bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bioethics in Nigeria: Knowledge and perception during a capacity-building workshop for Biomedical researchers.
Authors: Surakat Olabanji Ahmed , Ajisebiola Babafemi Siji , Mogaji Hammed , Onakhinor Sandra , Busari Lateef Oladimeji , Fadiji Oyinkansola , Dauda Oluwadamilare , Rufai Mohammed , Adeleke Monsuru , Sam-Wobo Sammy Olufemi
Published: August 2021

Background: The need to assess the gaps in knowledge and perception on bioethics among biomedical researchers has become necessary considering the increasing numbers of researchers and research outputs in sub-Saharan Africa. This study, therefore, investigated the knowledge and perceptions of biomedical researchers in Osun State, southwest Nigeria.Methods: Pre-tested semi-structured questionnaires were administered to consenting biomedical researchers during a capacity workshop conducted in November 2020. The questionnaire collected data on the attendee’s demography, knowledge, awareness and perception on bioethics and ethical approvals for research. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics in SPSS. 20.0 software and expressed as frequencies and percentages. Associations between professional status of participants were performed using chi-square statistics, and confidence interval was set as 95%. However, qualitative data were obtained using open-ended questionnaires and analysed thematically.Results: A total of 153 biomedical researchers across 33 academic and research institutions, comprising 58% males, and 42% females participated in this study. The age of the participants ranged from 20 to 60 years. Majority of the participants (60.8%) hold academic positions and about one-third of the population were graduate students (30.1%). Awareness on bioethics was high (91.5%), and more common in schools (61.4%), with majority of the participants (77.1%) describing it as a field that addresses the social and legal issues arising from medicine and life sciences (p<0.05). However, participants’ perception of the principles of ethics was poor, with about 16% of participants considering none or only part of the principles. Also, about 10% felt they could still obtain ethical permits while research is ongoing or completed, while only 13.7% affirms that all biomedical related researches require ethical approval. There were significant differences in the proportions across the professional status of participants (p<0.05).Conclusion: The study has revealed poor perception among participants and suggests the prioritization of bioethics capacity enhancement workshops to improve knowledge and perceptions of biomedical researchers. In addition, more detailed studies across institutions in Nigeria should be carried out to assess, monitor and reinforce knowledge gained by biomedical researchers.
The Effects of a Single and a Series of Finnish Sauna Sessions on the Immune Response and Heat Shock Protein Levels in Trained and Untrained Men
Authors: Wanda Pilch , Marta Szarek , Piotrowska Anna , Olga Czerwińska-Ledwig , Ewa Sadowska-Krępa , Tomasz Pałka , Štefánia Andraščíková , Małgorzata Żychowska
Published: August 2021

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of a Finnish sauna on the immune status markers. Healthy males (20–25 years old) were divided into gropes: the trained (T; n = 10), and the untrained group (N; n = 10). All participants were subjected to 10 baths (3X15-minute with cooled down for 2 minutes). Blood was collected before the 1st and 10th sauna bath, and 10 minutes after their completion. The levels of: cortisol, Il-6, HSP70, IgA, IgG, IgM and blood cells (WBC), leukocyte populations counts: neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils, monocytes, and basophils were determined. No differences were found in the increase in rectal temperature, cortisol and Ig between groups. In response to the 1st sauna bath, a greater increase in HR was observed in the U group. After the last one, the HR value was lower in the T group. The impact on WBC, CD56+, CD3+, CD8+, IgA, IgG and IgM shows a differences in trained and untrained body responses. It seems that in trained people, the non-specific immune response increases, while in untrained, the specific one. Series of sauna baths can be a way of acclimation to high ambient temperatures for athletes and a solution to improve immune response.
Cold Brew Coffee Extract, A Cradle to Grave Approach
Authors: Gouws Shawn , Muller Michael
Published: August 2021

The research question related to this study was to produce various products from grounded-coffee beans such as cold-brew coffee extracts, firelighters, and soil fertilizer. The extraction of cold brew coffee (CBC) was investigated by brewing one particular sample of Rwanda coffee (medium roasted) using a cold and hot method, so that we could compare two brewing methodologies. The main parameter investigated was temperature. According to literature, particle size plays no significant role in the CBC extraction process. This work suggests that CBC can be extracted between 15 – 20 oC over 10 to 12 hours instead of 24 hours as outlined in typical cold brew extraction processes. The CBC can then be served with various flavors or diluted neatly in ice water or hot served if preferred or with milk. The spent GCB could be utilized in products such as firelighters or log firelighters for a log fire. This application has shown promising results and has longer burning times for the ignition of log fires and emits a pleasant soft coffee aroma.
Association between hippocampal subfields and clinical symptoms of first-episode and drug naive schizophrenia patients during 12 weeks of risperidone treatment
Authors: Lang XiaoE , Wang Dongmei , Chen Dachun , Xiu Mei Hong , Zhou Huixia , Wang Li , Cao Bo , Zhang Xiangyang
Published: August 2021

