bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dual-Source Dual-Energy Thin-Section CT Combined with Small Field of View Technique for Diagnosing Small Lymph Node in Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Zhuo Shuiqing , Sun Jiayuan , Chang Jinyong , Liu Longzhong , Li Sheng
Published: October 2020

Background To evaluate the diagnostic performance of quantitative special CT parameters derived from dual-source dual-energy CT at small field of view (FOV) for small lymph node metastasis in thyroid cancer. Methods This was a retrospective study. From 2016 to 2019, 280 patients with thyroid disease underwent thin-section dual-source dual-energy thyroid CT and thyroid surgery. The data of patients with lymph nodes having a short diameter of 2-6 mm were analyzed. The targeted lymph nodes were sketched, their quantitative dual-energy CT parameters were measured, and all parameters between metastatic and nonmetastatic lymph nodes were compared. These parameters were then fitted to univariable and multivariable binary logistic regression models. The diagnostic role of spectral parameters was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic curves and compared with the McNemar test. Small FOV CT images and a mathematical model were used to judge the lymph nodes status respectively and then compared with pathological results.Results Of the 216 lymph nodes investigated in this study, 52.3% and 23.6% had a short diameter of 2-3 mm and 4 mm, respectively. Multiple quantitative CT parameters were found to be significantly different between benign and malignant lymph nodes and binary regression analysis was performed. The mathematical model was: p=ey/(1+ ey), y= = -23.119+0.033×precontrast electron cloud density+0.076×arterial phase normalized iodine concentration+2.156×arterial phase normalized effective atomic number -0.540×venous phase slope of the spectral Hounsfield unit curve +1.676×venous phase iodine concentration. This parameter model has an AUC of 92%, with good discrimination and consistency, and the diagnostic accuracy was 90.3%. The diagnostic accuracy of CT image model was 43.1%, and for lymph nodes with short-diameter 2-3 mm, the diagnostic accuracy was 22.1%.Conclusions Parameter model show higher diagnostic accuracy than CT image model for diagnosing small lymph node metastasis in thyroid cancer, and quantitative dual-energy CT parameters were very useful for small lymph nodes that were difficult to be diagnosed only on conventional CT images.Trial registration This study is retrospectively registered, and we have registered a prospective study (Registration number: ChiCTR2000035195;http://www.chictr.org.cn)
Gene4PD: a comprehensive genetic database of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Li Bin , Zhao Guihu , Zhou Qiao , Xie Yali , Wang Zheng , Fang Zhenghuan , Lu Bin , Qin Lixia , Zhao Yuwen , Zhang Rui , Jiang Li , Pan Hongxu , He Yan , Wang Xiaomeng , Luo Tengfei , Zhang Yi , Wang Yijing , Chen Qian , Liu Zhenhua , Guo Jifeng , Tang Beisha , Li Jinchen
Published: October 2020

BackgroundParkinson's disease (PD) is a complex neurodegenerative disorder with a strong genetic component. A growing number of variants and genes have been reported to be associated with PD; however, there is no database that integrate different type of genetic data, and support analyzing of PD-associated genes (PAGs).MethodsBy systematic review and curation of multiple lines of public studies, we integrate multiple layers of genetic data (rare variants and copy-number variants identified from patients with PD, associated variants identified from genome-wide association studies, differential expression genes, and differential DNA methylation genes) and clinical data in PD. A weighted scoring system was employed to prioritize PAGs. Permutation test and protein-protein interaction network was used to evaluate the interconnectivity and functional correlation among the PAGs. The relationship between AAO and PAGs was further analyzed. A PHP-based web framework was used to construct a database. ResultWe integrated five layers of genetic data with different levels of evidences from more than 3,000 studies and prioritized 124 PAGs with strong or suggestive evidences. These PAGs were identified to be significantly interacted with each other and formed an interconnected functional network enriched in several functional pathways involved in PD, suggesting these genes may contribute to the pathogenesis of PD, which also highlighting the reliability of these genetic data for PD. Furthermore, we identified 10 genes were associated with a juvenile-onset (age ≤ 30 years), 11 genes were associated with an early-onset (age of 30–50 years), whereas another 10 genes were associated with a late-onset (age > 50 years). Notably, the AAOs of patients with loss of function variants in five genes (GCH1, PINK1, PRKN, FBXO7, ATP13A2) were significantly lower than that of patients with deleterious missense variants, while patients with VPS13C (P = 0.01) was opposite. Finally, we developed an online database named Gene4PD (http://genemed.tech/gene4pd) which integrated published genetic data in PD, the PAGs, and 63 popular genomic data sources, as well as an online pipeline for prioritize risk variants in PD.ConclusionGene4PD provides researchers and clinicians comprehensive genetic knowledge and analytic platform for PD, and would also improve the understanding of pathogenesis in PD.Availability and Implementation: Gene4PD can be freely accessed at http://genemed.tech/gene4pd.
Reconciling ACEA and MCDA: Is There a Way Forward for Measuring Cost-Effectiveness in the U.S. Healthcare Setting?
Authors: Zamora Bernarda , Garrison Louis , Unuigbe Aig , Towse Adrian
Published: October 2020

