bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PITPNA-AS1 Activated by H3K27ac Sponged miR-98-5p to Regulate Cisplatin Resistance in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Liu Yaping , Zhao Xu , Chen Yinnan , Guo Gang , Wang Jiansheng , He Shuixiang
Published: February 2021

To evaluate the expression of PITPNA-AS1 and miR-98-5p in gastric cancer tissues as well as their association with progression of gastric cancer, and investigate the role of PITPNA-AS1 and miR-98-5p in developing platinum resistance. RNA sequencing was used to identify candidate lncRNAs and microRNAs related to local recurrence of gastric cancer. qRT-PCR was used to investigate the expression of PITPNA-AS1 and miR-98-5p. CCK-8 and caspase3/7 activity were used to evaluate the cell proliferation and apoptosis rate. Dual luciferase reporter gene assay and RNA pull down were used to evaluate the cross talk between PITPNA-AS1 and miR-98-5p. PITPNA-AS1 and miR-98-5p could regulate cell proliferation and inhibit apoptosis in gastric cancer cell lines. Cisplatin and lobaplatin could significantly suppress the expression of PITPNA-AS1, which interacted with negatively regulated miR-98-5p expression. PITPNA-AS1 overexpression impaired the effect of platinum, which was partially reversed by downregulation of miR-98-5p knock down. In gastric cancer, PITPNA-AS1 and miR-98-5p could regulat cell growth, apoptosis and platinum resistance. They have the potential to be biomarkers and curative therapeutic targets. However, further research on molecular mechanisms are needed.
Exosomes from Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells Facilitate Diabetic Wound Healing through miR-221-3p-mediated Enhancement of Angiogenesis
Authors: Wei Qian , Wang Yaxi , Ma Kui , Bian Xiaowei , Li Qiankun , Li Bingmin , Hu Wenzhi , Li Haihong , Fu Xiaobing , Zhang Cuiping
Published: February 2021

Background: Endothelial dysfunction caused by persistent hyperglycemia in diabetes is responsible for impaired angiogenesis in diabetic wounds. Exosomes are considered potential therapeutic tools to promote diabetic wound healing. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of exosomes secreted by human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hucMSC-Exos) on angiogenesis under high glucose (HG) conditions in vivo and in vitro and to explore the underlying mechanisms.Methods: HucMSC-Exos were used to treat diabetic wounds and human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs) exposed to HG. Wound healing and angiogenesis were assessed in vivo. The biological characteristics of HUVECs were examined in vitro. Expression of pro-angiogenesis genes in HUVECs was also examined by western blotting. The miRNAs contained within hucMSC-Exos were identified using miRNA microarrays and qRT-PCR. The roles of selected miRNAs in angiogenesis were assessed using specific agomirs and inhibitors.Results: In vivo, local application of hucMSC-Exos enhanced wound healing and angiogenesis. In vitro, hucMSC-Exos reduced senescence of HG-treated HUVECs and promoted proliferation, migration, and tube formation by inhibiting phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) expression and activating the AKT/HIF-1α/VEGF pathways. MiR-221-3p was enriched in hucMSC-Exos. In vitro, MiR-221-3p downregulated PTEN and activated the AKT/HIF-1α/VEGF pathway to promote proliferation, migration, and tube formation in HG-treated HUVECs. In vivo, miR-221-3p agomirs mimicked the effects of hucMSC-Exos on wound healing and angiogenesis, whereas miR-221-3p inhibitors reversed their effects.Conclusions: Our findings suggest that hucMSC-Exos have regenerative and protective effects on HG-induced senescence in endothelial cells via transfer of miR-221-3p, thereby accelerating diabetic wound healing. Thus, hucMSC-Exos may be promising therapeutic candidates for improving diabetic wound angiogenesis.
Ultrasound-Stimulated Microbubbles Enhance Radiation-induced Cell Killing
Authors: McCorkell Giulia , Nakayama Masao , Feltis Bryce , Piva Terrence , Geso Moshi
Published: February 2021

Background: There has been recent interest in the use of ultrasound-stimulated microbubbles (USMB) as a localised radiosensitiser, with in vivo studies to date demonstrating impressive results. In vitro results have focussed primarily on Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVEC), and studies using other cell lines have shown varying results. This study aims to further investigate any increases in radiation-induced cell killing in vitro using HUVECs and two carcinoma cell lines; and to study the effect different radiation energies have on cells treated with ultrasound-stimulated microbubbles and radiation.Methods: HUVEC, Metastatic Follicular Thyroid Carcinoma cells (FTC-238) and Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma cells (NCI-H727) were treated using a combination of 1.6% v/v microbubbles (Definity®); ~90 seconds of 2MHz ultrasound with a mechanical index of 0.8; and 0-6Gy of kV or MV x-rays. Cell viability was measured using a cell viability assay 72 hours post-treatment, and normalised survival calculated relative to untreated controls. Statistical significance was determined using a Three-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) after confirming equal variance existed across all groups.Results: All cells treated with combined USMB and radiation demonstrated decreased normalised survival, with statistically significant effects observed for the NCI-H727 cells. Statistically significant differences in the effect of kV and MV radiation were also observed for FTC-238 cells.Conclusions: USMB and Radiation Therapy significantly reduced the viability of NCI-H727 cells when compared to cells exposed to radiation treatment only. Decreased cell viability was also observed in HUVEC and FTC-238 cells, but this was not significant. Further studies using increased Microbubble concentrations may be required to achieve statistically significant results as reported elsewhere. Similarly, further research is needed to understand the differing effect of kV and MV x-rays on the survival of FTC-238 cells.
Synergistic Effect of Saikosaponin a and Albiflorin Against Corticosterone-Induced Neuro-Injury in PC12 Cells via Regulation of TCA Cycle, Purine Metabolism, and Glutamate Metabolism
Authors: Li Xiao , Hou Ruihong , Shi Hao , Qin Xuemei , Wu Yanfei , Wu Xingkang , Tian Junsheng , Gao Xiaoxia , Du Guanhua , Zhou Yuzhi
Published: February 2021

