bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Levers and Barriers to Vaccinate against COVID-19 in the Multicultural Context of French Guiana: A Qualitative Cross-Sectional Survey among Health Care Workers
Authors: Douine Maylis , Granier Sibylle , Brureau Kepha , Breton Jacques , Michaud Céline , Gaillet Mélanie , Agostini Camille , Ballet Mathilde , Nacher Mathieu , Valdes Audrey , Abboud Philippe , Adenis Antoine , Djossou Félix , Epelboin Loïc , Vignier Nicolas
Published: October 2021

In French Guiana, a French overseas territory in South America facing a fourth wave of COVID-19, vaccination coverage is very low, both in the population and among health care workers (HCWs). Vaccine hesitancy concerned 35.7% of the latter in early 2021. The objective of this complementary study is to understand barriers and levers and to adapt messages to increase vaccination coverage among HCWs. We conducted a regional cross-sectional survey of HCWs with a questionnaire containing open-ended questions exploring factors associated with vaccine hesitancy and the needs to adapt the vaccination campaign in French Guiana. The discourses were analyzed using a qualitative approach based on grounded theory, with open coding of data by themes and construction of abstract categories. The analysis of the 357 responses collected from January to March 2021 reveals several trends. The ethical aspect of the HCWs’ role emphasizes the importance of getting vaccinated themselves (to protect patients, to set an example...) and of vaccinating as many people as possible, including the most geographically or socially distant, such as undocumented migrants. However, some HCWs remain suspicious of the vaccine with concerns over the efficacy and side effects, of health institutions, and of the pharmaceutical industry. The role of fake news circulating on social networks has been widely discussed. Efforts to explain and convince HCWs must be continued in French Guiana using the identified levers to improve the acceptability of vaccination.
Retention, Bacterial Adhesion, and Biofilm Formation between Anionic and Zwitterionic Bandage Contact Lenses in Healthy Dogs: A Pilot Study
Authors: Kita Mizuki , Kanai Kazutaka , Ono Hisaya K. , Otaka Yuya , Okada Daiki , Nagai Noriaki , Kudo Rina , Yamashita Yohei , Hino Shiori , Matsunaga Toru , Tajima Kazuki
Published: October 2021

This study aimed to compare the in vitro and in vivo retention, bacterial adhesion, and biofilm formation between anionic and zwitterionic bandage contact lenses (BCLs) in healthy canines. BCL retention and tolerance were evaluated in 10 healthy canines via a single-masked, crossover study for 7 days. To compare in vitro bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation, four Staphylococcus strains were incubated with the BCLs at 37 °C for 2 or 24 h, and the bacterial colony forming units (CFUs) adhering to the BCLs were counted. Next, to compare in vivo bacterial adhesion, the CFUs of bacteria adhering to the BCLs worn by canines for 24 h were counted. Anionic lenses significantly retained and reduced in vitro bacterial adhesion than in the zwitterionic lenses. However, the amount of in vitro biofilm formation was more likely to be higher on anionic lenses than on zwitterionic lenses. In vivo bacterial adhesion was not significantly different between the two types of BCLs. Nevertheless, both BCLs were well-tolerated by the canines; thus, their short-term use in dogs can be recommended as safe.
Clinicopathological and Fecal Proteome Evaluations in 16 Dogs Presenting Chronic Diarrhea Associated with Lymphangiectasia
Authors: Rossi Giacomo , Gavazza Alessandra , Vincenzetti Silvia , Mangiaterra Sara , Galosi Livio , Marchegiani Andrea , Pengo Graziano , Sagratini Gianni , Ricciutelli Massimo , Cerquetella Matteo
Published: October 2021

Canine intestinal lymphangiectasia (IL) is a condition characterized by variably severe gastrointestinal signs, frequently associated with laboratory abnormalities; the research for markers allowing a better understanding of the severity degree and/or obtaining an early diagnosis and/or monitoring is continuously progressing. In the present study, we investigated possible new diagnostic/follow-up markers in IL dogs, namely, serum C-reactive protein, serum bacterial lipopolysaccharide, serum cleaved cytokeratin 18, serum citrulline, and zonulin (in both serum and feces). A fecal proteomic study looking for possible confirmation and/or new marker candidates was also performed. All markers in both substrates, with the exception of serum citrulline, significantly differed between diseased and control dogs. Fecal proteomics allowed the retrieval of three proteins in IL dogs (Fc fragment of IgG-binding protein; transthyretin; proproteinase E) that were not previously found in clinically healthy subjects. Although further studies are needed, C-reactive protein, bacterial lipopolysaccharide, cleaved cytokeratin 18, and zonulin (in both serum and feces) resulted as promising markers for canine IL; similarly, fecal proteomics represents a road worthy of being pursued in the search for candidate biomarkers.
Absorption of N-acetylcysteine in Healthy and Mycoplasma gallisepticum-Infected Chickens
Authors: Petkova Tsvetelina , Milanova Aneliya
Published: October 2021

