bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Illicit Drug Use by Adolescents: A Public Perception of Influencing Factors in Owerri, Nigeria
Authors: Ogu Udochukwu Ugochukwu , Ezumah Nkoli , Odii Aloysius
Published: June 2020

Background: Illicit drug use among adolescents has become a social menace which cuts across all social strata. This study explored public perception of factors that influence illicit drug use among adolescents in Owerri, Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional research design was used for the study. The study adopted a mixed method approach comprising quantitative and qualitative methods. The study was carried out in Owerri metropolis of Imo State, Nigeria. A total of 10 communities were selected randomly, they included four communities from the 16 communities that make up Owerri West, five communities from the 18 communities that make up Owerri North and one community from the five communities that make up Owerri Municipal. The research instruments used for data collection were questionnaires and in-depth interview guide.Results: Our quantitative study found that 50.7% of the respondents, from across the three areas in Owerri metropolis, asserted that peer influence, emotional problems, relationship problems, wanting to feel ‘high’ are factors influencing adolescent consumption of illicit drugs whereas the qualitative study found family background, unique experience such as the death of a loved one, affliction or misfortune as factors influencing adolescents’ illicit drug use. The quantitative results showed that persons with higher level of education are more likely than those with lower level of education to perceive a significant difference in drug use between in – school and out – of – school adolescents. Conclusions: Peer pressure was identified as a major factor and it was also identified as rivaling the family in terms of influence.
Population Pharmacokinetics of Etomidate Isnotchanged in Patients With Obstructive Jaundice: An Observational Study
Authors: Song Jinchao , Meng Xiaoyan , Yang Hua , Gao Hao , Cai Meihua , Zhang Mazhong , Yu Weifeng
Published: June 2020

Background: Etomidate is a commonly used in induction of anesthesia. We have previously confirmed that etomidate requirements are significantly reduced in patients with obstructive jaundice and that etomidate anesthesia during ERCP results in more stable hemodynamics when compared with propofol. The aim of the present study is to investigate the pharmacokinetics of etomidate in patientswith and without obstructive jaundice.Method: 18 patients with obstructive jaundice and 12 non-jaundiced patients scheduled for bile duct surgery were enrolled in the study. Etomidate 0.333 mg/kg was administered by IV bolus for anesthetic induction. Arterial blood samples were drawn before, during, and up to 300 minutes after bolus. Plasma etomidate concentrations were determined using a validated high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry assay. A population nonlinear mixed-effects modeling approach was used to characterize etomidate pharmacokinetics. Thecovariates age, gender, height, weight, body surface area (BSA), body mass index (BMI), lean body mass (LBM), total bilirubin (TBL), alanine aminotransferase(ALT), aspartate aminotransferase(AST), total bile acid (TBA), creatinine(CR), blood urea nitrogen(BUN)were tested for significant effects on parametersusing a multiple forward selection approach. Covariate effects were judged based onchanges in the objective function value (OFV).Results:A three-compartment disposition model adequately described the pharmacokinetics of etomidate.The model was further improved when height was a covariate of total clearance [Cl1=1.30+0.0232(HT-162), ΔOFV=−7.33; P<0.01)]. The introduction of any other covariates, including bilirubin and total bile acids, did not improve the model significantly (P > 0.01). For the height of 162cm, the final pharmacokinetic parameter valueswere as follows:V1=1.42 (95% CI, 1.01-1.83, L), V2=5.52 (95% CI, 4.07-6.97, L),V3=63.9 (95% CI, 41.95-85.85, L),Cl1= 1.30 (95% CI, 1.19-1.41, l/min), Cl2= 1.21 (95%CI, 0.95-1.47, L/min),and Cl3=0.584 (95%CI, 0.95-1.21, L/min), respectively, respectively.Conclusion: A 3-compartment open model might best describe the concentration profile of etomidate after bolus infusion for anesthesia induction. The pharmacokinetics of etomidate has not been changed in the obstructive jaundice.Trial registration:The trial was registered prior to patient enrollment at clinicaltrials.gov (ChiCTR-IPR-15007574, Principal investigator: Jin-chao Song, Date of registration: 2015-12-10).
Comparison of selective plasma exchange and plasmadialfiltration with MARS and Prometheus systems in the treatment of liver failure
Authors: Sokolov A. A. , Rey S. I. , Aleksandrova I. V. , Popov A. V. , Gendel L. L. , Gubanova S. N. , Marchenkova L. V. , Sudakov M. V.
Published: June 2020

The mortality of patients with hepatic failure remains high. Often the patient's life can be saved only with extracorporeal liver support (ELS). ELS systems – MARS® и Prometheus® have proved their efficacy but their widespread use is constrained by their very high cost. Introduction in clinical practice of new affordable ELS systems is a topical issue. The objective: to compare clinical and laboratory effects of selective plasma exchange (SPE), plasmadialfiltration (PDF) with use of the selective membrane plasma separators EvaclioTM and MARS® and Prometheus® (FPSA) systems in the treatment of liver failure. Subjects and methods: 15 extracorporeal procedures of each type were performed in 52 patients with acute liver failure (14) and acute-on-chronic liver failure (38): MARS, FPSA, PDF, SPE with use of Evaclio ЕС-2C, and ЕС-3C, ЕС-4C. The clinical and laboratory parameters (total, direct and indirect bilirubin, total protein, albumin, creatinine, urea, etc.), severity of the condition according to MELD score were determined before and after the session and the next morning. Changes, side effects and complications of procedures were assessed and compared. Results. Reduction of concentration of direct bilirubin was comparable with FPSA, PDF and SPE on Evaclio ЕС-3C20 и ЕС-4C20 (38-42%), indirect bilirubin – with PDF and SPE on Evaclio ЕС-3C20 и ЕС-4C20 (29-34%). Low-molecular metabolites (urea, creatinine) were better removed with FPSA (35-44%) and PDF (40-42%). The reduction of their concentration with SPE was insignificant. The reduction of albumin level was the highest with FPSA (10.2%) and SPE on Evaclio ЕС-4C20 (14.3%). All investigated ELS methods did not exert a significant influence on the basic parameters of blood coagulation and quantity of blood cells. No side effects and complications were observed. Conclusion: Selective plasma exchange and plasmadiafiltration are generally comparable in clinical and laboratory effects in the treatment of liver failure with MARS and Prometheus system provided significantly lower costs.
Antimicrobial and Antiproliferative Activities of Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) Seeds
Authors: GÜZEL Sevda , ÜLGER Mahmut , ÖZAY Yusuf
Published: June 2020