The combination of Radix Bupleuri - Radix Paeoniae alba is one of the most approbated herb pairs in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula for curing depression. Saikosaponin A (SSA) and albiflorin (AF) are major bioactive compounds of Radix Bupleuri and Radix Paeoniae alba respectively, which possess antidepressant effects in pharmacological experiments. However, whether SSA and AF have synergistic neuroprotective effects and the synergistic mechanism is still unknown. The present study employed the corticosterone-induced PC12 cells neuro-injury model to assess the protective effect of SSA and AF, alone and in combination, and the synergistic effect was analyzed using three mathematical models. Meanwhile, the cell metabolomics was used to detect the effects on metabolite regulation of SSA and AF, alone and in combination. According to the results of cell metabolomics, the vital cell transduction pathway related to the crucial cell metabolic pathways were selected. Furthermore, the key metabolites, metabolic enzymes, and cellular markers were verified by ELISA and Western blotting. The results showed that the combination of SSA and AF has a synergistic neuroprotective effect. Besides, the combination could regulate more metabolites (16) than a single agent (12 & 10) and possessed a stronger adjustment effect on metabolites. Correspondingly, the combination regulated more metabolism pathways (7) than alone agents (3 & 5). Furthermore, the TCA cycle, purine metabolism, and glutamate metabolism were selected as crucial metabolism pathways. The results showed that the TCA cycle disorder was regulated by SSA and AF via improving mitochondrial function. The purine metabolism disorder was regulated by SSA via inhibition xanthine oxidase (XOD) activity and the glutamate metabolism disorder was regulated by AF via inhibition glutaminase (GLS) activity. Moreover, the oxidative stress induced by the purine metabolism disorder was attenuated by SSA via a reduction in the ROS level. Additionally, the inflammation induced by the oxidative stress was attenuated by the SSA and AF via inhibition of the NLRP3 protein expression. This study for the first time demonstrated the synergistic neuroprotective effect of SSA and AF, and the synergistic mechanism was involved in metabolic disorders regulation.
Identification of Differentially Expressed Genes and Signalling Pathways Related to Ovarian Endometriosis Based on Integrated Bioinformatic Analysis
Authors: Lin Kainan , Pan Zhenyan , He Renke , Wang Hanchu , Zhou Kai , Mu Liangshan
Published: February 2021

Purpose: Endometriosis is a common gynaecological disease; however, the specific mechanism and the key molecules involved in endometriosis have not been elucidated. This study aimed to identify key genes associated with poor prognosis and further uncover underlying mechanisms.Methods: Data regarding mRNA expression profiles used in this study were retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, and a total of three mRNA expression profiles were included in subsequent analyses (GSE31515, GSE58178 and GSE120103). We divided all differentially expressed genes (DEGs) into up-regulated and down-regulated groups. Then, we conducted Gene Ontology (GO) analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis and protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis using R software.Results: A total of 304 DEGs were identified between endometriosis tissues and normal endometrium tissues using integrated analysis, including 185 up-regulated genes and 119 down-regulated genes. GO analysis revealed that the up-regulated DEGs of endometriosis were closely associated with voltage-gated calcium channel activity, whereas the down-regulated DEGs were enriched in uterus development. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis indicated that the up-regulated DEGs were mainly involved in cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, whereas down-regulated DEGs were enriched in protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum. In addition, PPIs of these DEGs were visualized using the Cytoscape platform and the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING). PPI analysis identified 10 potential DEG-related protein targets, including CCND1, IL6, CCL2, COL1A2, PTGS2, VCAM1, COL3A1, ELN, SERPINE1, and HSP90B1. Conclusion: In conclusion, the present study reveals that voltage-gated calcium channel activity, uterus development, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction and protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum may be involved in the development of endometriosis. In addition, these identified DEGs may exhibit clinical significance for the diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis.
Weathering effects on engineering properties of Schist of Menderes Massif, West of Turkey
Authors: Geçkin Berna Şengöçmen , Turk Necdet , Moses Dyson
Published: February 2021

