bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrating GRACE products and land surface models to estimate changes in key components of terrestrial water storage in the Nile River Basin
Authors: Nigatu Zemede M. , Fan Dongming , You Wei
Published: June 2020

The Nile River Basin (NRB) is facing extreme pressure on its water resources due to an alarmingly increasing population that is extremely vulnerable in aspects of irrigation and hydropower. The NRB ascends itself to remotely sensed approaches with high resolution of spatial and temporal coverage as disparate to ground-based in-situ observations due to its size and limited access from basin countries. The Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) allow a unique opportunity to investigate the changes in key components of Terrestrial Water Storage (TWS). Differences in tuning parameters and processing strategies result in GRACE TWS solutions with regionally specific variations and error patterns. We explored the spatiotemporal changes of the TWS time series, trend, uncertainties, and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) among different GRACE TWS. We had also investigated the key terrestrial water storage components (surface water, soil moisture, and groundwater storage changes). The results show that the uncertainty of GRACE spherical harmonic (SH) solutions are higher than the mass concentration (mascon) over the NRB, and the Center for Space Research-mascons (CSR-M) noted the first best performance. Substantially, significant long-term (2003–2017) negative groundwater and soil moisture trend demonstrates a potential depletion over NRB. Despite an increase in precipitation and TWS time series, the rate of decline noted to increase rapidly from 2008, thus indicating the possibility of human-induced change ( e.g., for irrigation purposes). Thus, the result of this study provides a guiding principle for future studies in TWS change-related hydro-climatic change over NRB and similar basins.
Vertical equity in access to health insurance services: A qualitative analysis of perceptions and enrolment in the Jirapa Municipality, North-western Ghana
Authors: Domapielle Maximillian Kolbe , Akurugu Constance Awinpoka , Derbile Emmanuel Kanchebe
Published: June 2020

Abstract Background: Cost continues to be an important barrier to accessing health services in Low and Middle Income Countries (LMICs) partly due to the inability of health systems in those settings to adequately implement equity measures that aim to offer financial protection to disadvantaged population groups such as indigenous and rural residents. Drawing on a framework for assessing financial access to health services, this article provides evidence of vertical inequity in the distribution of the cost of national health insurance contribution among rural and urban residents in a municipality in northern Ghana. Methods: A qualitative approach was used to collect and analyse the data. Specifically, the concurrent use of in-depth interviews and observation provided the needed data to critically analyse the relationship between location, livelihoods and ability to pay for health insurance services. Results: The paper argues that flat rate contributions for populations in the informal sector of the economy and lack of flexibility and adaptability of timing premium collections to the needs of the poor contradict the vertical equity objectives of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). The current payment arrangement makes the cost of NHIS membership disproportionately higher for rural residents. Conclusion: As this might deter them from enrolling in the scheme as much as their urban counterparts, we advocate strict adherence and implementation of the scheme’s vertical equity measures through the adoption of the Ghana National Household Register (GNHR) as a tool for ensuring that contributions are graduated according to income and collection is well-timed.
Genomics and Prognosis Analysis of Circadian clock genes in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: He Qikuan , Guo Pengyi , Lin Yunshou , Zhang Zhongjing , Lv Yanning , Xiang Yukai
Published: June 2020

Background: Circadian clock genes have been reported to exhibit a regulatory effect on the carcinogenesis and progression of numerous cancers. Nevertheless, the specific relationship between hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and circadian rhythm associated genes still remain to be clarified. Therefore, we evaluate the prognosis function of circadian clock genes in HCC with the online datasets of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the international cancer genome consortium (ICGC). Methods: In our research, the RNA-seq of the selected core circadian genes in HCC patients and their relevant clinical data were acquired from the online TCGA database and the ICGC database. R software and cBioPortal website were performed. Results: As consequence, among the 22 typical circadian clock genes, 16 genes were statistically expressed between HCC and adjacent normal tissues. Accordingly, 11 clock genes with regression coefficients were used to constitute a new risk score formula, which was related to the prognosis in HCC. Moreover, the new nomogram, which consisting risk score and several clinical traits , could be applied for the purpose of accurate prediction of the OS time for the patients. Finally, we identified a novel nomogram related with OS in HCC patients with a comprehensive analysis of circadian clock genes and other clinical characteristics profiles. It was also the first time we systematically demonstrated the relationship between clock genes and the HCC prognosis, which would contribute to the treatment of HCC. Conclusions: The current study demonstrated the potential of circadian clock genes as clinically associated biomarkers for prognosis prediction in HCC, which may make a significant contribution to the further investigations of HCC progression.
Luteolin: A Dietary Molecule as Potential Anti-COVID-19 Agent
Authors: Ansari Waseem Ahmad , Ahamad Tanveer , Khan Mohsin Ali , Khan Zaw Ali , Khan Mohammad Faheem
Published: June 2020

