bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Curbing Adolescent Illicit Drug use in Owerri Metropolis, Nigeria: A Public Perceptive.
Authors: U. Ogu Udochukwu , Ezumah Nkoli , Odii Aloysius , Uguru Nkolika P.
Published: October 2020

Background: In order to reduce the rate of illicit drug use, the public has an important role to play, therefore how they perceive illicit drug use among youths must be ascertained. This study, seeks to ascertain public perception on strategies for curbing adolescent drug use.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional research design was used for the study. The study adopted a mixed method approach comprising quantitative and qualitative methods. The study population consisted of members of the public aged 18 years and above, residing in Owerri metropolis at the time of the study. A total of 10 communities were selected randomly in all: four communities from the 16 communities that make up Owerri West, five communities from the 18 communities that make up Owerri North and one community from the five communities that make up Owerri Municipal. A total of 16 respondents were purposively selected for in-depth interviews.Results: The quantitative findings show that 70.7% of respondents believe that the use of illicit drugs by adolescents can be controlled. The findings also show that one of the ways to control adolescent drug use is to establish stringent anti-illicit drugs consumption laws/policies (20.4%) amongst others. The qualitative findings report that in order to curb the use of drugs by adolescents, the following activities and bodies need to be implored: health promotion, raising more awareness and sensitization campaigns, creation of remand homes for juveniles, the involvement of parents, school authorities and religious organizations and rehabilitation programmes. However, raising awareness, according to the study was reported as a reliable way in eliminating drug use among adolescents.Conclusion: To curb illicit drug use, proper funding of drug enforcement agencies, sensitization campaigns, strict laws on drug prescription, provision and use and health education etc. are very necessary for reducing adolescents’ illicit drug consumption.
ASFP (AI-based Scoring Function Platform): a web server for the development of customized scoring functions
Authors: Zhang Xujun , Shen Chao , Wang Zhe , Weng Gaoqi , Ye Qing , Wang Gaoang , He Qiaojun , Yang Bo , Cao Dongsheng , Hou Tingjun
Published: October 2020

Virtual screening (VS) based on molecular docking has emerged as one of the mainstream technologies of drug discovery due to its low cost and high efficiency. However, the scoring functions (SFs) implemented in most docking programs are not always accurate enough and how to improve their prediction accuracy is still a big challenge. Here, we propose an integrated platform called ASFP, a web server for the development of customized SFs for structure-based VS. There are three main modules in ASFP: 1) the descriptor generation module that can generate up to 3437 descriptors for the modelling of protein-ligand interactions; 2) the AI-based SF construction module that can establish target-specific SFs based on the pre-generated descriptors through three machine learning (ML) techniques; 3) the online prediction module that provides some well-constructed target-specific SFs for VS and a generic SF for binding affinity prediction. Our methodology has been validated on several benchmark datasets. The target-specific SFs can achieve an average ROC AUC of 0.841 towards 32 targets and the generic SF can achieve the Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.81 on the PDBbind version 2016 core set. To sum up, the ASFP server is a powerful tool for structure-based VS and binding affinity prediction.
Availability and Implementation: ASFP web server is freely available at http://cadd.zju.edu.cn/asfp/.
A system approach to simulation of individual food products
Authors: Lisitsyn A. B. , Chernukha I. M. , Nikitina M. A.
Published: October 2020

There is no doubt that the further development in the field of nutrition is linked with personalization. Nutrition management with account for metabolism plays a key role in health strengthening and prevention of human diseases. The paper gives a review of studies associated with personalized nutrition. Personalized nutrition is inextricably linked with personalized food products. At present, however, mass production of personalized food products for individuals or small groups of people is unfeasible. The devel‑ opment of personalized food products requires both time and labor input, as well as multidisciplinary and profound knowledge in a wide spectrum of areas associated with biology, medicine, nutrition and food systems. Among the most important characteristics of modern science is the study of complex and super-complex organized objects such as the food system. These objects were studied previously but by the way of significant simplification of their structure. Investigation of objects with all variety and complexity of their organization requires not only new scientific ideas but also a new conceptual framework, new research methodology, new approaches to simulation of both products and physiological processes. In this study, the authors made an attempt to bring the theoretical view on an individual product closer to the complex task solution using the method of mathematical physiology. The intuitive conceptual model for a process of food design is shown with regard to the “health passport” of an individual, disease risk and gastrointestinal (GI) tract status. The differential equations of the concentration dynamics of protein, denatured protein and peptides in the human stomach are presented. The differential equations that describe the process of protein assimilation in the human stomach were solved in the simulation environment Simplex 3. The presented fragments of model realization show the pos‑ sibility of virtual study on an effect of different indicators of the food nutritional value on the rate of digestion and the process of cleavage of complex components (proteins, fats and carbohydrates) to mono-structural elements depending on different state and influence factors.
The changes in the amino and fatty acid profiles in the semifinished foodstuffs based on broiler meat and components of chicken eggs after different types of thermal treatment
Authors: Stefanova I. L. , Shakhnazarova L. V. , Klimenkova A. Yu. , Sorokina I. M.
Published: October 2020

