bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Screening of the College Students at Clinical High Risk for Psychosis in China: A Multicenter Epidemiological Study
Authors: Wu JiaXin , Long XiangYun , Liu Fei , Qi AnSi , Chen Qi , Guan XiaoFeng , Zhang Qiong , Yao YuHong , Shi JingYu , Xie ShiPing , Yan Wei , Hu MaoRong , Yuan Xin , Tang Jun , Wu SiLiang , Zhang TianHong , Wang JiJun , Lu Zheng
Published: December 2020

Background: To investigate a 3-stage screening procedure and explore the clinical features of subjects at Clinical High Risk (CHR) for psychosis in a representative sample of Chinese college students. Methods: An epidemiological survey of the prevalence of the CHR syndrome in Chinese college students that was selected by stratified random sampling from Shanghai, Nanjing and Nanchang cities was done following a 3-stage procedure. Participants were initially screened with the Prodromal Questionnaire-brief version (PQ-B), and whose distress score of PQ-B exceeded 24 would be invited to a telephone assessment using the subscale for positive symptoms of the Scale of Prodromal Symptoms (SOPS)/Structured Interview for Prodromal Syndromes (SIPS). Lastly, participants who scored 3 or higher in any item of the subscale would be administered with the SIPS interview conducted by trained researchers to confirm the diagnosis of CHR syndrome. Results: 23 063 college students completed the survey during September 2017 to October 2018. 72 students were diagnosed as CHR subjects, and the detection rate in the total sample was 0.3%. The peak age range for the first diagnosis of CHR was 17 to 20 years. 13 and 46 were set as the cutoff points of PQ-B total score and distress score to balance the greatest sensitivity and specificity. Binary logistic regression revealed that 8 items in PQ-B showed significant distinction for detecting CHR subjects. Conclusions: The 3-stage screening method can be utilized in the detection of CHR subjects for psychosis in the general population, during which delusional ideas, perceptual abnormalities and suspiciousness deserve great attention.
Trends in burden of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in countries, regions, and worldwide from 1990 to 2017: results from the Global Burden of Disease Study
Authors: Ou Zejin , Yu Danfeng , Liang Yuanhao , He Wenqiao , Li Yongzhi , Meng Yaxian , Xiong Husheng , Zhang Minyi , He Huan , Gao Yuhan , Wu Fei , Chen Qing
Published: December 2020

Background Antituberculosis-drug resistance is an important public health issue worldwide, and its epidemiological patterns has dramatically changed in recent decades. This study aimed to estimate the trends of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), which can provide an important reference to the strategies for TB control.Methods Data were collected from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017. The estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs) were calculated to quantify the trends of MDR-TB burden at global, regional, and national level from 1990 to 2017.Results Globally, the age-standardized rate (ASR)of MDR-TB burden including incidence, prevalence, death and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) had pronounced increasing trends from 1990 to 1999, with the respective EAPCs were 17.63(95% confidence interval [CI]: 10.77 to 24.92), 17.57(95%CI: 11.51 to 23.95), 21.21(95%CI:15.96 to 26.69), and 21.90(95%CI: 16.55 to 27.50). Particularly, the largest increasing trends were seen in areas and countries with low and low-middle sociodemographic index (SDI). However, the trends in incidence, prevalence, death and DALYs of MDR-TB decreased globally from 2000 to 2017, with the respective EAPCs were −1.37(95%CI: −1.62 to −1.12), −1.32(95%CI: −1.38 to −1.26), −3.30(95%CI: −3.56 to −3.04) and −3.32(95%CI: −3.59 to −3.06). Decreasing trends of MDR-TB were observed in most regions and countries, particularly that of death and DALYs in Slovenia were −18.96(95%CI: −20.82 to −17.06) and −19.35 (95%CI: −21.10 to −17.55), respectively. Whereas increasing trends of MDR-TB occurred in Papua New Guinea, Singapore, and Australia.Conclusions The trends of MDR-TB pronouncedly decreased worldwide from 2000 to 2017. However, the MDR-TB burden remains a substantial challenge to the TB control globally, and requires effective control strategies and healthcare systems.
Comparison of piece length and dynamics of large wood in streams covered with coniferous and broadleaf forests mapped using ortho-photographs acquired by an unmanned aerial vehicle 
Authors: Tsunetaka Haruka , Mtibaa Slim , Asano Shiho , Okamoto Takashi , Kurokawa Ushio
Published: December 2020

As large wood (LW) supplied by landslides and debris flows is one of the main components of watershed ecosystems, the importance of quantifying the dimensions of the LW is evident. However, the low accessibility of disturbed channels after landslides and debris flows generally impedes accurate and quick LW investigations. Recent advances in photogrammetry techniques may overcome such issues. In this study, we used ortho-photographs acquired using a small unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to measure the lengths of LW (wood pieces > 0.2-m long and > 0.03-m diameter) entrapped mainly by closed-type check-dams. We focused on two channels that are located in coniferous and broadleaf forests and affected by two different landslides events. The measurement accuracy was analyzed by comparing the lengths derived from the UAV method with direct measurements. When the both ends of a piece LW are satisfactorily extracted from an ortho-photograph acquired via the UAV, the LW lengths of coniferous trees can be measured with an accuracy of approximately ±0.5 m. For broadleaf trees, most of the extracted lengths were shorter than the directly measured lengths, probably due to the low visibility arising from the complex structures of the root wad and the tree crown. Most LW pieces were discharged from landslide scars in the broadleaf forest, whereas approximately 750 LW pieces were left in the landslide scars of the coniferous forest. The number of LW pieces in the landslide scars increased with the increase in the landslide area, suggesting that some LW pieces can be left even if large landslides occur. There were no significant changes in the lengths or locations of the entrapped LW, at either site seven months after the first UAV flight. In the coniferous forests, the rainfall that triggered landslides in 2017 exceeded the 100-year return level, which was an abnormally intense rainfall. Although the 2019 rainfall event that occurred between UAV flights did not provide enough rainfall to trigger landslides, rainfall intensities with different durations reached the second-highest value from 1976 to 2019, exceeding the 30-year return period. This suggests that most of the entrapped LW rarely migrate even under extreme rainfall.
Dynamics of Land Use Land Cover Change in Enugu City of Enugu State, Nigeria
Authors: Agbaogun Sulaimon Olaniyan , Akintunde-Alo Daniel
Published: December 2020

