bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pentraxin 3 as a promising biomarker for cancer detection: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Liang Qindong , Zhang Guangjie , Huang Huaan , Xing Nai , Sheng Shangchun , Gu Changguo
Published: October 2019

Background Mounting studies reported that circulating pentraxin 3 (PTX3) expression level was significantly different between cancer patients and healthy groups, suggesting that PTX3 may be a potential biomarker for cancer detection. However, the results were inconsistent. In this paper, a systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to quantitatively assess the diagnostic value of PTX3 in cancer detection.Methods A comprehensive computerized literature search was conducted in Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) from inception to July 31, 2019. Eligible studies were identified and raw data were extracted. Diagnostic estimates were synthesized using STATA (version 12.0) and MetaDisc (version 1.4) statistical software.Results Overall, 9 studies from 8 citations with a total of 1408 cancer patiens and 3116 controls were included in this meta-analysis. The global sensitivity was 0.70 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.67 – 0.72), and the specificity was 0.77 (95% CI: 0.75 – 0.78). The pooled positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), and the diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) were 2.86 (95% CI: 2.29 – 3.56), 0.40 (95% CI: 0.32 – 0.50) and 7.38 (95% CI: 5.05 – 10.78), respectively. The merged AUC was 0.80 (95% CI: 0.76 – 0.83).Conclusion The serum PTX3 appears to be a reliable biomarker for cancer detection though large-scale multicenter studies are needed.
Correlation between SES and BMI and gender-disparity of mediation of lifestyle among Chinese people aged 45 and over 
Authors: Xue Li , ren xiaohui
Published: October 2019

Background: Previous studies suggested the relationship between SES and BMI is different in developing countries and developed countries and lifestyle is medication between SES and BMI. Little research focused on relationship between SES and BMI among the middle and the elderly and gender-disparity of mediation of lifestyle. Methods: The data for this study were obtained from the 2015 follow-up data of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). Structural equation model (SEM) was used to explore the relationships among SES, lifestyles and BMI. Results: Among men, the effect of SES on sleeping time and smoking were not statistically significant. SES had a direct positive effect on BMI (b=0.306, P<0.001). Smoking had a direct positive effect on BMI (b=0.180, P<0.001). Among women, SES had a direct negative effect on physical activity (b=-0.048, p<0.05), a direct positive on sleeping time (b=0.048, P<0.05), smoking (b=0.098, P<0.001) and BMI (b=0.168, P<0.001). Physical activity had a direct negative effect on BMI (b=-0.050, P<0.01). Sleeping time (b=0.066, p<0.001) and smoking (b=0.088, p<0.001) both had a direct positive effect on BMI. Conclusion: A positive relationship was found between SES and BMI both among middle and old men and women. The gender-disparity of mediation of lifestyle was existed.
Adverse events in deceased hospitalised cancer patients as a measure of quality and safety in end-of-life cancer care
Authors: Haukland Ellinor Christin , von Plessen Christian , Nieder Carsten , Vonen Barthold
Published: October 2019

Background: Anticancer treatment exposes patients to negative consequences such as increased toxicity and decreased quality of life, and there are clear guidelines recommending limiting use of aggressive anticancer treatments for patients near end of life. The aim of this study is to investigate the association between anticancer treatment given during the last 30 days of life and adverse events contributing to death and see if adverse events can be used as a measure of quality and safety in end-of-life cancer care
Methods: Retrospective cohort study of deceased hospitalised cancer patients using the Global Trigger Tool to identify adverse events. We used Poisson regression and binary logistic regression to compare adverse events and association with use of anticancer treatment given during the last 30 days of life.
Results: 30 % of deceased hospitalised cancer patients received some kind of anticancer treatment during the last 30 days of life, mainly systemic anticancer treatment. These patients had 62 % more adverse events compared to patients not being treated last 30 days, 39 vs. 24 adverse events per 1 000 patient days (p<0.001, OR 1.62 (1.23 – 2.15). They also had twice the odds of an adverse event contributing to death compared to patients without such treatment, 33 vs. 18 % (p=0.03, OR 2.10 (1.09 – 4.01).
Conclusions: Anticancer treatment given during the last 30 days of life is associated with a significantly increased rate of adverse events and related mortality. Identifying these adverse events is clearly warranted to improve clinical practice and avoid overtreatment in end-of life cancer care.
Challenges when caring for end-of-life patients with advanced dementia and pain: A qualitative study in Swedish nursing homes
Authors: Godskesen Tove , Lundin Emma
Published: October 2019

