bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Weighted Gene Coexpression Network Analysis Reveals Cancer Stem Cell-Associated Metabolic Gene Signature in Glioma
Authors: Tang Yan , Jiang Yao , Zhang Dan , Fan Jia , Yao Juan , Zuo Zhihua , Li Yiqin , Tao Hualin , Guo Yongcan
Published: February 2021

Background: Isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutant glioma patients have a favorable prognosis, accompanying with metabolic alterations and glioma cell dedifferentiation. Recently, mRNA expression-based stemness index (mRNAsi) characteristic relation to IDH status of gliomas has yet illuminated. Thus, we aimed to establish a cancer stem cell-associated metabolic gene signature for risk stratification of gliomas. Methods: The glioma samples came from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) databases. Next, we performed the differential expression analysis between IDH mutant and IDH wild-type gliomas and also conducted weighted gene correlation network analysis (WGCNA) for determining the modules associated with cancer stem cell trait. Subsequently, multivariate Cox regression analysis with the Akaike information criterion (AIC) algorithm was employed to establish a stemness-related metabolic gene signature, which was validated using time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and concordance index (C-index). Also, we developed a nomogram based on clinical traits and prognostic model. Additionally, according to the results of immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining, the protein levels of gene signature were consistent with the genes expression’s direction.Results: Low expression of mRNAsi was capable of predicting the unfavourable OS of gliomas with a 5-year survival rate of 14.08%. The blue module and its 1466 genes were pertinent to mRNAsi characteristic. Next, Kaplan-Meier (KM) survival curves revealed that cancer stem cell-associated metabolic genes exerted impact on gliomas’ prognosis. Subsequently, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were implemented, and gene signature (LCAT, UST, GALNT13, and SMPD3) was constructed, with C-index of 0.798 (95%CI: 0.769-0.827). Notably, the prognostic model presented a superior predictive value for gliomas’ survival, with the area under the curve (AUC) of ROC curves at 1-year, 3-year as well as 5-year time-point of 0.845, 0.85 and 0.811, respectively. And forest plot uncovered its role as a potential independent predictor for gliomas (HR=2.840, 95%CI: 1.961-4.113, P <0.001). Nomogram also presented superior predictive performance for gliomas’ OS. Conclusion: The gene signature (LCAT, UST, GALNT13, and SMPD3) can be used for risk stratification and also can serve as an independent prognostic factor of glioma patients.
QTL Mapping for Adult Plant Resistance to Stripe Rust in Wheat line "Guixie 3"
Authors: CHENG Bin , GAO Xu , CAO Ning , DING Yanqing , CHEN Tianqing , ZHOU Qiang , GAO Yu , XIN Zhihai , Zhang Liyi
Published: February 2021

Development of cultivars with multiple resistances has proven to be an effective way to prevent diseases in wheat breeding. The Guixie 3 variety (GX3) has shown excellent performance in resistance to stripe rust in field for many years. The purpose of this study was to detect quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with resistance to stripe rust in the adult plant stage and determine closely linked molecular markers. A population of recombinant inbred lines (n=228) was derived from a cross between the susceptible landrace Mian 96-5 (M96-5) and GX3 variety and evaluated in multiple field studies to elucidate genetic resistance by identifying QTL specifically for stripe rust resistance. A total of 19 QTL located on 12 chromosomes showed resistance to wheat stripe rust when studying phenotypic data from multiple field tests over the course of six years. These chromosomes included 1B (2), 1D (2), 2A (2), 2B (2), 2D (1), 4B (2), 4D (1), 5A (3), 5B (1), 6A (1), 6B (1), and 7B (1). Two stable QTL on chromosomes 2AS (Qyr.gaas.2AS) and 6AS (Qyr.gaas.6AS) were detected in six and five different environments, respectively; both QTL were derived from the GX3 variety. Qyr.gaas.2AS was found to be crucial for increasing adult plant resistance, which may explain the large phenotypic variation of 45.52%. Our results provide theoretical and molecular insight for wheat breeding and suggest the cloning of genes associated with the GX3 variety may be beneficial in future studies.
Age-depended Selection of Chloroquine-sensitive Plasmodium Falciparum in Some part of Central Region of Ghana
Authors: Asare Kwame Kumi , Afrifa Justice , Yeboah Kwaku Opoku
Published: February 2021