The changes in the amino and fatty acid profiles in the semifinished foodstuffs (SFFs) based on broiler meat and coagulated chicken egg melange after different types of thermal treatment (water or steam boiling, braising, baking, frying) were studied. The amino acid profiles were determined on Knauer analyzer; tryptophan by standard method. The biological value of the treated products was assessed using amino acid balance coefficients calculated by the method of N. N. Lipatov. It was found that the changes in the initial amino acid profiles of the SFFs were the least after water and steam boiling; braising and baking were found to increase the contents of the essential amino acids. The amino acid profiles in the treated SFFs were close to the reference values. The best criteria of their biological value (coefficient of rationality of amino acid composition, comparable redundance) were found after water and steam boiling. It was found that all types of thermal treatments insignificantly affected the parameters of fatty acid balance within the SFFs; the changes found were primarily related to slight increase in total content of saturated fatty acids and increase in total content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in compare to initial profiles, by 2.64–3.88% depending on the treatment type. The changes in ω‑6/ω‑3 PUFAs ratios were more substantial especially after braising
Allergenomics and analysis of causes of unintentional incorpo‑ ration of substances capable of causing IgE‑mediated food allergy into meat products
Authors: Kryuchenko E. V. , Kuzlyakina Yu. A. , Zamula V. S. , Chernukha I. M.
Published: October 2020

The article discusses the definition and mechanism of IgE‑mediated food allergy, provides an overview of the legal regulation of the production and labeling of allergen-containing food products. In order to prevent the inadvertent appearance of allergens in products during their production, an allergenomics procedure is required — a comprehensive assessment of the allergic potential of a food product: allergenicity of product ingredients, risk analysis, and the procedure for managing allergens in the production.
Ljudska priroda i kontekst napretka
Authors: Đurić Jelena
Published: October 2020

Namjera je pokazati kako značenje ‘ljudske prirode’ proizlazi iz pogleda na svijet kakav u kontekstu napretka modernizacije vodi obezvrjeđivanju značenja pojma ljudsko. Ukazuje se na potrebu za takvom rekonceptualizacijom ljudske prirode kakva bi povezala globalne procese i onto-epistemo-etičke aspekte općeg pogleda na svijet. Ti bi aspekti predstavljali samorazumijevanje suvremene kulture. Prepreka je tom cilju aporetična struktura mišljenja, čiji se modernizacijski kontekst napretka temelji na odvajanju prirode i kulture. Odvajanjem se uspostavlja (ne)mogućnost odgovora na pitanje o tome je li kultura, kao izraz ljudske prirode, dio prirode ili je priroda, kao proizvod ljudske spoznaje, dio kulture. Umjesto nastojanja posthumanizma da tu nedoumicu riješi ukidanjem pojma ljudsko, što ne donosi rješenje ni ekološke ni drugih tipova krize, potrebno je redefinirati pojam ljudska priroda.
Sveobuhvatnost i razložnost koncepcija dobra u raspravi političkog liberalizma i perfekcionizma
Authors: Sládeček Michal
Published: October 2020

U članku se tvrdi da John Rawls u svojoj kritici perfekcionizma sa stajališta liberalističke neutralnosti razmatra koncepcije dobra bez demarkacije između njih, odnosno bez njihova razlikovanja. Naime, Rawls ne razrješava pitanje o tome je li tu riječ o sveobuhvatnoj religijskoj odnosno filozofsko-etičkoj koncepciji ili je riječ o parcijalnom poimanju lokalnih vrijednosti, dobara i ciljeva. Bez obzira na spornu upotrebu pojma sveobuhvatnosti, neophodno je zadržati koncept razložnosti jer poimanja dobra, da bi bila relevantna u političkoj raspravi, trebaju biti relativno dobro zasnovana, konzistentna i koherentna. Kada se pođe od danih razlikovanja, može se tvrditi da u pojedinim slučajevima uvođenje razmatranja određenih dobara u rasprave o osnovnim principima političkog ustrojstva može biti dobro potkrepljeno i, sa stajališta razložnog pluralizma, moralno opravdano. Ipak, umjereni liberalistički perfekcionizam treba precizirati odnose li se političke odluke na stvaranje opcija, na promociju vrijednih ili na odvraćanje od bezvrijednih dobara i u skladu s tim treba odrediti doseg perfekcionističkih mjera.
Pojam čovjeka kao socijalno konstituiranog sebstva u Taylorovoj teoriji morala
Authors: Ilazi Hasnija , Gola Ardian
Published: October 2020

Razumijevanje čovjeka u Taylorovoj teoriji modernog društva uključuje u sebe vanjske komponente koje ga određuju – moralni okviri i društvena zajednica – te unutarnje komponente – kapacitete koji mu omogućavaju da se orijentira prema najvišim vrednotama, među kojima je najvažnija komponenta snažnog vrednovanja. Čovjek shvaćen kao sebstvo, osoba, subjekt ili identitet zasjenjuje, međutim, svoju multidimenzionalnost upućenošću na ekskluzivnost dimenzije moralnog dobra kao osnove čovjekova samovrednovanja. Rad obrađuje Taylorovu moralnu ontologiju, odnos sebstva i dobra te zasnovanost kreiranja modernog identiteta kao sinonima modernog čovjeka, na njegovom pozicioniranju u odnosu na najviše moralne vrednote.
U mrežama normi: Brandomovo razumijevanje racionalnosti
Authors: Šljivo Kenan
Published: October 2020

