bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nanotechnology in Cancer Diagnostics and Therapeutics: A Review
Authors: Yadav Neelam , Rana Jogender Singh , Dahiya Twinkle , Chhillar Anil Kumar , Saini Hari Mohan
Published: December 2021

:

Cancer is the uncontrolled proliferation of cells that involves accumulation of genetic mutations by different types of mutagens including physical, chemical, and biological. Conse-quently, normal cell cycles get interrupted. Immunological assays, histopathological tests, poly-merase chain reaction, computed tomography, magnetic resonance, and radiation therapy are some conventional techniques for cancer diagnostics. However, these techniques are not only expensive, time-consuming, tedious but also toxic to healthy cells. Therefore, these limitations are overcome by nanodevices that show high sensitivity, selectivity, rapidity, and cost-effectiveness in the detec-tion of cancer biomarkers. Electrochemical biosensors are more efficient in the early diagnosis of cancers that help in patients' effective and timely treatment. Distinct types of nanotools viz. inor-ganic, organic, and polymeric nanomaterials are used in cancer therapeutics. Nano approaches have shown many advantages: they are site-specific, require meager amounts of drugs, limited toxicity, avoid drug resistance, and are more efficient, sensitive, and reliable. Therefore, future research should focus on developing highly inventive nanotools for the diagnosis and therapeutics of cancers.
Molecular Docking and Interaction Studies of Identified Abscisic Acid Receptors in Oryza sativa: An In-Silico Perspective on Comprehending Stress Tolerance Mechanisms
Authors: Niranjan Vidya , Rao Amulya , Janaki B , Uttarkar Akshay , Setlur Anagha S , K Chandrashekar , M Udayakumar
Published: December 2021

Background:

Abiotic stresses affect plants in several ways and as such, phytohormones such as abscisic acid (ABA) play an important role in conferring tolerance towards these stresses. Hence, to comprehend the role of ABA and its interaction with receptors of the plants, a thorough investigation is essential.

Aim:

The current study aimed to identify the ABA receptors in Oryza sativa, to find the receptor that binds best with ABA and to examine the mutations present to help predict better binding of the receptors with ABA

Methods:

Protein sequences of twelve PYL (Pyrabactin resistance 1) and seven PP2C (type 2C protein phosphatase) receptors were retrieved from Rice Annotation Project database and their 3D structures were predicted using RaptorX. Protein-ligand molecular docking studies between PYL and ABA was performed using AutoDock 1.5.6, followed by 100ns molecular dynamic simulation studies using Desmond to determine the acceptable conformational changes after docking via root mean square deviation RMSD plot analysis. Protein-protein docking was then carried out in three sets: PYL-PP2Cs, PYL-ABA-PP2C and PYL(mut)-ABA-PP2C to scrutinize changes in structural conformations and binding energies between complexes. The amino acids of interest were mapped at its respective genomic coordinates using SNP-seek database to ascertain if there were any naturally occurring single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) responsible for triggering rice PYLs mutations

Results:

Initial protein-ligand docking studies revealed good binding between the complexes, wherein PYL6-ABA complex showed the best energy of -8.15 kcal/mol. The 100ns simulation studies revealed changes in the RMSD values after docking, indicating acceptable conformational changes. Furthermore, mutagenesis study performed at specific PYL-ABA interacting residues followed by downstream PYL(mut)-ABA-PP2C protein-protein docking results after induction of mutations demonstrated a binding energy of -8.17 kcal/mol for PP2C79-PYL11-ABA complex. No naturally occurring SNPs that were responsible for triggering rice PYL mutations were identified when specific amino acid coordinates were mapped at respective genomic coordinates.

Conclusion:

Thus, the present study provides valuable insights on the interactions of ABA receptors in rice and induced mutations in PYL11 that can enhance the downstream interaction with PP2C
Novel MicroRNAs and their Functional Targets from Phytophthora infestans
and Phytophthora cinnamomi
Authors: Varghese Binta , Valsalan Ravisankar , Mathew Deepu
Published: December 2021

Background:

Even though miRNAs play vital roles in developmental biology by regulating
the translation of mRNAs, they are poorly studied in oomycetes, especially in the plant pathogen
Phytophthora.

Objective:

The study aimed to predict and identify the putative miRNAs and their targets in Phytophthora
infestans and Phytophthora cinnamomi.

Methods:

The homology-based comparative method was used to identify the unique miRNA sequences
in P. infestans and P. cinnamomi with 148,689 EST and TSA sequences of these species.
Secondary structure prediction of sRNAs for the 76 resultant sequences has been performed with
the MFOLD tool, and their targets were predicted using psRNATarget.

Result:

Novel miRNAs, miR-8210 and miR-4968, were predicted from P. infestans and P. cinnamomi,
respectively, along with their structural features. The newly identified miRNAs were identified
to play important roles in gene regulation, with few of their target genes predicted as transcription
factors, tumor suppressor genes, stress-responsive genes, DNA repair genes, etc.