Luteolin (Lut) is an important plant-derived flavonoid that is widely distributed in edible herbs and vegetables. Studies on animal and human models have shown that Lut exhibits various pharmacological properties, viz. anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, anti-apoptotic, and neurotrophic actions. The ongoing pandemic coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), is a disease of the respiratory tract that consists of mild to severe symptoms of pneumonia including fever, muscle aches, sore throat, coughing, and shortness of breath. It is of particular concern in older people and patients with chronic diseases having cardiovascular and blood clotting issues or who have compromised immune. This situation prompted us to evaluate the bioactive compounds which are being used to prevent respiratory-related illness. Lut is one such compound which is used as an anti-inflammatory agent. Several studies have explained the protective nature of Lut by inhibiting virus entry and fusion with human receptors in old SARS-CoV that had emerged in 2003. Thus, regular consumption of foods having adequate amount of Lut in our diet may be helpful in inhibiting the SARS-CoV-2 infection as well and may prevent the consequent symptoms in COVID-19 patients. In present work, we have carried out the molecular docking studies of Lut with six different SARS-CoV-2 encoded key proteins. The FDA-approved drug remdesivir was also evaluated as control to compare the results. Lut showed excellent inhibitory action against papain-like proteinase, a main protease of SARS-CoV-2. Lut was also many times more active than remdesivir. Therefore, the foods which have Lut in adequate amount might be explored further for potential use against COVID-19
Managing resident workforce and residency training amid COVID-19 pandemic: Scoping review of adaptive approaches
Authors: Tolu Lemi , Feyissa Garumma Tolu , Jeldu Wondimu Gudu
Published: June 2020

Introduction: The impact of Covid-19 on the healthcare system and training is tremendous and unpredictable. In addition to service re-organization, teaching institutions will have to devise adaptive mechanisms to cope up with the disruption in medical education and residency training.Objective: to review available adaptive residency training approaches and management of resident work force in different residency programs amid Covid-19 pandemicMethods and materials: We searched for websites of different professional associations and international or national specialty accreditation institutions. We looked for English studies (any form), reviews or editorials, perspectives, short or special communications, and position papers on residency education during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, we searched: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Google Scholar using keywords. Data extraction was done by two independent reviewers using a customized tool that was developed to record the key information of the source that’s relevant to the review question. The difference between the two authors on data extraction was resolved by discussion.Results: We identified 13 documents reporting on residency education during pandemics. Three were articles,5 short or special communications, and the rest editorials and perspectives. We divided the data obtained into six thematic areas: resident staffing, clinical education, surgical education, didactic teaching, research activity, and accreditation process.Conclusions: Residency programs must reorganize the resident's staffing and provide appropriate training to ensure the health and safety of residents during the pandemics. There are feasible adaptive approaches of maintaining residency trainings in the domains of didactic teaching, clinical education and some research activities. Although some innovative virtual surgical skills training methods are implemented in limited surgical residency disciplines, their effectiveness is not well examined. Guidance and flexibility of the accreditation bodies in ensuring competency of residents is one component of the response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Nurses suffered with more psychological symptoms when fighting against novel coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19): a longitudinal observational survey of medical staff
Authors: Zhang You-Ping , Yuan Hai-Tao , Song Ya-Qin , Jia Jing , Mi Wei , Wang Yan-Lin , Wang Jia , Li Da-Yong , Zhu Wei
Published: June 2020

Objective.

Our objective is to investigate and analyze the psychological status of medical staff in a designated community hospital for COVID-19.
Methods.

We conducted a survey on medical staff in a designated community hospital for COVID-19 among the during-pandemic group (n = 120) and the after-pandemic group (n = 34). The symptom checklist 90 (SCL-90) questionnaire was used as a self-report instrument for the measurement of psychopathological complaints.
Results.

The during-pandemic group consisted of 120 individuals, including doctors (n = 36), nurses (n = 69) and technicians (n = 15). The SCL-90 sum scores showed no difference among doctors, nurses, and technicians (P > 0.05), but the somatization (SOM) item-scores of nurses were significantly higher than those of doctors and technicians (all P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the paranoid ideation (PAR) item-scores of nurses were significantly higher than those of doctors (P < 0.05). The after-pandemic group consisted only of nurses (n = 34). The score of each dimension of SCL-90 in nurses after the pandemic were relatively lower than that in nurses during the pandemic.
Conclusions.

Our study showed that nurses suffered with more psychological symptoms when fighting against COVID-19. The emergence of COVID-19 was the main factor leading to psychological problems of nurses.
Prevalence of Premenstrial Disphoric Disorder Associated Factors among Students of Tabor Secondary and Preparatory School in Hawassa City, Ethiopia Cross Sectional
Authors: Tadesse Mulugeta Gobena , Dire Dereje Dirago , Abraham Yacob Yacob
Published: June 2020

Background: Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)-is a severe and disabling form of premenstrual Syndrome affecting 3-8% of menstruating women. The disorder consists of a cluster of affective, behavioral and somatic symptoms that recur monthly during the luteal phase the menstrual cycle. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) was added to the list of depressive disorders in the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders in 2013. The exact pathogenesis of the disorder is still unclear.Objective: To assess the prevalence of PMDD and its associated factors among students of Hawassa tabor secondary and preparatory school.Method: A cross sectional institutional based was conducted among 351 randomly selected female students of Hawassa tabor school. Data was collected by three students were facilitate the works with closed ended structured questionnaire and they was trained on how to collect the data. The collected data was entered, analyzed and cleaned by SPS.Results: prevalence of premenstrual dysphoric disorder in this study was 76.9%. Of each symptom is more than ninety present or 324 (92.3%) respondents can’t have experience unpleasant physical or emotional symptoms peculiar to the five days before the onset of menses & 27(7.7%) participants have show the symptoms. Among those 26 (7.4%) have present for the past ≥3 consecutive cycles. 46 (13.1%) have family history of such symptoms.Conclusions: These findings have implications for both women and medical providers, who should be aware that PMS symptoms are prevalent and often distressing, yet also understand that the severity of symptoms may remit over time.
Ethanol extracted from radix of Actinidia chinensis inhibits human colon tumor through inhibiting Notch-signaling pathway
Authors: Hu Wanle , Wu Chenchen , Yuan Chenchen , Chen Minyuan , Jin Chun , Zheng Chenguo
Published: June 2020

Abstract: Background

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common tumors, and its five-year survival is still very low despite of the advance of treatment strategies. The antitumor effect of ethanol extracted from radix of Actinidia chinensis (EERAC) were identified in human colon cancer cells, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear.