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is widely used as a mucolytic agent in cases with inflammation of the lungs. NAC is applied in poultry with aflatoxin B1 intoxication as an antioxidant, but its pharmacokinetics are not known. The present study was conducted to characterize the population pharmacokinetics of orally administered NAC in broilers. It included 32 chickens, divided into four groups, treated with NAC at a dose rate of 100 mg/kg/day mixed with the feed: healthy broilers (n = 6); chickens infected with Mycoplasma gallisepticum (n = 10); healthy broilers (n = 6); and diseased chickens (n = 10) treated with NAC and doxycycline (via drinking water, 20 mg/kg body weight (b.w.)). Plasma concentrations were analyzed by Liquid Chromatography –Mass Spectrometry (MS)/MS. NAC was absorbed after oral administration in all four groups of chickens. In healthy chickens treated solely with NAC, maximum plasma concentrations of 2.26 ± 0.91 µg mL−1 were achieved at 2.47 ± 0.45 h after dosing. The value of absorption half-life was 1.04 ± 0.53 h. The population pharmacokinetic analysis showed that dose adjustment of NAC is not required in M. gallisepticum-infected broilers or when it is combined with doxycycline.
Lateral Flank Approach for Ovariohysterectomy in a Lion (Panthera leo) with a Ruptured Pyometra
Authors: Yun Taesik , Kim Jeongho , Kang Hyun-Gu
Published: October 2021

An 8.5-year-old intact female lion (Panthera leo) with a history of vomiting, lethargy, and anorexia was referred to our institution. On physical examination, the lion weighed 180 kg and had a rectal temperature of 40 °C. Blood analysis showed mild neutrophilic leukocytosis, and abdominal ultrasonography revealed an enlarged uterus with echogenic fluid. Based on the clinical signs and hematologic and ultrasonographic findings, the lion was tentatively diagnosed with pyometra. Ovariohysterectomy was performed using the lateral flank approach to avoid complications that can occur with ventral celiotomy. Surgery was performed successfully despite unexpected rupture of the uterus which had occurred before the surgery. The lion recovered uneventfully and continued to do well at the 1 year follow up after surgery. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of ovariohysterectomy with the lateral flank approach in a lion with pyometra. Our report suggests that ovariohysterectomy with the lateral flank approach could be considered as an alternative method for pyometra in wild big cats with risk of complications at the surgical site.
The Effects of Sex, Oral Contraception, and Menstrual Cycle Phase on Intraocular Pressure, Central Corneal Thickness, and Foveal Thickness: A Descriptive Analysis
Authors: Fortepiani Lourdes , Foutch Brian K. , Wilson Molly R.
Published: October 2021

The primary goal of this study was to investigate the effects of sex, oral contraceptive (OC) use, and menstrual cycle phase on common ocular parameters assessed during ophthalmic evaluations, namely intraocular pressure (IOP), central corneal thickness (CCT), and foveal thickness (FT), in young healthy adults. We measured IOP, CCT, and FT in 60 participants (16 men, 16 contraceptive users, and 28 cycling women) over two sessions that characterized the menstrual cycle phase in women. For men in our study, two sessions were separated by two weeks. For women, the two sessions were scheduled during the follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle. There was a trend towards higher IOP in men, and the difference was significant for white, non-Hispanic subjects and for white subjects considered separately. There was also a trend for thicker corneas in women, but men had significantly thicker foveae. CCT and FT were not different between men and OC-users, hinting at a moderating hormonal effect of oral contraceptive use. We found that IOP, CCT, and FT were equivalent between the follicular and luteal phases, which may be owing to the timing of our sessions. However, our findings strongly suggest that clinicians should consider contraceptive use during routine ophthalmic evaluations, as it could inform glaucomatous risk in women.
A Characterization of the Hydrochemistry and Main Controlling Factors of Lakes in the Badain Jaran Desert, China
Authors: Jia Bing , Si Jianhua , Xi Haiyang , Qin Jie
Published: October 2021

Badain Jaran Desert, the coexistence of dunes and lakes, and the presence of the world’s tallest dunes, has attracted worldwide attention among hydrologists. Freshwater, brackish, and saline lakes coexistence in the Badain Jaran Desert under extremely arid environmental conditions. This raises the question of why diverse lake water types exist under the same climatic conditions. Answering this question requires the characterization of lake hydrochemistry and the main controlling factors. The purpose of the presented research was to systematically analyzed samples from 80 lakes using statistical analysis, correlation analysis and hydrogeochemical methods to investigate the hydrochemical status and evolution of lakes in the Badain Jaran Desert. The results showed that the lake water in Badain Jaran Desert is generally alkaline, with the average pH and TDS were 9.31 and 165.12 g L−1, respectively. The main cations to be Na+ and K+, whereas the main anions are Cl− and SO42−. HCO3− and CO32− decreased and SO42− and Cl− increased from southeast to northwest, whereas lake hydrochemistry changed from the SO42−-Cl−-HCO3− type to the SO42−-Cl− type and lakes transitioned from freshwater to saline. The freshwater and slightly brackish lakes are mainly distributed in the piedmont area at a high altitude near the Yabulai Moutains, whereas saline lakes are mainly distributed in the desert hinterland at a low altitude, and there is a roughly increasing trend of ions from the Yabulai Mountains. The evaporation-crystallization reactions are the dominant in the study region. Moreover, some saline mineral deposits, are extensive in these regions caused by intense evaporation-crystallization.
Safety Design and Engineering Solution of Fuel Cell Powered Ship in Inland Waterway of China
Authors: Chen Lijian , Guan Wenfeng
Published: October 2021

From the perspective of risk control, when hydrogen fuel and fuel cells are used on ships, there is a possibility of low-flash fuel leakage, leading to the risk of explosion. Since the fuel cell space (cabin for fuel cell installations) is an enclosed space, any small amount of leakage must be handled properly. In ship design, area classification is a method of analyzing and classifying the areas where explosive gas atmospheres may occur. If the fuel cell space is regarded as a hazardous area, all the electrical devices inside it must be explosion-proof type, which will make the ship’s design very difficult. This paper takes a Chinese fuel cell powered ship as an example to analyze its safety. Firstly, the leakage rates of fuel cell modules, valves, and connectors are calculated. Secondly, the IEC60079-10-1 algorithm is used to calculate the risk level of the fuel cell space. Finally, the ship and fuel cells are optimized and redesigned, and the risk level of the fuel cell space is recalculated and compared. The result shows that the optimized fuel space risk level could be reduced to the level of the non-hazardous zone.
Battery Pack State of Health Prediction Based on the Electric Vehicle Management Platform Data
Authors: Li Xiaoyu , Wang Tengyuan , Wu Chuxin , Tian Jindong , Tian Yong
Published: October 2021

