bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous Daily Platelet Count And Presepsin Measurement From The Time Of ICU Admission May Be Useful For Predicting In-Hospital Mortality Of Patients With Severe COVID-19
Authors: Ishikura Hiroyasu , Maruyama Junichi , Nakashio Maiko , Hoshino Kota , Morimoto Shinichi , Izutani Yoshito , Noake Junta , Yamagaito Takahiro , Yoshida Maho , Kitamura Taisuke , Nakamura Yoshihiko
Published: February 2022

Background: coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients are frequently complicated with COVID-19 associated coagulopathy. This time, we investigated whether there was a relationship between the CAC pattern and the risk of in-hospital death in severe COVID-19 patients.Methods: We enrolled 54 severe COVID-19 adult patients admitted to intensive care unit (ICU). Patients were divided into two groups whether in-hospital death (non-survivor) or not (survivor). We measured not only various coagulation/fibrinolysis markers, but inflammation/immunoresponse markers which were cytokines or chemokines, and alveolar/myocardial damage markers in peripheral blood every day for 8 ICU days. Univariate logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis of the area under the curve (AUC) were used to identify the optimal combination of biomarkers to predict in-hospital death.Results: Among all 54 patients, the patients were classified into the survivor (n = 40) and non-survivor (n = 14) groups. We found that the platelet count decreased significantly and presepsin (P-SEP) increased significantly in non-survivor group compared to survivor group from the time of ICU admission. Using univariate logistic regression analysis, platelet count and P-SEP are found to be predictive of in-hospital mortality and ROC analysis using these two markers could further confirm this result (AUC=0.832; sensitivity: 64.3%, specificity: 90.0%). The cut-off values for in-hospital mortality for these markers were 153 x 103/µL in platelet count and 714 pg/mL in P-SEP. The patients were consequently classified into the following 3 groups: (1) High risk (n = 7), platelet count <153 x 103/µL and P-SEP >714 pg/mL; (2) Low risk (n = 27), platelet count >190x103/µL and P-SEP <714 pg/mL; (3) Medium risk (n = 20), areas other than (1) and (2). And the 90-day mortality increased significantly as the risk of the group increases (p<0.01). Additionally, the platelet count was lower and P-SEP level was higher in the non-survivor group than in the survivor group on ICU days throughout the 8 days.Conclusions: Simultaneous daily platelet counts and P-SEP measurements from the time of ICU admission would be a useful method for predicting in-hospital mortality.
Correlation Between Carotid Plaque Location And Carotid Blood Flow Dynamics
Authors: Ren Xia , Su Fan , Hu Jian , Cao Lei , Zhou Yumei , Fu Yuhan , Tatenda Grace , Jiang Mingfei , Wu Huan , Wen Yufeng
Published: February 2022

Purpose: This study was aimed to investigate the influence of carotid hemodynamics in common carotid artery (CCA) and internal carotid artery (ICA) on carotid plaque location.Methods: A total of 4444 participants from Anhui Maanshan People's Hospital were selected from December 2013 to December 2018. Doppler ultrasound was used to measure the location of carotid plaque. Multiple logistic regression and smooth curve were applied to determine the relationship of carotid plaque location and hemodynamic indexes. Results: Compared with the none plaque group, the ratio of artery systolic and diastolic blood flow velocity in right internal carotid (RICA S/D) was a risk factor for left side plaque group (OR=1.548) after adjustment. Artery systolic and diastolic blood flow velocity ratio of left common carotid artery (LCCA S/D) was a risk factor for right side plaques (OR=1.250). Resistance index of right internal carotid (RICA RI) was a protective factor for bilateral plaques (OR=0.097), while LCCA S/D and RICA S/D were risk factors for bilateral plaques (OR=1.201, OR=1.457). After age stratification, resistance index of right common carotid artery (RCCA RI) and resistance index of left internal carotid artery (LICA RI) were protective factors for bilateral plaques in groups younger than 52 (OR=0.046, OR=0.042). Artery systolic and diastolic blood flow velocity ratio of right common carotid (RCCA S/D) and RICA S/D were risk factors for bilateral plaques (OR=1.557, OR=1.843). In groups older than 52, RICA S/D was a risk factor for left plaque (OR=1.388). LCCA S/D was a risk factor for right plaque (OR=1.575). LCCA S/D and RICA S/D were risk factors for bilateral plaques (OR=1.348, OR=1.311).Conclusions: In groups younger than 52, the formation of bilateral carotid plaque is associated with low bilateral carotid RI and increased right carotid artery flow rate. In groups older than 52, plaque formation in one carotid artery is associated with high blood flow velocity on the other artery.
Knowledge, attitudes and practices towards malaria diagnostics among healthcare providers and healthcare seekers in Kondoa district, Tanzania: a multi-methodological situation analysis
Authors: Bohle Leah F. , Abdallah Ally-Kebby , Galli Francesco , Canavan Robert , Molesworth Kate
Published: February 2022