Small hippocampal size, especially in CA1 may be implicated in the pathogenesis and psychopathology of schizophrenia (SCZ). However, does the volume of hippocampal subfields like CA1 in SCZ patients affect response to antipsychotic treatment? In this study, we used risperidone to treat first-episode and drug naïve (FEDN) SCZ patients for 12 weeks, and then explored the relationship between differences in baseline hippocampal subfield volumes, as well as any changes in the volumes of these hippocampal structures during treatment, and improvement in their psychopathological symptoms. By adopting a state-of the-art automated algorithm, the hippocampal subfields were segmented in 43 FEND SCZ inpatients at baseline and in 26 of them after 12 weeks of risperidone monotherapy, as well as in 30 matched healthy controls. We adopted the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) to assess psychopathological symptoms in 43 SCZ patients at baseline and in 40 of them at post-treatment. Our results showed that before treatment, schizophrenia patients had no significant differences in total or subfield hippocampal volumes compared with healthy volunteers (all p>0.05). However, at baseline smaller volumes of the left CA1, right molecular layer of the dentate, left hippocampal tail and left pre-subiculum were significantly correlated with worse PANSS negative symptom scores, accounting for 41% of its variance. We also found a significant correlation between a larger left CA1 at baseline and a worse PANSS total score and general psychopathology sub-score at post-treatment (both p<0.05). Furthermore, the left CA1 at baseline was significantly smaller in responders, who had >50% improvement in PANSS total score, than in non-responders (p<0.05). Our results suggest that FEDN SCZ patients with smaller left CA1 had greater negative psychotic symptoms at baseline and more of them had a >50% improvement in PANSS total score after 12 weeks of risperidone treatment. Thus, smaller left CA1 volume may be a predicator for improvement in psychotic symptoms of FEDN SCZ patients, but hippocampal volumes overall did not differ in size from normal controls and did not change during treatment.
Identification of the TF-miRNA-mRNA Co-regulatory Networks Involved in Sepsis
Authors: Luo Xiaoqian , Lu Weina , Zhao Jianfeng , Hu Jun , Chen Enjiang , Fu Shi , Fu Qinghui
Published: August 2021

BackgroundSepsis is a life-threatening medical condition caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. Recent studies have found that the expression of miRNAs is associated with the pathogenesis of sepsis and septic shock. Our study aimed to reveal which miRNAs may be involved in the dysregulated immune response in sepsis and how these miRNAs interact with transcription factors (TFs) using a computational approach with in vitro validation studies. MethodsTo determine the network of TFs, miRNAs and target genes involved in sepsis, GEO datasets GSE94717 and GSE131761 were used to identify differentially expressed miRNAs and DEGs. TargetScan and miRWalk databases were used to predict biological targets that overlap with the identified DEGs of differentially expressed miRNAs. The TransmiR database was used to predict the differential miRNA TFs that overlap with the identified DEGs. The TF-miRNA-mRNA network was constructed and visualized. Finally, qRT-PCR was used to verify the expression of TFs and miRNA in HUVECs. ResultBetween the healthy and sepsis groups, there were 146 upregulated and 98 downregulated DEGs in the GSE131761 dataset, and there were 1 upregulated and 183 downregulated DEMs in the GSE94717 dataset. A regulatory network of the TF-miRNA-target genes was established. According to the experimental results, RUNX3 was found to be downregulated while MAPK14 was upregulated, which corroborates the result of the computational expression analysis. In a HUVECs model, miR-19b-1-5p and miR-5009-5p were found to be significantly downregulated. Other TFs and miRNAs did not correlate with our bioinformatics expression analysis. ConclusionWe constructed a TF-miRNA-target gene regulatory network and identified potential treatment targets RUNX3, MAPK14, miR-19b-1-5p and miR-5009-5p. This information provides an initial basis for understanding the complex sepsis regulatory mechanisms.
Graphene-based tunable broadband polarizer for infrared frequency
Authors: Sorathiya Vishal , Patel Shobhit K
Published: August 2021

This paper proposes the tunable graphene-assisted polarizer structure which is working on the infrared frequency range. The tunable polarizer has been designed by a three-layered structure of silica, graphene, and gold. The polarizer behavior of the structure is analyzed for the frequency range of 3 to 12 THz. The tunability of the structure is analyzed for the different values of fermi energy which is tunable parameter of single-layer graphene sheet. Polarizer response is derived in terms of different performance parameters such as reflectance, phase variation, phase difference, polarization conversion rate, and effective refractive indices. Graphene-based polarizer structure is investigated for the co-polarization and cross-polarization input incident conditions to check linear to circular polarization conversion. It also shows an effective refractive index response to check the metasurface behavior of the polarizer for 3 to 12 THz range. We have observed that the polarization amplitude becomes stronger for the higher Fermi energy value of the graphene sheet. The reflection amplitude is achieved up to 90%. Results of the proposed polarizer structure can be used to design the various electro-optical structure which operates in the lower THz range.
Thermodynamically effective molecular surfaces for more efficient study of condensed-phase thermodynamics
Authors: Alibakhshi Amin , hartke bernd
Published: August 2021

Evaluation of molecular surfaces plays the key role in a wide range of cutting-edge scientific fields and technologies, due to the well-characterized dependency between molecular surfaces and condensed phase thermodynamics. Numerous methods to evaluate molecular surfaces such as van-der-Waals and solvent accessible surface areas and various parameterizations for each one, have been proposed in the literature and typically yield quite diverse estimations of molecular surfaces. Despite this diversity, numerous successful applications have been reported for each one, which has become possible via ad-hoc modifications and parametrizations employed to accommodate inappropriately defined molecular surfaces.
The main aim of the present study is to propose “thermodynamically effective” molecular surface which unlike the conventionally accepted molecular surfaces, can be defined only uniquely, can be measured experimentally for each molecule directly and straightforwardly, is defined based on a well-characterized theoretically described dependency between molecular surfaces and solution thermodynamics, and is highly accurate in evaluating various thermodynamics quantities in solution for a wide temperature range and different types of molecules, without requiring any ad-hoc modification.
Brief Population Bottlenecks Are Beyond The Genetic Streetlight
Authors: Elliott-Higgins Jack , Swamidass S. Joshua
Published: August 2021

Inferring human demographic history from extant genomes is an important goal of population genetics. To date, the sensitivity of coalescence-based methods in detecting population bottlenecks has not been well characterized. In this study, we find that brief bottlenecks, of just a few generations, are undetectable by current methods. A new approach to population inference, Lineage Time Inference (LiTI), uses data-derived windows to demarcate the limits of the genetic data. We find that a sharp population bottleneck at the time of the Youngest Toba Eruption, and also at more ancient timepoints in the human lineage, would be outside the genetic streetlight.
Horticultural Characterization of Wild Hydrangea quercifolia Seedlings Collected Throughout the Species Native Range
Authors: Sherwood Andrew , Alexander Lisa W. , Clark Matthew D. , McNamara Steve , Hokanson Stan C.
Published: August 2021

Oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia Bartr.) is an understory shrub native to the southeastern United States. Hydrangeas are popular ornamental landscape plants; however, little is known about the diversity in horticulturally important traits for oakleaf hydrangea. Information regarding the variation in important traits could guide future breeding efforts for the species. Seed was collected from 55 populations throughout the range of the species for the purpose of conducting a horticultural characterization of the species compared with select cultivars. Plant architecture was characterized as plant height, number of nodes, internode length, number of branches, and plant width. Plant architecture was measured for container-grown and field-grown plants in two locations (Minnesota and Tennessee). Tolerance to leaf spot (Xanthomonas campestris L.) was characterized for wild-collected seedlings and cultivars by measuring disease severity under exposure to ambient inoculum. Cold hardiness was characterized during two winters with a controlled freezing experiment. During the first winter, seedlings were tested in January; during the second winter, seedlings and cultivars were tested monthly from October through April. Plant architecture varied by environment, with plants growing larger in Tennessee than in Minnesota. The heights of container-grown and field-grown plants were correlated with the collection site latitude (r = −0.66), with populations from the northeastern extent of the range of the species being the most compact, and populations from Florida being the tallest. Leaf spot severity varied significantly among populations and cultivars and was also correlated with latitude for the seedlings (r = 0.70). Two populations in Florida were identified as sources of high tolerance to leaf spot, whereas ‘Flemygea’ and ‘Alice’ were identified as having moderate tolerance to leaf spot. Cold hardiness varied among populations and cultivars and among months of the winter. The overall maximum cold hardiness was observed in February [mean lethal temperature (LT50) = −33.7 °C], and several populations maintained an extreme level of cold hardiness into late winter. Midwinter cold hardiness also varied by latitude (r = −0.65), with northern populations showing higher levels of cold hardiness. These results indicate that certain wild oakleaf hydrangea populations will be useful for introgressing novel variation into breeding programs.
Effects of Cold Treatments on Seedling Emergence and Growth of Lilium davidii var. unicolor Bulblets
Authors: Tang Nan , Jia Rulong , Yin Jicheng , Wang Yan , Tang Daocheng
Published: August 2021

For Lilium davidii var. unicolor bulblets produced by scale propagation, the effects of cold treatments on the sprouting and development of bulblets were studied. The results showed that 5 °C was a more suitable temperature than 2 or 10 °C. Bulblets treated at 5 °C for 3 weeks presented the best uniformity of seedling emergence, and the sprouting rate was 100%. Moreover, the largest bulbs were observed in this treatment after a growing season. It was found that long storage at low temperatures is unfavorable for bulb development. The weight and circumference of bulbs from bulblets that were cold-treated for more than 5 weeks were significantly less than those treated for 1 to 4 weeks. During the first 4 weeks of cold storage, the starch content of bulblets decreased significantly, coinciding with an increase in soluble sugars. The starch and soluble sugar contents in bulblets stored at 2 and 5 °C changed faster than those in bulblets stored at 10 °C. However, the effect of temperature on carbohydrates diminished gradually as the storage time increased. Long storage of bulblets at low temperatures is not good for subsequent growth and development. The results of this study provide important information for accelerating the scale propagation of L. davidii var. unicolor and maximizing bulb yield.
Linear stability of Einstein and de Sitter universes in the quadratic theory of modified gravity
Authors: Al-Ajmi Mudhahir
Published: August 2021

We consider the Einstein static and the de Sitter universe solutions and examine their instabilities in a subclass of quadratic modified theories for gravity. This modification proposed by Nash is an attempt to generalize general relativity. Interestingly, we discover that the Einstein static universe is unstable in the context of the modified gravity. In contrast to Einstein static universe, the de Sitter universe remains stable under metric perturbation up to the second order.
Customer perspective on dynamic marketing capability in international hotels of Indonesia during Covid-19: Confirmatory factor analysis
Authors: Sampetua Hariandja Evo
Published: August 2021

The objective of this study was to validate three independent variables, namely market sensing, learning, targeting and positioning, as to dimensions of dynamic marketing capability (DMC). By developing a theoretical framework, this study demonstrates the importance of three dimensions of DMC. This study collected 530 valid samples through an online questionnaire survey in major cities in Indonesia. Respondents are Indonesian citizens aged over 15 years who have stayed at three to five-star international hotels in Indonesia during the Covid-19 period in 2020. This study used a combination of Smart-PLS and SPSS to examine the outer model and inner model. The outcome of this study demonstrated that market sensing had a significant effect on DMC. Then, market learning also had a significant effect on DMC. Next, market targeting and positioning had a significant effect on DMC from the perspective of the customer in international hotels in Indonesia. The outcome of this study is to support the development of a conceptual framework and conduct an empirical evaluation of the relationship between market sensing, market learning, market targeting and positioning, which are DMC dimensions in global marketing. In general, this study contributes to the international hotel industry in developing the marketing area in the context of DMC.
Digital Transformation of State and Municipal Services
Authors: Zavyalova Ekaterina , Pogadaeva Nina
Published: August 2021

In Russia, digitalization of the state and municipal spheres remains a task to be resolved. The present research objective was to assess the current level of digitalization of state and municipal services in the Kemerovo region in order to develop some recommendations. The author analyzed foreign experience and compared the digital situation in the Kemerovo region with that in other constituent entities of the Russian Federation. The low level of local digitalization results from the low level of information and communication infrastructure, "patchwork automation", lack of qualified personnel, financial problems, etc. The following measures can improve the situation: more active feedback from citizens, analysis of best practices, participation in pilot government projects, increasing the availability and convenience of electronic services via mobile applications and gamification, etc.
An Intracellular Tripeptide Arg-His-Trp of Serum Origin Detected in MCF-7 Cells is a Possible Agonist to β2 Adrenoceptor
Authors: Chandore Hritik , Raj Ajay Kumar , Lokhande Kiran Bharat , Swamy Krishna Venkateswara , Pal Jayanta Kumar , Sharma Nilesh Kumar
Published: August 2021

Background:

The need for agonists and antagonists of β2 adrenoceptor (β2AR) is warranted in various human disease conditions, including cancer, cardiovascular and other metabolic disorders. However, the sources of agonists of β2AR are diverse in nature. Interestingly, there is a complete gap in the exploration of agonists of β2AR from serum that is a well-known component of culture media that supports growth and proliferation of normal and cancer cells in vitro.

Methods:

In this paper, we employed a novel vertical tube gel electrophoresis (VTGE)-assisted purification of intracellular metabolites of MCF-7 cells grown in vitro in complete media with fetal bovine serum (FBS). Intracellular metabolites of MCF-7 cells were then analyzed by LC-HRMS. Identified intracellular tripeptides of FBS origin were evaluated for their molecular interactions with various extracellular and intracellular receptors, including β2AR (PDB ID: 2RH1) by employing molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations (MDS). A known agonist of β2AR, isoproterenol was used as a positive control in molecular docking and MDS analyses.

Results :

We report here the identification of a few novel intracellular tripeptides, namely Arg-His- Trp, (PubChem CID-145453842), Pro-Ile-Glu, (PubChem CID-145457492), Cys-Gln-Gln, (PubChem CID-71471965), Glu-Glu-Lys, (PubChem CID-11441068) and Gly-Cys-Leu (PubChem CID-145455600) of FBS origin in MCF-7 cells. Molecular docking and MDS analyses revealed that among these molecules, the tripeptide Arg-His-Trp shows a favorable binding affinity with β2AR (-9.8 Kcal/mol). The agonistic effect of Arg-His-Trp is significant and comparable with that of a known agonist of β2AR, isoproterenol.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, we identified a unique Arg-His-Trp tripeptide of FBS origin in MCF-7 cells by employing a novel approach. This unique tripeptide Arg-His-Trp is suggested to be a potential agonist of β2AR and it may have applications in the context of various human diseases like bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Oral Angiotensin-(1-7) Peptide Modulates Intestinal Microbiota Improving Metabolic Profile in Obese Mice
Authors: Machado Amanda , Oliveira Janaína Ribeiro , de F. Lelis Deborah , Guimarães Victor Hugo D. , de Paula Alfredo M.B. , Guimarães Andre L.S. , Brandi Igor V. , de Carvalho Bruna Mara A. , da Costa Diego Vicente , Vieira Cláudia Regina , Pereira Ulisses Alves , de Oliveira Costa Theles , Andrade João M.O. , Santos Robson Augusto Souza , Santos Sérgio H.S.
Published: August 2021

Background:

Obesity is a serious health problem that dysregulate Renin-Angiotensin
System (RAS) and intestinal microbiota.

Objective:

The present study aimed to evaluate the Angiotensin-(1-7) [ANG-(1-7)] oral formulation
effects on obese mice intestinal microbiota.

Methods:

Mice were divided into four groups: obese and non-obese treated with ANG-(1-7) and
obese and non-obese without ANG-(1-7) during four weeks.

Results:

We observed a significant decrease in the fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides,
and Low-density lipoprotein levels and increased High-density lipoprotein in animals treated
with ANG-(1-7). The histological analysis showed intestinal villi height reduction in mice treated
with ANG-(1-7). Additionally, increased Bacteroidetes and decreased Firmicutes (increased Bacteroidetes/
Firmicutes ratio) and Enterobacter cloacae populations were observed in the High-Fat Diet
+ ANG-(1-7) group. Receptor toll-like 4 (TLR4) intestinal mRNA expression was reduced in the
HFD+ANG-(1-7) group. Finally, the intestinal expression of the neutral amino acid transporter
(B0AT1) was increased in animals treated with ANG-(1-7), indicating a possible mechanism associated
with tryptophan uptake.

