C metabolism have been noted in disease changing from diabetes, cancer, pregnancy-related outcomes such as pre-eclampsia, spontaneous abortion, placental abruption, premature delivery, and cardiovascular diseases. In this review, the effects of 1-C metabolism, mainly the methionine and folate metabolism, in stem cells that exist in different developmental stages will be discussed.