bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pregnancy vs. Paycheck: A qualitative study of patient’s experience with employment during pregnancy at high risk for preterm birth
Authors: Wheeler Sarahn M. , Massengale Kelley E. C. , Adewumi Konyin , Fitzgerald Thelma A. , Dombeck Carrie B. , Swezey Teresa , Swamy Geeta K. , Corneli Amy
Published: September 2020

Background: Pregnant women with a history of preterm birth are at risk for recurrence, often requiring frequent prenatal visits for close monitoring and/or preventive therapies. Employment demands can limit uptake and adherence to recommended monitoring and preterm birth prevention therapies.

Method: We conducted a qualitative descriptive study using in-depth interviews (IDIs) of pregnant women with a history of preterm birth. IDIs were conducted by trained qualitative interviewers following a semi-structured interview guide focused on uncovering barriers and facilitators to initiation of prenatal care, including relevant employment experiences, and soliciting potential interventions to improve prompt prenatal care initiation. The IDIs were analyzed via applied thematic analysis.

Results: We described the interview findings that address women’s employment experiences. The current analysis includes 27 women who are majority self-described as non-Hispanic Black (74%) and publically insured (70%). Participants were employed in a range of professions; food services, childcare and retail were the most common occupations. Participants described multiple ways that being pregnant impacted their earning potential, ranging from voluntary work-hour reduction, involuntary duty hour reductions by employers, truncated promotions, and termination of employment. Participants also shared varying experiences with workplace accommodations to their work environment and job duties based on their pregnancy. Some of these accommodations were initiated by a collaborative employee/employer discussion, others were initiated by the employer’s perception of safe working conditions in pregnancy, and some accommodations were based on medical recommendations. Participants described supportive and unsupportive employer reactions to requests for accommodations.

Conclusions: Our findings provide novel insights into women’s experiences balancing a pregnancy at increased risk for preterm birth with employment obligations. While many women reported positive experiences, the most striking insights came from women who described negative situations that ranged from challenging to potentially unlawful. Many of the findings suggest profound misunderstandings likely exist at the patient, employer and clinical provider level about the laws surrounding employment in pregnancy, safe employment responsibilities during pregnancy, and the range of creative accommodations that often allow for continued workplace productivity even during high risk pregnancy.
The Key Technology of Computer Network Vulnerability Assessment Based on Neural Network
Authors: Wang Shaoqiang
Published: September 2020

With the wide application of computer network, network security has attracted more and more attention. The main reason why all kinds of attacks on the network can pose a great threat to the network security is the vulnerability of the computer network system itself. Introducing neural network technology into computer network vulnerability assessment can give full play to the advantages of neural network in network vulnerability assessment. The purpose of this article is by organizing feature map neural network and the combination of multilayer feedforward neural network, the training samples using SOM neural network clustering, the result of clustering are added to the original training samples and set a certain weight, based on the weighted iterative update ceaselessly, in order to improve the convergence speed of BP neural network. On the BP neural network algorithm for LM algorithm was improved, the large matrix inversion in the LM algorithm using the parallel algorithm method is improved for solving system of linear equations, and use of computer network vulnerability assessment as the computer simulation and analysis on the actual example, design a set of computer network vulnerability assessment scheme, finally the vulnerability is lower than 0.75, which is beneficial to research on related theory and application to provide the reference and help.
Differentially expressed genes in cotyledon of ewes fed mycotoxins
Authors: Britt Jessica L , Noorai Rooksana , Duckett Susan
Published: September 2020

Background: Ergot alkaloids (E+) are mycotoxins produced by the endophytic fungus, Epichloë coenophiala, in tall fescue that are associated with ergotism in animals. Exposure to ergot alkaloids during gestation reduces fetal weight and placental mass in sheep. These reductions are related to vasoconstrictive effects of ergot alkaloids and potential alterations in nutrient transport to the fetus. Cotyledon samples were obtained from eight ewes that were fed E+ (n = 4; E+/E+) or E- (endophyte-free without ergot alkaloids; n = 4; E-/E-) seed during both mid (d 35 to 85) and late (d 85-133) gestation to assess differentially expressed genes associated with ergot alkaloid induced reductions in placental mass and fetal weight, and discover potential adaptive mechanisms to alter nutrient supply to fetus. Results: Ewes fed E+/E+ fescue seed during both mid and late gestation had 20% reduction in fetal body weight and 33% reduction in cotyledon mass compared to controls (E-/E-). Over 13,000 genes were identified with 110 upregulated and 33 downregulated. Four genes had a |log2FC|>5 for ewes consuming E+/E+ treatment compared to controls: LECT2, SLC22A9, APOC3, and MBL2. REViGO revealed clusters of upregulated genes associated glucose, carbohydrates, lipid, protein, macromolecular and cellular metabolism, regulation of wound healing and response to starvation. For downregulated genes, no clusters were present, but all enriched GO terms were associated with anion and monocarboxylic acid transport. The complement and coagulation cascade and the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor signaling pathway were found to be enriched for ewes consuming E+/E+ treatment. Conclusions: Consumption of ergot alkaloids during gestation altered the cotyledonary transcriptome specifically related to macronutrient metabolism, wound healing and starvation. These results show that ergot alkaloid exposure upregulates genes involved in nutrient metabolism to supply the fetus with additional substrates in attempts to rescue fetal growth.
Reporting quality of systematic reviews with Moxibustion
Authors: Tian Ran , Zhang Xuan , Li Si-Yao , Aixinjueluo Qi-Ying , Lam Wai Ching , Bian Zhao-Xiang
Published: September 2020

