bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NME4 promotes cell malignant process by targeting SMAD2 in colorectal cancer
Authors: FANG Zhengyu , GE Qiongxiang , CHEN Zhi , QI Haixin , ZHENG Boan
Published: May 2023

Nucleoside diphosphate kinase 4 (NME4) is aberrantly expressed in several cancer types. However, the function of NME4 in colorectal cancer (CRC) remains to be elucidated. Bioinformatic analysis and clinical sample collection revealed that NME4 was highly expressed in CRC tissues and positively correlated with stage and tumor size. Knockdown of NME4 expression inhibited the proliferation and migration of CRC cells and promoted apoptosis. Moreover, NME4 inhibition in vivo markedly suppressed the size and weight of tumors. Then, cDNA microarray and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) analysis were applied to identify SMAD2 and mTOR signaling pathways as downstream targets of NME4. And it was confirmed that SMAD2 was significantly reduced in CRC tissues and significantly correlated with AJCC staging and positive numbers. Furthermore, overexpression of NME4 resulted in a substantial increase in SMAD2 expression. NME4 overexpression promoted cell proliferation and migration, whereas knockdown of SMAD2 greatly reversed its effects. Together, these results suggested that NME4 may act as a novel tumor-promoting factor that promotes CRC progression by regulating SMAD2 and mTOR signaling pathways.
Serum Calcium and Magnesium Levels in Women with Uterine Fibroids at a University Teaching Hospital in Southwest Nigeria: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: ADEBOJE-JIMOH Fatimah , OKUNADE Kehinde Sharafadeen , OLORUNFEMI Gbenga , OLAMIJULO Joseph Ayodeji
Published: May 2023

Background: Studies have suggested the potential roles of serum trace elements such as calcium and magnesium in the development of uterine fibroids.
Aims: This study compared magnesium and calcium serum levels in reproductive-age women with and without uterine fibroids in Lagos, Southwest Nigeria.
Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study of 194 parity-matched women with or without a sonographic diagnosis of uterine fibroids enrolled at a university teaching hospital in Lagos, Southwest Nigeria. Participants’ sociodemographic, ultrasound, and anthropometric information as well as the estimated serum levels of calcium and magnesium were collected for statistical analyses.
Results: This study found significant negative associations between low serum calcium levels and uterine fibroids (adjusted odds ratio= 0.06; 95% CI: 0.004, 0.958; p=0.047), uterine size (p=0.004), and the number of fibroid nodules (p=0.030). However, no significant association was observed between serum magnesium levels and uterine fibroids (p=0.341).
Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest the promising role of calcium-rich diets and supplements in the prevention of uterine fibroids among Nigerian women. However, future longitudinal studies are required to further evaluate the potential role of these trace mineral elements in the development of uterine fibroids.
Non-HDL cholesterol and long-term follow-up of metabolic syndrome outcome
Authors: Vazirian Fatemeh , Darroudi Susan , Rahimi Hamid Reza , Latifi Mohamad Reza , Shakeri Behrouz , Abolbashari Samaneh , Mohammadpour Amir Hooshang , Esmaily Habibollah , Mouhebati Mohsen , Samadi Sara , Mobarhan Majid Ghayour
Published: May 2023

Background Non-high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (non-HDL-C) has been identified as a potential biomarker for metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, its predictive capability for MetS varies among different ethnic groups, indicating the need for further clarification. This study aimed to investigate the potential role of non-HDL-C in the early diagnosis of MetS in the Iranian population using a longitudinal study with a 10-year follow-up period.Methods Our study included 4684 individuals from the MASHAD (Mashhad Stroke and Heart Atherosclerotic Disorder) cohort, followed for 10 years to investigate the association between non-HDL-C and the incidence of MetS. We also assessed the contribution of individual components of MetS to the overall burden.Results Out of 7561 individuals, who completed 10-years follow-up, 3085 subjects developed MetS. Non-HDL-C levels ≥ 130 had a 28% higher risk of developing MetS (relative risk (RR),1.27; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.14–1.41). Elevated waist circumference (WC) had the strongest association with MetS incidence (RR,1.51; 95% CI, 1.45–1.58), whereas triglyceride (TG) levels ≥ 150 mg/dl demonstrated the weakest association (RR,1.07; 95% CI, 1.01–1.15). Fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels ≥ 100 mg/dl were not significantly linked to MetS burden. Conversely, higher HDL-C levels show protective effect against the risk of MetS (RR, 0.87; 95% CI: 0.76-1.00), while blood pressure (BP) levels ≥ 130 mmHg or diastolic BP levels ≥ 85 mmHg increased the risk of MetS incidence (RR, 1.081; 95% CI: 1.037–1.127).Conclusions Elevated non-HDL-C and increased WC are significant predictors of MetS in our population. To reduce the risk of MetS development, strategies targeting non-HDL-C levels and weight loss should be emphasized.
Analysis of lead pollution sources in roadside soil based on the isotope tracing method
Authors: Yu Aihua , Xu Beibei , Yang Qiyue , Yang Yu , Ren Zhijian , Li Kangjian
Published: May 2023