Background Of Swedish people with advanced dementia, the majority dies in nursing homes. Pain is a common symptom in patients at the end-of-life, and patients with advanced dementia often experience suboptimal and inadequate pain management. Compared to cancer patients, they receive fewer palliative care interventions. Although being largely responsible for the care of these patients, few studies address the experiences of registered nurses. Therefore, this study aimed to describe nurses' experiences of caring for end-of-life patients with advanced dementia and pain. Methods This study had a descriptive and explorative design. Individual interviews with thirteen nurses from twelve nursing homes in Sweden were qualitative and semi-structured. The content was analysed through inductive content analysis. Results Nurses described communicative, relational and organisational challenges. A major issue was difficulties to communicate with the patient, resulting in uncertain pain assessments. Other difficulties were to separate pain from anxiety, to balance benefits and risks in morphine administration, and to create good relationships with health care personnel and relatives. Relatives could greatly influence the assessment and management of pain, both as interpreters of pain behaviour and by questioning the care given. Facilitators of good pain management were good communication and relations with health care staff and relatives, having extensive professional experience, and knowing the patient.Conclusions This study highlights the need for nursing homes to employ specialist-trained nurses, who have the appropriate knowledge and skills to deal with the challenges in caring for end-of-life patients with dementia and pain. Additionally, there should be resources and strategies available for providing information to patients’ family members and for involving them in the decisional process, as they are often unfamiliar with the multitude of considerations involved in decisions such as whether to administrative morphine or not.
Radiotherapy versus radiotherapy combined with temozolomide in high-risk low-grade gliomas after surgery:Study protocol for a randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Wang Jingjing , Wang Ying , He Yan , Guan Hui , He Ling , Mu Xiaoli , Peng Xingchen
Published: October 2019

Background

It has been reported that radiation therapy followed by PCV chemotherapy (procarbazine, lomustine and vincristine) could improve progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients with high-risk WHO grade 2 gliomas after surgery. However, procarbazine is not available in China. In clinical practice, Chinese doctors often use radiotherapy combined with temozolomide to treat these patients, though large-scale prospective studies are lacking. This trial aims to confirm whether RT combined with temozolomide (TMZ) can improve PFS and OS in patients with high-risk low-grade gliomas (LGGs). Methods/design

This is a two-group, randomized controlled trial (RCT) enrolling patients who have low-grade (WHO grade 2) gliomas aged 40 years or older without regard to the extent of resection or younger than 40 years old with subtotal resection or biopsy. An estimated 250 patients will be enrolled. Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to receive radiation therapy (RT) alone or RT plus temozolomide chemotherapy in a 1:1 ratio. The same RT will be given to all eligible participants regardless of whether they are randomly assigned to RT group or chemoradiotherapy (CRT) group. While in the CRT group, patients will receive adjuvant TMZ with or without concurrent radiochemotherapy. The primary outcome of this trial is progression-free survival and it will be analyzed by intention-to-treat (ITT). Secondary outcomes include OS, adverse events and cognitive function (CF). Discussion

The objective of our research is to assess the effect of radiotherapy coupled with temozolomide in high-risk LGGs after surgery, compared with RT alone. Different histological types and molecular subtypes will be examined and subgroup analysis will be conducted based on them. Our data can provide evidence for postoperative adjuvant therapy in Chinese high-risk LGGs.
Modern techniques of teaching bovine rectal palpation: opportunities, benefits and disadvantages of new educational devices
Authors: JAŚKOWSKI JĘDRZEJ M. , SOBOLEWSKI JAROSŁAW , WIECZORKIEWICZ MARIA , GEHRKE MAREK , HERUDZIŃSKA MAGDALENA
Published: October 2019

Rectal palpation has been an integral part of a clinical examination of large animals. This seemingly easy technique can pose certain difficulties for veterinarians and therefore requires considerable training. The rectal examination course included in the traditional program of veterinary studies is mainly based on practical classes with live animals. However, there is a common belief that the use of live patients is burdened with certain disadvantages in the form of a lack of control over the student’s actions. What is more, a rectal palpation can have a negative effect on the animal organism. Following the increased focus on animal welfare in society and taking into account both ethical and medical concerns, a number of alternative teaching devices have appeared on the market in order to replace or significantly reduce the participation of live animals in the didactic process. Breed’n Betsy – one of the first simulators – is used to teach the diagnosis of the oestrus cycle and pregnancy phase as well as the artificial insemination or the embryo transfer. The appliance was soon followed by more technically advanced didactic equipment. Simulators, such as Haptic Cow, use virtual reality and haptic technology. The computer-generated, virtual objects representing the cow’s anatomical structure are displayed on the screen. This technique enables the tutor to follow student’s movements “inside the cow” and provide them with immediate instructions. Numerous studies indicate that the use of simulators, integrated with the traditional teaching techniques, brings highly satisfactory results.
Nesfatin-1: Pleiotropic hormone
Authors: TYMICKI GRZEGORZ , PUZIO IWONA , PAWŁOWSKA-OLSZEWSKA MARTA
Published: October 2019

Nesfatin-1 was first identified in 2006 as an anorexigenic peptide involved in appetite regulation. It is expressed both in the central nervous system and in the peripheral tissues. The anatomical location of neurons expressing nesfatin-1 and its co-occurrence with other neurotransmitters in the CNS indicate that its physiological role involves not only the regulation of food intake, but also neuroendocrine regulation and autonomic control of internal organs and behavioral responses. It affects the functions of the digestive tract and the cardiovascular system and plays an important role in the regulation of water intake, sleep, and reproductive functions. It plays an important role in the mechanism of metabolic control of the body, regulation of energy balance and body temperature, and development of obesity. Nevertheless, both the main source of nesfatin-1 in the circulation and the exact mechanisms of its functioning are not fully understood. Considering the pleiotropic effect of nesfatin-1, the relationship between the degree of body fatness and the risk of various diseases and the increase in the expression of nesfatin-1 in adipocytes with the development of obesity, it can be assumed that in the near future it will be taken into account as an important factor in the development, and perhaps treatment, of various diseases.
Determination of selected hormones and biochemical parameters in Turkish Van cats with tail gland hyperplasia
Authors: OZKAN CUMALİ , KAYAR ABDULLAH , KAYA ABDULLAH , YİLDİRİM SERKAN , ISKEFLİ ONUR , KOZAT SULEYMAN , AKGUL YAKUP
Published: October 2019