U ovom se radu analizira koncepcija racionalnosti koju u svom filozofskom učenju razvija Robert Brandom. Radi se o analizi Brandomova pragmatički orijentiranog diskursa koji se odnosi na pitanje racionalnosti iz perspektive čovjekovih jezičnih praksi, gdje se tek u susretu s drugim pripadnicima određene jezične zajednice manifestiraju oni aspekti ljudske prirode koje možemo označiti terminom racionalnost. Ono što čini središnji dio ovog rada odnosi se na Brandomov normativni idiom koji on postulira kao onaj koji je eksplanatorno najpodobniji za razumijevanje jezičnih praksi i na njima zasnovane ideje racionalnosti.
Separation of variables bases for integrable $gl_{\mathcal{M}|\mathcal{N}}$ and Hubbard models
Authors: Maillet Jean Michel , Niccoli Giuliano , Vignoli Louis
Published: October 2020

We construct quantum Separation of Variables (SoV) bases for both the
fundamental inhomogeneous %
gl_{\mathcal{M}|\mathcal{N}}glℳ|𝒩
supersymmetric integrable models and for the inhomogeneous Hubbard model
both defined with quasi-periodic twisted boundary conditions given by
twist matrices having simple spectrum. The SoV bases are obtained by
using the integrable structure of these quantum models, i.e. the
associated commuting transfer matrices, following the general scheme
introduced in [1]; namely, they are given by set of states generated by
the multiple actions of the transfer matrices on a generic co-vector.
The existence of such SoV bases implies that the corresponding transfer
matrices have non-degenerate spectrum and that they are diagonalizable
with simple spectrum if the twist matrices defining the quasi-periodic
boundary conditions have that property. Moreover, in these SoV bases the
resolution of the transfer matrix eigenvalue problem leads to the
resolution of the full spectral problem, i.e. both eigenvalues and
eigenvectors. Indeed, to any eigenvalue is associated the unique (up to
a trivial overall normalization) eigenvector whose wave-function in the
SoV bases is factorized into products of the corresponding transfer
matrix eigenvalue computed on the spectrum of the separated variables.
As an application, we characterize completely the transfer matrix
spectrum in our SoV framework for the fundamental
gl_{1|2}gl1|2
supersymmetric integrable model associated to a special class of twist
matrices. From these results we also prove the completeness of the Bethe
Ansatz for that case. The complete solution of the spectral problem for
fundamental inhomogeneous gl_{\mathcal{M}|\mathcal{N}}glℳ|𝒩
supersymmetric integrable models and for the inhomogeneous Hubbard model
under the general twisted boundary conditions will be addressed in a
future publication.
Synthesis of 1,2,3-Triazole Benzophenone Derivatives and Evaluation of in vitro Sun Protection, Antioxidant Properties, and Antiproliferative Activity on HT-144 Melanoma Cells
Authors: Dias Maria , de Sousa Bianca , Ionta Marisa , Teixeira Róbson , Goulart Thiago , Ferreira-Silva Guilherme , Pilau Eduardo , dos Santos Marcelo
Published: October 2020

Benzophenones display several biological activities, including antioxidant, anticancer, and photoprotective. Furthermore, antioxidants can minimize both ultraviolet absorption and tumor development. In the present investigation, a series of twenty-six 1,2,3-triazole-benzophenone derivatives were synthesized and had their antioxidant, anticancer, and photoprotective effects evaluated. For the compounds synthesis, 4,4’-dihydroxybenzophenone (1a) and 2,4-dihydroxybenzophenone (1b) were propargylated, affording the alkynes bis(4-(prop-2-yn1-yloxy))benzophenone (2a) and (2-hydroxy-4-(prop-2-yn-1-yloxy))benzophenone (2b), respectively. The copper(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) reaction between the compounds 2a/2b and several benzyl azides gave the 1,2,3-triazole-benzophenone derivatives with yields ranging from 35 to 95%. The 1,2,3-triazole-benzophenone derivatives at the concentration of 0.2 μg mL−1 (a no-cytotoxic concentration) exhibited a solar protection factor (SPF) comparable to positive control benzophonen-3 (BP-3). Concerning their antioxidant and cytotoxic effects, the derivatives from 1b showed high in vitro antioxidant effects as well as cytotoxicity against A549 (lung carcinoma), MCF-7 (breast carcinoma), and HT-144 (metastatic melanoma) cell lines, without significant cytotoxicity to a non-cancerous cell line. Derivatives 19, 20, and 24 induced cell death and cell cycle arrest at G1/S in HT-144 melanoma cells.
On the theory of hydrate formation decomposition under thermal influence
Authors: Shagapov V.Sh. , Davletshina M.R.
Published: October 2020