Schist is a metamorphic rock type that is widely exposed in the Western Anatolia. Schist of Menderes Massif is located in different locations and geological levels. The rock is mainly used as a filling and building material in the present and in foreseeable future. Usage of schist as filling materials in dams is related with their weathering degree which affects their geomechanical properties. To determinate the petrographic, chemical, index and engineering properties of the schist used as filler material in the dams/small dam crest, fresh and weathered samples of rock material were collected from quarries. The relationship between the weathering degree index and engineering properties were determined by simple regression analyses’. The results show that the studied parameters of physical and mechanical properties of the studied schist have a positive correction with weathering grade. Thus, increasing weathering grade affects the durability of the schist thereby compromising its applicability.
An antimicrobial Staphylococcus sciuri with broad temperature and salt spectrum isolated from the surface of the African social spider, Stegodyphus dumicola
Authors: Nazipi Seven , Vangkilde-Pedersen Sofie Gerdes , Busck Mette Marie , Lund Dorthe Kirstine , Marshall Ian P.G. , Bilde Trine , Lund Marie Braad , Schramm Andreas
Published: February 2021

Some social arthropods engage in mutualistic symbiosis with antimicrobial compound-producing microorganisms that provide protection against pathogens. Social spiders live in communal nests and contain specific endosymbionts with unknown function. Bacteria are also found on the spiders' surface, including prevalent staphylococci, which may have protective potential. Here we present the genomic and phenotypic characterization of strain i1, isolated from the surface of the social spider Stegodyphus dumicola. Phylogenomic analysis identified i1 as novel strain of Staphylococcus sciuri within subgroup 2 of three newly defined genomic subgroups. Further phenotypic investigations showed that S. sciuri i1 is an extremophile that can grow at a broad range of temperatures (4°C-45°C), high salt concentrations (up to 27%), and has antimicrobial activity against closely related species. We identified a lactococcin 972-like bacteriocin gene cluster, likely responsible for the antimicrobial activity, and found it conserved in two of the three subgroups of S. sciuri. These features indicate that S. sciuri i1, though not a specific symbiont, is well-adapted to survive on the surface of social spiders and may gain a competitive advantage by inhibiting closely related species.
COVID-19 remote consultation services and population in health inequity-concentrating territories: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Silva Angélica Baptista , Síndico Sérgio , Gomes Joyker Peçanha , Carneiro Ana Carolina , Fernandes Arthur Gustavo , Henrique Sávio Mourão , Marinho Thaysa Pereira , Fernandes Valcler Rangel
Published: February 2021

Objective: This scoping review aims to map initiatives of measuring the vulnerable populations' satisfaction with teleconsultation and remote consultation services offered by public and private healthcare providers in their respective territories during the COVID-19 pandemic.Introduction: New teleconsultation-based services were implemented during the pandemic with their monitoring and evaluation processes. It is necessary to know these assessments if services worsen the disparities between vulnerable and economically disadvantaged populations. Understanding whether the services meet the population's expectations concerning the care to contain the pandemic in their territory can support inclusive policies.Inclusion criteria: This review will include studies on evaluations of teleconsultation-based services offered to the socioeconomically disadvantaged population of a given territory focused on the surveillance, treatment, and prevention of COVID-19. The assessments should describe the process of determining the satisfaction of the population served.Methods: A comprehensive search will be performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science databases, and other documents in Scopus to identify gray literature. Documents published in English, Portuguese and Spanish will be included from December 2019. The strategy combines descriptors and keywords related to telehealth, Covid-19, patient satisfaction, and vulnerable populations. According to the inclusion criteria, two reviewers will screen titles and abstracts and select the articles for evaluation. The articles selected for full-text screening will be submitted to data extraction, using a tool developed by the third reviewer and approved by the other authors. The data will be presented in semantic networks and narrative summary, aligning with the reviews' objectives and scope.
Prevalence of Depression Symptoms and Associated Sociodemographic and Clinical Correlates Among Syrian Refugees in Lebanon
Authors: Naal Hady , Nabulsi Dana , Arnaout Nour El , Abdouni Lina , Dimassi Hani , Harb Ranime , Saleh Shadi
Published: January 2021

Background: Since the outbreak of the Syrian war in 2011, close to 6 million Syrian refugees have escaped to Syria’s neighbouring countries, including Lebanon. Evidence suggests rising levels of mental health disorders among Syrian refugee populations. Yet, to the best of our knowledge, large-scale studies addressing the mental health of adult Syrian refugees in Lebanon are lacking. Aims: We examined the prevalence of depression symptoms, which represent a common and debilitating mental health disorder among Syrian refugee populations in Lebanon, along with their sociodemographic and clinical correlates.Methods: A cross-sectional survey design was conducted as part of a collaborative project-“Sijilli”- led by the Global Health Institute at the American University of Beirut (Beirut, Lebanon) across 4 informal tented settlements for refugees (Beirut, Bekaa, North, South) in Lebanon among adult Syrian refugees (≥18), over a period extending from 2018 to 2020. The survey inquired about participants’ sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, and screened participants for symptoms of depression through sequential methodology using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-2 and PHQ-9). Results: A total of 3255 adult Syrian refugees were enrolled in the study. Of those refugees, only 51.6% (n=1678) screened positive on the PHQ-2 and were therefore eligible to complete the PHQ-9. The PHQ-9 analysis revealed high prevalence (25%) of moderate to severe depression in the total sample, suggestive of high probability for major depression disorder (MDD). Further analyses indicate that being ≥45 years of age (OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.22-2.36), a woman (OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.07-1.69), divorced/separated (OR 3.32, 95% CI 1.57-7.01), reporting a neurological (OR 1.77, 95% CI 1.20-2.61) or a mental health condition (OR 5.30, 95% CI 2.40-11.66) are major risk factors for MDD.Conclusion: Our study suggests that one in four Syrian refugees in Lebanon have probable MDD, and our findings have important public health and clinical implications on refugee health. There is a need to enhance screening efforts, to improve access and referral to mental health services, and to improve post-migration factors among Syrian refugees in Lebanon.
Dinámica de paquetes de ondas de huecos bajo acoplamiento espín-órbita tipo Rashba
Authors: Cuan R. , Diago-Cisneros L.
Published: February 2021