In electric vehicle technologies, the state of health prediction and safety assessment of battery packs are key issues to be solved. In this paper, the battery system data collected on the electric vehicle data management platform is used to model the corresponding state of health of the electric vehicle during charging and discharging processes. The increment in capacity in the same voltage range is used as the battery state of health indicator. In order to improve the modeling accuracy, the influence of ambient temperature on the capacity performance of the battery pack is considered. A temperature correction coefficient is added to the battery state of health model. Finally, a double exponential function is used to describe the process of battery health decline. Additionally, for the case where the amount of data is relatively small, model migration is also applied in the method. Particle swarm optimization algorithm is used to calibrate the model parameters. Based on the migration battery pack model and parameter identification method, the proposed method can obtain accurate battery pack SOH prediction result. The method is simple and easy to perform on the electric vehicle data management platform.
Are There Gender Differences in Social Cognition in First-Episode Psychosis?
Authors: Verdaguer-Rodríguez Marina , López-Carrilero Raquel , Ferrer-Quintero Marta , García-Mieres Helena , Díaz-Cutraro Luciana , Grasa Eva , Pousa Esther , Lorente Ester , Birulés Irene , Peláez Trinidad , Barrigón María Luisa , Ruiz-Delgado Isabel , González-Higueras Fermín , Cid Jordi , Gutiérrez-Zotes Alfonso , Cuadras Daniel ,   Spanish Metacognition Group, Barajas Ana , Ochoa Susana
Published: October 2021

The aim of this study was to explore gender differences in social cognition in a sample of first-episode psychosis (FEP). An observational descriptive study was performed with 191 individuals with FEP. Emotion perception was assessed using the Faces Test, theory of mind was assessed using the Hinting Task, and attributional style was assessed using the Internal, Personal and Situational Attributions Questionnaire. No gender differences were found in any of the social cognitive domains. Our results suggest that men and women with FEP achieve similar performances in social cognition. Therefore, targeting specific needs in social cognition regarding gender may not be required in early interventions for psychosis.
Employment and careers of graduates in Кyrgyzstan
Authors: Salmorbekova Rita Bobuevna , Sapargali kyzy Janara
Published: October 2021

This article reflects the results of an online survey on the problems of employment of graduates with higher education. According to our observations, graduates with higher education will not be able to fi nd a job after receiving a degree. In this regard, there was a need to identify the causes of unemployment among graduates of higher educational institutions of the Kyrgyz Republic. The research covered the issues of the quality of education received, employment of graduates, career success and graduates’ work places. According to the results of the study, after receiving a diploma of higher education, graduates of budgetary education found jobs more quickly than contract graduates. However, the graduates did not find a job in their training field. One fourth of them work in the service sector, as salespersons, cooks, waiters, couriers, etc. Because of the pandemic, even those working in the service sector became temporarily unemployed. The majority of the respondents have noted that it is very difficult to find a job in their training field, it will take time. A graduate is frequently on hold, waiting until an employee is fired, retires, or has a leave without pay. Thus, after getting a higher education in Kyrgyzstan, it is very difficult to find a job, the competition is high and the wages in state institutions are minimal, it is not sufficient even to make a living. The main problem of employment is the length of employment or work experience of graduates, but, unfortunately, everyone knows that yesterday's graduate has neither length of employment nor work experience. Many employers are interested in employees with work experience. The shortage of personnel is created artificially.
TIMSS 2019 Verileri Işığında 8. Sınıf Öğrencilerinin Fen Başarılarını Etkileyen Bazı Değişkenlerin İncelenmesi
Authors: BİRGİN Aytekin , ÖZCAN Hasan
Published: October 2021

Bu çalışmada 2019 yılında yayımlanan Uluslararası Matematik ve Fen Eğilimleri Araştırması 2019 verileri kullanılarak, Türkiye'deki sekizinci sınıf öğrencilerinin fen başarısını etkileyen bazı değişkenlerinin başarıyı ne kadar açıklayabildikleri incelenmiştir. Değişkenlerin etkisini inceleyebilmek için bir nitel araştırma yöntemi olan doküman analizi kullanılmıştır. TIMSS 2019 araştırmasına 8.000 okuldan 250.000 öğrenci ve 30000 öğretmen katılmıştır. Verilerin analizinde basit regresyon tekniğinden yararlanılarak SPSS programı kullanılmıştır. Değişkenlerin fen başarısı üzerine etkileri incelendiğinde; laboratuvar varlığı, öğrencilerin deneylere katılım durumu, derste öğrencilerin kullanabileceği bilgisayar varlığı, derste kişi başına düşen bilgisayar sayısı, konuların yakın zamanda öğretilme yüzdesi gibi değişkenlerin fen başarısını anlamlı ve pozitif yönlü etkilediği tespit edilmiştir (p<.05). Ancak deney ve bilgisayar etkinlikleri yapma sıklığının fen başarısını yordayamadığı görülmüştür (p>.05). Bu durumun, her konunun aynı etkinlik için uygun olmayışından veya farklı düzeydeki öğretmen yeterliklerinden kaynaklandığı düşünülmektedir. Bu noktada fen derslerinde sunuş yöntemi ve çeşitli etkinlikleri dengeli bir şekilde sürece yaymak daha etkili olabilir. Ayrıca ülkemiz öğrencilerinin üst bilişsel basamaklara yönelik sorularda ortalama olarak daha başarılı oldukları görülmüştür. TIMSS konularının yakın zamanda öğretilmesinin bilme alandaki ortalama başarıya anlamlı ve olumlu katkı yapmasına rağmen muhakeme alanındaki ortalama başarının daha yüksek çıkması dikkat çekicidir. Bu durum, son yıllarda eğitim alanında yapılan yatırımlar ve müfredat değişiklikleri sonucunda, bilginin ezberlenmesine olanak tanıyan öğretim yaklaşımlarından uzaklaşılarak bilginin yapılandırılarak kullanılmasını sağlayan daha yenilikçi öğretim yaklaşımlarına geçişin bir kanıtı olabilir.
La civitas Tungrorum, le pes Drusianus et le statut foncier des terres conquises
Authors: Raepsaet Georges
Published: October 2021