The present study was performed on Turkish Van cats with tail gland hyperplasia in order to determine changes in some hormone levels and biochemical parameters. Animal material consisted of 18 male Van cats of between 2-8 years of age, 12 with tail gland hyperplasia and 6 unaffected cats as the control group. Following routine clinical examination, hormone levels and biochemical parameters were measured by obtaining blood samples, and biopsy samples were obtained from the region and examined under a light microscope. When compared with the control group, testosterone levels were high although the difference between groups was not statistically significant. Similarly, no statistical significance was found between the groups in terms of other hormones. Among the hormonal parameters, the only remarkable increase was seen in the testosterone level. Among biochemical parameters, the alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate amino transferase (AST), cholesterol and triglyceride levels were statistically different, while other biochemical parameters were not statistically significant. While AST and cholesterol results were increased, ALP and triglyceride levels were decreased. As a result, we conclude that the disease is an important problem which occurs extensively in mature male Van cats, particularly during and after mating periods. We also conclude that the disease might be associated with an increase in testosterone levels. Presenting this study is beneficial as there are limited reports about this disease in cats. This is the first study presenting tail gland hyperplasia with some hormonal levels and biochemical parameters in male Van cats.
Awareness of man’s duties towards animals in handbooks of moral theology in the late 19th and early 20th centuries
Authors: SMYKOWSKI KRZYSZTOF
Published: October 2019

The aim of this article is to analyze the views on man’s relation to animals in the handbooks of moral theology from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which affected theological and moral reflection until the 1970s. Man’s relation to animals is discussed in most of the analyzed studies representing the Alphonsian, Neo-Thomistic and Christocentric currents. The moralists focus primarily on the question of acquiring the ownership right to animals. However, the authors also reflect on animal rights and man’s duties towards other living beings. Although these categories are usually unacceptable to them, they clearly encourage their readers to treat animals with sensitivity. Some handbooks actually describe instances of cruelty to animals as morally offensive. The writings analyzed permit the conclusion that the pre-Conciliar moral theology laid foundations for the development of the contemporary concept of man’s duties towards animals in the teaching of the Catholic Church and in theological and moral thought.
Etiological agents of bovine mastitis in Poland
Authors: KRUKOWSKI HENRYK , LASSA HENRYKA , ZASTEMPOWSKA EWA , SMULSKI SEBASTIAN , BIS-WENCEL HANNA
Published: October 2019

This research paper addresses the hypothesis that the incidence of various bovine mastitis pathogens is subject to change over time and across regions. The aim of the research was to determine the pathogen species that are currently the etiological agents of mastitis in Polish dairy herds. This comprehensive study was conducted in the period 2009-2017 and included all the Polish provinces, distinguishing between those with high and low numbers of dairy cattle. Over eight years 38,852 quarter milk samples were obtained from 22,587 cows with clinical and subclinical mastitis from herds located in all 16 provinces in Poland. Milk samples were cultured using standard microbiological methods. Most of them were positive for microorganisms but there was also part of bacteriologically negative and contaminated samples. Gram-positive catalase-negative cocci and staphylococci were the most prevalent pathogens. The growth of other microorganisms such as Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacilli, yeasts and algae was observed at lower frequencies. There were differences in the prevalence of microorganisms depending on the region. In the eastern part of the country a higher number of Streptococcus agalactiae infections than in other regions was observed. This paper provides the latest data on microbial species, frequency of their occurrence and regional location within Poland. The knowledge of mastitis pathogens enables appropriate treatment and to make prevention recommendations for the herds.
Analysis of differences in the stability of proteins encoded in mitochondrial DNA of model organisms
Authors: KOWAL KRZYSZTOF , BOWNIK ADAM , TKACZYK ANGELIKA , ŚLASKA BRYGIDA
Published: October 2019

The aim of this study was to describe the stability of proteins encoded in mtDNA, which are part of the OXPHOS system, in different model organisms and to define why certain proteins are more prone to be unstable than others. The in silico analyses involved 155 reference sequences of all proteins encoded in the mitochondrial DNA in twelve model organisms representing different phylogenetic groups. The amino acid sequences of the proteins were taken from the GenPept database. The bioinformatic analyses were performed in the ProtParam program. Thirty-eight of the 155 analyzed proteins exhibited instability. The greatest numbers of unstable mitochondrial proteins were detected in H. sapiens and A. mexicanum and the lowest levels were found in C. elegans. ND1 and ATP8 were the most unstable mitochondrial proteins. Proteins COX1 and COX3 did not exhibit instability in the examined group of organisms. The highest instability index values were recorded in the case of protein ATP8. Protein ND1 turned out to be stable in the representatives of the class invertebrates. The preliminary results of the pioneer investigations indicate that the type and number of unstable proteins encoded in mtDNA was species specific. Protein instability in lower organisms may be associated with resistance to oxidative stress. In higher organisms, in turn, protein instability may be related to the physiological production of free oxygen radicals, which play multiple roles in metabolic processes. The phenomenon of instability in the respiratory chain proteins may have a strategic function although it appears to be detrimental to the stability of the protein structure per se.
Función y metabolismo de ácidos grasos en el tejido adiposo y hepático de rumiantes en producción: una revisión
Authors: Castillo Vargas Julián Andrés
Published: October 2019