Introduction The return of chloroquine-sensitive P. falciparum in sub-Saharan Africa countries offers the opportunity for reintroduction of chloroquine either in combination with other drugs or as a single therapy for the management of malaria. The reintroduction of chloroquine can serve as a stopgap to salvage the impending danger of complete failure of malaria treatment due to artemisinin drug resistance. Further, chloroquine reintroduction requires the understanding of the underlying factors that influence the reemergence of chloroquine-sensitive P. falciparum in the endemic areas. This study assesses the effects of age on the pattern for selection of CQ sensitive P. falciparum markers in the Central Region of Ghana Methodology Genomic DNA was extracted from an archived filter paper blood blot from Cape Coast, Elmina, Assin Foso and Twifo Praso using Chelex DNA extraction method. The age information to each extracted sample was collected. The prevalence of chloroquine-sensitive genotyping of Pfcrt K76 and Pfmdr1 N86 was assessed using nested PCR and RFLP. Results The overall prevalence of CQ sensitive P. falciparum marker (Pfcrt K76) at Central Region of Ghana was 66.36%, whereas the prevalence of Pfcrt K76 at Cape Coast, Assin Foso, Twifo Praso and Elmina were 71.74%, 65.22%, 66.67% and 61.54% respectively. The prevalence of Pfcrt K76 among the age categories showed that 0-5 years category predominantly selects CQ sensitive Pfcrt K76 marker at Cape Coast (34.76%), Assin Foso (37.68%) and Twifo Praso (39.98%). In the case of Pfmdr1 N86, the total prevalence was 84.11% with Cape Coast having 64%, Elmina with 92.26%, Assin Foso with 88.39% and Twifo Praso with 89.91% There was strong correlation of reemergence of chloroquine-sensitive malaria parasites between Cape Coast and Assin Foso, (r=0.8568, p=0.0318) Cape Coast and Twifo Praso (r=0.8671, p=0.0285) and Assin Foso and Twifo Praso, (r=0.9913, p=0.0005). Conclusion The study showed that the selection and expansion of chloroquine-sensitive P. falciparum are influenced by age and geographical area. This finding has a significant implication for the future treatment, management and control of P. falciparum malaria.
Conversion of PP, HDPE and LDPE Plastics Into Liquid Fuels and Chemical Precursors by Thermal Cracking
Authors: Lamar Yuliana Rodriguez , Noboa José , Miranda Andrés S. Torres , Streitwieser Daniela Almeida
Published: February 2021

The inappropriate disposal of plastic waste cause serious environmental problems. Nowadays, alternative processes are being studied for the sustainable reutilization of plastics. One of these options is the cracking into shorter liquid hydrocarbon fractions, while maintaining its basic chemical structure. The energetic potential from the original plastics structure remains and the fractions can be used as fuels and chemical precursors. This research addresses the kinetic study of thermal cracking of polypropylene (PP) and high- and low-density polyethylene (HDPE and LDPE) in a batch reactor. The kinetics of the reaction can be described as a first-order rate with the lowest activation energy using PP, followed by HDPE and LDPE with values of 367.28 kJ/mol, 453.37 kJ/mol and 457.96 kJ/mol, respectively. The yield obtained for the liquid fraction is highest for LDPE, with a value of 72% at 390°C, followed by HDPE and LDPE with 69% and 62% at 375°C. The liquid fractions obtained from the process were characterized according to ASTM standards, obtaining that LDPE and HDPE fractions have similar properties to diesel, while PP is closer to gasoline. The fractions were also analyzed by means of gas chromatography identifying the main products of the reaction and establishing a possible reaction mechanism.
Molecular Characterization of a Novel Fusarivirus Infecting the Plant-pathogenic Fungus Alternaria Solani
Authors: Gong Jie Wei , Liu Hong , Zhu Fei Xiao , Zhao Yun Shi , Cheng Le Jia , Zhu jian Hong , Zhong Jie , Zhou Qian
Published: February 2021

A novel mycovirus belonging to the proposed family "Fusariviridae" was discovered in Alternaria Solani by sequencing a double-stranded RNA extracted from this phytopathogenic fungus. The virus was tentatively named “Alternaria solani fusarivirus 1” (AsFV1). AsFV1 has a single-stranded positive-sense (+ssRNA) genome of 6,845 nucleotides containing three open reading frames (ORFs) and a poly(A) tail. The largest ORF, ORF1 encodes a large polypeptide of 1,556 amino acids (aa) with conserved RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and helicase domains. The ORF2 and ORF3 have overlapping regions, encoding a putative protein of 522 amino acids (aa) and a putative protein of 105 amino acids (aa) respectively, for which function is unknown now. Multiple sequence alignments and phylogenetic analysis revealed AsFV1 belonging to Fusariviridae. This is the first report of the full-length nucleotide sequence of a fusarivirus infected with Alternaria solani.
Radiological Assessment of Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer Females, Using Standard and Spectral Mammography
Authors: Steinhof-Radwańska Katarzyna , Grazynska Anna , Lorek Andrzej , Gutkowska Anna Barczyk , Chrascina Joanna Szczudlo , Bobola Agnieszka , Okas Karolina , Lelek Zuzanna , Morawska Irmina , Urbas Weronika , Gisterek Iwona
Published: February 2021

Background Morphological assessment and measurement of the residual mass of the breast tumour following neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) is the key to successful surgical treatment. The objective of our study was to evaluate the efficiency of contrast-enhanced spectral mammography (CESM) and conventional mammography (MMG) in detecting CR (complete response) following NACT, as well as to compare the efficiency of conventional mammography and contrast-enhanced spectral mammography is assessing the therapeutic response to NACT in breast cancer patients.Methods A retrospective analysis included 63 breast cancer subjects who had undergone neoadjuvant chemotherapy in the years 2016-2019. The inclusion criteria for the study included diagnosed breast cancer based on a core needle biopsy, a complete set of imaging examinations before the procedure consisted of digital mammography, contrast-enhanced spectral mammography and surgery performed before and after completed neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Results The average size of the tumours prior to neoadjuvant chemotherapy amounted to 34.37 mm for MMG and 34.34 mm for CESM, as well as 17.61 mm for MMG and 8.48 mm for CESM following NACT. The average size of the lesions in histopathological examination was 11.06 mm. Spearman’s analysis revealed a high level of correlation (R=0.89, p<0.01) upon comparing the maximum tumour dimensions prior to neoadjuvant chemotherapy on MMG and CESM, and a moderate level of correlation (R=0.57, p<0.01) upon comparing the maximum tumour dimensions post-NACT on MMG and CESM. While comparing the measurements of the maximum dimensions on MMG and CESM following NACT, with the maximum dimensions in histopathological examination, we can observe a low level of correlation for MMG (R=0.26, p<0.04) and a high level of correlation for CESM (R=0.67, p<0.01). The sensitivity of MMG in forecasting CR amounted to 33.33% and its specificity to 92.86%, whereas the same parameters for CESM were 85.71% and 71.42% respectively.Conclusions CESM demonstrates significantly higher sensitivity than MMG in forecasting CR in female patients receiving NACT due to breast cancer. CESM correlates well with the size of residual lesions in histopathological examination. However, it tends to underestimate the tumour size. In the assessment of post-NACT residual lesions, conventional mammography is an insufficient diagnostic tool.
Renal Resistive Index in Patients with Septic Shock: Changes in the Renal Resistive Index as a Parameter of Tissue Perfusion in the Assessment of Response to Treatment during Resuscitation of Patients with Septic Shock; a Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Aminiahidashti Hamed , Sazgar Mohammad , Jahanian Fatemeh , Niksalehi Soroush , Golikhatir Iraj
Published: February 2021