A mathematical model of the process of decomposition of gas hydrate during heat exposure is proposed and developed. Based on the proposed technological scheme and the corresponding theoretical model, the problem of the action of a heat source on a porous layer of finite length, initially saturated with methane hydrate, is considered. The task describes the heating and simultaneous extraction of gas into a combined well. According to the adopted scheme, a coolant in the form of hot water is supplied to the annular channel, and the internal well communicates with the formation and gas is produced there, which was formed during the hydrate decomposition as a result of thermal exposure. The influence of the temperature of the heat source on the evolution of thermal fields around the well, on the nature of the motion of the phase transition boundary, is studied, and the law of its motion is obtained. The heat consumption for heating the formation and the evolution of gas output over the considered time interval at various values of the heating temperature and pressure drop are analyzed. The dynamics of the gas mass flow rate and the energy efficiency of methane production at various values of the temperature difference between the reservoir and the fluid injected into the heat pipe are revealed. A quasistationary solution is obtained that corresponds to the case when a pressure is maintained in the well equal to the equilibrium value for the initial temperature of the gas hydrate formation. The dependence of the energy efficiency of the proposed method of gas production on the porosity of the formation is analyzed. It was established that with a twofold increase in the hydrate content of the formation, this value grows by about ten percent. The obtained solutions make it possible to determine the most favorable heat exposure regimes. Moreover, this solution is in good agreement with the numerical results obtained by a more general theoretical model.
Determination of the speed and density of the fluid inside the pipeline on elastic supports
Authors: Yulmukhametov A.A. , Khakimov A.G.
Published: October 2020

The natural frequencies of the bending vibrations of the pipeline are investigated. The pipe sags over the obstacle and is under the action of tensile force. Outside the sagging area, the pipe rests on elastic supports. The fluid transported through the pipeline is under pressure. The direct problem was solved earlier, in this article, the inverse problem of identifying the speed and density of the transported fluid by the known natural frequencies of bending vibrations is solved. The equation of bending vibrations of a pipeline is described by the Kirchhoff model. The characteristic equation is solved using Ferrari formulas. The general decision is determined. We substitute the general solution into the boundary conditions and obtain a system of equations. This system gives a frequency equation, which is solved numerically on a developed program in the Maple package. The method of successive approximations is applied, after the third iteration, the accuracy of calculating the parameters of the velocity and density of the liquid is approximately 10−3. Thus, it was found that with an increase in the oscillation frequency, the density of the liquid inside the pipe decreases. It is determined that with increasing natural frequencies of pipe bending vibrations, the fluid velocity parameter increases. It is shown that the two lower frequencies of bending vibrations of the pipeline can be used to determine the parameters of the velocity and density of the liquid. The dependence of the mass flow rate of the liquid on the first natural frequency of the pipe oscillations is given. It is shown that with increasing frequency, the mass flow rate decreases. The research results will help the development of acoustic diagnostic methods and non-destructive testing methods and will find technical application for monitoring and diagnosing the state of pipeline systems.
Indicadores de calidad en educación superior
Authors: Sánchez Quintero Jairo
Published: October 2020

Los Indicadores de calidad en educación superior son señales, variables, o expresiones cualitativas y cuantitativas que evidencian la significación del grado, medida, existencia y evolución de condiciones de calidad (entendida como valor agregado y satisfacción de los estudiantes y la sociedad) en relación con su mejoramiento. Esta obra resultante de 11 años de investigación presenta un sistema de indicadores de calidad tipo balanced scorecard resultante del estudio y análisis de literatura internacional, entrevistas realizadas a directivos de programas académicos universitarios, pares evaluadores de acreditación, profesores y egresados. Adicionalmente, los indicadores que conforman el sistema resultaron del análisis de programas que obtuvieron los mejores resultados en las pruebas ECAES (Exámenes de Calidad de la Educación Superior) en Colombia, 2004-2010, experiencias de programas acreditados y no acreditados por alta calidad y propuestas de lineamientos de acreditación del Consejo Nacional de Acreditación CNA 2006 y 2013. Los indicadores del sistema que se propone en este libro aplican a los procesos estratégicos de programas académicos universitarios. En consecuencia, su lectura es crucial para rectores, vicerrectores, decanos, directores de programas académicos, directores de departamentos o áreas académicas, investigadores, profesores, estudiantes, funcionarios de ministerios de educación, legisladores y toda persona interesada en el mejoramiento de la educación superior.
Evidence and the Main Adverse Effects Regarding Drug Therapies in the War Against COVID-19
Authors: Mora-Ramírez Mauricio , Melgoza-Hernández Paulina , Toledo-Ramírez Sebastian Eduardo , Aranguré Juan Manuel Mejía
Published: October 2020

Background:

Nowadays, the breakthrough of COVID-19 pandemic around
the world is the biggest health challenge for the clinicians, and it represents an unexpected
effort to identify an effective treatment for those patients. No proven definitive therapies
for this infection currently exist. Unfortunately, the infected patients increased in an
alarming way every day, faster than medical evidence. At present, the expanding knowledge
regarding SARS-COV-2 virology provides several potential drug targets.

Objective:

Therefore, clinicians need a rapid review and guideline about the main adverse
effects regarding the most prescribed drugs and, specifically, the efficacy and potential
risk of each pharmacological therapy, during hospital care.

Methods:

The articles review was performed using PubMed to identify relevant papers in
English language reported through July 20th, 2020; a second review was performed using
Web of Science until August 28th, 2020. Due to the lack of randomized clinical trials,
we included case reports, case series and reviews. We found a total of 1606 related articles.
The authors independently reviewed the titles and abstracts for inclusion.

