bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incidence of Epilepsy among elderly Sudanese patients with Alzheimer’s disease: A prospective cohort study on 480 patients, Khartoum, Sudan, 2019
Authors: Ahmed Abbasher Hussien Mohamed , Ahmed Khabab Abbasher Hussien Mohamed , Omer Mohammed Eltahier Abdalla , Siddig Amira
Published: June 2021

Background: An increased prevalence of epilepsy had been documented with dementia. Alzheimer’s disease and epilepsy often coexist. Objective: The aim of this study to assess incidence rates of epilepsy among Sudanese patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Methods: This is a prospective cohort study. We followed 480 patients aged more than 65 years with diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease between May 2006 and May 2019 looking for coexist epilepsy. Results: Regarding Alzheimer’s disease female were affected more than male (60%). 10% of our patients have epilepsy. Generalize epilepsy was the most common type (62%). Epilepsy was more common with late onset Alzheimer’s disease. Abnormal EEG was detected in 20% of our studied group. Abnormal Brain MRI in form of cerebral atrophy was observed in 60 % of patients with Alzheimer’s disease and epilepsy. Conclusion: Patients with Alzheimer’s disease have an increased risk of developing epilepsy. There is strong relation between disease duration and development of epilepsy.
Convergence of hydrodynamic modes: insights from kinetic theory and holography
Authors: Heller Michal P. , Serantes Alexandre , Spalinski Michal , Svensson Viktor , Withers Benjamin
Published: June 2021

We study the mechanisms setting the radius of convergence of hydrodynamic dispersion relations in kinetic theory in the relaxation time approximation. This introduces a quali\-tatively new feature with respect to holography: a nonhydrodynamic sector represented by a branch cut in the retarded Green's function.
In contrast with existing holographic examples, we find that the radius of convergence in the shear channel is set by a collision of the hydrodynamic pole with a branch point. In the sound channel it is set by a pole-pole collision on a non-principal sheet of the Green's function.
More generally, we examine the consequences of the Implicit Function Theorem in hydrodynamics and give a prescription to determine a set of points that necessarily includes all complex singularities of the dispersion relation. This may be used as a practical tool to assist in determining the radius of convergence of hydrodynamic dispersion relations.
La ansiedad en voleibolistas universitarios: análisis de la competencia deportiva en la educación superior
Authors: Arenas Jaime Alberto , Castellanos Loaiza Vanesa , Aguirre-Loaiza Héctor Haney , Trujillo Catalina , Núñez Rojas Ariel Cesar
Published: June 2021

La competencia deportiva universitaria supone un escenario formativo y socializador; así como un amenazador multifactorial, que exige recursos físicos y psicológicos para un rendimiento deportivo óptimo. En un estudio no experimental, de corte transversal, en una muestra de 175 voleibolistas universitarios entre 17 y 28 años (Medad=20.4; DE= 2.3), se comparan los niveles de la ansiedad-estado (AE) con las muestras normales (baremos), y se estudia la variabilidad de ésta en función del carácter institucional (público vs privado), sexo y estrato socioeconómico (bajo, medio y alto). La AE fue evaluada mediante el IDARE (STAI) previamente a la primera fase de competencia. Los resultados muestran que la AE varía en función al sexo, y los puntajes T lineales (>60) mostraron niveles mas altos en comparación con las muestras normales (baremos). Se destacan algunas las implicaciones educativas y formativas de los hallazgos, y se alientan a futuros trabajos en esta línea.
¿Afecta el momento de evaluación psicológica en una carrera popular?
Authors: Prieto Andreu Joel Manuel
Published: June 2021

El propósito del presente estudio es conocer cómo afecta el momento de evaluación de los motivos y del estado psicológico de los corredores populares, en los días previos o en el mismo día de la carrera. Se consiguió una muestra de 473 corredores populares (374 hombres y 99 mujeres) participantes en dos carreras populares de 10 km y medio maratón, los hombres tenían una media de edad de 30,28 años y una desviación estándar (DE) de 8,13 y las mujeres una media de edad de 31,70 y una DE de 8,45. El estudio se basa en una metodología cuantitativa, y su diseño fue descriptivo, observacional y correlacional. Para la evaluación de las variables personales y sociodemográficas se elaboró un cuestionario de autoinforme ad hoc; y para evaluar la ansiedad previa a la competición, se utilizó el CSAI-2R de Andrade, Lois y Arce (2007). Los resultados indican que los corredores que rellenaron el cuestionario los días anteriores a la carrera presentan mayores puntuaciones en ansiedad cognitiva, y los corredores que rellenaron el cuestionario el mismo día tuvieron mayores puntuaciones en ansiedad somática y autoconfianza. Se discute sobre las relaciones de estas variables con otras personales, deportivas y sociodemográficas, así como sobre la aplicabilidad de los resultados y se señalan algunas conclusiones del estudio.
An approach to Wittgenstein’s antirealism
Authors: Defez Antoni
Published: June 2021

This article intends to analyze, in general, the romantic roots of Wittgenstein thought and, specifically, what could have been the position of Wittgenstein, especially the second Wittgenstein, on the philosophical problem of the language-reality relationship. No doubt it is a bold exercise, since Wittgenstein did not openly deal with this question, and would have considered it nonsense. However, its elucidation- the idea that Wittgenstein was committed to antirealism- seems to make his conception of language more understandable, and in particular how private languages would not be possible.
Milagro de la Paz es mi nombre
Authors: Ulloa Vásquez Milagro d de la Paz
Published: June 2021