Background: Despite the large-scale rollout of malaria rapid diagnostic tests (mRDTs) in Tanzania, many healthcare providers (HCPs) continue using blood film microscopy (BFM) and clinical examination to diagnose malaria, which can increase the risk of mal-diagnosis and over prescribing of anti-malarials. Patients disregarding negative test results and self-treating exacerbate the problem. This study explored HCPs’ and healthcare seekers’ knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding mRDTs in comparison to BFM testing. Methods: The study was located in Kondoa District, Dodoma Region, Tanzania. A multi-methodological approach was adopted including i) a health facility inventory and screening of logbooks from May 2013 to April 2014 with 77,126 patient entries from 33 health facilities; ii) a survey of 40 HCPs offering malaria services; and iii) a survey of 309 randomly selected household members from the facilities’ catchment area. Surveys took place in April and May 2014.Results: Health facility records revealed that out of 77,126 patient entries, 22% (n = 17,235) obtained a malaria diagnosis. Of those, 45% were made with BFM, 33% with mRDT and 22% with clinical diagnosis. A higher rate of positive diagnoses was observed with BMF compared with mRDT (71% vs 14%). In the HCP survey, 48% preferred using BMF for malaria testing, while 52% preferred mRDT. Faced with a negative mRDT result for a patient presenting with symptoms typical for malaria, 25% of HCPs stated they would confirm the result with a microscopy test, 70% would advise or perform a clinical diagnosis and 18% would prescribe antimalarials. Interviews with household members revealed a preference for microscopy testing (58%) over mRDT (23%), if presented with malaria symptoms. For participants familiar with both tests, a second opinion was desired in 45% after a negative microscopy result and in 90% after an mRDT.Conclusions: Non-adherence to negative diagnostics by HCPs and patients continues to be a concern. Frequent training and supportive supervision for HCPs diagnosing and treating malaria and non-malaria febrile illnesses is essential to offer quality services that can instil confidence in HCPs and patients alike. The introduction of new diagnostic devices should be paired with context-specific behaviour change interventions targeting healthcare seekers and healthcare providers.
Voting-KEMIRA Method for Determining Criteria Priority and Weights in Solving MADM Problems
Authors: Soltanifar Mehdi , Krylovas Aleksandras , Kosareva Natalja
Published: February 2022

Decision-making can be accounted for, as being one of the most essential and fundamental managerial tasks; and organizational research depends on its quality, so, from the point of view of connoisseurs, decision-making is the main essence of management. The KEmeny Median Indicator Ranks Accordance (KEMIRA) decision-making method is one of the latest Multi-Attribute Decision Making (MADM) methods, which has been conveyed in this paper by utilizing the preferential voting concept. A new Voting-KEMIRA model is expressed by rendering a linear programming model with weight control bylaw. In implementing this novel model on a real world problem, it is compared with the preceding method and finally a few of its advantages will be specified.
Acute toxicity, phenol content, antioxidant and postprandial anti-diabetic activity of Echinops spinosus extracts
Authors: BENRAHOU Kaoutar , DOUDACH Latifa , MRABTİ Hanaa Naceiri , EL GUOURRAMİ Otman , ZENGİN Gokhan , BOUYAHYA Abdelhakim , CHERRAH Yahia , FAOUZİ My El Abbes
Published: February 2022

Echinops spinosus, belonging to Asteraceae family, is used in folk medicine as an abortifacient and diuretic and for blood circulation, diabetes, stomach pain, indigestion and spasmolytic problems. The objective of this work is the study of acute toxicity, the content of phenolic compounds (polyphenols, flavonoids and tannins), antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, H2O2 and xanthine oxidase) and antidiabetic (α-amylase, α- glucosidase and lipase) in vitro and ex-vivo by studying the starch tolerance test. The phytochemical assay showed that the ethanolic extract is the richest in polyphenols, flavonoids and tannins with 77.01 mg GEA/g extract; 544.33 mg RE/g extract, and 32.20 mg EC/g extract, respectively. The ethanolic extract showed better antioxidant activity compared to the aqueous extract with (IC50=13±0.25 µg/mL; IC50=75.11±0.34 mg TE/g extract; IC50=51.1±1.2 mg AAE/g extract; IC50=28.2±2.87 µg/mL and 16.83 ± 0.72 µg/mL) in DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, H2O2 and xanthine oxidase. Extracts of E. spinosus have shown a remarkable inhibitory effect α-amylase and interesting inhibitory effect of α-glucosidase and lipase. The aqueous and ethanolic extract also lowered blood sugar levels to 0.96 and 0.93g/L, respectively, after 90 minutes in starch-loaded rats. Acute toxicity results indicate that E. spinosus extracts are non-toxic with an LD50 greater than 2 g/kg in female Swiss mice. Therefore, the antioxidant and anti-diabetic activity may be at the origin of the bioactive compounds contained in the plant E. spinosus. However, in vivo studies on the mechanism of action are needed against oxidative stress associated with diabetes.
Analisa Implementasi Metode Fuzzy Time Series Jasim pada Prediksi Perkembangan COVID-19 di Indonesia
Authors: Prehanto Dedy Rahman , Permadi Ginanjar Setyo , Nurdiansari Melvin
Published: February 2022

The pandemic of COVID-19 that has been going on since March 2020 until now has weakened many sectors in many countries an Indonesia as well. In Indonesia, more than 9,000 people have died because of this pandemic. In the first week, 56 cases of COVID-19 were recorded and the cases continued to increase to more than 2,000 cases per week so that the increasing number of cases could result in a lack of service provision and facilities for medical. This study aims to determine the forecasting scheme and how the development of COVID-19 cases that occur in Indonesia. Fuzzy Time Series Jasim method that is applied to find out how to do forecasts by managing previous data.  This method uses the determination of the width of the interval, the formation of a set from historical data and using of the average based length method. In this method also used grouping and data relations that have been fuzzified. From the method that has been used, it can be seen that the results obtained from the Fuzzy Time Series Jasim method are obtained from the accuracy rate of the accuracy error using MAD of 286. And the error magnitude of the forecasting results with the actual data using MAPE is 2.43%. Where it can be concluded that the use of Fuzzy Time Series Jasim method in this study provides good forecasting results
Teknologi Baru Pada Pendidikan Tinggi Menuju Revolusi Industri 4.0: Studi Kasus Indonesia dan Malaysia
Authors: Murad Dina Fitria , Murad Silvia Ayunda , Hassan Rosilah , Heryadi Yaya , Wijanarko Bambang Dwi , Titan Titan
Published: February 2022

