bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains isolated from environments and patients analysed by cgMLST: The dominance of the emerging high-risk clone ST463 from intensive care unit in East China
Authors: Shi Weixiao , Zhang Piaopiao , Feng Haiting , Ge Tianxiang , Chen Yunbo , Jiang Yan , Yang Qing , Shen Ping , Ni Lingmei , Xiao Yonghong , Qu Tingting
Published: August 2023

Background: Carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa sequence type 463 (ST463-CRPA) with high-virulence and high-resistance has emerged and spread rapidly in East China. The aim of the study was to investigate the distribution and characteristics of the emerging high-risk ST463-CRPA in intensive care unit (ICU) in East China.
Methods: The 11-month-span study investigated the epidemiological characteristics, genetic composition, and transmission pattern of CRPA isolated from patients and environments of 5 different ICUs in a large teaching hospital in East China. Whole-genome sequencing, antibiotic susceptibility testing and biofilm-forming ability testing were performed in all CRPA isolates. The molecular epidemiological characteristics and the phylogenetic relationships of isolates from different sources were assessed using multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) and core genome multi-locus sequence typing (cgMLST). Bacterial virulence was assessed using a Galleria mellonella infection model.
Results: According to the MLST scheme, all of CRPA isolates fell into 25 defined STs, of which 24.07% (13/54) CRPA belonged to ST463 as the dominant ST in ICUs. All 13 ST463-CRPA strains, including 4 from patients and 9 from environments mainly in washbasins, carried blaKPC-2 gene with exoU+/exoS+ virulence genotype showing difficult-to-treat resistance (DTR) phenotype. ST463-CRPA had higher biofilm-forming ability and mortality of infected larvae than non-ST463-CRPA (P<0.05). No differences on virulence were detected between the CRPA from environments and infected patients. CgMLST results revealed that several ST463-CRPA strains isolated from different ICUs had genetic relationship. Notably, 3 ST463 strains harboring both blaAFM-1 and blaKPC-2 genes with 41-59 SNPs difference were isolated from different ICUs.
Conclusions: In combination with epidemiological data linked in time and space, the cgMLST results elucidated polyclonal dissemination of CRPA and a distribution of ST463-CRPA among ICUs in a large hospital of East China. As the dominant ST found in ICU especially in environments, KPC-ST463-CRPA might be considered a strain with potential to cause a future outbreak, which could acquire the blaAFM gene additionally, leading to the resistance to last-resort antibiotics. Hence, it’s worth our vigilance about the growing prevalence of ST463-CRPA in ICU of East China. Meanwhile, it’s important to strengthen the management of ICU environment, especially the water reservoirs.
The role of FBXO32 in regulating the growth of esophageal cancer
Authors: Song Xian-qiang , Chen Bin-bin , Jin Yong-mei , Wang Chang-yong
Published: August 2023

Purpose
Esophageal cancer (EC) is a common and serious form of cancer. F-box protein 32 (FBXO32) is a member of the F-box protein family and its role in EC is still unclear.
Methods
FBXO32 expression was examined in EC cells using GSE163735 dataset and RT-qPCR and its effects on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) was investigated. The xenograft model established by injecting EC cells transfected with FBX032 was used to evaluate tumor cells growth, apoptosis, proliferation, and metastasis. ChIP assay was employed to study the interaction between FBXO32 with and DNA methyltransferase-1 (DNMT1). Finally, HitPredict, Co-IP, and GST pulldown assay was utilized to analyze the interaction between FBXO32 and CDK9.
Results
High FBXO32 expression was associated with better overall survival in patients. It is negatively regulated by DNMT1 in EC cells. DNMT1 bound to the FBXO32 promoter to promote its methylationand downregulation in EC cells. Knockdown of DNMT1 in these cells increased FBXO32 expression and suppressed malignant phenotypes. Mechanistically, FBXO32 ubiquitinated and degraded CDK9 (Cyclin Dependent Kinase 9) in EC cells which was prevented in FBXO32-silenced cells. Finally, EC cells overexpressed with FBXO32 inhibited tumor growth and metastasis in xenografts demonstrating its tumor suppressor role.
Conclusion
FBXO32 is a tumor suppressor that ubiquitinates and degrades CDK9 that results in inhibition of EC.
Early Mobilization in Pediatric Critical Care: Exploring the Gap between Theory and Practice in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Harbi Samah
Published: August 2023