The genus Salvia L. (Lamiaceae) has been traditionally used for the treatment of various illnesses since ancient times. Salvia hispanica L., commonly known as Chia, is an annual herbaceous plant which was one of the most significant crops for pre-Columbian civilizations (Aztec and Maya) in America. Nutritional potential and beneficial effects of Chia seeds on human health have been previously reported. Therefore, this study aims to investigate anti(myco)bacterial, antifungal, and antiproliferative activities of Chia seeds. Ethanol extract of Chia seeds were tested against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25925), Bacillus subtilis (ATCC 6633), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25923), Acinetobacter baumannii (ATCC 02026), Aeromonas hydrophila (ATCC 95080), Candida albicans (ATCC 14053), Candida tropicalis (ATCC 1369), and Candida glabrata (ATCC 15126) using broth microdilution method. Antimycobacterial activity was performed against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv using resazurin microtiter plate method. Ampicillin, Ethambutol, Isoniazid, and Fluconazole were chosen as reference drugs. Antiproliferative effect of the various concentrations (200, 100, 50, and 25 μg/mL) of ethanol extract was tested against A549 human lung cancer cell lines using MTT method. Ethanol extract was found to be more effective against A. baumannii (MIC: 62.5 µg/mL) than reference drug Ampicillin (MIC: 125 µg/mL). There was a correlation between increased doses and antiproliferative activity of extract against A549 human lung cancer cell lines (p <0.05).
Advertising of open data by the electoral high court: the case of the Electoral Data Repository
Authors: Silva Márcio Bezerra da , Azevedo Rafael Fernandes de Barros Costa , Araújo Denise de Oliveira , França Fernanda Percia , Pereira Marilete da Silva
Published: June 2020

Article that aims to present the Electoral Data Repository, of the Superior Electoral Court, in the context of open government data. Based on literary texts on open data, open government and open data on the Federal Government and the Brazilian Electoral Justice. It adopts the Electoral Data Repository as the object of study, investigated as a descriptive research, using bibliographic techniques and action research for data collection, in a qualitative sense. It presents a repository resulting from a natural process of computerization of the electoral process, created by a specific sector of information technology and currently managed by the statistics center and updated periodically, respecting retotalizations. Offers information on candidates, abstention, electorate, parties, electoral polls, accountability, results, etc., while open electoral data collected by the Extract, Transform, Load process and made available, as raw data, of compressed way, containing, inside, a file with the electoral data themselves, in Comma Separated Values, and another in Portable Document Format, with the description of the available data. concluded that transparency is the guiding thread of the Superior Electoral Court, which fostered the development of the Electoral Data Repository, with the purpose of making available, based on specific technologies, open electoral data, which can be used in any electronic spreadsheet program and coming from the electoral process, from voter registration and management to the dissemination of votes, and thus contribute to ensuring the impartiality and legitimacy of electoral elections.
This is not a pyramid: revising the data, information, knowledge and wisdom classical model
Authors: Ribeiro Anna Carolina Mendonça Lemos , Santos Carlos Denner dos
Published: June 2020

More than thirty years have passed since the first drafts of the classical data-information-knowledgewisdom (DIKW) model appeared in the scientific literature. After that - in a society increasingly digital and connected - the DIKW pyramid became popular, featuring variants containing only data, information and knowledge, in a short DIK configuration, or adding levels like intelligence; at the same time that very little critical interpretation and empirical validation were performed by researchers to clarify how these elements are indeed intertwined. This left theoretical implications of the original model unnoticed, not empirically validated, becoming a taken-for-granted explanation that do not fully grasp the chain of knowledge creation, a process that has been carefully studied by researchers. This study reviews and systematically analyzes relevant papers, covering the period of 32 years of research, to pinpoint the main weaknesses of the DIKW model and propose a new one in conformance with the knowledge management literature, and considering the current scenario of artificial intelligence and ethical dilemmas. The resulting model challenges the pyramid as the best way to convey this 'causal process' of knowledge creation to the public, and makes the necessity of empirical studies to be performed in the future clear.
Consideration of the problem about vibration of automobile in one fourth model with taking road deformation and the loss of contact into account
Authors: Vu Cong Ham , Phung Manh Cuong , Tran Quang Dung
Published: June 2020