With the accelerated pace of road construction, road traffic sources are becoming one of the main sources of environmental heavy metals pollutants in addition to industrial pollution sources. Studies have shown that the heavy metals pollutants generated during transportation mainly include lead (Pb) and other elements. Most studies have focused on the characteristics and distribution patterns and qualitative source analysis of heavy metals pollution in roadside soils. However, systematic quantitative analysis of heavy metals in roadside soils and the atmosphere has not yet been achieved, which makes it difficult to effectively support the prevention and management of heavy metals pollution in roadside soils. Therefore, in this study, to clarify the sources of Pb in the roadside atmosphere and soils and their relative contributions, roadside atmospheric dustfall, sediment and soil samples were collected in industrial and nonindustrial areas, and the Pb isotopic values of the samples were determined via inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP‒MS). The sources of Pb in the roadside atmosphere and soil samples were quantified by isotope tracing. The results showed that vehicle emissions contributed the most to Pb in the roadside atmosphere, followed by road sediment and natural atmospheric dustfall, with contributions of 43%-49%, 35%-40% and 15%-17%, respectively. Roadside atmospheric dustfall contributed the most to Pb in roadside soil, followed by road sediment, with contributions of 68%-69% and 31%-32%, respectively, in nonindustrial areas and 61%-62% and 38%-39%, respectively, in industrial areas. The study results provide a basis for the prevention and control of Pb pollution in roadside soils.
Dictum-modus pluralism in virtual dialogic discourse (based on Internet comments)
Authors:   Kemerovo State University, Golev Nikolay D. , Kim Lidiya G. ,   Kemerovo State University
Published: May 2023

The article explores the dictum and modus content of the virtual dialogue, formed by news published on the Internet and comments by the discussion participants. The problematics of the study is determined by the contradiction between the uniqueness of the content plane for the news publication as the embodiment of the author’s intention and the dictum-modus pluralism expressed in the comments of the participants in the Internet discussion. The study involves 155 comments of internet discussion to the news “What will the Russian soldiers die in Kazakhstan for?” posted on the maxpark portal. The Internet discussion of political news establishes the role of the categories of the expected and the conflict of interpretations that influence the dictum-modus content of the dialogue. While researching a virtual dialogue, we revealed two types of text space organization: syntagmatic and paradigmatic, which set up the undulating and radial principles of virtual dialogue development. The syntagmatic structure of the dialogue is manifested when the latter develops from a specific topic stated in the publication to related ones, then to global ones, which determines its multidimensional and polymodal development. The paradigmatic dynamics of the virtual dialogue is determined by the multi-vector nature of the topics discussed. The analysis of comments discovered two models of their interaction: linear-chain and parallel. The linear-chain model determines the development of a dialogue in accordance with centrifugal tendencies, expanding its dictummodus space. The parallel model ensures the development of a dialogue in accordance with centripetal tendencies; it is implemented according to the principle of a common structural model and the same mode, providing the stabilization and dictum-modus integrity of the virtual dialogue. The theory of Internet dialogue developed in the article, the explanatory potential of the categories of the expected and the conflict of interpretations can be used in the analysis and forecasts of the mental state of the society.
Semantic structure of clickbait headlines and internet user activities
Authors:   Perm State University, Zelianskaia Natalia L. , Belousov Konstantin I. ,   Perm State University, Sychov Oleg A. ,   Perm State University, Galinskaia Tatiana N. ,   Orenburg State Pedagogical University
Published: May 2023

The article explores the relation between clickability, measured in click-through rate (CTR) with the system of meanings the headline comprises. The authors apply graphic-semantic approach when analyzing headlines with reference to their variable clickability. The article describes a case reconstructing the system of meanings, represented by the news headlines in Russian cyberspace, taking into consideration the CTR as a popularity factor among the readers. The material of the study is 4900 headlines of Russian news media for May 2019, provided by the news aggregator SMI2. The authors consider clickbait headline as a standalone text, communicating information, related to the material they headline only indirectly. Based on these basic constituent features of the clickbait titles the researches revealed frequency distribution of semantic fields, representing the most popular meanings, communicated in the headlines to the news content in Russian mass media. Besides, having analyzed CTR values growth/decrease, the authors defined the most and the least popular semantic fields, indicating the most promising vectors for further development of the media space. The system of meanings transmitting concepts formed by media agents (publishing houses, journalists) turned out to be highly clichéd and based on manipulative rhetorical devices (fields “Russia”, “Headlines promising to give the answer in the article below, Speech activity”, “New and unexpected”). Performers (actants) and actions here assume a secondary position. Actual interests of the audience — news content readers — focus on such concepts as character, event and chronotope (fields “Celebrities”, “Putin, Incidents”, “News”, “Death”, “Donbas”, “Kazakhstan”, “Crimea”, etc.). CTR analysis also demonstrates the growth of the users’ self-awareness as active participants of the media environment, due to their interest to journalism and PR, since they no longer passive receptors, but more often experts able to evaluate events and interpret facts.
Etiquette of female weblog
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University, Shcheglova Ekaterina A.
Published: May 2023