Background:Advancements in critical care have improved survival rates for children in PICUs, but many survivors suffer long-term morbidity and lower quality of life due to ICU-acquired weakness, cognitive impairment, and immobility-related issues. Early mobilization (EM) is a promising intervention to reduce these negative consequences. This study evaluates the knowledge, views, and practices of physicians and care providers regarding EM in Saudi Arabia's pediatric critical care units.
Study Design: A survey was conducted from July 2020 to February 2021 to gather information on early mobilization practices for critically ill children in the pediatric intensive care unit in Saudi Arabia. The survey was sent to 110 doctors, 200 nurses, 30 respiratory therapists, and 20 physiotherapists. The survey aimed to explore rehabilitation aspects, including the challenges faced during early mobilization, suitable timing and types of rehabilitation, and healthcare personnel workload.
Results:A survey with a 72.78% response rate, primarily from registered nurses (65.7%), indicated strong support for early mobilization in Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) patient care among healthcare professionals. Over 80% of respondents considered it crucial or important. However, institutional and healthcare provider-level barriers exist, including lack of equipment (63.5%), medical instability (67.3%), endotracheal intubation (65.4%), and limited staff (56.4%). Concerns about safety (47.4%) and insufficient physical space (38.9% physicians, 24.7% non-physicians) were also raised. Routine bed rest orders upon PICU admission were more common among non-physicians (26.8%) compared to physicians (12.5%). As illness severity increased, clinicians' comfort with early mobilization decreased. Most common rehabilitation interventions were respiratory physiotherapy and passive range of motion (77.8%). Healthcare professionals in Saudi Arabia regularly use daily sedation interruptions in pediatric ICUs. However, only 38.7% of respondents referred patients with suspected ICU-acquired weakness to outpatient clinics for long-term rehabilitation.
Conclusion: Early mobilization is crucial in pediatric critical care in Saudi Arabia, but its implementation faces challenges. Healthcare institutions must navigate these challenges with strategic intent and a multidisciplinary ethos. Future research should focus on optimal timelines and interventions tailored to specific pediatric cohorts. This approach can improve patient outcomes and elevate the caliber of pediatric critical care, refining healthcare quality and providing a blueprint for excellence globally.
Intersectional inequalities in the transition to grandparenthood and cognitive functioning: A longitudinal Multilevel Analysis of Individual Heterogeneity and Discriminatory Accuracy (MAIHDA)
Authors: Alonso-Perez Enrique , Heisig Jan Paul , Kreyenfeld Michaela , Gellert Paul , O'Sullivan Julie Lorraine
Published: August 2023

Objectives
With aging societies, more people become vulnerable to experiencing cognitive decline. While normal aging is associated with a deterioration in certain cognitive abilities, little is known about how social determinants intersect to create late-life cognitive functioning inequalities. Simultaneously, the role of grandparenthood is central for older adults and their families. There are indications that social determinants intersect to modulate the effect of the transition to grandparenthood, but further evidence is needed. Our study investigates the relation of transition to grandparenthood with cognitive functioning and explores differences across intersectional strata.
Methods
Using longitudinal data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe, we analyzed a sample of 19,953 individuals aged 50–85 without grandchildren at the baseline. We applied Multilevel Analysis of Individual Heterogeneity and Discriminatory Accuracy to investigate cognitive functioning differences across 48 intersectional strata, defined by sex/gender, migration, education, and occupation. We allowed the impact of becoming a grandparent to vary across strata by including random slopes.
Results
Intersectional strata accounted for 17.43% of the overall variance in cognitive functioning, with most of the stratum-level variation explained by additive effects of the stratum-defining characteristics. Transition to grandparenthood was associated with higher cognitive functioning, with a stronger effect for women. Stratum-level variation in the grandparenthood effect was modest.
Discussion
This study highlights the importance of social determinants for understanding heterogeneities in the association of transition to grandparenthood with cognitive functioning. Adopting an intersectional lens is useful to decompose inequalities and derive tailored interventions to promote equal healthy aging.
Exact physical quantities of a competing spin chain in the thermodynamic limit
Authors: Lu Pengcheng , Qiao Yi , Cao Junpeng , Yang Wen-Li
Published: August 2023

We study the exact physical quantities of a competing spin chain which contains many interesting and meaningful couplings including the nearest neighbor, next nearest neighbor, chiral three spins, Dzyloshinsky-Moriya interactions and unparallel boundary magnetic fields in the thermodynamic limit. We obtain the density of zero roots, surface energies and elementary excitations in different regimes of model parameters. Due to the competition of various interactions, the surface energy and excited spectrum show many different pictures from those of the Heisenberg spin chain.
Hombres ciegos, ídolos huecos: fetichismo y alteridad en la crítica de la idolatría en el Apocalipsis de Abrahán
Authors:   Universidad Católica Luis Amigó, Hernández Valencia Juan Sebastián
Published: August 2023

La presente obra aborda el problema de la idolatría desde los interrogantes que se presentan en el Apocalipsis de Abrahán. Si bien dicho problema es casi un lugar común de la crítica del profetismo hebreo a la metafísica de las estructuras del poder, brillando incluso por su originalidad, la crítica del Apocalipsis de Abrahán también ofrece un acercamiento filosófico novedoso y poco conocido en los estudios teológicos y filosóficos. La estrategia que se desarrolla en esta investigación consiste en analizar dicha crítica desde la apropiación del concepto de fetichización y desde la perspectiva de la crítica de la ideología marxista. De esta manera, en este libro se presenta un diálogo entre exégesis y filosofía en el contexto de los problemas y planteamientos de la teología latinoamericana, y desde una literatura tan poco estudiada en dicho contexto, como lo es aquella del judaísmo del Segundo Templo.
The impact of income diversification on the stability of listed Jordanian commercial banks during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Khaled Al-Habashneh Abdallah , Naser Khatatbeh Ibrahim , Mohammed Alzubi Khaled
Published: August 2023