Respetado Noam ChomskyLo saluda muy cordialmente una estudiante de psicología que admira su formación integral. Quiero hacer una introducción con esta postura del conocido Karl Marx que dice: “La religión es el opio del pueblo”. En definitiva, pienso que ya no lo es la religión, sino las estrategias del ejercicio político por parte de los actores sociales. Sé que considera que el pensamiento de Marx no propone muchas alternativas al socialismo en sus diferentes momentos.
Para un amigo
Authors: Masco Quintero Andrea Dayanna
Published: June 2021

Querido lector. Permíteme sumergirme en mi visión de lo que representa nuestra existencia y sobre la perspectiva que tenemos sobre el mundo que determina el rumbo de nuestro camino. Nuestros ideales y creencias nos domi- nan y nos impulsan a luchar por defenderlos. El trabajo de Avram Noam Chomsky como analista, lingüista y activista político, es vivo reflejo del potencial que logra- mos alcanzar por nuestra voluntad a lo largo del tiempo. Nace en una familia judía de filadelfia el 7 de diciembre de 1928 y gracias a la influencia paterna se despierta en él el interés hacia el mundo de la lingüística en el que se desenvolverá con grandeza.
Cuaderno de talleres psicoterapéuticos para la reconstrucción emocional
Authors:   Universidad Católica Luis Amigó, Díaz Puello Levis Manuel
Published: June 2021

El Cuaderno de talleres psicoterapéuticos para la reconstrucción emocional es una propuesta terapéutica de intervención individual y/o grupal para sanar la fuente del dolor emocional y atascamiento en la vida de niños, niñas, adolescentes y sus familias, de la mano de profesionales con vocación de servicio y relación de ayuda; psicólogos, psiquiatras, trabajadores sociales, religiosos, terapeutas, psicopedagogos y enfermeros. Mediante diferentes sesiones individuales, ciclos terapéuticos y grupos mixtos, se ha venido perfeccionado la intervención, incluyendo nuevas técnicas y formas de hacer psicoterapia. De manera que los talleres psicoterapéuticos aquí propuestos, son el resultado de años de práctica clínica en la escucha atenta y amorosa de los gritos de auxilio y desesperación de los consultantes, que develan sus penas por medio de sus miradas tristes, y de sus rostros curtidos por el dolor y el sufrimiento. Este trabajo es un regalo para todos aquellos(as), que decidieron acompañar a otros en el camino de la vida.
Analysis of Higher Order Thinking Skills Questions in the Brookhart Category in High School Chemistry Textbook: Curriculum 2013
Authors: Agustina Lia , Feronika Tonih , Yunita Luki
Published: June 2021

Chemistry textbooks used as learning media should contain questions that improve students' thinking processes, especially higher order thinking skills (HOTS). However, there are no criteria for assessing the questions in the textbook, especially for higher order thinking questions. This study aims to determine the HOTS aspect using the Brookhart category on questions contained in the XII grade chemistry textbook. The research method used is descriptive method of document analysis. The results showed that the average percentage of HOTS questions in the three class XII chemistry textbooks was 25.95%, covering aspects of analyzing 8.85%, creating 3.51%, reasoning and logic 8.35%, problem solving 3.71%, and creative thinking 1.53%. Meanwhile, the aspects of evaluating and making decisions are not present in each analyzed chemistry textbook. Based on the research results, it can be seen that the chemistry textbook for class XII is still dominated by questions of low-level thinking skills.
Analysis of Ethno-STEM Integrated Project Based Learning on Students' Critical and Creative Thinking Skills
Authors: Ariyatun Ariyatun
Published: June 2021

Critical and creative thinking is one of the 21st century skills that meet the needs in the educational process. In addition, learning local wisdom which is closely related to scientific concepts also really needs to be emphasized. This study aims to analyze students' critical and creative thinking skills through the application of Ethno-STEM Integrated Project Based Learning. This research is a case study research with a One-Shot Case Study design. The research subjects were 36 students of class XI IPA at SMA Negeri 1 Weleri. Data collection used a test instrument that has been validated by experts and shows a Cronbach Alpha score of 0.72. From the results of data analysis, it shows that students' critical thinking skills achieve good criteria, with the highest achievement in the aspect of providing simple explanations and the ability to think creatively of students achieving good criteria with the highest achievement on the flexibility aspect, which is to provide various interpretations of a picture, story, or problem.  In conclusion, the integrated Ethno-STEM Project Based Learning can train students' critical and creative thinking skills.
Assessment of Chemistry Learning: How is The Quality of The Tests Made by The Teacher?
Authors: Amelia Rizki Nor , Sari Anggi Ristiyana Puspita , Astuti Sri Rejeki Dwi
Published: June 2021