Background The ISPOR Special Task Force (STF) on US Value Assessment Frameworks. The STF was agnostic about exactly how to implement the quality-adjusted life year (QALY) as the denominator in the overall cost-effectiveness metric of the cost-per-QALY gained as a starting point in their deliberations on the issue of including a new technology in the health plan benefit. The STF offered two major alternative approaches—augmented cost-effectiveness analysis (ACEA) and MCDA—while emphasizing the need to apply either a willingness-to-pay (WTP) or opportunity cost threshold rule to operationalize the inclusion decision.Methods The MCDA model uses the multi-attribute utility function. The ACEA model is based on the expected utility theory. In both ACEA and MCDA models, value trade-offs are derived in a hierarchical model with two high-level objectives which measure overall health gain separately from financial attributes affecting consumption.ResultsEven though value trade-offs can be elicited or revealed without considering budget constraints, we demonstrate that they can be used similarly to willingness-to-pay-based cost-effectiveness thresholds for resource allocation decisions. The consideration of how costs of medical technology, income, and severity of disease affect value trade-offs demonstrates, however, that reconciling decisions in ACEA and MCDA requires that health and consumption are either complements or independent attributes. ConclusionsWe conclude that value trade-offs derived either from ACEA or MCDA move similarly with changes in main factors considered by enrollees and decision makers—costs of the medical technology, income, and severity of disease. Consequently, this complementarity between health and consumption is a necessary condition for reconciling ACEA and MCDA.
A Novel Process to Recruit Community Partners for a Hybrid Implementation-Effectiveness Study
Authors: Leone Lucia A. , Kasprzak Christina , Lally Anne , Haynes-Maslow Lindsey , Vermont Leah N. , Horrigan-Maurer Caroline , Tumiel-Berhalter Laurene , Ammerman Alice , Raja Samina
Published: October 2020

BackgroundCreating strong partnerships with community organizations is essential to testing implementation of evidence-based interventions. Given the time and investment needed build relationships, partners are often chosen based on convenience, rather than capacity or diversity. Streamlined processes are needed to identify qualified, diverse, and invested partners to conduct community-based implementation research. Currently there is a gap in the literature on effective and efficient methods for recruiting implementation partners. The goal of this paper is to fill that gap by describing a novel process for identifying a diverse group of community organizations to participate in implementation research.MethodsWe used a community-guided Request for Partners (RFP) approach to recruit implementation partners to participate in a cluster-randomized hybrid implementation-effectiveness study of the Veggie Van mobile produce market model. The multi-state RFP process included formative work to inform RFP development, creation of an outside selection committee, an intent-to-apply round, a full application round, and an in-person training and selection process. Chosen implementation partners receive a toolkit, training, technical assistance and funding to offset the costs of implementing the Veggie Van model and assisting with research. Data was collected to characterize applicant size, location and experience; pre-post surveys were conducted to understand the utility of the in-person training.ResultsWe received 59 intent-to-apply submissions, of which we invited 28 organizations to complete full applications: 17 submitted applications and 12 finalists were invited to the in-person training and selection process. The RFP process took approximately eight months to recruit nine organizations and 32 community sites across five states with a range of size and experience. The process increased understanding of the intervention and implementation partner responsibilities; 63.6% of finalists reported being very to extremely familiar with the Veggie Van model post-training compared to 28.6% pre-training. Only one finalist dropped out (due to significant organizational change).ConclusionsAn RFP process is familiar to even small community organizations that compete for grant funding, but may not have prior research experience. This RFP process streamlined partner recruitment timelines, increased partner diversity and cultivated community among mobile market organizations. It may also improve research transparency, study completion and intervention fidelity.
A Distributed Framework Based on Publish-Subscribe to Monitor Beyond 5G Networks
Authors: Perez Ramon , Garcia-Reinoso Jaime , Zabala Aitor , Serrano Pablo , Banchs Albert
Published: October 2020

The Fifth-Generation (5G) of mobile networks is designed to accommodate different types of use cases, each of them with different and stringent requirements and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). To support the optimization of the network performance and validation of the KPIs, there exists the necessity of a flexible and efficient monitoring system, capable of realizing multi-site and multi-stakeholder scenarios. Nevertheless, for the evolution from 5G to 6G, the network is envisioned as a user-driven, distributed Cloud computing system where the resource pool is foreseen to integrate the participating users. In this scope, current monitoring solutions are limited, as they have to be able to maintain 5G performance in a distributed system with heterogeneous resources and still be efficient and sustainable. In this paper, we present a distributed monitoring architecture for Beyond 5G multi-site platforms, where different stakeholders share the resource pool in a distributed environment. Taking advantage of the usage of publish-subscribe mechanisms adapted to the Edge, the developed lightweight monitoring solution can manage large amounts of real-time traffic generated by the applications located in the resource pool. We assess the performance of the implemented paradigm, to confirm that it suits the requirements of the proposed scenarios, and discuss how the architecture could be mapped to other 5G or Beyond 5G scenarios.
An Improved Method for the Segmentation of Roots from X-ray Computed Tomography 3D Images: Rootine v.2
Authors: Phalempin Maxime , Lippold Eva , Vetterlein Doris , Schlüter Steffen
Published: October 2020