This study investigates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the relationship between income diversification and bank stability among Jordanian commercial banks listed on the Amman Stock Exchange (ASE), using a panel Autoregressive Distributed-Lagged Model (panel-ARDL) and quarterly data from 2015 to 2021. The findings demonstrate that during the COVID-19 period, a higher proportion of non-interest income, resulting from income diversification, enhances bank stability. However, considering the entire sample period, the results suggest a potential deterioration in bank stability when banks diversify towards non-interest income, aligning with the negative effect observed in the literature. Additionally, the study identifies factors such as bank size, liquidity, loan loss provisions, cost efficiency, and the deposit ratio, which influence bank stability. These findings hold significant implications for policymakers and banks in developing countries concerned about the impact of income diversification on bank stability. They also offer valuable insights to understanding the dynamics of income diversification and its implications for bank stability in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Factors affecting consumer behavior in Smartphone purchases in Nepal
Authors: Rai Bharat , Kumar Dahal Rewan , Ghimire Binod
Published: August 2023

The study aimed to determine why consumers purchase smartphones. The paper examined product attributes, social factors, pricing, and brand image factors to assess how individuals purchase smartphones. The study was conducted in the Kathmandu Valley, the capital city of Nepal. The respondents of the study were smartphone users in the Kathmandu Valley. The study utilized positivist epistemology with predetermined hypotheses and a deductive approach with a single ontological foundation. The study employed a quantitative method. A questionnaire-based survey was conducted on a six-point Likert scale to obtain the primary data. The population for this study was comprised of Smartphone users, and a sample size of 398 was used. This study applied a convenient sampling technique and a causal research design. The effect of independent variables on consumer behavior was determined using structural equation modeling. The path analysis utilizing structural equation modeling demonstrated that product pricing (β = 0.21, p < 0.05), social factors (β = 0.37, p < 0.05), and brand image (β = 0.41, p < 0.05) significantly influence consumer behavior. In contrast, the product attribute has no significant impact (β = 0.05, p >0.05) on consumer behavior. The results provide future scholars and business executives with a road map to view the emerging context of market development.
Incubating factors in the home country and job satisfaction in a host nation: An analysis on cross-border labor
Authors: Xuan Trung Nguyen
Published: August 2023

Understanding the factors that affect labor satisfaction in the home country and their satisfaction in a host nation is very important. Therefore, this study investigates the job satisfaction of Vietnamese workers who frequently travel to China for employment. It utilizes Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to explore the impact of external factors, particularly the support provided by their home countries. The survey collected data from 317 respondents randomly selected from lists provided by local authorities in three provinces adjacent to China, using a combination of face-to-face interviews and Internet calls. The respondents are individuals who regularly go to China for work. The study uses four main latent variables, consisting of a total of 17 measures that encompass both endogenous and exogenous factors associated with support from the home country. The findings indicate a significant influence of post-return quality of life and the acquisition of work-related skills through training programs on job satisfaction. Additionally, the regression coefficient value reveals a statistically significant negative correlation between job satisfaction and skills acquired through short training courses. However, no statistically significant relationship is found between the latent variable of media and employees’ job satisfaction. Based on the findings, this study suggests that policymakers and authorities should always assist migrants in reintegrating into their communities by supporting convenient registration procedures, providing relevant information, and giving necessary livelihood guidance.
AcknowledgmentsThis article is an output of a research project titled: Cross-border labor at the Vietnam-China border area: problems, effects, and solutions, funded by Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences.
AVALIAÇÃO DA DEGRADAÇÃO TÉRMICA DO CAROÇO DE ABACATE RESIDUAL PARA A PRODUÇÃO DE BIOCARVÕES
Authors: Machado Régis , Dias Silvio , Vaghetti Julio , Machado Geraldo , Bianchi Otávio
Published: August 2023

EVALUATION OF THERMAL DEGRADATION OF RESIDUAL AVOCADO SEED FOR BIOCHAR PRODUCTION. The thermal degradation kinetics of avocado seed biomass (Persea americana) was investigated at the heating rates of 5, 15, 20 and 25 ºC min-1 using thermogravimetric (TGA) and differential thermogravimetric (DTG) analysis techniques in the temperature range from ambient to 780 ºC. Chemical analysis of the avocado seed resulted in: 51.4% cellulose, 42.4% hemicellulose, 20.1% lignin, 2.1% ash, 5.6% extractives. The pyrolysis products were characterized via FTIR, SEM/EDS. The isoconversional methods of Ozawa-Flynn-Wall (OFW) and Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose (KAS) have yielded activation energy, Eα, varying from 36-323 kJ mol-1, respectively. The calorific value of biochars produced in the present study in the range of 265 to 475 ºC was 16,17 to 20,24 MJ kg-1, respectively, which are comparable to those reported values in the literature. Analyzing the DTG simultaneously with the addition of thermal energy, it can be seen that low molecular weight compounds represent the first degradation curves, followed by hemicellulose, cellulose and, lignin. The results obtained in the present work indicate that its feasible to prepare biochars with tunable properties from residual avocado seeds using a slow pyrolysis process, adding commercial value and reducing the environmental impact caused by the inadequate disposal of lignocellulosic materials.
Avaliação das Áreas de Disposição Final dos Resíduos Sólidos Urbanos de Itacoatiara, Amazonas
Authors: Guimarães Gabriel dos Anjos , Dos Santos Camila Amorim , Mitouso Daiana Thalisy da Silva , Rosário Maureen Rebelo , Garcia Alexandre Duarte da Costa , Kuwano Ricardo Takashi , Alves Rodrigo Couto , De Oliveira Benone Otávio Souza
Published: August 2023