This paper presents an approach to the problem about vibration of automobiles in one-fourth model where both road deformation and the loss of contact are taken into account. Contact characteristics such as the geometry of the contact area, pressure distribution, the relation between the contact force and the dimensions of the contact area, and therefore the change in dimensions of the contact area with respect to time are mentioned. Deformed road is modeled as an elastic beam which is simply supported at the two ends and lies on Kelvin’s visco-elastic ground. The differential equations of motion for both states of contact and losing contact are unified by introducing a so-called contact state parameter. The partial differential equation among the differential equations of motion of the vehicle-road coupled system is transformed into a system of all ordinary differential equations by applying the Bubnov-Galerkin’s method. A procedure for numerically solving the ordinary differential equations of motion of the vibration system under consideration is proposed and some numerical results for illustration are also presented in the paper.
Coupling fault transfer characteristics of fixed-axis gear crack and planetary gear missing tooth
Authors: Gao Hongwei , Wang Xin , Zhao Xiaofei
Published: June 2020

The test signal of multistage gear transmission system is complex. When coupling faults occur in the system, it is often difficult to accurately extract all kinds of fault features. In the past studies, we found that the fault signals have modulation and coupling effects. The failure of a gear is often reflected in the power spectrum in the form of associated changes in the meshing frequency of other stages. The separation of these features will facilitate the analysis of the coupling effects of multiple faults. The transfer characteristic method provides an effective method for decomposing such signal features. In this paper, through the analysis of transfer characteristics, the coupling fault transfer characteristics and the associated influence relationship of fixed-axis gear crack and planetary gear missing tooth are revealed. The contact force signals of each pair of gears with the coupling fault are obtained by dynamic simulation. The test signals of the fixed-axis gearbox and planetary gearbox are obtained under normal and coupling fault states. According to the method of system identification, the corresponding transfer function model of each path is established. The transfer process is revealed by the analysis of transfer characteristics. The association between two kinds of faults is found, which does not exist in a single fault and is difficult to obtain by signal analysis. This study reveals the association and vibration mechanism of the coupled fault, which provides a theoretical basis for fault diagnosis of multistage gears.
Research on modeling and optimization simulation analysis of micro electric vehicle suspension
Authors: Chen Qiping , Kang Sheng , Li Xiangqin , Wu Mingming , Wei Jiacheng , Liu Yu
Published: June 2020

Suspension system is one of the key parts of vehicle, the performance of suspension system has great influence on vehicle handling stability and safety. In order to improve the performance of suspension system, the Macpherson suspension of a vehicle is taken as the research object, the suspension model is established by ADAMS/Car, and carried out parallel wheel travel simulation to analyze the key parameters variation of camber angle, toe angle, caster angle, kingpin inclination angle and scrub radius. Simulation results show that camber angle and scrub radius are beyond normal design range and require optimization. Wheel alignment parameters are determined by sensitivity analysis, and optimized by ADAMS/Insight. Then carried out simulation to analyze the performance of optimized suspension system. Results show that optimized suspension system satisfies the requirements of vehicle stability and safety.
Study on natural characteristics of fiber metal laminates thin plates under cantilever boundary
Authors: Liu Yunshan , Shang Feng , Xu Zhuo , Wen Bangchun
Published: June 2020

Through the combination of theory and experiment, the natural characteristics of the fiber metal laminates thin plates under cantilever boundary are analyzed and verified. Based on the mechanics of composites and classical laminated plate theory, the theoretical model is established. The orthogonal polynomial method and the energy method are used to solve the natural characteristics. Meanwhile the calculation process is proposed. And then, the natural characteristics of a TA2/TC500 fiber metal laminates thin plate are tested. It is found that comparing the calculation results of the frequencies with the test ones, the errors are within the range of 3.4 % to 4.5 %, the trends of modal shapes are consistent as well, thus the effectiveness of above method has been verified.
Burdur Müzesi’nde Yer Alan Düz Dokuma Yaygılar
Authors: Demirci Doğan , Çelik Mesut
Published: June 2020

Bu araştırmanın amacı Burdur Müzesi’nde bulunan düz dokuma yaygıların yöre, dokunduğu tarih, nitelik, malzeme, teknik, kalite, renk ve kullanılan motifler ile kompozisyon özelliklerinin belirlenmesi, eserlerin tahribata uğrayıp uğramadıkları, varsa onarımları, müzeye kazandırılma şeklinin tespit edilmesi, bilgilerin bilim alanına kazandırılmasıdır.
Bu kapsamda; düz dokuma yaygıların tarihçesi araştırılarak hali hazırda halen dokuma yapılan köylerdeki malzeme, malzemenin hazırlanışı, boyama süreci, motifler ve figürler hakkında bilgi alınmıştır. Bunun dışında müzedeki eserler dijital ortama aktarılarak, döküm numaraları, müzedeki durumu, onarım yapılıp yapılmadığı, malzeme türü, dokuma tekniği, kullanılan renkler, motifler ve motiflerin kompozisyonları hakkında bilgi verilmeye çalışılmıştır. Ayrıca dokumaların hangi yörük boyları tarafından dokunduğu ve karakteristik özellikleri ortaya koyulmuştur.
Gitar Öğrencilerinin Lisans Öncesi Gitar Eğitimleri ile Lisans Gitar Eğitimlerinin Karşılaştırılarak İncelenmesi
Authors: Aydoğan Murat , Demirbatır Rasim Erol
Published: June 2020