El tejido adiposo (TA) y hepático influencian el metabolismo de ácidos grasos (AG), al ser en gran parte los responsables de regular su biosíntesis, degradación y almacenamiento en tejidos corporales, como también de su secreción en leche y carne de animales en producción. De esta forma, un mejor entendimiento de la funcionalidad del metabolismo de AG en estos tejidos y los factores que lo afectan, podría dar las bases para el diseño de estrategias productivas en rumiantes. Así, el objetivo de esta revisión es presentar un panorama general de la funcionalidad y metabolismo de los AG en el TA y hepático en rumiantes de producción. A partir de la revisión, se pudo establecer, que el tipo de lípidos mayoritarios en TA y hepático, lo forman los AG y triglicéridos. El TA es el principal sitio de almacenamientobenergético tanto en rumiantes como en no rumiantes. El TA se encuentra. metabólicamente asociado con el tejido hepático mediante un equilibrio que regula los procesos de β-oxidación, síntesis de novo y transporte de AG a nivel tisular. Finalmente, se pudo establecer que el metabolismo de AG en TA y hepático es afectado por diversos factores, tales como la nutrición, nivel de restricción dietaria, genética, estado fisiológico y medio ambiente, de los cuales, la nutrición tiene el mayor impacto.
Coagulation/flocculation of textile effluent using a natural coagulant extracted from Dillenia indica
Authors: Manholer Daniele Domingos , de Souza Maísa Tatiane Ferreira , Ambrosio Elizângela , Freitas Thábata Karoliny Fornicoly de Souza , Geraldino Henrique César Lopes , Garcia Juliana Carla
Published: October 2019

The aim of this study was to assess the efficiency of mucilage extracted from the fruit of Dillenia indica for enhancing coagulation in the treatment of textile effluent. The mucilage extraction was carried out in water at room temperature. The pH, concentration of coagulant FeCl3.6H2O, and concentration of mucilage solution were optimized with star-type central composite design (CCD). We were able to analyze the synergistic effects between the FeCl3.6H2O and mucilage concentrations: the process of coagulation/flocculation (CF) for chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal was more efficient at a low chemical coagulant concentration (8.00 mg L−1) and a higher natural coagulant (NC) concentration (15.00 mg L−1). This demonstrated the potential of this mucilage to treat textile effluents, with 67.66%% COD removal, 96.86% turbidity removal and 91.12% apparent color reduction. The characterization of the mucilage of Dillenia indica was done using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and solid-state cross-polarization magic angle spinning carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance (CP/MAS 13C NMR), and the signals obtained indicated the presence of polysaccharides, which are responsible for enhancing the CF process.
Assessment of the predictors of persistence/progression of functional mitral insufficiency in patients undergoing the interventional treatment of aortic valve diseases
Authors: Skopin I. , Slivneva I. , Latyshev M. , Murysova D. , Asatryan T. , Sokolskaya N. , Vavilov A. , Toporkov N.
Published: October 2019

Mitral insufficiency usually accompanies numerous aortic valve diseases. At present, concomitant pronounced mitral regurgitation remains a fairly urgent problem in the transcatheter treatment of aortic valve diseases. During the postoperative period of transcatheter aortic valve replacement, mitral insufficiency tends to decrease in majority of the patients; however, in certain patients, mitral insufficiency persists as well as progresses, highlighting the advantages of this approach over open two-valve surgery. This article presents an analysis of research devoted to functional mitral insufficiency in patients undergoing the interventional treatment of aortic valve diseases. This study included high-risk patients (according to the STS scale of operational risk ≥8%), representing an older age group with a broad spectrum of comorbid pathologies. Some cases were categorised as the New York Heart Association functional class IV, presented with pronounced systolic dysfunction of the left ventricle or were considered inoperable. Based on the systematic review of eight studies, predictors of potential mitral insufficiency progression were identified, and treatment algorithms for this category of patients were studied for the interventional treatment of aortic valve disease. The intervention aims to optimise long-term prognosis, both in open surgery and minimally invasive interventions. The results of the present study will help improve immediate and long-term postoperative outcomes of the interventional treatment of aortic valve diseases. Determining the prognostic development of mitral regurgitation will help select the best management tactics for this complex group of patients, thereby improving treatment outcomes and long-term prognosis of both open surgery and minimally invasive interventions.Received 26 June 2019. Revised 23 August 2019. Accepted 26 August 2019.Funding: The study did not have sponsorship.Conflict of interest: Authors declare no conflict of interest.
Exosomes and Female Infertility
Authors: Sun Xiaoyan , Ma Xiaoling , Yang Xia , Zhang Xuehong
Published: October 2019

Background:

Exosomes are small Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) (40-100 nm) secreted by living cells and mediate the transmission of information between cells. The number and contents of exosomes are associated with diseases such as inflammatory diseases, cancer, metabolic diseases and what we are focusing in this passage-female infertility.

