bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Challenges in realising the potential of wastewater-based epidemiology to quantitatively monitor and predict the spread of disease
Authors: Faraway Julian , Boxall-Clasby James , Feil Edward J. , Gibbon Marjorie J. , Hatfield Oliver , Kasprzyk-Hordern Barbara , Smith Theresa
Published: June 2022

Researchers around the world have demonstrated correlations between measurements of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater (WW) and case rates of COVID-19 derived from direct testing of individuals. This has raised concerns that wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) methods might be used to quantify the spread of this and other diseases, perhaps faster than direct testing, and with less expense and intrusion. We illustrate, using data from Scotland and the USA, the issues regarding the construction of effective predictive models for disease case rates. We discuss the effects of variation in, and the problem of aligning, public health (PH) reporting and WW measurements. We investigate time-varying effects in PH-reported case rates and their relationship to WW measurements. We show the lack of proportionality of WW measurements to case rates with associated spatial heterogeneity. We illustrate how the precision of predictions is affected by the level of aggregation chosen. We determine whether PH or WW measurements are the leading indicators of disease and how they may be used in conjunction to produce predictive models. The prospects of using WW-based predictive models with or without ongoing PH data are discussed.
Adsorption and removal of direct red 31 by Cu-MOF: optimization by response surface
Authors: Li Zihang , Ren Dajun , Wang Zhaobo , Jiang Shan , Zhang Shuqin , Zhang Xiaoqing , Chen Wangsheng
Published: June 2022

Cu(PABA) is a Cu-based MOF material assembled from Cu2+ and the organic ligand p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA). Cu (PABA) was synthesized by a solvothermal method, characterized and applied to the adsorption of direct red 31 dye (DR-31). The effects of pH, DR-31 concentration and temperature on the adsorption performance of Cu(PABA) were investigated. The adsorption kinetics were analyzed by pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order and intra-particle diffusion models, and the adsorption equilibrium data was fitted by Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. The pseudo-first-order kinetics and Langmuir model satisfactorily described the adsorption kinetics and adsorption equilibrium, respectively. The maximum adsorption capacity of Cu(PABA) for DR-31 dye at room temperature was 1,244.8 mg/g, as calculated using the Langmuir adsorption isotherm model. By response surface methodology (RSM), the optimal adsorption was found at pH value of 10.9, DR-31 dye concentration of 216.6 mg/L, and temperature of 27 °C, and the removal rate was as high as 99.4%. Therefore, Cu(PABA) can be used as an efficient adsorbent for removing DR-31 dye from aqueous solution.
Polyarteritis Nodosa with Recurrent Skin Ulcers A Case Report
Authors: Albin Roberto G. , Rodriguez Nathaliet
Published: June 2022

BACKGROUND:

Polyarteritis nodosa or PAN is a rare disease. It is diagnosed frequently in middle age patients and the elderly. Reduction in hepatitis B virus infection has been associated with a reduction in the prevalence of PAN.

CASE PRESENTATION:

We present a 78-year-old patient with extensive skin lesions, weight loss, high blood pressure (HBP), polyneuropathy, evidence of hepatitis B virus infection, and a biopsy showing vasculitis of a small or medium-sized arteries. Corticosteroid and antiviral treatment were prescribed to the patient and with great results.

CONCLUSION::

PAN is a necrotizing vasculitis that typically affects medium-sized vessels with occasional involvement of small vessels. It can be found in elderly male patients over the sixth decade of life with manifestations of recurrent skin ulcers and HBP.
Asymmetric Synthesis: A Glance at Various Methodologies for Different Frameworks
Authors: Kaur Charanjit , Sharma Sachin , Thakur Amandeep , Sharma Ram
Published: June 2022

Asymmetric reactions have made a significant advancement over the past few decades
and involved the production of enantiomerically pure molecules using enantioselective
organocatalysis, chiral auxiliaries/substrates, and reagents via controlling the absolute stereochemistry.
The laboratory synthesis using an enantiomerically impure starting material gives a
combination of enantiomers that are difficult to separate for chemists in medicine, chromatography,
pharmacology, asymmetric synthesis, and studies on structure-function relationships of
proteins, life sciences and mechanistic studies. This challenging step of separation can be
avoided by using asymmetric synthesis. Using pharmacologically relevant scaffolds/
pharmacophores, the drug design can also be achieved using asymmetric synthesis to
synthesize receptor-specific pharmacologically active chiral molecules. This approach can be
used to synthesize asymmetric molecules from a wide variety of reactants using specific asymmetric conditions,
which is also beneficial for the environment due to less usage and discharge of chemicals into the environment.
Therefore, in this review, we have focused on the inclusive collation of diverse mechanisms in this area to encourage
auxiliary studies of asymmetric reactions to develop selective, efficient, environment-friendly, and highyielding
advanced processes in asymmetric reactions.
Review of the Clinical Pharmacokinetics, Efficacy and Safety of Pembrolizumab
Authors: Homšek Ana , Radosavljević Davorin , Miletić Nebojša , Spasić Jelena , Jovanović Marija , Miljković Branislava , Stanojković Tatjana , Vučićević Katarina
Published: June 2022

Background:

Treatment of various types of cancer has been improved significantly with the discovery of
biological drugs that act as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Pembrolizumab is a humanized monoclonal anti-
PD-1 antibody currently approved for the treatment of a wide range of tumors, with more indications still being
investigated in ongoing clinical trials.