Bu araştırmada, gitar öğrencilerinin lisans öncesi gitar eğitimleri ile lisans gitar eğitimlerinin karşılaştırılarak benzerlik ve farklılıkların tespit edilmesi, öğrencilerin mevcut gitar eğitimindeki genel durumlarının belirlenmesi ve elde edilen bulgular doğrultusunda gitar eğitimine ilişkin yönlendirici önerilerin geliştirilmesi amaçlanmaktadır. Araştırmada tarama (survey) modeli kullanılmıştır. Araştırmanın örneklem grubunu, ülkemizdeki beş bölgede yer alan dokuz üniversitenin Müzik Eğitimi Ana Bilim Dallarında öğrenim gören gitar öğrencileri ile bu kurumlarda görev yapan gitar eğitimcileri oluşturmaktadır. Verilerin toplanmasında; konuyla ilgili kitap, makale, tez, internet ve kütüphane ortamları incelenerek kaynak taraması yapılmış, lisans öncesi gitar eğitimi ile lisans gitar eğitiminin karşılaştırılmasına yönelik gitar öğrencileri ile gitar eğitimcilerinin görüşlerinin alınması amacıyla araştırmacı tarafından hazırlanan anket formları uygulanmıştır. Araştırmada elde edilen verilerin çözümlenmesinde IBM SPSS Statistics 25 paket programı kullanılmıştır. Anket uygulamalarından elde edilen verilerin istatistiksel olarak ifade edilmesinde frekans, yüzde ve aritmetik ortalama kullanılmıştır. Araştırmanın sonunda, öğrenci ve öğretim elemanı anketlerinden elde edilen bulgular doğrultusunda benzerlik ve farklılıkların ortaya konulduğu sonuçlar karşılaştırmalı olarak değerlendirilmiş ve öneriler geliştirilmiştir.
İç Mekânda Kullanım ve Teknik Özellikler Açısından Hereke Halısı
Authors: Demirarslan Deniz
Published: June 2020

Dokumacılık Türkler tarafından Orta Asya’dan Anadolu’ya, geçmişten günümüze dek önem verilen bir sanat kolu olmuştur. Eşsiz sanat değeri ve zenginliği ile tanınan ipekli ve yünlü dokumalar zaman içinde olağanüstü bir şekilde gelişmiş ve yayılmıştır. Dokuma sanatında önemli bir yer tutan halı ise Türkler tarafından Dünyaya tanıtılmış ve kazandırılmıştır. Bilinen en eski Türk halıları günümüzde Dünyanın önde gelen müzelerinde sergilenmektedir. 11. Yüzyıldan itibaren Selçuklular ile birlikte Doğudan Batıya doğru yayılmaya başlayan halı sanatı Anadolu’da halkın duygularını dışa vurduğu kültürel bir miras olmanın yanı sıra sanat kolu olmaktan ziyade üretime yönelmiş ve zamanla dokumacılık endüstrisi olarak gelişme göstermiştir. Saray halıları içinde Hereke halısı üretim açısından Türk halı tarihinde önemli bir yer edinmiştir. Hereke halılarının teknik özellikleri ile ilgili yazılı akademik çalışmalar az sayıda olmakla beraber bu halıların iç mekânda kullanımına ve özellikle de yurtdışı örneklerde kullanımına ilişkin bilgiler yetersizdir. Bu çalışmada öncelikle Türk halı sanatı hakkında bilgi verilmiş ve Hereke halısının tarihsel süreçte ortaya çıkış öyküsüne değinilerek Türkiye ve Dünyada iç mekânda kullanımı örnekler üzerinden incelenmiş ve sonuçta Hereke halısının iç mekânın tasarımı ve halı sanatına etkileri ortaya konmuştur.
Numerical simulation of groundwater contaminant transport in unsaturated flow
Authors: Yang Jie , Tao Yuezan , Ren Weixin , Cao Pengqiang
Published: June 2020

A sand-box experiment equipment is constructed to simulate the transportation of contaminant in unsaturated flow under dirichlet boundary condition. Based on analysis of the mechanism in unsaturated migration, taking a riverland as an example, the model of water quality which was affected by contaminant transport was built, and the calculation values coincided well with experimental data. The results showed that the lateral migration should not be neglected when seepage velocity was high. In addition, the lateral migration was faster in high moisture content areas and the solute was retained for a short time; however, the situation was reversed in low moisture content areas. Moreover, during the initial stage of solute transport, the velocity of the trailing end of the pinnate pollution zone was high under the effect of capillary action, which would lead to expansion of the range of pollution. Furthermore, the relative concentration curve of pollutants presented a single peak state, with the peak value of the curve increasing with the velocity, and the arrival time of the peak value was also gradually advanced. Therefore, this study can provide reference for the prediction and control of groundwater contaminant transport in an unsaturated zone.
Potential of MurA Enzyme and GBAP in Fsr Quorum Sensing System as Antibacterial Drugs Target: In vitro and In silico Study of Antibacterial Compounds from Myrmecodia pendans
Authors: Apriyanti Eti , Satari Mieke H. , Kurnia Dikdik
Published: June 2020

Background:

Increasing the resistance issue has become the reason for the development
of new antibacterial in crucial condition. Many ways are tracked to determine the most effective
antibacterial agent. Some proteins that are a key role in bacteria metabolism are targeted, including
MurA in cell wall biosynthesis and gelatinase biosynthesis-activating pheromone (GBAP) in Fsr
Quorum Sensing (QS) system.

Objective:

The objective of this research is the analysis of compounds 1-4 from M. pendans as
antibacterial and anti-QS activity trough protein inhibition by in silico study; focus on the
structure-activity relationships, to appraise their role as an antibacterial and anti-QS agent in the
molecular level.