BackgroundSeptic shock, a complication characterized by altered tissue perfusion, is associated with high mortality if left untreated. Renal resistive index (RRI) reflects changes in intrarenal perfusion. Therefore, the present study aimed at investigating changes in RRI during resuscitation of patients with septic shock and evaluating its relationship with other micro- and macrociculatory perfusion parameters.MethodsThe present prospective observational study was performed on all patients referring to the emergency department intensive care unit (ED-ICU) diagnosed with septic shock from July 2018 to September 2019. Demographic characteristics of the study subjects were recorded and their hemodynamic, paraclinical, and RRI values were measured at three time points of on arrival, and 30 and 120 minutes and six hours after admission, by ultrasound.ResultsA total of 109 subjects entered data analysis; their mean age was 67.62 ± 14.67 years, of which 65 (59.1) were male. The RRI values were 0.71 ± 0.27, on arrival, at 30 and 0.70 ± 0.1 on 60 minutes, at six hours after treatment onset, respectively, showing that RRI values decreased during the study, which was statistically significant (P-value= 0.00). ConclusionA decrease in RRI value during resuscitation is associated with an increase in MAP in patients with septic shock. Accordingly, RRI can be used as an indicator of microcirculatory perfusion in the treatment process and volume assessment of patients with septic shock.
Comparative Study Between the CRISPR/Cpf1 and CRISPR/Cas9 systems for Multiplex Gene Editing in Maize
Authors: Gong Chongzhi , Huang Shengchan , Song Rentao , Qi Weiwei
Published: February 2021

Background: The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein (Cas) system has been successfully used for multiplex gene editing in crops. Although CRISPR/Cas9 system has been proved to be an efficient multiplex gene editing system in crops, it was still unclear how CRISPR/Cpf1, a natural direct repeat (DR)-based multiplex gene editing system, performed in crops. To this end, this study compared the CRISPR/Cpf1 system and CRISPR/Cas9 system for multiplex gene editing in maize. Results: The bZIP transcription factor Opaque2 (O2) was used as the target gene to evaluate the editing efficient of both systems. We found that in the T0 generation, the CRISPR/Cpf1 system showed low editing efficiency with only one mutation, while the CRISPR/Cas9 system generated many different types of on-target mutations. In the T1 generation, the CRISPR/Cpf1 system still showed lower editing efficiency than the CRISPR/Cas9 system. However, in the T2 generation, the CRISPR/Cpf1 system generated more types of new mutations. While the CRISPR/Cas9 system tended to edit within the on-target range, the CRISPR/Cpf1 system preferred to edit in between the targets. We also found that in the CRISPR/Cpf1 system, the editing efficiency positively correlated with the expression level of Cpf1. Conclusions: In conclusion, the CRISPR/Cpf1 system offers alternative choices for target-site selection for multiplex gene editing and has acceptable editing efficiency in maize. Thus, the CRISPR/Cpf1 system is a valuable alternative choice for gene editing in crops.
A Case of a 22-year-Old Man with Primary Synovial Sarcoma of the Parapharyngeal Space with an AR Somatic Mutation: A Clinicopathologic Study and Literature Review
Authors: Jiang He , Ma Ge , Nie Zunzhen , Zhu Jin , Yan Qingguo , Chen Hongzhang , Nan Haiyan , Guo Ying
Published: February 2021