The issue of gender influencing the language has long been discussed in linguistics. But a great number of researches are focused on making a list of speech means, the use of which must reflect the specifics of female and male communicative types. From our viewpoint it is more fruitful to make a complex study of speech behavior in a single society united by some signs, outlining typical communicative scenarios. In this relation it is methodically correct to outline the etiquette line and to consider its peculiarities to determine the specifics of female speech behavior in the web. As an empiric material we used female weblogs as a unique deflection of the traditional genre of personal diary. The weblog is different from its offline version by the initial orientation on the wide (occasional, it is better to say) audience. Gradually the author forms a range of regular readers — subscribers who leave comments under each publication (or post) in the log. Inside each log along with typical for all female weblogs etiquette rules there exist own ones, due to the peculiarities of speech and non-speech self-presentation of the weblog author. As the study shows, it is typical for female speech behavior to strictly follow the selected rituals, to find violations of etiquette and to struggle with such violations, to long to psychological comfort as a main communicative value, to follow topical unity inside a single dialogue cycle, emotional dynamic which leads to the appearance of specific aggressive forms in speech — catfights, discussion of private life, entering the private sphere.
Remediation processes of hexavalent chromium from groundwater: a short review
Authors: Acharyya Sukanya , Das Anirban , Thaker T. P.
Published: May 2023

Understanding the sources and controlling processes of various groundwater contaminants and their removal methods is extremely important, as groundwater contamination is intricately linked to human health. Chromium (Cr) is a common groundwater contaminant with both natural and anthropogenic origins. Dissolved Cr exists in hexavalent and trivalent forms – while the former is carcinogenic and more soluble – the latter is a micronutrient at low levels and is less soluble. Therefore, most chromium removal methods rely on reducing the hexavalent chromium to its trivalent state to decrease the Cr-toxicity. In recent years, several experimental methods have been attempted for hexavalent chromium removal from aqueous media/groundwater. This paper reviews the recent findings on Cr removal by important, effective, and widely used methods such as adsorption by nanoscale zero-valent Fe-based and conventional materials, electrocoagulation (EC), and bioremediation. The reaction pathways, mechanisms, and effectiveness of each method are also highlighted. The role of parameters such as solution pH and temperature, initial Cr(VI) concentration, contact time with the reducing agent, adsorbent dose, and the presence of competing ions on Cr removal was evaluated. Many of the methods exhibit high (>90%) Cr removal efficiency; the main challenge would be to apply these methods for large-scale water treatment.
Internet of things with nanomaterials-based predictive model for wastewater treatment using stacked sparse denoising auto-encoder
Authors: Neelakandan S. , Reddy N. V. RajaSekhar , Ghfar Ayman A. , Pandey Sadanand , Kiran Siripuri , Thillai Arasu P.
Published: May 2023

Wastewater is a serious concern for the environment. There is a substantial amount of toxins that are discharged continuously from several pharmacological companies that lead to serious damage to public health and the ecosystem. Present wastewater treatment technologies include primary, tertiary, and secondary treatments that remove numerous contaminants; but pollutants in the nanoscale range were hard to remove with these steps. Some of these include inorganic and organic pollutants, pathogens, pharmaceuticals, and pollutants of developing concern. The utility of nanoparticles was a promising solution to this issue. Nanoparticles have exclusive properties permitting them to potentially eliminate residual pollutants but being eco-friendly and inexpensive. This study develops a new Archimedes optimization algorithm (AOA) with Stacked Sparse Denoising Auto-Encoder (SSDAE) model, named AOA-SSDAE for wastewater management in the IoT environment. The presented AOA-SSDAE technique aims to predict wastewater treatment depending on the influent indicators. In the presented AOA-SSDAE technique, the IoT devices are initially employed for the data collection process and then data normalization is performed to transform the collected data into a uniform format. For the predictive process, the SSDAE model is employed in this paper. To improve the SSDAE model's prediction capability, the AOA-based hyperparameter tuning process is involved.
Generation of Autoantibodies in Metal-catalyzed Oxidatively
Damaged DNA in Various Cancer Subjects
Authors: Ahmad Saheem , Alshammari Qurain Turki , Rafi Zeeshan , Rehman Shahnawaz , Khan Mohd. Yasir , Faisal Mohd. , Alatar Abdulrahman A.
Published: May 2023

Background:

Free radicals exist as unstable and highly reactive substances, occurring
both in and outside the body. Free radicals are labeled as electron-hungry molecules
formed from metabolism and endogenous burning of oxygen. They are transported in cells,
upsetting the arrangement of molecules and instigating cellular injury. Hydroxyl radical (•OH)
is one of the highly reactive free radicals, which damages the biomolecules in its close vicinity.

Methods:

In the present study, DNA was modified by the hydroxyl radical generated via the
Fenton reaction. The •OH-oxidized/-modified DNA (Ox-DNA) was characterized by UV-visible
and fluorescence spectroscopy. Thermal denaturation was performed to reveal the susceptibility
of modified DNA toward heat. The role of Ox-DNA was also established in probing the
presence of autoantibodies against Ox-DNA in the sera of cancer patients by direct binding
ELISA. The specificity of autoantibodies was also checked by inhibition ELISA.