Conclusion:

At present, despite the enormous medical effort for publishing several trials
or case reports, we have not yet discovered a definitive therapy against the COVID-19 infection.
This brief review aims to prompt identification of risk factors and main adverse
effects in a systematic view related to therapy with partial evidence proposed to date.
DLEU2: A Meaningful Long Noncoding RNA in Oncogenesis
Authors: Xu Wen , Wang Bei , Cai Yuxuan , Guo Chong , Liu Kai , Yuan Chengfu
Published: October 2020

Background:

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) with little or no coding ability has shown a variety
of biological functions in cancer, including epigenetic regulation, DNA damage, regulation of microRNAs, and
participation in signal transduction pathways. LncRNA can be used as an oncogene and tumor suppressor gene
through transcriptional regulation in cancer. For example, the over-expressed lncRNA DLEU2 promotes the occurrence
of laryngeal cancer, lung cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, etc., and inhibits the progression of chronic
lymphocytic leukemia. Deleted in Lymphocytic Leukemia 2 (DLEU2), as one of the long non-coding RNAs,
was first found in chronic lymphoblastic leukemia and drawn into the progress of innumerable cancers. The
molecular mechanism of DLEU2 in multiple tumors will be revealed.

Methods:

In this review, current studies on the biological functions and mechanisms of DLEU2 in tumors are
summarized and analyzed; related researches are systematically retrieved and collected through PubMed.

Results:

DLEU2, a novel cancer-related lncRNA, has been demonstrated to be abnormally expressed in various
malignant tumors, including leukemia, esophageal cancer, lung cancer, glioma, hepatocellular carcinoma, malignant
pleural mesothelioma, bladder cancer, pancreatic cancer, pharynx and throat cancer, renal clear cell carcinoma,
breast cancer, osteosarcoma. Besides, lncRNA DLEU2 has been shown to be involved in the process of
proliferation, migration, invasion and inhibition of apoptosis of cancer cells.

Conclusion:

Due to the biological functions and mechanisms involved in DLEU2, it may represent an available
biomarker or potential therapeutic target in a variety of malignant tumors.
Dendrimer Porphyrins: Applications in Nanomedicine
Authors: García-Álvarez Fernando , Martínez-García Marcos
Published: October 2020

Nanomedicine is a fascinating field of multidisciplinary study focused on developing techniques that fight various diseases using nanoparticles. Among the various nanoparticles used in nanomedicine, dendrimers have received increasing interest in recent years because of the versatility that their structural characteristics give them. Specifically, dendrimer porphyrins are compounds that incorporate macro heterocyclic-aromatic units within the dendritic architecture and exhibit interesting photodynamic properties that are used to combat various diseases using non-invasive methods. In the past 17 years, few studies of the application of dendrimer porphyrins in nanomedicine have been published. This review focuses on presenting recent studies of dendrimer porphyrins with possible applications in the field of nanomedicine.
Mechanistic Insights to the Binding of Antibody CR3022 Against RBD from SARS-CoV and HCoV-19/SARS-CoV-2: A Computational Study
Authors: Yu Wei , Wu Xiaomin , Ren Jiayi , Zhang Xiaochun , Wang Yueming , Li Chengming , Xu Wenwen , Li Jason , Li Gang , Zheng Weihong , Liao Huaxin , Yuan Xiaohui
Published: October 2020

Aims & Objective:

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the human
coronavirus 2019 (HCoV-19, also known as SARS-CoV-2) infection is currently in a global
outbreak. COVID-19 has posed a huge threat to public health and economic stability worldwide.
CR3022, a human monoclonal neutralizing antibody isolated from a Severe Acute Respiratory
Syndrome (SARS) recovery patient, was confirmed to be able to bind the S protein of HCoV-19
with a certain degree of neutralizing activity. Crystal structural information indicated that CR3022
could bind to the epitope on the receptor binding domain (RBD) of HCoV-19, whose epitope
consists of 28 amino acids, and 24 of them are conserved in SARS-CoV of SARS. However, the
crystal structure is only a static conformation at a certain moment in time, and it cannot provide
dynamic details of the interaction between antigen and antibody.

Methods:

In this study, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation combined with MM/PBSA and CAS
methods were performed to investigate the mechanism of binding of CR3022 against SARS-CoVRBD
and HCoV-19-RBD in order to determine their holographic dynamic information.

Results:

It was found that the CR3022-SARS-CoV-RBD complex was more stable during 100ns
MD run than that of the CR3022-HCoV-19-RBD system. There were common conservative amino
acids on the β2 sheet of RBD, including Tyr369, Phe377, Lys378, Tyr380, Gly381, Lys386,
Leu390 and others. These conservative amino acids play significant roles in the binding process of
CR3022 antibody against SARS-CoV-RBD and HCoV-19-RBD. It was also found that the binding
mode of CR3022 to its native target SARS-CoV-RBD is more comprehensive and uniform.
Moreover, the β2 sheet residue Thr385 and non-β2 sheet residues Arg408 and Asp428 of the
CR3022-SARS-CoV-RBD system were found to be crucial for their binding affinities, thus
forming a special conformational epitope. However, these key amino acids are not present in the
CR3022-HCoV-19-RBD system. The binding mode of CR3022 and HCoV-19-RBD is similar to
that of SARS-CoV-RBD, but the deficiency of crucial hydrogen-bonds and salt-bridges. Therefore,
the binding of CR3022 and HCoV-19-RBD only draws on the partial mode of the binding of
CR3022 and SARS-CoV-RBD, so there is a loss of affinity.