Background: Synovial sarcoma (SS) is a rare and aggressive entity that occurs predominantly in young adults. SS can arise in almost any part of the body, especially in the extremities. The incidence of SS in the parapharyngeal space is, however, quite low. Case presentation: Herein, we describe a case of a biphasic SS in the parapharyngeal space. A 22-year-old man presented with a pharyngeal foreign body sensation and underwent excision of the mass with a clear margin. Pathological examinations of the tumour specimen revealed a 1.7×1.5×1.2 cm spherical, well-circumscribed mass arising from the left side of the postpharyngeal wall. Histological examination showed a biphasic pattern of epithelioid and spindle cells, including glandular differentiation. Immunophenotype: Immunohistochemically, the tumour cells were positive for vimentin, and the spindle cells were positive for bcl-2; in contrast, the epithelioid tumour cells were positive for cytokeratin (CK) and epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) and weakly positive for CD99. The tumour cells were scattered positive for SMA. Thyroid transcription factor 1 (TTF-1), thyroglobulin (TG), p63, WT-1 and S100 were negative, and the proliferative index (Ki-67) was found in approximately 70% of the tumour cells. Then, the presence of the SYT-SSX gene fusion was demonstrated by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). In addition, androgen receptor (AR) gene somatic mutations were detected by next-generation sequencing (NGS). Two months postoperatively, the patient had neither developed a recurrence nor received adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Conclusions: Accurate diagnosis depends on morphological and immunohistochemical examination and a proper molecular analysis, and novel technologies can detect a wide variety of genetic alterations. The prognosis is relatively good in patients who undergo surgical resection with a clean margin.
The anticancer effects of Levonorgestrel on human esophageal squamous carcinoma cells
Authors: Yan Liangying , Wang Zhongyu , Wang Huimin , Zhang Chengwei , Cao Wenbo , Jia Tongtong , Wang Yuda , Mo Saijun
Published: February 2021

Drug repositioning is a better way to cancer drug discovery. As a common used oral contraceptive, Levonorgestrel (LNG) was found to play important anticancer roles in several cancers, but its role in human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) was little known. Using ESCC cell line of Ec1 and human normal esophageal epithelial cell line of Het-1A, this study was aim to investigate the effect and molecular mechanism of LNG on the ESCC. The results showed that LNG inhibit the cell proliferation; LNG also induced the cell apoptosis of ESCC related to mitochondrial apoptotic pathway for its disruption of mitochondrial capacity and upregulation of cleaved-Caspase 3 and the declining of the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax; LNG can inhibit the cell migration of ESCC with the E-cadherin overexpression. The anticancer effect of LNG on ESCC mainly associated with Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway through up-regulation the phosphorylation level of β-catenin. At last, the study declared that LNG combined with cisplatin (CDDP) significantly suppressed the proliferation of Ec1. In conclusions, the LNG serves as efficient anticancer drug in ESCC cells and maybe used for drug repositioning to adjunctive therapy ESCC.
Fiscal role of personal property tax
Authors: Абакарова Р.Ш.
Published: February 2021

Цель работы – выявить текущую роль имущественных налогов в формировании бюджетных доходов территорий Российской Федерации. Основные элементы рассматриваемых налогов изучены с применением метода наблюдения и сбора фактов. Рассматриваются факторы, влияющие на фискальную значимость изучаемого налога, анализируется динамика его элементов. Рассматриваются перспективы изменения исчисления и взимания налога, а также возможные варианты влияния элементов налога и других факторов на его фискальную значимость. Делается вывод о низкой фискальной роли налога и практическом отсутствии возможностей влияния на фискальную значимость органов местного самоуправления в рамках полномочий, определенных Налоговым кодексом РФ при установлении и введении в действие данного налога на территории муниципального образования.

The purpose of the work is to identify the current role of property taxes in the formation of budget revenues territories of the Russian Federation. The main elements of the taxes under consideration were studied using the method of observation and collecting facts.The factors influencing the fiscal significance of the tax under study are considered, and the dynamics of its elements is analyzed. The prospects for changes in the calculation and collection of tax, as well as possible options for the impact of tax elements and other factors on its fiscal significance are considered. The conclusion is made about the low fiscal role of the tax and the practical lack of opportunities to influence the fiscal significance of local governments within the powers defined by the Tax code of the Russian Federation when establishing and implementing this tax on the territory of a municipality.
The Сelebration of the First Anniversary of the October Revolution and the Red Terror: Legitimizing of Revolutionary Violence
Authors:   European University at St. Petersburg, Godunov K. V.
Published: February 2021

The author explores how attitudes toward the Red Terror and activities of the Cheka were manifested during celebrations of the first anniversary of the October Revolution. Based on a study of speeches by Bolshevik leaders, propaganda materials related to the festival, discussions at various levels, and characteristics about the holiday provided by opponents and enemies of the ruling party, the author demonstrates what arguments were used for legitimation and delegitimation of the Red Terror. The author analyzes the discussion by D. B. Ryazanov and G. E. Zinovev on the correlation of terror and the holiday; characterizes the position of V. I. Lenin and other prominent Bolsheviks who used the holiday as a resource to discuss the powers of the Cheka; and describes positions of opponents to the Bolsheviks. The significance of one of the first political amnesties in Soviet history, dedicated to the celebration of the October Revolution, is described. Prominent Bolsheviks perceived the role of terror in the revolution in different ways: if V. I. Lenin and G. E. Zinovev, in the struggle to strengthen their influence, were insistent on the need to deepen terror, D. B. Ryazanov insisted that the scope of repressive politics should be limited, and L. B. Kamenev lobbied for amnesties. All of them used the celebration of the first anniversary of October to implement their projects. Research on the linkage between the Red Terror and the holiday provide insights into the specifics of the political situation in the autumn of 1918.
COVID-19 and the policy of sanctions: An event analysis
Authors:   Moscow State Institute of International Relations, Timofeev Ivan
Published: February 2021