The teacher-made chemistry test must have a good quality, due to the decision taken from the tests has an impact on the students. Therefore, the purpose of the research is to explore the quality of teacher-made chemistry tests such as item fit and person fit, items difficulty, and test reliability. The sample consisted of 356 senior students from senior high schools in Yogyakarta that were selected by cluster random sampling technique. The research used the teacher-made chemistry test consisted of 40 multiple choice items which were collected using documentation technique. Data were analyzed with Rasch Model using Winsteps 3.73 version. The result showed that all items in the teacher-made chemical test were proven to have good quality (fit model, good item difficulty, and good test reliability). Moreover, 18 students were identified as misfit persons. From the findings, the test can be used to assess the students’ learning outcomes, especially for the try-out of the final exam in senior high school. Besides, the students identified as person misfit should be further examined and receive teachers’ guidance.
Endometrial Carcinoma Presenting with an Isolated Osseous Metastasis: A Case Report
Authors: Tounsi Nesrine , Zemni Ines , Saadalah Fatma , Slimane Maher , Boujelbene Nadia , Ayadi Mohamed ali , Rhiad Chargui , Khaled Rahal
Published: June 2021

Patients with advanced endometrial cancer had generally a poor prognostic with a median survival often less than one year. Isolated bone metastases as the first sign of the disease of endometrial cancer was a very exceptional situation rarely described in the literature. The goal of this report is to describe the management of this rare site of metastases and to reviewed Clinic pathological features and prognosis of isolated bone metastases. We present a case of a 56-year-old woman treated for endometrial cancer with isolated ribs bone metastases. She was complaining about progressive right rib pain as a first sign of the disease of endometrial cancer. She had a biopsy of the lesion in the last right thoracic rib. This has proved a metastatic adenocarcinoma compatible with an endometrial primary cancer. An endometrial biopsy showed moderately differentiated endometrioid adenocarcinoma. Imagery did not reveal any other sites of metastatic disease. The patient underwent bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and hysterectomy, peritoneal washing, omentectomy, bilateral pelvic and par aortic lymphadenectomy. In addition, a right thoracotomy was carried out and complete surgical excision of the rib mass was successfully performed. Adjuvant chemotherapy was administrated. The patient is clinically free of disease 10 months following diagnosis. Single-bone extrauterine metastatic site and local disease limited to the uterus had better survival outcomes than Stage IVb endometrial cancer with multiple metastatic sites. Therefore, the patient treated with surgery with a clear margin continued to behave as early-stage endometrial cancer.
On some relations which tie exponential and geometrical record random variables
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University, Ananjevskii Sergey M. , Nevzorov Valery B. ,   St. Petersburg State University
Published: June 2021

Different record achievements are fixed in many domains of the human activities. Very often this process happens with some rate of discretization (up to seconds, up to meters or up to thousands of individuals) of the observed results. On the examples of exponential and geometrical distributions it is shown how such type of the transition from continuous to discrete distributions can vary the numbers of the record values in the corresponding sequences of the random variables.
On the conditions for cycles existence in a second-order discrete-time system with sector-nonlinearity
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University, Zvyagintseva Tatiana E.
Published: June 2021

In this paper, a second-order discrete-time automatic control system is studied. This work is a continuation of the research presented in the author’s papers “On the Aizerman problem: coefficient conditions for the existence of a four-period cycle in a second-order discrete-time system” and “On the Aizerman problem: coefficient conditions for the existence of threeand six-period cycles in a second-order discrete-time system”, where systems with two- and three-periodic nonlinearities lying in the Hurwitz angle were considered. The systems with nonlinearities subjected to stronger constraints are discussed in this paper. It is assumed that the nonlinearity not only lies in the Hurwitz angle, but also satisfies the additional sector-condition. This formulation of the problem is found in many works devoted to theoretical and applied questions of the automatic control theory. In this paper, a system with such nonlinearity is explored for all possible values of the parameters. It is shown that in this case there are parameter values for which a system with a two-periodic nonlinearity has a family of four-period cycles, and a system with a three-periodic nonlinearity has a family of three- or six-period cycles. The conditions on the parameters under which the system can have a family of periodic solutions are written out explicitly. The proofs of the theorems provide a method for constructing nonlinearity in such a way that any solution of the system with initial data lying on some definite ray is periodic.
Averaging technique in the problem of satellite attitude stabilization in indirect position in the orbital reference frame with the use of Lorentz torque
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University, Aleksandrov Aleksandr Yu. , Andriyanova Natalya R. ,   St. Petersburg State University, Tikhonov Aleksey A. ,   St. Petersburg State University
Published: June 2021

A dynamically symmetric satellite in a circular orbit of small inclination is considered. The problem of the Lorentzian stabilization of the satellite in the orbital coordinate system in the indirect equilibrium position is solved under the conditions of the perturbing effect of the gravitational torque. To solve this problem, which is characterized by incomplete control, a method of averaging differential equations is developed. Using the original construction of the unsteady Lyapunov function, we obtain sufficient conditions for the asymptotic stability of the programmed satellite motion mode in the form of constructive inequalities with respect to the control parameters.
Trends and variations in the irregularities of the Earth’s rotation
Authors:   West Siberian branch of Russian Metrological Institute of Technical Physics and Radio Engineering, Tissen Viktor M. ,   Siberian State University of Geosystems and Technologies, Malkin Zinoviy M. ,   The Central Astronomical Observatory of the Russian Academy of Sciences at Pulkovo,   Kazan Federal University
Published: June 2021

