bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Um caleidoscópio de categorias territoriais nas estatísticas geográficas brasileiras
Authors: Chatel Catherine , Sposito Maria Encarnação Beltrão
Published: September 2019

O Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE) e o Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Geografía (INEGI), no México, são os únicos no mundo a reivindicar a "geografia". Será uma garantia científica para os pesquisadores que implementam dados localizados de censos? A partir de uma análise aprofundada das categorias de territórios produzidos pelo IBGE, nesse artigo, descrevemos essas fontes para entender os critérios que prevalecem na divisão do espaço e na definição do espaço urbano pela instituição. Passando de um modelo europeu pré-estatístico herdado do período colonial, para a racionalidade do Estado, pois ao contexto liberal e pós-moderno que se estendem no mundo globalizado, as categorias do IBGE revelam a paradoxos devido à superposição de pontos de vista diferentes sobre o modo de caracterizar o espaço urbano. Isso se traduz em dificuldades em entender e usar dados populacionais agregados em categorias espaciais e urbanas oficiais. Os avatares da situação atual são sintomáticos do paradigma da complexidade que influencia cada vez mais a abordagem quantitativa nas Ciências Sociais e, de maneira mais geral, reflete uma ruptura que se afirma entre os cidadãos, políticos e a lógica dos peritos.
Methodical Limitations of the Financial Analysis in Transition Economy and the Specificity of the Financial Condition of Industrial Enterprises of the Kemerovo Region
Authors: Akulov Anatoly
Published: September 2019

The research features the financial condition of industrial enterprises of the Kemerovo region. The research objective was to determine the main characteristics of the financial condition of the local industrial enterprises, taking into account the methodological limitations of external financial analysis. The authors used methods of observation, logical-structural analysis, comparative analysis, correlation and regression analysis, methods of external financial analysis, and system-structural approach. The approach allowed the authors to identify the main regularities of the development of the financial condition of the local industrial enterprises. The differences in the financial position were compared with other regions of the Russian Federation. The paper introduces new ideas about the factors determining the financial state of the industry. It contains a list of conditions and measures that contribute to improving the financial condition of the local industrial enterprises and assess their mid-term prospects. The results can be used by the authorities and management to develop strategic planning documents. The research can help large integrated industry companies to justify their decisions on the distribution of funds in holding companies. The financial condition of the industry in the Kemerovo Region proved to be slightly worse than average, which is explained by the structure of the economy and other macroeconomic variables. The control actions of the subfederal level cannot fully improve the situation.
Management Mechanism of Sustainable Development of the Enterprise
Authors: Vynohradov Oleksandr
Published: September 2019

The research featured the theoretical and methodical aspects of enterprise sustainability management. The research objective was to develop a mechanism for managing the sustainability of the enterprise. The system-process approach allowed the authors to prove the relevance of sustainability management mechanism for businesses. The paper describes the elements of this mechanism, the essence of their interaction, and the conceptual bases that outline the contours of sustainability for socio-economic development of contemporary enterprises. Sustainability must be managed, which means that the main development factors are to be identified, all subsystems of the enterprise should function normally, the changes must be consistent, and the actual development process should approach the planned one. The primary task of the company's management is to create conditions for the sustainability of the socio-economic development of the enterprise. The formulae of the development strategy and the subsequent action plan for its implementation are based on the idea of the development concept. The idea substantially reveals the fundamental provisions on the development directions, outlines their desired trajectory, and sets out a milestone scenario for the development of the enterprise. The concept of sustainability development is designed to consolidate the provisions for the successful achievement of the goals and allocate the main factors of successful movement in the preplanned direction. The developed provisions for the sustainability management mechanism reveal a technology that makes it possible to implement a complex of interrelated and interdependent action. The technology facilitates the transition from the initial goal (optimization of the development) to the final goal (achievement of strategic development goals). It includes two closely related parallel processes. The first is the management of the enterprise and its development taking into account the planned strategic positioning in the business environment. The second is a complex of technological management actions of a provisional nature that guarantees the progress along the development trajectory and the achievement of the development goals.
La confianza y la asociatividad. Factores que intervienen en el comercio agropecuario del altiplano oeste potosino
Authors: Ramírez López Artemio , Figueroa Rodríguez Katia Angélica , Figueroa Sandoval Benjamín , Ramírez Valverde Benito , Morales Flores Francisco Javier
Published: September 2019