Objective:

The aim of this paper is to present all currently available data regarding pembrolizumab pharmacokinetic
and pharmacodynamic characteristics. Also, the possibility of using predictive biomarkers to monitor patients during
cancer treatment is discussed.

Methods:

Database research was carried out (PubMed, ScienceDirect). Information was gathered from original articles,
the European Medicines Agency datasheets and results from clinical trials.

Results:

This review summarizes present-day knowledge about the pharmacokinetics, different modeling approaches
and dosage regimens, efficacy and safety of pembrolizumab and therapeutic monitoring of disease progression.

Conclusion:

This review points out consistent pharmacokinetic characteristics of pembrolizumab in various cancer
patients, the lack of pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic/outcome relationships, and the need for adequate biomarkers
to predict treatment success. Hence, there is a clear necessity for more data and experience in order to optimize pembrolizumab
treatment for each individual patient.
Ameliorative Effects of Phytomedicines on Alzheimer’s Patients
Authors: Khandia Rekha , Viswanathan Neerja , Singhal Shailja , Alqahtani Taha , Almikhlafi Mohannad A. , Simonov Alexander Nikolaevich , Ashraf Ghulam Md.
Published: June 2022

Introduction:

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive, neurodegenerative disease that severely affects individuals' cognitive abilities, memory, and quality of life. It affects the elderly population, and there is no permanent prevention or cures available to date, treatments mainly aiming to alleviate the symptoms as and when they appear. Alternate therapeutic approaches are being researched constantly, and there is a growing focus on phytomedicine, herbal medicine, organic compounds, and ayurvedic compounds for the treatment of AD.

Methods:

The current study aims to provide an extensive review of these plants against AD from the currently existing literature. Most relevant keywords like Alzheimer’s Disease, phytomedicines, ethnic medicines, the role of phytomedicine in neuroprotection, common phytomedicines against AD, etc., were used to select the plants and their metabolites effective in treating AD. The study focuses on six plants: Panax ginseng, Ginkgo biloba, Bacopa monnieri, Withania somnifera, Curcuma longa, and Lavandula angustifolia. Their active components have been studied along with neuroprotective properties, and evidence of in-vitro, pre-clinical, and clinical studies conducted to prove their therapeutic potential against the disease have been presented.

Results:

All plants envisaged in the study show potential for fighting against AD to varying degrees. Their compounds have shown therapeutic effects by reversing the neurological changes such as clearing Aβ plaque and neurofibrillary tangle formation, and ameliorative effects against neurodegeneration through processes including improving concentration, memory, cognition and learning, higher working and cue memory, improved spatial memory, inhibition of NF-κB expression, inhibiting the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, inhibition of AChE and lipid peroxidase enzymes, and reduction of interleukin levels and tumor necrosis factor-alpha.

Conclusion:

The present review is a comprehensive and up-to-date analysis supported by the evidentiary proofs from pre-clinical studies, meta-analyses, and review papers related to natural phytochemicals' impact on neurodegenerative disorders like AD.
1,2,4 Triazoles and 1,2,4 Oxadiazoles Scaffold as SGLT2 Inhibitors: Molecular Docking and ADMET Studies
Authors: Sharma Shivani , Mittal Amit
Published: June 2022

Background:

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder in which blood sugar levels are elevated over a prolonged period of time. SGLT2 inhibitors have recently demonstrated positive effects on diabetes care by minimizing hyperglycemia through decreased glucosuria.

Objective:

The aim was to carry out molecular docking and ADMET studies of 1,2,4 triazole and 1,2,4 oxadiazole scaffolds as SGLT2 inhibitors.

Methods:

Structures of newer molecules of two series of 1,2,4 triazoles and 1,2,4 oxadiazoles were drawn by using Chem Draw Ultra 8.0 software. The AutoDock Vina 1.5.6 software was used for the molecular docking studies. In silico ADMET properties were calculated online using admetSAR and pkCSM predictors.

Results:

We have designed 1563 different 1,2,4 triazoles and 1,2,4 oxadiazoles as SGLT2 inhibitors. A total of 14 compounds from both the triazole and oxadiazole series were shown to have better binding affinity to the SGLT2 protein than canagliflozin. Among them, SSN 10 and SSON 7 showed the highest docking score and binding affinity of -10.7 kcal/mol and -10.5 kcal/mol, respectively. In silico ADMET properties were also calculated in order to determine physiochemical properties, pharmacokinetics and toxicity of best binding molecules. In addition, these molecules were predicted to be non-carcinogens, showing good oral bioavailability and physiochemical characteristics safer with optimal partition coefficient (LogP = 2.07-5.24).