The paper presents results of modeling various variations of the Universal Time (UT1). To develop a variation models, UT1 observations from 1901 to 2020 published by the International Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Service (IERS) were used. Using the developed method, the main variations are identified from the diverse spectrum of irregularities in the Earth’s rotation, the models of which are presented as a superposition of a limited number of harmonic components. The results obtained in this paper are important for improving the accuracy of predictions of Universal Time.
Soft computing technique-based prediction of water quality index
Authors: Singh Balraj , Sihag Parveen , Singh Vijay P. , Sepahvand Alireza , Singh Karan
Published: June 2021

Water quality plays a crucial role in management of water resources. Water quality indexes (WQIs) are frequently used methods to assess water quality for drinking purposes. A WQI can be predicted using chemical analysis which might not, however, be viable for a longer period in all country-scale rivers. Thus, in this investigation, two neural-based soft computing techniques – an artificial neural network (ANN) and a generalized regression neural network (GRNN) – and one hybrid soft computing techniques – an adaptive neuro-fuzzy interference system (ANFIS) with four membership functions – were used to predict WQIs in Khorramabad, Biranshahr and Alashtar sub-watersheds in Iran. Ten distinct physiochemical parameters were used as input variables and WQI as output. Simultaneously, a correlation plot and pairs were used to ascertain the relation of input and output variables. The soft computing techniques were compared using six fitness criteria: Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE), mean absolute error (MAE), Legates-McCabe Index (LMI), root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), and coefficient of correlation (CC). Results indicated that ANN better predicted WQI than did GRNN and ANFIS. Among the different membership functions of ANFIS, ANFIS_trimf was far better than were the others. Thus, it was concluded that ANN was a viable tool for the prediction of a WQI.
Combination Therapy with Favipiravir for Treatment of Hospitalized COVID-19 Adults
Authors: Bonilla Maria-Fernanda , Lascano Martin E. , El-Lababidi Rania , Nusair Ahmad , Mooty Mohamad , Balkis Maher , Malik Asim , John Terrence J. Lee-St. , Sasidhar Madhu
Published: June 2021

Background:

The optimal treatment for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remains unclear. Favipiravir, an RNA polymerase inhibitor, has been used for
COVID-19 but its clinical role and safety have not been established.

Methods:

We evaluated the outcomes of hospitalized adults with COVID-19 on favipiravir as part of combination therapy between March 1 and June 1,
2020. Favipiravir was given at a loading dose of 1600 mg orally every 12 hours for 2 doses, followed by a maintenance dose of 600 mg orally
every eight hours. We performed a retrospective assessment of virologic clearance, improvement in oxygenation, clinical improvement and
possible adverse effects.

Results:

One hundred and nine patients received favipiravir for a mean duration of 5.32 days. Mean time from symptom onset to initiation of favipiravir
(day 0) was 4.89 days. Quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score was <2 in 83 patients (76.1%), and 17 patients (15.6%) were on invasive
mechanical ventilation at day 0. All patients received at least one additional antiviral, 50 patients (45.9%) received tocilizumab and 14 patients
(12.8%) received convalescent plasma. Mean clinical and oxygenation improvement at day 28 were 79.8% and 81.6%, respectively, including
10/17 patients (58.8%) who were extubated. There was no statistically significant difference in mean viral RNA clearance time between patients
that received >7 days and those receiving <7 days of favipiravir. Mortality was 9.2%. Main adverse events leading to early favipiravir
discontinuation were QTc interval prolongation (11%) and hypertriglyceridemia (8.3%).

Conclusion:

Early use of favipiravir as part of combination therapy was associated with improved outcomes, a low mortality rate and a high rate of clinical and
oxygenation improvement in patients with mild, moderate, and severe COVID-19. There was no impact on virologic clearance. No severe adverse
effects were recorded. The effect of favipiravir as monotherapy and as part of early combination therapy need to be elucidated further in
randomized clinical trials.
Efficacy of Glucocorticoid Administration in Patients with Cardiac Arrest: A Systematic Review of Clinical Studies
Authors: Sahebnasagh Adeleh , Najmeddin Farhad , Najafi Atabak , Saghafi Fatemeh , Salehi-Abargouei Amin , Ahmadi Arezoo , Amini Shahideh , Mojtahedzadeh Mojtaba , Sharifnia Hamidreza
Published: June 2021

Background:

The pathophysiology of cardiac arrest (CA) involves over-activation of systemic inflammatory responses, relative adrenal insufficiency, and glycocalyx damage. Corticosteroids have beneficial effects in preventing the perturbation of the endothelial glycocalyx.

Objectives:

The aim of this systematic review was to determine the efficacy of glucocorticoids in patients with cardiac arrest.

Methods:

We searched PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Cochrane central register for relevant clinical trials and cohort studies until September 2019.

Results:

We retrieved 7 peer-reviewed published studies for the systematic review. Two studies were clinical trials evaluating 147 patients, while five illustrated cohort design, evaluating 196,192 patients. In total, 196,339 patients were assessed. There was limited evidence and conflicting results to establish a correlation between glucocorticoids and the survival of patients suffering from cardiac arrest. However, the links between these medications and survival-to-admission, survival-to discharge, and 1-year survival rates were strong and consistent in observational studies.