Se estudia la dinámica de un paquete de ondas gaussiano de huecos pesados, en presencia de interacción espín-órbita tipo Rashba, para un sistema semiconductor cuasi-unidimensional. Se utiliza un esquema en diferencias finitas, basado en la aproximación de Cayley, y se extiende a la solución de la ecuación de Schrödinger   dependiente del tiempo para huecos. Se muestra el fenómeno de la precesión del espín de los huecos, a través de una simulación numérica de la evolución temporal de las componentes del paquete. Es posible evaluar parámetros relevantes, e. g. dimensiones y tiempos de inversión de la polarización, en un dispositivo modelado como transistor de efecto campo de espín, que utilice en calidad de portadores a los huecos.
Estudo comparativo de sistemas de iluminação aplicados à rodovia
Authors: Werneck de Faria Barros Galvão Thaís , Maranduba Espíndola de Andrade Mateus , Queli Conceição Fernandes Gleice , Leonardo Silva da Cruz Pedro , Alves dos Santos Raphael , Soares Penedo Lucas
Published: February 2021

A incansável busca pelo desenvolvimento de sistemas de iluminação mais eficientes, vem desencadeando constantes avanços tecnológicos nas mais variadas fontes luminosas. Considerando a utilização de diferentes tipos fontes para aplicação em rodovias, há diversas perspectivas quanto aos fatores que devem ser considerados para definição do sistema mais adequado. O presente trabalho apresenta uma análise comparativa entre os sistemas de iluminação compostos por lâmpadas de vapor metálico, vapor de sódio e LED, aplicados à rodovias. Para a realização desse estudo, utilizou-se o software Dialux, que se fez indispensável permitindo a simulação do projeto e disponibilizando informações das luminárias e gráficos a serem comparados. Observou-se que todos os sistemas analisados atingem o fator eficiência exigido pela NBR 5101:2018, já a escolha do sistema mais adequado está diretamente relacionada com o benefício que se almeja, seja ele quantitativo ou qualitativo. Com o auxílio do Dialux foi possível concluir que, as que as luminárias de LED superam os demais sistemas de iluminação quando levado em conta o tempo de vida útil, consumo, taxa de variação da iluminação, iluminância e distribuição luminosa ao longo da via. Em condições fotópticas e de prazo superior a 6 (seis) anos, o sistema que utiliza LED é o mais adequado para o projeto, mas, quando se trata de investimento imediato, deve ser feito um estudo quanto ao tempo de aplicabilidade e retorno financeiro esperado da aplicação, pois a instalação da luminária de vapor de sódio é a mais econômica a curto prazo.
AUTOARRIMOS: um aplicativo para dispositivos móveis para dimensionamento de muro de arrimo por gravidade
Authors: Silva Ferreira Allan , De Almeida Assumpção Gabriel , Moreira de Paula Moisés , Brandão de Carvalho Marcelle , Vitor de Alencar Carvalho Carlos
Published: February 2021

É muito usual a utilização de estruturas de contenção, como muros de gravidade ou flexão, para estabilização de encostas, quando não se é possível a execução de um talude que se mantenha estável por si só, devido às características do solo. Os muros de contenção são usados para conter porções de terra próximas às edificações ou abaixo delas, a fim de garantir sua segurança contra deslizamentos do terrapleno. Os muros de gravidade são os muros de contenção que se mantém estáveis devido ao peso próprio. Tais muros têm o processo de cálculo composto por alguns passos, visto que devem ser verificadas determinadas condições de segurança e fazê-lo de modo manual torna o serviço lento. O presente trabalho visa apresentar um aplicativo para dimensionar os muros de gravidade, constituídos de concreto ciclópico, com o intuito de tornar o trabalho de cálculo mais ágil, que além disso possa ser usado como ferramenta educacional. A princípio foram desenvolvidos roteiros de cálculos de seis perfis de muro, no software PTC Mathcad Express Prime 6.0. O aplicativo foi desenvolvido com a ferramenta MIT App Inventor 2, que utiliza uma programação em blocos, de interface amigável e intuitiva, o que beneficiou no desenvolvimento do aplicativo. De modo a exemplificar e testar a ferramenta, foram dimensionados no aplicativo dois perfis para verificar o mais adequado. Pode-se concluir, que ter os roteiros de cálculo proveu uma ótima base para o desenvolvimento do aplicativo, além disso o aplicativo funcionou como um bom facilitador para dimensionar muros de gravidade, pois só solicitou a escolha de perfil e a inserção de dados fundamentais, reduzindo o tempo de cálculo.
Simultaneous Determination of Amlodipine and Irbesartan in their
Pharmaceutical Formulations by Square-Wave Voltammetry
Authors: Palabıyık İsmail Murat , Dogan Aysegul , Süslü İncilay
Published: January 2021

Background:

Hypertension is one of the most important health problems in the world and irbesartan and amlodipine are used in combination in various dosages for the treatment of high blood pressure.