Methods:

Both activities of M. pendans compounds (1-4) were analyzed by in silico, compared to
Fosfomycin, Ambuic acid, Quercetin, and Taxifolin as a standard. Chemical structures of M.
pendans compounds were converted using an online program molview. The compounds were
docked to MurA, GBAP, gelatinase and serine protease using Autodock Vina in Pyrx 0.8 followed
PYMOL to visualization and proteis.plus program to analyze of the complex.

Results:

All compounds from M. pendans bound on MurA, GBAP, gelatinase and serine protease
except compound 2. This biflavonoid did not attach to MurA and serine protease yet is the
favorable ligand for GBAP and gelatinase with the binding affinity of -6.9 and -9.4 Kcal/mol
respectively. Meanwhile, for MurA and serine protease, compound 4 is the highest of bonding
energy with values of -8.7 and -6.4 Kcal/mol before quercetin (MurA, -8.9 Kcal/mol) and taxifolin
(serine protease, -6.6 Kcal/mol).

Conclusion:

Based on the data, biflavonoid acts better as anti-QS than an inhibitor of MurA
enzyme while the others can be acted into both of them either the therapeutic agent of anti-QS or
antibacterial agent of MurA inhibitor.
Novel Therapeutic Approaches and Targets for Treatment of Psoriasis
Authors: Radi Giulia , Campanati Anna , Diotallevi Federico , Bianchelli Tommaso , Offidani Annamaria
Published: June 2020

Background::

Psoriasis is a multifactorial immune-mediated inflammatory disease, with a
chronic relapsing-remitting course, which affects 2-3% of the worldwide population. Psoriasis involves
skin, joints, or both, and it is associated with several comorbidities, including metabolic, rheumatological,
cardiovascular, psychiatric complications, and other chronic inflammatory diseases, which are the
expression of the complex underlying pathogenetic mechanism. An accurate characterization of the
immune pathways involved in psoriasis led to recognize the new molecules, (IL)17 and 23, which
become the new target of biologic therapy for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.

Objective::

The aim of this study is to collect data of literature about IL-17 and IL-23 inhibitors.

Methods::

A descriptive review was conducted to identify the main data in the literature evaluating
novel biologic treatments currently available: IL-17 inhibitors (secukinumab, ixekizumab and
brodalumab) and IL-23 inhibitors (guselkumab, tildrakizumab and risankizumab).

Results::

Dosing regimens, administration, efficacy, real-life efficacy and safety of IL-17 and IL-23
inhibitors are discussed in detail.

Conclusion::

Currently approved novel biologic therapies for moderate to severe psoriasis revealed
increasing effectiveness compared to previous biological therapy and a good safety profile.
Analysis of the Differences in the Expression of mRNAs and miRNAs Associated with Drug Resistance in Endometrial Cancer Cells Treated with Salinomycin
Authors: Januszyk Piotr , Januszyk Krzysztof , Wierzbik-Strońska Magdalena , Boroń Dariusz , Grabarek Beniamin
Published: June 2020

Background:

It is important to understand the molecular mechanisms involved in cancer drug resistance and to study the activity of new drugs, e.g. salinomycin.

Objective:

The purpose of the study was to analyze changes in the expression of genes associated with drug resistance in the Ishikawa endometrial cancer cell line when treated with salinomycin. In addition, changes in the level of miRNA potentially regulating these mRNAs were evaluated.

Materials and Methods:

Endometrial cancer cells were treated with 1 μM of salinomycin for 12, 24 and 48 hours periods. Untreated cells were a control culture. The molecular analysis consists of mRNA and miRNA microarray analysis and the RTqPCR technique.

Results:

The following was observed about the number of mRNAs differentiating the cell culture exposed to the drug compared to a control culture: H-12 vs. C - 9 mRNAs, H_24 vs. C - 6 mRNAs, and H_48 vs. C - 1 mRNA. It was noted that 4 of the 9 differentiating mRNAs were characteristic for 12 hours of exposure to salinomycin and they correspond to the following genes: TUFT1, ABCB1, MTMR11, and MX2. After 24 hours, 2 mRNAs were characteristic for this time of incubation cells with salinomycin: TUFT1 and MYD88 and after 48 hours, SLC30A5 could also be observed.

Discussion:

The highest differences in expression were indicated for TUFT1, MTMR11, and SLC30A5. The highest influence probability was determined between TUFT1 and hsa- miR-3188 (FC + 2.48), MTMR11and has-miR-16 (FC -1.74), and between SLC30A5 and hsa-miR-30d (FC -2.01).

Conclusions:

Salinomycin induces changes in the activity of mRNA and miRNA participating in drug resistance; however, the observed changes in character are the expected result of anti-cancer treatment.
Biosynthesis, Characterization and Mechanism of Formation of ZnO Nanoparticles Using Petroselinum Crispum Leaf Extract
Authors: Barzinjy Azeez Abdullah , Hamad Samir Mustafa , Abdulrahman Ahmed Fattah , Biro Safiya Jameel , Ghafor AbdulBasit Ali
Published: June 2020

Aims:

The study aimed at synthesizing ZnO NPs using Petroselinum crispum extract, commonly known
as parsley, as a source of biosynthesis without utilizing chemical agents for reducing, capping and stabilizing
agent.

Background:

Recently, the biosynthesis of nanoparticles has been widely explored due to the wide range of vital
applications in nanotechnology. Biosynthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles, ZnO NPs, have become increasingly
important since they have many applications and are environmentally friendly.

Methods:

The innovation of this investigation is that the nanosized ZnO NPs can be formed from one-pot reaction
without utilizing any external stabilizing and reducing agent which is not plausible via the current procedures.