Objective:

This review focused on the role of exosomes in oocyte development, declined ovarian function, PCOS, uterine diseases, endometrial receptivity and fallopian tube dysfunction in the female.

Methods:

We conducted an extensive search for research articles involving relationships between exosomes and female infertility on the bibliographic database.

Results:

It has been reported that exosomes can act as a potential therapeutic device to carry cargoes to treat female infertility. However, the pathophysiological mechanisms of exosomes in female infertility have not been entirely elucidated. Further researches are needed to explore the etiology and provide evidence for potential clinical treatment.

Conclusions:

This review systematically summarized the role exosomes play in female infertility and its potential as drug delivery.
Towards Breast Cancer Vaccines, Progress and Challenges
Authors: Behravan Javad , Razazan Atefeh , Behravan Ghazal
Published: October 2019

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women. National cancer institute of the US estimates that one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime. Considering the devastating effects of the disease and the alarming numbers many scientists and research groups have devoted their research to fight breast cancer. Several recommendations are to be considered as preventing measures which include living a healthy lifestyle, regular physical activity, weight control and smoking cessation. Early detection of the disease by annual and regular mammography after the age of 40 is recommended by many healthcare institutions. This would help the diagnosis of the disease at an earlier stage and the start of the treatment before it is spread to other parts of the body. Current therapy for breast cancer includes surgical ablation, radiotherapy and chemotherapy which is often associated with adverse effects and even may lead to a relapse of the disease at a later stage. In order to achieve a long-lasting anticancer response with minimal adverse effects, development of breast cancer vaccines is under investigation by many laboratories. The immune system can be stimulated by a vaccine against breast cancer. This approach has attracted a great enthusiasm in recent years. No breast cancer vaccines have been approved for clinical use today. One breast cancer vaccine (NeuVax) has now completed clinical trial phase III and a few preventive and therapeutic breast cancer vaccines are at different steps of development. We think that with the recent advancements in immunotherapy, a breast cancer vaccine is not far from reach.
Proposition of Potential GSK-3β Inhibitors for the Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease: A Molecular Modeling Study
Authors: Castro Leandro L. , Picanço Leide C. S. , Silva Jaderson V. , Souza Lucilene R. , Sousa Kessia P. A. , Pinheiro Abraão A. , Chaves Gisele A. , Teixeira Hueldem R. C. , Silva Guilherme M. , Taft Carlton A. , de P. da Silva Carlos H.T. , da S. Hage-Melim Lorane I.
Published: October 2019

Introduction: The enzyme Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3-β (GSK-3β) is related to neuronal
cell degeneration, representing a promising target to treat Alzheimer’s Disease (AD).

Methods: In this work, we performed a molecular modeling study of existing GSK-3β inhibitors by
means of evaluation of their IC50 values, derivation of a pharmacophore model, molecular docking
simulations, ADME/Tox properties predictions, molecular modifications and prediction of synthetic
viability.

Results: In this manner, inhibitor 15 (CID 57399952) was elected a template molecule, since it
demonstrated to bear relevant structural groups able to interact with GSK-3β, and also presented
favorable ADME/Tox predicted properties, except for mutagenicity. Based on this inhibitor chemical
structure we proposed six analogues that presented the absence of alerts for mutagenic and carcinogenic
activity, both for rats and mouse; likewise they all presented low risk alerts for inhibition
of hERG and medium prediction of synthetic viability.

Conclusion: It is concluded that the analogues of GSK-3β inhibitors were optimized in relation to
the toxicity endpoint of the template molecule, being, therefore, presented as novel and promising
drug candidates for AD treatment.
Simultaneous Determination of Five Irdoid Glycosides and Three Flavonoid Glycosides in Hedyotis Diffusa Wild by UPLC-UV with Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction
Authors: Huang Xuliang , Wu Youjia , Zhang Xiaoying , Chen Bing , Luo Hongbin , Lin Xinhua , Shi Peiying , Yao Hong
Published: October 2019

Background:

Hedyotis diffusa is one of the most extensively used Chinese herbs for the
treatment of varieties of cancers in the folk of China. The ingredients of the preparation are still not very
clear and the quality control method of the herb medicine requires further improvement.
Introduction: In this paper, the quantitative methods for the quality control of H. diffusa were originally
developed by using UPLC-UV.