The territories conquested by Rome become propriety of Rome, enter in his dominium.

But which is the statute of the private owner, the manner by which he became the user of this ager occupatorius ? With the help of the Roman jurists and the gromatici we analyse the different forms and statutes of the provincial ground, also the categories of the cadastral survey. The civitas Tungrorum offers an interessant study case because it was constructed from different local tribes and imported external populations. The pes Drusianus mentioned by Hyginus was used to make easier the measurements with a common standard and to promote some cultural unity between different peoples which had to life together.
Evaluation of Soft and Hard Tissue Condition After Dental Implant Surgery in Diabetic and Non-diabetic Patients (6 Months Follow up)
Authors: Khabazian Arezoo , forouzanfar Ali , Parsaee Hossein , Soltani Samaneh
Published: October 2021

Background: Hyperglycemia in diabetic patients can affect the success of many dental treatments. Thus, many dental procedures are contraindicated in patients with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus (DM) due to the consequent delay in wound healing. This study aimed to assess the effect of a long-term control of blood sugar on tissue healing after implant placement. Methods: This cohort study evaluated 20 patients aged 50-60, referring to the School of Dentistry, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences for implant placement. All patients underwent blood sugar test and were divided into two groups of diabetic and non-diabetic patients regarding their HbA1c level. Bone loss, bleeding on probing (BOP), and pocket probing depth (PPD) of patients were measured 1 and 6 months after the implant placement. Data were analyzed using independent t test and chi-square test. Results: Blood sugar control had no significant effect on bone loss, BOP and PPD one and six month(s) after implant placement (P>0.05). Although PPD significantly increased in both groups over time (P=0.016 in the healthy group and P=0.007 in the diabetic group), the difference between the two groups was not significant (P>0.05). Conclusion: According to the results from this study, blood sugar control examined in the age range of our study had no significant effect on tissue healing one and six month(s) after the implant placement. However, further studies are required to explore this subject more thoroughly.
Nanotechnology Approaches for Enhanced CNS Drug Delivery in the Management of Schizophrenia
Authors: Rajendran Rajalakshmi , Menon Krishnakumar Neelakandha , Nair Sreeja Chandrasekharan
Published: October 2021

Schizophrenia is a neuropsychiatric disorder mainly affecting the central nervous system (CNS), presented with auditory and visual hallucinations, delusion and withdrawal from society. Abnormal dopamine levels mainly characterise the disease; various theories of neurotransmitters explain the pathophysiology of the disease. The current therapeutic approach deals with the systemic administration of drugs other than the enteral route, altering the neurotransmitter levels within the brain and providing symptomatic relief. Fluid biomarkers help in the early detection of the disease, which would improve the therapeutic efficacy. However, the major challenge faced in CNS drug delivery is the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Nanotherapeutic approaches may overcome these limitations, which will improve safety, efficacy, and targeted drug delivery. This review article addresses the main challenges faced in CNS drug delivery and the significance of current therapeutic strategies and nanotherapeutic approaches for a better understanding and enhanced drug delivery to the brain, which improve the quality of life of schizophrenia patients.
Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes as Nanomaterial Tool in the Management of Prostate Cancer: A Possible Nanoformulation Approach
Authors: Murugesan Raja , Sureshkumar Raman , Radhakrishnan Arun , Jupudi Srikanth , Chennu Manisha
Published: October 2021

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the leading diseases in men all over the world caused due to over-expression of PSMA (Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen). Currently, the detection and targeting of PCa is one of the major challenges in prostate gland. Therefore, Bruton Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor molecules like Ibrutinib (Ibr) loaded with nanomaterials like Multi walled Carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), which has good physico-chemical properties may be a best regimen to treat PCa. In this strategy, the chemically modified MWCNTs which have excellent ‘Biosensing’ properties therefore makes easy for detecting PCa without fluorescent agent and thus targets particular site of PCa. In the present study, Ibr/MWCNTs conjugated with T30 oligonucleotide may target and inhibit PSMA thereby reduce the over-expression in PCa. Hence, the proposed formulation design can extensively reduce the dosage regimen without any toxic effect. Additionally, the present hypothesis also revealed the binding mode of Ibr in catalytic pocket of PSMA by in silico method. Therefore, we presume that if this hypothesis proves correct, it becomes an additional novel tool and one of the conceivable therapeutic options in treating PCa.
Successful Application of Alpha Lipoic Acid Niosomal Formulation in Cerebral Ischemic Reperfusion Injury in Rat Model
Authors: Raeisi Estabragh Mohammad Amin , Pardakhty Abbas , Ahmadzadeh Saeid , Dabiri Shahriar , Malekpour Afshar Reza , Farajli Abbasi Mohammad
Published: October 2021