Results:

The biosynthesized ZnO NPs were characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy, X-ray
diffraction (XRD), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy
(EDX) to investigate the optical, chemical, structural, and morphological properties.

Conclusion:

These techniques exhibited that the property of the biosynthesized ZnO NPs is analogous with the
standard NPs prepared from dissimilar methods. Investigating the plausible mechanism of formation and stabilization
of ZnO NPs by biomolecules of Petroselinum crispum leaf extract was another vital feature of this study.
Identification of Potential Inhibitors Against the TGF-β/BMPs-Activin Receptor- like Kinase 1 Signal Pathway
Authors: Wu Miao-Miao , Liu Mei-Lin , Zhou Jing , Wang Yi-Da , Wu Chuan-Fang , Bao Jin-Ku
Published: June 2020

Introduction:

In many diseased states, especially fibrosis and cancer, TGF-β family members
are overexpressed and the outcome of signaling is diverted toward disease progression. As the result of
activin receptor-like kinase 1 (ALK1) plays a key role in TGF-β signaling, discovering inhibitors of
ALK1 to block TGF-β signaling for a therapeutic benefit has become an effective strategy.

Methods:

In this work, ZINC15894217 and ZINC12404282 were identified as potential ALK1 inhibitors
using molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation and MM/PBSA calculations studies.
The analysis of energy decomposition found that Val208, Val216, Lys229, Gly283, Arg334
and Leu337 acted as crucial residues for ligand binding and system stabilizing.

Results:

In addition, these compounds displayed excellent pharmacological and structural properties,
which can be further evaluated through in vitro and in vivo experiments for the inhibition of
ALK1 to be developed as drugs against fibrosis and tumor.

Conclusion:

Overall, our study illustrated a time- and cost-effective computer aided drug design
procedure to identify potential ALK1 inhibitors. It would provide useful information for further development
of ALK1 inhibitors to improve disease related to TGF-β signal pathway.
A Comprehensive In Silico Study Towards Understanding the Inhibitory Mechanism of Lactoperoxidase by Dapsone and Propofol
Authors: Khan Rameez Jabeer , Jha Rajat Kumar , Amera Gizachew Muluneh , Muthukumaran Jayaraman , Singh Rashmi Prabha , Singh Amit Kumar
Published: June 2020

Introduction:

Lactoperoxidase (LPO) is a member of the mammalian heme peroxidase
family and is an enzyme of the innate immune system. It possesses a covalently linked heme prosthetic
group (a derivative of protoporphyrin IX) in its active site. LPO catalyzes the oxidation of
halides and pseudohalides in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and shows a broad range of
the antimicrobial activity.

Methods:

In this study, we have used two pharmaceutically important drug molecules, namely dapsone
and propofol, which were earlier reported as potent inhibitors of LPO. At the same time, the
stereochemistry and mode of binding of dapsone and propofol to LPO are still not known because
of the lack of the crystal structures of LPO with these two drugs. In order to fill this gap, we utilized
molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation studies of LPO in its native and
complex forms with dapsone and propofol.

Results:

From the docking results, the estimated binding free energies (ΔG) of -9.25 kcal/mol (Ki =
0.16 μM) and -7.05 kcal/mol (Ki = 6.79 μM) were observed for dapsone, and propofol, respectively.
The standard error of the Auto Dock program is 2.5 kcal/mol; therefore, molecular docking results
alone were inconclusive.

Conclusion:

To further validate the docking results, we performed MD simulation on unbound, and
two drugs bounded LPO structures. Interestingly, MD simulations results explained that the structural
stability of LPO-Propofol complex was higher than LPO-Dapsone complex. The results obtained
from this study establish the mode of binding and interaction pattern of the dapsone and
propofol to LPO as inhibitors.
Prenatal Pregabalin Exposure Alters Postnatal Pain Sensitivity and Some Behavioral Responses in Adult Offspring Rats
Authors: Meymandi Manzumeh-Shamsi , Sepehri Gholamreza , Moslemizadeh Amirhossein , Shahrbabaki Seyyed Sajjad Vakili
Published: June 2020

Background:

Prenatal antiepileptic drug exposure could demonstrate both congenital
malformations and behavioral impairments in offspring.

Objective:

This study was performed to assess the effects of prenatal exposure to pregabalin (PGB)
on pain response, anxiety, motor activity and some behavior of adult offspring rats.

Methods:

Pregnant Wistar rats received PGB (7.5, 15 and 30 mg/kg/ip) during embryonic days 9.5-
15.5. The pain response, anxiety-like behaviors, locomotor activity, motor balance and coordination
and anhedonia of adult offspring were examined by tail-flick and hot plate test, open field test, elevated
plus maze (EPM), beam balance test and sucrose preference test in their 60th day of life, respectively.

Results:

Prenatal exposure to PGB revealed significant dose-dependent reduction in pain sensitivity
(increase in pain latency response) in the hot plate test, especially in females, while anxiety-like behavior
assessed in EPM and open field significantly reduced in males. In the open field, locomotor
activity reduced significantly after exposure to PGB 30 mg/kg and motor coordination decreased
dose-dependently, especially in males. Anhedonia, as an indication of sucrose preference or pleasure
response, was not changed.

Conclusion:

These findings suggest that prenatal PGB exposure could be associated with significant
changes in pain response, anxiety, locomotor activity and coordination in adult offspring rats.
Gene Set Correlation Analysis and Visualization Using Gene Expression Data
Authors: Tsai Chen-An , Chen James J.
Published: June 2020

Background:

Gene set enrichment analyses (GSEA) provide a useful and powerful
approach to identify differentially expressed gene sets with prior biological knowledge. Several
GSEA algorithms have been proposed to perform enrichment analyses on groups of genes.
However, many of these algorithms have focused on the identification of differentially expressed
gene sets in a given phenotype.