IoT with E-learning is intended to support data collection from devices and share to other devices in use for effective E-learning applications from Smart Campus. This study aims to conduct studies related to online learning models by utilizing Internet of Everything (IoE) technology to support Revolution 4.0. This study aims to support the latest communication paradigm in which the objects of everyday life will be equipped with a series of appropriate protocols and enable them to communicate well with each other as part of the internet. IoE will help improve learning by leveraging the large subject data generated by these objects to provide dynamic services to educators, learners, and even content developers. Using qualitative research methods This research uses a questionnaire to find out the views and assessments of the community in this case online learners regarding online learning as one of the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic and produces an online learning model that is supported by an integrated system between learning media such as LMS and devices. others use IoE. The results of this study support the implementation of Smart campuses that allow the use of IoE methodologies to make them always ready in certain network areas.
CONTEMPORARY TRIBAL POLITICS IN KERALA
Authors:   Master of Social Work in Community Organisation and Development Practice Graduate Student at Tata Institute of Social Sciences Guwahati., Thomas Dennis
Published: February 2022

This article tends to focus on the primordial roots of tribal politics in India during the colonial period in order to understand tribal communitys dissent towards the coercive approaches taken up by the British administration. Besides, the prominent social issues faced by the tribal groups in post colonial period would be studied upon to acknowledge how social movements had played a crucial role in addressing it. In particular, the discussions on tribal politics post-independence will be elucidated by narrowing it down to the tribal affairs in the state of Kerala. The Adivasi Gothra Maha Sabha a social movement in Kerala led by tribal group would be analysed, to comprehend upon how effectively it had organised the tribal groups and addressed their collective needs. Further, the statistical analysis section highlights the presence of tribal communities in Kerala from parameters like thedistrict wise population, gender ratio, reserved constituencies and representation in local governing bodies. Also, the tribal groups in ST reserved constituencies would be taken into account to explain more about tribal politics and their representation in local government bodies.Lastly, the article aims to provide necessary suggestions on how to enhance the tribal peoples participation in politics.
CEREBRAL ABSCESS AND MYCOTIC ANEURYSM AS A CONSEQUENCE OF INFECTIVE ENDOCARDITIS: A CASE REPORT
Authors:   Cardiology Center, Mohammed V Military Instruction Hospital of Rabat, Mohammed V University, Morocco., Machraa Achraf , Fassi Fehri Zineb ,   Cardiology Center, Mohammed V Military Instruction Hospital of Rabat, Mohammed V University, Morocco., Mbida Cyrille ,   Cardiology Center, Mohammed V Military Instruction Hospital of Rabat, Mohammed V University, Morocco., Abu Baker Shihab ,   Cardiology Center, Mohammed V Military Instruction Hospital of Rabat, Mohammed V University, Morocco., Zaimi Achraf ,   Cardiology Center, Mohammed V Military Instruction Hospital of Rabat, Mohammed V University, Morocco., Mouine Najat ,   Cardiology Center, Mohammed V Military Instruction Hospital of Rabat, Mohammed V University, Morocco., Benyass Aatif ,   Cardiology Center, Mohammed V Military Instruction Hospital of Rabat, Mohammed V University, Morocco.
Published: February 2022

Background: Neurological complications of infective endocarditis are common and can cause significant morbidity and mortality. A broad spectrum of neurological manifestations may be observed. This case is used to show an approach towards the management of neurological complication of bacterial endocarditis based on a review of the published work. Case Presentation: A 26-year-old male patient was admitted to our department with sudden onset of left side weakness associated with aphasia and an intense headache. Clinical assessment showed an infective endocarditis with two mobile vegetations attached to the mitral valve complicated by an intracranial mycotic aneurysm and a brain abscess. The patient was managed only with antibiotic therapy on the decision of a multidisciplinary team, with an excellent clinical outcome. Conclusions: The management of neurologic complications of infective endocarditis remains challenging given the lack of prospective, controlled studies. Therefore, the decision process requires the participating of a multidisciplinary team.
A high stability GO nanofiltration membrane preparation by co-deposition and crosslinking polydopamine for rejecting dyes
Authors: Liu Yulong , Huang Zhonghua , Zhang Zhen , Lin Xiaolu , Li Qunxia , Zhu Yihang
Published: February 2022

In order to improve the stability of nanofiltration membrane in separation and purification, a novel polyelectrolyte multilayer nanofiltration membrane was facilely prepared by co-deposition of polydopamine (PDA) and polyethyleneimine (PEI) on the polyethersulfone (PES) ultrafiltration membrane substrate, followed by immersing graphene oxide (GO) solution, and crosslinking PDA. The modified surfaces were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), water contact angle, their saline flux and ability to reject salt and dye were determined. The results also exhibited salt rejection ability as Na2SO4 > K2SO4 > MgSO4 > NaCl > KCl > MgCl2, suggesting the higher rejection of divalent anion. Also, the retention order of the dye by the GO modified membrane is DY86 > DB19 > AG27 > DY142 > DB56 > AR151 > VB5, indicating that the GO modified membrane has better rejection of negatively charged dyes as well as higher molecular weight dyes. Ethanol and hypochlorite resistance tests under different pH conditions showed the membranes coated GO enhanced stability in regard to salt rejection properties. Significantly, the anti-biological test confirmed the growth rate of microalgae on the GO introduced membrane was decreased greatly due to enhanced stability and lower roughness.
The mTOR/4E-BP1/eIF4E Signalling Pathway as a Source of Cancer
Drug Targets
Authors: Maracci Cristina , Motta Stefano , Romagnoli Alice , Costantino Matteo , Perego Paola , Di Marino Daniele
Published: February 2022