Background: Moxibustion is one of the major interventions of Chinese medicine (CM). The systematic reviews (SRs) are essential references for evaluating the efficacy and safety of moxibustion interventions. This study aimed to assess the reporting quality of these SRs, particularly whether necessary information related to moxibustion was adequately reported.Methods: Seven Databases (including four English and three Chinese databases) were systematically searched for SRs of moxibustion that were published up to 31 December 2019. The primary analysis was to assess their reporting quality based on 27-item of the Preferred Reporting Items for SRs and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and 16-item of moxibustion-related information designed according to CM theory and the STRICTOM (STandards for Reporting Interventions in Clinical Trials Of Moxibustion). Descriptive statistics were also used to analyze their baseline characteristics.Results: A total of 97 SRs of moxibustion were identified from 2011 to 2019. For 27-item of PRISMA, except item 5, 8, 16 and 23, the remaining 23 items had the reporting compliances higher than 50%, of which 2 items (item 20 and 26) were fully reporting (100%). However, for moxibustion-related information, 69.1% (67/97) SRs did not provide the specific type of moxibustion, 39.2% (38/97) lacked details regarding the materials, procedure and technique used for moxibustion, 67.0% (65/97) did not report the selection criteria of acupoints for moxibustion, 28.9% (28/97) did not provide the number or duration of treatment sessions, 69.1% (67/97) did not provide any information about safety evaluation, and 94.8% (92/97) SRs did not report the treatment environment. For 51 (55.4%) of 92 SRs that included meta-analysis, it was impossible to assess whether meta-analysis had been properly conducted due to inadequate reporting of moxibustion interventions.Conclusion: The reporting quality of SRs of moxibustion need further improvements in terms of adequate reporting of moxibustion interventions and of moxibustion-related rationales. Reporting guideline of “PRISMA extension for moxibustion interventions” should be developed thus to improve their quality.
Adjoint-based Direct Data Assimilation of GNSS time series for optimizing frictional parameters and predicting postseismic deformation following the 2003 Tokachi-oki earthquake
Authors: Kano Masayuki , Miyazaki Shin'ichi , Ishikawa Yoichi , Hirahara Kazuro
Published: September 2020

Postseismic Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) time series followed by megathrust earthquakes can be interpreted as a result of afterslip on the plate interface, especially in its early phase. Afterslip is a stress release process accumulated by adjacent coseismic slip and can be considered a recovery process for future events during earthquake cycles. Spatio-temporal evolution of afterslip often triggers subsequent earthquakes through stress perturbation. Therefore, it is important to quantitatively capture the spatio-temporal evolution of afterslip and related postseismic crustal deformation and to predict their future evolution with a physics-based simulation. We developed an adjoint data assimilation method, which directly assimilates GNSS time series into a physics-based model to optimize the frictional parameters that control the slip behavior on the fault. The developed method was validated with synthetic data. Through the optimization of frictional parameters, the spatial distributions of afterslip could roughly (but not in detail) be reproduced if the observation noise was included. The optimization of frictional parameters reproduced not only the postseismic displacements used for the assimilation but also improved the prediction skill of the following time series. Then, we applied the developed method to the observed GNSS time series for the first 15 days following the 2003 Tokachi-oki earthquake. The frictional parameters in the afterslip regions were optimized to A-B ~ O (10 kPa), A ~ O (100 kPa), and L ~ O (10 mm). A large afterslip is inferred on the shallower side of the coseismic slip area. The optimized frictional parameters quantitatively predicted the postseismic GNSS time series for the following 15 days. These characteristics can also be detected if the simulation variables can be simultaneously optimized. The developed data assimilation method, which can be directly applied to GNSS time series following megathrust earthquakes, is an effective quantitative evaluation method for assessing risks of subsequent earthquakes and for monitoring the recovery process of megathrust earthquakes.
CogTale: An online platform for the evaluation, synthesis and dissemination of evidence from cognitive interventions studies
Authors: Sabates Julieta , Belleville Sylvie , Castellani Mary , Dwolatsky Tzvi , Hampstead Benjamin M. , Lampit Amit , Simon Sharon , Anstey Kaarin J. , Goodenough Belinda , Mancuso Serafino , Marques Davis , Sinnott Richard , Bahar-Fuchs Alex
Published: September 2020

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses are critical in health-related decision making, and are considered the gold standard in research synthesis methods. However, with new trials being regularly published and with the development of increasingly rigorous standards of data synthesis, systematic reviews often require much expertise and long periods of time to be completed. Automation of some of the steps of evidence synthesis productions is a promising improvement in the field, capable of reducing the time and costs associated with the process. This article describes the development and main characteristics of a novel online repository of cognitive intervention studies entitled Cognitive Treatments Article Library and Evaluation (CogTale). The platform is currently in a Beta Release phase, as it is still under development. However, it already contains over 70 studies, and the CogTale team is continuously coding and uploading new studies into the repository. Key features include advanced search options, the capability to generate meta-analyses, and an up-to-date display of relevant published studies.
Epidemic and molecular characterization of fluoroquinolone-resistant Shigella dysenteriae 1 isolates from calves with diarrhea
Authors: Cao Mingze , Wang Weiwei , Zhang Liwei , Liu Guanhui , Zhou Xuzheng , Li Bing , Shi Yuxiang , Zhu Zhen , Zhang Jiyu
Published: September 2020