Conclusion:

Novel SGLT2 inhibitors were designed based on the scaffold of 1,2,4 triazoles and 1,2,4 oxadiazoles resulting in a new lead molecule with a maximum binding affinity; these molecules were also estimated to be noncarcinogenic with low LogP.
Psychological Outcomes of the COVID-19 Pandemic on People with Type
1 Diabetes Globally: A Scoping Review
Authors: Maizel Jennifer L. , Dixon Brittney N. , Walker Ashby F.
Published: June 2022

Background:

People with type 1 diabetes (T1D) face heightened risks for morbidity and
mortality from the 2019 Coronavirus (COVID-19). They also have elevated risks for disparate psychological
outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic, given their predisposition to mental health
disorders, including anxiety and depression, and skyrocketing rates of these conditions among the
general population.

Methods:

To investigate the psychological ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic on people
with T1D globally, we conducted a scoping review of recent literature across eight online databases.
Articles were screened via a rigorous process, and data pertaining to psychological outcomes
were coded into thematic areas for analysis.

Results:

Forty articles presenting data from 27 countries and 14 categories of psychological outcomes
affecting people with T1D were included in this review. Psychological outcomes, in order
of most to least frequently identified, included: stress, anxiety, social factors, worry, distress, fear,
sleep habits, quality of life, depression, attitudes regarding COVID-19, other psychological issues,
mental health services utilization, burnout, and temperament. Recurring findings demonstrated significant
increases in the prevalence of mental health conditions, changes in sleeping habits, reductions
of social support, and extensive psychosocial concerns among people with T1D. Associations
between patients’ psychological issues and demographic characteristics, diabetes self-management
behaviors, glycemic control, and overall wellbeing were evident.

Conclusion:

During the COVID-19 pandemic, people with T1D experienced pervasive psychological
burdens. This review calls for further research examining the long-term impacts of the pandemic
and strengthens awareness of the need for interventions to offset psychological challenges
affecting people with T1D.
A Brief Atlas of Insulin
Authors: Ayan Esra , DeMirci Hasan
Published: June 2022

Insulin is an essential factor for mammalian organisms: a regulator of glucose metabolism
and other key signaling pathways. Insulin is also a multifunctional hormone whose absence
can cause many diseases. Recombinant insulin is widely used in the treatment of diabetes. Understanding
insulin, biosimilars, and biobetters from a holistic perspective will help pharmacologically
user-friendly molecules design and develop personalized medicine-oriented therapeutic strategies
for diabetes. Additionally, it helps to understand the underlying mechanism of other insulindependent
metabolic disorders. The purpose of this atlas is to review insulin from a biotechnological,
basic science, and clinical perspective, explain nearly all insulin-related disorders and their underlying
molecular mechanisms, explore exogenous/recombinant production strategies of patented
and research-level insulin/analogs, and highlight their mechanism of action from a structural perspective.
Combined with computational analysis, comparisons of insulin and analogs also provide
novel information about the structural dynamics of insulin.
Three Generation β-Blockers for Atrial Fibrillation Treatment
Authors: Francisco Arthur C. , Awata Wanessa M. C. , Lima Thauann S. , Potje Simone R. , Prohaska Clare C. , Ceron Carla S. , Vale Gabriel T. do
Published: June 2022

The efficiency of blood flowing from the heart depends on its electrical properties. Myocardial
electrical activity is associated with generating cardiac action potentials in isolated myocardial
cells and their coordinated propagation, which are mediated by gap junctions. Atrial fibrillation
(AF) is a common cardiac arrhythmia which causes an aggressive disturbance in cardiac
electromechanical function. Moreover, AF increases the risk of stroke and mortality and is a major
cause of death. The mechanisms underlying AF involve electrophysiological changes in ion channel
expression and function. β-blockers may be useful in patients with chronic AF or in preventing
postoperative AF in subjects undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or other types of
surgery. The reduction in heart rate induced by β1-adrenergic receptor antagonists may be associated
with the beneficial effect of this drug class. Second generation beta-blockers may be considered
superior to the first generation due to their selectivity to the β1 receptor as well as avoiding
pulmonary or metabolic adverse effects. Third generation beta-blockers may be considered a great
option for their vasodilation and antioxidant properties. There is also a new β-blocker, named
landilol that also results on reduced risk of post operative AF without adverse effects and its use
has been increasing in clinical trials.
Synthesis, Molecular docking, Antioxidant, Anti-TB, and Potent MCF-7
Anticancer Studies of Novel Aryl-carbohydrazide Analogues
Authors: N. Mali Suraj , R. Thorat Bapu , R. Wagh Rahul , S. Yamgar Ramesh
Published: June 2022

Background:

Hydrazide-hydrazone based compounds are reported for their wider pharmacological potentials.