Objective:

The aim of this study is to develop a fast, easy, sensitive, accurate, and precise square-wave voltammetry method for simultaneous determination of irbesartan and amlodipine besylate from pharmaceutical formulations at a hanging mercury drop electrode.

Methods:

In the applied method, since both active substances gave a peak at different potentials, no interference occurred between them. In optimization studies Britton-Robinson buffer of pH 8.0 was chosen, in which the most appropriate peak shape and maximum peak current were observed. At the same time, as a result of instrumental parameter optimization to obtain reproducible results, 6 mV for scan increment, 30 mV for pulse amplitude, and 50 Hz for frequency were found suitable.

Results:

As a result of the calibration studies of the optimized method, linear working ranges were determined as 1.00-13.08 µg mL-1 for irbesartan and 5.83-16.51 µg mL-1 for amlodipine besylate. Limit of detection and limit of quantitation values were respectively calculated as 0.63 and 1.00 µg mL-1 for irbesartan and 0.50 and 1.98 µg mL-1 for amlodipine besylate. The results of precision values (RSD) ranged from 0.67% to 2.31% for irbesartan and 0.65% to 1.49% for amlodipine besylate. Accuracy values were calculated as -0.15% to 1.63% for irbesartan and -0.07% to 3.78% for amlodipine besylate. The results obtained from the recovery studies ranged from 101.05% to 102.78% and from 98.88% to 102.20% for amlodipine besylate and irbesartan, respectively.

Conclusion:

After the validation studies of the developed method were carried out, it was successfully applied to pharmaceutical formulations containing these active substances.
BCG Vaccination Program Mitigates COVID19 Related Mortality: A Reality Check
Authors: Pandita Archana , Bhat Audesh , Koul Anita , Singh Shashank K.
Published: February 2021

Since its origin in the Wuhan province of China in December 2019, Coronavirus Disease 19
(COVID-19) has spread to most parts of the world and has infected millions of people. However, the
significant variability in the mortality rate across the world indicates some underlying factors, especially
the immunity factors that may have a potential role in this variability. One such factor that is being
discussed and tested is the Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine. The available evidence suggests
that BCG vaccination provides broad protection against respiratory infections as well as other infections.
Therefore, BCG may prove to be a barrier for COVID-19 infection and may offer a ray of
hope. In this review, we contrasted BCG vaccination program with COVID-19 mortality and analyzed
trained immunity and cross protection against unrelated pathogens due to BCG vaccination. On analyzing
the available data, we observed that countries without universal BCG vaccination policy are
severely affected, while countries having universal BCG policies are less affected. Based on these data,
we propose that the SARS-CoV-2 related qualified immunity, cross protection against unrelated pathogens
and COVID-19 impact variations could be partly explained by the different national policies regarding
BCG childhood vaccination. The combination of reduced morbidity and mortality may make
BCG vaccination a potential new tool in the fight against COVID-19.
Machine Learning and Perturbation Theory Machine Learning (PTML) in Medicinal Chemistry, Biotechnology, and Nanotechnology
Authors: Herrera-Ibatá Diana M.
Published: January 2021

Recently, different authors have reported Perturbation Theory (PT) methods combined
with machine learning (ML) to obtain PTML (PT + ML) models. They have applied PTML models
to the study of different biological systems. Here we present one state-of-art review about the different
applications of PTML models in Organic Synthesis, Medicinal Chemistry, Protein Research,
and Technology. The aim of the models is to find relations between the molecular descriptors and
the biological characteristics to predict key properties of new compounds. An area where the ML
has been very useful is the drug discovery process. The entire process of drug discovery leads to
the generation of lots of data, and it is also a costly and time-consuming process. ML comes with
the opportunity of analyzing significant amounts of chemical data obtaining outcomes to find potential
drug candidates.
A Review on Pancreatic Lipase Inhibitors from Natural Sources: A Potential Target for Obesity
Authors: T Bency Baby , R Murali , TNK Suriyaprakash , N Srinivasan
Published: January 2021

Background:

Obesity is a worldwide lifestyle disorder and its incidence is growing at an
alarming rate. Pancreatic lipase (PL) plays a key role in lipid metabolism and hence is a potential target
for obesity treatment. There have been reports that many bioactive compounds from natural sources constitute
a vast pool of PL inhibitors.

Objective:

In search of natural pancreatic lipase inhibitors, the review summarizes the potential of natural
products for their pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity.

Methods:

: In this review, the data obtained from literature search of various electronic databases and journal
article publications have been reviewed.

Results:

The pancreatic lipase inhibitory activities of 61 biological sources reviewed in this paper are
backed by preclinical experimental evidence, either in vivo or in vitro.

Conclusion:

This article can be used as a ready-to-use reference for therapeutic lead molecules from
plants, marine and insect-derived natural products with PL inhibitory activity. The research is more focused
on the discovery of more ingenious pancreatic lipase inhibitors with lesser consequences.
Can Probiotics Supplementation Improve Glycemic and Renal Status in
Diabetic Nephropathy? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical
Trials
Authors: Tarrahi Mohammad Javad , Namjoo Iman , Borzoo-Isfahani Mohammad , Ebdali Hadiseh , Moravejolahkami Amir Reza
Published: January 2021

Background & Aims:

This meta-analysis was performed to quantify the effects of probiotics on renal and
glycemic biomarkers among patients with Diabetic Nephropathy (DN).