Purpose: Free radicals such as hydroxyl and peroxide are contributing factors to neuronaldestruction in cerebral ischemia. Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is one of the potent knownantioxidants. Preparation of ALA niosomes allows IV injection and can increase bioavailabilityand penetration into the central nervous system (CNS).Methods: Film hydration method was used to prepare different niosomes composed of Span®,Tween®, and cholesterol at different molar ratio. ALA and niosome-forming compounds weredissolved in chloroform, before removing the organic solvent by rotary evaporator. Animalswere randomly divided into four groups: Sham, control group, intravenous (IV) injection ofempty niosomes plus intraperitoneal (IP) injection of ALA solution, and finally, IV injectionof ALA niosomes. Rats were subjected to deep anesthesia before inducing cerebral ischemia,then, their internal common carotid arteries were clamped for 15 min and reperfusion wasdone for 30 min. Niosomal ALA was injected intravenously just before declamping.Results: Mean volume diameter of the prepared niosomes was between 4.36 ± 0.82 and 19.95± 1.21 μm in different formulations. Encapsulation efficiency percent (EE%) of ALA in theselected formulation, Span60/Tween60/cholesterol (35:35:30 molar ratio), was 94.5 ± 0.2, and59.27 ± 5.61% of ALA was released after 4h. In the niosomal group, the rate of reduction incomplications of cerebral ischemia such as histopathologic changes and acute damage (fromscore 3 to 1) in CNS was higher than other groups.Conclusion: The obtained results show that niosomes can be used as effective drug deliverysystems for ALA in cerebral ischemia.
Combination Therapy of Metadichol Nanogel and Lipocalin-2 Engineered Mesenchymal Stem Cells Improve Wound Healing in Rat Model of Excision Injury
Authors: Pourmohammadi-Bejarpasi Zahra , Sabzevari Reza , Mohammadi Roushandeh Amaneh , Ebrahimi Ammar , Mobayen Mohammadreza , Jahanian-Najafabadi Ali , Darjani Abbas , Habibi Roudkenar Mehryar
Published: October 2021

Purpose: Currently, several disorders including burns, trauma, excisional and diabetic wounds,and bedsores threaten the human health. Application of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) isrecommended for treatment of skin disorders. However, because of oxidative stress andinflammation after skin injury, survival of transplanted MSCs is low which in turn negativelyaffects the efficiency of the MSCs-based therapy. In an attempt to address the aforementionedchallenge and introducing a novel potential therapeutic strategy, we employed combinationtherapy by lipocalin 2 (Lcn2)-engineered MSCs and a Metadichol (an inverse agonist of vitaminD receptor (VDR)) nanogel in a rat model of excisional wound.Methods: First, human umbilical cord MSCs (hUC-MSCs) was transfected by a recombinantplasmid encoding Lcn2 gene. Next, a combination of Metadichol nanogel and the engineeredMSCs was co-applied on wound in rat model of excision injury. Finally the improvementof wound healing in experimental groups was evaluated by photography and histologicalassessments (hematoxylin and eosin staining).Results: Our findings revealed that the repair rate was higher in the group received combinationtherapy comparing to control groups. Notably, Metadichol+Lcn2-MSCs showed significantlyhigher wound contraction rate compared to control group at all time points (P value < 0.001).Furthermore, wound repair rate was 95% 14 days after surgery, and 100% after 21 days inthe treatment groups. Our results also revealed that the combination therapy improved andaccelerated the wound healing process.Conclusion: Our findings suggest a novel potential therapeutic strategy i.e. Lcn2-engineeredMSCs and Metadichol for wound healing. However, further preclinical and clinical studies arerequired.
Promising Adjunct Medicines in the Protocol of Covid-19 Clinical Trial
Authors: AbouSamra Mona Mahmoud , Mansy Soheir Said
Published: October 2021

SARS-CoV2 is the causative organism of COVID-19. Since this disease is considered new and does not have an approved curative protocol, many researchers have tackled the possible options for COVID-19 prevention and therapeutic approaches. We address herein the phenomena of cytokine storm (the main cause of death) associating with the late stage of COVID19. Cytokine storm is undertaken in an attempt to provide information about its possible underlying causes, and to clarify some points that can be of value in guiding treatment practices for a clinical trial.
Polymeric Hydrogel Scaffolds: Skin Tissue Engineering and Regeneration
Authors: Uppuluri Varuna Naga Venkata Arjun , Thukani Sathanantham Shanmugarajan , Bhimavarapu Sai Krishna , Elumalai Lokesh
Published: October 2021

Tissue engineering is a novel regenerative approach in the medicinal field that promises the regeneration of damaged tissues. Moreover, tissue engineering involves synthetic and natural biomaterials that facilitate tissue or organ growth outside the body. Not surprisingly, the demand for polymer-based therapeutical approaches in skin tissue defects has increased at an effective rate, despite the pressing clinical need. Among the 3D scaffolds for tissue engineering and regeneration approaches, hydrogel scaffolds have shown significant importance for their use as 3D cross-linked scaffolds in skin tissue regeneration due to their ideal moisture retention property and porosity biocompatibility, biodegradable, and biomimetic characteristics. In this review, we demonstrated the choice of ideal biomaterials to fabricate the novel hydrogel scaffolds for skin tissue engineering. After a short introduction to the bioactive and drug-loaded polymeric hydrogels, the discussion turns to fabrication and characterisation techniques of the polymeric hydrogel scaffolds. In conclusion, we discuss the excellent wound healing potential of stem cell-loaded hydrogels and Nano-based approaches to designing hydrogel scaffolds for skin tissue engineering.
An Overview of Microparticulate Drug Delivery System and its Extensive Therapeutic Applications in Diabetes
Authors: Rafiee Mona Hassan , Abdul Rasool Bazigha K.
Published: October 2021