Conclusion:

The miRNAs and their targets identified have opened new interference and editing targets
for the development of Phytophthora resistant crop varieties.
Protective Effects of Icariin on Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Du Anni , Cai Rui , Shi Jingshan , Wu Qin
Published: December 2021

Background:

Neuroinflammation is central to the pathology of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Icariin (ICA) is a flavonoid derived from the genus Epimedium which is a traditional Chinese herb, a potential therapeutic drug for TBI. This study aims to explore the protective effect of ICA on TBI and its mechanism

Methods:

Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to controlled cortical impact to produce a neuroinflammatory response. The treatment groups received ICA (15 mg/kg, 30 mg/kg and 60 mg/kg), while the sham group was gavaged with equal volumes of saline. The beam-balance testing and prehensile traction test were used for neurological scoring. Pathological changes were observed by H&E staining. The protein expression levels of inflammatory factors were measured by Western blot analysis

Results:

It was found that ICA significantly improved the neuroethology function and alleviated the pathological injury in TBI rats. The protein expression levels of inflammatory factors COX-2, IL-1β, and TNF-α and its regulatory proteins p-NF-κB-p65, p-ERK1/2, p-JNK, and p-p38 were increased in the cerebral cortex injured by TBI. The protein expression levels of inflammatory cytokines were markedly decreased in cerebral cortex of TBI rats when administrated with ICA.

Conclusion:

The present study demonstrates that ICA may be a promising therapeutic strategy for reducing inflammation in TBI.
Oxidative Damage of Proteins Precedes Loss of Cholinergic Phenotype in
the Septal Neurons of Olfactory Bulbectomized Mice
Authors: Nedogreeva O.A. , Evtushenko N.A. , Manolova A.O. , Peregud D.I. , Yakovlev A.A. , Lazareva N.A. , Gulyaeva N.V. , Stepanichev M.Y.
Published: December 2021

Background:

The development of cholinergic deficit is considered an early sign of a
number of pathological conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease. Cholinergic dysfunction underlies cognitive decline associated with both normal aging and Alzheimer’s disease.

Objective:

Here, we studied a possible mechanism of functional impairment of cholinergic neurons
using an olfactory bulbectomy model.

Methods:

Male mice were subjected to olfactory bulbectomy or sham surgery. Three weeks after
that they were trained in Morris water maze and then euthanized one month after surgery. The cholinergic indices as well as the indices of oxidative stress were studied using immunohistochemistry, western blot and ELISA. Gene expression was studied using RT-qPCR.

Results:

The experimental treatment was followed by impaired learning of a standard spatial task
in a water maze. This was associated with a decrease in the number of cells containing choline
acetyltransferase (ChAT), in relation to total number of neurons in the medial septum and lower
ChAT enzymatic activity in the hippocampus. However, the levels of mRNAs of ChAT, vesicular
ACh transporter and acetylcholine esterase remained unchanged in bulbectomized mice compared
to sham-operated animals. These alterations were preceded by the accumulation of protein-bound
carbonyls, indicating oxidative damage of proteins, whereas oxidative damage of nucleic acids was
not detected.

Conclusion:

We assume that in olfactory bulbectomy model, oxidative damage of proteins may
cause cholinergic dysfunction rather than irreversible neuronal damage. These data indicate that
cholinergic neurons of the basal forebrain are very sensitive to oxidative stress, which may be responsible for the appearance of early cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease.
Influence of Drugs on Mild Cognitive Impairment in Parkinson’s Disease:
Evidence from the PACOS Study
Authors: Cicero Calogero Edoardo , Monastero Roberto , Terravecchia Claudio , Donzuso Giulia , Luca Antonina , Baschi Roberta , Caccamo Maria , Mostile Giovanni , Giuliano Loretta , Zappia Mario , Nicoletti Alessandra
Published: December 2021

Background:

Polytherapy and the anticholinergic activity of several drugs negatively influence cognition in the elderly. However, little is known on the effect on Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) in Parkinson’s Disease (PD).

Methods:

Patients with PD belonging to the baseline PACOS cohort with full pharmacological data, have been included in this study. MCI diagnosis was made according to the MDS level II criteria. Polytherapy was defined as patients assuming ≥6 drugs. Anticholinergic burden has been calculated using the Anticholinergic Drug Scale (ADS). Molecules have been classified according to the ATC classification. Association with MCI has been assessed with a multivariate logistic regression analysis with MCI as the dependent variable.

Results:

Pharmacological data was available for 238 patients (mean age 64.7±9.7). One hundred (42.0%) were diagnosed as MCI. In the full multivariate model (correcting for age, sex, disease duration, education, UPDRS-ME, LEDD-DAs) no association was found with either polytherapy or the ADS. Concerning drug classes, anti-hypertensive medications increased the risk of PD-MCI (OR 2.02;95%CI 1.04-3.89; p=0.035) while gastroprotective agents had a protective effect (OR 0.51; 95%CI 0.27-0.99; p=0.047).