The mechanistic/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is the crucial hub
of signalling pathways that regulate essential steps in the cell life cycle. Once incorporated
in the mTORC1 complex, mTOR phosphorylates the eukaryotic initiation factor 4E
(eIF4E)- binding protein 1 (4E-BP1), which then releases eIF4E. When not bound to 4EBPs,
eIF4E recognizes the mRNA 5’-cap structure and, together with eIF4A and eIF4G,
it forms the eIF4F complex that recruits the ribosome on the mRNA. Under normal conditions,
the cellular concentration of eIF4E is very low, making eIF4E the limiting factor in
the initiation of protein synthesis. The vast majority of cancer types are characterized by
the simultaneous deregulation of the mTOR/4E-BP1 signalling pathway and upregulation
of eIF4E, which lead to an increased expression of cancer-promoting genes and
deregulated cellular growth. Over the last decades, a growing number of selective inhibitors
of the mTOR/4E-BP1/eIF4E pathway have been discovered or designed. Several inhibitors
with encouraging preclinical results have been tested in clinical trials. This review
summarizes the most recent research on drug development against mTOR, 4E-BP1,
and eIF4E, describing the design rationale and the available structural and functional data
on the most promising compounds.
Design, Synthesis, and Biological Activity of a Novel Series of 2-Ureidonicotinamide
Derivatives Against Influenza A Virus
Authors: Zhang Chao , Xiang Jun-Jie , Zhao Jing , Meng Yan-Li , Zhang Fu-Rong , Jin Zhe , Shaw Pang-Chui , Liu Xiao-Ping , Hu Chun
Published: February 2022

Background:

Viral resistance to existing inhibitors and the time-dependent effectiveness
of neuraminidase inhibitors have limited the number of antivirals that can be
used for prophylaxis and therapeutic treatment of severe influenza infection. Thus, there
is an urgent need to develop new drugs to prevent and treat influenza infection.

Objective:

The aims of this study was to design and synthesize a novel series of 2-ureidonicotinamide
derivatives and evaluate their anti-IAV activities. Furthermore, we predicted
the abilities of these compounds to inhibit the PA-PB1 subunit and forecasted the
docking poses of these compounds with RNA polymerase protein (PDB ID 3CM8).

Method:

The novel designed compounds were synthesized using classical methods of organic
chemistry and tested in vitro for their abilities inhibiting RNP and against influenza
A virus. In addition, the 23 synthesized molecules were subjected to the generated pharmacophore
Hypo1 to forecast the activity target PA-PB1 subunit of RNA polymerase.
The ADMET pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by the ADMET modules in
Discovery Studio 2016. The docking results helped us demonstrate the possible interactions
between these compounds with 3CM8.

Results:

The synthesized 2-ureidonicotinamide derivatives were characterized as potent
anti-influenza inhibitors. The target compounds 7b and 7c demonstrated significant antiviral
activities and could be considered as novel lead compounds of antiviral inhibitors.
In addition, compound 7b revealed suitable ADME properties expressed and might be a
significant RNA polymerase inhibitor targeting the PA-PB1 subunit based on the predictable
results and the docking results.

Conclusion:

This study revealed a novel series of compounds that might be useful in the
search for an effective drug against the influenza virus.
Selenium-Derivative Compounds: A Review of New Perspectives in the Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Barbosa Flavio A.R. , Canto Rômulo F.S. , Teixeira Kerolain F. , de Souza Anacleto S. , de Oliveira Aldo S. , Braga Antonio L.
Published: February 2022

Background:

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the most prevalent types of dementia, affecting millions of older people worldwide. AD is stimulating efforts to develop novel molecules targeting its main features associated with a decrease in acetylcholine levels, an increase in oxidative stress and depositions of amyloid-β (Aβ) and tau protein. In this regard, selenium-containing compounds have been demonstrated as potential multi-targeted compounds in the treatment of AD. These compounds are known for their antioxidant and anticholinesterase properties, causing a decrease in Aβ aggregation.

Objective:

In this review, we approach structure-activity relationships of each compound, associating the decrease of ROS activity, an increase of tau-like activity and inhibition of AChE with a decrease in the self-aggregation of Aβ.

Methods:

We also verify that the molecular descriptors apol, nHBAcc and MlogP may be related to optimized pharmacokinetic properties for anti-AD drugs.

Results:

In our analysis, few selenium-derived compounds presented similar molecular features to FDA-approved drugs.

Conclusion:

We suggest that unknown selenium-derived molecules with apol, nHBAcc and MlogP like FDA-approved drugs may be better successes with optimized pharmacokinetic properties in future studies in AD.
Construction and Validation of an Immune-Related lncRNA Prognosis
Model for Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Nian Weiqi , Li Zheng , Wang Hui , Deng Xia , Zhang Jing , Wang Ling , Tang Wanyan , You Wenxin
Published: February 2022

Background:

Immune-related long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play an important role
in the development of cancer. This study aimed to identify immune-related lncRNAs in thyroid
cancer (THCA) and develop a prognostic model for THCA.