Conclusion:

Thus, in order to better fight the epidemic of COVID-19 with the CR3022 antibody,
this antibody needs to further improve the neutralization efficiency of HCoV-19 through mutation
of it’s CDR region.
Enhanced Oral Bioavailability of Etodolac by the Liquisolid Compact Technique: Optimisation, In-Vitro and In-Vivo Evaluation
Authors: Pathak Bhumin K. , Raghav Meenakshi , Thakkar Arti R. , Vyas Bhavin A. , Shah Pranav J.
Published: October 2020

Background:

Poor dissolution of Etodolac is one of the major challenges in achieving
the desired therapeutic effect in oral therapy.

Objective:

This study aimed to assess the potential of the liquisolid compact technique in increasing
the rate of dissolution of Etodolac and thus its bioavailability.

Methods:

Liquisolid compacts were prepared using PEG 400, Avicel PH-200 and Aerosil 200 as
non-volatile liquid, carrier and coating material, respectively. The optimisation was carried out by
applying a 32 full factorial design using Design expert software 11.0.3.0 to examine the effects of
independent variables (load factor and carrier: coating ratio) on dependent variables (angle of repose
and % cumulative drug release at 30 min [Q 30 min]). Assessment of bioavailability was based
on a pharmacokinetic study on rabbits and pharmacodynamics evaluation on rats, respectively.

Results:

The formulation M3 was identified as the optimised formulation based on the better flow
(lower angle of repose) and a higher rate of dissolution (Q 30 min >95%). The higher dissolution rate
could be due to conversion of Etodolac into an amorphous molecularly dispersed state, availability
of larger surface area, enhancement of aqueous solubility and enhanced wetting of drug particles.
Studies with DSC, XRD, and SEM verified the transformation of Etodolac from crystalline to
amorphous state, a key factor responsible for improving the dissolution rate. The pharmacokinetic
profile of M3 was prominent, demonstrating higher absorption of Etodolac in comparison to oral
suspension and immediate-release conventional tablets in rabbits. Liquisolid formulation exhibited
a 27% increment in paw thickness as compared to 57% and 46% increments for oral suspension
and immediate-release conventional tablets, respectively, after 7 hrs in the carrageenan-induced
paw model in rats.

Conclusion:

The results indicated the liquisolid compact technique to be a promising strategy to enhance
the bioavailability of Etodolac.
Evaluation of Inflammatory Biomarkers in Iranian Patients with Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Ghaffaripour Hosseinali , Mirkarimi Mohammadreza , Hassanzad Maryam , Boloursaz Mohammadreza , Mohammadi Shooka
Published: October 2020

Background::

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disease characterized by a
progressive and recurrent lung infection.

Objective::

This study aimed to evaluate the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and their correlations
with lung function in CF patients.

Methods::

A matched case-control study was conducted among 18 CF (children and adults) and 18
control patients (age and gender-matched) who were admitted to Masih Daneshvari Hospital
(Tehran, Iran). The controls had no obvious inflammatory lung disease. The samples of bronchoalveolar
lavage (BAL) fluid, serum, and sputum of participants were collected to determine concentrations
of inflammatory cytokines such as interleukins (IL-8, IL-1β) and tumour necrosis factor-
alpha (TNF-α) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Spirometry was applied
and functional pulmonary indices [forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1
second (FEV1)] were assessed.

Results::

The mean age of CF patients was 15.43 ± 5.970 years (range 4-24). The FVC in a majority
of the CF patients (66.7%) was below 60% and only 33.3% of the patients exhibited normal or
mild respiratory dysfunction. There were significant differences between FVC and FEV1 measurements
before and after bronchoscopy. In addition, IL-8 levels in all three samples (serum, sputum,
and BAL) of CF patients and levels of IL-1β and TNF-α in BAL and sputum samples of CF patients
were significantly higher than the control group (p<0.001). However, increased cytokine levels
were not associated with lung function.

Conclusion::

Increased IL-8 and TNF-α levels seemed to be associated with signs of clinical deterioration
and might be useful as diagnostic markers.
Efficacy and Cardiovascular Safety of Thiazolidinediones
Authors: Raveendran Arkiath Veettil , Fernandez Cornelius James , Jacob Koshy
Published: October 2020

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by a progressive beta cell dysfunction
in the setting of peripheral insulin resistance. Insulin resistance in subjects with type 2 diabetes and
metabolic syndrome is primarily caused by an ectopic fat accumulation in the liver and skeletal
muscle. Insulin sensitizers are particularly important in the management of T2DM. Though thiazolidinediones
(TZDs) are principally insulin sensitizers, they possess an ability to preserve pancreatic
β-cell function and thereby exhibit durable glycemic control. Cardiovascular outcome trials
(CVOTs) have shown that Glucagon-like-peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) and sodium glucose
transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) have proven cardiovascular safety. In this era of CVOTs,
drugs with proven cardiovascular (CV) safety are often preferred in patients with preexisting cardiovascular
disease or at risk of cardiovascular disease. In this review, we will describe the three
available drugs belonging to the TZD family, with special emphasis on their efficacy and CV safety.
Nanobiocatalysts: Cu/TiO2-SiO2 Nanoparticles as Tissue-Regeneration Treatment for Diabetic Foot Ulcers: In Vivo Studies
Authors: López-Goerne Tessy , Padilla-Godínez Francisco J. , Pérez-Dávalos Luis , Ramírez-Olivares Paola , Arellano Daniela
Published: October 2020

Background:

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) exhibit 80% of prevalence in Mexico. Efficient tissue regeneration therapies are the key factors to avoid amputations.