Conclusion:

The magnitude of polytherapy and anticholinergic drugs burden does not appear to modulate MCI risk in PD, probably due to cautious prescription patterns. The effect of anti-hypertensive and gastroprotective agents on PD-MCI risk, while needing further confirmations, could be relevant for clinical practice.
Biomedical Perspectives of Acute and Chronic Neurological and Neuropsychiatric
Sequelae of COVID-19
Authors: Stefano George B. , Büttiker Pascal , Weissenberger Simon , Ptacek Radek , Wang Fuzhou , Esch Tobias , Bilfinger Thomas V. , Raboch Jiri , Kream Richard M.
Published: December 2021

:

The incidence of infections from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2
(SARS-CoV-2), the etiologic agent for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has dramatically escalated
following the initial outbreak in China, in late 2019, resulting in a global pandemic with
millions of deaths. Although the majority of infected patients survive, and the rapid advent and deployment
of vaccines have afforded increased immunity against SARS-CoV-2, long-term sequelae
of SARS-CoV-2 infection have become increasingly recognized. These include, but are not limited
to, chronic pulmonary disease, cardiovascular disorders, and proinflammatory-associated neurological
dysfunction that may lead to psychological and neurocognitive impairment. A major component
of cognitive dysfunction is operationally categorized as “brain fog” which comprises difficulty
concentrating, forgetfulness, confusion, depression, and fatigue. Multiple parameters associated
with long-term neuropsychiatric sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection have been detailed in clinical
studies. Empirically elucidated mechanisms associated with the neuropsychiatric manifestations of
COVID-19 are by nature complex, but broad-based working models have focused on mitochondrial
dysregulation, leading to systemic reductions of metabolic activity and cellular bioenergetics
within the CNS structures. Multiple factors underlying the expression of brain fog may facilitate future
pathogenic insults, leading to repetitive cycles of viral and bacterial propagation. Interestingly,
diverse neurocognitive sequelae associated with COVID-19 are not dissimilar from those observed
in other historical pandemics, thereby providing a broad and integrative perspective on potential
common mechanisms of CNS dysfunction subsequent to viral infection. Poor mental health status
may be reciprocally linked to compromised immune processes and enhanced susceptibility to infection
by diverse pathogens. By extrapolation, we contend that COVID-19 may potentiate the severity
of neurological/neurocognitive deficits in patients afflicted by well-studied neurodegenerative disorders,
such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson’s disease. Accordingly, the prevention, diagnosis,
and management of sustained neuropsychiatric manifestations of COVID-19 are pivotal health
care directives and provide a compelling rationale for careful monitoring of infected patients, as
early mitigation efforts may reduce short- and long-term complications.
Synthetic Approaches to the Total Synthesis of Tubulysin and its
Fragments: A Review
Authors: Zahoor Ameer Fawad , Iqbal Nosheen , Rasool Nasir , Khan Samreen Gul , Akhtar Rabia , Ahmad Raheel
Published: December 2021

Background:

Tubulysins, linear tetrapeptides, show extraordinary cytotoxicity against various cancer cells, with IC50 values in the nano or picomolar range. Due to their extremely vigorous anti-proliferative and antiangiogenic characteristics, tubulysins exhibit captivating prospects in the development of anticancer drugs. This review focuses on diverse routes for the total synthesis of natural and synthetic tubulysins as well as their fragments.

Objective:

The purpose of this review is to present the synthetic strategies for the development of antitumor agents, tubulysins.

Conclusion:

A range of synthetic pathways adopted for the total synthesis of tubulysins and their fragments have been described in this review. Synthesis of fragments, Tuv, Tup, and Tut can be accomplished by adopting appropriate strategies, such as Manganese-mediated synthesis, Ireland-Claisen rearrangement, Mukaiyama aldol reaction, Mannich process, etc. Tubulysins B, D, U, V, and N14-desacetoxytubulysin H have been prepared through Mitsunobu reaction, tert-butanesulfinamide method, Tandem reaction, aza-Barbier reaction, Evans aldol reaction, C-H activation strategies, etc. The remarkable anticancer potential of tubulysins toward a substantiate target makes them prominent leads for developing novel drugs against multidrug-resistant cancers.
Intramedullary Well-differentiated Osteosarcoma: Imaging and Pathologic
Findings in 17 Patients
Authors: Wu Tian-Hao , Wu Wen-Juan , Han Shu-Man , Wu Yuan , Wen Jin-Xu , Sun Tao , Yu Bao-Hai , Gao Bu-Lang
Published: December 2021

Background:

Intramedullary well-differentiated osteosarcoma (IMWDOS) is rare and
may easily be misdiagnosed.

Objective:

This study aimed at investigating the clinical, imaging, and pathological features of
IMWDOS for correct diagnosis.

Materials and Methods:

Seventeen patients with IMWDOS were enrolled, and their clinical, imaging,
and pathological data were analyzed.

Results:

Total 13 males and 4 females aged 19-55 years (mean 36. 1) were selected. The lesion
was located at long bones in 16 patients and the second region of the acetabulum in one patient. Except
for three patients with limited areas of lesions, all the other patients had a wide distribution of
tumor, and the lesion in long bones involved the metaphysis area with possible extension towards
the diaphysis. In imaging, the lesion usually had an unclear boundary with the destruction of bone
cortex, uneven thickness of the bone cortex, thick and coarse trabecula in the lesion, but few periosteal
reactions and soft tissue masses. The lesion was histologically composed of spindle cells
with slight atypia. Follow-up was performed 2-101 months (mean 31.9m) in 14 cases, 10 years in
one case, and 26 years in the remaining two. At follow-up, 12 patients (12/17 or 70.6%) who had a
complete resection, including amputation (n=2), wide excision (n=8), and endoprosthetic replacement
(n=2), showed no recurrence or metastasis. Among five patients who underwent curettage,
three (3/17 or 17.6%) had recurrent lesions, leading to death in two of them, and the third one died
during post-operation chemotherapy.

Conclusion:

Intramedullary well-differentiated osteosarcoma tends to occur at the metaphysis of
long bones, especially at the distal femur. Histological, clinical, and imaging findings lack specific
characteristics and should be examined collectively to reach a correct diagnosis. The prognosis of
patients with complete lesion resection is good, while incomplete lesion curettage or resection will
lead to recurrence and transformation into a highly malignant tumor.
Phytochemical Screening, Antibacterial, Antifungal, and Anthelmintic Activity Against Plant Pathogens of two Algerian Plants: Pergularia tomentosa L. and Forsskaolea tenacissima L. from Oued Mzab (Northern Algerian Sahara)
Authors: Aissa Abdallah , Panda Sujogya Kumar , hu Haibo , Kameli Abdelkrim , Luyten Walter
Published: December 2021

Background:

Plants are an abundant natural source of potential chemical compounds;
they have been widely used in various industries, such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food.
This work aims to study two Saharan medicinal plants by evaluating the activity of plant extract
against bacterial and fungal plant pathogens as well as against the model nematode Caenorhabditis
(C.) elegans.

Methods:

The antimicrobial activity of plant extracts against plants pathogen was assessed in a 96-
well plate assay by calculating the percentage of inhibition of bacteria. The antifungal activity
against plant pathogenic fungi was evaluated by the agar diffusion method, and inhibition was calculated
by measuring the diameter of the inhibition zone. Anthelmintic activity was evaluated by
calculating the average movement of C. elegans worms. Preliminary phytochemical screening was
realized with HPTLC.

Results:

Hexane and ethyl acetate extract of Pergularia tomentosa showed broad-spectrum antimicrobial
activity. This plant has the potential to act as a broad-spectrum antibacterial biopesticide.
Hexane extract of Forsskaolea tenacissima exhibited good activity against one fungus. The extracts
of Pergularia tomentosa showed good activity against Caenorhabditis elegans, and the extracts
of Forsskaolea tenacissima exhibited a low activity. Preliminary phytochemical screening
with HPTLC shows that both plants are rich in steroids and flavonoids.

Conclusion:

Our study shows that the studied plants may possess a broad-spectrum antibacterial effect
with narrow-spectrum antifungal properties which can offer more sustainable crop protection
with a much safer environmental and human health impact. Plant extracts that inhibited C. elegans
could provide a starting point for the development of new anthelmintic drugs.
A Nano Approach to Formulate Photosensitizers for Photodynamic
Therapy
Authors: Girigoswami Agnishwar , Pallavi Pragya , Sharmiladevi Palani , Haribabu Viswanathan , Girigoswami Koyeli
Published: December 2021

:

Conventional treatment modalities for tumors face a variety of pitfalls, including nonspecific
interactions leading to multiple adverse effects. These adverse effects are being overcome
through innovations that are highly intense and selective delivery of therapeutic agents. More recently,
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has gained its value over conventional chemo- and radiotherapies due to
the use of photosensitizers (PS) with an illuminating light source. Photosensitizers have crossed three
generations with Photofrin being the first clinically approved PS for PDT. Even though these PS have
proved to have cytotoxic effects against tumor cells, they suffer the selective distribution and concentration
into the tumor sites that are deeply localized. To overcome these disadvantages, nanoformulations
are currently being employed due to their unmatched physicochemical and surface properties.
These nanoformulations include the encapsulation of PS acting as a nanocarrier for the PS or the functionalization
of PS onto the surface of nanoparticles. The design of such nanoformulations involved in
PDT is critical and valuable to consider. Along with PDT, several multifunctional approaches are
being uplifted in the current trend where combined therapy and diagnosis are of great importance.
Furthermore, targeted, selective, and specific delivery of the PS-loaded nanoformulations with receptor-
mediated endocytosis is of interest to achieve better internalization into the tumor site. ROS generation
with the interaction of PS augments cell death mechanisms exhibited due to PDT, leading to the
immunogenic response that further results in an adaptive immune memory that prevents recurrence of
tumor metastasis. Therefore, this review concentrates on the mechanisms of PDT, examples of
nanocarriers and nanoparticles that are employed in PDT, combined therapies, and theranostics with
PDT. Moreover, molecular mechanisms of nano-based PDT agents in killing tumor sites and designing
considerations for better PDT outcomes have been discussed.
Levamisole-Induced Leukoencephalopathy in Russia: Analysis of 30 Cases
Authors: Zakharova Maria , Zakroyshchikova Inessa , Kozlova Alexandra , Zabirova Alfiia , Askarova Lola , Zhirova Ekaterina
Published: December 2021

Aims:

The study aims to raise medical specialists’ awareness regarding the severity of
possible complications of levamisole administration, and demonstrate the role of accurate medical
history collection in a differential diagnosis.

Background:

Levamisole, an anthelmintic drug with immunomodulatory effects, has long been
used worldwide till the early 2000s, when its association with demyelinating leukoencephalopathy
was established. However, in the developing countries, it is still widely used for the prevention and
treatment of helminthic invasion in humans. The actual prevalence of levamisole-induced multiple
inflammatory leukoencephalopathy (LEV-induced MIL) in Russia remains unknown, and therefore,
the study of its frequency and characteristics is indisputably important.

Objectives:

The objective of this study is to determine the clinical features and MRI findings of levamisole-
induced MIL in the Russian population, and to analyse the frequency of diagnostic errors
at the initial assessment.

Methods:

A single-center retrospective analysis of total 30 patients who were diagnosed with
LEV- induced MIL and attended the Research Center of Neurology was conducted. Inclusion criteria
were 1) clinically: acute or subacute polysymptomatic onset of neurological disturbances, 2)
MRI: multifocal demyelinating lesion with no evidence of dissemination in time, 3) anamnestic data:
levamisole exposure from 2 to 8 weeks before symptoms onset as well as monophasic disease
course (absence of relapses according to follow up assessments up to 3 years).

Results:

Clinically, presentation with constitutional symptoms including headache, fever, fatigue
and myalgia, focal motor disturbances and dysarthria prevailed in our cohort. On the brain MRI,
multiple foci of demyelination with simultaneous gadolinium enhancement were observed. The
link between neurological symptoms and levamisole intake has often been detected only during follow-
up assessments. Patients were most often misdiagnosed with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis,
stroke and multiple sclerosis. In most cases, LEV-induced MIL was successfully
treated with intravenous corticosteroids and/or plasma exchange (PLEX), however, residual neurologic
symptoms were preserved in some patients. Additionally, two detailed clinical cases of patients
being initially misdiagnosed are presented in the article.

Conclusion:

The differential diagnosis remains difficult for suspected cases of LEV-induced MIL
that could lead to delayed therapy initiation, and consequently incomplete recovery. Growing evidence
suggests that a single administration of levamisole even in low doses might potentially lead
to severe neurological deficit or death. Therefore, changes in medication management policies are
required in order to prevent the uncontrolled use of levamisole.
PTSD and Depression in Healthcare Workers in the Italian Epicenter of the COVID-19 Outbreak
Authors: Carmassi Claudia , Pedrinelli Virginia , Dell’Oste Valerio , Bertelloni Carlo Antonio , Grossi Chiara , Gesi Camilla , Cerveri Giancarlo , Dell’Osso Liliana
Published: December 2021

Background:

Increasing evidence highlights the susceptibility of Healthcare Workers to develop psychopathological sequelae, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and depression, in the current COronaVIrus Disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic, but little data have been reported in the acute phase of the pandemic.

Objective:

To explore Healthcare Workers’ mental health reactions in the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in the first European epicenter (Lodi/Codogno, Italy), with particular attention to post-traumatic stress and depressive symptoms and their interplay with other psychological outcomes.

Methods:

74 Healthcare Workers employed at the Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale of Lodi (Lombardy, Italy) were recruited and assessed by means of the Impact of Event Scale- Revised, the Professional Quality of Life Scale-5, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 item, the Resilience Scale and the Work and Social Adjustment Scale. Socio-demographic and clinical variables were compared across three subgroups of the sample (No PTSD, PTSD only, PTSD and depression).

Results:

A total of 31% of subjects endorsed a diagnosis of PTSD and 28.4% reported PTSD comorbid with major depression. Females were more prone to develop post-traumatic stress and depressive symptoms. Subjects with PTSD and depression groups showed high levels of PTSD, depression, burnout and impairment in functioning. Anxiety symptoms were higher in both PTSD and depression and PTSD groups rather than in the No PTSD group.

Conclusion:

Our results showed high rates of PTSD and depression among Healthcare Workers and their comorbidity overall being associated with worse outcomes. Current findings suggest that interventions to prevent and treat psychological implications among Healthcare Workers facing infectious outbreaks are needed.
New Approaches for the Synthesis of 2,3,5,6-Tetrahydrobenzo[d]thiazole Derivatives
and their Anti-Proliferative, c-Met Enzymatic Activity and Tyrosine Kinases Inhibitions
Authors: Mohareb Rafat M. , Abdallah Amira E. M. , Helal Maher H. E. , Mohamed Sara S.
Published: December 2021

Background:

Due to their biological applications, many tetrahydrobenzo[d]thiazole derivatives were considered
the most important class of heterocyclic compounds. There are many drugs known in the market containing the
thiazole moiety responsible for the high drug activity.

Objective:

This work aimed to produce novel heterocyclic compounds such as pyrazole, isoxazole, thiophene,
chromeno[7,8-d]thiazole, and thiazolo[4,5-h]quinoline derivatives. The newly synthesized heterocyclic compounds
were evaluated against anticancer cell lines followed by c-Met enzymatic activity and tyrosine kinases inhibition for
the most active compounds.

Methods:

In this work, the 3-phenyl-2-thioxo-2,3,5,6-tetrahydrobenzo[d]thiazol-7(4H)-one (3) was synthesized through
the reaction of cyclohexane-1,3-dione with phenyl isothiocyanate and elemental sulfur. Compound 3 showed interesting
activity toward some chemical reagents producing new heterocyclic compounds that can not be obtained another
way. The newly synthesized compounds were evaluated towards the six cancer cell lines. The most active compounds
were selected and tested toward the c-Met enzyme by taking foretinib as the positive control. Also, the inhibitions
toward the PC-3 cell line using the reference SGI-1776 were measured. Finally, the inhibitions towards the five tyrosine
kinases were also tested.

Results:

The synthesized quinoline and chromene derivatives were evaluated toward the c-Met enzyme using foretinib
as the positive control. The obtained results showed that twelve compounds exhibited IC50 values less than 1.30 nM.
On the other hand, sixteen compounds showed higher inhibitions than the reference SGI-1776 (IC50 4.86 nM) toward
the PC-3 cell line.

Conclusion:

Novel, heterocyclic compounds were synthesized with a high impact on biological activities. All synthesized
compounds were screened for their anti-proliferative effect, and most of them revealed high potent effects. In
addition, the c-Met and prostate cancer cell line PC-3 inhibitions for the most active compounds showed that these
compounds exhibited high inhibitions. Anti-proliferative activity of selected compounds toward cancer cell lines classified
according to the disease showed that most compounds exhibited high inhibitions.
COVID-19, the Brain, and the Future: Is Infection by the Novel Coronavirus
a Harbinger of Neurodegeneration?
Authors: Onaolapo Adejoke , Onaolapo Olakunle
Published: December 2021

:

The possible impact of viral infections on the development or pathogenesis of neurodegenerative
disorders remains largely unknown. However, there have been reports associating the influenza
virus pandemic and long-term infection with the Japanese encephalitis virus with the development
of post-encephalitic Parkinsonism or von Economo’s encephalitis. In the last couple of
years, there has been a worldwide pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus or severe acute respiratory
syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV)-2, which causes a severe acute respiratory syndrome
and is found to be associated with symptoms or complications of the central nervous system. Its
possible involvement with the central nervous system is in line with emerging scientific evidence
stating that the human respiratory coronaviruses can enter the brain, infect neural cells, persist in
the brain, and cause activation of myelin-reactive T cells. Currently, there is a dearth of scientific
information on the acute or possible long-term impact of infection with SARS-CoV-2 on the development
of dementia and/or neurodegenerative diseases. This is related to the fact that the virus is
‘new,’ and its effects on humans are still being studied. This narrative review examines the extant
literature for understanding the impact of coronavirus infections on the brain as there is a possibility
that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) could increase the risk for the development of neurodegenerative
diseases or hasten their progression.
Withdrawal Notice: An Investigative Analysis of Underwater Wireless Sensor Network (UWSN) Security
Authors: Khan Jibran Rasheed , Khan Shariq Mahmood , Siddiqui Farhan Ahmed
Published: December 2021

The article has been withdrawn at the request of the author of the journal International Journal of Sensors,
Wireless Communications and Control.

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

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Recent Advancements in Nanodiamond Mediated Brain Targeted Drug
Delivery and Bioimaging of Brain Ailments: A Holistic Review
Authors: Singh Mohini , Mazumder Bhaskar
Published: December 2021

Background:

The brain is a vital and composite organ. By nature, the innate make-up of
the brain is such that in anatomical parlance, it is highly protected by the “Blood-Brain Barrier”,
which is a nexus of capillary endothelial cells, basement membrane, neuroglial membrane and
glialpodocytes. The same barrier, which protects and isolates the interstitial fluid of the brain from
capillary circulation, also restricts the therapeutic intervention. Many standing pharmaceutical formulations
are ineffective in the treatment of inimical brain ailments because of the inability of the
API to surpass and subsist inside the Blood Brain Barrier.

Objective:

This is an integrated review that emphasizes on the recent advancements in brain-targeted
drug delivery utilizing nanodiamonds (NDs) as a carrier of therapeutic agents. NDs are a novel
nanoparticulate drug delivery system, having carbon moieties as their building blocks and their surface
tenability is remarkable. These neoteric carbon-based carriers have exceptional, mechanical,
electrical, chemical, optical, and biological properties, which can be further rationally modified and
augmented.

Discussion:

NDs could be the next“revolution ”in the field of nanoscience for the treatment of neurodegenerative
disorders, brain tumors, and other pernicious brain ailments. What sets them apart
from other nanocarriers is their versatile properties like diverse size range and surface modification
potential, which makes them efficient enough to move across certain biological barriers and offer a
plethora of brain targeting and bioimaging abilities.

Conclusion:

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) poses a major hurdle in the way of treating many serious
brain ailments. A range of nanoparticle based drug delivering systems have been formulated, including
solid lipid nanoparticles, liposomes, dendrimers, nanogels, polymeric NPs, metallic NPs
(gold, platinum, andironoxide) and diamondoids (carbonnanotubes). Despite this development, only
a few of these formulations have shown the ability to cross the BBB. Nanodiamonds, because of
their small size, shape, and surface characteristics, have a potential in moving beyond the diverse
and intricate BBB, and offer a plethora of brain targeting capabilities.
Influence of Trichoderma harzianum- seed Coating on the Biochemical Characteristics of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Under Salt Stress
Authors: Umber Maleeha , Sultana Rashida , Nasir Faiza , Mubashar Rizwana , Sehar Ragheeba
Published: December 2021

Salt stress is one of the main limitations to Triticum aestivum productivity all around the world. An experiment was conducted to assess the effect of Trichoderma harzianum seed coating on germination and seedling development of wheat under salt stress (60 and 120 mM NaCl). The seeds of six wheat cultivars, namely Shafaq-06, Punjab-11, Millet, Seher, Pirsabik, and Aari were seed coated with Trichoderma (taken from NARC Pakistan) at the rate of 2 x 107 CFU using PelGel for 24 h. After air-drying at room temperature for 12 h, the coated seeds were sown in small pots. Experimentation was laid out in a completely randomized design with three replications. The data for various biochemical attributes were collected after 30 d of germination to test the seed and seedling vigor, respectively. Trichoderma harzianum seed coating reduced the amount of hydrogen peroxide, catalase, Malondialdehyde, and increased protein content, Ascorbate Peroidase, and total phenolics under salt stress advocating that its use is effective in the cultivation of crops in saline areas because it inhibits oxidative damage by triggering various phenolic compounds and scavenging proteins.
Evaluation of Residual Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Concentrations of Processed and Unprocessed Fish Body Parts: a Human Health Risk Assessment
Authors: Adeyeye Emmanuel Ilesanmi , Ibigbami Olayinka Abidemi , Adesina Adeolu Jonathan , Olatoye Abioye Rauf , Gbolagade Yusuff Ayinde
Published: December 2021

Concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from a dry extract of fresh and smoked body parts of Clarias gariepinus were examined to determine associated potential human health risks. Gas chromatography analysis was employed for the PAHs determination. The PAHs levels ranged from 0.001 µg/kg [indeno (1,2,3-cd)pyrene] to 11.7 µg/kg (acenaphthene) in fresh (extract), while the smoked (extract) showed 0.001 µg/kg [indeno (1,2,3-cd)pyrene] to 12.7 µg/kg (pyrene). The liver and head smoked were observed to be more contaminated as compared to fresh parts. Individual PAHs in the fish parts were less than the 12.0 µg/kg limit in food as set by the European Union (EU). Although there was evidence of contamination, the potential health risk associated with the fish consumption revealed no observable potential health risk to consumers.
Assessment of Drinking Water Quality of Different Areas in Tehsil Isa Khel, Mianwali, Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Khan Hizbullah , Khan Muhammad Najeeb , Sirajuddin Muhammad , Salman Syed Muhammad , Bilal Muhammad
Published: December 2021

Water samples were collected from 43 sites of Tehsil Isa Khel areas in order to determine the physicochemical parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity, turbidity, total hardness, calcium hardness, magnesium hardness, M. alkalinity, chloride ion (Cl- ), and fluoride ion (F-) concentration. The obtained results show that in Tehsil Isa Khel, only in Kala Bagh city, Kala Bagh water scheme (w/s), Tola Bangi Khel w/s, Kot Chandna, Awan Wala, Gidran Wala, and Cheena Pora water is drinkable. Overall, electrical conductivity, hardness, total alkalinity, chloride, fluoride levels in the water of Tehsil Isa Khel are very high and not fit for drinking, washing, and industrial purpose. The ultimate result of this study is helpful to address the leading cause of public health problems related to the deteriorated quality of drinking water, and an integrated approach is therefore required to provide safe drinking water to people in Tehsil Isa Khel.
Determination of Total Phenolic, Flavonoid Content and Antimicrobial Properties in Different Solvent Extracts of Viburnum opulus L. (Gilaburu) in Afyonkarahisar
Authors: Düz Mürüvvet , Korcan Safiye Elif , Akkuş Gülderen Uysal
Published: December 2021

This study determined the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of chloroform, ethyl acetate, methanol, and water extracts of the Viburnum opulus (V. opulus) plant. V. opulus (Gilaburu) was collected from Ahırdağı northern slope, Kırka Town, Afyonkarahisar region, and its leaves, branches, and fruit parts were dried and powdered at room temperature. The total phenolic content was compared with the gallic acid standard, the total flavonoid content with the quercetin standard, and the iron chelating effect with the EDTA standard. All extracts were evaluated for antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphyllococcus aureus, and Candida glabrata strains by the agar well diffusion method. Gilaburu is widely used in Turkey, especially in alternative medicine. It has been determined that the fruit part of the plant has better antimicrobial properties, and the amount of phenolic compounds increases in more polar solvents. In conclusion, the use of Gilaburu as a medicinal drug can be achieved with new research on bioactive substances, especially in fruit extract.
Spectroscopic Characterization of Laser Ablated Germanium Plasma
Authors: Ashraf Muhammad , Shaikh Nek Muhammad , Zehra Tasneem , Kandhro Ghulam Abbas , Murtaza Ghulam
Published: December 2021

In the present study, the germanium (Ge) sample has been studied by laser induced breakdown spectroscopy which leads to the formation of plasma plume in the air. This research work comprises on pure Ge sample, and it has been studied using laser irradiance 1.831011 watt.cm-2 and Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser pulse (λ ~ 1064 nm wavelength and  ~ 5 ns pulse width). The spatially resolved plasma plume parameters are investigated, such as variation of electron temperature Te and electron number density ne as a function of detector position. These parameters show variation in the plasma plume and yield electron temperature Te from 12340 to 7640 ± 1200 K. Whereas electron number density ne varies from 3.61017 to 1.601017 cm-3 with the change in detector position is moving away from plasma plume from 0 to 3 mm. The results show that electron temperature Te and electron number density ne are estimated from the Boltzmann plot method and by using Lorentzian function at spectral line using FWHM full width at half maximum at 265.11 nm (4p5s 3 p2 → 4p 2 3 p2) wavelength of Ge (I) line, respectively.
impact of marketing on activities of Vietnam arts and cultural organizations
Authors: Quyen Nguyen Thi Anh
Published: December 2021