A elevada geração de Resíduos Sólidos Urbanos (RSU) está diretamente relacionada com o consumo de recursos das cidades, causando pressão ambiental e impactos negativos sobre o meio ambiente. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar as áreas de disposição final dos RSU do município de Itacoatiara – AM, conforme o Índice de Qualidade de Aterros de Resíduos (IQR), determinado pela Companhia Ambiental do Estado de São Paulo. Foi realizado a aplicação do IQR nas áreas de disposição final dos RSU da zona urbana e rural do município (Vila de Novo Remanso, Vila de Lindóia e Vila de Engenho) em agosto de 2022, atribuindo pesos aos aspectos estruturais, operacionais e locacionais. Os resultados mostraram que as áreas de disposição final da zona urbana (IQR= 2,0), Vila de Novo Remanso (IQR= 1,1), Vila de Engenho (IQR= 1,4) e Vila de Lindóia (IQR= 1,3) possuem condições inadequadas de funcionamento, em virtude dos vários aspectos operacionais, estruturais e locacionais irregulares que atestaram a insustentabilidade das áreas. Estes resultados apontam para a necessidade de correções, que minimizem os impactos negativos sobre o meio ambiente.
Roles of PCSK9 in the Pathogenesis of Periodontal Disease
Authors: Khosrojerdi Motahareh , Reiner Željko , Vatanparast Negin , Jamialahmadi Tannaz , Kesharwani Prashant , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: August 2023

:

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/Kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors are FDA-approved
drugs recommended for high-risk patients with LDL-cholesterol (LDL-c) levels ≥
70 mg/dl. Several studies have also investigated the relationship between PCSK9 and periodontitis.
Specifically, studies have investigated the association between periodontitis
and periodontal PCSK9 levels in humans, and periodontium status in PCSK9-knockout
versus wild-type mice. While a positive association between periodontitis and periodontal
PCSK9 levels has been noted, the findings on the comparison of periodontium status
between PCSK9-knockout and wild-type mice have been inconsistent. Different methodologies
among these studies may explain this discrepancy. Future experimental studies
on the impact of pharmacological PCSK9 inhibition on periodontal status as well as observational
studies comparing periodontium status between patients receiving PCSK9 inhibitors
and those receiving other lipid-lowering drugs will shed light on the role of PCSK9
in periodontal health and disease.
Curcuminoids as Cell Signaling Pathway Modulators: A Potential
Strategy for Cancer Prevention
Authors: Noor Aneeza , Shafi Saimeena , Sehar Nouroz , Qadir Insha , Bilquees  , Rashid Summya , Arafah Azher , Rasool Saiema , Dar Nawab John , Masoodi Mubashir Hussain , Rehman Muneeb U.
Published: August 2023

Despite substantial advancements in curative modern medicine in the last few
decades, cancer risk and casualty rates have continued to mount globally. The exact reason
for cancer's onset and progression is still unknown. However, skeletal and functional
abnormalities in the genetic code are assumed to be the primary cause of cancer. Many
lines of evidence reported that some medicinal plants can be utilized to curb cancer cell
proliferation with a safe, fruitful, and cost-efficient perspective. Curcuminoid, isolated
from Curcuma longa, have gotten a lot of focus due to their anticancer potential as they
reduce tumor progression, invasion, and dissemination. Further, they modulated signal
transduction routes like MAPK, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, JAK/STAT, and Wnt/β-catenin, etc.,
and triggered apoptosis as well as actuated autophagy in malignant cells without altering
the normal cells, thus preventing cancer progression. Besides, Curcuminoid also regulate
the function and expression of anti-tumor and carcinogenic miRNAs. Clinical studies also
reported the therapeutic effect of Curcuminoid against various cancer through decreasing
specific biomarkers like TNF-α, Bcl-2, COX-2, PGE2, VEGF, IκKβ, and various cytokines
like IL-12p70, IL-10, IL-2, IFN-γ levels and increasing in p53 and Bax levels.
Thus, in the present review, we abridged the modulation of several signal transduction
routes by Curcuminoids in various malignancies, and its modulatory role in the initiation
of tumor-suppressive miRNAs and suppression of the oncogenic miRNAs are explored.
Additionally, various pharmacokinetic approaches have been projected to address the
Curcuminoids bioavailability like the use of piperine as an adjuvant; nanotechnology-
based Curcuminoids preparations utilizing Curcuminoids analogues are also discussed.
Medicinal Plant-derived Phytochemicals in Detoxification
Authors: Bjørklund Geir , Cruz-Martins Natália , Goh Bey Hing , Mykhailenko Olha , Lysiuk Roman , Shanaida Mariia , Lenchyk Larysa , Upyr Taras , Rusu Marius Emil , Pryshlyak Antonina , Shanaida Volodymyr , Chirumbolo Salvatore
Published: August 2023