Objective:

In this paper, we propose a gene set analytic framework, Gene Set Correlation Analysis (GSCoA), that simultaneously measures within and between gene sets variation to identify sets of genes enriched for differential expression
and highly co-related pathways.

Methods:

We apply co-inertia analysis to the comparisons of cross-gene sets in gene expression data
to measure the co-structure of expression profiles in pairs of gene sets. Co-inertia analysis (CIA) is
one multivariate method to identify trends or co-relationships in multiple datasets, which contain the
same samples. The objective of CIA is to seek ordinations (dimension reduction diagrams) of two
gene sets such that the square covariance between the projections of the gene sets on successive axes
is maximized. Simulation studies illustrate that CIA offers superior performance in identifying corelationships
between gene sets in all simulation settings when compared to correlation-based gene
set methods.

Result and Conclusion:

We also combine between-gene set CIA and GSEA to discover the relationships between gene
sets significantly associated with phenotypes. In addition, we provide a graphical technique for visualizing and simultaneously exploring the associations of between and within gene sets and their interaction and network. We then demonstrate
integration of within and between gene sets variation using CIA and GSEA, applied to the p53 gene expression data using
the c2 curated gene sets. Ultimately, the GSCoA approach provides an attractive tool for identification and visualization
of novel associations between pairs of gene sets by integrating co-relationships between gene sets into gene set analysis.
Development and Characterization of a Clobetasol Propionate Nanostructured Lipid Carrier-Based Gel for the Treatment of Plaque Psoriasis
Authors: Dadwal Ankita , Mishra Neeraj , Narang Raj K.
Published: June 2020

Background:

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease of the skin with lapsing episodes of hyperkeratosis,
irritation, and inflammation. Numerous traditional and novel drug delivery systems
have been used for better penetration through psoriatic barrier cells and also for retention in the
skin. As there is no effective remedy for better penetration, and retention is there because of the
absence of an ideal carrier for effective and safe delivery of antipsoriatic drugs.

Objectives:

The main objective of this project is to develop a Squalene integrated NLC based carbopol
940 gel to create a local drug depot in the skin for improved efficacy against psoriasis.

Methods:

Homogenization method is used for the formulation of Nanostructured Lipid Carrier,
which was characterized on the basis of size, entrapment efficiency, polydispersity index (PDI), viscosity,
spreadability, DSC, zeta potential, % in vitro release, in vitro skin permeation and retention
studies, physical storage stability studies. In vivo studies can use other alternative models for induction
of psoriasis by severe redness, swelling macroscopically, and microvascular dilation edema
lasting for 10 days. Furthermore, histopathology study was done to asses changes in the skin.

Conclusion:

The optimized formulation of nanostructured lipid carrier-based gel has shown significant
and sustained release of clobetasol propionate. Furthermore, this formulation has also shown
retention in skin because of squalene as it is a sebum derived lipid, which shows an affinity towards
the sebaceous gland.
A Note on the Potential BCG Vaccination – COVID-19 Molecular Link
Authors: Strongin Alex Y. , Sloutsky Alex , Cieplak Piotr
Published: June 2020

Objective:

Our goal was to elucidate a potential molecular link between the past and current
tuberculosis vaccine Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG; a live attenuated strain of Mycobacterium bovis)
immunization policies and COVID-19.

Methods:

Our sequence homology analyses have demonstrated that there is an intriguing level of sequence
homology between a few of the BCG and Sars-CoV-2 proteins.

Results:

The data suggest that the BCG-specific memory B-cells that are preserved in BCG-vaccinated
patients cross-recognize SARS-CoV-2 and that this cross-recognition may affect the virus proliferation
and COVID-19 severity.

Conclusion:

Our results can stimulate the sharply focused follow-up experimental studies.
Тест на соответствие режиму холодной полевой эмиссии с применением приближений Элинсона-Шредника и Форбса-Дина (координаты Мерфи-Гуда)
Authors: Попов Е.О. , Колосько А.Г. , Филиппов С.В.
Published: June 2020

A test is described in the paper, which allows one to determine the correspondence of experimental data to the classical field dependence. The test is presented in two versions: using the Elinson-Shrednik approximation to the current-voltage characteristics in the classical Fowler-Nordheim coordinates, as well as the modern Forbes-Deane approximation with modified Murphy-Good plot. The application of the test is shown by the example of a study of a multi-tip emitter based on carbon nanotubes. The technique of online calculation of the effective parameters of the emitter and the test is presented.
Высокоскоростное взаимодействие металлической струи с керамикой
Authors: Румянцев Б.В. , Павлов С.И.
Published: June 2020

The destabilization of a cumulative jet with an initial velocity of more than 8 km / s when penetrated into brittle materials is studied. Using electron microscopy, the state of residual materials in the cavity is analyzed. The observed phase transformations of copper and brittle materials in the residual cavity indicate high temperatures in the penetration region and reveal the influence of the thermodynamic parameters of interacting materials on the destabilization of high-speed penetration.
Вклад силы присоединенных масс в формирование пропульсивной силы машущего профиля в вязкой жидкости
Authors: Гувернюк С.В. , Дынников Я.А. , Дынникова Г.Я. , Малахова Т.В.
Published: June 2020