Background: The widespread distribution of antimicrobial-resistant Shigella has become a recurrent challenge in many parts of the developing world. Previous studies indicate that the host of Shigella has expanded from humans to animals. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of fluoroquinolone resistance and associated molecular characterization of S. dysenteriae 1 isolated from calves. Results: All 38 unduplicated S. dysenteriae 1 isolates were collected from calves in Gansu Province from October 2014 to December 2016. According to MLST and PFGE analysis, these isolates were separated into 4 and 28 genotypes, respectively. The most common STs identified were ST228 (34.21%, 13/38) and ST229 (39.47%, 15/38), which were first found in the present study. All isolates harbored virulence genes, and the incidence of the seven virulence genes were ipaH (100%), ipaBCD (92.11%), stx (73.68%), ial (57.89%), sen (28.95%), set1A and set1B. According to the results of antimicrobial susceptibilities, 76.32% (29/38) were resistant to fluoroquinolone and showed multidrug resistance. In a study on the polymorphism of quinolone resistance–determining region (QRDR) of gyrA/B and parC/E genes, we identified two mutations in gyrA (Ser83→Leu and Asp87→Asn) and parC (Ser80→Ile and Ser83→Leu), respectively. Among them, 55.17% (16/29) of resistant strains had the gyrA point mutations (Ser83→Leu) and parC point mutation (Ser83→Leu). Moreover, 41.38% (12/29) of isolates had all five point mutations of gyrA and parC. In addition, the prevalence of the plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) determinant genes was also investigated. All 29 fluoroquinolone-resistant isolates were positive for the aac(6’)-Ib-cr gene but negative for qepA, except SD001. In addition, only 6 (20.69%, 6/29) isolates harbored the qnr gene, including two with qnrB (6.90%, 2/29) and four with qnrS (13.79%, 4/29). Conclusion: Given the increased common emergence of multidrug resistant isolates, uninterrupted surveillance will be necessary to understand the actual epidemic burden and control this infection.
Development of prognosis model for colon cancer based on autophagy-related genes
Authors: Wang Xu , Xu Yuanmin , Li Ting , Chen Bo , Yang Wenqi
Published: September 2020

Background: Autophagy is an orderly catabolic process for degrading and removing unnecessary or dysfunctional cellular components such as proteins and organelles. Although autophagy is known to play an important role in various types of cancer, the effects of autophagy-related genes (ARGs) on colon cancer have not been well studied.Methods: Expression profiles from ARGs in 457 colon cancer patients were retrieved from the TCGA database (https://portal.gdc.cancer.gov). Differentially expressed ARGs and ARGs related to overall patient survival were identified. Cox proportional-hazards models were used to investigate the association between ARG expression profiles and patient prognosis.Results: 20 ARGs were significantly associated with overall survival of colon cancer patients. Five of these ARGs had a mutation rate ≥3%. Patients were divided into high-risk and low-risk groups based on Cox regression analysis of 8 ARGs. Low-risk patients had a significantly longer survival time than high-risk patients (p<0.001). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the resulting risk score, which was associated with infiltration depth and metastasis, could be an independent predictor of patient survival. A nomogram was established to predict 3- and 5-year survival of colon cancer patients based on 5 independent prognosis factors, including the risk score. The prognostic nomogram with online webserver was more effective and convenient to provide information for researchers and clinicians.Conclusion: The 8 ARGs can be used to predict the prognosis of patients and provide information for their individualized treatment.
Use of traditional medicine for dental care by different ethnic groups in New Zealand
Authors: Guo Jun , Low Karson , Mei Li , Li JiaHui , Qu Wenwen , Guan Guangzhao
Published: September 2020

Objective: To explore the views, use of and access to traditional medicine (TM) among different ethnicities living in New Zealand. Methods: Qualitative study and in-depth interviews were used. An individual semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analysed using an inductive approach to identify the main themes. Results: Three main themes were extracted from interviews with 14 participants from diverse cultural backgrounds: (1) the perspectives of TM varied among different ethnic groups and included the involvement of spirituality, the environment, knowledge and usage of TM. (2) The TM that was used by different ethnic groups included plants, herbs, massage, and other forms of healing. Reasons for choosing traditional or western medicines generally included family tradition, access to TM, and finding a competent traditional healer. (3) The barriers in accessing TM included the paucity of traditional healers, difficulty accessing plants and cost, therefore most would look for a substitution or alternative treatment. Conclusion: Even though the access to these TM in New Zealand was a challenge for the majority of the participants, they are still considered the first-line treatment for the majority. This study provided dental practitioners an insight into the different sort of TM used by the population. By understanding and acknowledging the use of TM, dental practitioners could create a supportive environment for patients to disclose their use of TM and allow them to educate patients on the use of TM.
The Sigma 2 receptor promotes and the Sigma 1 receptor inhibits mu-opioid receptor-mediated antinociception
Authors: Blazquez Pilar Sanchez , Cortés-Montero Elsa , Rodríguez-Muñoz María , Merlos Manuel , Garzón-Niño Javier
Published: September 2020