Conclusion:

The clinical evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of glucocorticoids in CA is limited to observational studies with inconsistent methodology and few clinical trials with a small sample size. Nevertheless, it seems that glucocorticoid supplementation during and after cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) may have beneficial effects in terms of survival-to-admission, survival to discharge, 1-year survival rates, and an improved return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) rate, especially in patients with hemodynamic instability and cardiovascular diseases (i.e., refractory hemodynamic shock). Future studies with high-quality, large-scale, long-term intervention and precise baseline characteristics are needed to evaluate the exact effective dose, duration, and efficacy of glucocorticoids in CA.
Recent Innovations of Organo-fluorine Synthesis and Pharmacokinetics
Authors: Kamble Omkar , Dandela Ramababu , Shinde Sandip
Published: June 2021

The fluorinated compounds have significance in medicinal chemistry and pharmaceutical
research. The introduction of fluorine atom in the heterocyclic compounds increases
biological activity by favourable physiochemical interactions. The combination of heterocycles
with fluorine substituents has a wide range of applications in the study of various pharmacological
research. The compounds not only exhibit biological activity but have also
shown unique physical and chemical characteristics features that open the new avenues for
multidisciplinary research. Fluorine atom tolerance to maximal functional groups, simplicity
in operation, replacing hydrogen with fluorine of bioactive molecules are more efficient for
the synthesis of fluorinated compounds at the commercial level. The fluorine substitution also
increases the binding affinity to the targeted protein. Furthermore, the incorporation of fluorine
on the drug molecules helps in enhancing the polarity, increasing the rate of drug metabolism and improving
metabolic stability. The pharmacokinetic study plays an important role in clinical research. In 1996, researcher Whitford
found that the pharmacokinetics of fluorine is affected by pH and quantity in the bone study. The pH of organofluoride
influences fluoride absorption, distribution, and excretion. It also increases the stability when bound to carbon
atom, resulting in increased bioactivity. This is the primary reason that fluoride is a key component of around
25% of currently available active drugs for various diseases, including cancer, diabetes, HIV etc. Not only the pharmacokinetic
properties but also the physical properties of the drug can be enhanced or altered by selective insertion at
the key place of the fluorine atom in the drug candidate. In this report, we have studied and referred to the interesting
research articles reported since 2000 for the synthesis of low fluorine substituted organic compounds for medicinal
research and pharmacokinetic use, example neurological diseases, cancer, and tuberculosis research.
RNA Sequencing Reveals the Wound Repair Mechanism of Cuyuxunxi Prescription
in Surgical Patients with Anal Fistulas
Authors: Yang Wei , Qu Yin , Zhang Zhijun , Lu Yafeng , Zheng De
Published: June 2021

Background:

Anal fistula is one of the most common colorectal and perirectal diseases in
the world. Cuyuxunxi (CYXX) prescription is an efficient herbal fumigant used to promote the
surgical wound healing of anal fistulas.

Objective:

This study aimed to explore the underlying molecular mechanism of CYXX prescription
on surgical wound healing of anal fistulas.

Methods:

Ten patients with anal fistula were randomized into a control group or treatment group.
The wound surface of patients in the control group was rinsed by normal saline, while that in the
treatment group was rinsed by CYXX prescription. The wound tissues of patients with anal fistulas
seven days after the surgery were collected for hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and RNA
sequencing. The expressions of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were validated by real-time
quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR).

Results:

HE staining showed that CYXX treatment reduced the infiltration of inflammatory cells. A
total of 472 DEGs, including 141 up-regulated genes and 331 down-regulated genes, were identified.
These genes were significantly related to skin development, xenobiotic stimulus, and inflammation.
In addition, the consistency rate of RT-qPCR and sequencing results was 83.33%, which showed a
high relative reliability of the sequencing results.

Conclusion:

CYXX prescription could improve epidermis repair and reduce inflammatory
responses.
NGS-based mtDNA Profiling Could Reveal Genetic Alterations in Schizophrenia
Authors: Ivanova Elena Mihailova , Kandilarova Snezhina Mihailova , Lukanov Tzvetelin Ivanov , Naumova Elissaveta Jordanova , Akabalieva Katerina Valentinova , Milanova Vihra Krumova
Published: June 2021

Background:

Schizophrenia is a complex disease with a putative genetic background. It
was hypothesized that impaired mitochondrial function due to genetic alterations in mitochondrial
DNA (mtDNA) could contribute to neurological conditions, including mental disorders. The aim
of the study was to find out possible pathogenic mutations and/or variants in mtDNA potentially related
to schizophrenia development.

Objective:

The study involved 37 patients with paranoid schizophrenia, whose mtDNA profiles
were compared to those of 23 healthy controls.

Methods:

Patients and controls were assessed using PANSS (Positive and Negative Syndrome
Scale) and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), respectively. The entire mtDNA was sequenced
by the NGS platform (MiSeq®, Illumina). Bioinformatics data were processed by mtDNA Variant
Processor and Analyser (Illumina), mtDNA-Server, and SPSS-17.

Results:

A total of 480 mtDNA variants (single nucleotide replacements, point insertions, and deletions)
were found. The polymorphic variant m.1811A>G (MT-RNR2) showed the highest frequency
in schizophrenia (24.3%), as compared to the controls (4.3%) (p=0.07). Increased frequency
was also found mainly in polymorphisms, belonging to complex 1 genes: MT-ND4 (11251G and
11467G), MT-ND3 (10398G), MT-ND1 (4216С), and MT-ND5 (12611G and 13708А), some of
which were associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. Two individual mutations were identified
in the patients: a pathogenic one - m.11778 A>G (LHON) and a newly identified, potentially pathogenic
- m.4115 Т>C (NADH dehydrogenase 1).