Microparticulate drug delivery system (MDDS) has attained much consideration in the modern era due to its effectiveness in overcoming traditional treatment problems. Microparticles are spherical particles of a diameter ranging from 10 μm to 1000 μm. Microparticles can encapsulate both water-soluble and insoluble compounds. MDDS proved their efficacy in improving drugs bioavailability, stability, targeting, and controlling their release patterns. Microparticles also offer comfort, easy administration, and improvement in patient compliance by reducing drugs toxicity and dosage frequency. This review elucidates the fabrication techniques, drug release, and therapeutic application of MDDS. Further details concerning the therapeutic applications of antidiabetic drugs-loaded microparticles were also reviewed, including controlling drugs release by gastroretention, improving drugs dissolution, reducing side effects, localizing drugs to the site of disease, improving insulin stability, natural products loaded with microparticles, sustained drug release, mucosal delivery, and administration routes. Additionally, the current situation and future prospects in developing microparticles loaded with antidiabetic drugs were discussed.
Nanostructured Lipid Carriers for Nose to Brain Delivery Targeting CNS: Diversified Role of Liquid Lipids for Synergistic Action
Authors: Tekade Avinash Ramrao , Mittha Pradeep Sadanand , Pisal Charushila Sopan
Published: October 2021

Neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s Disease, Dementia, Epilepsy, Depression, Migraine etc. are affecting more and more elderly people’s day by day. Conventional route of administration to treat these diseases has to face a major hindrance that is blood brain and Blood-CSF barrier to achieve desired concentration of drug at the site of action for therapeutic effect. Hence, intranasal route of delivery is considered as promising and alternative route to achieve desired goals. In last four decades, brain targeting strategies are widely studied and considered having great potential by researchers; especially intranasal delivery owing to its benefits. Various nano formulations such as nanoemulsions, nanosuspensions, hydrogels, in situ gels, dendrimers and lipidic formulations are studied widely. Lipid nano formulations especially second generation nanostructured lipid carriers offer greater advantages in terms of stability, fabrication techniques, scalability, drug loading and drug targeting. NLC’s constitute of two major components viz solid lipid and liquid lipid in a specific ratio. In this review, authors have discussed about the possible synergistic actions of oils/liquid lipids with synthetic drugs resulting into great therapeutic benefits.
Lipid-Polymer Hybrid Nanocarriers for Oral Delivery of Felodipine: Formulation, Characterization and Ex-Vivo Evaluation
Authors: Drais Hayder Kadhim , Hussein Ahmed Abbas
Published: October 2021

Purpose: Felodipine, is a calcium-channel antagonist used for hypertension and angina pectoris. It is practically insoluble in aqueous media and shows low oral bioavailability (15%-20%). This investigation aims to prepare and characterize oral felodipine lipid-polymer hybrid nanocarriers (LPHNs) to increase solubility and control delivery for increasing bioavailability and enhance patient compliance. Methods: The newly microwave-based method was prepared with felodipine LPHNs (H1-H35) successfully. The (H1-H35) were subjected to thermodynamic stability experiments. After that, select nine felodipine LPHNs (F1-F9) that have smart physical stability for further optimization of different characterization processes. Results: The felodipine LPHNs (F4) are considered the most optimized formula. It was characterized by lower particle size (33.3 nm), lower PDI (0.314), high zeta potential (13.6 mV), entrapment efficiency is (81.645 %w/w), drug loading is (16.329 % w/w), the pH value is 4, excellent percent of light transmittance (95.5%), pseudoplastic rheogram, significantly high (p< 0.05) dissolution rate with sustained drug delivery and success ex-vivo intestinal permeation attributes. The (F4) subject for further investigations of fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results of FTIR, AFM, and TEM indicate there is no interaction between the felodipine and excipients and that the particulate system in the nanoscale dispersion system confirms the high stability. Conclusion: The optimized felodipine LPHNs (F1-F9) formulations were smart formulations for sustained oral delivery of felodipine and that F4 was the most optimized formula according to its characterization processes.
Artificial Neural Network Modeling of Nanostructured Lipid Carriers Containing 5-O-Caffeoylquinic Acid-Rich Cratoxylum formosum Leaf Extract for Skin Application
Authors: Navabhatra Abhiruj , Brantner Adelheid , Yingngam Bancha
Published: October 2021

Purpose: To investigate the in vitro anti-skin-aging properties of Cratoxylum formosum extract and encapsulate this plant extract in nanostructured lipid carriers (CFE-NLCs) for dermal application. Methods: The biological properties of the plant extract, including enhanced procollagen type I synthesis and anti-matrix metalloproteinase activity, were evaluated to assess its cosmetic benefits. An artificial neural network coupled with K-fold cross-validation was applied to investigate the effects of the formulants and optimize the CFE-NLCs. The physicochemical properties, percutaneous absorption, and irritation potential of the CFE-NLCs were analyzed. Results: Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis revealed that CFE contained 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid as the vital constituent. Appropriate skin-care properties were also demonstrated with respect to enhanced type I procollagen synthesis and the inhibition of MMP-1, MMP-3, and MMP-9 in primary human dermal fibroblasts. The optimal CFE-NLCs exhibited better skin absorption and biocompatibility and lower irritation potential than the free botanical extract solution. Conclusion: The findings obtained highlight CFE-NLCs as promising skin-care ingredients.
Decreased Expression of LAMB3 Is Associated with Esophageal Cancer Stem Cell Formation
Authors: Ehtesham Anoosheh , Khosravi Ayyoob , Saghaeian Jazi Marie , Asadi Jahanbakhsh , Jafari Seyyed Mehdi
Published: October 2021