The Sigma-1 receptor (σ1R) has emerged as an interesting pharmacological target because it inhibits analgesia mediated by mu-opioid receptors (MOR), and also facilitates the development of neuropathic pain. Based on these findings, the recent cloning of the Sigma-2 receptor (σ2R) led us to investigate its potential role as a regulator of opioid analgesia and of pain hypersensitivity in σ2R knockout mice. In contrast to σ1R deficient mice, σ2R knockout mice developed mechanical allodynia following establishment of chronic constriction injury-induced neuropathic pain, which was alleviated by the σ1R antagonist S1RA. The analgesic effects of morphine, [D-Ala, N-MePhe, Gly-ol]-encephalin (DAMGO) and β-endorphin increased in σ1R-/- mice and diminished in σ2R-/- mice. The analgesic effect of morphine was increased in σ2R-/- mice by treatment with S1RA. However, σ2R-/- mice and wild-type mice exhibited comparable antinociceptive responses to the delta receptor agonist [D-Pen2,5]-encephalin (DPDPE), the cannabinoid type 1 receptor agonist WIN55212-2 and the α2-adrenergic receptor agonist clonidine. Therefore, while σR1 inhibits and σ2R facilitates MOR-mediated analgesia these receptors exchange their roles when regulating neuropathic pain perception. Our study may help identify new pharmacological targets for diminishing pain perception and improving opioid detoxification therapies.
Incidental retroaortic innominate vein in a patient with acute aortic dissection
Authors: Sasaki Hideki , Harada Takashi , Ishitoya Hiroshi , Sasaki Osamu
Published: September 2020

BackgroundRetroaortic innominate vein is a rare anomaly. It has been reported in patients with congenital anomalies such as Tetralogy of Fallot or right aortic arch. However, isolated retroaortic innominate vein is quite rare.Case presentationA 63-year-old man was transferred to our institution because of Stanford type A acute aortic dissection. Incidentally, we noticed that the left innominate vein coursed under the aortic arch and was directed into the superior vena cava on computed tomography. We performed emergent hemiarch replacement. ConclusionsAttention must be paid to the cannulation site for venous uptake and the method of myocardial protection.
Perfluoroalkyl substances are associated with elevated blood pressure and hypertension in highly exposed young adults
Authors: Pitter Gisella , Jeddi Maryam Zare , Barbieri Giulia , Gion Massimo , Fabricio Aline S.C. , Daprà Francesca , Russo Francesca , Fletcher Tony , CANOVA CRISTINA
Published: September 2020

BackgroundResidents in a large area of North-Eastern Italy were exposed to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) via drinking water. Studies on the association between PFAS and blood pressure levels are limited, and results are inconsistent. Using cross-sectional data from the Regional health surveillance program, we aimed to quantify the associations between PFAS serum concentrations and blood pressure and hypertension prevalence.MethodsThe study comprised 16,224 individuals aged 20-39 years. Pregnant women (n=327), or individuals with missing information on the selected covariates (n=111) were excluded, leaving 15,786 subjects for the analyses. Hypertension was defined as any self-reported diagnosis, use of antihypertensive drugs, or elevated systolic blood pressure (SBP≥140 mmHg)/diastolic blood pressure (DBP≥90 mmHg). Generalized additive models were used to investigate the relation between perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA)) natural log (ln) transformed and by decile, and SBP, DBP, hypertension, adjusted for potential confounders.ResultsBoth SBP and DBP increased significantly with an increase in the ln-transformed serum PFAS concentrations in a monotonic way. The predicted increase in SBP and DBP were 1.54 mmHg (95%CI 0.61-2.47), 1.60 mmHg (95%CI 0.92-2.27) from lowest to highest decile of PFOA. The associations were stronger for SBP in men and for DBP in women. One unit increase in each In-transformed PFAS was positively associated with an increased odd of hypertension in men: PFOA OR=1.06 (1.01-1.11), PFOS OR=1.13 (1.03-1.23), PFHxS OR=1.08 (1.02-1.15), PFNA OR=1.20 (1.02-1.40).ConclusionsOur findings suggest that serum PFAS concentrations were associated with increased systolic and diastolic blood pressure in a large highly exposed young adult population. Although the magnitude of the observed effect was relatively small, if confirmed it would be of public health relevance since even small increases in blood pressure levels at the population level may be associated to a raised risk of adverse outcomes such as cardiovascular disease and target organ damage.
Evaluation of adhesion of epoxy resin sealant to improve the corrosion resistance of thermal sprayed coatings
Authors: Carneiro Mateus R. D. , Freitas Bruno C. , de Barros Iuri B. , de Campos Jose Brant , Bastos Ivan N. , Costa Hector R. M.
Published: September 2020