Methods:

In present work, we synthesized 10 new Schiff based-aryl-carbohydrazide (3a-3e) and (4a-4e), analogues and characterized further using standard spectroscopic techniques including NMR, mass and FT-IR. Moreover, all synthesized compounds were subjected for in-vitro anti-TB, anti-microbial, antioxidant and anti-MCF-7 cell line studies.

Results:

Our results suggested that compounds are having strong potencies against studied microbial species (such as 3a, 3b and 3c, (anti-TB activity: MIC value of 1.6 µg/mL; 3c:80.23 % inhibition at 200 µg/mL against MCF-7). Synthesized compounds (3a-3e) and (4a-4e) were also retained with higher docking scores than standards like ciprofloxacin; when studied for their molecular docking analysis against common anti-bacterial (pdb id:1d7u; 3a: -4.909 kcal/mol), common anti-fungal (pdb id:1ai9; 3b: -6.122 kcal/mol) and enoyl acyl reductase enzyme (pdb id:2x22; 3c: docking score: -4.194 kcal/mol)) targets.

Conclusion:

Thus, considering promising results for Schiff based-aryl-carbohydrazides, these compounds may emerge as new class for the development of potent anti-microbial agents in near future.
Pralatrexate for Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma (PTCL): Chance Only Supports The
Prepared Mind
Authors: Altınay Serdar , Kural Alev , Özmen Aykut , Tural Deniz , Tutar Yusuf
Published: June 2022

Background:

Due to their primary effects on DNA synthesis, antimetabolites are most effective against
actively dividing cells and are significantly specific to the cell cycle phase. Pralatrexate (PDX), an antifolate metabolite
designed to accumulate in cancer cells, was the first new agent approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for
the treatment of resistant/recurrent peripheral T-cell lymphomas. PDX was a drug that is frequently used not only for
PTCL, but also for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), extranodal natural killer (NK) / T-cell lymphoma.

Objective:

This article reviews Pralatrexate's history, pharmacokinetics, clinical phase studies including phases I, II and
III, types of cancers it is effective on, drug side effects, inhibition mechanism and even its use in the treatment of other
cancers with innovative methods, including its antiviral effect against SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Methods:

A comprehensive internet-based research was planned, covering all published and unpublished studies on the
subject. We conducted this review in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for systematic reviews and metaanalysis
(PRISMA-P), and Cochrane Collaboration reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis. The
results of the studies in the articles were recorded to include all phase studies.

Results:

Pralatrexate was structurally designed to have enhanced cellular transport via RFC (reduced folate carrier
type) and be subject to more polyglutamation compared to methotrexate. The enhanced polyglutamylation ability of
pralatrexate is associated with increased tumor cell death and ultimately improved anticancer activity. Pralatrexate is
considered a promising drug for patients with recurrent and treatment-resistant PTCL with a good survival advantage.
At the same time, it is an antifolate agent with a significant advantage over methotrexate as it does not cause myelosuppression.

Conclusion:

While there are manageable side effects such as thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, and mucositis, it is critical
to explore new approaches, targeted agents, novel cellular therapies, and immunotherapies to determine optimal
pretreatment in the rare but heterogeneous disease PTCL, and future studies and experienced haematologists are needed.
WITHDRAWN: Salmonella typhi: A Review of Antibiogram Journey in Developing Countries
Authors: Gupta Varsha , Singhal Lipika , Sandhu Diljot , Kour Ivneet
Published: June 2022

Since the authors are not responding to the editor’s requests to fulfill the editorial requirement, therefore, the article has been
withdrawn.

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

The Bentham Editorial Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at https://benthamscience.com/editorial-policies-main.php

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Herbal Nanoparticles: A New Perspective of Drug Delivery System- A
Review
Authors: Goel Anjana , Sharma Ayushi , Kulshrestha Sunanda
Published: June 2022

The nanoparticle is one of the most intensively studied areas in science ranging from engineering to medical fields and has been a center of attraction that is explored to find new and promising dimensions for its use. These nanoparticles have obtained eminence because of their potential efficacy, shape, and size. In the field of nanoscience, the use of natural resources is an emerging topic of interest that has been taken into consideration due to the presence of a reservoir of a priceless wellspring of novel and new chemical entities that have a therapeutic effect. The system has found its space in the treatment of many diseases, including Diabetes, Neurological disorders, Cardiovascular Disorders, and even cancer. At present, cancer is one of the most common causes of death all over the world. Various drugs are used to treat numerous types of cancers, but at the same time, they are found to be harmful to the patient and produce several side effects. To meet the gap, herbal nanoparticles have been studied and are found to be non-hazardous and environmentally friendly. Herbal nanoparticles are synthesized to target various biological pathways that induce cancer and pieces of evidence have shown comparable efficacy like other drugs that have been used conventionally for cancer treatment. The review highlights the mechanism of action and prospects of the nanotechnological approach using phytochemicals for the treatment of cancer and will help to bridge the gap between herbal nanotechnology and current knowledge related to it.
Ethno-Botanical and Phytopharmacological Study of Limnophila rugosa
Roth. Merr. (Scrophulariaceae): Mini Review
Authors: Hota Raghunandan , Kumar Nanda Bikash , Behera Biswaranjan , Kumar Dalai Manoj
Published: June 2022

Background:

Limnophila rugosa (Scrophulariaceae) is an aquatic and perennial herb finds its natural habitats in ponds, rivers, lakes as well as marshy lands of India. The traditional practitioners of Bolangir and Bargarh District of Odisha use this plant as a source of Bhringaraj. Therapeutically, it is used as diuretic, stomachic, digestive tonic and as a hair perfume, treatment of elephantiasis, diarrhoea, dysentery, dyspepsia and urinary burning.