Purpose: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a highly aggressive cancer. The main cause of death in ESCC is related to relapse, metastasis, and resistance to cancer therapy. Recent studies have shown that a minor subset of cancer cells, known as cancer stem cells (CSCs), are responsible for tumor formation initiation and cancer progression. Understanding the genes associated with CSCs and metastasis can help in targeted cancer therapy. The aim of this study was to assess the expression of LAMB3 and TOP2A metastasis-associated genes in CSCs and adherent cells in the xenograft mouse model. Methods: Esophageal CSCs were enriched by the sphere formation method. The expression level of LAMB3 and TOP2A genes were evaluated in spheres and adherent cells in vitro by qRT-PCR. A xenograft mouse model was established to investigate the tumorigenesis and metastasis potential by subcutaneous and tail vein injection of CSCs and adherent YM-1 cells. Consequently, LAMB3 and TOP2A expression at the mRNA level was assessed in tumors. Immunohistochemistry was also used to evaluate the LAMB3 expression at the protein level in tumors. Results: CSCs-derived tumor was developed more quickly than the adherent cells-derived tumor. LAMB3 at mRNA and protein level was significantly down-regulated in sphere-derived tumor compared with adherent cells-derived tumor (p-value <0.05). TOP2A expression was almost similar in both sphere cells and adherent cells and there was no significant difference. Conclusion: we concluded that YM-1 spheres have CSCs characteristics in vitro with high capability of tumorigenicity in vivo. Our results were also shown that the LAMB3 expression was decreased in YM-1 spheres suggesting LAMB3 association with sphere formation.
Effects of Scrophularia Oxysepala Methanolic Extract on Early Stages of Dimethylhydrazine-Induced Colon Carcinoma in Rats: Apoptosis Pathway Approach
Authors: Namvaran Ali , Fazeli Mehdi , Farajnia Safar , Hamidian Gholamreza , Rezazadeh Hassan
Published: October 2021

Purpose: Colorectal cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers, worlwide. The present study aimed to examine the effects of Scrophularia Oxysepala (SO) methanolic extract on 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) induced colon cancer model in the Wistar rats. Methods: The animals administered DMH (40 mg/kg/S.C.) biweekly for two weeks to induce aberrant crypt foci (ACF). Other groups of animals were given the SO extract (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg/orally once/day) either before or after the DMH treatments. In the end, all animals were killed and at necropsy, the colon samples examined. The ACF, Aberrant crypt (AC), crypt multiplicity (CM), caspase 3 protein and apoptosis measurement were performed. Results: The SO extract significantly (P<0.001) decreased the number of AC, ACF, and CM in all pre and post-treated groups and caused significant increases in Caspase 3 and apoptosis as compared to the DMH group. However, post-treated animals showed significantly more effective than pre-treatment groups. Methanolic extract of SO showed a chemopreventive potential, by effectively reducing the number of AC, ACF, and CM and increasing caspase 3 protein and apoptosis. Conclusion: One of the possible mechanisms might be involved in the induction of apoptosis through the caspase 3 mediated pathway.
The Effect of Ceftriaxone in Valproic Acid-Induced Mouse Model of Autism
Authors: Gur Gamze , Topuz Ruhan Deniz , Kizilay Gulnur
Published: October 2021

Purpose: Autism is a multifactorial neurodevelopment disease and it has not been disclosed as a hypoglutamatergic or hyerglutamathergic disease. Ceftriaxone is an antibiotic that increases GLT-1 expression in the brain in chronic use. In our study we aimed to investigate the effects of different doses of ceftriaxone in postnatal period in male mice exposed to valproic acid (VPA) at 12.5th day of pregnancy. Material and Methods: A total of 96 Balb/c male mice were divided into 12 groups (n=8 animals per group). Ceftriaxone (50, 100, 200 mg/kg/day) or saline was given to the male offsprings born from pregnant mice administered VPA and/or saline, between days 47 and 55. Dihydrokainic acid (10 mg/kg), a glutamate transporter-1 (GLT-1) inhibitor, was administered intraperitoneally to evaluate whether GLT-1 mediates the effect of ceftriaxone. Three chamber sociability and social interaction test and the rota rod test were performed in all groups on days 54 and 55. GLT-1 levels in the hippocampus were measured by immunohistochemistry and western blotting. Results: In our study, autism-like behaviors were observed in male offspings that were exposed to VPA in the intrauterine period. Chronic ceftriaxone administration has no curative effect on behavioral impairment seen in autism. Conclusion: Our results show that ceftriaxone did not exert significant therapeutic effect on valproic acid-induced mouse model of autism.
Encapsulation of Vitamins Using Nanoliposome: Recent Advances and Perspectives
Authors: Aman Mohamadi Masoud , Farshi Parastou , Ahmadi Parisa , Ahmadi Azam , Yousefi Mohammad , Ghorbani Marjan , Hosseini Seyede Marzieh
Published: October 2021