Methods

Cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were measured with CCK-8, wound healing, and transwell assays. Cell apoptosis and cycle were detected by flow cytometry. Western blotting and qRT-PCR were used to measure expression of target molecules. Xenograft tumor assay was applied to detect the influence of EERAC on tumor growth.

Results

In the present study, we found that EERAC inhibited the cell viability, migration, and invasion of SW480 cells in a concentration dependent manner, but promoted apoptosis and the cell percentage in S phase significantly. The suppression of notch-signaling pathway molecules (Notch1, Jagged1, and c-Myc) by EERAC was confirmed using western blotting and immunohistochemical staining. The significant inhibition of tumor growth by EERAC was also observed. Meanwhile, EERAC remarkably reversed the effects of MAML1 (activator of notch-signaling pathway) on cell survival of SW480.

Conclusions

Therefore, EERAC might be a promising chemotherapeutic agent for CRC treatment.
Measuring the contributions of elderly and non-elderly age-groups to the disability burden in India: A Decomposition Analysis.
Authors: Chanda Srei , Puri Parul , Yadav Ravita
Published: June 2020

Background Disability has been an essential component of the health and development framework of India. Despite policy norms, a surge in disability across the population interrogates the role of the increasing elderly population in terms of chronic diseases led disabilities. The regional variation in demographic transitions possesses an unequal risk for the occurrence of disability in the population. The demographic and socio-economic factors can explain the inequality contributed by the elderly and non-elderly population. Methods We have used the National Sample Survey-76th round (2018) to measure the risk difference of disability between elderly and non-elderly age-groups across selected background characteristics. Fairlie’s decomposition technique has been adopted to measure the contribution made by the socio-economic factors in explaining the differences in the prevalence of disability. Distribution of states with respect to prevalence and risk difference of disability between elderly and non-elderly are plotted, to understand the regional inequality in the occurrence of disability in India. Results The study calculates a risk difference of 68 per 1000 population in India, explaining a higher risk of disability among the elderly that varies across socio-economic factors. Belonging from the Central region of India represents a higher risk of disability at old age (risk difference 76.8 per 1000 population) than the rest of the regions in India. Gender, marital status, and education explain 72 percent of the gap in the occurrence of disability between two broad age-groups. Despite having a similar disability prevalence, Kerala and Odisha have risk differences of 32 and 85 per 1000 population, respectively. Conclusions The gap in the disability prevalence is significantly explained by the marital status and educational status of the individuals. Disparity in the risk difference of disability among elderly and non-elderly across states suggests that large size of the elderly population is not the only reason for the increasing disability burden in India. Inadequate healthcare infrastructure and access also results into an unmet health care need pertaining to disability. Study suggests a policy relevance for disability-inclusive and geriatric centric healthcare and social supports in synchronisation with the demand realised by the states in India.
Morphological and Physiological Responses in Basil and Brassica Species to Different Proportions of Red, Blue, and Green Wavelengths in Indoor Vertical Farming
Authors: Dou Haijie , Niu Genhua , Gu Mengmeng , Masabni Joseph
Published: June 2020

Understanding the responses of plant growth and secondary metabolite synthesis to different light wavelengths is important for optimizing lighting conditions for vegetable production in indoor vertical farms. Basil (Ocimum basilicum) ‘Improved Genovese Compact’ (green leaf) and ‘Red Rubin’ (purple leaf), green mustard ‘Amara’ (Brassica carinata), red mustard ‘Red Giant’ (Brassica juncea), green kale ‘Siberian’ (Brassica napus var. pabularia), and red kale ‘Scarlet’ (Brassica oleracea), which are high-value and multifunctional culinary herbs and leafy greens, were used to characterize the effects of red (R), blue (B), and green (G) wavelengths on plant photosynthesis, morphology, biomass production, and secondary metabolites accumulation. Light quality treatments consisted of three R and B light combinations, R88B12 (the proportions of R and B wavelengths were 88% and 12%, respectively), R76B24, and R51B49, and two white light combinations, R44B12G44 (the proportions of R, B, and G wavelengths were 44%, 12%, and 44%, respectively) and R35B24G41. Experiments were conducted in a walk-in growth room with a photosynthetic photon flux density set at 224 μmol·m−2·s−1 and a 16-hour photoperiod. Results indicated that the net photosynthesis in purple basil and green kale were positively correlated with B proportions (BP), and that higher BP increased the relative chlorophyll concentration in purple basil and red kale. In contrast, higher BP suppressed stem elongation and leaf expansion and reduced shoot biomass in all tested species except red mustard. Higher BP increased phytochemical concentrations but decreased the total amounts of phytochemicals per plant. For all basil and brassica (Brassica sp.) cultivars, the inclusion of G wavelengths decreased shoot biomass compared with that of plants grown under R and B light combinations with similar BP. Inclusion of G wavelengths stimulated stem elongation in green basil and green mustard under 12% BP; whereas it suppressed stem elongation in purple basil, green kale, red kale, and green mustard under 24% BP. The effects on phytochemical accumulation were species-specific for the inclusion of G wavelengths. Considering biomass production, nutritional values, and working environment for growers, a white light with lower BP and G proportions is recommended for culinary herbs and Brassica leafy greens production at vertical farms.
Utility of a multi-tracer approach as a component of adaptive monitoring for municipal wastewater impacts
Authors: Tanna Rajiv N. , Moncur Michael C. , Birks S. Jean , Gibson John J. , Ptacek Carol J. , Mayer Bernhard , Wieser Michael E. , Wrona Fred J. , Munkittrick Kelly R.
Published: June 2020