Objective:

The present study was focused to provide the information regarding its traditional uses, compounds identified from different parts and essential oil; and the pharmacological activities of the reported compounds, which will bring the scope for future research.

Methods:

Extensive literature survey was carried out up to 2021 in Google scholar, Web of science, scopus, pub med, science direct, springer, Taylor and Francis using key words pharmacognostical, phytochemical and pharmacological aspect of L. rugosa.

Result:

The study revealed diverse chemical compounds; flavonoids, terpenoids, amino acids, alcohol, phenol, aldehyde, ketone, carboxylic acid and ether. 5,7-Dihydroxy-6,8,4'-trimethoxyflavone (Nevadensin), 5-Hydroxy-6,7,4'-trimethoxyflavone (Salvigenin), Betulin, betulinic acid, caryophyllene, cis-anethole, methylchavicol were found as major compounds. Pharmacological activities such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, diuretic and hypotensive was reported. The identified compounds exhibited several pharmacological activities including antibacterial, antimicrobial, antifungal, anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, anti-tubercular, anti-tumour, anti-cancer, immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective, antiulcer, antidiabetic, antinociceptive, antimalarial, antiviral, anti-hyperlipidaemic, anti HIV, insecticidal, herbicidal, antifeedant, anti-coagulant, gastro-protective, antihelmintic.

Conclusion:

As, most of the compounds exhibited significant antimicrobial, antibacterial and antifungal activity so; a novel dosage form can be prepared from the essential oil of L. rugosa for antimicrobial activity.
Systematic Review of Machine Learning-Based Open-Source Software
Maintenance Effort Estimation
Authors: Miloudi Chaymae , Cheikhi Laila , Abran Alain
Published: June 2022

Background:

Software maintenance is known as a laborious activity in the software
lifecycle and is often considered more expensive than other activities. Open-Source Software
(OSS) has gained considerable acceptance in the industry recently, and the Maintenance Effort
Estimation (MEE) of such software has emerged as an important research topic. In this context,
researchers have conducted a number of open-source software maintenance effort estimation (OMEE)
studies based on statistical as well as machine learning techniques for better estimation.

Objective:

The objective of this study is to perform a systematic literature review (SLR) to
analyze and summarize the empirical evidence of O-MEE ML techniques in current research
through a set of five Research Questions (RQs) related to several criteria (e.g. data pre-processing
tasks, data mining tasks, tuning parameter methods, accuracy criteria and statistical tests, as well
as ML techniques reported in the literature that outperformed).

Method:

We performed a systematic literature review of 36 primary empirical studies published
from 2000 to June 2020, selected based on an automated search of six digital databases.

Results:

The findings show that Bayesian networks, decision tree, support vector machines and
instance-based reasoning were the ML techniques most used; few studies opted for ensemble or
hybrid techniques. Researchers have paid less attention to O-MEE data pre-processing in terms of
feature selection, methods that handle missing values and imbalanced datasets, and tuning
parameters of ML techniques. Classification data mining is the task most addressed using
different accuracy criteria such as Precision, Recall, and Accuracy, as well as Wilcoxon and
Mann-Whitney statistical tests.

Conclusion:

This SLR identifies a number of gaps in the current research and suggests areas for
further investigation. For instance, since OSS includes different data source formats, researchers
should pay more attention to data pre-processing and develop new models using ensemble
techniques since they have proved to perform better.
Saltvandsbæltet. Et indlæg i tematiseringen af Danmark og Polens kulturnaboskab
Authors: Pessel Wlodzimierz Karol
Published: June 2022

In this cross-sectional study, Danish and Polish societies are considered as partners and neighbours. Although there always was rationale for slackening of the mutual cultural communication between Denmark and Poland, furthermore, a great deal of temporaries labour under a misconception of Poland as a land with rather poor connection with the Baltic Sea. The author casts light on it having found a departure point in the episode taken from the history of culture. This case relates to the Polish national anthem, in which landing on a Danish isle during the Second Northern War has been commemorated. Also, it evokes much more multidimensional and multidiscipline data from different times, though an interpretative accent lays still on Polish-Danish relation itself.
FASCÍCULO COMPLEMENTARIO XIII: FLORA Y VEGETACIÓN DE LA CUENCA DEL LAGO DE ZIRAHUÉN, MICHOACÁN, MÉXICO
Authors:   Instituo de Ecología, A.C., Centro regional del Bajío, Red Biológica del Occidente Mexicano, Pérez-Calix Emmanuel
Published: June 2022