Methods:

Electronic databases were searched through May 10, 2020. All trials that investigated the effect of probiotics on
serum glycemic markers (Fasting Plasma Glucose [FPG], Hemoglobin A1C, Insulin, Homeostatic Model AssessmentInsulin Resistance [HOMA-IR], and Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index [QUICKI]), and renal status markers
(Creatinine [Cr], Blood Urea Nitrogen [BUN], and Glomerular Filtration Rate [GFR]) were included.

Results:

Seven trials that included 340 patients were identified for analysis. The results indicated that probiotics
significantly reduced FPG (WMD= -19.08 mg/dl; 95% CI= -32.16, -5.99; P=0.004), HOMA-IR (WMD= -1.88; 95% CI= -
3.63, -0.12; P=0.036), and Cr (WMD= -0.18 mg/dl; 95% CI= -0.26, -0.09; P<0.001) levels in DN patients; however, there
was no statistically significant change in Hemoglobin A1C, Insulin, QUICKI, BUN, and GFR.

Conclusion:

This meta-analysis supports the potential use of probiotics in the improvement of some glycemic and renal
biomarkers in patients with DN.
Effect of image and brand trust on loyalty of cement baturaja consumers
Authors: Santri Basthony , Wahab Zakaria , Widiyanti Marlina , Shihab Muchsin Saggaff
Published: February 2021

This research was conducted to determine brand image and brand trust on consumer loyalty to Baturaja cement. All Baturaja cement consumers from September 2020 to October 2020 in the Lampung region were involved in this study. Likewise, a sample of 150 people obtained through a purposive sampling technique with several criteria of determination. Using a questionnaire distributed to all consumers, we can process the data using multiple linear regression analysis. Multiple linear analysis shows that brand image positively and significantly affects customer loyalty to the Baturaja cement brand. Likewise, brand trust has a positive and significant effect on consumer loyalty to the Baturaja cement brand. Meanwhile, the brand image is expected to update by making the product tagline more attractive, both from the color type, the tagline size that can be easier to remember and attract consumers. Brand trust is expected that the company can improve product quality and carry out more attractive promotions, with the status of limited company Semen Baturaja does not guarantee that consumers will prefer Baturaja cement products.
Двухканальный лазерный монитор для наблюдения процессов высокотемпературного горения нанопорошков металлов
Authors: Губарев Ф.А. , Мостовщиков А.В. , Ильин А.П. , Ли Л. , Федоров А.И. , Буркин Е.Ю. , Свиридов В.В.
Published: February 2021

A laser monitor with two image acquisition channels based on two brightness amplifiers and two digital cameras is presented. The laser monitor makes it possible to visualize the surface of metal nanopowders during combustion simultaneously in two regions of the sample or in one region with different magnifications. The delay between the radiation pulses of the brightness amplifiers is set in such a way that the radiation of one brightness amplifier does not affect the image formed by the other brightness amplifier. The proposed experimental technique makes it possible to study the surface of samples of powder materials during high-temperature combustion, accompanied by intense glowing and scattering of combustion products. The use of two-channel visualization makes it possible to study the surface of a burning sample in more detail, in particular, to study the inhomogeneity of the combustion process.
Measurement of Digital Literacy Among Older Adults: Systematic Review (Preprint)
Authors: Oh Sarah Soyeon , Kim Kyoung-A , Kim Minsu , Oh Jaeuk , Chu Sang Hui , Choi JiYeon
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND

Numerous instruments are designed to measure digital literacy among the general population. However, few studies have assessed the use and appropriateness of these measurements for older populations.

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review aims to identify and critically appraise studies assessing digital literacy among older adults and to evaluate how digital literacy instruments used in existing studies address the elements of age-appropriate digital literacy using the European Commission’s Digital Competence (DigComp) Framework.

METHODS

Electronic databases were searched for studies using validated instruments to assess digital literacy among older adults. The quality of all included studies was evaluated using the Crowe Critical Appraisal Tool (CCAT). Instruments were assessed according to their ability to incorporate the competence areas of digital literacy as defined by the DigComp Framework: (1) information and data literacy, (2) communication and collaboration, (3) digital content creation, (4) safety, and (5) problem-solving ability, or attitudes toward information and communication technology use.

RESULTS

Searches yielded 1561 studies, of which 27 studies (17 cross-sectional, 2 before and after, 2 randomized controlled trials, 1 longitudinal, and 1 mixed methods) were included in the final analysis. Studies were conducted in the United States (18/27), Germany (3/27), China (1/27), Italy (1/27), Sweden (1/27), Canada (1/27), Iran (1/27), and Bangladesh (1/27). Studies mostly defined older adults as aged ≥50 years (10/27) or ≥60 years (8/27). Overall, the eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS) was the most frequently used instrument measuring digital literacy among older adults (16/27, 59%). Scores on the CCAT ranged from 34 (34/40, 85%) to 40 (40/40, 100%). Most instruments measured 1 or 2 of the DigComp Framework’s elements, but the Mobile Device Proficiency Questionnaire (MDPQ) measured all 5 elements, including “digital content creation” and “safety.”