The article aims to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the use of sanctions as a foreign policy tool. The following research questions are posed: in what way did COVID-19 affect the policy of sanctions around the world? To what extant did the initiators of sanctions change their restrictions? Where did COVID-19 rank on the global sanctions agenda? What was the position of the UN as a key institution of global governance and what was the reaction of the key countries that initiated the sanctions? The main hypothesis is that COVID-19 has not significantly altered the existing sanctions regime. No single initiator-state has changed its sanctions regime in principle, but states have made a number of humanitarian exemptions. However, these exemptions are limited and sanctions have continued to be imposed as usual. In some areas, COVID-19 has even exacerbated international tensions and raised the risks of sanctions, especially in U. S.—China relations. The hypothesis was tested using the event analysis method of sanctions episodes during the pandemic (March-June 2020). The research provides an analysis of quantity and quality of events and their distribution among initiators. Emphasis is placed on the study of events connected to COVID-19. The results reveal a limited impact of COVID-19 on sanctions policy and highlight the weakness of the UN to affect the behavior of key sanctions initiators even in conditions of a global threat such as COVID-19.
New nationalism and the struggle for domination in the global digital cultural space
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University, Tsvetkov Ivan
Published: February 2021

The article is devoted to one of the paradoxes of the modern system of international relations: the desire of many countries to restore their political and economic sovereignty, combined with the rapid development of digital technologies and the formation of an increasingly homogeneous global cultural space. The phenomenon of “new nationalism” arose in connection with the obvious crisis of globalization led by the United States. At the same time, this “new nationalism” is fundamentally different from the classical models of the 19th and 20th centuries. In particular, clearly visible is its weak connection with the ideas of a national cultural revival and the sphere of culture in general. The digital revolution that humankind is going through today creates favorable conditions for the “restart” of globalization. The locomotive of integration processes in the new conditions is mass culture — in the form of new consumption technologies and everyday practices. A global digital civilization is gradually taking shape. The struggle for economic influence and political dominance, particularly between states such as the United States and China, is complemented by the opposition of “Westernization” and “Easternization” as the leading trends in contemporary global culture. The arguments presented in the article allow us to make the following assumption: in several decades, China, the United States and other countries will occupy a place in the world political, economic and cultural hierarchy that is comparable not with the level of their sovereignty and national identity, but with the scale and quality of their participation in the global exchange of goods, ideas and cultural meanings.
Treatment of AMD using a combination of saw dust, bentonite clay and phosphate in the removal of turbid materials and toxic metals
Authors: Ntwampe I. O.
Published: February 2021

Acid mine drainage collected from the western decant in South Africa was treated in a series of small-scale laboratory experiments. 200 mL of the sample was poured into five 500 mL glass beakers using flocculants formed by mixing size-optimized 1.5 g of bentonite clay with 3.5 g saw dust and 1.0 g of Na3PO4 in triplicates (experiment A). Four similar sets of control experiments were conducted using the same amount of bentonite clay and saw dust with varying Na3PO4, contents in AMD treatment; the rationale being to determine the efficiency of Na3PO4 (experiments B, C and D). The results show that conductivity has an influence in the removal of the turbid materials. The removal efficiency of toxic metals using a flocculant containing 220 μm bentonite clay particle size and 0.012 or 0.25 M of Na3PO4 is higher than 96% when compared to that of the samples dosed with a flocculant containing 0.05 M Na3PO4, which is less than 91%. The flocculant also showed optimal removal efficiency of both turbid materials and toxic metals, i.e. removal efficiency within a range 96.5–99.3%. The flocculants containing 0.025 M Na3PO4 showed optimal removal efficiency of turbidity, colour, toxic metals and natural organic compounds.
A Comprehensive Review on the Ethnobotany, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Toxicology of Mentha aquatic L (water mint) as a Wild Shallow Vegetable
Authors: Asadollah-Pour Farzaneh , Jokar Assie , Nasiri Ebrahim , Azadbakht Mohammad , Bari Zohreh , Ahmadi Amirhossein
Published: February 2021

Mentha spp. are aromatic plants and have been used in the medical, cosmetics, and food industries.
These plants have been used as a traditional herbal medicine for various types of diseases. Mentha aquatica L.
(water mint) is a perennial plant used as a wild vegetable and a culinary herb. As its name suggests, it grows in
the shallow margins and channels of streams, rivers, wet meadows, etc. It has been used as a tonic plant, sedative,
and soothing for intestinal parasites, constipation, diarrhea, stomach troubles, biliousness, liver diseases, impotence,
low or high blood pressure, and expelling intestinal worms in children, enhancing longevity. Researchers
from all over the world have studied the chemical composition and pharmacological activities of this plant, such
as its anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant activities. In addition, the neurochemical properties,
larvicidal activity, and phytochemical analysis of the plant have also been reported. However, there is no review
article available that gathers all the information and provides insights for future studies on M. aquatica. Against
this backdrop, the present research is conducted to categorize the published studies and to offer more suggestions
to researchers for future studies.
Status Analysis of Herbal Drug Therapies in Epilepsy: Advancements in
the Use of Medicinal Plants with Anti-inflammatory Properties
Authors: Pahuja Monika , Mehla Jogender , Gupta Yogendra Kumar
Published: February 2021

Background:

Use of plants and plant products in health care has shown exponential increase in past two decades.

Introduction:

In-spite of the availability of well-established pharmacotherapy for epilepsy, a large no of population still explores alternative treatments due to refractory seizures, adverse effects of drugs, chronic treatment, inaccessibility of standard therapies in rural areas and the social stigma attached to the disease. Various studies on medicinal plants showed the protective effect of herbals in animal models of epilepsy.

Method:

In the present review, a status analysis of the traditional use of various medicinal plants in epilepsy with a special focus on plats having anti-inflammatory potential is recorded.

Result and Conclusion :

The shortcomings of research on medicinal plants which needs to be explored further in order to tackle the growing need of safer and effective drugs for epilepsy are discussed. Overall, there is a huge scope of herbal drugs in CNS disorders especially epilepsy, either as an adjunct by reducing the dose and thus side effects of standard anti-epileptic drugs or as standalone agent . Although, there is still an urgent need of well planned randomized controlled clinical trials to validate their efficacy and safety.
Gold Nanoparticles as Efficient Catalysts in Organic Transformations
Authors: Wani Irshad A. , Jain Sapan K. , Khan Huma , Kalam Abul , Ahmad Tokeer
Published: February 2021

This review summarizes the utilization of gold nanoparticles as efficient catalysts for a variety
of chemical transformations like oxidation, hydrogenation, and coupling reactions as compared to
conventional catalytic materials. This review explores the gold nanoparticles-based catalysts for the
liquid phase chemo-selective organic transformations which are proving to be evergreen reactions and
have importance for industrial applications. Apart from organic transformation reactions, gold nanoparticles
have been found to be applicable in removing the atmospheric contaminants and improving
the efficiency of the fuel cells by removing the impurities of carbon monoxide.
Polymeric Precipitation Inhibitor Based Supersaturable Self-microemulsifying Drug Delivery System of Canagliflozin: Optimization and Evaluation
Authors: Singh Dilpreet , Tiwary Ashok K. , Kang Tejwant Singh , Bedi Neena
Published: February 2021

Background:

The present investigation attempts to optimize Supersaturable lipid based
formulation (SS SMEDDS) of Biopharmaceutical Classification System (BCS) class IV drug canagliflozin
(CFZ) and evaluating the oral bioavailability of the formulation.

Methods:

Preliminary screening revealed Poloxamer 188 to most effectively inhibit precipitation
of CFZ after dispersion during in vitro supersaturation studies. Box Behnken Design was employed
for designing different formulations, and various statistical analyses were done to select an
appropriate mathematical model. The optimized formulation (OSS 1) was evaluated for in vitro
drug release and ex vivo permeation studies to evaluate drug release and permeation rate. Pharmacokinetic
studies have been carried out according to standard methodologies.

Results:

The optimized formulation (OSS 1) containing 781.1 mg SS SMEDDS and 2.24% w/w
Poloxamer 188 was developed at a temperature of 60°C, which revealed nano-globule size with
negligible aggregation. Isothermal titration calorimetry revealed the thermodynamic state of
formed microemulsion with negative ΔG. The optimized formulation was observed to possess physical
stability under different stress conditions and acceptable drug content. In vitro dissolution of
optimized SS SMEDDS revealed a higher dissolution rate of CFZ as compared to native forms of
CFZ. The permeability of CFZ from optimized SS SMEDDS across various excised segments of
rat intestine was observed to be multifold higher as manifested by 2.05-fold higher Cmax and 5.64-
fold higher AUC0-36h following oral administration to Wistar rats.

Conclusion:

The results could be attributed to substantial lymphatic uptake and P-glycoprotein substrate
affinity of CFZ in SS SMEDDS investigated through chylomicron and P-glycoprotein inhibition
approach, respectively.
A Review on Synthetic Approaches of Phenanthridine
Authors: Kshirsagar Nilesh , Sonawane Ratnamala , Pathan Sultan , Kamble Ganesh , Pal Singh Girdhar
Published: February 2021

The phenanthridine family is widely found in medicinal chemistry and material science because of the biological activity and its presence in a variety of significant natural products and synthetic dye stuffs. The phenanthridine has many clinical applications, for e.g., being used as an anticancer agent, possessing antibacterial, antiprotozoal, pharmaceutical, and optoelectronic properties. Many methods have been reported for the synthesis of phenanthridine and phenanthridine alkaloids, such as Pd catalyzed C-C bond formation, a reaction involving C-H activation, radical, microwave-assisted, transition metal-catalyzed, one-pot cascade, benzyne mediated, photochemical, hypervalent iodine promoted methods, etc. Here, we have summarized the literature data from 2014 to the present concerning novel or improved synthetic approaches.
Use of 3-(Pentafluorosulfanyl)phenol to Access to Advanced Substituted Pentafluorosulfanylphenol/anisole: Application to the Synthesis of 2-(Arylpentafluorosulfanyl)indanedione
Authors: Michaut Antoine , Quatrevaux Sabrina , Queguiner Laurence , Gaurrand Sandrine , Guillemont Jérôme
Published: February 2021

The synthesis of advanced substituted 3-pentafluorosulfanylphenol/anisole was accomplished starting from the easy to access and commercially available 3-pentafluorosulfanylphenol. These products bear diverse substitutions such as ester, aldehyde, halogens, alcohol, nitrile and carboxylic acid and could be in the future used as high-value building blocks for the synthesis of various scaffolds. For our part, this intermediate had been used to synthesize a library of 2-arylindadiones substituted by a pentafluorosulfanyl group.
Chemical Constituents and Biological Activities of the Genus Flindersia (Rutaceae)
Authors: Nascimento Lara Pessanha Soares , Passos Michel de Souza , Nogueira Thalya Soares Ribeiro , Arantes Mayara Barreto de Souza , Monteiro Noemi Oliveira , Boeno Samyra Imad da Silva , Moreira Antônio Sérgio Nascimento , Vieira Milena Gonçalves Curcino , de Carvalho Júnior Almir Ribeiro , Braz-Filho Raimundo , Vieira Ivo José Curcino
Published: February 2021

The genus Flindersia comprises 17 species distributed in Australia, New Caledonia, New Guinea, and the Maluku Islands. With a variety of classes of secondary metabolites, including terpenes, alkaloids, lignans, flavonoids, coumarins, among other compounds, to date the genus has not been widely studied phytochemically, having more value in the timber industry. However, the objective of this review is to gather the necessary information for future research on this genus, for the inclusion of new chemical constituents and biological activities. Thus, we show that the genus Flindersia has more than 160 isolated or identified compounds. In addition, the alkaloids in this genus confer antimalarial activity.
Sleep Disorders Research From 1945 to 2020: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Hassan Waseem , Zafar Mehreen , Noreen Hamsa , Ara Amina , Duarte Antonia Eliene , Kamdem Jean Paul , Kamal Mohammad Amjad , da Rocha Joao Batista Teixeira
Published: February 2021

Background:

The objective of the present review is to perform the 1st bibliometric analysis
of sleep disorders research.

Methods:

The data was retrieved from Scopus in July 2020 for detailed analysis.

Results:

The 1st precise document about the sleep disorder was published in 1945. Till 15th July
2020, a total of 69657 documents were found in the Scopus database. Approximately eighty-two
percent (57013/81.87%) of documents are published in the last twenty years (from 2001-2020). We
calculated the per-year Growth Rate (GR) of publications (from 2000-onwards). The highest number
of documents are published in 2019 (4337/7.90% of 57013) followed by 2018 (4249/7.74% of
57013) and 2017 (3974/7.24% of 57013). The productivity index (PI) for 1950-1960 and
2011-2020 era was found to be 100.21. We also provided the details of the top 50 countries with
the maximum number of publications (from 1945 to July 2020). The top three (3) countries are the
USA, with 24262 publications (34.83%), followed by UK (5566/8.0%) and Germany
(4791/6.87%). We also performed the co-words analysis. Total 956643 (0.95 million) keywords
were retrieved from 69657 published documents. After a critical analysis, we categorized them into
different groups to show the trend in various domains. In the next phase of the study, only those
documents were analyzed, which contained the phrase “sleep disorder” in the titles of the publications.
Total 3626 documents were found. We calculated the per-year growth rate (GR). The continental
distribution, the list of top twenty authors, sources/journals, departments or institutes, countries
and research documents with highest citations are provided. By VOS viewer analysis, 6752,
36511 and 11473 terms in titles of the manuscripts, abstracts, and keywords were recorded, respectively.
This may help in describing the overall trend in these publications.

Conclusions:

The present study provides a detailed list of top authors, departments, countries,
sources, and top 20 most cited documents. The co-words analysis may help in describing the trends
in the field of sleep disorders.
Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells Based on a New Type of Non-Volatile
Co(II)/Co(III) Electrolyte Delivering Higher Power Conversion Efficiency
for Indoor Applications
Authors: Sasi Soorya , Sajeev Arya , Sugunan Sunish K. , Nair Pankajakshan Radhakrishnan , Mathew Suresh
Published: February 2021

Background:

Electrolyte is an essential constituent of a dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) as
it mediates charge transport and regenerates the oxidized dye. Iodide/triiodide (I-/I3-) based electrolytes
are the ones widely being used in DSSCs. These types of electrolytes are usually made by dissolving
high concentrations of triiodide and polyiodide species in solvents, such as acetonitrile and methoxypropionitrile.
These solvents face evaporation issues and lead to stability problems, which reduces the
life span of the DSSC. For solving these issues, various types of electrolytes, such as ionic liquids and
gelated liquid electrolytes, have been used to replace conventional volatile electrolytes.

Objective:

To solve the solvent evaporation issue and the electrical resistance rise, we aim to synthesis
a non-volatile electrolyte with excellent open-circuit voltage and stability.

Method:

A new genre of nonvolatile Co(II)/Co(III) redox electrolyte was synthesized by the reaction
of tris(2-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)pyridine)cobalt(II) and tris(2-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)pyridine) cobalt(III) with
2,4,6-tris(dodecyloxy)benzaldehyde. As a proof-of-principle experiment, a DSSC was fabricated using
the as-synthesized electrolyte, N-719 dye as the light harvester, and TiO2 as the photoanode, and their
performances were analyzed in room light conditions.

Results:

The DSSCs deliver a remarkable power conversion efficiency of 22.1%, an open circuit voltage
of 1 V, and a power output of 88.5 μW cm–2 at 1000 lux, under illumination from a Deltron LED light.

Conclusion:

Cobalt-based non-volatile electrolytes are efficient candidates that can replace the conventional
volatile electrolytes in DSSCs. Further research into this new type of electrolyte could pave ways
to deliver high open-circuit voltage as well as good current density with high stability.
α-glucosidase Inhibitory Activity of Extracts and Compounds from the
Leaves of Ruellia tuberosa L.
Authors: Tuong Vi Le Nguyen , Tuan Nguyen Ngoc , Hung Quach Tong , Trinh Pham Thi Nhat , Danh Tong Thanh , Thao Ly Ngo , Thao Vo Nguyen , Dung Le Tien
Published: February 2021

Background:

In recent years, the study of the structure and biological activity of medicinal
plants has been particularly important to search for diabetes medicine. Ruellia tuberosa is used
to treat various diseases such as diabetes by inhibiting the activity of α-glucosidase.