As far as urban expansion is concerned, there is no city in the world that is static. One of the effects of this expansion is vegetation loss and its attendant ecosystem disequilibrium. The aim of this paper is to analyze urban expansion and loss of vegetation cover in Enugu city in Enugu State. Land use and land cover (LULC) in Enugu city has undergone constant change over the past few decades due to major changes caused by anthropogenic and natural factors and the impacts of their activities on the environment and climate of the city. This study used techniques of Remote Sensing and GIS to identify the rate of urban expansion and the degree of vegetal loss using the Landsat imageries of 1989, 1999, 2009 and 2019. The maximum likelihood classification algorithm in IdrisiSelva software was used to extract three major land cover classes i.e. Built up, Vegetation and Non-vegetation. The average rates of change were elicited for each of the land cover types.Vegetation had diminished from 430.75km2 (77.26%) in 1989 to 313.18km2 (56.17%) in 2019. Conversely, built-up areas had increased from 67.28 km2 (12.07%) in 1989 to 170.71km2 (30.62%) in 2019. Non-vegetation increased from 59.53km2 (10.68%) in 1989 to 73.67km2 (13.31%) in 2019. Results also revealed changes in temperature with respect to vegetation changes. The temperature has increased from average of 27oC in 1989 to average of 29.1oC in 2019. This has led to an increase of about 2.1oC. Therefore, the State Development of Environments and other relevant agencies should as a matter of urgency, start working with planners to establish urban greenery as mitigating measure against vegetation loss, environmental and climate change.
Occurrence of Bacterial Spot in Illinois Tomato Fields and Characteristics of the Causal Agents
Authors: Khanal Sabin , Hind Sarah R. , Babadoost Mohammad
Published: December 2020

Bacterial spot, caused by Xanthomonas spp., is one of the most important diseases of tomato in Illinois. Field surveys were conducted during 2017–19 to assess occurrence of bacterial spot in commercial tomato fields. Severity of foliage and fruit infection was recorded, and symptomatic samples were collected from three-to-five cultivars in three different farms in each of northern, central, and southern regions of Illinois. Severity of symptomatic foliage ranged from 0% to 91% (average 36.7%) and incidence of symptomatic fruit ranges from 0% to 30% (average 10.8%). During the surveys, 266 Xanthomonas isolates were collected and identified as Xanthomonas gardneri and X. perforans using Xanthomonas-specific hrp primers. Eighty-six percent of the isolates from the northern region were identified as X. gardneri, whereas 73% of the isolates from southern region were identified as X. perforans. Isolates from the central region were identified as X. perforans and X. gardneri 53% and 47% of the time, respectively. Multilocus sequence analysis using six housekeeping genes (fusA, gap-1, gltA, gyrB, lepA, and lacF) revealed the endemic population of X. gardneri and X. perforans. In addition to Xanthomonas, nine non-Xanthomonas bacterial genera were isolated from the samples, with most of the isolates classified as Microbacterium, Pantoea, and Pseudomonas.
Características da palma forrageira Opuntia spp. com potencial à resistência à cochonilha do carmim Dactylopius opuntiae (Cockerell) (Hemiptera: Dactylopiidae)
Authors: Silva Érik Serafim da , Gomes Isaac Araújo , Melo Luzimar Joventina de , Medeiros Weverton Pereira de , Medeiros Marcos Barros de
Published: December 2020

As palmas forrageiras do gênero Opuntia (Cactacea) são originadas do México e consideradas as principais fontes de forragem para rebanhos na Região Nordeste do Brasil. O aprimoramento genético aumenta consideravelmente a produção da palma, ampliando sua adaptação, surgindo novos cultivares, corroborando, assim, com os avanços nas pesquisas da palma forrageira nas regiões semiáridas. A alta produtividade, o melhoramento genético da palma também enfrenta o desafio de resistirem à cochonilha do carmim Dactylopius coccus Costa, 1835 (Hemiptera: Dactylopiidae). As principais pragas que atacam as palmas podem ser efetivamente controladas geneticamente. O propósito de avaliar os métodos de melhoramento genético, seus resultados e adaptada ao semiárido, essa pesquisa bibliográfica teve como principal objetivo mostrar, com base na literatura pertinente, o potencial de adaptação destas plantas às regiões semiáridas viabilizando um estudo técnico de principais espécies de palma forrageira com potencialidades de resistência à cochonilha do carmim.
Investigation of Failure Criteria and Experimental Process of the Composite Specimen with Mechanical Joints under Tensile Loading
Authors: Fathi Pourya , Moslemi Petrudi Amin
Published: December 2020