Method:

We downloaded immune-related gene sets from the Gene Set Enrichment Analysis
(GSEA) website and obtained THCA gene expression and clinical data from The Cancer Genome
Atlas (TCGA) database. Immune-related lncRNAs were then obtained by performing correlation
analysis on the expression of lncRNAs and immune-related genes. A prognostic model for THCA
immune-related lncRNAs was developed through univariate Cox regression and multiple Cox regression
analyses. We confirmed the results in clinical samples using quantitative real-time PCR.

Results:

A total of 26 immune-related lncRNAs in THCA were obtained. Then we constructed a
prognosis model composed of seven lncRNAs (LINC01614, AC017074.1, LINC01184,
LINC00667, ACVR2B-AS1, AC090673.1, and LINC00900). Our model can be used as an independent
prognostic factor. Principal component analysis displayed that the lncRNAs in the model
can distinguish between high and low-risk groups. Clinical correlation analysis showed that the expression
levels of AC090673.1 (P<0.05), LINC01184 (P<0.001), and LINC01614 (P<0.001) were
related to disease stage, and LINC00900 (P<0.001) and LINC01614 (P<0.001) were related to T
stage. We validated this model in cancer and paracancerous tissues from 24 THCA patients.

Conclusion:

We identified and experimentally validated seven immune-related lncRNAs that can
serve as potential biomarkers for THCA prognosis.
Sweet’s Syndrome: An Update
Authors: Agrawal Amit , Arif Salahaldin Hafud , Kumarasan Krithika , Janjua Dalwinder
Published: February 2022

Sweet’s syndrome is a serious dermatological disorder characterized by a rapid onset of tender plaques or nodules, fever, joint pain, headache, and oral and genital lesions. According to the clinical features and underlying causes, Sweet’s syndrome is divided into three categories, i.e., classi-cal (or idiopathic), malignancy-associated Sweet's syndrome, and drug-induced Sweet's syndrome. It is multifactorial in etiology, and the exact cause is still undetermined. The diagnosis can be confirmed by the routine histopathologic evaluation of skin biopsy from the lesions. The first-line treatment options are topical and systemic steroids. Multiple databases, like Medline/PubMed, Scopus, and Google, were used to identify resources for this literature review. The relevant information was col-lected from various case reports, case series, reviews, meta-analyses, and large clinical trials reporting clinical description, etiology, diagnosis, and management of Sweet’s syndrome. This narrative review aimed to discuss recent understandings related to Sweet's syndrome, both in terms of clinical presen-tation and management approach.
Impact of Diabetes in COVID-19 Associated Mucormycosis and its Management:
A Non-Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Nair Sreedharan , Rashid Muhammed , Rajan Asha K. , Thunga Girish , Shanbhag Vishal
Published: February 2022

Background:

COVID-19 has become extremely dangerous manifesting itself in a variety
of forms ranging from a simple flu-like illness to death. COVID-19 associated mucormycosis
(CAM) is a global threat with diabetes being a major contributor.

Objective:

This review aims to give a clear picture of the impact of hyperglycemia in CAM along
with its management.

Method:

Google and Google Scholar were searched and studies that addressed the impact of diabetes
in CAM were considered for this review. We also performed a bibliographic search of the
specific article to find additional studies.

Results:

A series of events such as unregulated activation of innate immune system modification,
pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages activation, and the depletion of natural killer cell activity is
very common in patients with COVID-19. In addition, the exacerbated cytokine syndrome and hyperinflammatory
response may elevate the severity of this condition, which further leads to higher
mortality. The impaired immune phase which follows provide the niche for increased infection
among diabetic patients making them more prone towards developing mucormycosis and associated
infections. Early detection, surgical debridement, and appropriate medical treatment with antifungals
and hypoglycaemic agents may help control the infection and associated morbidity and
mortality. COVID-19 drugs, hypoglycaemic agents, antifungals, and comorbidities have all been
associated with adverse side effects and drug interactions.

Conclusion:

Clinicians should be well aware of this deadly disease and manage COVID-19, diabetes,
and mucormycosis through individualized treatment regimens to improve patient outcomes.
Stress Etiology of Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Sunena  , Mishra Dina Nath
Published: February 2022

Stress creates disharmony in the body's natural environment and thus causes an imbalance
in the normal physiological system. The term diabetes describes a group of metabolic disorders,
characterized and identified by the presence of hyperglycemia. Essential factors identified to
initiate hyperglycemia are excess body weight, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and lifestyle
changes like stress, genetics, etc. Different types of stress and related conditions like depression,
anxiety, etc., cause pancreatic β-cell dysfunction and insulin resistance, the prime risk factors in the
progression of type 2 diabetes. The neuroendocrine system plays a pivotal role in countering psychological
stress is the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which secretes glucocorticoids
(GCs), e.g., cortisol is the principal stress-responsive natural steroid hormone. The stress system
essentially hampers the body's homeostasis and develops serious clinical manifestations. Glucocorticoids
exert a strong physiological impact on glucose metabolism directly or indirectly, cause hyperglycemic
effect and play an important role in the development of type 2 diabetes observed in
patients suffering from chronic stress, Cushing’s syndrome, or patients on long term GCs therapy.
This review provides a clear outline on the pathways and mechanisms of stress-linked type 2 diabetes.
Ultrasonic Assisted Synthesis, Biological Evaluation, and Molecular Docking of Chalcone-based 1,5-benzodiazepine as Potential Anticonvulsant Agents
Authors: Rajkumar Thangavelu , Kumar Solleti V. Suresh , Srinivasan Nagarajan
Published: February 2022

Background:

Epilepsy is a constant neurological disorder influencing around 50 million individuals globally. However, most epileptic patients do not react to accessible medications and clinical treatments. This research work has been planned to produce novel 1,5-benzodiazepines from chalcone intermediates by ultrasonic irradiation method and perform the anticonvulsant activity by pentylenetetrazole incited seizures tests.

Method:

Chalcones are used as precursors for synthesizing 1, 5-benzodiazepines by a reaction with ophenylenediamine in absolute ethanol in the presence of glacial acetic acid as a catalyst. The proposed synthesized structures were characterized by melting point, TLC, FTIR, 1H & 13CNMR, and mass spectroscopy. All the molecules were assessed for anticonvulsant activity.

Result:

Anticonvulsant activity uncovered the fact that the mixes derived from dimethylamino, dimethoxy, hydroxy-substituted chalcones in the 1, 5-benzodiazepines can be used for seizures in mice. These pharmacological examinations have shown that these new subsidiaries can repress seizures incited by pentylenetetrazole in mice proficiently. Our molecular docking studies also supported probable effects.

Conclusion:

The results are promising, which on further assessments may provoke medicine particles against seizures in mice.
Evaluation of Antiproliferative Activity of Lac Dye Fractions against MDA-MB-231
and SiHa Cell Lines
Authors: Dagur Pankaj , Ghosh Manik
Published: February 2022

Background:

Laccifer lacca (Kerr) produces a mixture of polyhydroxy anthraquinones (laccaic acid) known
as lac dye. Literature suggests that these laccaic acids have a structural resemblance with the anticancer drug Adriamycin
(ADR). Hence, they may possess potential anticancer activity.

Method:

This study was designed to explore the in vitro anticancer activity of the three fractions of lac dye, i.e., chloroform
(C), methanol (M), and water (W) fractions, and isolation of constituents from bioactive fraction.

Results:

SRB (Sulforhodamine B) assay method was employed to evaluate the inhibitory action of all three fractions.
However, only methanolic showed promising inhibitory action with GI50 <10; this runs in parallel with Adriamycin
inhibition (GI50 <10). Two active constituents of the methanolic extract were isolated using column chromatography
and were characterized using UV (UV visible spectrophotometer), IR (Infrared spectroscopy), NMR (nuclear magnetic
resonance), and mass spectrometry methods. The final structure of the isolated constituents (laccaic acid D and laccaic
acid B) was confirmed by 13C and 2D NMR data.

Conclusion:

Conclusively, only the methanol fraction (M) showed promising anticancer activity against in vitro MDAMB-
231 and SiHa cell lines compared to the standard adriamycin.
Penentuan Harga Pokok Penjualan dan Perencanaan Laba Jangka Pendek Olahan Salak di UD Cristal, Sleman, Yogyakarta
Authors:   Program Studi Agribisnis, Fakultas Pertanian, Universitas Jenderal Soedirman, Novalianti Sasya , Purwantin Pudji , Widyarini Indah
Published: February 2022

UD. Cristal merupakan perusahaan yang memproduksi produk bersama dari bahan baku utama yaitu salak. Produk yang dihasilkan antara lain keripik salak dan dodol salak sebagai produk utama, serta kopi biji salak sebagai produk sampingannya. Oleh karena itu, diperlukan pengalokasian biaya secara tepat agar dapat memaksimalkan laba. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui 1) biaya produksi, penerimaan, dan keuntungan, 2) harga pokok penjualan, dan 3) perencanaan laba jangka pendek untuk produk keripik salak, dodol salak, dan kopi biji salak di UD. Cristal. Metode penelitian ini adalah studi kasus. Metode analisis yang digunakan adalah analisis deskriptif, analisis biaya, analisis biaya produk bersama, dan perencanaan laba jangka pendek. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan 1) biaya produksi terbesar pada produksi dodol salak, penerimaan terbesar berasal dari keripik salak kemasan 80 gram, keuntungan terbesar yaitu pada kopi biji salak. Namun untuk produksi dodol salak mengalami kerugian. 2) Harga jual per unit seluruh produk olahan salak sudah melebihi harga pokok penjualan per unit sehingga perusahaan sudah mendapatkan keuntungan. 3) Perencanaan laba jangka pendek produk olahan salak menunjukkan keripik salak 80 gram memberikan laba kontribusi terbesar dalam pemilihan produk sehingga mampu menghasilkan laba per unit tertinggi dibandingkan produk lainnya. BEP penerimaan seluruh produk sudah berada di atas titik impas. Dodol salak mempunyai nilai MOS paling kecil sehingga kesempatan memperoleh laba lebih kecil dibandingkan produk lainnya. Nilai SDP keripik salak 250 gram mempunyai tingkat volume paling besar sehingga lebih rentan mengalami risiko penutupan usaha. Keripik salak 250 gram memiliki nilai DOL paling tinggi.
Pengembangan Aset Komunitas Desa Melalui Badan Usaha Milik Desa (Bumdes) Berbasis Wisata
Authors:   Program Studi Agribisnis Fakultas Pertanian Universitas Brawijaya, Pertiwi Vi’in , Pratiwi Destyana , Meitasari Deny
Published: February 2022

BUMDes sebagai salah satu sumber dari pendapatan asli desa (Pades) yang diharapkan dapat mengelola aset untuk sebesar-besarnya kesejahteraan masyarakat desa. Beberapa fokus desa di Jawa Timur khususnya Malang Raya yaitu pengembangan aset sebagai unit wisata. Tentunya pengembangan aset pada BUMDes wisata tidak semudah perusahaan swasta besar dalam mengelola suatu wisata. Oleh karenanya, kinerja BUMDes perlu diukur melalui tingkat penggunaan sumberdaya local atau aset yang dimiliki oleh desa demi keberlanjutan perekonomian masyarakat desa sekitar wisata. Penelitian dilakukan pada BUMDes yang konsentrasi pada pengelolaan wisata yaitu BUMDes Kerto Raharjo (wisata Boonpring) Kabupaten Malang. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini yaitu pendekatan kualitatif dengan analisis model interaktif Miles Huberman. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian diketahui bahwa aset yang menjadi focus dalam pengembangan BUMDes Kerto Raharjo Desa Sanankerto Kecamatan Turen yaitu aset manusia, structural, sosial, alam dan fisik serta finansial. Pengembangan aset – aset tersebut tentunya dihadapkan pada berbagai kendala utamanya aset manusia dimana pendidikan formal masyarakat sekitar yang menjadi karyawan BUMDes dalam kategori rendah sehingga dibutuhkan konsentrasi khusus pada peningkatan pendidikan, kemampuan dan ketrampilan karyawan BUMDes.
Analisis Daya Saing Ekspor Jahe Indonesia di Pasar Utama Internasional Periode Tahun 2008-2018
Authors:   Pusat Penelitian Ekonomi, Lembaga Ilmu Pengetahuan Indonesia, Nurjati Eka
Published: February 2022

Jahe merupakan komoditas andalan ekspor Indonesia. Namun, nilai ekspor jahe pada Tahun 2008-2018 menurun yang disebabkan penurunan produksi dan hambatan ekspor. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis daya saing ekspor jahe Indonesia dibandingkan dengan negara eksportir jahe lainnya di negara tujuan ekspor. Negara eksportir yang dibandingkan tingkat daya saingnya dengan Indonesia yaitu Thailand dan India. Negara tujuan ekspor dalam penelitian ini adalah Amerika Serikat, Jepang, dan Malaysia. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kuantitatif dengan menggunakan data sekunder. Revealed Comparative Advantage (RCA) dan Constant Market Share (CMS) sebagai alat ukur daya saing. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan tingkat daya saing ekspor jahe Indonesia lebih rendah dibandingkan Thailand dan India baik menggunakan metode RCA maupun CMS. Strategi kunci peningkatan daya saing ekspor jahe Indonesia terletak pada ketersediaan produksi dan jaminan kualitas. Pengembangan dan diseminasi teknologi untuk meningkatkan produktivitas, kualitas, pola kemitraan dan perluasan pangsa pasar merupakan strategi pendukung terwujudnya ekspor jahe Indonesia yang berdaya saing.
Cambio de uso de suelo y fragmentación del paisaje en el centro de Veracruz, México (1989 – 2015)
Authors: Hernández-Pérez Ezequiel , García-Franco José Guadalupe , Vázquez Gabriela , Cantellano de Rosas Eliseo
Published: February 2022

La deforestación y fragmentación son consideradas amenazas para la biodiversidad. Ambos procesos tienen efectos negativos en la función y dinámica de los sistemas ecológicos a diferentes escalas espaciales y temporales. Se analizó el cambio de uso de suelo y la fragmentación del paisaje en la región central de Veracruz, México, para los años 1989, 2003 y 2015. Las clases de cobertura se obtuvieron de imágenes Landsat, mediante una clasificación supervisada. Se cuantificó el cambio y la pérdida de vegetación, y se evaluó la fragmentación mediante métricas del paisaje. De 1989 a 2015, la superficie de vegetación disminuyó 57%, con una tasa de cambio anual de cobertura de -2.15%. Entre 1989 y 2015, se registró una disminución en el tamaño medio del fragmento, el área interior total, el índice de contraste y la proximidad media. El número de fragmentos, la densidad de fragmentos y la longitud total del borde disminuyeron de 1989 a 2003, y posteriormente aumentaron en 2015. La zona de estudio muestra una tendencia a la homogeneización del paisaje, donde los fragmentos agropecuarios y la vegetación secundaria ocupan áreas cada vez más extensas. Reconocer los fragmentos de vegetación con mayor riesgo al cambio en el uso del suelo es clave para evaluar su efecto sobre la conservación de la biodiversidad y en los servicios ambientales que estos proporcionan; también permitiría definir políticas de conservación, que contribuyan a promover prácticas agrícolas y ganaderas sostenibles, en esta región de México.
A Point System Table to Estimate the Risk of Cardiovascular Events in Patients with Hypertension and Left Ventricular Hypertrophy: The LIFE Study
Authors:   Merck & Co., Inc., North Wales, PA, USA, Hille Darcy A , Kjeldsen Sverre E ,   University of Oslo, Ullevaal Hospital, Departments of Cardiology, Oslo, Norway,   University of Michigan Medical Center, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; E-mail: sjulius@med.umich.edu, Julius Stevo ,   University of Michigan Medical Center, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; E-mail: sjulius@med.umich.edu, Wachtell Kristian ,   Weill Cornell Medicine, Greenberg Division of Cardiology, 525 East 68th Street, New York, NY, USA, Okin Peter M ,   Weill Cornell Medicine, Greenberg Division of Cardiology, 525 East 68th Street, New York, NY, USA, Devereux Richard B ,   Weill Cornell Medicine, Greenberg Division of Cardiology, 525 East 68th Street, New York, NY, USA
Published: February 2022