Objective:

In this study, an experiment was designed to isolatedisolate and identifiedidentifyα-glucosidase
inhibitory extracts and compounds from Ruellia tuberosa L. through bio-assay guided isolation.

Method:

Dry powder of Ruellia tuberosa L. was extracted with 70% ethanol, followed by liquidliquid
partition with n-hexane, ethyl acetate and butanol, respectively. The extracts were evaluated
withα-glucosidase inhibition. The potential extracts were isolated to identifynew compounds. The
effects of these compounds on the α-glucosidase inhibitory were evaluated.

Results:

The a-glucosidase inhibitory activities showed that the n-hexane, ethyl acetate and the butanol
extract had the α-glucosidase inhibition with an IC50 of 46.2 ± 0.9, 6.6 ± 2.9 and 8.9 ± 0.9
μg/mL, respectively. From the n-hexane and ethyl acetate extracts, the structures of four compounds
were elucidated by NMR spectroscopic method, including lupeol (1), syringaresinol (2),
apigenin (3), verbascoside (4). The a-glucosidase inhibitory activities showed that all isolated
compounds were more active than the positive control - acarbose with an IC50 of 37.5 ± 0.4; 19.5 ±
0.2; 20.1 ± 0.3; 69.3 ± 0.2 μg/mL, respectively.

Conclusion:

The ethyl acetate extract showed strong activity about 19 times more than the positive
control - acarbose. The compound syringaresinol (2) was the most powerful α-glucosidase inhibitor.
Therefore, Ruellia tuberosa L. contains many compounds that can inhibit α-glucosidase activity.
O património arquitetónico e o uso das tecnologias no tour virtual 360 graus
Authors: Bandeira Pablo Matias
Published: February 2021

This article aims to discuss the role of architectural historical heritage in Brazil and how we can re-signify / preserve its importance using digital information technologies, more precisely a 360º virtual tour tool. The research was based on the Adaptive Web Interface Design Process proposed by Batista (2008), to create a virtualization platform. In addition to the guidelines for its construction, some tools were developed for the implementation of a 360º platform to promote the democratization of access to architectural heritage or also called historic cities
Mobile Apps for Older Adults: Systematic Search and Evaluation Within Online Stores
Authors: Portenhauser Alexandra A , Terhorst Yannik , Schultchen Dana , Sander Lasse B , Denkinger Michael D , Stach Michael , Waldherr Natalie , Dallmeier Dhayana , Baumeister Harald , Messner Eva-Maria
Published: February 2021

Background

Through the increasingly aging population, the health care system is confronted with various challenges such as expanding health care costs. To manage these challenges, mobile apps may represent a cost-effective and low-threshold approach to support older adults.

Objective

This systematic review aimed to evaluate the quality, characteristics, as well as privacy and security measures of mobile apps for older adults in the European commercial app stores.

Methods

In the European Google Play and App Store, a web crawler systematically searched for mobile apps for older adults. The identified mobile apps were evaluated by two independent reviewers using the German version of the Mobile Application Rating Scale. A correlation between the user star rating and overall rating was calculated. An exploratory regression analysis was conducted to determine whether the obligation to pay fees predicted overall quality.

Results

In total, 83 of 1217 identified mobile apps were included in the analysis. Generally, the mobile apps for older adults were of moderate quality (mean 3.22 [SD 0.68]). Four mobile apps (5%) were evidence-based; 49% (41/83) had no security measures. The user star rating correlated significantly positively with the overall rating (r=.30, P=.01). Obligation to pay fees could not predict overall quality.

Conclusions

There is an extensive quality range within mobile apps for older adults, indicating deficits in terms of information quality, data protection, and security precautions, as well as a lack of evidence-based approaches. Central databases are needed to identify high-quality mobile apps.
Trajectories of Change in an Open-access Internet-Based Cognitive Behavior Program for Childhood and Adolescent Anxiety: Open Trial (Preprint)
Authors: March Sonja , Batterham Philip J , Rowe Arlen , Donovan Caroline , Calear Alison L , Spence Susan H
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND

Although evidence bolstering the efficacy of internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) for treating childhood anxiety has been growing continuously, there is scant empirical research investigating the timing of benefits made in iCBT programs (eg, early or delayed).

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to examine the patterns of symptom trajectories (changes in anxiety) across an iCBT program for anxiety (BRAVE Self-Help).

METHODS

This study’s participants included 10,366 Australian youth aged 7 to 17 years (4140 children aged 7-12 years; 6226 adolescents aged 12-17 years) with elevated anxiety who registered for the BRAVE Self-Help program. Participants self-reported their anxiety symptoms at baseline or session 1 and then at the commencement of each subsequent session.

RESULTS

The results show that young people completing the BRAVE Self-Help program tend to fall into two trajectory classes that can be reliably identified in terms of high versus moderate baseline levels of anxiety and subsequent reduction in symptoms. Both high and moderate anxiety severity trajectory classes showed significant reductions in anxiety, with the greatest level of change being achieved within the first six sessions for both classes. However, those in the moderate anxiety severity class tended to show reductions in anxiety symptoms to levels below the elevated range, whereas those in the high symptom group tended to remain in the elevated range despite improvements.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that those in the high severity group who do not respond well to iCBT on a self-help basis may benefit from the additional support provided alongside the program or a stepped-care approach where progress is monitored and support can be provided as necessary.