In the light of the recently proved general theorem on the added mass of bodies in a viscous incompressible fluid, the mechanism of the formation of the propulsive force of the flapping airfoil, which performs harmonic angular oscillations in the flow of a continuous medium, is investigated. The flow is described by the Navier-Stokes equations. The calculations were performed by a meshless numerical method of viscous vortex domains. The mechanism of the formation of a reversed vortex track in the wake behind the flapping profile in the positive traction mode is explained. The dominant contribution of the force of the added masses to the value of the propulsive force is revealed. The results obtained to some extent reveal the hydrodynamic mechanism of action of the caudal fin of underwater creatures.
Комбинированный радиопоглотитель на основе ферритового слоя и решеток резистивных квадратов
Authors: Пономаренко В.И. , Лагунов И.М.
Published: June 2020

A radar absorbing structure shielding a metal plane in the form of a ferrite layer with a dielectric layer containing grids of resistive squares is considered. The problem of diffraction of a plane electromagnetic wave, normally incident on the structure, is solved. On the basis of the solution of the optimization problem, it is shown that in comparison with a simple ferrite layer, which is low-reflective only in the decimeter and meter wavelength ranges, the combined structure with a total thickness of less than 5 cm provides a small reflection in the region of centimeter waves.
Using Open-Source Intelligence to Detect Early Signals of COVID-19 in China: Descriptive Study
Authors: Kpozehouen Elizabeth Benedict , Chen Xin , Zhu Mengyao , Macintyre C Raina
Published: June 2020

Background

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in China was first reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) on December 31, 2019, and the first cases were officially identified around December 8, 2019. Although the origin of COVID-19 has not been confirmed, approximately half of the early cases were linked to a seafood market in Wuhan. However, the first two documented patients did not visit the seafood market. News reports, social media, and informal sources may provide information about outbreaks prior to formal notification.

Objective

The aim of this study was to identify early signals of pneumonia or severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) in China prior to official recognition of the COVID-19 outbreak in December 2019 using open-source data.

Methods

To capture early reports, we searched an open source epidemic observatory, EpiWatch, for SARI or pneumonia-related illnesses in China from October 1, 2019. The searches were conducted using Google and the Chinese search engine Baidu.

Results

There was an increase in reports following the official notification of COVID-19 to the WHO on December 31, 2019, and a report that appeared on December 26, 2019 was retracted. A report of severe pneumonia on November 22, 2019, in Xiangyang was identified, and a potential index patient was retrospectively identified on November 17.

Conclusions

The lack of reports of SARI outbreaks prior to December 31, 2019, with a retracted report on December 26, suggests media censorship, given that formal reports indicate that cases began appearing on December 8. However, the findings also support a relatively recent origin of COVID-19 in November 2019. The case reported on November 22 was transferred to Wuhan approximately one incubation period before the first identified cases on December 8; this case should be further investigated, as only half of the early cases were exposed to the seafood market in Wuhan. Another case of COVID-19 has since been retrospectively identified in Hubei on November 17, 2019, suggesting that the infection was present prior to December.
Impact of Globalisation on Pandemics: A comparative study on SARS and Covid-19 (Preprint)
Authors: Johann And Devika Johann
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

Since November 2019, Covid - 19 has spread across the globe costing people their lives and countries their economic stability. The world has become more interconnected over the past few decades owing to globalisation and such pandemics as the Covid -19 are cons of that. This paper attempts to gain deeper understanding into the correlation between globalisation and pandemics. It is a descriptive analysis on how one of the factors that was responsible for the spread of this virus on a global scale is globalisation.

OBJECTIVE

- To understand the close relationship that globalisation and pandemics share.
- To understand the scale of the spread of viruses on a global scale though a comparison between SARS and Covid -19.
- To understand the sale of globalisation present during SARS and Covid - 19.

METHODS

A descriptive qualitative comparative analysis was used throughout this research.

RESULTS

Globalisation does play a significant role in the spread of pandemics on a global level.

CONCLUSIONS

- SARS and Covid - 19 were varied in terms of severity and spread.
- The scale of globalisation was different during the time of SARS and Covid - 19.
- Globalisation can be the reason for the faster spread in Pandemics.
Succumbing to the COVID-19 Pandemic – Healthcare Workers not Satisfied and Intend to Leave Their Jobs (Preprint)
Authors: Zhang Stephen X. , Chen Jiyao , Jahanshahi Asghar Afshar , Alvarez-Risco Aldo , Dai Huiyang , Li Jizhen , Patty-Tito Ross Mary
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

Healthcare workers are under such a tremendous amount of pressure during the COVID-19 pandemic that many have become concerned about their jobs and even intend to leave them. It is paramount for healthcare workers to feel satisfied with their jobs and lives during a pandemic.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to examine the predictors of job satisfaction, life satisfaction, and turnover intention of healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

Between 10 to 30 April, 2020, 240 healthcare workers in Bolivia completed a cross-sectional online survey, which assessed their job satisfaction, life satisfaction, and turnover intention in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

RESULTS

The results revealed that their number of office days predicted job satisfaction, life satisfaction, and turnover intention, but the relationships varied by their age. For example, healthcare workers’ office days negatively predicted job satisfaction for the young (e.g. at 25 years old: b=-0.21; 95% CI: -0.36 to -0.60) but positively predicted job satisfaction for the old (e.g. at 65 years old: b=0.25; 95% CI: 0.06 to 0.44).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings provide evidence to enable healthcare organizations to identify staff concerned about job satisfaction, life satisfaction, and turnover intention to enable early actions so that these staff can remain motivated to fight the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic.