bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Response of drought index to land use types in the Loess Plateau of Shaanxi, China
Authors: Wang Weixuan , Cui Chenfeng , Yu Weihua , Lu Liang
Published: February 2022

From 1980 to 2010, the types of land use in the Loess Plateau region of Shaanxi changed, which is affected the changes of drought. To study the impact of reform and opening up and the project of returning farmland to forests on drought in the study area, the drought index SPI of 8 stations was obtained on the basis of the meteorological and land use data of the study area from 1980 to 2010. From the perspective of various land-use types, based on univariate linear regression, the time envelope is divided into five periods, and the impacts of different land-use types on drought are analyzed one by one. From 1980 to 2010, the outcomes showed that the drought intensity of forest was the largest, the arable land is the second largest and town and country is final. However, arable land had the greatest response to drought index, followed by town and country, and forest had the weakest response to drought index. From 2000 to 2010, the drought intensity of the forest was the largest, followed by town and country and arable land. Also, drought index has the strongest response to the forest, the second is town and country, the arable land is final. The area of forest, grass and town and country is increasing, the proportion of arable land cuts down year by year, and the types of land use are constantly undergoing complex changes. The drought index has a strong response to the change of arable land to grass and arable land to town and country, but has a weak response to the mutual transformation of grass and town and country.
The effect of propolis on 5-fluorouracil-induced cardiac toxicity in rats
Authors: Barary Mohammad , Hosseinzadeh Rezvan , Liang Jackson J. , Mansouri Razieh , Sio Terence T. , Hosseini Mohammad , Kazemi Sohrab , Moghadamnia Ali Akbar
Published: February 2022

Background
5- Fluorouracil (5-FU) is one of the most common chemotherapeutic agents used in treating solid tumors, and the 5-FU-induced cardiotoxicity is the second cause of cardiotoxicity induced by chemotherapeutic drugs. Propolis (Pro) has vigorous anti-inflammatory activity. Its cardio-protective characteristic against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity was previously proven. The current study aimed to appraise the effect of Pro on 5-FU-induced cardiotoxicity in rats.
Methods
Twenty-four male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: Control, 5-FU, 5-FU + Pro 250 mg/kg, and 5-FU + Colchicine (CLC) 5 mg/kg. Different hematological, serological, biochemical, histopathological, and molecular assays were performed to assess the study aim. Moreover, rat myocardium (H9C2(2 − 1)) and human skin fibroblast (HNFF-P18) cell lines were also used to assess this protective effect in-vitro.
Results
5-FU resulted in significant cardiotoxicity represented by an increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) expression, cardiac enzyme levels, and histopathological degenerations. 5-FU treatment also decreased bodyweight, total anti-oxidant capacity (TAC), catalase (CAT) levels, blood cell counts, and hemoglobin (Hb) levels. In addition, 5-FU disrupted ECG parameters, including increased elevation in the ST-segment and increased QRS complex and QTc duration. Treating with Pro reduced oxidative stress, cardiac enzymes, histopathological degenerations, and COX-2 expression in cardiac tissue alleviated ECG disturbances and increased the number of blood cells and TAC levels. Moreover, 5-FU-induced bodyweight loss was ameliorated after treatment with Pro.
Conclusion
Our results demonstrated that treatment with Pro significantly improved cardiotoxicity induced by 5-FU in rats.
Is Calcium the Main Nutrient in the Diet Plan for Sarcopenia among the Elderly? ：A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Du Yang , Oh Chorong , No Jaekyung
Published: February 2022

Background: The effect of nutrients such as vitamin D, protein and calcium, to increase muscle mass and stimulate muscle synthesis has been verified. While the latent association between these nutrients and sarcopenia was poorly investigated. Therefore, this study summarized current studies reporting vitamin D, protein and calcium among patients with sarcopenia vs. people without sarcopenia (controls) with meta-analysis to explore their possible relationship. Methods: An electronic search of PubMed and Science Direct from January 1, 1989 to May 30, 2018 was conducted for data collection and meta-analysis of cross-sectional studies was performed. Out of 105,700 initial hits, 6 studies with a total of 6,221 participants (1,156 with sarcopenia vs. 5,065 without) were meta-analyzed. Results: Sarcopenic participants had significantly lower levels of 25(OH)D (SMD = 0.791; 95%CI 0.073, 1.510; p < 0.05; I2 = 98.790%), protein (SMD = 0.574; 95%CI 0.088, 1.060; p < 0.05; I2 = 97.276%) and calcium (SMD =1.258; 95%CI 0.429, 2.087; p < 0.01; I2 = 99.067%) than controls. Conclusions: In conclusion, sarcopenia is associated with intake level of vitamin D, protein and calcium. Among these nutrients, calcium has the greatest impact. Therefore, the significance of calcium to the prevention of sarcopenia should be well-focused.
Effects of cognitive behavior therapy on patients with chronic whiplash-associated disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Miki Takahiro , Kondo Yu , Kurakata Hiroshi , Takebayashi Tsuneo , Takasaki Hiroshi
Published: February 2022

Background: To determine the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) alone and a combination of physical interventions and CBT on pain, disability, quality of life, and psychological parameters in patients with chronic whiplash-associated disorders (WADs). Methods: Several databases were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Pooled effects were analyzed as standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). We assessed the quality of the evidence using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach.Results: In total, 2,287 RCTs were found; among them, eight were included. Two RCTs, we found low evidence that CBT was better than the wait-and-see control group in improving disability (SMD, −0.61; 95% CI, −1.21 to −0.01) and psychological status, such as fear of physical activity (SMD, −1.04; 95% CI, −1.67 to −0.41), in the short-term. In addition, two RCTs, we found moderate evidence that CBT combined with physical interventions was better than what was advised in improving disability (SMD, −0.29; 95% CI, −0.53 to −0.06) in the long-term. Conclusion: The study found moderately favorable evidence of the combined effect of physical interventions and CBT against advice alone in long-term disability.
Pre-stack Seismic Inversion with L1-2-norm Regularization Via a Proximal DC Algorithm and Adaptive Strategy
Authors: Chen Shuangquan , Wang Guoquan
Published: February 2022

Seismic inversion in geophysics is an effective way to obtain underground rock properties from seismic survey data on the Earth’s surface. Especially, we can obtain much more information to characterize subsurface geological structure and lithology via pre-stack seismic inversion due to offset information added to the inversion than by post-stack seismic inversion. However, pre-stack seismic inversion is usually a nonlinear and complicated process. In this article, we adopt a \({L_{1 - 2}}\)-norm as a constraint on pre-stack seismic inversion, promoting the generation of a sparse solution. We also propose a novel pre-stack seismic inversion method that reduces the complexity of the solving method by utilizing an objective function decomposition scheme. Comparison of calculation time, accuracy and sparsity of the inversion solutions indicates that the proposed algorithm has better accuracy and robustness. Moreover, considering the difficulty of regularization parameter selection, we develop an adaptive parameter selection strategy based on Generalized Stein unbiased risk estimation (G-SURE) and incorporate it into the solving algorithm. The adaptive approach finds an appropriate regularization parameter in each iteration, and obtains the optimal solution directly, which is beneficial for improving computational efficiency. A synthetic data test verifies that the adaptive method can converge to the optimal solution iteratively in the case of arbitrary initial regularization parameters. Finally, in application to real field data, we explain why the adaptive method is the better choice even though adaptive and non-adaptive methods can obtain solutions with similar accuracy.
Predictors of Viral Load Test Result over Time among HIV Adult Patients on Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART): A Retrospective Study in Zewditu Memorial Hospital, Ethiopia
Authors: Agegn Ayitenew , Abebe Mengistu , Belay Kidist
Published: February 2022

Background
HIV attacks the CD4 cell which is responsible for the body's immune response to infectious agents. The main objective of this study was to identify Predictors of Viral Load Result over time among HIV Patients Initiated HAART in Zewditu Memorial Hospital.
Methods
A retrospective cohort study design was conducted on 161 HIV infected patients under HAART whose follow-ups were from January 2014 up to December 2017. Generalized linear mixed-effects model (Binary logistic regression model) for status of viral load result was used for inferential data analysis. The Hosmer and Lemeshow Goodness of fit Test and the likelihood ratio tests were used for measures of goodness of fit for categorical data
Results
The descriptive statistics revealed that the longitudinal response variable which was viral load status among HIV patient’s, in the study 90 of the patients were detected at baseline and 71 of them were not detected at baseline measurements. The estimated odds of the detected patients who lived in rural area was found to be about 6.3 (AOR = 6.30) times that of the odds of detected patients in urban area controlling for the other variables in the model. The estimated odds of the detected disclosed patients was found to be about 80.5% (AOR = 0.195) less likely than the odds of detected not disclosed Patients by controlling for the other variables in the model.
Conclusions
The predictor variables; observation time, weight, residence, age, educational level, clinical stage, functional status, baseline CD4 cell count and disclosure were statistically and significantly associated with status of viral load. The proportional odds model assumption was also checked numerically using Hosmer and Lemeshow goodness-of-fit statistics. The results justified that the assumption was fulfilled.
Identification of a novel vitivirus from pineapple in Reunion Island
Authors: Lett Jean-Michel , Massé Delphine , Filloux Denis , Candresse Thierry , Massart Sébastien , Marais Armelle , Verdin Eric , Cassam Nathalie , Fernandez Emmanuel , Roumagnac Philippe , Teycheney Pierre-Yves , Lefeuvre Pierre
Published: February 2022

We report the complete genome sequencing of a novel member of the genus Vitivirus in the family Betaflexiviridae (subfamily Trivirinae) infecting pineapple. The full genome of this virus was obtained from total RNAs extracted from pineapple leaf samples collected in Reunion Island, using a combination of high-throughput sequencing technologies. It is 6,757 nt long, excluding the poly(A) tail, and shares all the hallmarks of vitiviruses. Phylogenetic analyses performed on the replication-associated protein and capsid protein gene sequences unambiguously place this new virus, for which we propose the name “pineapple vitivirus A”, in the Vitivirus genus.
Increased household transmission and immune escape of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant compared to the Delta variant: evidence from Norwegian contact tracing and vaccination data
Authors: Jalali Neda , Brustad Hilde , Frigessi Arnoldo , MacDonald Emily , Meijerink Hinta , Feruglio Siri , Nygård Karin , Rø Gunnar , Madslien Elisabeth , de Blasio Birgitte
Published: February 2022

Understanding the rapid epidemic growth of the novel SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant is critical for public health management. We compared the secondary attack rate (SAR) of the Omicron and Delta variants in households using Norwegian contact tracing data from December 2021 to January 2022. Omicron SAR was higher (51%) than Delta (36%), with a relative risk (RR) of 1.41 (95% CI 1.27–1.56). We observed increased susceptibility to Omicron infection in household contacts compared to Delta independent of vaccination status; however, considering booster vaccinated contacts, the mean SAR was lower for both variants. We found increased Omicron transmissibility in all vaccination groups of primary cases, except partially vaccinated, compared to Delta. In particular, Omicron SAR for boosted primary cases was high, 46% vs 11% for Delta (RR 4.34; 95% CI 1.52–25.16). In conclusion, booster doses decrease the infection risk of Delta and Omicron but have limited effect in preventing Omicron transmission.
Prevalence of Chlamydia Trachomatis in the Serum Sample of Individuals in Akpakpa, Cotonou
Authors: Ezeobi Dennis Peace , Maduka Amarachi Godgift
Published: February 2022

Background
Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the world with severe complications. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection in the serum samples of individuals in Akpakpa, Cotonou.
Study design:
A cross-sectional study, using serological testing to perform the analysis in Akpakpa, Cotonou. The sample used was whole blood. The survey was carried out using a questionnaire.
Method
A random sample of about 11 adults aged 15–30 years was taken. The separated sera were subjected to anti-Chlamydia trachomatis (IgG) and anti-Chlamydia trachomatis (IgA) using ELISA techniques. Consenting men and women were issued questionnaires to collect information related to the study such as age, sex, lifestyle, symptoms associated with Chlamydia, family history, and past genital tract infection. Risk factor analyses were carried out for chlamydial infection
Results
Chlamydia antibodies were found in 27.27% of the individuals tested. The presence of Chlamydia antibodies was associated with unprotected sex, a history of genital tract infection, having more than one sexual partner, and a young age for both men and women. At the population level, the prevalence of chlamydial infection correlated well with reported rates of partner change.
Conclusion
The present study revealed the prevalence of chlamydia among women, individuals with a past history of genital tract infection, individuals associated with unprotected sex, individuals who have more than one sexual partner, and young people. A high percentage of individuals were unaware of the infection and its complications which was also associated with the prevalence of the infection.
Herpes Simplex Virus Gene Variants among Asymptomatic Women in Ghana: a pilot study
Authors: Debrah Oksana , Harry Asmah Richard , Ama Essuman Gabriella Amoakoma , Timmy Donkoh Emmanuel , Francis Agyemang-Yeboah
Published: February 2022

Herpes simplex virus infections account for a large burden of disease worldwide. HSV-1 is traditionally considered to cause orofacial infections, whereas HSV-2 is known for genital infections. A number of studies have suggested an increase of genital herpes infections caused by HSV-1. As reporting of diseases caused by herpes simplex virus is not mandatory in Ghana, reliable statistics on the epidemiology of infections are not available. We took advantage of the Cervicare program in Ghana to screen for the presence of HSV variants 1 and 2 among a convenient subset of asymptomatic women presenting for cervical screening in Accra, Ghana (n = 94). Genetic markers for both HSV 1 and 2 were detected in cervical swabs. There was a preponderance of HSV-1 (12.8%) genital infections in our study sample: compared to HSV-2 (4.8%). HSV-1 and 2 co-infection was detected in 4.3% of study population. Among positive cases for HSV-1 DNA, 92% had confirmed seropositive HSV-1 status and 8% were borderline result. All positive HSV-2 DNA were confirmed seropositive HSV-2 status. We have successfully demonstrated the presence of herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2 gene variants in genital swabs. Owing to the lack of epidemiological data on genital HSV-1 infection in Ghana, the role of sexual transmission for HSV-1 is unclear: the findings of our pilot study have important public health implications. A bigger surveillance study is recommended in Ghana to identify the etiology of genital herpes and estimate the true burden of asymptomatic herpes infection in the population.
Chemotherapy Choice in Neoadjuvant Dual Her2 Blockade; Is It Really Necessary to Add Anthracycline?
Authors: Ozveren Ahmet , Erdogan Atike , Ekinci Ferhat , Kirdok Kutay , Almuradova Elvina , Karabulut Bulent
Published: February 2022

1. Background
Addition of trastuzumab and pertuzumab to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in HER-2 positive patients is the current clinical standard today. In studies on neoadjuvant chemotherapy, the primary endpoint is pathological complete response (pCR). The aim of our study is to answer the following questions: Does the anthracycline containing chemotherapy which will be used alongside dual HER-2 blockade in neoadjuvant treatment has additional benefit?
2. Methods
52 patients with HER-2 positive breast cancer who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy were retrospectively evaluated. Three centers participated in the study (İzmir Kent Hospital, Manisa Celal Bayar University, Ege University). The effects of chemotherapy regimen and several other factors such as age, stage, menopause status, lymph node positivity, hormone receptor positivity on pCR were evaluated. All methods were performed in accordance with the relevant guidelines and regulations.
3. Results
The mean age of diagnosis was 46 ± 9 (range: 26-67). The pCR rate was 71.2% (37) in the entire study group. In terms of pCR, no significant difference between those who use an anthracycline containing and non-anthracycline containing regimens (71.4% vs 70%, p=1.000), those with negative and positive hormone receptors (64.7% vs 74.3%, p=0.525), and Ki67 levels of %20 or less and those over 20% (60% vs 73.8%, p=0.447), premenopausal and postmenopausal ones (76.9% vs 65.4%, p=0.054).
4. Conclusions
As a result of the data we obtained, it was concluded that adding anthracycline regimen to dual HER-2 blockade in the neoadjuvant period did not bring additional benefits in terms of pCR. Additional studies are needed on whether the use of anthracycline-containing regimen contributes additionally in patients who will use the neoadjuvant pertuzumab-trastuzumab combination.
Role of detrusor PDGFRα+ cells in Cyclophosphamide-induced Detrusor Overactivity
Authors: Lee Haeyeong , Koh Byoung H. , Peri Lauren E. , Woodward Holly J. , Perrino Brian A. , Sanders Kenton M. , Koh Sang Don
Published: February 2022

Cyclophosphamide (CYP)-induced cystitis is a rodent model that shares many features common to the cystitis occurring in patients, including detrusor overactivity (DO). Platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha positive (PDGFRα+) cells regulate muscle excitability in murine bladders during filling. PDGFRα+ cells express small conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels (predominantly SK3) that provide stabilization of membrane potential during filling. We hypothesized that down-regulation of the regulatory functions of PDGFRα+ cells and/or loss of PDGFRα+ cells generates the DO in CYP-treated mice. After CYP treatment, transcripts of Pdgfrα and Kcnn3 and PDGFRα and SK3 protein were reduced in detrusor muscle extracts. The distribution of PDGFRα+ cells was also reduced. Inflammatory markers were increased in CYP-treated detrusor muscles. An SK channel agonist, CyPPA, increased outward current and hyperpolarization in PDGFRα+ cells. This response was significantly depressed in PDGFRα+ cells from CYP-treated bladders. Contractile experiments and ex vivo cystometry showed increased spontaneous contractions and transient contractions, respectivley in CYP-treated bladders with a reduction of apamin sensitivity, reflecting the reduction in the SK conductance expressed by PDGFRα+ cells. In summary, PDGFRα+ cells were reduced and the SK3 conductance was downregulated in CYP-treated bladders. These changes are consistent with the development of DO after CYP treatment.
Teacher and student perceptions of L1-oral language lessons in Dutch secondary education
Authors: Wurth Anneke , Tigelaar Dineke , Hulshof Hans , De Jong Jaap , Admiraal Wilfried
Published: February 2022

Little is known about contemporary L1-oral language lesson practices in secondary education. In The Netherlands experts work on an upcoming L1-educational reform. In this study, we investigate teachers’ and students’ perceptions of contemporary L1-oral language lesson practices as well as the underlying rationales of these lessons. Eleven L1-teachers were interviewed and 212 of their students completed a digital questionnaire. Both teachers and their students mentioned L1-oral language education is important, even though in most cases it forms a rather small part of the L1-curriculum. In general, both groups reported that in L1-oral language lessons attention is paid to cognitive (such as rhetoric and argumentation theory), linguistic and presentational content elements. Teachers also reported that they teach their students how to use feedback and how to give constructive peer feedback. Both teachers and students considered practising and receiving feedback as mutually reinforcing for developing oral language skills. However, due to shortage of time in the lessons, teachers and students in particular, expressed concerns about having insufficient opportunity to practise oral language skills. The teachers reported two other hindrances for good L1-oral language teaching: difficulties with organizing a safe learning environment and valid assessment procedures. These barriers have to be taken into account when designing educational innovations for L1-oral language lessons.
Conformational Studies of Bioactive Peptides by NMR
Authors: Craik D. J. , Jarvis J. A.
Published: February 2022

Peptides are responsible for the regulation of a wide range of physiological functions. Their diverse biological roles, ranging from neurotransmitters to hormones, make them ideal targets for novel drug design. To utilize this potential it is necessary to determine the conformations of these potent bioactive molecules. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy provides a means for determining conformations of peptide species, both free in solution and, in appropriate cases, when bound to their
receptors. In this article, NMR-based methods for determining conformations of bioactive peptides are described and illusrated with specific examples. This includes a discussion of qualitative and quantitative methods for assessment of NMR data, as well as methods used to investigate dynamics.
Development of 2',5'-Oligonucleotides as Therapeutic Agents
Authors: Torrence P. F. , Xiao W. , Li G. , Khamnei S.
Published: February 2022

The unique 2',5'-phosphodie.ster bond-linked oligonucleo­ tide known as 2-5A (Pn5'A2'(p5'A2')mp5'A) plays a key role in mediation of the anti-encephalomyocarditis virus action of interferon. 2-5A acts as a potent inhibitor of translation through the activation of a constituent latent endonuclease, the 2-5A-dependent ribonuclease (RNase) , which degrades RNAs. This 2-5A system, as part of a natural defense mechanism against virus infection, provides a paradigm for a new approach to the regulation of gene expression. Realization of this poten­
tial requires an understanding of the 2-5A oligoribonucleotide-associated structural parameters which govern its lifetime in biological systems and its interaction with the 2-5A-dependent ribonuclease responsible for RNA destruction. In this review, we describe the partial realization of such an understanding and the resulting development of a new approach to the specific and targeted cleavage of RNA by directing 2-5A-dependent RNase action to a precise target with an antisense DNA. The synthesis and mechanism of action of these novel composite nucleic acids permits exploration of the potent RNA destruction ability of the 2-5A-dependent RNase coupled with the specificity of antisense oligonucleotides as potential therapeutic agents for a variety of diseases.
Chirality and Computational Chemistry: A New Direction
Authors: Schmidt W. F. , Gassner George
Published: February 2022

Physical and biological responses to natural and synthetic chemicals occur only at molecular distances and at molecular dimensions. Computational chemistry calculates results in molecular dimensions, but has serious difficulties in accurately predicting chiral interactions between diastereoisomers and/or enantiomers. Prediction of structures and conformations for more complicated chiral interactions such as in protein folding and protein binding may be intrinsically inaccurate because the molecular consequences of the forces between these spatially close chiral centers are not explicitly taken into account. Molecular forces are calculated
within and between molecules by optimizing the variables of distance, shape, and time. Symmetry in space over a distance is not the same as symmetry in space over a period of time. Thus for asymmetrical chemical structures, time distorts the mirror of chirality. The physical chemical properties of unequal population of R-and S- isomers of any compound are not directly predictable from those of binary mixtures containing equal amounts of opposite isomers. Only if the corresponding populations of R- and S- isomers are exactly equal can molecular properties be explained by time independent variables. Ignoring time-dependent variables inherently precludes understanding time dependent conformational and configurational changes which occur in xenobiotics, hormones, peptides and other chiral compounds which occur in an asymmetrical chemical environment.
Current Developments in the Chemistry of Artemisinin and Related Compounds
Authors: Jung Mankil
Published: February 2022

Malaria is the most widespread infectious disease in the world today. This shocking reality is due largely to the emergence of drug resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum. Although the eradication of the disease is not an attainable goal in the near future, many attempts to discover and develop new and more efficient antimalarial drugs have been made recently. Artemisinin (Qinghaosu) isolated from Artemisia annua is a novel sesquiterpene lactone bearing an unusual endoperoxide
function. It has been shown to be a fast-acting, safe and effective drug against chloroquine- resistant and sensitive strains of Plasmodium falciparum. The main objective of this article is to review the literature of recent progress taken place in the chemistry of artemisinin and related compounds during the last two years(1991-1992).
Irisin, a mediator of muscle crosstalk with other organs: from metabolism regulation to protective and regenerative effects
Authors: Momenzadeh Sedigheh , Jami Mohammad-Saeid , Jalalvand Amirmasoud , Esfarjani Fahimeh , Shahabi Shirin , Zamani Saeed
Published: February 2022

Physical exercise is a therapeutic strategy for some systemic and non-systemic complications. Various processes or factors like myokines are involved in an exercise course. Irisin is produced in skeletal muscle during exercise, and its effects resemble many exercise effects. Besides the systemic effects of muscle-derived irisin, this peptide is produced in different tissues.
Numerous studies have investigated the underlying molecular mechanisms of irisin effects. Despite some controversies, most studies have demonstrated the improvement of metabolic-related complications and immunomodulatory or regenerative mechanisms in correlation with the circulating level of this peptide or after in vivo/in vitro treatments that have introduced it as a peptide with therapeutic value.
This review describes the similarities and differences of the effects in various tissues and their correlation with the most prevalent tissue-related complication to present a view for the mechanism(s) of function, efficacy, and safety of this peptide in each tissue as an exercise effector and endocrine peptide.
Review of post-translational modification of human serum albumin
Authors: Kannan Surya , Souchelnytskyi Serhiy
Published: February 2022

Post-translational modifications (PTMs) may affect functions of human serum albumin. Here we review reports of novel PTMs of human serum albumin. One hundred twenty-three recently reported novel O-phosphorylation, glycation, methylation, carbonylation, and acetylation of albumin are reviewed. Potential impact of these PTMs on albumin functions is discussed. Knowledge of these PTMs of albumin is of importance for use of albumin in medical applications, e.g., in transfusion, drug formulations and remedies.
Vitamin D Levels in Patients with Behcet's Disease: A Systematic Review
and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kheradmand Hamid Reza , Hashemzadeh Kamila , Rezazadeh Maryam , Eftekhari Abolfazl , Esparham Ali , Jokar Mohammad Hassan
Published: February 2022

Objective:

Behcet’s disease (BD) is a chronic multisystem inflammatory disease classi-fied as Variable Vessel Vasculitis with unclear etiology. We designed this systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate vitamin D status in Behcet’s disease patients with this background.

Methods:

We performed this systematic review and meta-analysis according to PRISMA guide-lines. We included all observational studies in humans published in English, evaluating the associa-tion of 25(OH)D concentrations in Behcet’s patients. Two reviewers (HRK and AE) independently searched the databases and screened articles based on their titles and abstracts. A third reviewer re-solved all disagreements. We performed analysis using Cochrane Program Review Manager Ver-sion 5.3. The protocol for this review was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42020197426).

Results:

A total of 341 publications were initially identified according to the search strategy. Final-ly, 12 publications were included in the meta-analysis. We performed this meta-analysis on 1265 participants from different studies with a sample size ranging from 63 to 224 individuals. In studies comparing active and inactive subgroups of patients with Behcet’s disease, we found a significantly lower serum level of vitamin D in patients with Active BD (-0.4; 95 % CI: -0.61, -0.25; p<0.001). We found that the serum level of vitamin D in Behcet’s disease is significantly higher than in health controls (0.5; 95 % CI: 0.15, 0.50; p=0.001).

Conclusion:

We demonstrated that the existing evidence is consistent with the hypothesis that an increased serum level of vitamin D would be associated with substantially lower risk of active Behcet’s disease.
A Review on Analytical Method Development for the Estimation of a Potent
Muscarinic Receptor Antagonist Tolterodine Tartrate
Authors: Chakraborty Atyurmila , Acharjya Sasmita Kumari , Dash Sanat Kumar , Tripathy Satyanarayan , Sahoo Mitali , Tripathy Bimala
Published: February 2022

Background:

A pharmaceutical will be clinically accepted if it is impurity-free and its
dose is accurately maintained. For this, the contribution of analytical techniques for developing
and validating a new pharmaceutical dosage form cannot be overlooked.

Introduction:

Tolterodine tartrate is a potent competitive muscarinic receptor antagonist. It binds
to the muscarinic M3 receptors in the bladder selectively and competitively. It is used to treat urinary
incontinence and overactive bladder syndrome. The 5-hydroxymethyl derivative is the
pharmacologically active metabolite of Tolterodine tartrate, which is as potent as the main drug.
It is available with α-adrenergic blocker Tamsulosin in combined pharmaceutical formulations,
treating benign prostatic hyperplasia in men. This review article presents several analytical methods,
including HPLC, HPTLC, UV-Visible spectrophotometry, spectrofluorimetry, electroanalytical,
and various hyphenated techniques like GC-MS, LC-MS, LC-MS-MS, etc., for estimation of
Tolterodine tartrate is present as a single material or in combined form in bulk materials, different
pharmaceutical formulations, and biological matrices.

Conclusion:

HPLC and spectrophotometry are the most widely used methods for determining the
drug in the bulk and pharmaceutical dosage form among all these methods. LC-MS and LC-MSMS
are widely used for the estimation of Tolterodine tartrate from plasma and other biological
fluids. All the methods included in this article are accurate, sensitive, and cost-effective.
The Promise of CAR T-Cell Therapy for the Treatment of Cancer Stem
Cells: A Short Review
Authors: Poondla Naresh , Sheykhhasan Mohsen , Akbari Mohammad , Samadi Pouria , Kalhor Naser , Manoochehri Hamed
Published: February 2022

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is a type of sophisticated tailored immunotherapy
used to treat a variety of tumors. Immunotherapy works by utilizing the body's own immune system
to discover and destroy malignant cells. In CAR-T therapy, a patient’s own immune cells are genetically
engineered to recognize and attack cancer. Treatments employing CAR T-cells are currently showing
promising therapeutic results in patients with hematologic malignancies, and their safety and feasibility
in solid tumors have been verified. In this review, we will discuss in detail the likelihood that CAR Tcells
inhibit cancer stem cells (CSCs) by selectively targeting their cell surface markers will ultimately
improve the therapeutic response for patients with various forms of cancer. This review addresses the
major components of cancer stem cell (CSC)-targeted CAR T-cells against malignancies, from bench to
bedside.
Recent Advances in Synthesis and Anticancer Potential of Triazole-Containing
Scaffolds
Authors: Bhagat Devidas S. , Bumbrah Gurvinder S. , Chawla Pooja A. , Gurnule Wasudeo B. , Shejul Sampada K.
Published: February 2022

Cancer is the most lethal disease that may be found anywhere globally. Approximately 10% of individuals
die due to cancer of various types, with 19.3 million new cancer cases and 10 million deaths reported in 2020. More
than 100 medications are commercially available for the treatment of cancer, but only a few candidates have high specificity,
resulting in several side effects. The scientific community has spent the past decades focusing on drug discovery.
Natural resources are used to isolate pharmaceutically active candidates, which are then synthesized in laboratories.
More than 60% of all prescribed drugs are made from natural ingredients. Unique five-membered heteroaromatic
center motifs with sulfur, oxygen and nitrogen atoms are found in heterocyclic compounds, such as indazole, thiazole,
triazole, triazole, and oxazole, and are used as a core scaffold in many medicinally important therapies. Triazole possesses
a wide range of pharmacological activities, including anticancer, antibacterial, antifungal, antibiotic, antiviral,
analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-HIV, antidiabetic, and antiprotozoal activities. Novel triazole motifs with a variety
of biological characteristics have been successfully synthesized using versatile synthetic methods. We intend here to
facilitate the rational design and development of innovative triazole-based anti-cancer medicines with increased selectivity
for various cancer cell lines by providing insight into various ligand-receptor interactions.
Front-End Survivability in Wireless Optical Broadband Access Network
Authors: Solanki Sangita , Upadhyay Raksha , Bhatt Uma Rathore
Published: February 2022

Background:

Survivability is the one of the key issue of wireless optical broadband (WOBAN) access network. Survivability means to provide continuous services to users if a device/link failure occurs in the network

Objective:

The component link failure can occur in the network due to any reason. In this condition huge data loss will occur in the network.

Methods:

In this paper, we consider the front-end survivability in WOBAN. We propose a novel maximum protection minimum link cost routing algorithm (MPMLC) that provides path protection with minimum link cost to front-end of the WOBAN. The proposed MPMLC algorithm assigns weight/cost to wireless link using link state prediction (LSP).

Results:

The path with minimum cost is selected to route the traffic (actual/affected due to failure) of front end network. The proposed algorithm outperforms in terms of reduced network delay and wireless link cost

Conclusion:

It is also observed from simulation results that when the multiple link failures occur in the network, proposed MPMLC algorithm exhibit better results in terms of reduced wireless link cost as compared to existing algorithm.
concept of color psychology and logos to strengthen brand personality of local products
Authors: Suriadi Jadi , Mardiyana Moh. , Reza Bobby
Published: February 2022

The psychology of color and quality logo design often make certain products considered to have a good brand personality in the minds of consumers, on the other hand, a product that is improperly designed and choosing a low-quality logo color makes a product considered to have a low personality brand. Zunda is one of the superior products produced by micro-businesses in southern Bandung, to be precise, Gambung village, Pangalengan. Gambung tea plantation is located in Cisondari Village, Pasir Jambu Subdistrict, Pangalengan, Bandung Regency which is one of the areas with the best tea commodities in Indonesia, even to foreign markets. One of the businesses that have developed due to high demand is white tea products. The logo design and color selection of the tea product packaging logo from Gambung are still relatively simple and made from simple boxes or paper and simple branding so that expensive products seem cheap, and reduce the personality brand as well as product demand. This research purpose is to determine the color psychology and logo design can be strengthening the brand personality of the Zunda product., 120 respondents were taken randomly from the section. loyal consumer population in cafes in the city of Bandung.
Od redakcji
Authors: Redakcja
Published: February 2022

Kilka słów od Redkacji wprowadzających w tematykę numeru.
Bezpieczeństwo informacyjne RP w dobie COVID-19
Authors: Berlińska-Wojtas Paulina
Published: February 2022

Celem artykułu jest udzielenie odpowiedzi na pytania poświęcone realizacji działań zapobiegających dezinformacji w dobie pandemii COVID-19 na poziomie międzynaro­dowym i krajowym. Autorka analizuje dokumenty i konkluzje unijne oraz Strategii Bez­pieczeństwa Narodowego RP 2020 oraz konfrontuje dokumenty z zadaniami podjętymi przez podmioty we współpracy z organizacjami społecznymi: projektami EUvsDisinfo, Mythbusters i #Fakenews. Autorka przeanalizowała trendy i zainteresowania społeczne związane z pandemią i dezinformacją wokół COVID-19.
Mały ZUS plus w kontekście dotychczasowych ulg w opłacaniu składek do na ubezpieczenie społeczne
Authors: Homenda Justyna
Published: February 2022

Artykuł został poświęcony przede wszystkim wprowadzonej w 2020 roku preferencji nazwanej „małym ZUS-em plus”. Ulga ta została omówiona w kontekście funkcjonującej wcześniej bonifikaty nazywanej „małym ZUS-em”. W niniejszym opracowaniu zostały omówione zasady obliczania podstawy wymiaru składek oraz uzyskiwane na tej podstawie wysokości składek na ubezpieczenia społeczne, korzystając ze wspomnianych preferencji. Zawiera ono również analizę warunków, jakie należy spełnić, aby stać się beneficjentem tej preferencji. Zostało w nim także przedstawione tabelaryczne porównanie wysokości składek opłacanych przez przykładowych przedsiębiorców, którzy spełniają kryteria zastosowania „małego ZUS-u”. Wspomniane tabele prezentują wartości liczbowe przedstawiające rok 2020 oraz 2021, co umożliwia czytelnikowi porównanie sytuacji przedsiębiorców na przestrzeni okresu od wprowadzenia preferencji do dnia dzisiejszego.
Oswald Balzer (1853-1933) – wybitny historyk prawa i archiwista
Authors: Turska Samanta
Published: February 2022

Głównym celem artykułu jest ukazanie dorobku naukowego jednego z najznakomitszych polskich uczonych przełomu XIX i XX stulecia – Oswalda Balzera – historyka prawa, badacza dziejów ustroju Polski, sądownictwa i skarbowości, a także archiwisty. Rezultaty owocnych prac na polu działalności archiwalnej możemy odnaleźć w jego dziełach, które dały mu rozgłos oraz uznanie w kręgu naukowym. Jednakże rozpoznawalny był przede wszystkim dzięki swej ogromnej wiedzy z zakresu historiografii polskiej, mniej zaś utożsamiany z postacią archiwisty. Mimo upływu czasu, jego najsłynniejsze dzieło, ,,Genealogia Piastów’’ z 1895 r., wciąż zachwyca niejednego czytelnika. Dlatego też wydaje się w pełni uzasadnione, aby przypomnieć tę nietuzinkową postać. W artykule przybliżono najważniejsze fakty z życia O. Balzera oraz przedstawiono krótką charakterystykę jego dorobku naukowego.
Tradecraft of Warning
Authors: Pherson Randolph
Published: February 2022

On November 23, 2021, Mr. Randolph Pherson, Chief Executive Officer of Globalytica and President of Pherson Associates, presented on The Tradecraft of Warning: Warning Intelligence in the 21st Century at the 2021 CASIS West Coast Security Conference. The presentation was followed by a moderated question and answer period with questions from the audience and CASIS Vancouver executives. The key points discussed were who is responsible for the role of strategic warning, the causes of warning failures and how to mitigate them, as well as ways to deliver a warning message when dealing with senior policy makers.
O uso pedagógico das tecnologias digitais:
Authors: Reis Darianny , Negrão Felipe da Costa
Published: February 2022

O presente artigo reflete como as Tecnologias Digitais (TD) podem contribuir para ressignificar o fazer docente em contextos de ensino e aprendizagem, pois, ao mesmo tempo em que causam expectativas por representar o “novo”, em contrapartida, provocam muitas tensões em relação à prática educativa, no que tange, especialmente, às formas de apropriação e implementação por parte do professor individualmente ou pela assunção de um projeto coletivo. Com as repentinas mudanças provocadas na educação pela Pandemia da COVID-19, a necessidade da utilização das TD, a fim de que as aulas prosseguissem, tornou-se imperativa, da educação básica ao ensino superior. A análise empreendida está suportada na pesquisa de natureza bibliográfica. Como resultados apontamos que a apropriação pedagógica das tecnologias digitais se impõe como um dos desafios à ação docente, especialmente com o ensino remoto, bem como, exige a aprendizagem e o desenvolvimento de habilidades cognitivas e operacionais imprescindíveis para o melhor aproveitamento das tecnologias em função, particularmente, da formação dos estudantes.
La Metropoli del Valle de Toluca y sus retos hacia la sustentabilidad
Authors: Torres-González Leonardo , Salvador-Benítez J. Loreto
Published: February 2022

El objetivo de este trabajo es analizar el caso de estudio, Zona Metropolitana del Valle de Toluca, desde el desarrollo sostenible; su vertiginoso crecimiento e impacto de dos megaproyectos plantean problemáticas debido a las insuficientes políticas públicas que regulen su desarrollo en infraestructura. Se trata de un estudio documental y cualitativo, de participación-acción, que permite prever consecuencias diversas en una metrópoli de alta concentración humana y limitadas acciones de coordinación intermunicipal. Se precisa asumir responsabilidad social, empresarial, institucional y gubernamental, para afrontar dilemas y disyuntivas urbanas en el sentido de la Agenda 2030 y de la ciudad compleja.
La justificación del derecho: Teorías reconocidas en los sistemas jurídicos actuales
Authors: Bechara Abraham , Caballero Joe
Published: February 2022

La justificación del derecho es un término lingüístico muy complejo y ambicioso debido a que implícitamente abarca muchas temáticas del ámbito jurídico. No es posible precisar quien fue el primero en acuñar el término, pero con seguridad puede afirmase que es antiguo, y en la actualidad, se entrelaza con las discusiones de la argumentación jurídica, la filosofía del derecho y el derecho constitucional. Indiscutiblemente los autores que desarrollan esta obra son investigadores en esta materia. En este libro se pueden verificar las reflexiones sobre la justificación del derecho, en el marco de corrientes ius- filosóficas muy relevantes a nivel internacional: la filosofía del derecho de Robert Alexy y la filosofía del derecho de Aulis Aarnio.
Rare pathology derived from a ring chromosome 15. Clinical, genomic and protein interactome of genes associated with the phenotype
Authors: Paz-y-Miño César , Medranda Camila , Loaiza Alejandra , Ponce Mishell , Leone Paola E.
Published: February 2022

The case of a 4-year-two-month-old female patient is presented, who consulted for a special phenotype: psychomotor retardation, short stature, microcephaly, large and low-set ears, small forehead, prominent brow ridges, labial commissure open, ocular hypertelorism, short neck, mammary hypertelorism and pectus excavatum. The objective of this study is to analyze a patient with unusual phenotypic traits, through physical examination, comparative analysis with other cases, and genetic studies. The cytogenetic study revealed a mosaic karyotype, mos 46,XX,r(15)(q26.3)/46,XX with the presence of the ring in 83%. The genetic mapping array study identified the loss of 3.5 Mb in 15q26.3. Among the genes lost in the terminal region of 15q, an interaction between their protein products was evidenced according to the STRING analysis. This is the second case of a ring chromosome 15 reported in Ecuador. And it would be the 101st in the world since 1966. The special phenotype of these individuals is related to the amount of genetic material lost. The genes involved in the formation of the ring, as well as the proteins that determine these genes and the relationships in different cellular pathways, are analyzed in silico in order to understand the pathophysiology of this disorder. Its diagnosis is mostly postnatal, so the clinical approach differs individually according to the symptoms and signs that appear.
Coronavirus: First Report of a Sars-Cov-2 case In Ecuador. Are nutritional assessment and treatment helpful for a successful outcome?
Authors: Ordoñez Martínez Mayra Graciela , Alemán Espinoza Washington René , Ulloa Correa José Efraín , Rodas Mireya , Sarango Sánchez Edwin Renato , Cucalón Gabriela , Frias-Toral Evelyn
Published: February 2022

Due to the globalized world in which we live, there are more excellent migratory movements and an increase in emerging diseases. During the past year, the significant impact of the coronavirus has been evident. It was previously designated 2019-nCoV and was identified as the cause of a cluster of pneumonia cases in Wuhan in late 2019. In February 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the COVID-19 coronavirus disease 2019, which causes severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2). This outbreak's scope and ultimate effect remain unclear due to the fast spreading of new virus variants worldwide and the limitations to reaching a sufficient vaccination rate in low-income countries. We want to report the first case of COVID-19 in Ecuador and the lessons learned from its management.