The average worldwide human life expectancy is 70 years, with a significantly higher value in Western societies. Many modern diseases are not associated with premature mortality but with a decreased quality of
life in aged patients and an excessive accumulation of various toxic compounds in the human body during life.
Today, scientists are especially interested in finding compounds that can help increase a healthy lifespan by detoxifying the body. Phytotherapy with specific approaches is used in alternative medicine to remove toxins
from the body. Worldwide, research is conducted to identify medicinal plant-derived molecules that, with few
or no side effects, may protect the liver and other organs. This review provides updated information about the
detoxification process, the traditional and modern use of the most effective medicinal plants, their active
metabolites as detoxifying agents, and the mechanisms and pathways involved in the detoxification process.
Among medicinal plants with substantial detoxifying properties, a major part belongs to the Asteraceae family
(Silybum marianum, Cynara scolymus, Arctium lappa, Helichrysum species, Inula helenium, and Taraxacum officinale). The most widely used hepatoprotective phytocomponent is silymarin, a standardized extract from the Silybum marianum seeds containing a mixture of flavonolignans. Many polysaccharides, polyphenols, and terpenoids have a detoxifying effect. Overall, scientific data on medicinal plants used in phytotherapeutic practice worldwide provides an understanding and awareness of their efficacy in detoxification.
Applications of Flow Chemistry in Total Synthesis of Natural Products
Authors: Majhi Sasadhar
Published: August 2023

A vital driving force for chemists to discover novel synthetic protocols is the improvement
of more effective synthetic technologies and sustainable methodologies. This is
associated with the development of innovative research that stimulates the creative reevaluating
of known conceptions. Currently, these robust methodologies, as well as green
synthetic procedures, have been designed for the total synthesis of secondary metabolites.
Flow chemistry and flow photochemistry have emerged as powerful tools to promote valuable
transformations in the total synthesis of natural products as key step(s). Flow chemistry development
offers many merits over a traditional batch format, namely a round-bottom flask.
The advantages of this green tool comprise waste minimization, simple scale-up, reduction of
reaction time, safety betterment as, well as energy and cost efficiency. Flow chemistry comprises
a fascinating prospect for the synthesis of promising organic molecules and bioactive complex natural products
as it represents a suitable modern synthetic technology for the improvement of sustainable chemistry. Continuous
flow chemistry is an assembly of chemical processes carried out in continuous flowing streams. Compared to
conventional organic synthesis, it is a process that strengthens technology and is superior in enhancing and scaling
up synthesis, accurately controlling reaction rate, and providing the desired products with maximum yields. In the
past and likely in the future natural products and their analogue will continue to deliver the stimulation for drug
discovery and development programs. Total synthesis of natural products is very useful to synthesize natural products
in the laboratory as many secondary metabolites are available in low quantities from their sources of origin.
So, this review wishes to cover the brilliant applications of flow chemistry in the total synthesis of natural products
in the field of novel technological advances.
Neuroprotection of Thioredoxin1 in the Brain
Authors: Noriega-Navarro Roxana , Martínez-Tapia Ricardo J. , Osornio-Hernández Juan L. , Landa-Navarro Lucia , Xinastle-Castillo Luis O. , Landa Abraham , Navarro Luz
Published: August 2023

Thioredoxin1 (Trx1) is a ubiquitous antioxidant protein that regulates the cell's redox status.
Trx1's thiol redox activity protects neurons from various physiological processes that cause
neuronal damage and neurodegeneration, including oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation.
Several studies have found that direct or indirect Trx1 regulation has neuroprotective effects in the
brain, protecting against, preventing, or delaying neurodegenerative processes or brain traumas.
This review focuses on the term neuroprotection, Trx1 localization, and expression in the brain, as
well as its modulation concerning its neuroprotective effect in both animal and clinical models of ischemia,
hypoxia, hemorrhage, traumatic brain injury, epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's
disease.
Machine Learning and Pharmacogenomics at the Time of Precision
Psychiatry
Authors: Del Casale Antonio , Sarli Giuseppe , Bargagna Paride , Polidori Lorenzo , Alcibiade Alessandro , Zoppi Teodolinda , Borro Marina , Gentile Giovanna , Zocchi Clarissa , Ferracuti Stefano , Preissner Robert , Simmaco Maurizio , Pompili Maurizio
Published: August 2023

Traditional medicine and biomedical sciences are reaching a turning point because of the
constantly growing impact and volume of Big Data. Machine Learning (ML) techniques and related
algorithms play a central role as diagnostic, prognostic, and decision-making tools in this field. Another
promising area becoming part of everyday clinical practice is personalized therapy and pharmacogenomics.
Applying ML to pharmacogenomics opens new frontiers to tailored therapeutical
strategies to help clinicians choose drugs with the best response and fewer side effects, operating with
genetic information and combining it with the clinical profile. This systematic review aims to draw up
the state-of-the-art ML applied to pharmacogenomics in psychiatry. Our research yielded fourteen papers;
most were published in the last three years. The sample comprises 9,180 patients diagnosed with
mood disorders, psychoses, or autism spectrum disorders. Prediction of drug response and prediction
of side effects are the most frequently considered domains with the supervised ML technique, which
first requires training and then testing. The random forest is the most used algorithm; it comprises several
decision trees, reduces the training set's overfitting, and makes precise predictions. ML proved effective
and reliable, especially when genetic and biodemographic information were integrated into the
algorithm. Even though ML and pharmacogenomics are not part of everyday clinical practice yet, they
will gain a unique role in the next future in improving personalized treatments in psychiatry.
Targeting Histone 3 Variants Epigenetic Landscape and Inhibitory
Immune Checkpoints: An Option for Paediatric Brain Tumours Therapy
Authors: Meenakshi Sarasa , Maharana Krushna Ch , Nama Lokesh , Kumar Vadla Udaya , Dhingra Sameer , Ravichandiran Velayutham , Murti Krishna , Kumar Nitesh
Published: August 2023