Generally, composite materials are used to obtain better engineering properties, including higher hardness, greater strength, lower weight, heat resistance, moisture and corrosion, which are not present in homogeneous materials such as metals, which are more commonly used in composite design. In this article, experimental study of the composite specimen with mechanical joints under tensile loading, joints of composite material structures, failure criteria in composite materials, tensile impact test is investigated. The results of research work it shows that maximum strength, the hand lay-up can be designed with [0º, 45º, 90º, -45º] s and layers with 45º fibers is very important, because these fibers in these layers have a significant role in increasing the resistance of the piecework under shear stresses due to the passage of stress lines along the hole; In other words, the maximum cut occurs at a 45º angle, and these layers resist this shear stress.
Single T gate in a Clifford circuit drives transition to universal entanglement spectrum statistics
Authors: Zhou Shiyu , Yang Zhicheng , Hamma Alioscia , Chamon Claudio
Published: December 2020

Clifford circuits are insufficient for universal quantum computation
or creating tt-designs
with t\ge 4t≥4.
While the entanglement entropy is not a telltale of this insufficiency,
the entanglement spectrum of a time evolved random product state is: the
entanglement levels are Poisson-distributed for circuits restricted to
the Clifford gate-set, while the levels follow Wigner-Dyson statistics
when universal gates are used. In this paper we show, using finite-size
scaling analysis of different measures of level spacing statistics, that
in the thermodynamic limit, inserting a single T
(\pi/8)(π/8)
gate in the middle of a random Clifford circuit is sufficient to alter
the entanglement spectrum from a Poisson to a Wigner-Dyson
distribution.
A kollagén szerepe és hatása az emberi szervezetre
Authors: Fritz Péter , Mayer Lívia , Pető Adrienn , Németh Boglárka
Published: December 2020

A kollagén is fehérje, így építőkövei az aminosavak. Szervezetünk képes előállítani, amennyiben az étkezésünk során kielégítő mennyiségben jutunk fehérjegazdag táplálékhoz. Szintéziséhez azonban nélkülözhetetlen a C-vitamin, mely segíti a kollagénképző aminosavak kapcsolódását. 28 ismert kollagéntípus van, azonban a szervezet kollagénjének közel 90%-a az I. típus családjába tartozik. A kollagént sertésből, marhából, csirkéből és különböző tengeri állatokból lehet kinyerni. Mivel szervezetünk nagy mennyiségben tartalmazza, fogyasztása hatással van a bőrre, szemre, hajra, körömre, inakra, szalagokra, izmokra, porcokra, csontokra, az emésztésre és szívünk egészségére is. Évek óta növekvő tendenciát mutat a kereslet a kollagént tartalmazó étrend-kiegészítők iránt. A kollagénpiac – ezen belül is a hidrolizált kollagén – további növekedését várják.
Effectiveness of Psycho-Education Program for Knowledge of Family Caregivers of Patient’s with BAD at El-tigani El-mahi Psychiatric Teaching Hospital, Sudan, 2017- 2019
Authors: Ahmed Mohammed Ateeg Abdelrahman
Published: December 2020

Background: Psycho education is among the most effective of the evidence-based practices that have emerged in both clinical trials and community settings, it showed weighed excellent benefits when administered to those with bipolar affective disorders, reducing both re-hospitalization rates and decreasing the number of days a person spends in the hospital .Aim: The study aim at assessing the effectiveness of psycho-education for family caregivers of patients with bipolar affective disorders at El-Tegani El-Mahi psychiatric teaching Hospital, Sudan, October 2017 to March 2018.Methods: This study is a quasi-experimental pre/post-tests hospital based, the sample consisted of (73) family caregivers who were all available at the hospital during the period of the data collection. They selected by total cover of all family caregivers close with patients. Data was collected by the use of Structured questionnaire to assess the family caregiver knowledge by likert scale, data was analyzed by Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 20.and presented figure and tables. Results: the study revealed that the mean score of knowledge before the psycho-education: 28.9. Their knowledge is poor according to compared with the overall mean knowledge post psycho-education were 73.0 with (p.value=,000).Conclusion & recommendation: Psycho education highly significance and improved the knowledge among the family caregivers of the patients with Bipolar Affective Disorders, the recommended establishment of collaborative relationship with families and educational interventions by the nurse under the guidance of the Psychiatric Hospital.
An Evaluation of Antenatal Screening Services Provided in Health Facilities of Lundazi District, Zambia
Authors: Mambwe Patricia
Published: December 2020

Background: Provision of quality Antenatal care requires holistic screening and timely treatment to prevent neonatal and maternal mortalities. Methods: A facility based cross- sectional study evaluated antenatal screening services offered in Lundazi District, Zambia. The study was conducted between October 2019 and June2020. Study units comprised 5 health facilities, 60 ANC mothers and 75 ANC providers. The study used facility audit, observation and self-administered questionnaires. Results: The study found that ANC mothers could not be weighed in all the health facilities due to dysfunctional weighing scales. Facilities lacked Multistix for urine testing. Facilities could not test for blood grouping or screen blood for Rhesus factor. One facility could not screen for HIV and Malaria as reagents were out of stock. Another facility could not screen Haemoglobin levels for anaemia as the Hamacue machine was dysfunctional. Routine ultrasound was not done in all the five facilities. Conclusion: Lack of functional equipment and essential supplies used for screening ANC mothers for any abnormality is a significant missed opportunity for early diagnosis and timely treatment of medical conditions. Reinforcing this component improves provision of quality antenatal care. Therefore, increased Antenatal care coverage requires a simultaneous scale-up of ANC equipment, supplies and drugs.
Sishankamrata in the Indonesian State Defense and Security System from the Beginning of Independence to the Reform Period
Authors: Muksinin Ladlul
Published: December 2020