Results:

In biophysical characterization, an increase in hyperchromicity and relative reduction
of fluorescence intensity for Ox-DNA was reported compared to the native DNA analog.
A thermal denaturation study revealed that Ox-DNA was highly susceptible to heat in comparison
to the native conformers. The direct binding ELISA showed the prevalence of autoantibodies
from cancer patient sera separated for immunoassay detection against the Ox-DNA.
The generated autoantibodies against the Ox-DNA were detected as highly specific
against bladder, head, neck, and lung cancer, which was further confirmed by the inhibition
ELISA for the serum and IgG antibodies.

Conclusion:

The generated neoepitopes on DNA molecules are recognized as nonself by the
immune system, which leads to the formation of autoantibodies in cancer patients. Therefore,
our study confirmed that oxidative stress plays a role in the structural perturbation of DNA
and makes it immunogenic.
Advances in Genetic Reprogramming: Prospects from Developmental
Biology to Regenerative Medicine
Authors: Dhanjal Daljeet Singh , Singh Reena , Sharma Varun , Nepovimova Eugenie , Adam Vojtech , Kuca Kamil , Chopra Chirag
Published: May 2023

The foundations of cell reprogramming were laid by Yamanaka and co-workers, who
showed that somatic cells can be reprogrammed into pluripotent cells (induced pluripotency).
Since this discovery, the field of regenerative medicine has seen advancements. For example, because
they can differentiate into multiple cell types, pluripotent stem cells are considered vital components
in regenerative medicine aimed at the functional restoration of damaged tissue. Despite
years of research, both replacement and restoration of failed organs/ tissues have remained
elusive scientific feats. However, with the inception of cell engineering and nuclear reprogramming,
useful solutions have been identified to counter the need for compatible and sustainable organs.
By combining the science underlying genetic engineering and nuclear reprogramming with regenerative
medicine, scientists have engineered cells to make gene and stem cell therapies applicable
and effective. These approaches have enabled the targeting of various pathways to reprogramme
cells, i.e., make them behave in beneficial ways in a patient-specific manner. Technological
advancements have clearly supported the concept and realization of regenerative medicine. Genetic
engineering is used for tissue engineering and nuclear reprogramming and has led to advances
in regenerative medicine. Targeted therapies and replacement of traumatized , damaged,
or aged organs can be realized through genetic engineering. Furthermore, the success of these
therapies has been validated through thousands of clinical trials. Scientists are currently evaluating
induced tissue-specific stem cells (iTSCs), which may lead to tumour-free applications of pluripotency
induction. In this review, we present state-of-the-art genetic engineering that has been used
in regenerative medicine. We also focus on ways that genetic engineering and nuclear reprogramming
have transformed regenerative medicine and have become unique therapeutic niches.
Comprehensive Analysis of Alternative Polyadenylation Events Associated
with the Tumor Immune Microenvironment in Colon Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Pang Fangning , Yang Peng , Wang Tongfei , Li Xuzhao , Wu Xiaoyong , Yue Rong , Bai Bin , Zhao Qingchuan
Published: May 2023

Objective:

Colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) is one of the leading causes of cancer death
worldwide. Alternative polyadenylation (APA) is relevant to the variability of the 3'-UTR of mRNA.
However, the posttranscriptional dysregulation of APA in COAD is poorly understood.

Methods:

We collected APA data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) COAD (n =7692). APA
events were evaluated using PDUI values, and the prognostically significant APA events were
screened by LASSO Cox regression to construct a prognostic model. Then, prognostic model functions
and possible regulatory genes of characteristic APA events were analyzed. Finally, the immune
regulatory network based on APA regulatory genes was analyzed and established.

Results:

A total of 95 APA events were found to influence the COAD outcomes. Among them, 39
genes were screened as characteristic prognostic APA events by LASSO Cox regression to construct a
COAD prognostic signature. The analysis results suggested that a high signature score was associated
with poor prognosis and was significantly correlated with a variety of immune cells, including NK and
Th1, 2 and 17 cells. Further analysis showed that APA regulators mainly served roles in the prognosis
of COAD. Based on the above results, we constructed an immunoregulatory network for APA regulatory
genes-APA genes-immune cells.

Conclusion:

Our study revealed that APA events in COAD may regulate tumor progression by influencing
immune cells, which provides a new direction for exploring the influencing mechanism of the
tumor immune microenvironment and is expected to provide a potential new target for COAD immunotherapy.
Toosendanin Restrains Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis by Inhibiting
ZEB1/CTBP1 Interaction
Authors: Li Xingbin , Bai Zina , Li Zhensheng , Wang Jun , Yan Xixin
Published: May 2023

Background:

Extensive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) in idiopathic
pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is due to hyperactivation and proliferation of pulmonary
fibroblasts. However, the exact mechanism is not clear. Objective: This study focused
on the role of CTBP1 in lung fibroblast function, elaborated its regulation mechanism,
and analyzed the relationship between CTBP1 and ZEB1. Meanwhile, the antipulmonary
fibrosis effect and its molecular mechanism of Toosendanin were studied.

Methods:

Human IPF fibroblast cell lines (LL-97A and LL-29) and normal fibroblast
cell lines (LL-24) were cultured in vitro. The cells were stimulated with FCS, PDGF-BB,
IGF-1, and TGF-β1, respectively. BrdU detected cell proliferation. The mRNA expression
of CTBP1 and ZEB1 was detected by QRT-PCR. Western blotting was used to
detect the expression of COL1A1, COL3A1, LN, FN, and α-SMA proteins. An animal
model of pulmonary fibrosis was established to analyze the effects of CTBP1 silencing
on pulmonary fibrosis and lung function in mice.

Results:

CTBP1 was up-regulated in IPF lung fibroblasts. Silencing CTBP1 inhibits
growth factor-driven proliferation and activation of lung fibroblasts. Overexpression of
CTBP1 promotes growth factor-driven proliferation and activation of lung fibroblasts.
Silencing CTBP1 reduced the degree of pulmonary fibrosis in mice with pulmonary
fibrosis. Western blot, CO-IP, and BrdU assays confirmed that CTBP1 interacts with
ZEB1 and promotes the activation of lung fibroblasts. Toosendanin can inhibit the
ZEB1/CTBP1protein interaction and further inhibit the progression of pulmonary fibrosis.

Conclusion:

CTBP1 can promote the activation and proliferation of lung fibroblasts
through ZEB1. CTBP1 promotes lung fibroblast activation through ZEB1, thereby increasing
excessive deposition of ECM and aggravating IPF. Toosendanin may be a
potential treatment for pulmonary fibrosis. The results of this study provide a new basis
for clarifying the molecular mechanism of pulmonary fibrosis and developing new therapeutic
targets.
Effects of Cilostazol on the Myocardium in an Obese Wistar Rat Model of
Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Demir Tolga , Sahin Mazlum , Ilal Mert Fatma Tugba , Sarac Fatma
Published: May 2023

Objectives:

This study aims to determine the protective effect of cilostazol on myocardium in
obese Wistar rats with induced ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI).

Methods:

Four groups with 10 Wistar rats were included: 1] Sham Group: IRI was not established in
normal weight-Wistar rats. 2] Control Group: IRI but no cilostazol in normal weight-Wistar rats. 3]
Cilostazol in normal weight-Wistar rats: IRI and cilostazol was administered. 4] Cilostazol in obese-
Wistar rats: IRI and cilostazol was administered.

Results:

Tissue adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels were significantly higher and superoxide dismutase
(SOD) levels significantly lower in the control group than in the sham group and normal weight cilostazol
group (p=0.024 and p=0.003). Fibrinogen levels were 198 mg/dL in the sham group, 204 mg/dL in
the control group, and 187 mg/dL in the normal-weight cilostazol group (p=0.046). Additionally, plasminogen
activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) levels were significantly higher in the control group (p=0.047).
The level of ATP was significantly lower in the normal-weight cilostazol group than in the obese group
(104 vs 131.2 nmol/g protein, p=0.043). PAI-1 level was 2.4 ng/mL in the normal weight cilostazol
group and 3.7 ng/mL in the obese cilostazol group (p=0.029). Normal-weight Wistar rats with cilostazol
had significantly better histologic outcomes than the control group and obese Wistar rats (p=0.001 and
p=0.001).

Conclusion:

Cilostazol has a protective effect on myocardial cells in IRI models by decreasing inflammation.
The protective role of cilostazol was reduced in obese Wistar rats compared with normal-weight
Wistar rats.
Molecular Mechanism and Structure-activity Relationship of the Inhibition
Effect between Monoamine Oxidase and Selegiline Analogues
Authors: Yang Chuanxi , Wang Xiaoning , Gao Chang , Liu Yunxiang , Ma Ziyi , Zang Jinqiu , Wang Haoce , Liu Lin , Liu Yonglin , Sun Haofen , Wang Weiliang
Published: May 2023

Introduction:

To investigate the inhibition properties and structure-activity relationship
between monoamine oxidase (MAO) and selected monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs, including
selegiline, rasagiline and clorgiline).

Methods:

The inhibition effect and molecular mechanism between MAO and MAOIs were identified
via the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) and molecular docking technology.

Results:

It was indicated that selegiline and rasagiline were MAO B inhibitors, but clorgiline was
MAO-A inhibitor based on the selectivity index (SI) of MAOIs (0.000264, 0.0197 and 14607.143
for selegiline, rasagiline and clorgiline, respectively). The high-frequency amino acid residues of
the MAOIs and MAO were Ser24, Arg51, Tyr69 and Tyr407 for MAO-A and Arg42 and Tyr435
for MAO B. The MAOIs and MAO A/B pharmacophores included the aromatic core, hydrogen
bond acceptor, hydrogen bond donor-acceptor and hydrophobic core.

Conclusion:

This study shows the inhibition effect and molecular mechanism between MAO and
MAOIs and provides valuable findings on the design and treatment of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's
diseases.
An Overview of Analytical Methods for the Identification and Quantification
of Baclofen
Authors: da Silva Milena Nogueira , da Silva João Victor Belo , da Fonsêca Naara Felipe , Oshiro Junior João Augusto , Dantas  Medeiros Ana Claudia
Published: May 2023

Background:

Baclofen is a potent antispasmodic agent, acting as an analgesic and central
skeletal muscle relaxant. It is a GABA-B analog, and is widely used for the treatment of spasticity.
Due to its therapeutic importance, various analytical techniques are used in the pharmaceutical industry
and research to determine, identify, and characterize baclofen in bulk material, biological fluids,
and pharmaceutical forms.