Conclusions:

Particular mtDNA variants predominantly in complex I, probably serve as a risk genetic
background in schizophrenia. The presence of pathogenic mutations in patients with psychotic
manifestations expands the clinical scope of mitochondrial diseases and deserves further investigation.
The Role of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor in Addiction: A Novel Drug Target
Authors: Quiroga Carla , Barberena Juan José , Alcaraz-Silva Jocelyne , Machado Sérgio , Imperatori Claudio , Yadollahpour Ali , Budde Henning , Yamamoto Tetsuya , Telles-Correia Diogo , Murillo-Rodríguez Eric
Published: June 2021

The peroxisome proliferator activated receptors (PPARs) are a superfamily of well-recognized
ligand-binding nuclear receptors comprising three isoforms: PPARα, PPARγ, and
PPARβ/δ. In response to endogenous lipid messengers, PPARs trigger the transcription of genes related
to a wider spectrum of physiological phenomena, including fatty acid oxidation, inflammation,
adipogenesis, among many others. Thus, the importance of PPARs as putative protective therapy
in health issues has increased the interest of studying these nuclear receptors, including the management
of neurodegenerative disorders, multiple sclerosis, and likely addiction. In recent years,
several pieces of evidence from animal models have demonstrated the promising role of PPARs as
a critical element for interventions in addictive behaviors by reducing the reinforcing properties of
addictive substances such as alcohol. However, there is a lack of data in the scope and has so far
been unexplored the function of PPARs in additional drugs such as cannabis, opioids, methamphetamine,
or cocaine. A similar scenario has been found for the management of binge-type eating disorders.
Thus, here we review recent advances in understanding the relevance of the PPAR controlling
addiction.
QbD Approach For Anti-Cancer Drugs - A Review
Authors: Thanigainathan Sudarvizhi , Ramalingan Sangamithra , Meyyanathan Subramanianainar , Babu Basavan
Published: June 2021

Background:

Several analytical approaches for assessing anti-cancer drugs in pharmaceutical
formulations have been developed over the last few years. QbD plays an important role in
establishing accurate analytical methods to analyze anti-cancer compounds. Quality by Design has
become a risk analysis and a science-based strategy, implemented by experimental methods to optimize
system output with known variables for data. The influence of highly complex and correlations
of input variables on the output reactions of pharmaceutical drugs and empirical approaches
have been widely used to explain the design of experiments.

Objective:

The efficiency of the anti-cancer drugs and their formulation in the various dosage
forms has been made convenient with the help of QbD designs such as Plackett Burman, full factorial
design, etc. QbD contains various steps, which help enhance and sustain the quality of the
drug in its dosage form.

Conclusion:

This review covers a basic, efficient, and accurate analytical approach technique using
Quality by Design for anti-cancer drugs. Thus, an outline of the experimental methods used in
anti-cancer drugs was identified and discussed.
Synthesis and Characterisation of Super-Paramagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles
(SPIONs) for Minimising Aeromonas hydrophila Load from
Freshwater
Authors: Kumar Munish , Gupta Gyandeep , Varghese Tincy , Shankregowda Aruna M , Srivastava Prem Prakash , Bhushan Shashi , Shukla Satya Prakash , Krishna Gopal , Gupta Subodh
Published: June 2021

Background:

The current study was conducted to prepare an efficient super-paramagnetic
iron oxide nanoparticle (SPIONs) to remove Aeromonas hydrophila from water.

Methods:

The nanoparticles were synthesized by the co-precipitation method and characterized by
DLS, UV-Vis spectrophotometer, FT-IR, XRD, FEG-TEM, and VSM analysis.

Results and Discussion:

The results showed that the synthesized SPIONs were having a size range
of 8-12nm with magnetic property. Bacteria removal efficiency and antibacterial activity of SPIONs
were assessed in sterile distilled water by adding different concentrations of SPIONs viz. 0, 6.25,
12.5, 25, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1000μM with different initial bacterial loads viz. 1×103, 1×104,
1×105, 1×106, and 1×107 CFU mL−1 at different time intervals 15, 30, 45, and 60 min. At low bacterial
load (1×103 to 1×105 CFU mL−1), 95 to 99.99% of bacteria were removed by low SPIONs concentration
(6.25-100μM) by 15min which was increased up to 100% by 30min. However, at high
bacterial load (1×106 to 1×107 CFU mL−1), more than 87 to 95% of bacteria were removed by the
highest SPIONs concentration (1000μM) by 15min, which was increased above 93 to 99.99% by
increasing the exposure time to 60min. At low bacterial load (1×103 to1×105 CFU mL−1), the effective
concentration was 3.21 to 6.42μM at 15-60 min intervals. Meanwhile, the effective concentration
at high bacterial load was 267.81 μM at 15min, which was decreased to 104.09 μM with increasing
exposure time to 60min.

Conclusion:

Based on the results, it is concluded that the antibacterial effect against A. hydrophila
depends on the concentration as well as the exposure time of SPIONs. A low concentration of SPIONs
is sufficient to remove 100% of bacterial load in lower exposure time and increasing concentration
of SPIONs increases the antibacterial effect. However, further research requires to find the safe
concentration of SPIONs for using it as a novel antibacterial agent for the treatment of aeromonads
disease in aquaculture.
Hybrid Liquisolid Technique: A Novel Approach to Enhance the In-vitro Performance of Antidiabetic Drugs
Authors: Dalwadi Saloni , Thakkar Vaishali T. , Rana Hardik B.
Published: June 2021

Background:

A combination of Glimepiride and Boswellia serrata extract reduces neuropathic
diabetic complications by reducing the peroxidase level and improving the antioxidant level.
The hybrid liquisolid method includes a combination of two methods, kneading and the liquisolid
method, to enhance the drug’s in-vitro performance.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to enhance the in-vitro performance of antidiabetics drugs.

Method:

Tablets involving a fixed-dose combination of Glimepiride and Boswellia serrata extract
were formulated by kneading method followed by liquisolid method. Screening of non-volatile solvents,
carriers, and coating materials was carried out. The experiment was designed to optimize the
formulation and the obtained model was validated concerning the design of the experiment. 3 level 2
factorial (32) design was applied by using Design expert software 11. Various pre-compression parameters
were assessed to check the quality of the formulation.

Results:

Screening of excipients for kneading method, including Glimepiride with PVP K 30 (5%),
and Boswellia serrata extract with Poloxamer 188 (13%), provided optimum drug release. For the liquisolid
method, propylene glycol:PEG 400: Tween 80 (1:2:4) ratio for Glimepiride and PEG 400:
Tween 80 (1:3) ratio for Boswellia serrata extract were selected. Common carrier and coating material
for both drugs were selected to improve the in-vitro performance of the drug.

Conclusion:

This study enables an overall understanding of the impact of excipients on the quality of
formulation, which may provide critical knowledge for the implementation of liquisolid systems.
Formulation Development andIn vitro-Ex vivoAssessment of Simvastatin Niosomal Buccal Films
Authors: Beeravelli Sudhakar , Akondi Vyasamurthy , Nimmathota Madhavi
Published: June 2021

Aim:

The present study aims to develop and characterize simvastatin niosomal film for effective buccal delivery.

Methods:

Simvastatin niosomes were developed by film hydration technique followed by highpressure homogenization using chiller at 5°C. The simvastatin niosomes were characterized for various physicochemical parameters, and simvastatin plain and niosomal films were prepared using PEO as the base by solvent casting technique.

Results:

From the simvastatin niosomes suspension, the percentage assay was found in the range of 96% to 103%, particles size was found in the range of 112nm to 308nm, the zeta potential was found in the range of -9mV to -25.8mV, the %EE was found in the range of 28% to 91% and the in vitro permeation was found in the range of 43.41% to 98% respectively. The niosomal film shown superior results as compared to simvastatin plain film. The FTIR and DSC confirm the compatibility among the existed excipients.

Conclusion:

Niosomes alter the physicochemical properties of simvastatin by the buccal route. The prolonged permeation (96.12% up to 24hrs) of simvastatin was observed from niosomes film across the porcine buccal cavity due to the presence of CPE in the composition, which would be useful for effective buccal delivery.
Dihydrotestosterone Induces Chemo-Resistance of Triple-Negative Breast MDA-MB-231 Cancer Cells Towards Doxorubicin Independent of ABCG2 and miR-328-3p
Authors: Al-Momany Bayan , Hammad Hana , Ahram Mamoun
Published: June 2021

Background:

Androgens potentially have an important role in the biology of breast cancer,
particularly triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Androgen receptor (AR) may offer a novel
therapeutic strategy, including the use of microRNA (miRNA) molecules. We have previously
shown that AR agonist, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), increases the expression of miR-328-3p in the
TNBC MDA-MB-231 cells. One target of the latter miRNA is ATP-binding cassette subfamily G
member 2 (ABCG2), which modulates the chemo-response of cancer cells by pumping out xenobiotics.

Objective:

Using MDA-MB-231 cells as a model system for TNBC, we hypothesized that DHT
would induce cell sensitivity towards doxorubicin via increasing levels of miR-328-3p and, consequently,
reducing ABCG2 levels.

Methods:

Chemo-response of cells towards doxorubicin, tamoxifen, and mitoxantrone was evaluated
using cell viability MTT assay. Cells were transfected with both miR-328-3p mimic or antisense
molecules. Real-time PCR was utilized to assess RNA levels and immunoblotting was performed
to investigate levels of ABCG2 protein. PCR arrays were used to assess changes in the expression
of drug response regulatory genes.

Results:

Contrary to our hypothesis, treating MDA-MB-231 cells with DHT no effect towards tamoxifen
or mitoxantrone, increased cell resistance towards doxorubicin was noted, concomitant
with decreased expression of ABCG2. This under-expression of ABCG2 was also found in MCF-7
and MDA-MB-453 cells treated with DHT. Although miR-328-3p decreased ABCG2 mRNA and
protein levels, the miRNA did not alter the chemo-response of cells towards doxorubicin and did
not affect DHT-induced chemo-resistance. AR activation slightly decreased the expression of 5
genes, including insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor that may explain the mechanism of DHT-induced
chemo-resistance of cells.

Conclusion:

DHT regulates chemo-response via a mechanism independent of ABCG2 and
miR-328-3p.
Experimental and DFT Studies on Well-Defined Odd-Even Effect in Organic Liquid Crystal Tetramers Incorporating Two Chiral Centers
Authors: Rahim Mursyida Abdul , Yeap Guan-Yeow , Tang Wai Kit , Siu Chi-Kit
Published: June 2021

Introduction:

A new series of organic liquid crystal tetramers containing two symmetrical
mesogenic units of 4-(4’-phenoxylimino)methyl)phenol joined by methylene –(CH2)mspacer
wherein m varied from 5 to 10 have been synthesized.

Methods:

The length for each of the mesogenic units was extended further via connection with
two chiral entities of (S)-2- methylbutyl-4-(4’-bromobutyloxyphenyl)benzoate situated at both
terminal ends. The structures of these tetramers were elucidated using elemental analysis and
spectroscopic techniques (FT-IR and 1H-NMR) whilst the texture, and the phase transition temperatures
were studied using polarizing optical microscopy (POM) along with differential scanning
calorimetry (DSC).

Results:

All the homologues in this series are enantiotropic mesogens exhibiting oily streak texture
or fan-shaped texture characteristic of the chiral nematic phase. The odd-even effect can be
observed upon increasing the methylene spacer length. The structure-properties connectivity has
demonstrated that the phase transition temperature for tetramers with even-numbered methylene
units in the spacer is relatively higher in comparison with the odd-numbered members.

Conclusion:

The computational study via molecular constraint dynamics performed at the
DFTB level of theory has further supported that more energy is required for the even-numbered
tetramer than the odd-numbered member to undergo the structural transition from folded to extended
geometries.
Peningkatan Kedalaman Penetrasi Las Stainless Steel 304 dengan Medan Magnet Eksternal pada Pengelasan Autogenous Tungsten Inert Gas Welding
Authors: Haikal Haikal , Chamim Moch. , Andriyansyah Deni , Wiyono Apri , Baskoro Ario Sunar , Isnarno Isnarno
Published: June 2021

In this study, research on the use of the External Magnetic Field method – Tungsten Inert Gas was done to determine the effect of welding arc compression on the quality of AISI 304 thin plate weld. The welding process was performed using autogenous welds. In this study, an external magnetic field was generated by placing a magnetic solenoid around the TIG welding torch. Enabling this electromagnetic field is done dynamically using a microcontroller. Welding parameters used are welding current 100; 105; 110 A and welding speed 1.6; 1.8; 2.05 mm/s. The results of this study showed that EMF-TIG welding can produce a more uniform bead width along the weld line with a standard deviation of 0.08 compared with conventional TIG welding of 0.12. Increased welding speed of  2.05 mm/s causes no effect on the addition of an external magnetic field to the width of the weld bead. The current parameters are 105 A with a speed of 1.6; 1.8; 2.05 mm/s resulted in compression of the top bead width by 0.87; 0.61; 0.1 mm. The welding parameters with a current of 105 A and welding speed of 1.6 mm/s have a larger upper bead compression effect of 0.84 mm compared to 110 A currents of 0.38 mm. Moreover, the D/W ratio obtained under an external magnetic field was higher than without magnetic.
Karakteristik Fiber Metal Laminate Akibat Beban Impak Balistik Dari Peluru Kaliber 9 mm Full Metal Jacket (FMJ)
Authors: Fadly Muhammad Syaiful , Purnowidodo Anindito , Setyarini Putu Hadi
Published: June 2021

Estimated damage levels from ballistics impact zone provide valuable information to make bulletproof materials more effective. Therefore, this study aims to determine the impact of ballistics including hole shape, hole depth, macro, and microstructure on fiber metal laminate. The characteristics of ballistics impact for each configuration target is obtained from experiment and comparison based on simulations with finite element method. Test experiments used short-barreled fire guns at a distance of 5 meters with a normal attack angle based on the National Institute of Justice standard. Simulation with Johnson-Cook plasticity models for aluminum plate and orthotropic material model for kevlar/epoxy. The experiment and simulation results showed that the projectile is able to perforate the first layer (aluminum plate) and the second layer (Kevlar/epoxy) while the last layer (backplate) is deformed to form a bulge. The aluminum plate is perforated by the failure of petaling formation on the backside and spread of dimple fracture around the area of the petal which indicates ductile fracture while kevlar/epoxy is perforated by projectile with failure of fiber fracture on primary yarn, fiber pull-out, fiber stretching and fiber rupture.
Estimasi Jumlah Penghuni Ruangan Berdasarkan Konsentrasi CO2 Dengan Metode Bayesian MCMC
Authors: Rahman Haolia , Handaya Devi , Budianto Teguh
Published: June 2021

The number of occupants in the building is important information for building management because it is related to security issues, evacuation, and energy saving. This article focuses on estimating the number of occupants using the Bayesian Monte Carlo Markov chain (MCMC) method based on indoor CO2 levels. Probability theory underlies the Bayesian MCMC principle, where the mass balance equation of indoor CO2 is used as a physical model of estimation calculations. Determination of the variables in the mass balance equation is investigated to obtain the effect on the accuracy of the estimated number of occupants. It found that the higher the standard deviation of the input variable on the physical model, the higher the error estimation produced. In addition, the Bayesian MCMC algorithm is tested in a real-time scheme of test-chamber. The result shows an estimated error of 39%. Rapid changes influence estimation errors in actual occupants relative to the sample interval and the time delay of the estimation.