The adhesion of coatings on a given substrate has fundamental importance on a coating/substrate system's functionality. The current paper presents the adhesion strength results of FeCr and CoCr-based deposits produced by the electric arc thermal spray process on carbon steel, with an intermediate layer of 95Ni5Al. Three chemical compositions were tested for coating deposition and were characterized using plate and tube specimens made of carbon steel UNS G10200 to result in a screening of performance. Microstructural evaluation by optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were performed. Coating strength was measured using the standard pull-off test method. The corrosion resistance was analyzed with salt spray exposure, electrochemical polarization, and impedance spectroscopy (EIS) tests. The adhesion strength of FeCr and CoCr alloy coatings shows an overall average tensile strength of 27.2 MPa. All sealed conditions presented low corrosion and the samples with epoxy sealant exhibited a high resistance against corrosion. The X-ray diffraction results have revealed alpha and gamma FeCr alloys and chromite as deposited phases after the coating process.
In invasion assays, the breast cancer cell nucleus leads the way
Authors: Renz Malte
Published: September 2020

Objective
Cancer cell metastasis determines disease prognosis. During cancer cell metastasis, the cancer cell and the cancer cell nucleus have to undergo extreme shape changes. To monitor shape changes of cancer cells and cancer cell nuclei and the positioning of the cancer cell nucleus during cancer cell invasion, a customized invasion assay with 8-mm pores and reconstituted basal membrane was imaged using fluorescence live-cell microscopy.

Results
The observed cells changed their shape from a distinct fibroblast-like spindle shape to an amoeboid shape without polarization immediately after the passage through an 8-mm pore of the invasion assay. During the process of invasion, the cancer cell centered the cancer cell nucleus over the 8-mm pore, and cancer cell nucleus and adjacent cytoplasmic areas moved first through such a pore. Seemingly testing if the largest and least deformable organelle may fit, the cancer cell nucleus led the way through the porous membrane of the invasion assay.
Management of COVID-19 in a nursing home: the role of a mobile multidisciplinary medicine team.
Authors: Poupin Pierre , N'Diaye Diama , Chaumier François , Lemaignen Adrien , Bernard Louis , Fougère Bertrand
Published: September 2020

Background: Long-term residential care facilities and nursing homes are known to be particularly vulnerable to viral respiratory diseases and have expressed the need for collaboration to help manage outbreaks when they occur. Method: In April 2020, Tours University Hospital created a mobile multidisciplinary medicine team to help local nursing homes deal with outbreaks of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The team included a geriatrician, infectious diseases experts, and palliative care specialists. Results: Here, we provide initial feedback on the mobile support team’s first intervention. The nursing home staff’s main requests were collaborative working, consensus decision-making, and the dissemination of information on disease management.Conclusion: Three lessons emerged from this collaboration: (i) break the nursing home’s isolation, (ii) limit transmission through the use of appropriate hygiene measures, broad screening, and the isolation of sick residents and sick employees, and (iii) provide sufficient human resources.
Dynamic return and volatility connectedness for dominant agricultural commodity markets during the COVID-19 pandemic era
Authors: Umar Zaghum , Jareño Francisco , Escribano Ana M.
Published: September 2020

This paper explores the dynamic return and volatility connectedness for the three most relevant agricultural commodity markets (Soft, Grain and Livestock) and the Coronavirus Media Coverage Index (MCI) extracted from RavenPack. In concrete, we apply the fresh TVP-VAR methodology proposed by Antonakakis and Gabauer (2017) during the sample period between January 22, 2020 and July 31, 2020, that is in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. Interesting results are found in this research. First, dynamic total return and volatility connectedness fluctuates over time, reaching a peak during the heart of the global pandemic crisis, initially in the dynamic total return connectedness and later in the volatility one. Second, in the dynamic connectedness TO the system, we observe significant differences between the agricultural commodity markets in the level of the return connectedness measure. However, in the dynamic volatility connectedness TO, there are very few differences between some elements of the system, highlighting the Coronavirus MCI as one of the major transmitters TO the system at some points in the sample. This Coronavirus MCI appears as the less relevant receiver FROM the system, not only in terms of dynamic return connectedness, but also in volatility. Finally, regarding the net dynamic total connectedness, the Coronavirus MCI shows the highest values in return and volatility. Next, in order of highest to lowest net dynamic return and volatility connectedness we find the Grain commodity market, then the Soft market and finally the Livestock market. This last commodity market shows a negative net dynamic connectedness throughout the entire sample period analysed, exhibiting negative peaks in return at the beginning of the pandemic’s epicentre and in volatility in the middle of the COVID-19 crisis.
Alien forest insect pests revealed in the Northwest Caucasus in 2010–2016 and consequences of their uncontrolled dispersal
Authors: Щуров В.И. , Бондаренко А.С. , Скворцов М.М. , Щурова А.В.
Published: September 2020