Conclusion:

The results of the present study suggest for the first time an interaction between oral
ANG-(1-7) and intestinal microbiota modulation.
Integrated Analysis of the Expression, Involved Functions, and
Regulatory Network of RUNX3 in Melanoma
Authors: Chen Huaxia , Feng Zhang , Liu Yanxin
Published: August 2021

Background:

As a tumor suppressor or oncogenic gene, abnormal expression of RUNX
family transcription factor 3 (RUNX3) has been reported in various cancers.

Introduction:

This study aimed to investigate the role of RUNX3 in melanoma.

Methods:

The expression level of RUNX3 in melanoma tissues was analyzed by
immunohistochemistry and the Oncomine database. Based on microarray datasets GSE3189 and
GSE7553, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in melanoma samples were screened, followed
by functional enrichment analysis. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was performed for
RUNX3. DEGs that co-expressed with RUNX3 were analyzed, and the transcription factors (TFs)
of RUNX3 and its co-expressed genes were predicted. The protein-protein interactions (PPIs) for
RUNX3 were analyzed utilizing the GeneMANIA database. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) that could
target RUNX3 expression, were predicted.

Results:

RUNX3 expression was significantly up-regulated in melanoma tissues. GSEA showed
that RUNX3 expression was positively correlated with melanogenesis and melanoma pathways.
Eleven DEGs showed significant co-expression with RUNX3 in melanoma, for example, TLE4
was negatively co-expressed with RUNX3. RUNX3 was identified as a TF that regulated the
expression of both itself and its co-expressed genes. PPI analysis showed that 20 protein-encoding
genes interacted with RUNX3, among which 9 genes were differentially expressed in melanoma,
such as CBFB and SMAD3. These genes were significantly enriched in transcriptional regulation
by RUNX3, RUNX3 regulates BCL2L11 (BIM) transcription, regulation of I-kappaB kinase/NFkappaB
signaling, and signaling by NOTCH. A total of 31 miRNAs could target RUNX3, such as
miR-326, miR-330-5p, and miR-373-3p.

Conclusion:

RUNX3 expression was up-regulated in melanoma and was implicated in the
development of melanoma.
Phytoestrogens as Potential Antiandrogenic Agents Against Prostate Cancer:
An In Silico Analysis
Authors: Agrawal Neetu , Mujwar Somdutt , Goyal Ahsas , Gupta Jeetendra Kumar
Published: August 2021

Background:

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer worldwide. The androgen
deprivation therapy or castration leads to the recurrence of castration-resistant prostate cancer
after some time. Androgen receptor is one of the most promising targets for the treatment of prostate
cancer. The health benefits of phytoestrogens led us to explore them for their androgen receptor inhibition
potential that may lead to inhibition of initiation and progression of prostate cancer.

Methods:

Protein-ligand interaction plays a central role in structure-based drug design, so we
screened 23 phytoestrogens for their binding affinity to the androgen receptor using the molecular
docking approach. These phytoestrogens were also tested for their ADME and toxicity profiles using
the software.

Results:

Based on binding affinity, interacting amino acid residues, pharmacokinetics and toxicity
profile, four phytoestrogens, namely naringenin, luteolin, hesperetin, and biochanin A were shortlisted
as lead molecules.

Conclusion:

Therefore, our study has shown that these four phytoestrogens could be promising candidates
for further evaluation for prostate cancer treatment or management.
Cardiovascular Considerations of Remdesivir and Favipiravir in the Treatment of COVID-19
Authors: Shahrbaf Mohammad Amin , Tabary Mohammadreza , Khaheshi Isa
Published: August 2021

After the outbreak of COVID-19, many novel drugs have been introduced to improve patients’
conditions. Remdesivir and Favipiravir are among the most common drugs used against
SARS-CoV-2. Although promising, cardiovascular side effects of these drugs should be considered
by physicians and nurses. In this study, we searched databases for assessing the cardiovascular side
effects of Remdesivir and Favipiravir. It seems that despite the beneficial effects of these drugs,
due to the cardiovascular complications of COVID-19 and cardiovascular side effects of these
drugs, which can overlap with each other, the use of these drugs can be a challenging issue in the
cardiovascular practice.
A Novel LC-MS Method for the Determination of Abiraterone in Rat Plasma
and its Application to Pharmacokinetic Studies
Authors: Dai Linzhi , Lv Pei , He Yun , Wang Xiaoli , Chen Lili , Dai Jing
Published: August 2021

Background:

High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)-Ultraviolet (UV) and
Liquid Chromatography (LC)-Mass Spectrometry (MS)/MS methods have been used to analyse abiraterone
(ART); however, a single-quadrupole mass spectrometer with LC-MS systems has never
been used to analyse ART.

Objective:

The study aimed to establish a novel, simple assay of quantitating ART in rat plasma
through LC-MS.

Method:

The analytical procedure involved the extraction of ART and D4-ART (internal standard,
IS) from rat plasma through simple protein precipitation. Chromatographic separation was
achieved using an isocratic mobile phase (acetonitrile: 5 mM ammonium formate with 0.1% formic
acid, 50:50 v/v) at a flow rate of 0.30 mL/min on a Waters XBridge® C18 column with a total run
time of 5 min. LC-MS ion transitions monitored were 350.1 and 354.1 for ART and IS, respectively.
The method was validated, and the results met acceptance criteria.