Objective:

This review aimed to collect information on reported analytical techniques commonly
used to identify and quantify baclofen in pharmaceutical forms and biological samples.

Methods:

The authors explored various authenticated scientific journals using these descriptors: highperformance
liquid chromatography, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, capillary
electrophoresis, differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ultravioletvisible
spectroscopy, near-infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, potentiometry, and Xray
diffraction.

Results:

Quantification of the drug by all the methods evaluated in the review was possible. There
were 73 articles reviewed, of which 26 used HPLC for baclofen quantification; the least used was near
infrared spectroscopy and potentiometry, both with one article identified.

Conclusion:

This review has shed light on a wide variety of analytical methods that can be used to
quantify and identify baclofen. The knowledge provided by the use of these analytical methods makes
this document an important tool for developing pharmaceutical formulations containing baclofen.
Side Effects Reported by Moroccan Medical Students Who Received
COVID-19 Vaccines
Authors: Moukafih Badreddine , Belaroussi Leila , Achour Sanae , Kartouti Abdeslam El
Published: May 2023

Background:

Low confidence in the safety of COVID-19 vaccines was found to be a
key promoter of vaccine reluctance especially among youth. Furthermore, young adults are an important
demographic for building herd immunity through vaccination. As a result, their reactions to
getting COVID-19 vaccines are crucial in our fight against SARS-CoV-2.

Objective:

The overall goal of this study was to look into the shortterm side effects experienced by
Moroccan medical and pharmacy students after receiving COVID-19 vaccines.

Methods:

A cross-sectional survey-based study to assess the COVID-19 vaccines' short-term AEFIs
among Moroccan medical and pharmacy students. The validated questionnaire was delivered in a digital
form to explore the side effects (SE) they encountered after the first or the second dose of one of
three vaccines namely: AstraZeneca Vaxzevria, PfizerBioNTeck, and SinoPharm vaccines.

Results:

There were 510 students in total who took part. After the first and second doses, approximately
72 percent and 78 percent of subjects, respectively, reported no SE. The remainder had localized injection
site side effects (26%). Fatigue (21%), fever (19%), headache (17%), and myalgia (16%) were the
most common systemic adverse effects after the first dose. There were no serious SEs reported.

Conclusion:

The majority of the reported AEFIs in our data were mild to moderate in intensity and
lasted only one or two days. COVID-19 vaccinations are highly likely safe for young adults,
according to the findings of this study.
Hemofiltration as an Alternative for IL-6 Inhibitors in COVID-19
Cytokines Storm Associated with Underlaying Bacterial Infections: A
Review Article
Authors: Zaky Samy , Elbadry Mohamed , Makhlouf Hoda A. , Abd-Elsalam Sherief , Sarhan Tarik S. , Eltaweel Noha H. , Aly Heba , Abdelbary Akram , Said Ahmad , Farouk Mohammed Hamdy , Abdel Baki Amin , Fathelbab Hanaa , Hammad Reham , El-Raey Fathiya
Published: May 2023

SARS-CoV-2 causes mostly mild cases. However, a considerable number of patients develop
fatal acute respiratory distress syndrome due to the cytokine storm and imbalanced immune response.
Several therapies depending on immunomodulation have been used, including glucocorticoids
and IL-6 blockers. However, their efficacy is not perfect with all patients and patients with concomitant
bacterial infections and sepsis. Accordingly, studies on different immunomodulators, including
extracorporeal techniques, are crucial to save this category of patients. In this review, we overviewed
the different immunomodulation techniques shortly, with a brief review of extracorporeal methods.
Autophagy Behavior in Post-myocardial Infarction Injury
Authors: Marzoog Basheer Abdullah
Published: May 2023

Myocardial infarction and its sequalae remain the leading cause of death worldwide. Myocardial
infarction (MI) survivors continue to live a poor quality of life due to extinguished heart
failure. The post-MI period involves several changes at the cellular and subcellular levels, of which
autophagy dysfunction. Autophagy is involved in the regulation of post-MI changes. Physiologically,
autophagy preserves intracellular homeostasis by regulating energy expenditure and sources.
Furthermore, dysregulated autophagy is considered the hallmark of the post-MI pathophysiological
changes, which leads to the known short and long post-MI reperfusion injury sequalae. Autophagy
induction strengthens self-defense mechanisms of protection against energy deprivation through
economic energy sources and uses alternative sources of energy through the degradation of intracellular
components of the cardiomyocyte. The protective mechanism against post-MI injury includes
the enhancement of autophagy combined with hypothermia, which induces autophagy. However,
several factors regulate autophagy, including starvation, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+),
Sirtuins, other natural foods and pharmacological agents. Autophagy dysregulation involves genetics,
epigenetics, transcription factors, small noncoding RNAs, small molecules, and special microenvironment.
Autophagy therapeutic effects are signaling pathway-dependent and MI stage dependent.
The paper covers recent advances in the molecular physiopathology of autophagy in post-MI
injury and its potential target as a future therapeutic strategy.
Solid and Homogeneous Thermal Wall of Cored Lightweight Concrete
Blocks Solidarized in situ
Authors: Maia Lino
Published: May 2023