Distinguishing municipal wastewater effluent (MWWE) from other industrial effluents or through an urbanized watershed can be challenging. In complex receiving environments, linking environmental responses to specific compounds or effluents is not always straight forward. In order to characterize the inherent complexity of tracing MWWE in aquatic systems influenced by multiple stressors, a proposed multi-tracer suite is intended to highlight areas of potential biological concern. Characterization and quantification of effluent exposure to aquatic biota in this manner is essential to shape policies intended to encourage wastewater infrastructure development (i.e. treatment plant upgrade) and broader environmental management. This paper describes the use of a comprehensive suite of tracers that includes isotopes in support of a core surveillance program, demonstrating its effectiveness both empirically and with respect to diagnostic value contributed to monitoring programs.
The Role of Growth Hormone Receptor Isoforms and Their Effects in Bone Metabolism and Skeletal Fragility
Authors: Chiloiro Sabrina , Mirra Federica , Federico Donfrancesco , Giampietro Antonella , Visconti Felicia , Rossi Laura , Pontecorvi Alfredo , De Marinis Laura , Bianchi Antonio
Published: June 2020

Acromegaly and Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD) are associated with skeletal fragility
and with an increased prevalence of Vertebral Fractures (VFs). In the most recent years, several
authors tried to investigate surrogate markers that may predict the risk of bone fragility in these
endocrine disorders. The aim of this review is to evaluate the role of GH receptor polymorphisms
in skeletal fragility in patients affected by GHD and acromegaly. In fact, until now, two different
isoforms of the GH Receptor (GHR) were described, that differ for the presence or the absence of
transcription of the exon 3 of the GHR gene. Both the isoforms produce a functioning receptor, but
the exon 3-deleted isoforms (d3-GHR) has a higher sensitivity to endogenous and recombinant GH
as compared to the full-length isoform (fl-GHR).
Recent Advances in the Development of CBP/p300 Bromodomain Inhibitors
Authors: Xiong Ying , Zhang Mingming , Li Yingxia
Published: June 2020

CBP and p300 are two closely related Histone Acetyltransferases (HATs) that interact with numerous transcription factors and act to increase the expression of their target genes. Both proteins contain a bromodomain flanking the HAT catalytic domain that is important in binding of CBP/p300 to chromatin, which offers an opportunity to develop protein-protein interaction inhibitors. Since their discovery in 2006, CBP/p300 bromodomains have attracted much interest as promising new epigenetic targets for diverse human diseases, including inflammation, cancer, autoimmune disorders, and cardiovascular disease. Herein, we present a comprehensive review of the structure, function, and inhibitors of CBP/p300 bromodomains developed in the last several years, which is expected to be beneficial to relevant studies.
Recent Advances in Biginelli-type Reactions
Authors: Heravi Majid M. , Zadsirjan Vahideh
Published: June 2020

The effective and high yielding synthesis of poly-functionalized pyrimidines,
using multicomponent reactions (MCRs), is imperative in organic and medicinal chemistry.
The classic Biginelli reaction is a typically one-pot three-component cyclocondensation
reaction involving an aldehyde, a β-ketoester and urea, resulting in the construction of
multi-functionalized 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones (DHPMs). In recent years, other
active methylene compounds, various derivatives of urea and diversely substituted aldehydes
have also been used, resulting in the preparation of a new series of various novel
dihydropyrimidinones via the Biginelli-Type Reactions (BTRs) or modified Biginelli reactions
(MBRs). In this review, we try to underscore the recent advances in BTRs or
MBRs.
Recent Trends in the Development of Novel Catalysts for Asymmetric Michael Reaction
Authors: Kamal Shagufta , Zahoor Ameer Fawad , Ahmad Sajjad , Akhtar Rabia , Khaliq Iqra , Qurban Wajiha , Mehreen Attia
Published: June 2020

:

Michael reaction is the nucleophilic addition of active methylene compounds to
conjugated olefins, resultantly affording a variety of biologically active scaffolds with high
enantiopurity. To improve the reaction yield, as well as enantioselectivity of the product, a
variety of catalysts (amine-based catalysts, bifunctional L-proline amides, bifunctional
squaramides, chiral ionic liquids, cinchona alkaloids, enzymes, indolinols, metal catalysts,
peptide derived catalytic system, phase transfer catalysts, pyrrolidine based organocatalysts)
have been investigated by a different era of chemists. Besides this, different methodologies
have been developed to improve reaction yield and enantioselectivity of the targeted products
with low catalyst loading.