Северо-Западный Кавказ отличается наиболее высоким инвазионным давлением из всех приграничных регионов России. Этому способствует его южное положение, разнообразие экосистем, а также крупные порты, объединяемые обширной транспортной инфраструктурой. С 2000 г. здесь обнаружены популяции более 30 чужеродных видов фитофильных насекомых, связанных с деревьями и кустарниками. В 2010–2016 гг. появилось не менее 15 таких вселенцев. В настоящее время последствия жизнедеятельности трех из них наиболее ощутимы в аборигенных лесных сообществах российского Кавказа. Восточноазиатская огнёвка Cydalima perspectalis с 2012 г. является причиной вымирания самшита Buxus colchica в долинах рек Черноморского побережья, а также расселяется в степную зону региона. В 2015 г. в Краснодарский край проник североамериканский клоп-полифаг Corythucha arcuata, заняв около 2 млн га и повредив дубовые леса на площади более 300 тыс. га. В этот же период в охраняемые колхидские леса под Сочи попала карантинная восточноазиатская орехотворка Dryocosmus kuriphilus, угрожающая семенному возобновлению Castanea sativa. Появление подобных пришельцев приводит к необходимости изучения и прогнозирования долговременных последствий трансформации лесных экосистем, осваиваемых инвазивными видами насекомых, в том числе, с позиции сохранения исконного биоразнообразия Кавказа.

The Northwest Caucasus is the most prominent among all border regions of Russia for the highest invasive pressure. It is facilitated by the southernmost geographic position, ecosystem diversity, and also by the presence of large sea ports joined by extensive transport infrastructure that provides high traffic. Since year 2000, populations of more than 30 alien phytophilous species of insects interrelated associated with arboreous and shrubby vegetation have been recorded in the region. Not less than 15 species of such invaders were registered in 2010–2016. Currently, consequences of the activity of three of these species have most significant impact on the native forest communities of the Russian Caucasus. Since 2012, the box tree moth, Cydalima perspectalis, causes Buxus colchica extinction in the valleys of the Black Sea coast rivers, and it has also dispersed into the steppe zone of the region. The oak lace bug, Corythucha arcuata, a North American polyphagous pest, appeared in Krasnodar Province in 2015 and now occupies about 2 million hectares. It has severely damaged the oak forests on more than 300 thousand hectares. Simultaneously in 2013–2014 a quarantine pest, Oriental chestnut gall wasp, Dryocosmus kuriphilus, invaded chestnut forests near Sochi, threatening efficiency of seed regeneration of Castanea sativa. Appearance of such pests requires an attention to the question of efficiency of control of transit of the biological materials through the southern borders of Russia.
Outstanding explorer of Siberian ecosystems (on the 90-th anniversary of Anatoliy Sergeevich Rozhkov)
Authors: Морозова Т.И. , Плешанов А.С.
Published: September 2020

Приводится обзор научной и научно-организационной деятельности Анатолия Сергеевича Рожкова (1925–2005 гг.), выдающегося лесного энтомолога, лесопатолога, эколога, заслуженного деятеля науки Российской Федерации, доктора биологических наук, профессора. Коллектив сформированной А.С. Рожковым лаборатории в Сибирском институте физиологии и биохимии растений СО РАН в г. Иркутске стоял в основе эколого-физиологического направления в отечественной лесной энтомологии, продолженной впоследствии красноярскими исследователями в Институте леса им. В.Н. Сукачева СО РАН. Основные работы, написанные А.С. Рожковым или вышедшие под его редакцией, включают сводки по вредителям лиственницы сибирской, особенностям морфологической и биохимической реакций хвойных на повреждения насекомыми и газовыми загрязнениями воздуха, систематике, анатомии и экологии основных вредителей сибирской лесов: сибирского шелкопряда, черного пихтового и лиственничного усачей. Приводится полная библиография работ А.С. Рожкова.

The article presents an overview of scientific and management activity of Anatoliy Sergeyevich Rozkov (1925–2005), Doctor of Science (Entomology), Professor, Honorary Scientist of the Russian Federation, an outstanding forest entomologist, plant pathologist, and forest ecologist. A team of the department created by A.S. Rozkov at the Siberian Institute of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry of Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (SB RAS) in Irkutsk, was at the origin of physiological ecology of forest insects in Russia. Later on, this approach was carried on at the V.N. Sukachev Institute of Forest SB RAS in Krasnoyarsk. Major works written or edited by Rozkov are focused on Siberian larch pests, morphological and biochemical reaction of conifers to insect damage and industrial air pollution as well as systematic, anatomy, and ecology of the main pests of Siberian forests: Siberian moth, Fir sawyer beetle, and Altay sawyer beetle. Full bibliography of A.S. Rozkovs' publications is presented.
Benzylation and oxidation of arabinogalactan
Authors: Максимова Е.А. , Васильев А.В.
Published: September 2020

Проведено бензилирование арабиногалактана путем его реакции с бензилхлоридом в присутствии гидроксида натрия. Получено бензилированное производное арабиногалактана с выходом 90%. Бензилированное производное представляет собой гидрофобный клееподобный невысыхающий материал. В спектре ЯМР 13С бензилированного производного арабиногалактана содержатся сигналы в областях 130,0–143,3 м.д., отвечающие ароматическим атомам углерода бензильной группы. Осуществлено окисление арабиногалактана путем его реакции с перекисью водорода в присутствии хлорида железа (III) в водном растворе. Окисленное производное представляет собой маслообразное вещество. В спектре ЯМР 13С окисленного арабиногалактана присутствуют сигналы в области 158–173 м.д., соответствующие карбоксильным группам.

Benzylation of arabinogalactan was carried by reaction with benzyl chloride in the presence of sodium hydroxide. The benzylated derivative was obtained in a yield of 90%. Benzylated arabinogalactan is hydrophobic, glue-like, non-drying material. 13C NMR spectrum of benzylated arabinogalactan contains signals in the range of 130.0–143.2 ppm. corresponding to the aromatic carbon atoms of the benzyl group. The oxidation of arabinogalactan by reaction with hydrogen peroxide in the presence of ferric chloride (III) in aqueous solution was done. The oxidized arabinogalactan is an oilish material. 13C NMR spectrum of oxidized arabinogalactan contains signals at 158–173 ppm corresponding to carboxyl groups.
Examining the role of sharia supervisory board attributes in reducing financial statement fraud by Islamic banks
Authors: Anisykurlillah Indah , Yudo Jayanto Prabowo , Mukhibad Hasan , Widyastuti Umi
Published: September 2020

Sharia Supervisory Board (SSB) plays an important role in implementing Islamic law in Islamic banks, including fraud prevention. This ungodly act, also known as haram, is highly forbidden in Islam, as evidenced in the holy book of Al Qur’an. Therefore, this study was conducted to provide evidence on the role of SSB attributes (number of members, expertise, cross-membership, educational level, attendance of meeting, tenure) in preventing fraud. This study used 11 Islamic banks in Indonesia as research samples that were observed during 2014–2018. Data were analyzed using the ordinary least squares (OLS) method. The research findings from this study showed that the number of members, cross-membership, education level, attendance of meetings, and SSB tenure were not proven to reduce fraud. SSB’s expertise in accounting/finance had a negative influence on financial statement fraud. The implication of the study is that SSB’s expertise helps banks to effectively carry out their duties, namely detecting financial statement fraud. SSB acts as an independent control mechanism that states that all bank activities are in line with Islamic law and also avoid financial statement fraud.
Marine Algae as a Potential Source for Anti-diabetic Compounds - A Brief Review
Authors: Rayapu Lavanya , Chakraborty Kajal , Valluru Lokanatha
Published: September 2020

Background:

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a major chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia
that leads to several complications such as retinopathy, atherosclerosis, nephropathy, etc. In 2019, it
was estimated that about 463 million people had diabetes, and it may increase up to 700 million in 2045. Marine
macroalgae are the rich source of bioactive compounds for the treatment of diabetes mellitus.

Objective:

This review summarizes the recent epidemiology and possible use of marine macroalgae-derived bioactive
compounds for the protection against chronic metabolic disease, diabetes mellitus and marine macroalgae
as a nutraceutical supplement.

Conclusion:

The present therapies available for diabetes treatment are oral medicines and insulin injections.
But continuous use of synthetic medicines provides low therapeutic with many side effects. In continuing
search of anti-diabetic drugs, marine macroalgae remain as a promising source with potent bioactivity. Among
existing marine algae, red and brown algae are reported to show anti-diabetic activity. Hence, the present review
focuses on the epidemiology, diabetes biomarkers and different secondary bioactive compounds present in
marine macroalgae to treat diabetes mellitus.
Withdrawal Notice: Emerging Novel Coronavirus is a Global Threat: Insight in the Biology of COVID-19 and its Hijacking Process of Hosts’ Cell
Authors: Roy Debmalya , Khanra Ipshita , Wang Zeling , Merugu Siva Bharath , Yunus Fakhar-un-Nisa , Mashausi Dhahiri Saidi , Li Dawei
Published: September 2020

The article has been withdrawn by the editorial office of the journal Current Pharmaceutical Design, due to major linguistic inconsistencies.

Bentham Science apologizes to the readers of the journal for any inconvenience this may have caused.

The Bentham Editorial Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at https://benthamscience.com/editorial-policies-main.php

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The Recent Development of Piperazine and Piperidine Derivatives as Antipsychotic Agents
Authors: Rathore Akash , Asati Vivek , Kashaw Sushil Kumar , Agarwal Shivangi , Parwani Deepa , Bhattacharya Sushanta , Mallick Chaitali
Published: September 2020

Schizophrenia is a chronic neuropsychiatric disorder that affects nearly 1% of the global
population. There are various anti-psychotic drugs available for the treatment of schizophrenia, but
they have certain side effects; therefore, there is a need to explore and develop novel potential lead
compounds against schizophrenia. The currently available drugs e.g. typical and atypical antipsychotics
act on different dopamine and serotonin receptors and as per literature reports, various piperidine
and piperazine derivatives have shown promising activity against these receptors. When different heterocyclic
groups are attached to basic piperidine and piperazine rings, the antipsychotic activity is
greatly potentiated. In this direction, various antipsychotic drugs have been synthesized at the laboratory
level, and few are under clinical trial studies, such as Lu AE58054, PF-04802540, ORG25935,
DMXB-A, Bitopertin, and ABT-126. In the present review, we include the studies related to the effect
of different substituents on piperidine/piperazine derivatives and their anti-psychotic activity. Various
series of synthesized compounds by other researchers with piperidine/piperazine nucleus have been
reviewed and diagrammatically represented in the form of SAR (structure-activity relationships),
which will help the scientists for the development of potential lead compounds.
Cosmos Caudatus: A Possible Drug Candidate for Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Ahmed Alhakam A. , Shahidan Wan Nazatul. Shima
Published: September 2020

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is considered the most common neoplasm of the
oral cavity and ranked the sixth most prevalent cancer worldwide. Risk factors correlated with the
disease are smoking and alcohol drinking as well as HPV-16 infection. Bioactive compounds such
as ascorbic acid, quercetin, kaempferol, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, anthocyanins,
and β-carotene are authenticated and shown to possess anti-oral cancer activity. Not to mention, anti-
oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-viral, psychostimulant activities, and anti-carcinogenic
effects. All of the referred constituents are abundantly found in a plant called Ulam raja, scientifically
known as Cosmos caudatus (C. caudatus). C. caudatus is a plant traditionally used in
Southeast Asia as an anti-diabetic, anti-arthritic, and anti-hypertensive remedy. This paper describes
the substances of C. caudatus that have anti- oral cancer properties. Their properties, mechanism
of action, and their most notable bioactive constituents against OSCC and their potential as
chemotherapeutic drugs are discussed in this paper.
Determination of Pharmaceuticals by UV-Visible Spectrophotometry
Authors: Kumar Avvaru Praveen , Kumar Deepak
Published: September 2020

Pharmaceuticals are the chemical molecules which were invented to improve the life of
living things through diagnosing, curing, treating, or preventing diseases. Pharmaceuticals can do
their maximum function or work against disease or prevent from harmful effects of diseases only if
they are free from impurities. The pharmaceutical analysis consists of different essential and important
procedures to ascertain “identity, strength, quality and purity” of drug molecules. There are
three different possibilities to originate impurities, which include (i) at the developmental stages of
pharmaceuticals, (ii) at the time of transportation, and (iii) storage conditions. Therefore, the pharmaceuticals
must be examined at all stages and the impurities should be discovered and quantified.
The pharmaceutical analysis also admits that the analysis of intermediates and raw materials during
the synthesis of drug molecules. Instrumentation is required to perform pharmaceutical analysis
and methods can be developed to certain required levels. This review affords the basic theory of
UV-Visible spectrophotometry and its applications, pharmaceutical method development and validation,
and a list of some reported spectrophotometric methods, which are employed in pharmaceutical
analysis from 2011 to 2020.
Berberine as a Potential Multi-Target Agent for Metabolic Diseases: A Review of Investigations for Berberine
Authors: Wang Shengju , Xu Zhang , Cai Baochao , Chen Qiu
Published: September 2020

Berberine (BBR) is a botanic alkaloid extracted from Coptis chinensis (Huanglian),
which has various properties, compassing anti-hyperglycemia, anti-obesity, anti-inflammation, and
improves insulin resistance, etc. Several researches have confirmed that BBR has effective actions
in treating glycolipid metabolic abnormalities. BBR is also beneficial in regulating intestinal flora.
Metabolic diseases are strongly associated with metabolic disorders, which are growing in the population
and dramatically impacting human health, which also have been considered as a leading
cause of diseases and death globally. This review is to evaluate the metabolic properties of BBR,
and its potential application to the treatment of metabolic diseases by its effective actions on
metabolic disorders.
The Effect of PAOPA, a Novel Allosteric Modulator of Dopamine D2 Receptors, on Signaling Proteins Following Sub-Chronic Administration in Rats
Authors: Daya Ritesh , Ho Joella , Thomson Sharon , Bhandari Jayant , Mishra Ram K.
Published: September 2020

Background:

Allosteric modulators of G-protein coupled receptors regulate receptor activity
by binding to sites other than the active site and have emerged as a new and highly desirable
class of drugs. PAOPA (3(R)-[(2(S)-pyrrolidinylcarbonyl)amino]-2-oxo-1-pyrrolidineacetamide), a
peptidomimetic analog of L-prolyl-L-leucyl-glycinamide, is a potent dopamine D2 receptor allosteric
modulator. PAOPA has shown therapeutic effects in pre-clinical models of schizophrenia and
extrapyramidal dysfunction.

Objective:

In this study, we sought to examine the biomolecular underpinnings of PAOPA‘s therapeutic
outcomes in pre-clinical models of schizophrenia.

Methods:

Following sub-chronic (daily for 7 days) administration of PAOPA, we assessed levels
of dopamine D2 receptors, receptor kinases (GRK2 (G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2) and Arrestin-
3), and phosphorylated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPKs), namely, extracellular signal-
regulated kinases (ERK1/2) in the hippocampus, medial pre-frontal cortex, nucleus accumbens,
pre-frontal cortex, and dorsal striatum via protein quantification.

Results:

Following 7 days of daily PAOPA treatment, we observed decreased GRK2 and increased
dopamine D2 receptor expression in the dorsal striatum. These findings potentially underscore the
therapeutic mechanism of action of PAOPA for the positive-like symptoms of schizophrenia in
pre-clinical animal models. Additionally, we observed a decline in GRK2 in the hippocampus and
an increase in phosphorylated ERK1 in the pre-frontal cortex, suggesting a role of PAOPA in treating
cognitive and/or affective dysfunction in pre-clinical models.

Conclusion:

While further studies are required to elucidate the mechanism of action of PAOPA,
this study discusses prior investigations and develops an early framework to describe the therapeutic
mechanism of action of PAOPA.