The exterior walls of buildings play a major role in the road for a near-zero energy
building. Nowadays, in Portugal, the ETICS system is the most used technology to ensure the
thermal insulation of exterior walls of buildings. However, the ETICS system has low resistance to
impacts and requires a self-supporting sheet of wall, among other disadvantages. Here, the concept
of new technology for exterior walls of residential and commercial buildings is presented. It consists
of a hybrid technology for the easy and quick execution of a single sheet wall, which may
provide high thermal efficiency for buildings. This hybrid technology relates to parallelepipedshaped
cored lightweight concrete blocks comprising two parallel sides separated by one or more
solid connectors in which the connectors allow the filling of the block core with lightweight concrete.
No bed or head joints are used to connect the blocks because the wall made of cored blocks
gets solid and homogeneous when filled with lightweight concrete. When the block thickness is 30
cm and the thermal conductivity of the lightweight concrete is lower than 0.09 W/m.ºC, in Portugal,
this type of exterior wall does not require the application of extra thermal insulation materials.
Determination of the Re-188 Calibration Number for the Capintec CRC-
25PET Dose Calibrator
Authors: Ashley Klenner Mitchell , Poole Aron
Published: May 2023

Background:

During the development of novel Re-188 radiopharmaceuticals, it was discovered
that no calibration settings were published to calibrate Re-188 on the Capintec CRC-25PET dose calibrator.

Methods:

Sodium [188Re]perrhenate was eluted from an OncoBeta 188W/188Re generator to measure activity
on a Capintec CRC-25R dose calibrator using established dose calibrator settings provided by the manufacturer.
The eluent was then used to tune the calibra on settings on a Capintec CRC-25PET dose calibrator,
accounting for geometry. Radionuclidic purity of the [188Re]perrhenate source was verified via
gamma spectroscopy.

Results:

The calibrator number for Re-188 was determined to be 469 x 10 for the Capintec CRC-25PET
dose calibrator, which differed from the manufacturer provided calibra on number of 496 x 10 for the
Capintec CRC-25R dose calibra on model. W-188 breakthrough was characterised as < 0.01%.

Conclusion:

This previously unreported calibration number can be used to determine the activity of Re-
188 labelled radiopharmaceuticals using the Capintec CRC-25PET dose calibrator model.
Liposomal Doxorubicin Kinetic Study in an In vitro 2D and 3D Tumor
Model for Osteosarcoma in a Perfusion Bioreactor
Authors: Abdollahzadeh H. , Amoabediny G. , Haghiralsadat F. , Rahimi F. , Adibfar A.
Published: May 2023

Background:

In vivo drug screening in animal models is contrary to ethical values, costly
and time-consuming. Traditional static in vitro models do not reflect the basic characteristics of bone
tumor microenvironments; therefore, perfusion bioreactors, in particular, would be an applicable choice
due to their advantages to regenerate versatile bone tumor models for studying in vitro novel drug delivery
systems.

Methods:

In this study, an optimal drug formulation of liposomal doxorubicin was prepared, and the release
kinetics of the drug and its toxicity effect on MG-63 bone cancer cell line were investigated in
two-dimensional, static three-dimensional media on a PLGA/β-TCP scaffold and also in a dynamic media
in a perfusion bioreactor. In this assay, the efficacy of the IC50 of this formulation which had been
obtained in two-dimensional cell culture (= 0.1 μg/ml), was studied in static and dynamic threedimensional
media after 3 and 7 days. Liposomes with good morphology and encapsulation efficiency
of 95% had release kinetics of the Korsmeyer-Peppas model.

Results:

The results of cell growth before treatment and cell viability after treatment in all three environments
were compared. Cell growth in 2D was rapid, while it was slow in static 3D conditions. In the
dynamic 3D environment, it was significant compared to the static tumor models. Cell viability after 3
and 7 days from treatment was 54.73% and 13.39% in 2D conditions, 72.27% and 26.78% in the static
3D model, while 100% and 78.92% in the dynamic culture indicating the effect of drug toxicity over
time, but drug resistance of 3D models compared to 2D culture. In the bioreactor, the formulation used
in the mentioned concentration showed very small cytotoxicity demonstrating the dominance of mechanical
stimuli on cell growth over drug toxicity.

Conclusion:

Increasing drug resistance in 3D models compared to 2D models indicates the superiority
of liposomal Dox over free form to reduce IC50 concentration.
Spider Silk: Biosynthesis, Properties & Bioengineering
Authors: Singh Shivendra , Sharma Shivangi , Das Snigdha , Kumar Das Amlan
Published: May 2023

Due to the remarkable and unique qualities of spider silk, it has much applicability in the
coming days. The complicated diversity and structure of spider silk ensure its use in both nature and
industry. Based on the uniqueness and distinctive qualities associated with spider silks, advancements
in cloning and expression of these silks are a growing area of research and industrial use. The environmentally
triggered spider silk assembly and further disassembly, the creation of fibers, films, and
novel chimeric composite materials from genetically modified spider silks are interesting areas of research
in nanotechnology. In this context, we have discussed the creation of hybrids made of spider
silk that combine with organic nanoparticles, both naturally occurring and bioengineered spider silk
proteins. The diversity of spider silk, its composition and architecture, the distinctions between spider
silk and silkworm silk, and the biosynthesis of natural silk are also discussed. This article describes the
current issues and expected outcomes using biochemical data and processes.
FDA Approval for Phytochemicals in the Treatment of Cancer
Authors: Raza Waseem , Singh Jyoti , Hussain Yusuf , Luqman Suaib , Meena Abha
Published: May 2023