The debate regarding the concept of the Indonesian state defense and security system is still a fundamental subject of mathematic since the independence era until the reform era. For example, regarding the definition of national security with state security, defense function with security functions, regulations, and many more. For this reason, this paper will discuss how the dynamics of the Sishankamrata in the State Defense and Security System (Sishanneg) the independence era the reform era. This paper discusses that the National Defense System (Sishaneg) is believed to still need to be maintained in national defense and security policies. The concept of Sishankamrata develops its form of defense through the involvement of all components of the citizenry, territorial integrity, natural resources, and other means that have been prepared in advance. This system also makes defense integration (military and non-military) stronger, more respected, and has higher deterrence. So that in the era of reform, it was explicit that the concept of Sishankamrata was considered powerful enough so that it was still maintainedExplicitly in the reform era after the amendment of the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia, the concept of Sishankamrata was still maintained and wa considered quite effective.

[]

Perdebatan mengenai konsep sistem pertahanan dan keamanan negara Indonesia masih menjadi problematika mendasar sejak masa kemerdekaan hingga masa reformasi. Misalnya mengenai pengertian keamanan nasional dengan keamanan negara, fungsi pertahanan dengan fungsi keamanan, regulasi dan masih banyak lagi. Untuk itu tulisan ini akan mendiskusikan bagaimana dinamika Sistem Pertahanan Keamanan Rakyat Semesta (Sishankamrata) dalam Sistem Pertahanan dan Keamanan Negara (Sishanneg) dari awal kemerdekaan pasca reformasi. Tulisan ini akan mendiskusikan bahwa Sistem Pertahanan Nasional (Sishaneg) perlu untuk tetap dipertahankan dalam kebijakan pertahanan dan keamanan nasional. Konsep Sishankamrata ini mengembangkan bentuk pertahanannya melalui keterlibatan seluruh komponen warga negara, kesatuan wilayah, sumber daya alam, serta sarana lainnya yang lebih dulu dipersiapkan. Sistem ini juga melakukan integrasi pertahanan (militer dan nirmiliter) menjadi lebih kuat, lebih disegani, dan lebih tinggi daya tangkalnya. Secara eksplisit pada era reformasi setelah UUD NRI Tahun 1945 diamandemen, konsep Sishankamrata ini masih dipertahankan dan dianggap cukup efektif.
Effects of an Integrative Mind-Body-Medicine Group Program on Breast Cancer Patients During Chemotherapy: An Observational Study
Authors: Haller Heidemarie , Choi Kyung-Eun , Lange Silke , Kümmel Sherko , Paul Anna , Cramer Holger , Dobos Gustav , Voiss Petra
Published: December 2020

Background:

Breast cancer is one of the leading cancers in women in the Western world. Cancer
treatment, especially chemotherapy, is often associated with physical and psychosocial side effects.

Objective:

To improve the quality of life and manage side effects, a new integrative mind-body-medicine group
concept for breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy was developed and pilot tested.

Methods:

Breast cancer patients participated in a 66 hours mind-body-medicine group program tailored to the
needs of cancer patients during chemotherapy. The program was integrated into standard care encompassing
mindfulness training, yoga, moderate exercise, nutrition, complementary self-help strategies, cognitive restructuring,
and acupuncture. Quality of life (EORTC QLQ-C30), depression and anxiety (HADS), stress (PSS-10),
and fatigue (BFI) were assessed before and after the program, as well as satisfaction and safety. Analyses were
carried out on exploratory basis with paired samples t-tests.

Results:

Fifty-seven female patients, aged 51.3±10.5 years, with breast cancer diagnoses were enrolled. After
completing the program, global EORTC quality of life was improved (D=9.5; 95%-CI=[2.9|16.1]; p=.005), although
the EORTC-symptom scales assessing fatigue (D=9.9; 95%-CI=[1|18.8]; p=.030), nausea (D=7.1; 95%-
CI=[0.6|13.6]; p=.031), and dyspnea (D=12.5; 95%-CI=[2.9|22.1]; p=.011) were found to be increased. Stress
(D=-3.5; 95%-CI=[-5|-2.1]; p=.000), anxiety (D=-3.8; 95%-CI=[-4.9|-2.7]; p=.000) and depression (D=-3.9;
95%-CI=[-4.9|-2.8]; p=.000) were also found to be significantly reduced. Regarding the severity of (D=0.2;
95%- CI=[-0.8|0.5]; p=.644) and the impairment due to fatigue (D=0.1; 95%-CI=[-0.8|0.6]; p=.696), no significant
worsening was observed. Patients were satisfied with the program. No serious adverse events were reported.

Conclusion:

Breast cancer patients benefit from an integrative mind-body-medicine group program during chemotherapy
regarding the quality of life and psychological symptoms. Randomized controlled trials are warranted.
New Approaches for Hydrogen Therapy of Various Diseases
Authors: Zhang Lei , Yu Han , Tu Qiufen , He Qianjun , Huang Nan
Published: December 2020

Hydrogen therapy has recently received increasing attention as an emerging and promising therapeutic
technology due to its selective antioxidant property and cell energy regulatory capability in vivo. To solve
the low solubility issue of hydrogen, a variety of nanomaterials and devices for hydrogen supply have recently
been developed, aiming to increase the concentration of hydrogen in the specific disease site and realize controlled
hydrogen release and combined treatment. In this review, we mainly focus on the latest advances in using
hydrogen-generating devices and nanomaterials for hydrogen therapy. These developments include sustained
release of H2, controlled release of H2, versatile modalities of synergistic therapy, etc. Also, bio-safety
issues and challenges are discussed to further promote the clinical applications of hydrogen therapy and the development
of hydrogen medicine.
Advances in Microbiome Detection Technologies and Application in Antirheumatic Drug Design
Authors: Wu Xin , Chen Xiang , Lyu Xiaochen , Zheng Hao
Published: December 2020

:

Rheumatic diseases are a kind of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune disease affecting the connection or supporting structures of the human body, such as the most common diseases Ankylosing spondylitis (AS), gout and Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Although the precise etiology and pathogenesis of the different types of rheumatic diseases remain mostly unknown, it is now commonly believed that these diseases are attributed to some complex interactions between genetics and environmental factors, especially the gut microbiome. Altered microbiome showed clinical improvement in disease symptoms and partially restored to normality after prescribing disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) or other treatment strategies. Recent advances in next-generation sequencing-based microbial profiling technology, especially metagenomics, have identified alteration of the composition and function of the gut microbiota in patients. Clinical and experimental data suggest that dysbiosis may play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of these diseases. In this paper, we provide a brief review of the advances in the microbial profiling technology and up-to-date resources for accurate taxonomic assignment of metagenomic reads, which is a key step for metagenomics studies. In addition, we review the altered gut microbiota signatures that have been reported so far across various studies, upon which diagnostics classification models can be constructed, and the drug-induced regulation of the host microbiota can be used to control disease progression and symptoms.
Chloroquine Analogs: An Overview of Natural and Synthetic Quinolines as Broad Spectrum Antiviral Agents
Authors: Pallaval Veera B. , Kanithi Manasa , Meenakshisundaram Sangeetha , Jagadeesh Achanta , Alavala Mattareddy , Pillaiyar Thanigaimalai , Manickam Manoj , Chidipi Bojjibabu
Published: December 2020

SARS-CoV-2, a positive single-stranded RNA enveloped coronavirus, currently poses a global
health threat. Drugs with quinoline scaffolds have been studied to repurpose their useful broad-spectrum properties
into treating various diseases, including viruses. Preliminary studies on the quinoline medications, chloroquine
and hydroxychloroquine, against SARS-CoV-2, have shown to be a potential area of interest for drug
development due to their ability to prevent viral entry, act as anti-inflammatory modulators, and inhibit key enzymes
allowing reduced viral infectivity. In addition to Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine, we discussed
analogs of the drugs to understand the quinoline scaffold’s potential antiviral mechanisms. The heterocyclic
scaffold of quinoline can be modified in many ways, primarily through the modification of its substituents. We
studied these different synthetic derivatives to understand properties that could enhance its antiviral specificity
thoroughly. Chloroquine and its analogs can act on various stages of the viral life cycle, pre and post entry. In
this study, we reviewed chloroquine and its synthetic and natural analogs for their antiviral properties in a variety
of viruses. Furthermore, we reviewed the compound’s potential abilities to attenuate symptoms associated
with viral infections. Natural compounds that share scaffolding to chloroquine can act as antivirals or attenuate
symptoms through the stimulation of the host immune system or reduction of oxidative stress. Furthermore, we
discuss perspectives of the drug’s repurposing due to its ability to inhibit the beta-hematin formation and to be a
Zinc Ionophore.
MicroRNA-96 is Downregulated in Sepsis Neonates and Attenuates LPSInduced Inflammatory Response by Inhibiting IL-16 in Monocytes
Authors: Zhang Chunlei , Li Xiuting , Liu Na , Feng Zijian , Zhang Chengyuan
Published: December 2020

Background:

Neonatal sepsis (NS) remains one of the leading causes of mortality
among newborns. This study found the deregulated microRNA-96 (miR-96) in NS neonates, and
aimed to evaluate the clinical significance of miR-96, as well as its effect on LPS-induced
inflammatory response in monocytes. In addition, the relationship of interleukin-16 (IL-16) and
miR-96 was investigated to understand the underlying mechanisms.

Methods:

Expression of miR-96 was examined using real-time quantitative PCR. Monocytes stimulated by LPS was used to
mimic excessive inflammation in the pathogenesis of NS. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was applied to evaluate
pro-inflammatory cytokines levels. A luciferase reporter assay was used to confirm the interaction between miR-96 and IL16.

Results:

Serum miR-96 expression was decreased in NS newborns and had considerable diagnostic value for NS screening.
LPS inhibited miR-96 expression in monocytes, and the overexpression of miR-96 could reverse the effects of LPS on the
inflammation of monocytes. IL-16 was a target gene of miR-96 and negatively correlated with miR-96 levels in NS
neonates. The inhibited inflammatory responses induced by miR-96 overexpression was abolished by the elevated IL-16 in
monocytes.

Conclusion:

All the data reveal that serum decreased miR-96 may serve as a candidate non-invasive biomarker for NS
diagnosis. In addition, miR-96 inhibits LPS-induced inflammatory responses by targeting IL-16 in monocytes. The miR96/IL-16 axis may provide novel therapeutic targets for NS treatment.
Clinical Study of Qingpeng Ointment Treating Shoulder-hand Syndrome After Cerebral Hemorrhage During the Rehabilitation Period
Authors: Pan Ruihuan , Ling Shanshan , Yang Haodong , Huang Yan , Zhan Lechang , Zhong Yiping , Chen Hongxia
Published: December 2020

Background:

Shoulder-hand syndrome (SHS) refers to a syndrome causing sudden edema, shoulder pain and
limited hand function. Qingpeng ointment, a kind of Tibetan medicine, can reduce swelling, relieve pain, tonify stagnation
and clear the meridians, which is consistent with the pathological mechanism of SHS after stroke. Therefore, if clinical trials
can be used to explore the effectiveness of Qingpeng ointment for treatment of poststroke SHS and promote its application
in clinical medicine, this is of specific significance for the treatment of poststroke SHS.

Objective:

To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of Qingpeng ointment in the treatment of poststroke SHS. To
provide an objective basis for a better therapeutic treatment for poststroke SHS．

Method:

A prospective, randomized, controlled study was conducted. This study recruited 120 patients with poststroke SHS
who met the inclusion criteria. They were randomized into the treatment group and the control group, with 60 patients
allocated to each group. The treatment group received routine medical treatment and rehabilitative care after using the
Qingpeng ointment, while the patients in the control group received only routine treatment without the ointment. All
patients received clinical assessment with the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), measurement of the range of motion (ROM) of
the upper-limb joints, the Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Upper Extremity (FMA-U) and the Modified Barthel Index Score
(MBI) before and after the whole treatment.

Results:

After 4 weeks of treatment, the VAS scores of both groups were decreased significantly (P<0.05), and the
difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05). There is no statistical significance for the
difference between the treatment group and control group in terms of the FMA-U and MBI scores and the forward bend,
backward, outstretch, external rotation and pronation angles after treatment. The increases in the values of VAS, FMA-M
and MBI in the treatment group were greater than those in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant
(P < 0.05). The increases in the values of the forward bend, outreach and external rotation angles in the treatment group
were greater than those in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

The treatment group showed better results than the control group in terms of the relief of pain symptoms, the
improvement of motor function and the improvement of the activities of daily living for patients with shoulder-hand
syndrome after cerebral hemorrhage. Qingpeng ointment is effective and safe in treating poststroke SHS.
Curcumin-containing Silver Nanoparticles Prevent Carbon Tetrachloride- induced Hepatotoxicity in Mice
Authors: Ebaid Hossam , Habila Mohamed , Hassan Iftekhar , Al-Tamimi Jameel , Omar Mohamed S. , Rady Ahmed , Alhazza Ibrahim M
Published: December 2020

Background:

Hepatotoxicity remains an important clinical challenge. Hepatotoxicity
observed in response to toxins and hazardous chemicals may be alleviated by delivery of the
curcumin in silver nanoparticles (AgNPs-curcumin). In this study, we examined the impact of
AgNPs-curcumin in a mouse model of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic injury.

Methods:

Male C57BL/6 mice were divided into three groups (n=8 per group). Mice in group 1
were treated with vehicle control alone, while mice in Group 2 received a single intraperitoneal
injection of 1 ml/kg CCl4 in liquid paraffin (1:1 v/v). Mice in group 3 were treated with 2.5 mg/kg
AgNPs-curcumin twice per week for three weeks after the CCl4 challenge.

Results:

Administration of CCL4 resulted in oxidative dysregulation, including significant
reductions in reduced glutathione and concomitant elevations in the level of malondialdehyde
(MDA). CCL4 challenge also resulted in elevated levels of serum aspartate transaminase (AST)
and alanine transaminase (ALT); these findings were associated with the destruction of hepatic
tissues. Treatment with AgNPs-curcumin prevented oxidative imbalance, hepatic dysfunction, and
tissue destruction. A comet assay revealed that the CCl4 challenge resulted in significant DNA
damage as documented by a 70% increase in nuclear DNA tail-length; treatment with AgNPscurcumin
inhibited the CCL4-mediated increase in nuclear DNA tail-length by 34%.

Conclusion:

Administration of AgNPs-curcumin resulted in significant anti-oxidant activity in
vivo. This agent has the potential to prevent hepatic tissue destruction and DNA damage that
results from direct exposure to CCL4.
Inhibition of Melanogenesis by Some Well-Known Polyphenolics: A Review
Authors: Orhan Ilkay E. , Deniz Fatma S.S.
Published: December 2020

Melanogenesis is simply defined as the production of melanin in melanosomes by melanocytes
through a complex process. Melanin, a pigment derived from L-tyrosine, comes into two
forms, namely eumelanin (brownish to black) and pheomelanin (red to yellow). Melanin synthesis
starts via the hydroxylation of L-tyrosine to L-3,4-Dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) catalyzed by
the enzyme known as Tyrosinase (TYR), which triggers further conversion reaction to DOPAquinone
and then to DOPAchrome. Additionally, this process is also related to two more proteins, i.e.,
oxygenase TYR-related Protein 1 (TYRP1), and Dopachrome Tautomerase TYRP2 (or DCT).
However, TYR located in the melanosomal membrane still stands as the key enzyme to initiate the
whole process of melanogenesis. Due to some deficits, melanogenesis may emerge as hypo- or hyperpigmentation
in the skin. High production of melanin in melanocytes leads to hyperpigmentation-
related skin disorders, including freckles, melasma, melanoma, etc., that may cause displeasure
in personal appearance and reduce quality of life. Consequently, several melanogenesis inhibitors of
synthetic and natural origins have been developed up to date, though most of them have been reported
with serious side effects. For this reason, extensive research is still going on to find novel and
more effective melanogenesis inhibitors with less side effects. In this sense, particularly flavonoids,
catechins, and stilbenes from plants have been a hope to discover new inhibitors which gain significant
attention from scientists. In this review, promising natural products effective in melanogenesis
inhibition will be scrutinized.
Proposal for the Application of a Quality Indicator to Medico-legal Consultations in the Field of Medical Liability
Authors: Bolcato Matteo , Sanavio Matteo , Rodriguez Daniele , Aprile Anna
Published: December 2020

Introduction:

In recent decades, the number of professional liability disputes has increased,
especially in the civil sector. In these liability assessments, medico-legal experts have become
the linchpin. Law No. 24/2017, concerning professional liability in Italy, requires that guidelines
and best practices be established to identify the necessary elements for writing expert reports
in the legal sector.

Materials and Methods:

The authors have created a numerical indicator to be applied to 150 legal
expert reports on professional liability, enabling them to evaluate the methodological quality of
those reports. The results are then compared with the outcome of the legal proceedings in order to
establish the suitability of this quality index for evaluating the work of medico-legal experts.

Results:

Of the 150 reports considered, 14 were scored inadequate, 75 adequate and 31 good. These
inadequate (according to the indicator) reports presented a higher probability of being scored inadequate
in court proceedings, compared to the risk of inadequacy of all the reports; OR 4.6 (95% CI
1.25-16.90). This probability significantly increased on comparing the inadequate reports with the
adequate; OR 5.6 (95% CI 1.28-24.41), and the inadequate with the good; OR 7.73 (95% CI 1.50-
39.87).

Discussion:

Application of the proposed indicator is simple and produces a high-quality result, thus
ensuring an accurate and tenable appraisal of methodological quality.

Conclusion:

The indicator proposed serves as a useful starting point for creating the necessary
methodological standards for medico-legal experts in the field of professional liability as recommended
by Law No. 24/2017.
Methotrexate Hepatotoxicity in Children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: A Single-Center Study
Authors: Yassin Noha Adel , Haroon Mai , Elhamshary Azza
Published: December 2020

Background:

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) could be disabling if left untreated.
Methotrexate (MTX) is well known as a cornerstone in management. However, its adverse effects
may limit treatment.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to evaluate the frequency of hepatotoxicity based on liver
chemistry in JIA children receiving MTX.

Methods:

An observational case-control study of children with JIA who attend the Pediatric Rheumatology
Unit, Cairo University Pediatric Hospital, Egypt, from January 2018 to December 2018
was carried out. Data were retrieved for 80 children; 50 (62.5%) were prescribed MTX. Their demographic,
clinical characteristics, mean dose, duration of MTX therapy and other medications
were described. Hepatotoxicity was defined as at least one value above the normal laboratory range
of either ALT or AST during the study period.

Results:

Fourteen patients developed hepatotoxicity, giving an incidence of 28%. Children receiving
MTX had higher alanine aminotransferase (ALT) interquartile range (IQR) (26 [21-359] vs.
23[20-32]; p =0.003), higher aspartate aminotransferase (AST) interquartile range (IQR) (31
[22-267] vs. 28[2-35] IU/L; p <0.001), and lower alkaline phosphatase (ALP) mean (±SD)
(98±35.5 vs. 256 ± 39.5 IU/L; p <0.001). However, there were no significant differences in age,
sex, weight, type of JIA, and duration of MTX treatment (p< 0.05).

Conclusion:

Hepatotoxicity due to MTX, based on liver chemistry, is common among children
with JIA.
Prevalence of Anxiety, Depression, Sleep Disturbance, Fibromyalgia, Obesity, and Gastroesophageal Disease in Patients with Rheumatic Diseases
Authors: Azarfar Azin , Ahmed Ali , Bég Shazia
Published: December 2020

Background:

Patients with rheumatologic disorders often have comorbidities that complicate
their psychological well-being. In this study, we looked at 216 patients with rheumatoid
arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematous (SLE), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and Sjogren’s syndrome
(SS) to determine the prevalence of anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance, fibromyalgia
(FM), obesity (BMI greater than 23), and gastroesophageal disease (GERD) and the correlation between
FM, BMI, disease activity measure, known as Routine Assessment of Patient Index Data 3
(RAPID3).

Methods:

Study participants were 216 rheumatology patients seen at the UCF Pegasus Health Clinic
from November 2011 to May 2014 with one or more of the following diseases: RA, SS, SLE, or
PsA. 116 had rheumatoid arthritis, 27 with systemic lupus erythematous, 22 with psoriatic arthritis,
20 with Sjogren’s syndrome, and 31 with more than one diagnosis. Variables that were collected
from patients’ charts included RAPID3 scores, patient demographics (age, sex), BMI, presence of
GERD, and presence of FM. Each patient was randomly assigned, unique and had an unidentifiable
study number.

Results:

Anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance and obesity were found to be more prevalent in patients
with Sjogren’s syndrome, and fibromyalgia was noted to be more prevalent in patients with
more than 1 diagnosis. The presence of fibromyalgia was significantly correlated with higher
RAPID3 scores in all patients except those with PsA. Significant correlation among higher BMI
and greater RAPID3 scores was found for patients with rheumatoid arthritis and for patients with
Sjogren’s syndrome.

Conclusion:

Our study showed an increased prevalence of anxiety in patients with Sjogren’s syndrome.
Fibromyalgia was found to be related to higher disease activity scores. In RA and SS patients,
BMI was significantly correlated with higher RAPID3 scores. These results provide a basis
for future studies to evaluate these correlations in more detail.
T Allele of the DRD2 Taq1 A Gene Polymorphism Increases the Predisposition to Drug Addiction in Indonesian Population
Authors: Ramadhan Viren , Rahman Faisal , Sadewa Ahmad Hamim , Ikawati Zullies
Published: December 2020

Background:

Dopamine plays an important role in mediating the rewarding
properties in the abuse of drugs. The Taq1A polymorphism is a commonly studied DRD2
gene variant whereby carriers of the low-function T allele (T/T or T/C genotypes) show
reduced brain dopamine function. Therefore, individuals who have the DRD2 Taq1A polymorphism
will experience higher levels of drug addiction because the T allele is associated
with a reduced number of dopamine binding sites in the brain. A study of this gene
has been conducted in some areas, but there is no research for the population of Indonesia.

Objective:

This study will focus on the frequency of the DRD2 Taq1A gene polymorphism
in the population of Indonesia and define its association with drug addiction.

Methods:

This is a cross sectional study in which 182 subjects were divided into 91 drugaddicted
patients and 91 non-drug-addicted control subjects. The genotype analysis was
carried out by a modified allele-specific Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) method.

Results:

The frequency of the T/T and C/T was significantly higher in the addicted than
control subjects. They are 6.6% and 63.7% compared to 0% and 3.3%. Likewise, the T allele
is more frequent in the addicted equal to 38%, compared to only 2% in the control
subjects. The frequency of the T allele between the addicted and control subjects shows a
significant difference (p-value < 0.0001; 95% CI), with the addicted being at a higher risk
of having the T allele (OR = 37.3; 95% CI [11.46-121.29]).

Conclusion:

There is a significant difference in the frequency of the DRD2 Taq1A gene
polymorphism between addicted patients and control subjects. Thus, there is an association
between this gene polymorphism and the development of drug addiction with T allele
increases the predisposition to addiction.
Vibration Measurement of a Screening Machine
Authors: Rónai László , Lénárt József , Szabó Tamás
Published: December 2020

In this paper we use linear vibration approach to make a model of a horizontal vibration screen, which can be applied at gravel pit in order to perform separation operation of the wet gravel particles. The model can produce the natural frequencies of the system, which are useful in the adjustment of the angular velocity of the vibration exciter. A laser triangulation unit is well applicable to measure peak-to-peak amplitude of the working vibration screen. Comparison has been performed between the results of the simulation and the measurements.
Maintenance of Electric and Hybrid Vehicles
Authors: Komlósi István , Varga Tamás Zoltán , Menyhárt József , De Souza Araujo Paulo Victor , Araújo Paulo
Published: December 2020

An electric car is a vehicle powered by one or more electric engines, utilizing energy stored within batteries that are rechargeable. The first register of a usable electrical vehicle dates from 1880s. A hybrid vehicle incorporates two or more different power types, including, e.g., gasoline engines and electric motor. The goal in this work is to present the overall overview of the structure of the electric, hybrid and electric-hybrid vehicles, advantages and disadvantages of these types, the main points to focus when maintaining these and the challenges involved in its production and maintenance.
Mechanism underlying the inhibitory effect of Elaeagnus Conferta Roxb on TNF –α induced NF- kB nuclear translocation in non- small lung cancer A549 cell line using Flow cytometry
Authors: G. Lalitha , TH Nazeema
Published: December 2020

Our study examined for the inhibitory effect of ethanolic extract of Eleagnus Conferta Roxb leaves on TNF –α induced NF- kB nuclear translocation in lung cancer A549 cell line using flow cytometry. Apoptosis also studied to know about the antiproliferative and anticancer effects. However, our results revealed in apoptosis, Elaeagnus conferta Roxb leaves showed (33.54%) increased in proportion of cells. In the study of pre-treatment of A549 cells with Elaeagnus conferta Roxb leaves followed by TNF- α caused the increased proportion of cells (20.78%) at apoptosis induced cell death, which was statistically significant (p< 0.001). The untreated A549 cells had minimal NF-kB expression (0.25± 0.01%). However, the approach of A549 cells with Elaeagnus conferta Roxb had induced NF-kB production many fold (11.50± 1.05%). Therefore, we conclude our study was proved the impact of Elaeagnus conferta Roxb leaves inhibit the cellular growth of NSCLC-A549 cell line and induces apoptosis. Hence, from our findings, we proved this plant has anticancer activity, further feasibly taken for drug formulation.
Comparison of temperature and humidity among traditional underground and modern house in Gharyan, Libya
Authors:   Department of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture, Near East University, Nicosia, Cyprus, et al. Bakoosh
Published: December 2020

Modern buildings are associated with a lot of shortcomings, such as consumption of an excessive amount of non-renewable energy and resources, environmental pollution and depletion of natural landscapes, etc. Vernacular buildings can be argued to help in reducing environmental problems for local society. Libya, as a developing Arab country, has also faced several urbanization problems in recent years. However, the country has a remarkable span of vernacular architecture patterns. Vernacular architecture that the country owns may be a solution to combat such challenges. There are three types of traditional vernacular dwellings in three regions of the country as underground housing (the mountain region), compact dwelling (the desert), and the courtyard house (coastal region). Thus the aim of this study is to make a comparison between underground and modern housing in Gharyan, Libya, with regards to thermal performance and humidity. Thermal performance in both underground and above ground houses was measured with an instrument called a hygrometer. The result from the thermal measurement that was done in one month of the winter season (21/01/2019-18/02/2019) demonstrates that the underground house has an indoor mean temperature and humidity of 16.12°C and % 62.07 RH while the other house type has an indoor temperature and humidity of 12.70°C and % 70.13 RH. The underground house seems to have a relatively reasonable and stable indoor temperature compared to the modern house indoor. In addition, the underground house seems to be relatively less humid compared to the modern house for indoor environment in particular.