Objective:

In this study, the healing properties of a Cu/TiO2-SiO2nanobiocatalyst applied in DFUs were analyzed. Furthermore, the morphology and crystalline structures were characterized.

Methods:

The nanobiocatalyst was synthesized by a sol-gel patented method proposed by López et al. The compound was characterized by scanning and transmission electron microscopies and Xray diffraction. The nanoparticles were embedded in a polymeric gel matrix (nanogel), which was utilized as a conservative therapy for chronic non-healing DFU in 8 patients with several comorbidities and chronic complications of diabetes. Wound debridement was performed prior to the nanogel administration. The nanogel was applied over the ulcers on alternate days for different periods of time, depending on the case.

Results:

Significant improvement in terms of enhanced epithelialization was observed in the wound healing process after a few applications. Infection spread was limited, and tissue regeneration was enhanced, with significant healing of the ulcers observed in each case. Furthermore, the successful outcome allowed to avoid the amputations that were proposed to some of the patients.

Conclusion:

The study proved the efficiency of the nanobiocatalyst as a safe, conservative therapy for chronic non-healing DFUs. Further investigation must be carried out to fully elucidate the wound-healing mechanisms of the nanoparticles.
Design and Experiment of Capacitive Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducer Array for High-frequency Underwater Imaging
Authors: Yu Yuanyu , Wang Jiujiang , Liu Xin , Pun Sio H. , Qiu Weibao , Zhang Shuang , Cheng Ching H. , Lei Kin F. , Vai Mang I. , Mak Peng U.
Published: October 2020

Background::

Ultrasound is widely used in the applications of underwater imaging. Capacitive
micromachined ultrasonic transducer (CMUT) is a promising candidate for the traditional
piezoelectric ultrasonic transducer. In underwater ultrasound imaging, better resolutions can be
achieved with a higher frequency ultrasound. Therefore, a CMUT array for high-frequency ultrasound
imaging is proposed in this work.

Methods::

Analytical methods were used to calculate the center frequency in water and the pull-in
voltage for determining the operating point of CMUT. A finite element method model was developed
to finalize the design parameters. The CMUT array was fabricated with a five-mask sacrificial
release process.

Results::

The CMUT array owned an immersed center frequency of 2.6 MHz with a 6 dB fractional
bandwidth of 123 %. The pull-in voltage of the CMUT array was 85 V. An underwater imaging experiment
was carried out with the target of three steel wires.

Conclusion::

In this study, we have developed CMUT for high-frequency underwater imaging.
The experiment showed that the CMUT could detect the steel wires with a diameter of 100 μm
and the axial resolution was 0.582 mm, which was close to one wavelength of ultrasound in
2.6 MHz
Psychological Impact of Health Risk Communication and Social Media on College Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Li Mengyao , Liu Li , Yang Yilong , Wang Yang , Yang Xiaoshi , Wu Hui
Published: October 2020

Background

The outbreak of COVID-19 began in 2019 and is expected to impact the psychological health of college students. Few studies have investigated the associations among health risk communication, social media, and psychological symptoms during a major pandemic.

Objective

The aim of this research was to assess the prevalence of psychological symptoms among college students and explore their associations with health risk communication and social media.

Methods

A web-based survey was distributed through the Wenjuanxing platform among Chinese college students from March 3-15, 2020. In addition to demographics, information on health risk communication and social media was collected, and the Symptom Checklist 90 Phobia and Health Anxiety Inventory subscale was used to assess psychological symptoms among 1676 college students in China. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to examine these independent risk factors.

Results

The prevalence of panic and health anxiety was 17.2% (288/1676) and 24.3% (408/1676), respectively. Regarding risk communication, understanding the risk of COVID-19 (odds ratio [OR] 0.480, 95% CI 0.367-0.627) was a protective factor against panic. Knowledge of prognosis (OR 0.708, 95% CI 0.551-0.910), preventive measures (OR 0.380, 95% CI 0.195-0.742), and wearing face masks (OR 0.445, 95% CI 0.230-0.862) were shown to be protective factors in predicting health anxiety. Perceived lethality (OR 1.860, 95% CI 1.408-2.459), being affected by the global spread (OR 1.936, 95% CI 1.405-2.669), and impact on social contacts (OR 1.420, 95% CI 1.118-1.802) were identified as significant risk factors associated with health anxiety. In terms of social media, trust in mainstream media (OR 0.613, 95% CI 0.461-0.816) was considered to be a protective factor against health anxiety.