La cuenca del Lago de Zirahuén se localiza en el centro del estado de Michoacán, en la provincia fisiográfica denominada Eje Neovolcánico Transversal, ocupa una superficie aproximada de 270 km2 y se encuentra definida por serranías y lomeríos que impiden la salida de las corrientes hídricas, lo que le da carácter de endorréica. Se realizó la delimitación y cartografía de las comunidades vegetales del área en un mapa, reconociéndose las siguientes unidades de vegetación: bosque de coníferas (bosque de Pinus y bosque de Abies), bosque de Quercus, bosque mesófilo de montaña, pastizal; la vegetación acuática y subacuática, así como la de galería, no fueron cartografiadas por ocupar superficies reducidas. La vegetación predominante en la cuena son los bosques de coníferas y los de Quercus. En el texto se describen la estructura y composición florística de cada uno de los tipos de vegetación identificados.
FASCÍCULO COMPLEMENTARIO XV: LISTADO FLOR´ÍSTICO DEL ESTADO DE MICHOACÁN SECCIÓN V (Angiospermae: Najadaceae-Zygophyllaceae)
Authors:   Facultad de Biología, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, Rodríguez Jiménez L. Socorro , Espinosa Garduño Judith ,   Departamento de Botánica, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional
Published: June 2022

En este trabajo se presentan, en forma de un listado, los resultados parciales de la recopilación de información relativa a la riqueza de la flora fanerogámica de Michoacán. Este inventario se elaboró con base en las colectas realizadas en el estado y depositadas en los 10 hebarios nacionales que consideramos tienen la mayor representación de la flora de dicha entidad. Con el objeto de facilitar su consulta y dada la cantidad de información recabada, se consideró conveniente presentar este listado en 5 secciones, en las que los datos se disponen en un formato de columnas, eliminando al máximo el uso de claves y símbolos. En cada sección se incluye una relación de colectores, indicando las instituciones para las que éstos realizaron el trabajo de campo.
FASCÍCULO COMPLEMENTARIO XVII: LOS PRINCIPALES COLECTORES BOTÁNICOS DE GUANAJUATO, QUERÉTARO Y NORTE DE MICHOACÁN
Authors:   Instituto de Ecología, A.C., Centro regional del Bajío, Rzedowski Jerzy
Published: June 2022

El propósito central de esta contribución es el de ofrecer una relación de las personas que han realizado colectas de ejemplares de plantas vasculares en los estados de Guanajuato, Querétaro, as´í como en la parte norte del de Michoacán. Para tal fin se revisaron numerosos especímenes de herbarios mexicanos (principalmente CHAPA, EBUM, ENCB, IEB y MEXU), así como una gran cantidad de publicaciones, incluyendo los fascículos de la Flora del Bajío y de Regiones Adyacentes. De particular importancia como fuentes de información han resultado las contribuciones de McVaugh (1972), de Knobloch (1979), de Argüelles et al. (1991), de Rodríguez Jiménez y Espinosa Garduño (1995, 1996a, 1996b), así como de Espinosa Garduño y Rodríguez Jiménez (1995, 1996). En primer término se intenta integrar un resumen histórico de las actividades de exploración botánica del área, al final del cual se inserta la información correspondiente a la obra desarrollada en este contexto dentro del marco del trabajo promovido por el Instituto de Ecología, A.C. a partir del año de 1985. A continuación se presenta una lista de los colectores que pudieron censarse, enumerados en orden alfabético, con la indicación del estado o de los estados en que estuvieron laborando. Es de considerarse que mediante el esfuerzo realizado deben haberse captado los nombres de más de 90% de las personas que al menos alguna vez han muestreado formalmente la región. De este conjunto se seleccionan, a su vez, los individuos que han contribuido de manera más significativa al conocimiento de la flora regional y, en un tercer apartado, se ofrece para cada uno una breve reseña de sus principales actividades en el área, así como de la ubicación de sus colectas, y eventualmente, de las publicaciones emanadas de sus estudios.
Incorporating the effect of approach slab to the dynamic response of simply supported bridges under moving vehicle
Authors:   Faculty of Road and Bridge Engineering, The University of Danang–University of Science and Technology, Da Nang, Vietnam, et al. Hoang
Published: June 2022