Cancer is considered one of the primary causes of death all over the world;
Thus, there is an urgent need for its management. Anticancer drugs available in the
market target rapidly growing cells while unable to distinguish between healthy and
tumor cells producing significant side effects resulting in discontinuation of therapy
after a few months. On the other hand, phytochemicals can induce similar potential
effects on cancer cells with less or no side effects deliberately leaving non-cancer cells.
However it takes a relatively more extensive period for noteworthy results. The United
States Department of Health and Human Services governs Food and Drug
Administration (FDA), which accounts for public healthcare, food, and drug product
endorsement. Particularly a drug product approval requires ultra-precautions; therefore,multiple safety measure steps are followed right from target-based high-throughput
screening process to clinical trials. In the past few decades, the FDA has approved
several anticancer drugs, either phytochemicals or derived synthetic drug molecules;
thus, using phytochemicals isn’t a new idea in biomedical research. Due to the very
stringent criteria of the FDA for drug approval, many potential phytochemicals and
molecules fail to pass clinical trial phases. In this book chapter, we have discussed the
stepwise drug approval process followed by enlisting approved or potential
phytochemicals in the drug discovery pipeline and their limitation in approval. 
Flavonoids in the Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tract Cancer
Authors: Alam Waqas , Khan Haroon , Ascher Michael , Ahmad Imad
Published: May 2023

Globally, cancer is a leading cause of death next to cardiovascular disease.
Gastrointestinal malignancies (GI) are extremely widespread malignancies, but their
prevalence varies significantly amongst nations and communities. Existing cancer
treatments are primarily concerned with low tissue availability, adverse drug reactions
related to the demand for larger dose levels and non-specificity of the medicine.
Phytochemicals have been important resources of preventive and curative entities for a
variety of diseases, such as cancer. To a certain extent, enough investigation has been
made over the last few decades to investigate natural compounds that possess anti cancer properties. Phytochemicals used in the management of malignancies appear to
be obligatory, serving as the cornerstone for the latest medicine as well as a rich
reserve of novel medicines. Flavonoids are plant-derived secondary metabolites, which
are readily available and considered safe, depicting perfect agents for cancer therapy or
as adjunctive options in clinical practice. Flavonoids have already received increasing
attention as anti-cancer entities, with promising findings as cytotoxic anti-cancer
entities that induce apoptotic cell death in malignant cells. Flavonoids, such as
kaempferol, Quercetin, Curcumin, myricetin, apigenin, luteolin and silymarin, are
among the phytochemicals that have been revealed to be potential agents for the
prevention and treatment of malignancies. Flavonoids like Kaempferol and luteolin are
reported as potential therapeutic agents for the management of ovarian and GI
malignancies. Flavonoid metabolism in major areas of the hepatic and colon cells,
unveils reasonably considerable variations in the anti-cancer potential, presumably as a
result of exposure to multiple metabolites with multiple functions. Luteolin and
apigenin have a real insight into cervical cancer. Flavonoids are now explored to have
an inhibitory action on cell cycle development at the G1/S or G2/M stages of the cell
cycle via modifying several regulatory proteins of the cell cycle. This chapter is
designed to provide comprehensive knowledge about flavonoids, their targeted
mechanism of action in the management of GI cancer, clinical findings of flavonoids, synergistic effect with other anti-cancer medicines and future prospects of flavonoids in
treating GI carcinoma.
Terpenoıds in the Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tract Cancer
Authors: Küpeli Akkol Esra , Tatlı Çankaya Irem
Published: May 2023

Gastrointestinal cancers are the most common cancer group, accounting for
approximately one-fourth of the total cancer incidence and one-third of cancer-related
deaths in developing countries. Treatments for the disease include surgery, radiation,
and administration of chemotherapy components, such as docetaxel, mitomycin, and
cisplatin injection. However, due to the side effects seen in these treatments and for the
purpose of supporting the treatment, the trend towards medicinal herbs and
phytonutrients, which have certain biological activities and potential benefits to human
health, including the prevention of diseases, has increased. Natural products and their
derivatives are consistently the most successful source of phytonutrients and
pharmaceutical leaders. Terpenoids are one of the most important families of natural
compounds known for their medicinal value. Terpenoids are found in higher plants,
algae, mosses, liverworts, and lichens, as well as insects, microbes or marine
organisms; and have been shown to exhibit anti-infective, anti-inflammatory, and
antitumoral properties. Recently, research activities on the preclinical and/or clinical
potential of this class of components in cancer have continuously risen. In this review,
the molecular basis of the antitumoral effect of terpenoids is presented, with special
emphasis on the latest developments in this field, comprising recently enlightened
findings of the potential of monoterpenoids, diterpenoids, triterpenoids and
tetraterpenoids as antitumoral agents. Furthermore, this review will summarize
promising terpenoid compounds in combination therapy with conventional
chemotherapeutic agents. 