BackgroundX-ray computed tomography is acknowledged as a powerful tool for the study of root system architecture of plants growing in soil. In this paper, we improved the original root segmentation algorithm “Rootine” and present its succeeding version “Rootine v.2”. In addition to grey value information, Rootine algorithms are based on shape detection of cylindrical roots. Both algorithms are macros for the ImageJ software and are made freely available to the public. New features in Rootine v.2 are (1) a pot wall detection and removal step to avoid segmentation artefacts for roots growing along the pot wall, (2) a calculation of the root average grey value based on a histogram analysis, (3) an automatic calculation of thresholds for hysteresis thresholding of the tubeness image to reduce the number of parameters and (4) a false negatives recovery based on shape criteria to increase root recovery. We compare the segmentation results of Rootine v.1 and Rootine v.2 with the results of root washing and subsequent analysis with WinRhizo. We use a benchmark dataset of maize roots (Zea mays L. cv. B73) grown in repacked soil for two scenarios with differing soil heterogeneity and image quality. ResultsWe demonstrate that Rootine v.2 outperforms its preceding version in terms of root recovery and enables to match better the root diameter distribution data obtained with root washing. Despite a longer processing time, Rootine v.2 comprises less user-defined parameters and shows an overall greater usability. ConclusionThe proposed method facilitates higher root detection accuracy than its predecessor and has the potential for improving high-throughput root phenotyping procedures based on X-ray CT data analysis.
Metabolic Profiling Revealed Dysregulated Arachidonic Acid Metabolism and Tryptophan Metabolism in the Lungs from Canines with Pacing-induced Heart Failure
Authors: Zhao Junhan , Wang Jing , Yang Shengwen , Jing Ran , Liu Xi , Gu Min , Cai Chi , Niu Hongxia , Zhang Shu , Hua Wei
Published: October 2020

Background: Lung has critical pathophysiological connections to heart and lung congestion presents one of the hallmark features of heart failure (HF). This study aimed to explore the metabolic signatures and disturbances in lungs under HF condition and provide insights on the pathophysiology of the lungs under HF condition from the perspective of metabolism.Methods: In this study, we established a rapid pacing induced HF canine model and applied a comprehensive untargeted metabolomics method to comparatively assessed the metabolomics profiles in the lung tissues from HF group and sham group. Results: Distinct metabolic signatures were identified in the lungs between beagles in HF group and sham group. 81 dysregulated metabolites were identified as differential metabolites (adjusted P <0.05, FC≥2 or≤0.5) in positive ion mode and 80 dysregulated metabolites in negative ion mode, indicating a profound metabolic alteration in the lungs under HF condition. In pathway analysis, arachidonic acid metabolism and tryptophan metabolism were identified as the most significant dysregulated metabolic pathways in the lungs from HF beagles.Conclusions: In this study, we identified profound metabolic variation and dysregulated metabolic pathways, which may deepen our understanding on the pathophysiology of the lungs under HF condition from the perspective of metabolism and open new avenues in lung congestion management in HF.
Application of Ethnobotanical Indices to Assess the Diversity of Medico-magic Knowledge on Four Herbaceous Species in Benin.
Authors: Dossou-Yovo Hubert Olivier , Kindomihou Valentin , Sinsin Brice
Published: October 2020

Background

Ethnobotanical knowledge on four herbaceous species, Phyllanthus amarus, Spilanthes uliginosa, Momordica charantia and Acalypha ciliata in Benin was investigated.
Methods

Thirty-six herbal medicine traders in six different markets were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. The Relative Frequency Citation, Fidelity Level, Use Value and Rahman Similarity Index were calculated to assess the diversity of medico-magic knowledge.
Results

All informants traded P. amarus, M. charantia and A. ciliata and the majority traded S. uliginosa. Purchase in traders’ own markets was the predominant source of P. amarus, M. charantia and A. ciliata while S. uliginosa was mostly purchased in other more distant markets. A noticeable proportion of traders also collect P. amarus and M. charantia from wild populations. Phyllanthus amarus was the species most demanded by customers followed by M. charantia. Traders confirmed the scarcity of all species in recent years and climate change as well as destruction of natural habitats for logging were the most cited causes. The entire plant of P. amarus was used mainly to treat malaria, diabetes and constipation and decoction with oral administration the most frequent preparation for malaria treatment. To treat diabetes, informants mixed P. amarus with M. charantia used as a decoction with oral administration. Momordica charantia was also used to treat measles and chicken pox. Spilanthes uliginosa and A. ciliata were mostly used for their spiritual use for luck, predominantly by chewing fresh leaves or flowers, and by bathing with the ground plant mixed with soap, respectively. Overall, M. charantia had the greatest use value followed by P. amarus. The majority of traders do not plant the species.
Conclusions

The harvesting and trade of the species threaten their natural populations and urgent tools, including in-situ and ex-situ conservation, are needed to ensure their long-term sustainable exploitation.
CircRNA circFADS2 is Downregulated in Osteoporosis and Suppresses LPS-induced Apoptosis of Osteoblast by Downregulating miR-16-5p
Authors: Zhou Hailong , Jiang Jianmin , Chen Xiaohua , Zhang Zhiwei
Published: October 2020

Background: CircRNA circFADS2 plays protective roles in LPS-induced cell injury, which promotes osteoporosis (OS), suggesting the involvement of circFADS2 in OS. This study aimed to explore the role of circFADS2 in OS.Methods: RT-qPCRs were performed to analyze the expression of circFADS2 and miR-16-5p in plasma samples from OS patients (n=64) and healthy controls (n=64). Correlations between circFADS2 and miR-16-5p were explored by Pearson’s correlation coefficient. In primary osteoblasts, circFADS2 and miR-16-5p were overexpressed to study the interactions between them. Cell apoptosis assay was performed to study the functions of circFADS2 and miR-16-5p in the apoptosis of osteoblasts induced by LPS.Results: CircFADS2 was downregulated in OA and inversely correlated with miR-16-5p. After treatment, circFADS2 was upregulated and miR-16-5p was downregulated. In osteoblasts, LPS treatment decreased the expression of circFADS2 but increased the expression of miR-16-5p. Overexpression of circFADS2 decreased the expression of miR-16-5p. Cell apoptosis analysis showed that circFADS2 overexpression reduced the apoptosis of osteoblasts under LPS-treatment, while miR-16-5p overexpression increased cell apoptosis. Moreover, overexpression of miR-16-5p reduced the effects of circFADS2 overexpression on the apoptosis of osteoblasts. Conclusion: Therefore, CircFADS2 is downregulated in OS and promotes LPS-induced apoptosis of osteoblast by downregulating miR-16-5p.
Heart Disease Detection Using Machine Learning
Authors: T Chithambaram , N Logesh Kannan , M Gowsalya
Published: October 2020

This paper analyzes the detection of heart disease using machine learning algorithms and python programming. Over the post decades, heart disease is common and dangerous disease caused by fat containment. This disease occurs due to over pressure in the human body. Using different types of parameters in the dataset we can predict the cardiac-disease. We have observed a dataset consists of 12 parameters and 70000 individual data values[5] to analyze the performance of patients. The main objective of the paper is to get a better accuracy to detect the heart-disease using algorithms in which the target output counts that a person having heart disease or not.
A Case Report of Prolonged COVID-19 Positive RT-PCR for five months
Authors: Siami Zeinab , Soleimani Alireza , Khavandegar Armin
Published: October 2020

Background: The COViD-19 gold standard assessment tool remained the RT-PCR of upper respiratory tract specimen extracted by the nasopharyngeal swab. A positive result would dwindle through a three-week course and, eventually, would be undetectable. The most prolonged period of detectable viral RNA was 37 days. Besides, COViD-19 RT-PCR remained positive for 74 days in a patient suffering from lymphoma Case presentation: In this study, we have presented a 56-year-old Persian male patient, a known case of lymphoma since 2015, who experiences many episodes of chemotherapy with a five-month positive RT-PCR COViD-19 laboratory test and finally was intubated and then died of opportunistic pulmonary infections. Conclusion: COViD-19 patients who have concurrent lymphoma failed to remove the virus thoroughly, despite providing appropriate treatment regimens.
A Study of 1-Phenyl-3-Methyl-4-Trichloroacetyl Pyrazolone-5 as an Extractant for Uranium (VI) From Buffered Solutions
Authors: Bennett Victoria , Amos-Tautua Bamidele , Kemeakegha Ayasen
Published: October 2020

Chloroform solutions of 1-Phenyl-3-Methyl-4-Trichloroacetylpyrazolone-5 (HTCP) for the extraction of Uranium (VI) (UO22+) from various buffered solutions containing different SO42- ion concentrations was investigated. After extraction processes, colorimetric method was used to determine Uranium(VI) concentrations in aqueous media. Solutions of HTCP in chloroform did not extract U(VI) in buffered solutions containing SO42- ions between pH 0 – 2, which was attributed to the formation of unextractable Sulphate Uranyl (UO2)SO4 complex. However, there was extraction of U(VI) of 88,70 %, 76.84 % and 55.49 % between pH 2.96 – 3.21 for solutions containing 0.01 M, 0.1 M and 1 M SO42- ion respectively. An increase in SO42- ion concentration decreased the optimum extraction of U(VI). The presence of SO42- ion in buffered solutions had a masking effect on the extraction of U(VI). The metal ligand ratio was 1:1 and the adduct complex of the metal characterized as UO2(TCP) was extracted.
Covid-19 diagnosis by combining RT-PCR and pseudo-convolutional machines to characterize virus sequences
Authors: Gomes Juliana , Masood Aras , Silva Leandro , Ferreira Janderson Romário , Júnior Agostinho Antônio Freire , Rocha Allana Laís , de Oliveira Latícia , Silva Nathália Regina da , Fernandes Bruno José , Santos Wellington dos
Published: October 2020

The proliferation of the SARS-CoV-2 virus to the whole world caused more than 250,000 deaths worldwide and over 4 million confirmed cases. The severity of Covid-19, the exponential rate at which the virus proliferates, and the rapid exhaustion of the public health resources are critical factors. The RT-PCR with virus DNA identification is still the benchmark Covid-19 diagnosis method. In this work we propose a new technique for representing DNA sequences: they are divided into smaller sequences with overlap in a pseudo-convolutional approach, and represented by co-occurrence matrices. This technique analyzes the DNA sequences obtained by the RT-PCR method, eliminating sequence alignment. Through the proposed method, it is possible to identify virus sequences from a large database: 347,363 virus DNA sequences from 24 virus families and SARS-CoV-2. Experiments with all 24 virus families and SARS-CoV-2 (multi-class scenario) resulted 0.822222 ± 0.05613 for sensitivity and 0.99974 ± 0.00001 for specificity using Random Forests with 100 trees and 30% overlap. When we compared SARS-CoV-2 with similar-symptoms virus families, we got 0.97059 ± 0.03387 for sensitivity, and 0.99187 ± 0.00046 for specificity with MLP classifier and 30% overlap. In the real test scenario, in which SARS-CoV-2 is compared to Coronaviridae and healthy human DNA sequences, we got 0.98824 ± 0.01198 for sensitivity and 0.99860 ± 0.00020 for specificity with MLP and 50% overlap. Therefore, the molecular diagnosis of Covid-19 can be optimized by combining RT-PCR and our pseudo-convolutional method to identify SARS-CoV-2 DNA sequences faster with higher specificity and sensitivity.
Interaction of an acoustic wave with a multilayer medium containing a bubble liquid layer
Authors: Agisheva U.O. , Galimzyanov M.N.
Published: October 2020

Discrete-layered media are interesting to research since properties of each layer can significantly differ from near by ones and this can be used in technological processes. The presence of a small number of bubbles significantly increases the compressibility of the medium while the density of the bubble medium remains close to the density of the carrier liquid. From the applied point of view it is interesting that the energy of the incident wave can be completely absorbed by combining of layer properties (length, volume content of the dispersed phase, etc.). In this work, based on the equations of mechanics of dispersed media, we consider the reflection and propagation of acoustic waves passing at right angles through a three-layer medium in a pipeline containing a layer of bubble fluid. From the condition for the existence of a solution in the form of a decaying traveling wave, dispersion relations are written for each of the possible layers. Based on them, the dependences of the amplitude of the incident and transmitted waves on the propagation velocity of the pulse are analytically derived. The coefficients of reflection and transmission through the interface are obtained both in the general case and in particular cases for each layer. These ratios make it possible to calculate the possible consequences of a wave action on the considered media in the event of emergencies at work and to prevent them.
Solid-state explosion simulation in COMSOL Multiphysics
Authors: Belov A.V. , Kopchenov O.V. , Skachkov A.O. , Ushakov D.E.
Published: October 2020

In this work, the propagation of blast waves in a rock mass caused by a short-term load is considered. Such loads are typical in the construction of tunnels and other excavations using blasting. For modeling by the finite element method, the cross-platform software COMSOL Multiphysics 5.4 was used. The explosion is reproduced in a steel tank whose steel grade is EN 1.7220 4CrMo4. The medium in the tank has the properties of granite rock (Young’s modulus E = 50 GPa, Poisson’s ratio ν = 2/7, Density ρ = 2700 kg/m3 ). The sphere is also a body having the properties of granite. Set to clarify the geometry of the explosion and the area where the mesh is indicated. The tank has dimensions: 10.39 m in length and diameter 2.9 m. The wall thickness of the tank is 0.01 m. To model the explosion, the Solid Mechanics interface was used, located in the Structural Mechanics branch, based on solving equations of motion together with a model for solid material. Results such as displacement, stress, and strain are calculated. The force per unit volume (Fv) is specified by the normal pressure in the sphere. Also, the tensile strength was calculated for this steel grade: upon reaching a certain pressure in the tank (7.26 MPa), the simulation stops, and the system notifies at what point in time the destruction occurred. A Time Dependent Study is used. Seconds are used as a unit of time. The task is calculated from 0 seconds (initial moment of time) to 0.003 seconds (final moment of time) with a construction step of 0.00005.
The chain of embedded invariant submodels for conic motions
Authors: Mukminov T.F.
Published: October 2020

The equations of continuum mechanics are invariant in relation to the Galilean group generalized by extention. Its 11-dimensional Lie algebra has many subalgebras, which form the optimal system of dissimilar subalgebras. Subalgebras from the optimal system form the graph of embedded subalgebras. There are many chains of subalgebras in the graph. We consider the chain of embedded subalgebras containing operators of space and time translation, the rotation and uniform extension of all independent variables for the models of the continuous medium mechanics. We choose concordant invariants for each subalgebra from the chain. The chain of invariant submodels is constructed in a cylindrical coordinates based on chosen invariants. It is proved that solutions of a submodel constructed on a subalgebra of higher dimension will be part of solutions of submodels constructed on subalgebra of smaller dimensions for the considered chain. Thus, the chain of embedded invariant submodels is constructed by the example of equations of ideal gas dynamics.
Recent Advances in the Synthesis of the Antidepressant Paroxetine
Authors: Santos Joana , Proença Maria Fernanda , Rodrigues Ana Joao , Patrício Patricia , Domingues Helena Sofia
Published: October 2020

Paroxetine is a potent inhibitor of serotonin reuptake and is widely prescribed
for the treatment of depression and other neurological disorders. The synthesis of paroxetine
and the possibility to prepare derivatives with a specific substitution pattern that may
allow their use as biological probes is an attractive topic especially for medicinal
chemists engaged in neurosciences research. Considering the extensive work that was developed
in the last decade on the total synthesis of paroxetine, this review summarizes
the most important contributions in this field, organized according to the reagent that was
used as a starting material. Most of the methods allowed to prepare paroxetine in 4-9
steps with an overall yield of 9-66%. Despite the progress made in this area, there is still
room for improvement, searching for new eco-friendly and sustainable synthetic alternatives.
Cognitive Performance and Neuro-Metabolites in HIV Using 3T Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy: A Cross-Sectional Study from India
Authors: Gupta K. , Shivabalan  , Kumar V. , Vyas S. , Pandey R. M. , Jagannathan N. R. , Sinha S.
Published: October 2020

Background:

Cognitive impairment in patients with human immunodeficiency virus
(HIV) is associated with higher morbidity. The prevalence of the metabolite changes in the brain associated
with cognitive impairment in anti-retroviral therapy naïve patients with HIV is unknown.

Objective:

To estimate the prevalence of the neurometabolites associated with cognitive impairment
in antiretroviral therapy (ART) naïve patients with HIV.

Methods:

We conducted a cross-sectional study among ART naïve patients with HIV aged 18-50
years in a tertiary care center in India. Cognition was tested using the Post Graduate Institute battery
of brain dysfunction across five domains; memory, attention-information processing, abstraction
executive, complex perceptual, and simple motor skills. We assessed the total N-acetyl aspartyl
(tNAA), creatine (tCr) and glutamate + glutamine (Glx) using 3T magnetic resonance spectroscopy.
Cognitive impairment was defined as an impairment in ≥2 domains.

Results:

Among 43 patients eligible for this study, the median age was 32 years (IQR 29, 40) and
30% were women. Median CD4 count and viral load were 317 cells/μL (IQR 157, 456) and 9.3
copies/ μL (IQR 1.4, 38), respectively. Impairment in at least one cognitive domain was present in
32 patients (74.4%). Impairment in simple motor skills and memory was present in 46.5% and
44% of patients, respectively. Cognitive impairment, defined by impairment in ≥2 domains, was
found in 22 (51.2%) patients. There was a trend towards higher concentration of tNAA (7.3 vs. 7.0
mmol/kg), tGlx (9.1 vs. 8.2 mmol/kg), and tCr (5.5 vs. 5.2 mmol/kg) in the frontal lobe of patients
with cognitive impairment vs. without cognitive impairment but it did not reach statistical significance
(p>0.05 for all). There was no difference in the concentration of these metabolites in the two
groups in the basal ganglia.

Conclusions:

There is a high prevalence of cognitive impairment in ART naïve patients with HIV.
There is no difference in metabolites in patients with or without cognitive impairment. Further
studies, with longitudinal follow-up are required to understand the underlying pathophysiological
mechanisms.
Influence of Lung Hyperinflation on Respiratory Muscles Pressures During a Submaximal Test in Patients With COPD: A Clinical Perspective
Authors: Porto Elias F. , Clares Sabrina , Ferracioli Ana M.J. , de Sousa Marcio R.P. , de Oliveira Leite José Renato , Malheiros Rafael T. , De Castro Antonio A.M.
Published: October 2020

Background and Objective:

Reduction of exercise tolerance is associated with expiratory
flow-limitation (EFL) and lung hyperinflation; those are only partially reversible to bronchodilator.
Lung hyperinflation lowers the diaphragm muscle provoking a mechanical disadvantage that,
eventually, reduces maximal inspiratory (MIP) and expiratory (MEP) pressures. We aimed to assess
the influence of the dynamic lung hyperinflation on respiratory pressures changes at rest and
after a submaximal exercise test in COPD patients with and without a bronchodilator.

Methods::

We prospectively analyzed 16 COPD patients (FEV1 36.4±10% pred.; age 61.0±8 years,
height 165±12 cm and BMI 25.9±6 kg/m2). MIP and MEP were measured before and after performing
the six minutes walking test (6MWT) with and without bronchodilator (400 mcg of albuterol).

Results::

Nine of 16 patients increased IC more than 150 ml after bronchodilator use. Right after
the 6MWT was accomplished without bronchodilator, IC decreased by 7.05% as compared to the
6MWT baseline value (p<0.01). Nine patients decreased IC more than 150ml. After bronchodilator
use, patients performed the 6MWT without any IC significant reduction (p>0.05). Twelve patients
increased the MIP (ranging from 70±11cmH2O to 77±10cmH2O, p = 0.0043) using 400mcg of albuterol.
Thirteen patients reduced MIP after the 6MWT without bronchodilator use (p <0.007).
There was no significant reduction (p> 0.05) in MIP when patients performed the 6MWT after
bronchodilator use. We also found a significant correlation between MIP and inspiratory capacity
(IC) and MEP and the IC before and after the 6MWT (r=0.61, p=0.0054; r=0.60, p=0.0031, respectively).

Conclusions::

Dynamic pulmonary hyperinflation directly interferes with the ability of respiratory
muscles to generate inspiratory and expiratory pressures. The previous use of bronchodilators in patients
with COPD reduced dynamic hyperinflation when accomplishing a sub-maximal exercise.
Identifying the Predictors of Self-Management Behaviors in Patients with Diabetes Based on Ecological Approach: A Systematic Review
Authors: Davari Mahnaz , Moghaddam Hamed Rezakhani , Soola Aghil Habibi
Published: October 2020

Background:

Recognizing and promoting the factors that affect the self-management behaviors
of diabetes lead to a reduction in the number of patients and an improvement in the quality
of care. The ecological approach focuses on the nature of people's interactions with their physical
and socio-cultural environments.

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to identify the predictors of self-management behaviors
with a comprehensive approach in these patients.

Methods:

The keywords were investigated in the relevant national and international databases, including
PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Scopus, and Scientific Information Database,
Magiran, and Iran Medex, to obtain the articles published from 2009 to 2019. The search and article
selection strategy was developed based on the Prisma checklist and was carried out in three
steps.

Results:

Most studies have shown that personal factors had the highest prediction power for the
self-management of diabetes. The interpersonal factors, society and policy-making factors, and
group and organization factors were then the most frequently reported predictors of self-management
behaviors in diabetic patients.