Despite little progress in survival rates with regular therapies, which do not provide complete
care for curing pediatric brain tumors (PBTs), there is an urgent need for novel strategies to
overcome the toxic effects of conventional therapies to treat PBTs. The co-inhibitory immune checkpoint
molecules, e.g., CTLA-4, PD-1/PD-L1, etc., and epigenetic alterations in histone variants, e.g.,
H3K27me3 that help in immune evasion at tumor microenvironment have not gained much attention
in PBTs treatment. However, key epigenetic mechanistic alterations, such as acetylation, methylation,
phosphorylation, sumoylation, poly (ADP)-ribosylation, and ubiquitination in histone protein, are
greatly acknowledged. The crucial checkpoints in pediatric brain tumors are cytotoxic T lymphocyte
antigen-4 (CTLA-4), programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) and programmed death-ligand 1 (PDL1),
OX-2 membrane glycoprotein (CD200), and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO). This review
covers the state of knowledge on the role of multiple co-inhibitory immunological checkpoint proteins
and histone epigenetic alterations in different cancers. We further discuss the processes behind these
checkpoints, cell signalling, the current scenario of clinical and preclinical research and potential futuristic
opportunities for immunotherapies in the treatment of pediatric brain tumors. Conclusively,
this article further discusses the possibilities of these interventions to be used for better therapy
options.
A Concise Review on Therapeutic Potential, Phytochemistry and Traditional
Applications of Safed Musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum)
Authors: Dhakad Prashant K. , Mishra Raghav , Mishra Isha , Sharma Vikram
Published: August 2023

Background:

In traditional medicine, Safed musli is a very popular herb. Natural sex tonics like Chlorophytum borivilianum (C. borivilianum) are effective in alleviating sexual disorders. Local healers in indigenous communities of India mostly use it for ethnic medicine. The circulation of blood is one of the functions it improves to enhance strength and energy. Since ancient times, the tuber roots of the plant Safed musli have been used to treat weakness and male impotency.

Objective:

The aim of this work is to bridge the scientific evidence with the pharmacological, phytochemical, and folkloric claims reported in different sources belonging to C. borivilianum.

Methods:

To build the manuscript, a detailed literature review was carried out by thoroughly analyzing globally accepted scientific research databases.

Results:

Safed musli is widely recognized for its efficacy in addressing male impotence. The abundant presence of phytoconstituents, particularly saponins, contributes to the nutritional and multifaceted therapeutic significance of C. borivilianum.

Conclusion:

The current review enlightens the pharmacotherapeutic potential of C. borivilianum, comprising its origin and distribution, botany, proximate composition, method of enhancing seed germination, pathology, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and traditional uses. The scope for future research is provided by the present review, which also furnishes a gateway for filling the existing gap in its various aspects of investigation.
Low Viscosity Ionic Liquids as Novel Dopants in Poly (Methyl
Methacrylate) Polymer Electrolyte: Detailed Photoelectrochemical
Studies
Authors: Bajaj Yashika , Latif Famiza Abdul , Masri M.N , Yahya M.Z.A , Singh Pramod K.
Published: August 2023

Background:

A propitious electrolyte for supercapacitors, solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) has been used because of their flexibility and highly conducting good electrode-electrolyte interface. Poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)-based SPEs have acknowledged extensive interest due to their integrity in synthesis, good mechanical stability, low binding energy, low mass density with ionic salts, and magnificent charge carrier mobility. Interesting ionic liquids show their novelty towards conductivity enhancement and suppressing crystallinity i.e. acts as a plasticizer as well as an ionic source. Due to these advantageous properties, ionic liquids (ILs) seem to be a good player in developing highly efficient electrochemical devices.

Method:

To overcome the low ionic conductivity (σ) and poor mechanical stability. ILs assume to be novel candidates. This review is toward defining the role of ILs as plasticizers, not as a solvent.

Result:

Due to the widespread applicability of these ILs, we focus our review on taking a common example of polyether i.e. PMMA using the solution cast method. Electrical and electrochemical are also discussed in detail.

Conclusion:

On the the basis of electrical and photoelectrochemical performance reported in this article, we can assure the scientific community that ILs can act as a potential candidate like a plasticizer for highly efficient electrochemical devices.
Influence of Vitamin D Level on Inflammatory and Prognostic Markers in
COVID-19 - A Retrospective Study
Authors: Singh Sunil Kumar , Singh Shruti , Kumar Rajesh , Rana Proteesh , Sharma Ajay , Karwasra Ritu , Kesharwani Prashant , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: August 2023

Objective:

The ongoing pandemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus
2019 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused an immense public health crisis worldwide. Emerging evidence
has suggested that inflammatory response plays a critical role in the pathogenesis and prognosis
of the disease. As vitamin D can modulate the immune system, this study has been designed to
correlate vitamin D with inflammatory and prognostic markers in COVID-19 patients.

Methods:

The present study is a retrospective study examining the relationship between vitamin
D levels and inflammatory markers in the COVID-19 disease. COVID-19 patients who were investigated
for vitamin D, ferritin, D-dimer, C-reactive protein (CRP), and procalcitonin (PCT)
level were only included. The patients were divided into hypovitaminosis D, and normal vitamin
D. Correlation and logistic regression analyses were carried out to identify the strength and association
of hypovitaminosis D with inflammatory markers in COVID-19 disease.