Reinforced concrete approach slabs serve as a transitional component between the roadway pavement and the bridge deck. Due to the settlement of the embankment soil, the slab is bent, and its slope grade will be suddenly changed resulting in bumps at both ends of the deck; this may increase the dynamic response of bridges induced by the interaction with moving vehicles. In addition, the presence of such bumps not only causes an uncomfortable ride but also exhibits a potentially hazardous condition to the traffic. Since most of the studies have considered either the interaction model between the slab and soil or between the bridge and moving load; in this study, a novel finite element model is established for the bridge under traffic loads, considering the presence of the approach slab that is simulated as a beam rested on a dynamic soil model. The separated models of the approach slab and bridge deck are validated by previous studies and demonstrate their accuracy in predicting the dynamic response of the bridge-vehicle system. A comprehensive parametric study is then performed considering the effect of the soil stiffness, the stiffness of the shear layer of the foundation, and the approach slab length. The results of the study are useful criteria for the practice design of the approach slab in different embankment conditions.
Algunos aspectos de la biología reproductiva de Holothuria grisea (Aspidochirotida: Holothuriidae) en la bahía de Cispatá, Colombia
Authors: Nisperuza Carlos A , Yepes Juan B , Quiros Jorge A
Published: June 2022

Holothuria grisea es una especie que se distribuye a lo largo del Caribe y la cual ha sido extraída ilegalmente en Colombia, lo que se agrava aún más por el desconocimiento de su biología y ecología. Este estudio, evaluó algunos aspectos de la biología reproductiva de H. grisea en la Bahía de Cispatá, a partir de organismos recolectados entre abril y noviembre de 2015. Se calculó el índice gonadal y la determinación de los estadios gametógenicos con base en métodos histológicos clásicos. En el presente estudio, fueron analizados 80 individuos, de los cuales el 47.5% fueron machos, 45% hembras y el 7.5% no presentaron tejido gonadal. Las observaciones microscópicas e histológicas permitieron identificar tres estadios gonadales para la especie: crecimiento, madurez y post-desove. Se evidenció que este holotúrido dioico presenta una proporción sexual 1:1, con un ciclo de reproducción continúo presentando tres picos reproductivos en los ocho meses estudiados. Por último, la talla de primera madurez gonadal para la especie fue 13.5 cm. La información obtenida en este trabajo podría ser de gran utilidad a futuro desde el punto de vista de la sostenibilidad de este recurso y de la implementación de programas prácticos de gestión.
Patient Perspectives on Using a Smartphone App to Support Home-Based Exercise During Physical Therapy Treatment: Qualitative Study
Authors: Arensman Remco , Kloek Corelien , Pisters Martijn , Koppenaal Tjarco , Ostelo Raymond , Veenhof Cindy
Published: June 2022

Background

Home-based exercise is an important part of physical therapy treatment for patients with low back pain. However, treatment effectiveness depends heavily on patient adherence to home-based exercise recommendations. Smartphone apps designed to support home-based exercise have the potential to support adherence to exercise recommendations and possibly improve treatment effects. A better understanding of patient perspectives regarding the use of smartphone apps to support home-based exercise during physical therapy treatment can assist physical therapists with optimal use and implementation of these apps in clinical practice.

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate patient perspectives on the acceptability, satisfaction, and performance of a smartphone app to support home-based exercise following recommendations from a physical therapist.

Methods

Using an interpretivist phenomenology approach, 9 patients (4 males and 5 females; aged 20-71 years) with nonspecific low back pain recruited from 2 primary care physical therapy practices were interviewed within 2 weeks after treatment ended. An interview guide was used for the interviews to ensure that different aspects of the patients’ perspectives were discussed. The Physitrack smartphone app was used to support home-based exercise as part of treatment for all patients. Data were analyzed using the “Framework Method” to assist with interpretation of the data.

Results

Data analysis revealed 11 categories distributed among the 3 themes “acceptability,” “satisfaction,” and “performance.” Patients were willing to accept the app as part of treatment when it was easy to use, when it benefited the patient, and when the physical therapist instructed the patient in its use. Satisfaction with the app was determined by users’ perceived support from the app when exercising at home and the perceived increase in adherence. The video and text instructions, reminder functions, and self-monitor functions were considered the most important aspects for performance during treatment. The patients did not view the Physitrack app as a replacement for the physical therapist and relied on their therapist for instructions and support when needed.

Conclusions

Patients who use an app to support home-based exercise as part of treatment are accepting of the app when it is easy to use, when it benefits the patient, and when the therapist instructs the patient in its use. Physical therapists using an app to support home-based exercise can use the findings from this study to effectively support their patients when exercising at home during treatment.
HIV Digital Vaccine Strategy: Proposal for Applying Blockchain in Preventing the Spread of HIV
Authors: Liu Jia
Published: June 2022

Background

The HIV epidemic imposes a heavy burden on societal development. Protection of susceptible populations is the most feasible method for eliminating the spread of HIV. In the absence of a biological vaccine, the definitive solution is enabling susceptible populations to recognize and avoid high-risk sexual behavior.

Objective

The objective of this study is to use specific technologies and strategies to establish a system by which high-HIV-risk individuals can determine the HIV infection status of one another anonymously, conveniently, and credibly.

Methods

This study proposes an HIV digital vaccine (HDV) strategy, a decentralized application (Dapp) based on blockchain for use by individuals with a high risk of HIV and accredited testing agencies (ATAs). Following testing, only the HIV-negative results (or linked information) are uploaded to the blockchain, which results in high-risk individuals being able to determine the HIV-negative status of each other anonymously, conveniently, and credibly.