Results:

The lower limit of quantitation achieved was 1 ng/mL, and linearity was 1-8000 ng/mL.
The intra- and inter-day precisions were 1.26%-14.20% and 5.49%-13.08%, respectively, in rat
plasma.

Conclusion:

LC-MS offers a novel, specific, sensitive, and accurate method for quantifying ART
and it was successfully applied to pharmacokinetic studies of ART in rats.
Música armorial: Processos criativos
Authors: Santos Marília
Published: August 2021

Lançado há cinquenta e um anos, o Movimento Armorial tinha como objetivo criar uma arte genuinamente brasileira. O seu criador e idealizador, o escritor e dramaturgo Ariano Suassuna, acreditava que isso só seria possível se a matéria-prima para essa nova arte fosse buscada no interior da região Nordeste do Brasil, na cultura popular, na influência do barroco ibérico. Das artes, a música foi uma das que mais se sobressaiu. Este artigo tem como objetivo apresentar alguns processos criativos da música armorial, com base em entrevistas que realizamos com dois dos principais músicos do Movimento Armorial: Clóvis Pereira e Antônio Madureira.
Improving Research Patient Data Repositories From a Health Data Industry Viewpoint (Preprint)
Authors: Tang Chunlei , Ma Jing , Zhou Li , Plasek Joseph , He Yuqing , Xiong Yun , Zhu Yangyong , Huang Yajun , Bates David
Published: August 2021

UNSTRUCTURED

Organizational, administrative, and educational challenges in establishing and sustaining biomedical data science infrastructures lead to the inefficient use of Research Patient Data Repositories (RPDRs). The challenges, including but not limited to deployment, sustainability, cost optimization, collaboration, governance, security, rapid response, reliability, stability, scalability, and convenience, restrict each other and may not be naturally alleviated through traditional hardware upgrades or protocol enhancements. This article attempts to borrow data science thinking and practices in the business realm, which we call the data industry viewpoint, to improve RPDRs.
Validity Testing and Cultural Adaptation of the eHealth Literacy Questionnaire (eHLQ) Among People With Chronic Diseases in Taiwan: Mixed Methods Study (Preprint)
Authors: Chen Yu-Chi , Cheng Christina , Osborne Richard H , Kayser Lars , Liu Chieh-Yu , Chang Li-Chun
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND

Advancements in digital technologies seek to promote health and access to services. However, people lacking abilities and confidence to use technology are likely to be left behind, leading to health disparities. In providing digital health services, health care providers need to be aware of users’ diverse electronic health (eHealth) literacy to address their particular needs and ensure equitable uptake and use of digital services. To understand such needs, an instrument that captures users’ knowledge, skills, trust, motivation, and experiences in relation to technology is required. The eHealth Literacy Questionnaire (eHLQ) is a multidimensional tool with 7 scales covering diverse dimensions of eHealth literacy. The tool was simultaneously developed in English and Danish using a grounded and validity-driven approach and has been shown to have strong psychometric properties.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to translate and culturally adapt the eHLQ for application among Mandarin-speaking people with chronic diseases in Taiwan and then undertake a rigorous set of validity-testing procedures.

METHODS

The cross-cultural adaptation of the eHLQ included translation and evaluation of the translations. The measurement properties were assessed using classical test theory and item response theory (IRT) approaches. Content validity, known-group validity, and internal consistency were explored, as well as item characteristic curves (ICCs), item discrimination, and item location/difficulty.

RESULTS

The adapted version was reviewed, and a recommended forward translation was confirmed through consensus. The tool exhibited good content validity. A total of 420 people with 1 or more chronic diseases participated in a validity-testing survey. The eHLQ showed good internal consistency (Cronbach α=.75-.95). For known-group validity, all 7 eHLQ scales showed strong associations with education. Unidimensionality and local independence assumptions were met except for scale 2. IRT analysis showed that all items demonstrated good discrimination (range 0.27-12.15) and a good range of difficulty (range 0.59-1.67) except for 2 items in scale 7.

CONCLUSIONS

Using a rigorous process, the eHLQ was translated from English into a culturally appropriate tool for use in the Mandarin language. Validity testing provided evidence of satisfactory-to-strong psychometric properties of the eHLQ. The 7 scales are likely to be useful research tools for evaluating digital health interventions and for informing the development of health technology products and interventions that equitably suit diverse users’ needs.
Risk-benefit evaluation of established messenger apps for clinical practice - is secure communication via smartphone possible? (Preprint)
Authors: Jung Jochen , Back David Alexander , Scherer Julian , Fellmer Felix , Osterhoff Georg , Willy Christian ,   AG Digitisation, Dittrich Florian
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND

The establishment of smartphones as the most important communication medium of the 21st century has led to usage of mobile messenger services also in the medical context. However, the use of the most commonly used smartphone-app WhatsApp in a medical treatment context represents an incalculable risk from a legal point of view (data protection) and can ultimately lead to a violation of medical confidentiality with potential legal consequences.

OBJECTIVE

Therefore, this study aimed to assess which alternatives in terms of messenger applications exist for secure communication of patient-related data.

METHODS

A systematic literature and online “Appstore” search was conducted to identify secure messenger services. These had to comply with currently valid technical and legal formal specifications in terms of data security as well as to provide similar usability and functions as WhatsApp.