Methods:

Using the five irdoid glycosides and three flavonoid glycosides previously obtained from
H. diffusa as index components, referring to 10-Acetyl Scandoside Methyl Ester (ASME), Scandoside
(SD), Deacetyl Aspemloside (DA), Asperulosidic Acid (AA), Asperuloside (AD), Qurecetin-3-OSophoroside
(QS), Quercetin-3-O-[2-(6-O-E-Sinapoyl-β-D-Glucopyranosyl]-β-D-Glucopyranosyl (QESGG),
and Quercetin-3-O-[2-O-(6-O-E-Feruloyl)-β-D-Glucopyranosyl]-β-Glucopyanoside (QEFGG), the extraction
conditions, including solvents, durations, and cycles were optimized firstly. Subsequently, a
new UPLC-UV method was originally established to simultaneously determine the eight ingredients in
the Chinese herbal medicine.

Results:

The validated method exhibited good linearity (R2 > 0.999), repeatability (RSD < 3.01%),
intra- and inter-day precision (RSD <6.19%) and recoveries (96.31% to 104.22%) for the simultaneous
determination of the eight ingredients studied and had been used for the quality analysis of 6 batches of
H. diffusa sameples.

Conclusion:

The established UPLC-UV method could serve as a rapid and effective tool for quality
evaluation of the herbal medicine, H. diffusa.
Determination of Genotoxic alkyl p-toluene Sulfonates in Cabazitaxel using LC-MS Method
Authors: Mohan Bavireddi , Sharma Ramayanam Siva Kameswara , Kumar Devarakonda Ravi , Murali Mohan Rao Seshagiri Vijaya , Satya Venugopal Nutulapati Venkata
Published: October 2019

Introduction:

A suitable LC-MS method for the quantitative determination of genotoxic
impurities such as alkyl p-toluene sulfonates in Cabazitaxel was developed. Alkyl p-toluene sulfonates
were estimated by LC-MS method using Waters Symmetry C18 (75×4.6 mm), 3.5 µ column.

Materials and Methods:

Column temperature was maintained 40 °C. Injection volume was 10 µL
and flow rate was set as 0.8 mL/min. Sampler temperature was maintained to 25 °C and run time
was set as 25 minutes. The mobile phase was a mixture of ammonium acetate buffer and acetonitrile
in 70:30(v/v) was used.

Results:

The method validation has been carried as per ICH guidelines. LOQ was found to be 2.66
µg/mL, 2.75 µg/mL and 2.55 µg/mL for MPTS, EPTS and IPPTS Alkyl p-Toluene Sulfonates
(APTS) respectively.

Conclusion:

The proposed Liquid chromatography-Mass spectroscopy method that can quantify
genotoxic APTS in Cabazitaxel at low-level concentration has been developed and validated as per
ICH guidelines. Hence, the proposed method was recommended for the assay of genotoxic impurities
of cabazitaxel in dosage forms in busy pharmaceutical laboratories.
Comparison of HIV Indicators after the Implementation of a New Model for TB and HIV Management in an Iranian Prison
Authors: Farhoudi Behnam , SeyedAlinaghi SeyedAhmad , Ataeinia Bahar , Hosseini Mostafa , Jafari Sirous , Alasvand Ramin , Tashakoriyan Mehrzad , Mohraz Minoo
Published: October 2019

Objective:

A new national clinical guideline for the management of tuberculosis and
HIV in Iranian prisons was released in 2011. The aim of this study was to compare HIV indicators
in the case and control prisons after implementation of the new guideline.

Methods:

This report examines outcomes observed during the pilot phase of its implementation at
a case prison from October 2013 to June 2014 compared to a control prison that had not yet implemented
the guideline. The case prison included incarcerated individuals in the Great Tehran
Prison. A prison in Alborz province was considered as a control group. Pearson’s Chi-squared,
two-sample t-test, paired t-test and Kruskal-Wallis were used for the analysis.

Results:

The intervention significantly increased the total number of inmates tested for HIV and
of diagnoses of HIV-positive inmates in the case prison compared to the control prison (P<0.001).
Moreover, coverage of antiretroviral therapy was higher in the case prison compared to the control
prison (P=0.015).

Conclusion:

We recommend the implementation of this guideline in all Iranian prisons.
Current Progress on the Genomics of Schistosomiasis for Drug Discovery and Diagnostics
Authors: Meghani Nileshkumar , Lee Beom-Jin , Amin Hardik , Nili-Ahmadabadi Behzad , Nagendran Saraswathy
Published: October 2019

For a number of decades, schistosomiasis has remained a public threat and an economic
burden in a number of countries, directly impacting over 200 million people. The past 15 years
have seen tremendous progress in the development of high-throughput methods for targeting or
compound selection that are vital to early-stage schistosome drug discovery research. Genomewide
approaches to analyze gene expression at the transcriptional and other -omic levels have
helped immensely for gaining insight into the pathways and mechanisms involved in the schistosomiasis
and it is expected to revolutionize the drug discovery as well as related diagnostics.
This review discusses the most recent progress of pharmacology and genomics concerning schistosomiasis
with a focus on drug discovery and diagnostic tools. It also provides chemical structural
insights of promising targets along with available in vitro and/or in vivo data. Although significant
research has been done to identify new molecules for the treatment and new methods for
diagnosis, the necessity of new options for the sustainable control of schistosomiasis remains a
great challenge.
Exploring the Polymer Drawing of the Air Centrifugal Spinning
Authors: Liu Jia-Jia , Chen Ting , Wu Li-Li
Published: October 2019

Background and Objective:

The air-flow field of the air centrifugal spinning is simulated
and measured. The simulated air velocities coincide well with the measured ones, confirming the correctness
of the air-flow field model.