Conclusion:

Self-management of diabetes is necessary for controlling it because 95% of care is
done by the patient. When designing self-management interventions, factors are based on the individual
level that is to increase self-management behaviors.
Purification of Bacteriocin from Lactobacillus plantarum KY449289 and its Role in the Preservation of Mixed Fruit Juice
Authors: Mounika Ranga , Siddique Jannatul F. , Anbalagan Nivetha , Devi Subathra C. , V Mohanasrinivasan
Published: October 2020

Background::

The aim of this study is to isolate, extract and purify the antibacterial protein
from Lactobacillus plantarum KY449289 and to assess its bio preservative potential.

Objective::

The present study was conducted to evaluate the laxative activity of Hydroethanolic
Pericarp Extract of sapindus emarginatus (HESE) in animal models.

Methods::

Bacteriocins are antimicrobial peptides synthesized ribosomally which can be used as
bio-preservative reducing the risk of chemical preservative’s effect and also replacing the thermal
treatments. This study aims to isolate, purify the antibacterial protein from Lactobacillus plantarum
KY449289 and to assess its bio preservative potential. In this study, twenty strains were isolated
from a yogurt sample and preliminary characterization was carried out, such as morphological,
biochemical, and molecular levels as a preliminary assay.

Results::

The characterized strains were assessed for the antibacterial activity by well diffusion assay,
whereas all twenty strains were shown to have a antibacterial activity against foodborne pathogens,
among which two strains VITMM04 and VITMM05 shows the highest zone of inhibition of
15 mm and 10 mm respectively against Listeria monocytogenes. The potent isolate VITMM05 solely
showed a broad spectrum antibacterial activity against the pathogens. These strains were further
subjected to optimization, purification, and application studies. A high increase in the inhibition
zone was recorded with an optimum temperature of 35°C and its activity was found to be stable up
to 85°C, optimum pH 6, and 5 mM of EDTA as an enhancer surfactant. On subjected to RP-HPLC,
the purified sample showed a distinct peak at 2.192 min corresponding to the peak at 2.192 min for
standard bacteriocin.

Conclusion::

The six-fold purified bacteriocin was effective in controlling 87% of the microbial
population with 20mm zone of inhibiton against the Listeria monocytogenes and this shows the effective
role of purified bacteriocin in inhibiting bacterial growth in a greater extent.
Novel Reverse-Phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (RPHPLC) Method for the Quantification of Apigenin in Ocimum Basilicum Linn Seeds (Tukmaria)
Authors: Parikh Nisha H. , Kothari Charmy
Published: October 2020

Background::

Ocimum basilicum L. seeds, is commonly also known as Takhmaria in
Gujarat. It is a common constituent present in fruits, plant-derived beverages, vegetables, wheat,
sprouts, and some seasonings.

Objective::

A simple, specific, precise, accurate, and sensitive method for the quantification of
apigenin by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) was developed
and validated.

Methods::

Analysis was carried out on Inertsil ODS-3V-C18 column (250 mm × 4.6 mm i.d, 5
μm) as stationary phase and methanol-acetonitrile (55:45 v/v) as a mobile phase at a flow rate of
1.0 mL/ min. Detection was carried out at 340 nm. The retention time of apigenin was found to be
8.30 min. The proposed method was validated according to ICH Guidelines, Q2 (R1).

Results::

The developed method showed good linearity in the range of 10-50 μg/mL with a correlation
coefficient (R2= 0.9998). The LOD and LOQ were found to be 1.23 μg/mL and 4.05
μg/mL, respectively. The percentage recovery for apigenin was found to be 97.75-100.5%. All
validation parameters were found within acceptable limits and demonstrated good reliability in
the quantification of apigenin.

Conclusion::

Thus, the newly developed and validated method can be successfully applied for the
quantification of apigenin from seeds of O. basilicum L. and can also be applied for the standardization
of polyherbal formulation containing O. basilicum seeds. Assay results showed good recovery
when statistically compared with the high-performance thin-layer chromatography
(HPTLC) method.
Efficacy and Cardiovascular Safety of Meglitinides
Authors: Philip Jim , Fernandez Cornelius James
Published: October 2020

Meglitinides are a group of oral hypoglycemic medications currently approved for the
treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Two meglitinide molecules, Repaglinide and
Nateglinide, are presently in use. Repaglinide is preferred because of its superior glycemic efficacy.
They have modest efficacy with a mean decrement of glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) ranging
between -0.2 to -1.50% with individual therapy. Additional HbA1c reduction can occur with
combination therapy with other oral hypoglycemics. This class of drugs is effective in controlling
postprandial hyperglycemia with minimal risk of hypoglycemia. It is also useful in patients with
variable meal timings, especially in the elderly, and in patients with renal failure. There are a
dearth of long-term studies on meglitinides to assess cardiovascular outcomes or mortality in
T2DM, although the Nateglinide and Valsartan in Impaired Glucose ToleranceOutcomes Research
(NAVIGATOR) study showed no difference between Nateglinide and placebo with regard to the
core composite cardiovascular outcomes. Based on a PubMed literature search using key words:
‘meglitinides’, ‘repaglinide’, ‘nateglinide’, ‘HbA1c’, ‘glycated haemoglobin’, ‘cardiovascular safety’,
‘cardiovascular events’, ‘cardiovascular outcome trials’, ‘type 2 diabetes mellitus’ and heart
failure, and combining the search terms using Boolean operators ‘AND’, ‘OR’ and ‘NOT’ as needed
we compiled current evidence for use of these oral hypoglycemic agents in clinical use. This article
is an attempt to review the efficacy and cardiovascular (CV) safety of Meglitinides to help clinicians
to use this class of oral hypoglycaemic agents prudently.
The Evaluation of Effect of Aurora Kinase Inhibitor CCT137690 in Melanoma and Melanoma Cancer Stem Cell
Authors: Sogutlu Fatma , Kayabasi Cagla , Yelken Besra O. , Asik Aycan , Gasimli Roya , Kipcak Sezgi , Susluer Sunde Y. , Avci Cigir B. , Gunduz Cumhur
Published: October 2020

