bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and Antimicrobial Resistance Profiles of Salmonella Species and Escherichia coli Isolates from Poultry Feeds in Ruiru Sub - County, Kenya
Authors: Ngai Dorica Gakii , Nyamache Anthony Kebira , Ombori Omwoyo
Published: October 2020

Objectives: Contaminated poultry feeds can be a major source of E. coli and Salmonella infections in poultry. This study aimed at determining the microbial quality, prevalence and antimicrobial resistance and associated resistance genes to Salmonella and E. coli isolates from poultry feeds.Results: A total of 150 samples of different poultry feed types were randomly collected from selected sites within Ruiru Sub-County. A microbial load was determined, Salmonella and Escherichia coli were isolated and antimicrobial susceptibility test accomplished. Antimicrobial resistance genes; TEM, SHV, strB and Dfr were established. Out of analyzed samples, 58% contained Escherichia coli and 28% Salmonella. Bacterial load ranged between 3.1 x105 cfug to 3.0 x106 cfu/g. The highest resistance was found with ampicillin (41%) for Salmonella and (62%) for E. coli isolates. All the Ampicilin resistant isolates carried TEM and SHV genes. In addition, strB and Dfr drug resistance genes associated with streptomycin and Cotri-moxazole were analysed. All isolates were susceptible to chloramphenicol and ciprofloxacin. The study reveals high bacterial contamination, presence of beta-lactamase, aminoglycoside and sulphonamide resistance genes across isolates from poultry feeds. Therefore, contaminated poultry feeds with bacteria are likely to lead to increase and spread of antimicrobial resistant strains across the community.
Resveratrol induces H3 and H4K16 de-acetylation and H2A.X phosphorylation in Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: Contreras Susana Marisol , Ganuza Agustina , Corvi Maria Martha , Angel Sergio
Published: October 2020

Objective: Objective: Resveratrol (RSV) is a multi-target drug that has demonstrated activity against Toxoplasma gondii in macrophage and HFF cell line infection models. However, its mechanism of action has not been determined yet. With the aim of determining a possible mechanism of anti-T. gondii action, we analyzed the effect of RSV on histones H3 and H4 lysine 16 acetylation (H4K16). RSV-induced DNA damage of intracellular tachyzoites was assessed as well by using the DNA damage marker phosphorylated histone H2A.X (gH2AX).Results: RSV inhibited intracellular T. gondii tachyzoite growth at concentrations below the toxic effect on host cells. The IC50 value in a 24-hours treatment was 53 mM. RSV induced a reduction in H4K16 acetylation (H4K16ac), a mark associated to transcription, DNA replication and homologous recombination repair. The same deacetylating effect was observed on histone H3. RSV also enhanced the SQE motif phosphorylation on T. gondii H2A.X (termed γH2A.X), a DNA damage associated PTM. Our findings suggest a possible link between RSV and DNA damage or DNA repair process maybe associated to DNA replication stress.
Promising Acyclovir and its derivatives to inhibit the protease of SARS-CoV-2: Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamics simulations
Authors: Kumar Durgesh , Kumari Kamlesh , Bahadur Indra , Singh Prashant
Published: October 2020

Till date, more than 40 million people are affected throughout the world due to the COVID-19. Therefore, there is an urgency to find a solution to cure this infection. It is is due to the SARS-CoV-2 infection and the authors have targetted the protease of the SARS-CoV-2 so the infection will not spread. Herein, the authors have selected the antiviral drug, acyclovir for the inhibition of protease of the SARS-CoV-2. Acyclovir is a popular and selective antiherpes agent and started a new beginning for the viral infection. The other name of acyclovir is aciclovir and is being used in the treatment of chickenpox, and shingles. Further, it can be used in avoidance of cytomegalovirus infections. Even, acyclovir can used to cure the patients suffering from cold scores, shingles and also decreases the pain.In the present work, acyclovir (CMPD1) and its two derivatives, the first derivative is Ganciclovir (CMPD2) and the second derivative is (CMPD3). These three molecules were used to inhibit the protease of SARS-CoV-2. It was studied through the molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations etc. Herein, simulations method were used to calculate relative change in binding free energy under the influence of Amber force field through MM-GBSA. The structural behavior of complex system with acyclovir and its derivatives were observed in term of RMSD and RMSF for all residues. Authors observed that complex of CMPD3 with the protease is stable and has less fluctuation than the native protease. Further, CMPD3 follow the creteria of all drug likeness term and it showed good activity against SARS-CoV-2. It was suggested that CMPD3 may be used as a inhibitor for coronavirus activity to protect life of human being in world.
Dopaminergic Neuron Lesion at the Area of the Biological Clock Pacemaker, Suprachiasmatic Nuclei (SCN) Induces Metabolic Syndrome in Rats
Authors: Luo Shuqin , Ezrokhi Michael , Cominos Nicholas , Tsai Tsung-Huang , Stoelzel Carl R. , Trubitsyna Yelena , Cincotta Anthony H.
Published: October 2020