Results:

The hypovitaminosis D group had significantly higher inflammatory markers compared
to the normal vitamin D group. The correlation between hypovitaminosis D and procalcitonin
was negative (r = -0.433), with a strong and significant association (p = 0.002). The correlation
between hypovitaminosis D, CRP, and ferritin was weak and insignificant. The logistic regression
between hypovitaminosis D and procalcitonin established a significant regression equation,
leading to a significant linear model.

Conclusion:

This study concludes that patients with hypovitaminosis D should be treated with
vitamin D therapy to reduce the severity of COVID-19 disease.
Recent Trends of Chromene Syntheses
Authors: Das Samarpita , Asati Pulkit , Indurthi Harish K. , Kumar Dash Ashutosh , Sharma Deepak K.
Published: August 2023

2H/4H-chromenes (2H/4H-Ch) structural scaffolds have been widely
employed in the synthesis of many natural products and medicinal agents. 2H/4H-Ch
have attracted considerable attention due to their various pharmacological activities,
such as anticonvulsant, anticholinesterase, anticancer, anti-tuberculosis, antimicrobial,
and inhibitory activity against monoamine oxidase (MAO), and anti-diabetic activities.
In literature, the synthesis of 4H-chromenes was performed by one-pot Knoevenagel
condensation of resorcinol, aryl aldehydes, and malononitrile in the presence of basic
catalysts. Also, 2H-Ch analogs were performed by the Wittig-Horner-Emmons and
Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reactions. A description of recent advances in the
syntheses of chromenes is presented in this chapter. The strategies for the synthesis of
2H/4H-Ch discussed in this chapter are organocatalysts, organometallic or metal
catalysts, heterogeneous base catalysts, enzymatic catalysts, and green chemistry-based
approaches.
Diversity-Oriented Synthesis of Chromenes
Authors: Kumar Atul , Rajput Diksha , Jan Gowsia , Sridharan Vellaisamy
Published: August 2023

Diversity-oriented synthesis (DOS) plays an important role in the
construction of various natural products and the development of diverse small molecules of biological significance. In recent years, numerous diversity-oriented
approaches have been demonstrated to furnish complex structures with molecular
diversity from readily accessible starting materials. This chapter summarizes the recent
diversity-oriented approaches based on metal-free, transition metal-catalyzed, and
organocatalyzed reactions for the synthesis of chromene derivatives.
Pharmacokinetic Aspects of Chromenes
Authors: Gour Abhishek , Dogra Ashish , Nandi Utpal
Published: August 2023

Unfavourable pharmacokinetics is the major hurdle for the new chemical
entity (NCE) to become a drug during the drug discovery and development process.
Early evaluation of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME)
characteristics for the promising candidates not only speed up the drug development
stages but also lower the attrition rate in clinical phases which can save resource and
time. Furthermore, pharmacokinetic behavior is helpful for a better understanding of
efficacy, toxicity, and safety. The present chapter deals with ADME information on
chromene-based molecules, which have gained significant importance nowadays due to
their wide range of pharmacological actions, including anticancer activities.
Comprehensive ADME data based on the available information on in-vitro and in-vivo
profiles will pave the way towards understanding for discovery and development of
new therapeutics in this scaffold from bench to bedside.
The Implication of Chromene Derivatives in Bioactive Admixtures
Authors: Bisht Dheeraj , Sati Deepak , Kant Arya Rajeshwar Kamal , Nigam Amit Kumar , Kumar Shukla Monu , Kumar Deepak
Published: August 2023

Chromene is a heterocyclic scaffold and can be obtained from the natural
origin (from different fractions of the plant extracts), synthetic origin as well as mineral
origin. The nucleus of the scaffold possesses the ability to interact with different
biological targets and thus is medicinally active. Chromene derivatives obtained from
different origins are reported to possess pharmacological activities such as antitumor,
antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, and antipsychotic activities. Many
chromene-based admixtures are reported to possess different bioactivities. Many
derivatives of chromene, such as isomiroestrol, deoxymiroestrol, and miroestrol have
been investigated as phytoestrogens. Along with therapeutic potencies, chromene
glycosides have safety, efficacy, and stability in the form of herbal drugs and
cosmetics. So, the chapter focuses on chromene derivatives, their biological sources,
respective bioactivities, and recent advancements.
Introduction to Carbonaceous Quantum Dots
Authors: Thakur Abhinay , Kumar Ashish , Bashir Sumayah
Published: August 2023

Carbonaceous quantum dots (CQDs), relatively small carbon nanoparticles
(<10 nm in size), have sparked the attention over the last few decades for their potential
as a promising resource in various fields, such as biomedical, solar cells, sensors, water
treatment, energy generation storage because of their benign, abundant, low preparation
costs, small size, non-hazardous nature, high biocompatibility, high water solubility
and effective alteration nature. Numerous applications in optronics, catalysis, and
sensing are made possible by the excellent electronic characteristics of CQDs as
electron acceptors and donors that cause photocatalytic activity and electrochemical
luminosity. This feature series aims to assess the current status of CQDs by discussing
the literature in this field and deliberate the basics, applicability and advancements in
the field of CQDs in both scientific and technology circles.
Properties of Carbonaceous Quantum Dots
Authors: Vashisht Devika , Priyanka Bentham Science Publisher , Vashisht Aseem , Sharma Shweta , Kumar Mehta Surinder
Published: August 2023