Conclusions

There was a high prevalence of psychological symptoms among college students. Health risk communication and social media use were important in predicting psychological symptoms, especially health anxiety. Scientific and evidence-based information should be reported by social media platforms. Web-based consultation and intervention measures should be the focus of future studies.
Communicative Blame in Online Communication of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Computational Approach of Stigmatizing Cues and Negative Sentiment Gauged With Automated Analytic Techniques
Authors: Chang Angela , Schulz Peter Johannes , Tu ShengTsung , Liu Matthew Tingchi
Published: October 2020

Background

Information about a new coronavirus emerged in 2019 and rapidly spread around the world, gaining significant public attention and attracting negative bias. The use of stigmatizing language for the purpose of blaming sparked a debate.

Objective

This study aims to identify social stigma and negative sentiment toward the blameworthy agents in social communities.

Methods

We enabled a tailored text-mining platform to identify data in their natural settings by retrieving and filtering online sources, and constructed vocabularies and learning word representations from natural language processing for deductive analysis along with the research theme. The data sources comprised of ten news websites, eleven discussion forums, one social network, and two principal media sharing networks in Taiwan. A synthesis of news and social networking analytics was present from December 30, 2019, to March 31, 2020.

Results

We collated over 1.07 million Chinese texts. Almost two-thirds of the texts on COVID-19 came from news services (n=683,887, 63.68%), followed by Facebook (n=297,823, 27.73%), discussion forums (n=62,119, 5.78%), and Instagram and YouTube (n=30,154, 2.81%). Our data showed that online news served as a hotbed for negativity and for driving emotional social posts. Online information regarding COVID-19 associated it with China—and a specific city within China through references to the “Wuhan pneumonia”—potentially encouraging xenophobia. The adoption of this problematic moniker had a high frequency, despite the World Health Organization guideline to avoid biased perceptions and ethnic discrimination. Social stigma is disclosed through negatively valenced responses, which are associated with the most blamed targets.

Conclusions

Our sample is sufficiently representative of a community because it contains a broad range of mainstream online media. Stigmatizing language linked to the COVID-19 pandemic shows a lack of civic responsibility that encourages bias, hostility, and discrimination. Frequently used stigmatizing terms were deemed offensive, and they might have contributed to recent backlashes against China by directing blame and encouraging xenophobia. The implications ranging from health risk communication to stigma mitigation and xenophobia concerns amid the COVID-19 outbreak are emphasized. Understanding the nomenclature and biased terms employed in relation to the COVID-19 outbreak is paramount. We propose solidarity with communication professionals in combating the COVID-19 outbreak and the infodemic. Finding solutions to curb the spread of virus bias, stigma, and discrimination is imperative.
Continuous Glucose Monitoring With Low-Carbohydrate Diet Coaching in Adults With Prediabetes: Mixed Methods Pilot Study
Authors: Yost Olivia , DeJonckheere Melissa , Stonebraker Spring , Ling Grace , Buis Lorraine , Pop-Busui Rodica , Kim Noa , Mizokami-Stout Kara , Richardson Caroline
Published: October 2020

Background

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is preventable; however, few patients with prediabetes participate in prevention programs. The use of user-friendly continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) with low-carbohydrate diet coaching is a novel strategy to prevent T2DM.

Objective

This study aims to determine the patient satisfaction and feasibility of an intervention combining CGM use and low-carbohydrate diet coaching in patients with prediabetes to drive dietary behavior change.

Methods

We conducted a mixed methods, single-arm pilot and feasibility study at a suburban family medicine clinic. A total of 15 adults with prediabetes with hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels between 5.7% and 6.4% and a BMI >30 kg/m2 were recruited to participate. The intervention and assessments took place during 3 in-person study visits and 2 qualitative phone interviews (3 weeks and 6 months after the intervention). During visit 1, participants were asked to wear a CGM and complete a food intake and craving log for 10 days. During visit 2, the food intake and craving log along with the CGM results of the participants were reviewed and the participants received low-carbohydrate diet coaching, including learning about carbohydrates and personalized feedback. A second CGM sensor, with the ability to scan and record glucose trends, was placed, and the participants logged their food intake and cravings as they attempted to reduce their total carbohydrate intake (<100 g/day). During visit 3, the participants reviewed their CGM and log data. The primary outcome was satisfaction with the use of CGM and low-carbohydrate diet. The secondary outcomes included feasibility, weight, and HbA1c change, and percentage of time spent in hyperglycemia. Changes in attitudes and risk perception of developing diabetes were also assessed.

Results

The overall satisfaction rate of our intervention was 93%. The intervention induced a weight reduction of 1.4 lb (P=.02) and a reduction of HbA1c levels by 0.71% (P<.001) since enrollment. Although not significantly, the percentage of time above glucose goal and average daily glucose levels decreased slightly during the study period. Qualitative interview themes indicated no major barriers to CGM use; the acceptance of a low-carbohydrate diet; and that CGMs helped to visualize the impact of carbohydrates on the body, driving dietary changes.

Conclusions

The use of CGMs and low-carbohydrate diet coaching to drive dietary changes in patients with prediabetes is feasible and acceptable to patients. This novel method merits further exploration, as the preliminary data indicate that combining CGM use with low-carbohydrate diet coaching drives dietary changes, which may ultimately prevent T2DM.