RESULTS

A total of 13 messenger apps were identified. However, only 5 apps (Famedly, JOIN, Siilo, Threema and Trustner) met the formal requirements as a secure communication medium. JOIN is the only service which has been approved by the FDA and is classified as a medical device.

CONCLUSIONS

The current practice of rather random and unstructured use of messenger apps in everyday hospital life should be a thing of the past. From today's perspective, the apps Famedly, JOIN, Siilo, Threema and Trustner are recommended. They have considerable advantages over the apps used in everyday clinical practice today (like e.g., WhatsApp). The rapid developments on the software market will certainly drive further developments, so that the recommendation formulated here is only a snapshot.
Development of a Blended Learning Approach to Delivering HIV-Assisted Contact Tracing in Malawi: Applied Theory and Formative Research (Preprint)
Authors: Rosenberg Nora Ellen , Tembo Tapiwa A , Simon Katherine R , Mollan Katie , Rutstein Sarah E , Mwapasa Victor , Masiano Steven , Huffstetler Hanna E , Go Vivian , Kim Maria H
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND

Despite progress toward the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS “95-95-95” targets (95% of HIV-positive persons tested, 95% of tested persons on treatment, and 95% of treated persons virally suppressed), a gap remains in achieving the first 95% target. Assisted contact tracing (ACT), in which health workers support HIV-positive index clients to recruit their contacts (sexual partners and children) for HIV testing, efficiently identifies HIV-positive persons in need of treatment. Although many countries, including Malawi, began implementing ACT, testing outcomes in routine settings have been worse than those in trial settings.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this paper is to use formative research and frameworks to develop and digitize an implementation package to bridge the gap between ACT research and practice.

METHODS

Semistructured qualitative research was conducted in 2019 in Malawi with key informants. Barriers and facilitators to intervention delivery were identified using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. Approaches to digitization were examined using human-centered design principles.

RESULTS

Limited clinic coordination and health worker capacity to address the complexities of ACT were identified as barriers. Ongoing individual training consisting of learning, observing, practicing, and receiving feedback, as well as group problem-solving were identified as facilitators. Important features of digitization included (1) culturally relevant visual content, (2) capability of offline use, and (3) simple designs and basic editing to keep costs low.

CONCLUSIONS

Formative research and frameworks played a key role in designing and digitizing an implementation package for ACT delivery in a low-income setting such as Malawi.
Pandemia y antifragilidad: la enseñanza en el Taller de construcción
Authors: González Tejeda Ignacio
Published: August 2021

El proceso de enseñanza aprendizaje de las disciplinas gráficas involucradas en la arquitectura tiene como origen el principio aristotélico de la imitación o mímesis. La inclusión del oficio en las llamadas artes mecánicas, en contraposición con las liberales, ha generado una serie de particularidades en las características académicas, las cuales se han visto multiplicadas en cuanto a su diversidad, a consecuencia de la extendida pandemia propiciada por el virus SARS-CoV-2. En este artículo se presentan experiencias docentes que, en una aplicación de lo antifrágil, se vieron mejoradas gracias a estas circunstancias, principalmente a través de las herramientas gráficas y alfanuméricas que ofrece la plataforma Zoom, las cuales pueden aplicarse de inmediato, tanto en trazos analógicos como digitales, con instrucciones sencillas del programa Autocad, en cuanto a la elaboración de dibujos arquitectónicos.
Ladrillo prefabricado con plástico y vidrio reciclado apto para la construcción de viviendas económicas y sociales
Authors: Cedillo Alvarado Nury , Echeverría Maggi Eddie
Published: August 2021

Ecuador se adapta a la evolución arquitectónica universal de los últimos años, mediante la ejecución de proyectos de investigación en reciclaje de desechos sólidos no renovables y desechos orgánicos para la elaboración de elementos arquitectónicos sostenibles que colaboren con el medio ambiente.

El presente reporte técnico muestra los resultados de un estudio que consiste en la reutilización de desechos de plástico PET y vidrio, los cuales, mediante un proceso técnico, podrán ser utilizados como elementos constructivos, con el objetivo de mitigar la contaminación ambiental.
Nueva evidencia de un esqueleto humano del Holoceno temprano procedente de Tláhuac
Authors: Serrano Sánchez Carlos , Hernández Flores Rocío , Gómez-Valdés Jorge Alfredo
Published: August 2021

El objetivo de este trabajo es dar a conocer un hallazgo de restos humanos del llamado periodo precerámico, ocurrido de forma accidental al sur de la cuenca de México, en el poblado de Tláhuac de la Ciudad de México. Son los restos de un esqueleto casi completo, aunque en estado multifragmentado, a excepción del cráneo. El análisis osteológico indica que se trata de un individuo adulto joven de sexo femenino, al que hemos denominado la Mujer de Tláhuac. Su edad radiocarbónica se estimó en 8330 + 40 años BP (95.4%, 9465 - 9260 cal BP); fechamiento que corresponde al de algunos restos considerados “paleoamericanos”. Exploramos la variación del patrón morfológico craneofacial de la mujer Tláhuac aplicando análisis de componentes principales (PCA) comparativamente con otros especímenes de México, Brasil y Estados Unidos que datan del Pleistoceno tardío al Holoceno medio. Sin embargo, a pesar de su cronología, este ejemplar difiere del grado morfológico predominante a fines del Pleistoceno y se asemeja más a la población nativa americana moderna. 