Background: The daily peak in dopaminergic neuronal activity at the area of the biological clock (hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nuclei [SCN]) is diminished in obese/insulin resistant vs lean/insulin sensitive animals. The impact of targeted lesioning of dopamine (DA) neurons specifically at the area surrounding (and that communicate with) the SCN (but not within the SCN itself) upon glucose metabolism, adipose and liver lipid gene expression, and cardiovascular biology in normal laboratory animals has not been investigated and was the focus of this study. Methods: Female Sprague-Dawley rats received either DA neuron neurotoxic lesion by bilateral intra-cannula injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (2-4 μg/side) or vehicle treatment at the area surrounding the SCN at 20 minutes post protriptyline ip injection (20 mg/kg) to protect against damage to noradrenergic and serotonergic neurons. Results: At 16 weeks post-lesion relative to vehicle treatment, peri-SCN area DA neuron lesioning increased weight gain (34.8%, P<0.005), parametrial and retroperitoneal fat weight (45% and 90% respectively, P<0.05), fasting plasma insulin, leptin and norepinephrine levels (180%, 71%, and 40% respectively, P<0.05), glucose tolerance test area under the curve (AUC) insulin (112.5%, P<0.05), and insulin resistance (44% - Matsuda Index, p<0.05) without altering food consumption during the test period. Such lesion also induced the expression of several lipid synthesis genes in adipose and liver and the adipose lipolytic gene, hormone sensitive lipase in adipose (P<0.05 for all). Liver monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (a proinflammatory protein associated with metabolic syndrome) gene expression was also significantly elevated in peri-SCN area dopaminergic lesioned rats. Peri-SCN area dopaminergic neuron lesioned rats were also hypertensive (systolic BP rose from 157±5 to 175±5 mmHg, P<0.01; diastolic BP rose from 109±4 to 120±3 mmHg, P<0.05 and heart rate increase from 368±12 to 406±12 BPM, P<0.05) and had elevated plasma norepinephrine levels (40% increased, P < 0.05) relative to controls. Conclusions: These findings suggest that reduced dopaminergic neuronal activity in neurons at the area of and communicating with the SCN contributes significantly to increased sympathetic tone and the development of metabolic syndrome, without effect on feeding.
Is Organic Certification Important to Farmers’ Market Shoppers or Is Eco-friendly Enough?
Authors: Curtis Kynda R. , Drugova Tatiana , Knudsen Trevor , Reeve Jennifer , Ward Ruby
Published: October 2020

This study examines consumer preferences and willingness to pay (WTP) for organic and eco-friendly peaches, Prunus persica L., over conventional peaches in Utah. Data were collected at farmers’ markets across Utah, including actual peach purchases coupled with an in-person survey and analyzed using logit models. The results show that farmers’ market shoppers are willing to pay a premium for organic and eco-friendly peaches of $2.10 and $1.41 per pound, respectively. The importance of selected sustainability attributes positively impacted shopper preferences for eco-friendly peaches, while attitudes and lifestyle were associated with stronger shopper preferences for organic peaches. The distinct differences between shoppers who prefer organic and those who prefer eco-friendly, as well as the disparity in premiums, imply that growers should strongly consider their markets and cost of production differences when choosing organic certification over other less expensive differentiation schemes.
Optimizing for taxonomic coverage: a comparison of methods to recover mesofauna from soil
Authors: Dritsoulas Alexandros , Duncan Larry W.
Published: October 2020

Manipulating soil properties to modify the dynamics between nematodes and their natural enemies has been proposed to conserve services such as the biological control of insect pests by entomopathogenic nematodes. Many soil microarthropods including acari mites and collembola are natural enemies of nematodes; however, little is known about the naturally occurring assemblages of these two soil dwelling groups and how they might be influenced by soil conditions. A method to efficiently recover both nematodes and microarthropods from environmental samples would be helpful to characterize communities of these two groups in different habitats. Because samples of nematodes extracted from soil by sucrose centrifugation (SC) also contain soil mites, collembola, protozoans, and fungal and bacterial propagules, the efficiency of SC to recover microarthropods was compared to more conventional methods of microarthropod recovery such as heptane flotation (HF), Berlese funnels (BF), and a modified flotation Berlese method (FBF). Microarthropods were identified using an inverted microscope to class in one experiment and to order in a second. Significantly more microarthropods of all taxa were recovered by SC than with either Berlese method (BF or FBF). In total, 40% more microarthropods comprising seven orders were recovered by HF compared to SC, but the difference was not significant. Ecological indices (diversity, richness, and evenness) derived from HF and SC were congruent and significantly higher than those derived from BF. Excessive organic matter in the HF extractions, compared to those of SC, BF, and FBF, made mite detection and identification difficult and time consuming. Moreover, unlike SC, neither HF nor any Berlese method recovered nematodes. Accordingly, we found SC to be the most efficient method for microarthropod extraction, making it an ideal method for studies of communities of nematodes and many of their natural enemies in the soil.
Religión, Identidad y Seguridad: el Estado Islámico y las minorías en Irak y Siria.
Authors: Morales Guillermo Ospina
Published: October 2020

El artículo analiza la amenaza existencial que ha representado el Estado Islámico para las comunidades minoritarias de Irak y Siria. Para lo cual, hace uso de los conceptos de seguridad societal y securitización. Señala que las acciones del Estado Islámico buscaron erradicar la presencia de las minorías, principalmente yazidíes y cristianos, como parte de un proceso de securitización de la religión que se fundamenta en el discurso del salafismo-yihadista, que establece la necesidad de eliminar y perseguir toda representación del politeísmo (shirk) e infidelidad (kafir) para hacer frente al enemigo en una aparente guerra en contra del Islam.
Palabras Clave: 
Estado Islámico, Irak, minorías, salafismo-yihadista, securitización, seguridad societal, Siria.
Effectiveness of pathogenetic therapy for infectious diarrhea in children with COVID-19
Authors: Khavkina D. A. , Ruzhentsova T. A. , Popova R. V. , Chukhliaev P. V. , Garbuzov A. A. , Meshkova N. A.
Published: October 2020

Introduction. The article presents basic information on approaches to pathogenetic therapy of acute intestinal infections. Data from our own research on the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal manifestations of COVID-19 in children aged 3 months to 18 years are presented. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of complex rehydration, cytomucoprotective and probiotic therapy for infectious diarrhea of various etiologies, including those developing with a new coronavirus infection.

Materials and methods. We analyzed data from our own observations of patients aged 3 months to 18 years with diarrhea against the background of acute intestinal infections of various etiologies (120 children)), as well as with a new coronavirus infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus (32 children). The children were treated in accordance with current standards and treatment recommendations. Clinical examples are presented.

Results and discussion. Diarrhea was observed in 64% of patients with a new coronavirus infection. Clinical cases confirm the effectiveness of rehydration, cytomucoprotective and probiotic therapy for infectious diarrhea, regardless of the etiology, including COVID-19.

Conclusions. Diarrhoea and other symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders in COVID-19 are stopped when pathogenetic therapy is recommended for patients with acute intestinal infections.
European Association of Fish Pathologists
Authors: K. Naumowicz , E. Terech-Majewska , K. Wąsowicz , K. Siwicki A.
Published: October 2020

Aquaculture is currently a rapidly growing branch of animal husbandry around the world. Its further development is expected due to the upcoming challenges related to climate changes. That is why an increased demand for specialists in this field, including veterinarians, is expected. The European Association of Fish Pathologists is an organization for veterinarians-ichthyopathologists from around the world founded over 40 years ago.
A case study on the effect of smart meter sampling intervals and gap-filling approaches on water distribution network simulations
Authors: Kirstein Jonas Kjeld , Høgh Klavs , Rygaard Martin , Borup Morten
Published: October 2020

Water usage data collected from smart meters at the end user can improve the accuracy and applicability of water distribution network models. Collecting and storing large amounts of data across hundreds or more smart meters is costly, which makes it important to consider what constitutes a sufficient sampling interval. This paper explores the effect of varying sampling intervals in smart meter data on model performance in regard to flow, pressure and water age simulations. Furthermore, the effect of using linear interpolation, a demand pattern or a network-inflow-weighted approach to fill gaps when data are sampled coarsely, is investigated. The study was based on real data from 525 smart meters in a district metered area in Denmark. The results show that smart meter data can improve modelling results, and if the sampling intervals are coarser than 2 h, then a weighted gap-filling approach markedly outperforms linear interpolation and models with coarse bi-annual demand data.
Implementation of point-of-use water treatment methods in a rural Tanzanian community: a case study
Authors: Ngasala T. M. , Masten S. J. , Cohen C. , Ravitz D. , Mwita E. J.
Published: October 2020

This study was conducted in an agro-pastoral community in Northern Tanzania, where water sources are contaminated, and point-of-use water treatment is rarely used. The objectives of the study were to determine the quality of drinking water at the household level and to assess the perception and attitude towards the treatment methods that were introduced to community members. The three treatment methods evaluated were chlorine tablets, silver-infused ceramic tablets, and solar water disinfection (SODIS). These methods were selected due to their availability, ease of use, cost, and effectiveness in water with high levels of coliform bacteria. Each home within the study area was provided with one of three treatment methods. The use, performance, and acceptability of the new water treatment methods were assessed over a three-week period. Prior to the introduction of the methods, 40% of households reported that they treated water regularly. However, 80% of the household water samples tested positive for Escherichia coli. After introducing the new methods, 60% of households increased their water consumption, and all water samples tested negative for E. coli during the final week of testing. The work demonstrates the need to provide access to cost-effective household water treatment methods, especially in rural communities that lack access to potable water.
Evaluation of integrated impacts of climate and land use change on the river flow regime in Wamkurumadzi River, Shire Basin in Malawi
Authors: Nkhoma Lusungu , Ngongondo Cosmo , Dulanya Zuze , Monjerezi Maurice
Published: October 2020

Climate and land use change (CC and LUC hereafter) are interlinked factors that can lead to river flow regime changes, as well as affecting hydrological extremes such as floods and drought. There is now considerable evidence of CC and LUC in many catchments in Malawi but without corresponding evaluations of their impacts on river flow regimes. Therefore, this study assessed how both factors affect the flow regime of Wamkurumadzi River, a key tributary of the major Shire River in southern Malawi. Land use and hydroclimatic data for the basin were first analyzed for spatial–temporal trends in the historical period between the years 1984 and 2015. The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model was then applied with different LUC and CC scenarios in order to assess their sole and combined impacts on the river flow regime. The model was calibrated and validated using the split sample method from the year 1984 to 1999 and from the year 2000 to 2015. Model performance was acceptable according to the selected evaluation criteria, with the Nash–Sutcliffe (NSE) coefficient of 0.78 and coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.96 during calibration and NSE of 0.93 and R2 of 0.98 during validation. Results of the integrated impacts of LUC and CC suggest a slight increase in river discharge of 0.05 m3/s for the period between the 1980s and 2000s. During the 1980s–1990s, both CC through rainfall decreased and LUC resulted in decreases in the mean river discharges by 1.58 and 0.37 m3/s, respectively. The study also found that CC through increased rainfall in the 1990s–2000s decades saw an overall increase of 1.39 m3/s in mean river discharge, while LUC shows the increase of mean river discharge by 0.25 m3/s. However, the study observed that reforestation efforts in the basin were greatly responsible for the alteration of the river flow regime in the later period.
Evaluating two GIS-based semi-distributed hydrological models in the Bhagirathi-Alkhnanda River catchment in India
Authors: Kumar Dilip , Bhattacharjya Rajib Kumar
Published: October 2020

The hydrological models are used for simulating the runoff of a river basin based on available rainfall data and other parameters. Over the years, several hydrological models have been developed in different parts of the world. Two such semi-distributed hydrologic models are SWAT and HEC-HMS. In this study, a comparative analysis has been carried out to evaluate the performance of these two distributed hydrological models as a flood forecasting tool. The Alkhnanda and Bhagirathi rivers, which flow into the Tehri Reservoir, Uttarakhand and pass through Tehri, Uttarkashi and Chamoli districts of Uttarakhand, India, are selected for the analysis. The performance of these two models is evaluated by using standard statistical methods. The comparative analysis of these two models shows that the SWAT model is performing slightly better in comparison to the HEC-HMS model, especially in the lean period. The underestimation of peak discharge may be due to the contribution of significant snowmelt discharge during the rainy season. The models are also used to predict future discharge under different climate change scenarios. The future prediction shows that the peak discharge of Alkhnanda may be increased by 27 and 47% under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5, respectively.
Removal of sulfamethizole from aqueous solution using advanced oxidation processes: effects of pH and salinity
Authors: Wang A. M. , Wu C. H. , Huang E. H.
Published: October 2020

This study investigates the removal of sulfamethizole (SFZ) in ozone (O3), O3/Na2S2O8 (sodium persulfate), UV/Na2S2O8, UV/O3, and UV/O3/Na2S2O8 systems. The effects of pH and salinity on SFZ mineralization were evaluated. The mineralization of SFZ followed pseudo-first-order kinetics. At pH 5, the rate constants of SFZ mineralization in O3, O3/Na2S2O8, UV/Na2S2O8, UV/O3, and UV/O3/Na2S2O8 systems were 0.576, 0.924, 0.702, 1.26, and 5.21 h−1, respectively. The SFZ mineralization rate followed the order pH 5 > pH 7 > pH 9 in all tested advanced oxidation processes. Salinity increased the rate of SFZ mineralization in O3 and O3/Na2S2O8 systems and decelerated it in UV/Na2S2O8, UV/O3, and UV/O3/Na2S2O8 systems. UV/O3/Na2S2O8 was the best system for mineralizing SFZ, and sulfate radicals were the predominant species in UV/O3/Na2S2O8.
Recruiting Technologies and Their Efficiency
Authors: Karavaev Valeriy Maksimovich
Published: October 2020

An important stage that each enterprise faces in its development is the recruitment of personnel. It determines the efficiency of enterprise's activity. Often the recruitment of personnel is not always carried out efficiently, which leads to problems and negative consequences. At the same time, new em-ployees who are focused on results can improve enterprise's activity and make it more competitive. Therefore, each company must correctly, and above all else, effectively select the most qualified candidates and employees for the implementation of its goals, mission and objectives. The efficiency of recruiting technologies that exist nowadays is analyzed.
The Image of the Other in Religious Discourse: The Ukrainian Election Campaign Case
Authors: Doroshko Anastasiia Sergeevna
Published: October 2020

The article concentrated on the topic of using religious discourse for political purposes. The example of the presidential election campaign in Ukraine (2018–2019) shows that religious discourse is inextricably linked to the issue of national identity in the Ukrainian political process. This conclusion has been made of discourse analysis the news reports which were in Ukrainian TV channels during the election campaign: 1+1, Inter, ICTV and TRC Ukraine.
The Mitochondrion-Targeted Antioxidants in Kidney Disease
Authors: Li Xinrui , Ma Liang , Fu Ping
Published: October 2020

Mitochondria are a potent source of cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS)
and are vulnerable to oxidative damage. Mitochondria dysfunction could result in adenosine
triphosphate (ATP) decrease and cell death. The kidney is an ATP-consuming organ,
and the relationship between mitochondrial dysfunction and renal disease has been
long noted. Mitochondrial targeting is a novel strategy for kidney diseases. At present,
there are several ways to target mitochondria, such as the addition of a triphenylphosphonium
cation, mitochondria-targeted peptides, and nanocarrier. There are also a variety of
choices for the payload, such as nitroxides, quinone derivates, vitamins and so on. This
review summarized the chemical and also clinical characteristics of various mitochondria-
targeted antioxidants and focused on their application and perspectives in kidney
diseases.
Chalcones Acting as Inhibitors of Cholinesterases, β-Secretase and β- Amyloid Aggregation and other Targets for Alzheimer’s Disease: A Critical Review
Authors: Antoniolli Giorgio , Almeida Wanda P. , Frias Camila C. , de Oliveira Tiago B.
Published: October 2020

Background:

Alzheimer's disease (AD) involves an irreversible and progressive
neurodegeneration, with multifactorial pathophysiology, including the cholinergic
deficit, amyloid plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, oxidative stress, and neurodegeneration.
Despite the severity of the disease, the therapeutic arsenal is limited, arousing the interest
of researchers to search for substances that can act on these markers.

Objective:

In this review, we highlight some relevant points: the ability of chalcones to act on different targets related to the
pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease: cholinesterases, amyloid peptide, beta-secretase and other biomarkers.

Method:

This mini-review covered the literature concerning chalcones bioactivity from 2010 until now. In addition to the
theoretical review, we included the prediction of physicochemical properties, using SwissADME software.

Results:

We found that the majority of the chalcones have been tested against cholinesterases, with moderate to good potencies, but in recent years, the number of publications related to targets of the amyloid hypothesis has been growing. Regarding the physicochemical properties, chalcones have a good profile, except the water solubility, which is not favorable.

Conclusion:

The most important characteristic of these molecules,is the given that many of the examples mentioned here
act on more than one target, characterizing them as multi-target compounds. Regarding predicted properties, solubility
stands out as the most problematic one, however these structures can incorporate functional groups that circumvent this
problem of solubility without interfering in the biological activity.
Improving Cytotoxicity against Breast Cancer Cells by Using Mixed-Ligand Ruthenium(II) Complexes of 2,2'-Bipyridine, Amino Acid, and Nitric Oxide Derivatives as Potential Anticancer Agents
Authors: Gaspari Ana P.S. , da Silva Roberto Santana , Carneiro Zumira A. , de Carvalho Marcelo Rodrigues , Carvalho Ivone , Pernomian Laena , Ferreira Lucimara P. , Ramos Loyanne C.B. , de Souza Gabriel Aguiar , Formiga André L.B.
Published: October 2020

Background:

Several metal-based molecules that display cytotoxicity against multiple cell lines have
been pursued in an attempt to fight against cancer and to overcome the typical side effects of drugs like cisplatin.
In this scenario, ruthenium complexes have been extensively studied due to their activity in both in vitro and in
vivo biological systems, including various cancer cell strains.

Objective:

We aimed to develop a method to synthesize novel [Ru(NO)(bpy)2L2]2+ complexes containing amino
acid ligands by using an alternative Click Chemistry approach, namely the copper azide-alkyne cycloaddition
reaction (CuAAC reaction), to construct nitrosyl/nitrite complexes bearing a modified lysine residue.

Methods:

We synthesized a new ligand by Click Chemistry approach and new compounds bearing the
unprecedented ligand. Cytotoxicity was assessed by the classical MTT colorimetric assay. MCF-7 and MDAMB-
231 cells were used as breast cancer cell models. MCF-10 was used as a model of healthy cells.

Results:

Amino acid ligands related to N3-Lys(Fmoc) and the new pyLys were successfully synthesized by the
diazotransfer reaction and the CuAAC reaction, respectively. The latter reaction involves coupling between
N3-Lys(Fmoc) and 3ethynylpyridine. Both N3-Lys(Fmoc) and the new pyLys were introduced into the ruthenium
bipyridine complex I, or cis-[RuII(NO)(NO2)(bpy)2]2+, to generate the common nitro-based complex III, which
was further converted to the final complex IV. Results of the MTT assay proved the cytotoxic effect of cis-
[RuII(NO)(pyLysO-)(bpy)2](PF6)2 against the mammalian breast cancer cells MCF-7 and MDA-MB231.

Conclusion:

The viability assays revealed that complex IV, bearing a NO group and a modified lysine residue,
was able to release NO and cross tumor cell membranes. In this work, Complex IV was observed to be the most
active ruthenium bipyridine complex against the mammalian breast cancer cells MCF-7 and MDA-MB231: it
was approximately twice as active as cisplatin, whilst complexes I-III proved to be less cytotoxic than complex
IV. Additional tests using healthy MCF 10A cells showed that complexes II-IV were three- to sixfold less toxic
than cisplatin, which suggested that complex IV was selective against cancer cells.
The Pattern of Calculated Inflammation Ratios as Prognostic Values in Patients with Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Ciocan Andra , Bolboacă Sorana D. , Drugan Cristina , Ciocan Răzvan A. , Graur Florin , AL Hajjar Nadim
Published: October 2020

Aim:

In our study, we evaluated the prognostic value of four calculated inflammatory ratios in patients with colorectal cancer.

Material and methods:

A six-year retrospective study was conducted on subjects admitted for
colorectal cancer at "Prof. Dr. Octavian Fodor" Regional Institute of Gastroenterology and
Hepatology Cluj-Napoca, Romania, from January 2014 until September 2019. The medical charts
of patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer were used as the source of raw data and for the
calculation of four ratios (neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio-NLR, derived neutrophil-to-lymphocyte
ratio-dNLR, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio-PLR, and systemic immune-inflammation index-SII),
considered as prognostic markers related to mortality in colorectal cancer.

Results:

One thousand six hundred and eighty-eight patients, with ages ranging from 17 to 98 years,
were evaluated. NLR and dNLR displayed significantly higher values among patients who died
(NLR: 4.2 for deceased vs. 3.4 for alive, P-value=0.0224; dNLR: 2.7 for deceased vs. 2.3 for alive, Pvalue=
0.0566). Ischemic cardiomyopathy (odds ratio (OR)=2.70), liver cirrhosis (OR=7.84), postoperative
complications (OR=2.39), and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (OR=1.08) proved to be
significant prognostic factors for the primary outcome, independent of age and gender.

Conclusions:

Patients with high NLR, postoperative complications, ischemic cardiomyopathy an
d/or liver cirrhosis are the
candidates to a less favorable outcome among subjects with colorectal cancer regardless the age and gender.
Prognostic Significance of Hematopoietic-cell Serglycin for the Survival of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Single-center Retrospective Study
Authors: Li Yue , Chen Hongjie , Lu Huiqiong , Zou Zengcheng , Li Yongwei
Published: October 2020

Aim and Objective:

Inflammation-related changes in peripheral blood cells and blood proteins are prognostic factors for survival in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but their usefulness is limited by active bacterial infection. This study
investigated whether infection interfered with the predictive value of serglycin, a proteoglycan found in hematopoietic cells,
on survival in HCC.

Materials and Methods:

Patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-induced HCC, 100 without and 30 with bacterial infection,
and 30 healthy adult controls were enrolled retrospectively. Baseline clinical data collected before treatment with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) was evaluated and serglycin expression was assayed by flow cytometry. Receiver operating
characteristic (ROC) curve analysis identified serglycin cutoff values for patient stratification. Cox regression and Kaplan–
Meier analyses were performed to identify predictors of overall survival (OS).

Results:

Serglycin levels in peripheral blood cells were higher in both groups of HCC patients than in the control group.
Cholinesterase, lung metastasis, average neutrophil serglycin fluorescence intensity, and aspartate aminotransferase levels
were associated with survival risk. Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage A was associated a good prognosis of OS.

Conclusion:

The intensity of serglycin fluorescence in peripheral neutrophils was independently predictive of survival in
HCC and its value was not limited by bacterial infection. The method presented here is a simple and feasible way to predict
prognosis in HCC patients with TACE.
A Review on Molecular Mechanisms and Patents of Marine-derived Anti-thrombotic Agents
Authors: Doshi Gaurav , Nailwal Namrata
Published: October 2020

Thrombosis is a condition of major concern worldwide as it is associated with life-threatening
diseases related to the cardiovascular system. The condition affects 1 in 1000 adults annually,
whereas 1 in 4 dies due to thrombosis, and this increases as the age group increases. The major
outcomes are considered to be a recurrence, bleeding due to commercially available anti-coagulants,
and deaths. The side effects associated with available anti-thrombotic drugs are a point of
concern. Therefore, it is necessary to discover and develop an improvised benefit-risk profile drug,
therefore, in search of alternative therapy for the treatment of thrombosis, marine sources have
been used as promising treatment agents. They have shown the presence of sulfated fucans/galactans,
fibrinolytic proteases, diterpenes, glycosaminoglycan, glycoside, peptides, amino acids,
sterols, polysaccharides, polyphenols, vitamins, and minerals. Out of these marine sources, many
chemicals were found to have anti-thrombotic activities. This review focuses on the recent discovery
of anti-thrombotic agents obtained from marine algae, sponges, mussels, and sea cucumber,
along with their mechanism of action and patents on its extraction process, preparation methods,
and their applications. Further, the article concludes with the author's insight related to marine
drugs, which have a promising future.
Downregulation of Membrane-bound Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) Receptor has a Pivotal Role in COVID-19 Immunopathology
Authors: Vieira Cristina , Nery Lucas , Martins Ludimila , Jabour Luiz , Dias Raphael , Simões e Silva Ana Cristina
Published: October 2020

Background::

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is becoming the major health
issue in recent human history with thousands of deaths and millions of cases worldwide. Newer research
and old experience with other coronaviruses highlighted a probable underlying mechanism
of disturbance of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) that is associated with the intrinsic effects of
SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Objective::

In this review, we aimed to describe the intimate connections between the RAS components,
the immune system and COVID-19 pathophysiology.

Methods::

This non-systematic review article summarizes recent evidence on the relationship between
COVID-19 and the RAS.

Results::

Several studies have indicated that the downregulation of membrane-bound ACE2 may exert
a key role for the impairment of immune functions and for COVID-19 patients’ outcomes. The
downregulation may occur by distinct mechanisms, particularly: (1) the shedding process induced
by the SARS-CoV-2 fusion pathway, which reduces the amount of membrane-bound ACE2, stimulating
more shedding by the high levels of Angiotensin II; (2) the endocytosis of ACE2 receptor
with the virus itself and (3) by the interferon inhibition caused by SARS-CoV-2 effects on the immune
system, which leads to a reduction of ACE2 receptor expression.

Conclusion::

Recent research provides evidence of a reduction of the components of the alternative
RAS axis, including ACE2 and Angiotensin-(1-7). In contrast, increased levels of Angiotensin II
can activate the AT1 receptor in several organs. Consequently, increased inflammation, thrombosis
and angiogenesis occur in patients infected with SARS-COV-2. Attention should be paid to the interactions
of the RAS and COVID-19, mainly in the context of novel vaccines and proposed medications.
Cerebrovascular Complications of Diabetes: SGLT-2 Inhibitors as a Promising Future Therapeutics
Authors: Chavda Vishal , Vashi Ruju , Patel Snehal
Published: October 2020

Sodium-Glucose co-transporter inhibitors are a novel class of drugs widely used in the
treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus medical management. This class of drugs has a simple mechanism
of action by which they decrease blood glucose levels. They prevent the uptake or re-absorption
of glucose in the blood by inhibiting the SGLT2 co-transport channels located in the renal
proximal convoluted tubule. Since SGLT2 is the low affinity, high capacity glucose transporter, it
allows the co-transport of sodium and glucose through it. SGLT2s are accountable for around 90%
of the renal glucose reuptake. Cerebrovascular complications or accidents (CVAs) are the world's
leading cause of mortality, resulting in around 6 million deaths annually. Diabetics are prone to develop
mitochondrial dysfunction and neurodegeneration due to hyperglycemia and oxidative stress
end products. Due to hyperglycemic condition in diabetes, it is always an elevated risk of cerebrovascular
dysfunction due to hyperglycemia as it includes endothelial dysfunction, atherosclerosis,
hypercoagulability, oxidative stress, renal reperfusion injury which may lead to neuronal degeneration
and cognitive impairment. A diabetic individual is more prone to develop risk factors for transient
ischemic attacks than a non-diabetic patient. These inhibitors reduce hyperglycemia by blocking
renal glucose reabsorption, therefore promoting an increase in renal glucose excretion. This review
discusses the potential role of SGLT2 inhibitors in treating CVAs associated with T2DM.
Synthesis, Biological Evaluation and Molecular Docking Studies Against EGFR Tyrosine Kinase of 3,5-bis(substituted benzylidene)-1- ethylpiperidin-4-one Analogues
Authors: Ahsan Mohamed Jawed , Saini Deepak , Sharma Piush , Jadav Surender Singh , Bakht Mohammad Afroz , Salahuddin  , Alluri Ramesh , Faiyazuddin Md
Published: October 2020

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death. The aim of the present study was to synthesize
and investigate the anticancer and antioxidant activities of some 3,5-bis(substituted benzylidene)-
1-ethylpiperidin-4-one analogues (4a-g).

The 3,5-bis(substituted benzylidene)-1-ethylpiperidin-4-one analogues (4a-g) were prepared from
the precursor, piperidin-4-one hydrochloride (1). The initial step involved the synthesis of intermediates,
3,5-bis(substituted benzylidene)piperidin-4-one analogues (3a-g) followed by their ethylation
with C2H5I in acetone and K2CO3 to obtain the title compounds (4a-g). The Fourier transform
infrared (FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance (1H & 13C NMR), mass spectrometry and microanalysis
were used to characterize the title compounds (4a-g). All the compounds were further
evaluated for their anticancer activity by SRB assay and NCI US protocol, while the antioxidant
activity was evaluated by DPPH free radical assay. All the title compounds (4a-g) were subjected
to molecular docking studies against EGRF tyrosine kinase, a potential target for anticancer agents,
to study the possible mode of interaction of our compounds with the molecular target.

:

The compound 4g showed significant anticancer activity with GI50 of 28.2 μM against MCF-7
(Breast cancer cell line). The antioxidant activity of compound 4g (IC50 = 14.98±0.91 μM) was
found to be comparable to the standard drug ascorbic acid. The binding modes of compounds 4a-g
against the molecular target EGFR tyrosine kinase were also studied. The structure-activity relationship
(SAR) was also studied.

:

The compound 4g showed significant anticancer activity with GI50 of 28.2 μM against MCF-7
(Breast cancer cell line). The antioxidant activity of the compound, 4g was found to be comparable
to the standard drug ascorbic acid, while its anticancer activity was found to be less than that of the
standard drug adriamycin.
In Vitro Characterization of a Novel Consensus Bacterial 6-Phytase and One of its Variants
Authors: Christensen Trine , Dersjant-Li Yueming , Sewalt Vincent , Mejldal Rie , Haaning Svend , Pricelius Sina , Nikolaev Igor , Sorg Robin A. , de Kreij Arno
Published: October 2020

Background::

Microbial phytases are added to animal feed to hydrolyze phytic acid (myoinositol
hexakisphosphate, IP6) and phytate (salt of phytic acid) increasing phosphorus bioavailability.
Novel phytases with enhanced bio-efficacy are being developed.

Objective::

To characterize the biochemical and enzymatic properties of a novel consensus bacterial 6-
phytase and its variant (PhyG), produced in Trichoderma reesei.

Methods::

The in vitro specific activity, kinetic parameters, pH-activity profiles (relative to pH5.5), IP6
degradation, hydrolysis products and phosphate release of the phytases were determined using sodium
phytate substrate. Melting point (Tm) was determined by differential scanning calorimetry and thermostability
assessed by measuring residual activity at different temperatures. In vivo effects of PhyG
supplementation at 0 to 1,000 FTU/kg on ileal IP6 digestibility and IP ester concentrations were determined
in piglets.

Results::

Both phytases exhibited pH optima of 3.5-4.5, high relative activity over a wide pH range
(pH2.0-5.0), and substantial relative activity at pH1.5. At pH3.0, the specific activity of the PhyG variant
was 1487 U/mg protein and at pH3.5 the kinetic constants were 240 μM (Km) and 1873 s-1 (Kcat).
The hydrolysis of IP6 by both phytases was rapid. The major initial hydrolysis product was DLI(
1,2,3,4,5)P5, designating the phytases as bacterial 6-phytases (EC 3.1.3.26). Hydrolysis occurred at
the D-3 (L-1) position in ~30% of instances, indicating a dual-specificity.

Conclusion:

Both phytases showed high thermostability compared to wild type and existing commercial
bacterial 6-phytases; PhyG exhibited 95% residual activity after 20 min incubation at 85.4ºC
(pH5.5), Tm50 of ~93.2ºC and Tm of 98.8ºC. In vivo, PhyG at 1,000 FTU/kg achieved an ileal digestibility
of IP6 of 89.3%.
Pengembangan modul online untuk meningkatkan hasil belajar Ilmu Pengetahuan Sosial (IPS)
Authors: Arriany Ike , Ibrahim Nurdin , Sukardjo Mochammad
Published: October 2020

Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah mengembangkan modul online yang efektif untuk meningkatkan ketuntasan hasil belajar Ilmu Pengetahuan Sosial (IPS) di SMP. Modul online ini dikembangkan untuk membantu siswa Sekolah Menengah Pertama (SMP) dalam mencapai standar kompetensi yang ditetapkan pada mata pelajaran IPS. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah metode penelitian dan pengembangan. Model yang digunakan untuk mengembangkan modul online untuk meningkatkan hasil belajar IPS adalah model Rowntree dan web based design. Data pada penelitian dan pengembangan ini dikumpulkan berdasarkan quesioner, interview, dokumen hasil belajar, dan test. Hasil uji validasi ahli materi, media, desain instruktional dan uji satu-satu menunjukkan bahwa modul online masuk dalam kategori sangat baik dan layak digunakan dalam pembelajaran IPS. Hasil uji keterbacaan dengan menggunakan fog-index juga menunjukkan teks pada modul online pembelajaran IPS mudah untuk dipahami. Hasil uji lapangan dengan menggunakan perhitungan t-test menunjukkan terdapat perbedaan signifikan terhadap hasil belajar siswa sebelum dan sesudah menggunakan modul dengan kata lain modul online untuk pembelajaran IPS dinilai efektif dan dapat meningkatkan ketuntasan hasil belajar siswa. AbstractThe purpose of this research is to develop an effective online learning module to enhance student learning results. The development of the module aims at assisting junior high school students to achieve expected competencies in social studies. This research applies Research and Development method. Rowntree and web-based design models are used to develop online modules. All data are collected by document study, questionnaires, tests, and interviews. Based on the expert matter, media expert, instructional design expert, and face to face tryouts, the validity evaluation shows that the online module is appropriate and feasible to use in learning. Moreover, readability judgment using a fog-index score shows that the text is easy to understand. The result of the field trials using the t-test equation shows that there is a significant increase in students’ learning results before and after using the module. In conclusion, online module learning is effective to improve students’ learning results in order to achieve expected competencies.
Towards The Automated, Empirical Filtering of Drug-Drug Interaction Alerts in Clinical Decision Support Systems: Historical Cohort Study of Vitamin K Antagonists
Authors: Chazard Emmanuel , Boudry Augustin , Beeler Patrick Emanuel , Dalleur Olivia , Hubert Hervé , Tréhou Eric , Beuscart Jean-Baptiste , Bates David Westfall
Published: October 2020

Background

Drug-drug interactions (DDIs) involving vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) constitute an important cause of in-hospital morbidity and mortality. However, the list of potential DDIs is long; the implementation of all these interactions in a clinical decision support system (CDSS) results in over-alerting and alert fatigue, limiting the benefits provided by the CDSS.

Objective

To estimate the probability of occurrence of international normalized ratio (INR) changes for each DDI rule, via the reuse of electronic health records.

Methods

An 8-year, exhaustive, population-based, historical cohort study including a French community hospital, a group of Danish community hospitals, and a Bulgarian hospital. The study database included 156,893 stays. After filtering against two criteria (at least one VKA administration and at least one INR laboratory result), the final analysis covered 4047 stays. Exposure to any of the 145 drugs known to interact with VKA was tracked and analyzed if at least 3 patients were concerned. The main outcomes are VKA potentiation (defined as an INR≥5) and VKA inhibition (defined as an INR≤1.5). Groups were compared using the Fisher exact test and logistic regression, and the results were expressed as an odds ratio (95% confidence limits).

Results

The drugs known to interact with VKAs either did not have a statistically significant association regarding the outcome (47 drug administrations and 14 discontinuations) or were associated with significant reduction in risk of its occurrence (odds ratio<1 for 18 administrations and 21 discontinuations).

Conclusions

The probabilities of outcomes obtained were not those expected on the basis of our current body of pharmacological knowledge. The results do not cast doubt on our current pharmacological knowledge per se but do challenge the commonly accepted idea whereby this knowledge alone should be used to define when a DDI alert should be displayed. Real-life probabilities should also be considered during the filtration of DDI alerts by CDSSs, as proposed in SPC-CDSS (statistically prioritized and contextualized CDSS). However, these probabilities may differ from one hospital to another and so should probably be calculated locally.