Nowadays the importance of vitamins is clear for everyone. However, many patients are suffering from insufficient intake of vitamins. Incomplete intake of different vitamins from food sources due to their destruction during food processing or decrease in their bioavailability when mixing with other food materials, are factors resulting in vitamin deficiency in the body. Therefore, various lipid based nanocarriers such as nanoliposomes were developed to increase the bioavailability of bioactive compounds. Since the function of nanoliposomes containing vitamins on the body has a direct relationship with the quality of produced nanoliposomes, this review study was planned to investigate the several aspects of liposomal characteristics such as size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, and encapsulation efficiency on the quality of synthesized vitamin-loaded nanoliposomes.
Taurine in Septic Critically Ill Patients: Plasma versus Blood
Authors: Mahmoodpoor Ata , Farjami Afsaneh , Farzan Niloufar , Hamishehkar Hamed , Asgharian Parina , Sanaie Sarvin , Shadvar Kamran , Naeimzadeh Farnaz , Hamishehkar Hadi
Published: October 2021

Purpose: Sepsis and SIRS encompass various problems throughout the body, and two of its major problems are the creation of oxidative substances in the body and decrease of the body's antioxidant capacity to deal with the stress and organ damage. Optimal Enteral Nutrition (EN) fortified with antioxidant or immunomodulator amino acid is a hot topic concerning sepsis in the critical care setting. Taurine plays a protective role as an antioxidant in cells that is likely to have a protective role in inflammation and cytotoxicity. Methods: In the present study, 20 septic patients and 20 healthy volunteers were enrolled. The blood and plasma taurine levels of the patients on days 1, 3 and 7 were measured. Blood and plasma taurine level and the correlation between them, organ failure, and severity of the disease were assessed. Results: Taurine concentrations in the plasma of the septic patients were significantly lower than control group, and the whole blood concentrations were significantly higher than those of the control group (P<0.001). There was not a significant correlation between the blood and plasma taurine levels in control and septic patients. In addition, there was not any correlation between the severity of the disease, organ failure, mortality, and plasma as well as the blood concentration of taurine. Conclusion: In septic patients, taurine concentration in plasma and blood are low and high, respectively. These concentrations are not linked to each other and not associated with the patients’ outcome, and the disease severity, and organ failure.
The Potential of Vouacapanes from Pterodon Emarginatus Vogel against COVID-19 Cytokine Storm
Authors: Oliveira Leandra de Almeida Ribeiro , Silva Arthur Christian Garcia da , Thomaz Douglas Vieira , Brandão Fabiana , Conceição Edemilson Cardoso da , Valadares Marize Campos , Bara Maria Tereza Freitas , Silveira Dâmaris
Published: October 2021

Purpose: The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to the search for potential therapeutic responses for various aspects of this disease. Fruits of Pterodon emarginatus Vogel (Fabaceae), sucupira, have been used in Brazilian traditional medicine because of their anti-inflammatory properties, which have been proven in vivo, in vitro, and in silico. Therefore, the aim of this work is to evaluate P. emarginatus oleoresin and isolated diterpenes by in vitro anti-inflammatory models. Methods: In this study, the mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammatory activity of Pterodon emarginatus oleoresin and vouacapanes 6α,19β-diacetoxy-7β,14β-dihydroxyvouacapan (V1), 6α-acetoxy-7β,14β-dihydroxyvouacapan (V2), and methyl 6α-acetoxy-7β-hydroxyvouacapan-17β-oate (V3) were investigated in HaCaT cells. Results: Oleoresin, V2, and V3 inhibited phospholipase A2 (30.78%, 24.96%, and 77.64%, respectively). Both vouacapanes also inhibited the expression of COX-2 (28.3% and 33.17%, respectively). The production of interleukin IL-6 was inhibited by oleoresin by 35.47%. However, oleoresin did not interfere with Nrf-2 expression or IL-8 production. Conclusion: The results support the ethnomedicinal use of P. emarginatus oleoresin as an anti-inflammatory herbal medicine, and also highlight Pterodon emarginatus oleoresin and isolated vouacapanes as an attractive therapeutic approach for COVID-19 through the reduction or chronological control of the inflammatory mediators IL-6, COX-2, phospholipase A2, and INF-y (indirectly) during the SARS-CoV-2 infection process.
The Effect of Telomerase Inhibition on NK Cell Activity in Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Dizaji Asl Khadijeh , Rafat Ali , Movassaghpour Ali Akbar , Nozad Charoudeh Hojjatollah , Tayefi Nasrabadi Hamid
Published: October 2021

Purpose: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is known to be an invasive and highly lethal hematological malignancy in adults and children. Resistance to the present treatments, including radiotherapy and chemotherapy with their side effects and telomere length shortening are the main cause of the mortality in AML patients. Telomeres sequence which are located at the end of eukaryotic chromosome play pivotal role in genomic stability. Recent studies have shown that apoptosis process is blocked in AML patient by the excessive telomerase activity in cancerous blasts. Therefore, the find of effective ways to prevent disease progression has been considered by the researchers. Natural killer (NK) cells as granular effector cells play a critical role in elimination of abnormal and tumor cells. Given that the cytotoxic function of NK cells is disrupted in the AML patients, we investigated the effect of telomerase inhibitors on NK cell differentiation. Methods: To evaluate telomerase inhibition on NK cell differentiation, the expression of CD105, CD56, CD57, and KIRs was evaluated in CD34+ derived NK cells after incubation of them with BIBR1532. Results: The results showed that the expression of CD105, CD56, CD57, and KIRs receptors reduces after telomerase inhibition. According to these findings, BIBR1532 affected the final differentiation of NK cells. Conclusion: The results revealed that telomerase inhibitor drugs suppress cancer cell progression in a NK cells-independent process.