:

This review article provides a concise overview of the catalysts applied recently by different
scientists in the Michael addition reaction. Moreover, current strategies and potential applications of this reaction
have also been illustrated in this review.
Synthesis, Anticancer Activity on Prostate Cancer Cell Lines and Molecular Modeling Studies of Flurbiprofen-Thioether Derivatives as Potential Target of MetAP (Type II)
Authors: Yılmaz Özgür , Bayer Burak , Bekçi Hatice , Uba Abdullahi I. , Cumaoğlu Ahmet , Yelekçi Kemal , Küçükgüzel Ş. Güniz
Published: June 2020

Background::

Prostate cancer is still one of the serious causes of mortality and morbidity
in men. Despite recent advances in anticancer therapy, there is a still need of novel agents with
more efficacy and specificity in the treatment of prostate cancer. Because of its function on angiogenesis
and overexpression in the prostate cancer, methionine aminopeptidase-2 (MetAP-2) has
been a potential target for novel drug design recently.

Objective::

A novel series of Flurbiprofen derivatives N-(substituted)-2-(2-(2-fluoro-[1,1'-
biphenyl]-4-il)propanoyl)hydrazinocarbothioamide (3a-c), 4-substituted-3-(1-(2-fluoro-[1,1'-biphenyl]-
4-yl)ethyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole-5(4H)-thione (4a-d), 3-(substitutedthio)-4-(substituted-phenyl)-
5-(1-(2-fluoro-[1,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl)ethyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazole (5a-y) were synthesized. The purpose
of the research was to evaluate these derivatives against MetAP-2 in vitro and in silico to obtain
novel specific and effective anticancer agents against prostate cancer.

Methods:

The chemical structures and purities of the compounds were defined by spectral methods
(1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, HR-MS and FT-IR) and elemental analysis. Anticancer activities of the
compounds were evaluated in vitro by using MTS method against PC-3 and DU-143 (androgenindependent
human prostate cancer cell lines) and LNCaP (androgen-sensitive human prostate
adenocarcinoma) prostate cancer cell lines. Cisplatin was used as a positive sensitivity reference
standard.

Results::

Compounds 5b and 5u; 3c, 5b and 5y; 4d and 5o showed the most potent biological activity
against PC3 cancer cell line (IC50= 27.1 μM, and 5.12 μM, respectively), DU-145 cancer cell
line (IC50= 11.55 μM, 6.9 μM and 9.54 μM, respectively) and LNCaP cancer cell line (IC50= 11.45
μM and 26.91 μM, respectively). Some compounds were evaluated for their apoptotic caspases
protein expression (EGFR/PI3K/AKT pathway) by Western blot analysis in androgen independent-
PC3 cells. BAX, caspase 9, caspsase 3 and anti-apoptotic BcL-2 mRNA levels of some compounds
were also investigated. In addition, molecular modeling studies of the compounds on
MetAP-2 enzyme active site were evaluated in order to get insight into binding mode and energy.

Conclusion::

A series of Flurbiprofen-thioether derivatives were synthesized. This study presented
that some of the synthesized compounds have remarkable anticancer and apoptotic activities
against prostate cancer cells. Also, molecular modeling studies exhibited that there is a correlation
between molecular modeling and anticancer activity results.
In Silico Docking of Vitamin E Isomers on Transport Proteins
Authors: Zulkiflee Nurul Syeefa , Awang Siti Amilia , Ming Woo Xian , Kamilan Muhammad Fauzan Wira’i , Mariappan M Yuveneshwari , Kit Tan Jen
Published: June 2020

Background:

Vitamin E is comprised of α, β, γ and δ-tocopherols (Ts) and α, β, γ and δ-
tocotrienols (T3s). Vitamin E has neuroprotective antioxidant, anti-cancer, and cholesterol-lowering
effects. Intracellular trafficking of these isomers remains largely unknown, except for αT which is
selectively transported by αT transfer protein (αTTP).

Objective:

This study aimed to determine the binding of vitamin E isomers on transport proteins
using in silico docking.

Methods:

Transport proteins were selected using AmiGo Gene Ontology tool based on the same
molecular function annotation as αTTP. Protein structures were obtained from the Protein Data
Bank. Ligands structures were obtained from ZINC database. In silico docking was performed
using SwissDock.

Results and Discussion:

A total of 6 transport proteins were found: SEC14-like protein 2,
glycolipid transfer protein (GLTP), pleckstrin homology domain-containing family A member 8,
collagen type IV alpha-3-binding protein, ceramide-1-phosphate transfer protein and afamin.
Compared with other transport proteins, αTTP had the highest affinities for all isomers except βT3.
Binding order of vitamin E isomers toward αTTP was γT > βT > αT > δT > αT3 > γT3 > δT3 > βT3.
GLTP had a higher affinity for tocotrienols than tocopherols. βT3 bound stronger to GLTP than αTTP.