CONCLUSIONS

The current digital literacy assessment instruments targeting older adults have both strengths and weaknesses, relative to their study design, administration method, and ease of use. Certain instrument modalities like the MDPQ are more generalizable and inclusive and thus, favorable for measuring the digital literacy of older adults. More studies focusing on the suitability of such instruments for older populations are warranted, especially for areas like “digital content creation” and “safety” that currently lack assessment. Evidence-based discussions regarding the implications of digitalization for the treatment of older adults and how health care professionals may benefit from this phenomenon are encouraged.
Authors’ Response to Peer Reviews of “Evaluating Population Density as a Parameter for Optimizing COVID-19 Testing: Statistical Analysis” (Preprint)
Authors: Budhwani Karim I , Budhwani Henna , Podbielski Ben
Published: February 2021

UNSTRUCTURED

This is the author response to peer review.
Public Awareness and Utilization of 937-Telephone Health Services in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Longitudinal Study (Preprint)
Authors: Al-Rayes Saja A , Alumran Arwa , Aljabri Duaa , Aljaffary Afnan , Aldoukhi Ethar , Alahmedalyousif Zainab , Al Madani Reem
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND

Telehealth plays a key role in supporting health care systems and influencing methods of health care delivery. Government laws and medical operating protocols have been largely modified to provide remote care to reduce social contact and ensure a safer patient environment. In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), the Ministry of Health (MOH) introduced several forms of telemedicine as alternatives to face-to-face consultations in clinical settings.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the awareness and utilization of telehealth services before and during the COVID-19 outbreak in the KSA.

METHODS

In this longitudinal study, we compared the awareness and utilization of 937-telephone health services (ie, a toll-free telephone service to provide medical and administrative health care services at any time for the population) before and during the COVID-19 outbreak in the KSA. Using a convenience sampling technique, a validated web-based questionnaire was distributed on social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp) at 2 timepoints: before (February 2019) and during (May 2020) the COVID-19 pandemic.

RESULTS

The study sample comprised a total of 1961 participants who completed the questionnaire before (n=1303, 66%) and during (n=658, 33%) the COVID-19 pandemic. Both awareness (before=46% vs during=78%) and utilization (before=42% vs during=48%) of the 937-telephone health services increased significantly during the pandemic (P<.001). No significant association of the awareness or utilization of 937-telephone health services before and during the COVID-19 pandemic was found with respect to the participants’ age, education level, having children, or having any chronic disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate significant increases in the awareness and utilization of 937-telephone health services during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, suggesting an increase in public acceptance of the service and providing evidence of an equitable telemedicine service for the population. Further studies are needed to provide a deeper understanding of the barriers and facilitators to the use of 937-telephone health services for different groups of the population.
Correction: Self-Administered Behavioral Skills-Based At-Home Virtual Reality Therapy for Chronic Low Back Pain: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Garcia Laura M , Darnall Beth D , Krishnamurthy Parthasarathy , Mackey Ian G , Sackman Josh , Louis Robert G , Maddox Todd , Birckhead Brandon J
Published: February 2021

UNSTRUCTURED

Chronic pain is one of the most common and debilitating health conditions. Treatments for chronic low back pain typically focus on biomedical treatment approaches. While psychosocial treatments exist, multiple barriers prevent broad access. There is a significant unmet need for integrative, easily accessible, non-opioid solutions for chronic pain. Virtual reality (VR) is an immersive technology allowing innovation in the delivery of behavioral pain treatments. Behavioral skills-based VR is effective at facilitating pain management and reducing pain-related concerns. Continued research on these emerging approaches is needed. In this randomized controlled trial, we seek to test the efficacy of a self-administered behavioral skills-based VR program as a nonpharmacological home-based pain management treatment for people with chronic low back pain (cLBP). We will randomize 180 individuals with cLBP to 1 of 2 VR programs: (1) EaseVRx (8-week skills-based VR program); or (2) Sham VR (control condition). All participants will receive a VR headset to minimize any biases related to the technology's novelty. The Sham VR group had 2D neutral content in a 3D theater-like environment. Our primary outcome is average pain intensity and pain-related interference with activity, stress, mood, and sleep. Our secondary outcomes include patient-reported physical function, sleep disturbance, pain self-efficacy, pain catastrophizing, pain acceptance, health utilization, medication use, and user satisfaction. We hypothesize superiority for the skills-based VR program in all of these measures compared to the control condition. Team statisticians blinded to treatment assignment will assess outcomes up to 6 months posttreatment using an approach suitable for the longitudinal nature of the data. The study was approved by the Western Institutional Review Board on July 2, 2020. The protocol (NCT04415177) was registered on May 27, 2020. Recruitment for this study was completed in July 2020, and data collection will remain active until March 2021. In total, 186 participants were recruited. Multiple manuscripts will be generated from this study. The primary manuscript will be submitted for publication in the winter of 2020. Effectively delivering behavioral treatments in VR could overcome barriers to care and provide scalable solutions to chronic pain's societal burden. Our study could help shape future research and development of these innovative approaches. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04415177; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04415177.
ХХ зууны монгол яруу найргийн туурвил зүйн шинэтгэл шинж (Д. Нацагдоржийн яруу найргийн жишээн дээр) (= Инновационные черты монгольской поэзии ХХ в. (на примере поэзии Д. Нацагдоржа))
Authors:   University of Science and Technology, School of Foreign Languages, Department of Asian Studies, R. Bigermaa
Published: January 2021