Results

Future work includes the following: (1) a survey of the willingness to use Dapps among high-HIV-risk populations, (2) a larger framework containing both HDV and people living with HIV (PLH) and discussing the influence of HDV on PLH and its possible solutions, and (3) coordinating with the blockchain development team, ATAs, community-based organizations, and third-party organizations to raise funds, develop the Dapp, formulate detailed plans, and publicize and promote it. The exact timeline for achieving these objectives cannot be determined at present.

Conclusions

The HDV strategy may reduce the occurrence of high-risk sexual behavior and effectively protect susceptible populations; combined with current strategies, it is a promising solution to prevent the spread of HIV. The included concepts of decentralized surveillance and surveillance as intervention may spark a change in current infectious disease prevention and control modes to introduce beneficial innovations in public health systems globally.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

PRR1-10.2196/37133
Virtual Reality Training Using Nintendo Wii Games for Patients With Stroke: Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Anwar Naveed , Karimi Hossein , Ahmad Ashfaq , Gilani Syed Amir , Khalid Kehkshan , Aslam Ahmed Sohaib , Hanif Asif
Published: June 2022

BACKGROUND

Stroke is a leading cause of disability. It is difficult to devise an optimal rehabilitation plan once stroke survivors are back home. Conventional rehabilitative therapies are extensively used in patients with stroke to recover motor functioning and disability, but these are arduous and expensive. Virtual reality (VR) video games inspire patients to get involved in their therapeutic exercise routine in a fun way. VR in the form of games provides a fruitful, secure, and challenging learning environment for motor control and neural plasticity development in rehabilitation. The effects of upper limb sensorimotor functioning and balance are the main focus of this trial.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to compare the effects of VR training and routine physical therapy on balance and upper extremity sensorimotor function in patients with stroke.

METHODS

It was a single assessor-blinded randomized clinical trial. A total of 74 participants with their first chronic stroke were included and rehabilitated in a clinical setting. The lottery method was used to randomly assign patients to either the VR group (n=37) or the routine physical therapy group (n=37). The VR group received a 1-hour session of VR training for 3 weekdays over 6 weeks, and the routine physical therapy group received different stretching and strengthening exercises. The outcome measuring tools were the Berg Balance Scale for balance and the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (upper extremity) scale for sensorimotor, joint pain, and range assessment. The assessment was done at the start of treatment and after the 6 weeks of intervention. Data analysis was done using SPSS 22.

RESULTS

The trial was completed by 68 patients. A significant difference between the two groups was found in the Berg Balance Scale score (P<.001), Fugl-Meyer Assessment for motor function (P=.03), and Fugl-Meyer Assessment for joint pain and joint range (P<.001); however, no significant difference (P=.19) in the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for upper extremity sensation was noted.

CONCLUSIONS

VR training is helpful for improving balance and function of the upper extremities in the routine life of patients with stroke; although, it was not found to be better than conventional training in improving upper limb sensation. VR training can be a better option in a rehabilitation plan designed to increase functional capability.

CLINICALTRIAL

Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials RCT20190715044216N1; https://www.irct.ir/user/trial/40898/view
Evaluation of Web-Based Health Information From the Perspective of Women With Eating Disorders: Thematic Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Drtilova Hana , Machackova Hana , Smahelova Martina
Published: June 2022

BACKGROUND

Users with experience of eating disorders use the internet as a source of information, whether for prorecovery activities (such as web-based treatment, looking for information, support, and sharing) or activities that promote eating disorder behavior as a desirable lifestyle choice (such as pro–eating disorder communities and reading and creating pro–eating disorder posts). Their assessment of web-based eating disorder–related information is crucial for understanding the context of the illness and for health professionals and their web-based interventions.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to understand the criteria young women with the experience of eating disorders use in evaluating eating disorder–related web-based information and what eating disorder–related characteristics of these women are involved in their evaluation.

METHODS

We analyzed 30 semistructured individual interviews with Czech women aged 16 to 28 years with past or present eating disorder experience using a qualitative approach. Thematic analysis was adopted as an analytical tool.

RESULTS

The specifics of eating disorder phases (the disorder stage and the treatment process) emerged as important aspects in the process of information assessment. Other specific characteristics of respondents (eg, motivation, abilities, and resources) addressed how the respondents arrived at certain web-based information and how they evaluated it. In addition, the respondents described some content cues as features of information (eg, novelty and social information pooling). Another finding is that other users’ attitudes, experiences, activities, and personal features are involved in the information evaluation of these users and the information presented by them. Finally, the respondents evaluated the websites’ visual look and graphic components.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that web-based information evaluation reported by women with experience of eating disorders is a complex process. The assessment is influenced by current personal characteristics related to the illness (mainly the motivation for maintaining or curing the eating disorder) using cues associated with information content, other users, and website look. The study findings have important implications for health professionals, who should ask their clients questions about web-based communities and their needs to understand what information and sources they choose.