 
Efecto del Espesor de la Chapa sobre la Microestructura del Depósito de Recargue mediante Proceso SMAW
Authors:   Universidad Central “Marta Abreu” de Las Villas, Cuba, Ortiz Méndez Tamara M. , Cruz-Crespo Amado ,   Universidad Central “Marta Abreu” de Las Villas, Cuba, Pozo Morejón Juan A. ,   Universidad Central “Marta Abreu” de Las Villas, Cuba
Published: August 2021

El establecimiento de un procedimiento de recargue por soldadura pasa comúnmente por la evaluación previa del consumible a emplear mediante ensayos de caracterización del depósito, cuyos resultados deben ser reproducibles en la práctica. Las dimensiones de las planchas para la realización de los depósitos de ensayo determinan, junto al calor aportado, el ciclo térmico al que se somete el material del depósito; sin embargo, este aspecto frecuentemente no se toma en consideración al elaborar las muestras de ensayo. En el presente trabajo se estudió del efecto del espesor del metal base sobre el coeficiente de dilución, la microestructura y la dureza de depósitos de recargue constituidos por fundiciones blancas, basado en el empleo de los esquemas teóricos ideales de cuerpos y fuentes de calor, así como de modelos matemáticos aplicados en la teoría de los procesos térmicos en la soldadura. Se demostró el efecto significativo del parámetro espesor del metal base en las variables respuesta estudiadas y se comprobó además la aplicabilidad de modelos teóricos de los procesos térmicos en la soldadura en el adecuado dimensionamiento de las planchas para la realización de los depósitos de ensayo, lo que posibilita la reproducibilidad en la práctica de los resultados de la caracterización de materiales de recargue.
Alternativas Ecológicas de Control de Mycosphaerella fijiensis en el Cultivo de Plátano
Authors:   Universidad del Zulia, Venezuela, Nava Juan Carlos , Coromoto Urdaneta Tibisay ,   Universidad del Zulia, Venezuela, Centanaro Paulo Humberto ,   Universidad Agraria del Ecuador
Published: August 2021

El plátano es un cultivo de gran importancia para el desarrollo social de muchas regiones, pero se requiere un cambio, orientando hacia la protección ambiental, utilizando diferentes alternativas naturales. De esta manera, el objetivo de la investigación fue: evaluar alternativas ecológicas para el control de Sigatoka negra (Mycosphaerella fijiensis Morelet) en el cultivo de plátano (Musa AAB) en la zona del sur del Lago de Maracaibo. Los tratamientos fueron: T1: testigo sin ningún tipo de aplicación de producto; T2: lixiviado de raquis de plátano; T3: vermicompost; T4: sulfa-Ca-Mg (caldo sulfocálcico); T5: dióxido de cloro (BioAus) y T6: Propizole 250 CE. Los datos fueron analizados utilizando la metodología de medidas repetidas a fin de evaluar las variables en estudio a través del tiempo, ajustando un modelo polinómico de segundo grado. Es viable la utilización de productos de origen biológico como alternativa ecológica para el manejo de M. fijiensis en plantaciones de plátano, a fin de disminuir el impacto negativo de los agroquímicos. Con aplicaciones semanales de alguna de las alternativas ecológicas, se podría mantener la hoja número tres como la más joven que presentó la enfermedad y grado tres o cuatro de incidencia de la misma.
Peran resource dan vulnerability index of resilience terhadap distres psikologis remaja saat pandemi Covid-19
Authors: Puspitaningrum Ni Putu Putri , Pudjiati Sri Redatin Retno
Published: August 2021

Changes that occur rapidly during a pandemic are prone to causing psychological distress in adolescents. Therole of resources and the vulnerability index of resilience need to be explored as variables that affect psychologicaldistress. This study used a quantitative design with 111 adolescents who were collected online. Data were processedusing descriptive and correlation-regression analysis. The resource index has a negative effect of 12.6 %, while thevulnerability index has a positive effect of 21.2 % on psychological distress. The interaction of both indexes has a rolein psychological distress (R2= 0.21,F= 14.50,ρ= 0.000). Other findings indicate that participant psychological distress is high, with an average resource and a low vulnerability index. This study found that the higher the resourceindex, the lower psychological distress. Conversely, the higher the vulnerability index, the higher the psychologicaldistress. Intervention needs to be done by targeting both resilience indexes.
Efektivitas intervensi teen anger management and education dalam mengatasi masalah kemarahan dan agresivitas pada remaja perempuan
Authors: Carolina Claudya , Tjakrawiralaksana Mita Aswanti
Published: August 2021

Anger management based on the cognitive-behavioral approach is considered an effective intervention to treat anger and aggressivity in adolescence. This study investigates the effectiveness of the cognitive-behavioral intervention on anger in female middle-high school students in Depok. Eight female adolescents (age 12-14) were recruited to participate in this intervention using the purposive sampling method. Anger level was measured during the pre-test, post-test, and follow-up phases using a self-report questionnaire and a program evaluation sheet. Wilcoxon-Sign Rank test showed no significant difference in the participants’ anger level between the three measurement phases. However, according to the program evaluation, the result shows that the participants applied new strategiesto deal with their anger and aggressive behavior. Statistically, the cognitive-behavioral intervention was not effective for treating anger in female adolescents. However, participants were reported to use more adaptive strategies in managing their anger. This intervention could be applied for overcoming aggression and anger in female adolescents in the future.