Conclusion:

αTTP remained as the most preferred transport protein for most of the isomers. The
binding affinity of αT toward αTTP was not the highest than other isomers suggested that other
intracellular trafficking mechanisms of these isomers may exist. GLTP may mediate the intracellular
transport of tocotrienols, especially βT3. Improving the bioavailability of these isomers may enhance
their beneficial effects to human.
Photobiomodulation vs. Placebo on Post-Bleaching Sensitivity and Color Change: A Split-Mouth Clinical Study
Authors: C. de Silva Caroline , de M. Alencar Cristiane , de Paula Brennda L. F. , de A. Jassé Fernanda F. , Araújo Jesuína L. N. , Silva Cecy M.
Published: June 2020

Objective:

This study aimed to investigate the efficiency of Photobiomodulation (PBM) with low-level LASER therapy compared to placebo in post-bleaching sensitivity and color change during a three-week office bleaching treatment.

Methods:

A split-mouth model was used to evaluate 21 subjects. The right and left hemi-archs were randomized to one of two groups: GP (placebo): simulated LASER application followed by tooth bleaching with 35% hydrogen peroxide; and GL: treated with PBM followed by tooth bleaching with 35% hydrogen peroxide. A four-degree modified Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used to assess tooth sensitivity after the application of an evaporative stimulus (stimulated pain). In addition, a daily questionnaire was used to measure unstimulated pain. The color change was measured using a spectrophotometer. The Friedman and Wilcoxon tests were used to analyze data sensitivity. Color results were statistically analyzed using Analysis Of Variance (ANOVA) followed by the Tukey post-hoc test.

Results:

There was no significant difference between GP and GL for stimulated pain evaluation (p> 0.05). However, there was a significant difference between the groups for unstimulated pain evaluation (p≤ 0.05). In addition, ΔE data did not reveal any significant difference in tooth color between groups at any time (p> 0.05).

Conclusion:

PBM prevented post-bleaching sensitivity compared to placebo, based on the daily pain assessment questionnaires. PBM did not compromise the quality of bleaching treatments.
Surface Bacterial Adhesion Study of Novel Ternary PVC/ Polyester/ Bentonite Clay Nanocomposite Films
Authors: Abbas Mohammed I. , Sountharapandiyan Nandha G. , Khudus Shabeer T.
Published: June 2020

Background:

The spread of bacterial infections has become a growing concern
to human beings particularly in the medical and food packaging industry. Such infection
may also result due to the adhesion of microbes from the environment. Polyvinyl chloride
is a versatile polymer used in medical devices and food packaging materials, need to be
modified to enhance antibacterial activity.

Objective:

The main focus of the present work was to prepare polymer nanocomposite
based on polyvinylchloride to prevent bacterial infections.

Method:

Polyvinyl chloride/Polyester/bentonite clay composite films were prepared using
the solution casting method. The morphological properties of synthesized nanocomposite
films were studied using XRD, SEM, and AFM, whereas biological activity is evaluated by
bacterial adhesion study.

Results:

The results showed that intercalation of clay present in nanocomposite films and
SEM analysis showed agglomeration of clay material due to high filler loading. The antibacterial
adhesion study showed the antibacterial activity of polymer nanocomposite films,
which is further confirmed by surface roughness values by AFM study.

Conclusions:

Our result showed that such polymer nanocomposite films were useful in
medical and food packaging applications.
Deep Eutectic Solvents: An Alternative Medium for the Preparation of Organosulfur Compounds
Authors: Hartwig Daniela , Nascimento José E.R. , Bettanin Luana , Aquino Thalita F. B. , Jacob Raquel G. , Lenardão Eder J.
Published: June 2020

Deep Eutectic Solvent (DES) as a “green solvent” has been used as an alternative to replace
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and traditional Ionic Liquids (ILs). In recent years, DES has
gained much attention due to its excellent properties such as low cost, easy preparation, high viscosity,
low vapor pressure, low volatility, high thermal stability, biodegradability and non-toxicity, among
others. Other classes of compounds with increased interest are organosulfur compounds due to their
applicability as synthetic intermediates in organic reactions and their high importance in pharmaceutical
and agrochemical industries. This review describes the recent advances in the preparation of organosulfur
compounds using DES as an alternative solvent, focusing on several types of organic reactions,
including aromatic substitution reactions (SNAr), condensation, cyclocondensation, cyclization,
ring-opening, thia-Michael addition, one-pot reactions and heterocyclodehydrations.
Understanding Drug Repurposing From the Perspective of Biomedical Entities and Their Evolution: Bibliographic Research Using Aspirin
Authors: Li Xin , Rousseau Justin F , Ding Ying , Song Min , Lu Wei
Published: June 2020

Background

Drug development is still a costly and time-consuming process with a low rate of success. Drug repurposing (DR) has attracted significant attention because of its significant advantages over traditional approaches in terms of development time, cost, and safety. Entitymetrics, defined as bibliometric indicators based on biomedical entities (eg, diseases, drugs, and genes) studied in the biomedical literature, make it possible for researchers to measure knowledge evolution and the transfer of drug research.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to understand DR from the perspective of biomedical entities (diseases, drugs, and genes) and their evolution.

Methods

In the work reported in this paper, we extended the bibliometric indicators of biomedical entities mentioned in PubMed to detect potential patterns of biomedical entities in various phases of drug research and investigate the factors driving DR. We used aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) as the subject of the study since it can be repurposed for many applications. We propose 4 easy, transparent measures based on entitymetrics to investigate DR for aspirin: Popularity Index (P1), Promising Index (P2), Prestige Index (P3), and Collaboration Index (CI).

Results

We found that the maxima of P1, P3, and CI are closely associated with the different repurposing phases of aspirin. These metrics enabled us to observe the way in which biomedical entities interacted with the drug during the various phases of DR and to analyze the potential driving factors for DR at the entity level. P1 and CI were indicative of the dynamic trends of a specific biomedical entity over a long time period, while P2 was more sensitive to immediate changes. P3 reflected the early signs of the practical value of biomedical entities and could be valuable for tracking the research frontiers of a drug.

Conclusions

In-depth studies of side effects and mechanisms, fierce market competition, and advanced life science technologies are driving factors for DR. This study showcases the way in which researchers can examine the evolution of DR using entitymetrics, an approach that can be valuable for enhancing decision making in the field of drug discovery and development.
Tactics for Drawing Youth to Vaping: Content Analysis of Electronic Cigarette Advertisements
Authors: Struik Laura L , Dow-Fleisner Sarah , Belliveau Michelle , Thompson Desiree , Janke Robert
Published: June 2020

Background

The use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), also known as vaping, has risen exponentially among North American youth in recent years and has become a critical public health concern. The marketing strategies used by e-cigarette companies have been associated with the uptick in use among youth, with video advertisements on television and other electronic platforms being the most pervasive strategy. It is unknown how these advertisements may be tapping into youth needs and preferences.

Objective

The aim of this 2-phase study was to examine the marketing strategies that underpin e-cigarette advertisements, specifically in the context of television.

Methods

In phase 1, a scoping review was conducted to identify various influences on e-cigarette uptake among youth. Results of this scoping review informed the development of a coding framework. In phase 2, this framework was used to analyze the content of e-cigarette advertisements as seen on 2 popular television channels (Discovery and AMC).

Results

In phase 1, a total of 20 articles met the inclusion criteria. The resultant framework consisted of 16 key influences on e-cigarette uptake among youth, which were categorized under 4 headings: personal, relational, environmental, and product-related. In phase 2, 38 e-cigarette advertisements were collected from iSpot.tv and represented 11 popular e-cigarette brands. All of the advertisements tapped into the cited influences of youth e-cigarette uptake, with the most commonly cited influences (product and relational) tapping into the most, at 97% (37/38) and 53% (20/38), respectively.

Conclusions

The findings highlight the multidimensional influences on youth uptake of e-cigarettes, which has important implications for developing effective antivaping messages, and assist public health professionals in providing more comprehensive prevention and cessation support as it relates to e-cigarette use. The findings also bring forward tangible strategies employed by e-cigarette companies to recruit youth into vaping. Understanding this is vital to the development of cohesive strategies that combat these provaping messages.
Learning Trend Methodologies from BC Greek Sophists to 2000s’ Blended Open Source Schooling: A Comparative Analytic Study
Authors: Ziad Hamdan Prof. Mohamed
Published: June 2020

The period of recorded history extends to 5,000 years BC, where Sumerian-Akkadian script confirmed the fact of being the oldest discovered record of coherent writing from the preliterate period around the 3000 BC (SE Alcock, 2001; Woods, 2010). Since that date of early basic literacy of human history, B.C pioneers, philosophers, leaderships and professionals exerted every efforts to advance their local environments in politics, state identity, public administration, urban centers, culture and faith, education, innovative thoughts and arts, and civic daily life. Consequently, B.C significant ancient states and civilizations arose and flourished into world sovereign empires, exceeding in several fields their contemporary counterparts the so-called “Big Powers” in the 21st century A.C. Even these “Big Powers” proved helpless in resisting the invisible virus “Corona”, which caused the death of hundreds of thousands of persons, and is threatening millions of others in facing health problems or termination later. The status of world states (powerful or marginal) is determined by the quality of its educational systems. Further, the future of civic and productive students as adults is dependent upon the rigor of schooling methodologies, which encompass: learners who are dedicated to learn; teachers who guide and teach; peers who are collaborative learning partners; curricula, which are served by textbooks and material in the classrooms; methods, techniques and technologies as communicative tools of education and management messages; and school environments, which physically host most education factors, processes and services. Hence, this research article examined the educational methodologies cumulative from BC Sophists to the ICTs revolution at 2000+ A.C. a Comparative analytic review was conducted to specify the advances and setbacks accrued during the extended 500B.C-2000+A.C years in the lives of generations as future crucial professional, leaderships and pioneer assets of society.
AUTONOMÍA DEL BANCO DE MÉXICO, CRECIMIENTO Y DISTRIBUCIÓN DEL INGRESO
Authors: Vázquez Muñoz Juan Alberto
Published: June 2020

En agosto 1993 se otorgó autonomía al Banco de México y se le confirió el objetivo de mantener una tasa de inflación (π) baja y estable. En el presente artículo se muestra que: a) la tasa de crecimiento (g) de la economía mexicana exhibe una relación no lineal, en forma de U invertida, con π, y que lo mismo sucede con las tasas de crecimiento del sector manufacturero (m) y del sector de servicios financieros y de seguros (sf); b) la π que optimiza g, m y sf es distinta para cada caso, siendo menor y cercana al objetivo de inflación para el caso de sf; c) la tasa de crecimiento de las remuneraciones nominales ha servido como ancla de la inflación y ha conllevado a una redistribución regresiva del ingreso, y d) la consecución de una π baja y estable se ha acompañado de tasas de interés reales altas, lo cual ha deprimido la inversión y la tasa de crecimiento de la productividad laboral.