With the trend of budget reduction and autonomous operation of arts and cultural organizations, competition in this field to attract audiences is an inevitable trend. This sets out the requirements of marketing activities to bring arts to the audiences and bring the audience to arts, which is, to link arts with the audience; not only achieved the goal of establishing and meeting the audience needs, but also fulfilled the arts and cultural organizations’ task of creating arts. There have been many research perspectives on culture and arts marketing in the context of cultural integration and economic development associated with the characteristics of each country and region. In this study, the author approaches, inherits, and develops Rentschler's culture and arts marketing model to build a scale and conduct practical research in Hanoi, Vietnam. The survey subjects were identified as art practitioners (artists) with more than 3 years of working experience in 7 theaters in Hanoi. The research was carried out by qualitative method through secondary data collection, combined with the quantitative method through a survey of opinions of 200 artists.
Service management concepts and the role of banks’ creative economic in Indonesia during the COVID-19 pandemic era
Authors: Purwati Titik , Rafidah Rafidah , Chollisni Atiqi , Soeswoyo Dina Mayasari , Sari Ade Risna
Published: December 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has disturbed people all over the world. The economy is limited, even services in various institutions are also limited. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to describe the concept of service management and the role of developing the creative economy of Banks in Indonesia in the COVID-19 Pandemic Era. This research is descriptive qualitative research. The types of research data are statements and patterns of service behavior of the tire management team in Indonesia. Data were collected through observation and interviews. The interview subjects were the public as bank consumers (respondents) and bank employees. The respondent selection system was used with a random system in accordance with research needs. The results prove the role of customer service in providing information to customers very well. Because the media used customer service in providing the information is very good and customers feel very satisfied for the services provided customer service.
Uji Efektivitas Produksi Pupuk Cair Dari Limbah / Sampah Organik Rumah Tangga
Authors:   Universitas Diponegoro, Suryadi Kresna , Supriyo Edy ,   Universitas Diponegoro
Published: December 2021

Produksi pupuk organik cair dari limbah sampah rumah tangga berfungsi untuk mengurangi penggunaan pupuk an-organik secara berlebihan yang mengakibatkan tanah menjadi mengeras, hal ini disebabkan sisa kandungan sulfat dan karbonat, sehingga petani sulit untuk menggemburkan tanah. Pembuatan pupuk dengan menambahkan limbah sampah rumah tangga, dimasukan ke dalam tong komposter dan disemprotkan EM-4. Hasil sampel analisa pupuk organik cair terhadap uji laboratorium berstandar SNI yaitu kadar C Organik sebesar 6.0%, C/N Rasio sebesar 18.6, N-Total sebesar 4.0%, dan pH sebesar 6.9. Hasil sampel uji efektivitas pada tanaman bayam adalah pupuk organik cair setinggi 28 cm, pupuk urea setinggi 35 cm, dan tanpa diberi pupuk setinggi 20 cm, jumlah daun tanaman bayam yang diberi pupuk organik cair sebanyak 20 helai, pupuk urea sebanyak 24 helai, dan tanpa diberi pupuk sebanyak 15 helai. Sehingga dapat disimpulkan, penggunaan pupuk organik cair baik digunakan untuk tanaman bayam namun diperhatikan agar hasil yang didapat lebih maksimal sehingga tidak terjadi penyakit yaitu daun bayam yang berlubang.
Evaluasi Parameter Mikrobiologis Fillet Daging Ayam yang Diawetkan dengan Campuran Bubuk Kulit Buah Manggis dan Bubuk Daun Salam pada Kondisi Penyimpanan Suhu Dingin
Authors:   Universitas Pembangunan Nasional Veteran Jawa Timur, Rahmawati Rahmawati , Winarti Sri ,   Universitas Pembangunan Nasional Veteran Jawa Timur, A'yun Qurrotu ,   Universitas Pembangunan Nasional Veteran Jawa Timur
Published: December 2021

Daging ayam merupakan salah satu komoditas unggas yang banyak dikonsumsi oleh masyarakat Indonesia. Proses pengawetan pada fillet daging ayam dapat dilakukan dengan mengkombinasikan metode perendaman dalam campuran bubuk kulit buah manggis dan bubuk daun salam dengan penyimpanan pada suhu dingin. Penelitian ini dilakukan untuk mengetahui pengaruh penggunaan campuran bubuk kulit buah manggis dan bubuk daun salam dalam menghambat pertumbuhan mikroba penyebab penurunan mutu pada fillet daging ayam yang disimpan dalam suhu dingin (chilling temperature). Penelitian ini menggunakan Rancangan Acak Lengkap pola faktorial yang terdiri dari dua faktor, yaitu konsentrasi campuran bubuk kulit manggis dan bubuk daun salam (0%, 15%, dan 30%) serta lama penyimpanan (0, 4, 8, 12, dan 16 hari). Data yang diperoleh dianalisis menggunakan ANOVA dengan taraf nyata 5%, lalu diuji lanjut dengan Uji Duncan (DMRT) 5% jika berbeda nyata. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa bubuk kulit buah manggis dan bubuk daun salam mengandung senyawa flavonoid, alkaloid, saponin, tanin, dan terpenoid. Pengaruh terbaik ditemukan pada perlakuan konsentrasi campuran bubuk kulit buah manggis dan bubuk daun salam 30% dan lama penyimpanan 12 hari, dengan total mikroba 5.91 log cfu/g, total S. aureus 1.00 log cfu/g (tidak melebihi batas SNI), dan total E. coli 2.10 log cfu/gr (melebihi batas SNI).