We aimed to assess some readily available patient characteristics such as urinary albumin excretion as predictors of a primary composite event of myocardial infarction, cerebral stroke, and cardiovascular death among patients with hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy, and develop risk algorithms for the outcomes. A “Cox proportional hazards” model identified the baseline variables that significantly affected the occurrence of the composite endpoint in 9193 elderly hypertensive patients with left ventricular hypertrophy in the Losartan Intervention For Endpoint reduction in hypertension (LIFE) study. We developed a risk point table, which assigned points to various risk factors, including the important age-gender interaction term, by adapting the point system algorithm developed from Framingham data. The Cox model identified 12 predictors of risk for the endpoint. Points for age were calculated separately for females and males due to the age-gender interaction. The risk estimates that were defined by total points were compared to those that were determined by the Cox model, and the weighted κ value for the agreement was 0.89. Thus, several patient characteristics predicted cardiovascular events in patients with hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy, with age, gender, and urinary albumin excretion being the most important. The risk point table is an intuitive method to compare the relative contribution of the cardiovascular risk predictors and explain complicated statistical models such as the interaction term to patients and their physicians.
Investigating Adolescents’ Video Gaming and Gambling Activities, and Their Relationship With Behavioral, Emotional, and Social Difficulties: Protocol for a Multi-Informant Study (Preprint)
Authors: Cena Loredana , Rota Matteo , Trainini Alice , Zecca Sara , Bonetti Zappa Sofia , Tralli Nella , Stefana Alberto
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND

Growing empirical evidence suggests that adolescents have a relatively greater propensity to develop problematic video gaming or gambling habits.

OBJECTIVE

The main objectives of this study are to estimate the prevalence of potential pathological gambling and video game use among adolescent students and to evaluate their risk factors.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional multi-informant study based on an online survey. It will include a sample of adolescents attending secondary schools located in Brescia, northern Italy, their schoolteachers, and parents. The survey includes extensive data on adolescents’ (1) demographic, social, economic, and environmental characteristics; (2) behavioral, emotional, and social problems and adaptive functioning; (3) emotional and social loneliness; (4) perception of the reasons to use social networks; (5) video game habits and pathological use of video gaming; and (6) gambling behaviors.

RESULTS

This protocol was approved by the Institutional Ethics Board of the Spedali Civili of Brescia (Italy). We expect to collect data from 793 or more adolescent students, as determined by our sample size calculation.

CONCLUSIONS

This multisite project will make a substantial contribution to (1) the implementation of a system for identifying pathological gambling and pathological video game use among adolescents, allowing for interventions aimed at improving adolescents’ financial, emotional, and social well-being; and (2) the identification of distinct profiles of gamblers and pathological video gamers that will contribute to setting up effective targeted prevention measures. Understanding the causes and impact of gambling and pathological video gaming on adolescents is a public health issue.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/33376
Digital Dermatology: Experience From Scotland During Lockdown and Beyond (Preprint)
Authors: Muthiah Shareen , Morton Colin A
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND

In Scotland, dermatology outpatient services deliver over 300,000 appointments each year. With a significant growth in both new and return attendances, there is an increasing drive for innovative transformation. In response to this challenge, a Digital Dermatology Asynchronous (DDA) consultation platform was co-developed with two National Health Service Dermatology teams. Roll-out of the platform was accelerated during Scotland’s initial COVID-19 lockdown and its wider scope was prospectively evaluated.

OBJECTIVE

The aims of the platform were to (1) improve the patient experience by reducing the need to attend hospital for consultations; (2) modernize delivery of outpatient care, providing clinicians with a store-and-forward form of telemedicine; (3) use an integrated digital platform—linked with booking systems and the electronic patient records—to increase efficiency and capacity, thereby creating a more sustainable outpatient service; and (4) create a positive environmental impact by reducing travel and hence the carbon footprint.

METHODS

During an 11-week “lockdown” period from late March 2020, a total of 405 consultations were prospectively audited. Clinicians were asked to complete data collection proformas for each consultation detailing patient demographics, quality of images, diagnosis, and outcomes. The time taken to complete each virtual consultation was recorded for 312 consultations. Feedback surveys were completed by patients and clinicians via email.

RESULTS

Of the 405 consultations, 297 new and 108 returning patient consultations were assessed, with 80% of submitted images being of satisfactory quality. In total, 292 consultations involved the assessment of lesions, with most referred as suspected cancers. Patients of all ages participated, with 31% of them being aged over 60 years and the parents of 12 children. The consultations were, on average, 3 minutes shorter than equivalent face-to-face (F2F) interactions, and a total of 5758 km of patient travel was avoided. Outcomes included virtual review (16%), F2F review (47%), direct to surgery (11%), discharge (22%), and other treatment or investigation (4%). The majority of those needing F2F review were scheduled for routine follow-up. Patient satisfaction was high, with 82% of respondents reporting ease of use.

CONCLUSIONS

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a paradigm shift in the way we deliver outpatient care. DDA consultations are now operational in 4 health boards and have been successfully included in the choice of consultation type available for patients, helping to augment service capacity during pandemic recovery. The platform is the first of its kind in Scotland, to be integrated with the hospital booking system and electronic patient record and offering a valuable alternative to F2F, telephone, and video consultations.