Methods:

The polymer drawing in the air-flow field of the air centrifugal spinning is modeled and
simulated. Effects of the rotation speed and initial air velocity on the diameter and radius vector of the
threadline are investigated.

Results:

The air velocity is found to decrease with the increase of the distance away from the nozzle
exit. Simulation results show that both larger rotation speed and higher initial air velocity can reduce
the threadline diameter.

Conclusion:

The radius vector of the threadline increases rapidly with the increase of the initial air velocity,
which is helpful to reduce the threadline diameter.
Travel-time Prediction Using K-nearest Neighbor Method with Distance Metric of Correlation Coefficient
Authors: Jang Jinhwan
Published: October 2019

Background:

Real-time Travel Time (TT) information has become an essential component of daily life in modern society. With reliable TT information, road users can increase their productivity by choosing less congested routes or adjusting their trip schedules. Drivers normally prefer departure time-based TT, but most agencies in Korea still provide arrival time-based TT with probe data from Dedicated Short-Range Communications (DSRC) scanners due to a lack of robust prediction techniques. Recently, interest has focused on the conventional k-nearest neighbor (k-NN) method that uses the Euclidean distance for real-time TT prediction. However, conventional k-NN still shows some deficiencies under certain conditions.

Methods:

This article identifies the cases where conventional k-NN has shortcomings and proposes an improved k-NN method that employs a correlation coefficient as a measure of distance and applies a regression equation to compensate for the difference between current and historical TT.

Results:

The superiority of the suggested method over conventional k-NN was verified using DSRC probe data gathered on a signalized suburban arterial in Korea, resulting in a decrease in TT prediction error of 3.7 percent points on average. Performance during transition periods where TTs are falling immediately after rising exhibited statistically significant differences by paired t-tests at a significance level of 0.05, yielding p-values of 0.03 and 0.003 for two-day data.

Conclusion:

The method presented in this study can enhance the accuracy of real-time TT information and consequently improve the productivity of road users.
A Note on Commute Times and Average Income Levels
Authors: Johnston Ahren
Published: October 2019

In this paper, the relationship between average commute time and average wage in a population center is investigated. The goal of this research is to determine whether there is a positive relationship between average commute time and wages as economic theory would suggest. While this theory has been investigated to some extent in the past, the results of such studies have been limited to one or a few large metropolitan areas. The results of this study show that there is a positive relationship between the two. These results imply that businesses undergoing network design or redesign decisions should consider commute time in prospective metropolitan areas as part of their location decisions and could save money by choosing an area with shorter commute time.
Statistical Overview of Factors Influencing Traffic Accidents Severity On El-Brega Coastal Freeway in Libya
Authors: Omar Mohamed Buseif , Yusoff Nur Izzi , Mubaraki Muhammad , Rosyidi Sri Atmaja
Published: October 2019

Background:

Globally, Road Traffic Accidents (RTAs) are one of the significant causes of fatality and injury. In Libya, RTAs have resulted in disabilities and were the third leading cause of death. However, there is a lack of information on RTAs and road safety in Libya.

Objective:

The present study aims to fill the knowledge gap by performing a statistical analysis to identify the factors associated with road accident severity in El-Brega Coastal Freeway.

Methods:

RTAs data extracted from police investigation reports in Ajdabiya Municipality for the period from 2001 to 2010. Then descriptive analysis and Binary logistic regression model (BLM) are applied to analyzing the data.

Results:

Descriptive analysis results showed that between 2001 and 2010, approximately 45% of RTAs in Ajdabiya Municipality occurred on El-Brega Coastal Freeway, and more than 1225 individuals lost their lives or sustained injuries in these RTAs. Furthermore, Sixty-two percent (n = 137) of those who died in accidents were from the 20–45 age group. BLM Results concluded that only eight predictors have statistical significant with accident injury severity. Five of them increase the likelihood of injury severity. A head-on collision is the prime influence factor to increase injury severity odds, followed by high-speed driving, Weekends, horizontal curves, and driver’s age. While accident injury tends to be less severe with the other predictors like rollover collision, rear-end collision, and accidents involving animals.

Conclusion:

Thus, implementing the use of seat-belt and speed control regulations, with activating ambulance services are the urgent countermeasures to enhance road safety.
The Psychiatric Drug Lithium Increases DNA Damage and Decreases Cell Survival in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer Cell Lines Expos ed to Ionizing Radiation
Authors: Rouhani Maryam , Ramshini Samira , Omidi Maryam
Published: October 2019

Background:

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. Radiation therapy
is used for treating almost every stage of breast cancer. A strategy to reduce irradiation side effects and
to decrease the recurrence of cancer is concurrent use of radiation and radiosensitizers. We studied the
effect of the antimanic drug lithium on radiosensitivity of estrogen-receptor (ER)-positive MCF-7 and
ER-negative, invasive, and radioresistant MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines.