In this article the author examines the features of the poetry of the classic of contemporary Mongolian poetry of the 20th century D. Natsagdorzh. The main purpose of this article is to point out the innovations in the poet’s work. The author tried to characterize his poetry on the basis of an analysis of some poems that will allow to determine such moments of his poetic work as the composition of the basic concepts of rhythm, verse and prosody, which are the main units of the study of poetic works. In the works of D. Natsagdorzh, especially in his poems, there are no fixed ideas, traditional writing and stylistic influence of ancient written works, which had little impact on the literature of the beginning of the revolution time. It can be seen that he wrote his poems in the literary language, style and image of the modern Mongolian language, and this is very different from the written style, way of thinking and the influence of the style of the classical and oral Mongolian language of current writers and poets. There are practically no scholars who would study D. Natsagdorzh’s poems in the form of speech, there are few researchers who would determine whether this is a work or not. Dialogue is an important part of the system of fiction and is of great importance in solving new problems arising in the course of the narrative, increasing the intensity of the conflict, softening, uniting, correctly identifying the evolution of character, disclosing the mood and characteristics of the character’s behavior. Another key feature of the poet’s skill is that he uses dialogue primarily in the poem, expressing the general features of the composition in the verse in a unique way and creates sensual poems associated with certain events.
Конница тюрко-монгольских народов Великой степи в российской армии XVIII – начала XIX в. Часть 1
Authors:   Kalmyk Scientific Center of the RAS, Ochirov Utash B.
Published: January 2021

The article examines activities of Turko-Mongols to have inhabited the Great Steppe and adjacent territories in the military service of Russia throughout the 18th and early 19th centuries. The period witnessed the employment of ethnic military units of irregular cavalries Russian army recruited from the Mongolian-speaking Kalmyks and Buryats, Turkic-speaking Bashkirs, Teptyars, Mishar and Tatars. The work focuses on the largest ethnic military forces ― those of the Kalmyks and Bashkirs. Despite Russian forces were reorganized to from a regular army in the early 18th century, the latter still contained significant irregular components, including ones recruited from Turko-Mongols. Initially, the ethnic groups had served as independent military contingents with traditional structures, tactics, and weapons, but by the late 18th century all ethnic forces were clustered into Don Cossack-type regiments. In the first part of the article, published in the previous issue, the features of military service of the Kalmyks and Bashkirs in their usual habitat ― in the Great Steppe were considered. The second part of the article analyzes the actions of the Turkic-Mongol cavalry in the three largest wars of Russia in the XVIII-early XX century. XIX centuries. (The Northern, Seven-Year War, the Patriotic War of 1812 and the Foreign Campaign of 1813–1814). Rational approaches and command of the ethnic units would yield good results ― both in Eurasian plains and European battlefields. The use of ethnic forces within the Russian army not only saved essential financial and physical resources for the defense of large territories and dramatically long frontiers but also facilitated further integration of their elites into the Empire’s community.
The effect of hyaluronic acid on nucleus pulposus extracellular matrix production through hypoxia-inducible factor-1α transcriptional activation of CD44 under hypoxia
Authors:   Innovation Platform of Regeneration and Repair of Spinal Cord and Nerve injury, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China / Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China., Zhang F , Liu X , Li B , Li Z , Grad S , Chen D , Gao M , Liu S
Published: February 2021

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is the leading cause of low-back pain. Implantation of hyaluronic acid (HA) is potentially a therapeutic strategy for IDD, but its pharmacological effects and mechanism under hypoxic conditions remain unclear. In this study, the expression of extracellular matrix genes and proteins were enhanced in nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) in the presence of HA under hypoxic condition, as shown by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, immunofluorescence staining, and dimethylmethylene blue assays. Moreover, the expression of CD44 was increased in the presence of both HA and hypoxia compared to either alone. Using a bioinformatic database, hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), a key transcription factor in the hypoxic condition, was found to have 4 predicted binding sites on the CD44 promoter. CD44 expression was significantly increased by treatment with cobalt chloride or dimethyloxalylglycine. Over-expression of HIF-1α in NPCs significantly up-regulated the expression of CD44. The binding site of HIF-1α in the CD44 promoter region, was identified by promoter truncation experiments and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. Taken together, these results indicated that hypoxic conditions positively potentiated the ability of NPCs matrix synthesis in the presence of HA, which correlated with the increasing CD44 expression by HIF-1α transcriptional activation.
PREPARATION OF BACHELORS OF SOCIAL WORK FOR SOCIAL AND PROFESSIONAL INTERACTION
Authors:   E.S. PAIGINA Amur State University, PAIGINA E.S. , LEIFA A.V. ,   A.V. LEIFA Amur State University
Published: February 2021

The monograph presents the results of the study on the justification and development of a structural and functional model for the formation of competence of social and professional interaction in future bachelors of social work. Pedagogical conditions for the formation of competence of social and professional interaction among future bachelors of social work at the university have been identified and introduced into the educational process of the university. It is intended for students, masters, graduate students, scientists involved in the problem of training in higher education.