 

BANCO DE MÉXICO’S INDEPENDENCE, GROWTH AND INCOME DISTRIBUTION

ABSTRACT
On August 1993 the Banco de México was granted autonomy and charged with the objective of maintaining a low and stable inflation rate (π). This paper shows that: a) the growth rate (g) of the Mexican economy exhibits a non-linear relationship (an inverted U-shape) with π, and that the same is true of the growth rates of the manufacturing (m), the financial services and the insurance (sf) sectors; b) the π that optimizes g, m and sf is different for each case, being lower and close to the inflation target for the case of sf; c) the growth rate of the nominal remuneration has worked as an inflation anchor and has led to a regressive redistribution of income; and d) the achievement of a low and stable π has been accompanied by high real interest rates, which has depressed both investment and the growth rate of labor productivity.
AUTONOMÍA DEL BANCO DE MÉXICO Y ESTABILIDAD MACROECONÓMICA, 1994-2019
Authors: Loría Eduardo
Published: June 2020

Analizamos la política monetaria que ha instrumentado el Banco de México desde 1994 y mostramos que ha sido estabilizadora en términos del Nuevo Consenso Keynesiano. Probamos analítica y econométricamente que no es posible asociar los cambios estructurales que se han observado en el producto y en el desempleo ni en el lento crecimiento en los últimos 30 años a los grandes cambios de política monetaria, entre ellos el otorgamiento de la autonomía al Banco de México. Encontramos evidencia empírica para afirmar que estos cambios de política monetaria han reducido significativamente la volatilidad de las variables macroeconómicas más importantes.

 

BANCO DE MÉXICO’S AUTONOMY AND MACROECONOMIC STABILITY, 1994-2019

ABSTRACT
In this paper the Banco de México’s monetary policy implemented since 1994 is analyzed. It is shown that the effect of such policy, inspired in the New Keynesian Consensus approach, has been stabilizing. Also, it is analytically and econometrically proven that neither the structural changes in both output and unemployment nor the slow growth observed in the last 30 years can be associated to the major changes monetary policy has experienced, including the granting of autonomy to the Banco de México. We found empirical evidence confirming that these changes in monetary policy have significantly reduced the volatility of the most important macroeconomic variables.
DÉFICIT FISCAL, CRECIMIENTO ECONÓMICO E INFLACIÓN, ¿UNA RELACIÓN EXÓGENA?
Authors: Novelo Urdanivia Federico , Muller Durán Nancy
Published: June 2020

En este artículo analizamos la relación entre el crecimiento económico, el déficit fiscal y la inflación en México, considerando el periodo en que ha estado vigente la autonomía del Banco de México respecto del gobierno. Estimamos dos modelos CVAR para demostrar que si el gasto de gobierno es endógeno al crecimiento económico, entonces el déficit fiscal no es necesariamente la única causa de la inflación. Nuestros resultados muestran que, aún sin causalidad en el sentido de Granger, existe una relación negativa de largo plazo entre el gasto de gobierno y la inflación. De manera conjunta, ambos modelos revelan que a mayor crecimiento económico, mayor gasto fiscal y menor inflación.

 

FISCAL DEFICIT, ECONOMIC GROWTH AND INFLATION, AN EXOGENOUS RELATIONSHIP?

ABSTRACT

This paper deals with the relationship between output growth, fiscal deficit and the rate of inflation in Mexico for the period of the independence of Banco de México. A couple of CVAR models are estimated with the aim of testing whether the government expenditure is endogenous to economic growth, in which case the fiscal deficit will not necessarily be the sole source of inflation. According to our empirical results, it is shown that there is a long-run negative relationship between government spending and inflation, without involving a Granger causality. Both models jointly reveal that the higher the economic growth rate, the larger government expenditure and the lower the rate of inflation.
LA ECONOMÍA POLÍTICA DE LA AUTONOMÍA DEL BANCO CENTRAL EUROPEO
Authors: Boundi Chraki Fahd
Published: June 2020

El propósito de este trabajo es indagar la lógica que subyace de la independencia del Banco Central Europeo (BCE) a la luz de las teorías del excedente, la producción y el dinero de la economía política. A partir de este enfoque, la hipótesis de investigación que se contrasta es la siguiente: los costos laborales unitarios reales (CLUR) y la tasa general de ganancia han sido los instrumentos fundamentales del BCE que coadyuvaron a alcanzar el crecimiento junto a la estabilidad de precios en la eurozona en el periodo 1999-2018. Se aplicó un modelo ARDL en panel de datos y la prueba causalidad de Granger, cuyos resultados sugieren el cumplimiento de la hipótesis antedicha.

 

THE POLITICAL ECONOMY OF THE AUTONOMY OF THE EUROPEAN CENTRAL BANK

ABSTRACT

Based on the classical political economy’s theories of surplus, production and money, the aim of the paper is to enquire the logic behind the independence of the European Central Bank (ECB). Along this line of reasoning, the following hypothesis is put forth and tested: The ECB has used both the real unit labour costs (RULC) and the general profit rate as fundamental instruments to achieve economic growth and price stability in the Eurozone during the period 1999-2018. A Panel ARDL model and Granger causality test were applied to empirically contrast the above hypothesis.