Carbonaceous quantum dots (CQDs) is defined as a subclass of carbon
nanoparticles, which offer a size of around 10 nm, and have unique characteristics and
a wide range of applications in diverse fields. CQDs have attained widespread attention
due to their excellent abilities in several domains, including sensing, nanomedicine and
environmental remediation. The mode of synthesis for CQDs is quite simple and
inexpensive via methods such as microwave pyrolysis, arc-discharge, etc. CQDs are
entitled to diverse physical, chemical and biological properties. Besides this, CQDs
have various functional groups present on their surface that improve the properties,
specifically the catalytic performance by a phenomenon called charge transfer. The
physical, optical, electrical, and biological features of CQDs are explored in this
chapter.
Application of Carbonaceous Quantum Dots in Solar Cells
Authors: Sharma Ekta , Thakur Vaishali
Published: August 2023

Carbonaceous Quantum Dots (CQDs) are gaining the interest of various
research groups owing to their significant features, including water stability,
biocompatibility, minimal cytotoxicity, chemical inertness and fluorescence which
make them a good candidate in solar cells applications such as photocatalysis, solar
energy conversion, photovoltaic solar cells, and Photoelectrochemical cells. CQDs are
used in photocatalytic reactions because they can be used as electron sinks to stop the
coupling of electron void pairs. The high coefficient of absorption and the broad
spectrum of absorption improve the photocatalytic activity. In solar cells, the CQDs are
used as sensitizers. CQDs are employed in solar energy generation because they are
non-toxic and affordable. This chapter discusses the use of CQDs in solar cells.
Future Prospect of Carbonaceous Quantum Dots
Authors: Vashisht Devika , Vashisht Aseem , Sharma Shweta , Kumar Mehta Surinder
Published: August 2023

Carbonaceous quantum dots (CQDs) are carbon nanomaterials offering
significant contributions in the fields of sensing, biosensing, optoelectronics, and
energy storage. CQDs materials with edge defects are suitable candidates for LED
emitters, water splitting, optoelectronic and photodetectors devices. The role of
attached functional groups and edge effects on flexible energy storage devices is
discussed in this chapter. The future prospects and underlying challenges for CQD-based material for wastewater remediation, in addition to factors such as their
sustainability, durability, performance and economics in the context of industrial scale-up, have also been explored in this chapter
Breaking Down Computer Networking Instructional Videos: Automatic Summarization with Video Attributes and Language Models
Authors: Sukardiyono Totok , Luthfi Muhammad Irfan , Septiyanti Nisa Dwi
Published: August 2023

Instructional videos have become a popular tool for teaching complex topics in computer networking. However, these videos can often be lengthy and time-consuming, making it difficult for learners to obtain the key information they need. In this study, we propose an approach that leverages automatic summarization and language models to generate concise and informative summaries of instructional videos. To enhance the performance of the summarization algorithm, we also incorporate video attributes that provide contextual information about the video content. Using a dataset of computer networking tutorials, we evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed method and show that it significantly improves the quality of the video summaries generated. Our study highlights the potential of using language models in automatic summarization and suggests that incorporating video attributes can further enhance the performance of these models. These findings have important implications for the development of effective instructional videos in computer networking and can be extended to other domains as well.
Advances in neonatal brain imaging: A comparative analysis of MRI, CT scans, and ultrasound
Authors: Baeshen Arwa O. , Almutairi Naif H. , Alomair Othman I. , Alahmari Dhafer M. , Alelyani Magbool , Alghamdi Sami A.
Published: August 2023

This scholarly investigation undertakes a comprehensive comparison of the diagnostic efficacy, precision, and sensitivity associated with neonatal brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in contrast to its counterparts, Computed Tomography (CT) scans and ultrasound. As the medical community has progressively become attuned to the long-term health implications of radiation exposure from CT scans, the imperative of a strategy mitigating this risk has gained prominence. In this context, ultrasound emerges as an alternative modality devoid of ionizing radiation. Employing a methodical approach rooted in systematic literature review, this study synthesizes five pertinent research works to unravel its research objectives. Empirical evidence substantiates that neonatal brain MRI surpasses both neonatal brain CT and ultrasound in diagnostic effectiveness. The underpinning rationale for this phenomenon lies in the heightened accuracy inherent to neonatal brain MRI procedures. To unravel the intricacies associated with disparities between neonatal and adult brain MRI procedures, the study meticulously investigates structural, shape, and size distinctions. This endeavor underscores the necessity for bespoke MRI apparatuses designed to account for these nuances. In pursuit of this objective, the integration of technologically advanced components such as compact scanners and refinements in magnetic and coil technologies has engendered tangible improvements. This innovation confluence bears testimony to the augmentation of patient safety, conferring a cascade effect wherein the precision of acquired MRI data underwrites accurate diagnoses and consequent therapeutic interventions. Conclusively, the study underscores the pivotal role played by recent MRI technological advancements in amplifying its efficacy within the niche domain of neonatal brain imaging. Prospective innovations within the MRI ambit stand poised to recalibrate performance benchmarks, thereby amplifying its diagnostic potency and broadening its scope of application.