Background:

Dysregulation of the cell cycle is one of the main causes of melanomagenesis. Genomewide
studies showed that the expression of Aurora -A and -B significantly has been upregulated in melanoma.
However, there is no FDA approved drug targeting aurora kinases in the treatment of melanoma. In addition, the
development of resistance to chemotherapeutic agents in the treatment of melanoma and, as a result, the relapse
due to heterogeneous cell groups in patients is a second phenomenon that causes treatment failure. Therefore,
there is an urgent need for therapeutic alternatives targeting both melanoma and Melanoma Cancer Stem Cells
(MCSCs) in treatments. At this stage, cell cycle regulators become promising targets.

Objective:

In this study, we aimed to identify the effects of Aurora kinase inhibitor CCT137690 on the
cytotoxicity, apoptosis, cell cycle, migration, and colony formation and expression changes of genes related to
proliferation, cell death and cell cycle in melanoma and melanoma cancer stem cell. In addition, we investigated
the apoptotic and cytostatic effects of CCT137690 in normal fibroblast cells.

Methods:

We evaluated the cytotoxic effect of CCT137690 in MCSCs, NM2C5 referring as melanoma model
cells and WI-38 cells by using the WST-1 test. The effect of CCT137690 on apoptosis was detected via Annexin
V and JC-1 method; on cell cycle progression by cell cycle test; on gene expression by using RT-PCR, on
migration activity by wound healing assay and clonal growth by clonogenic assay in NM2C5 cells and MCSCs.
The effects of CCT137690 in WI-38, referring as healthy fibroblast cell, were assessed through Annexin V and
cell cycle method.

Results:

CCT137690 was determined to have a cytotoxic and apoptotic effect in MCSCs and melanoma. It
caused polyploidy and cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase in MCSCs and melanoma cells. The significant
decrease in the expression of MMP2, MMP7, MMP10, CCNB1, IRAK1, PLK2 genes, and the increase in the
expression of PTEN, CASP7, p53 genes were detected.

Conclusion:

Aurora kinases inhibitor CCT137690 displays promising anticancer activity in melanoma and
especially melanoma cancer stem cells. The effect of CCT137690 on melanoma and MCSC may provide a new
approach to treatment protocols.
Different Effects of Fluoxetine and Paroxetine Combined with Vitamin D3 in Ovariectomized Rats Exposed to Unpredictable Stress
Authors: Fedotova Julia
Published: October 2020

Background:

Vitamin D3 (VD3) is involved in the pathophysiological mechanisms of affective-related disorders and controls the functional activity of various hormonal systems. The complex interaction between estrogen and VD3 creates a neurobiological basis for their participation in similar behavioral disorders.

Objectives:

This study aimed to evaluate whether VD3 (5.0 mg/kg, s.c.) facilitates the antidepressant-like action of fluoxetine (10.0 mg/kg, i.p.) or paroxetine (10.0 mg/kg, i.p.) by enhancing the antidepressant-like activity of these drugs in adult long-term Ovariectomized (OVX) rats subjected to Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress (CUMS) protocol for 6 weeks.

Methods:

Sucrose Preference (SPT) and Forced Swim (FST) tests were performed to evaluate the anhedonia state and depressive symptoms, respectively. The Open-Field Test (OFT) was carried out to measure locomotor activity as well as grooming behavior produced by CUMS in long-term OVX rats. Corticosterone (CS)/estradiol (E2) in the serum was tested by rat ELISA kits. NF-kB, 5-HT/5-HIIA, and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in the hippocampus were also examined by rat ELISA kits.

Results:

The results of this study suggest that combined treatment with fluoxetine (10.0 mg/kg, i.p.) or paroxetine (10.0 mg/kg, i.p.) along with VD3 (5.0 mg/kg, s.c.) produces distinct effects on the depression-like behavior in long-term OVX/CUMS rats. Co-administration of fluoxetine (10.0 mg/kg, i.p.) with VD3 did not facilitate the antidepressant-like effects of fluoxetine in the long-term OVX rats with CUMS. On the other hand, co-treatment with paroxetine with VD3 resulted in faster and marked antianhedonic- and antidepressant-like effects in long-term OVX rats with CUMS as compared to treatment with paroxetine alone. The co-administration of paroxetine and VD3 attenuates stress-induced modifications of CS/E2 levels in the serum, as well as- proinflammatory cytokine/NF-kB/5-HT levels in the hippocampus of long-term OVX rats exposed to CUMS.

Conclusion:

Supplementation of VD3 (5.0 mg/kg, s.c.)to paroxetine (10.0 mg/kg, i.p.) facilitates antianhedonic- and antidepressant-like effects of paroxetine in adult long-term OVX rats exposed to CUMS.