Methods:

MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines were treated with 30 mM and 20 mM
concentrations of lithium chloride (LiCl), respectively. These concentrations were determined by
MTT viability assay. Growth curves were depicted and comet assay was performed for control and
LiCl-treated cells after exposure to X-ray. Total and phosphorylated inactive levels of glycogen
synthase kinase-3beta (GSK-3β) protein were determined by ELISA assay for control and treated
cells.

Results:

Treatment with LiCl decreased cell proliferation after exposure to X-ray as indicated by
growth curves of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines within six days following radiation. Such
treatment increased the amount of DNA damages represented by percent DNA in Tails of comets at
0, 1, 4, and even 24 hours after radiation in both studied cell lines. The amount of active GSK-3β
was increased in LiCl-treated cells in ER-positive and ER-negative breast cancer cell lines.

Conclusion:

Treatment with LiCl that increased the active GSK-3β protein, increased DNA damages
and decreased survival independent of estrogen receptor status in breast cancer cells exposed to
ionizing radiation.
A Report of Assessment Tools for Individuals with Dysarthria
Authors: Altaher Abeer Muneer , Chu Shin Ying , Kam Rahayu binti Mustaffa , Razak Rogayah A
Published: October 2019

Introduction:

The development of assessment tools for individuals with dysarthria has been reported in many clinical and empirical studies.

Methodology:

A literature review was based on online resources including Google Scholar, EBSCO, Medline, PubMed, and BIOMED Central articles and journals.

Results and Conclusion:

In this paper, we summarized the commonly used formal and informal assessment tools and explained the assessment procedure when managing clients with dysarthria. We aimed to share the current practice of speech-language pathologists together with the allied health service providers in the management of patients with dysarthria.
“Medical Clearance” of Psychiatric Patients in the Emergency Department
Authors: Santillanes Genevieve , Onigu-Otite Edore , Tucci Veronica , Moukaddam Nidal
Published: October 2019

Background & goals:

The past few years have seen an increase in the number of
children and adolescents presenting to emergency departments with mental health complaints,
including, but not limited to, depression, suicidality, and substance use-related conditions.
This places many demands on the emergency physicians ranging from evaluating
medical stability (also known as medical clearance) to arranging for psychiatric are, be it inpatient
or outpatient. The goals of this article are to describe the current landscape of emergency
care for the pediatric patient presenting with mental health issues and to highlight gaps
in the current system.

Methods:

We review the literature on the epidemiology of mental health emergency visits
and guidelines for the medical clearance of pediatric and adolescent patients.

Results:

The needs of young patients with mental health difficulties exceed the resources
available in emergency care. Linkage to outpatient care is often inadequate and may be reinforcing
and perpetuating the current mental health crisis witnessed country-wide in the US.
Guidelines are lacking to standardize care in the ED, but there is a consensus that extensive
routine laboratory testing is unnecessary.

Conclusions:

Evaluation of physical stability, known as medical clearance, is a process best
customized to every patient’s individual needs. However, requirements of admitting psychiatric
inpatient facilities may conflict with recommendations of ancillary testing.
Applying A/B Testing to Clinical Decision Support: Rapid Randomized Controlled Trials (Preprint)
Authors: Austrian Jonathan , Mendoza Felicia , Szerencsy Adam , Fenelon Lucille , Horwitz Leora I , Jones Simon , Kuznetsova Masha , Mann Devin M
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

Clinical decision support (CDS) is a valuable feature of electronic health records (EHRs) designed to improve quality and safety. However, due to the complexities of system design and inconsistent results, CDS tools may inadvertently increase alert fatigue and contribute to physician burnout. A/B testing, or rapid-cycle randomized tests, is a useful method that can be applied to the EHR in order to rapidly understand and iteratively improve design choices embedded within CDS tools.

OBJECTIVE

This paper describes how rapid randomized controlled trials (RCTs) embedded within EHRs can be used to quickly ascertain the superiority of potential CDS design changes to improve their usability, reduce alert fatigue, and promote quality of care.

METHODS

A multistep process combining tools from user-centered design, A/B testing, and implementation science was used to understand, ideate, prototype, test, analyze, and improve each candidate CDS. CDS engagement metrics (alert views, acceptance rates) were used to evaluate which CDS version is superior.

RESULTS

To demonstrate the impact of the process, 2 experiments are highlighted. First, after multiple rounds of usability testing, a revised CDS influenza alert was tested against usual care CDS in a rapid (~6 weeks) RCT. The new alert text resulted in minimal impact on reducing firings per patients per day, but this failure triggered another round of review that identified key technical improvements (ie, removal of dismissal button and firings in procedural areas) that led to a dramatic decrease in firings per patient per day (23.1 to 7.3). In the second experiment, the process was used to test 3 versions (financial, quality, regulatory) of text supporting tobacco cessation alerts as well as 3 supporting images. Based on 3 rounds of RCTs, there was no significant difference in acceptance rates based on the framing of the messages or addition of images.

CONCLUSIONS

These experiments support the potential for this new process to rapidly develop, deploy, and rigorously evaluate CDS within an EHR. We also identified important considerations in applying these methods. This approach may be an important tool for improving the impact of and experience with CDS.

CLINICALTRIAL

Flu alert trial: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03415425; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03415425. Tobacco alert trial: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03714191; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03714191