En este artículo se pretende analizar la influencia de la confianza y la asociatividad en la dinámica comercial agropecuaria en la región del altiplano oeste del estado de San Luis Potosí, México. Para este análisis, se emplearon 975 encuestas en las que los productores refieren el nivel de confianza hacia otros agentes que participan en las actividades comerciales. Se combinaron métodos y herramientas que hacen posible poner a prueba afirmaciones y conclusiones teóricas previas acerca de conceptos de la sociología y de la economía en un contexto rural. Aunque están presentes algunos elementos que conforman el capital social, dadas las limitaciones del estudio, no hay evidencia suficiente para afirmar que este capital influya de modo decisivo en las dinámicas comerciales de los productores agropecuarios. Se encontró que los mayores niveles de confianza están en los vínculos familiares; los productores confían más en personas que vienen de lejos, es decir, a mayor distancia es mayor la confianza; los productores asociados tienen mayor confianza en general; un mayor ingreso y tecnificación no representan mayor confianza ni vínculos comerciales más estrechos.
Las fotografías de William Henry Jackson y la ciudad de San Luis Potosí en 1891
Authors: Aguayo Hernández Fernando
Published: September 2019

A fin de demostrar la relevancia del estudio de los procesos de creación de documentos fotográficos para la investigación de procesos sociales, se analiza la manufactura de fotografías haciendo hincapié en la información indical de estas. Asimismo, se cuestiona el uso ilustrativo de las imágenes y se sugiere el empleo de estas como fuente histórica. Por tales razones, se mencionan las metodologías de contextualización e incorporación de materiales fotográficos en la investigación de temas urbanos del siglo XIX. Así, se confirma el uso científico de los documentos fotográficos para el estudio de temas urbanos, es específico de la ciudad de San Luis Potosí.
El ritual a partir de los actos cotidianos en la niñez (soninké, Mali). Cuestiones y posibles aportes
Authors: Razy Élodie
Published: September 2019

Este estudio tiene el objetivo de mostrar el interés heurístico de un enfoque que vincula el análisis de varios tipos de rituales (cotidianos o no) a partir del ejemplo soninké (Malí). Para alcanzar este objetivo se efectuó una aproximación antropológica comparativa basada en una etnografía detallada de lo diario/ritual y los rituales de nacimiento/gestos rituales cotidianos en la niñez. Aunque no podría sistematizarse la comparación de los rituales analizados paracomprobar los resultados, este estudio revisita el campo clásico del rito y cruza el análisis de lo cotidiano y de lo ritual a partir de la niñez. De este modo, se establece que la repetición cotidiana es un motor de la eficacia ritual, que es retroactiva. Se concluye que la antropología de la infancia alimenta la antropología general y que el enfoque de la investigación hace posible superar la “gran repartición” entre “Occidente” y el “resto” del mundo.
Electrochemical and Optical Biosensing Strategies for DNA Methylation Analysis
Authors: Zhang Shu , Huang Jian , Lu Jingrun , Liu Min , Chen Xi , Su Shasha , Mo Fei , Zheng Junsong
Published: September 2019

DNA methylation is considered as a crucial part of epigenetic modifications and a popular
research topic in recent decades. It usually occurs with a methyl group adding to the fifth carbon
atom of cytosine while the base sequence of DNA remains unchanged. DNA methylation has significant
influences on maintaining cell functions, genetic imprinting, embryonic development and
tumorigenesis procedures and hence the analysis of DNA methylation is of great medical significance.
With the development of analytical techniques and further research on DNA methylation,
numerous DNA methylation detection strategies based on biosensing technology have been developed
to fulfill various study requirements. This article reviewed the development of electrochemistry
and optical biosensing analysis of DNA methylation in recent years; in addition, we also reviewed
some recent advances in the detection of DNA methylation using new techniques, such as
nanopore biosensors, and highlighted the key technical and biological challenges involved in these
methods. We hope this paper will provide useful information for the selection and establishment of
analysis of DNA methylation.
New Advanced Strategies for the Treatment of Lysosomal Diseases Affecting the Central Nervous System
Authors: Gigliobianco Maria R. , Di Martino Piera , Deng Siyuan , Casadidio Cristina , Censi Roberta
Published: September 2019

Lysosomal Storage Disorders (LSDs), also known as lysosomal diseases (LDs) are a group of serious genetic diseases characterized by not only the accumulation of non-catabolized compounds in the lysosomes due to the deficiency of specific enzymes which usually eliminate these compounds, but also by trafficking, calcium changes and acidification. LDs mainly affect the central nervous system (CNS), which is difficult to reach for drugs and biological molecules due to the presence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). While some therapies have proven highly effective in treating peripheral disorders in LD patients, they fail to overcome the BBB. Researchers have developed many strategies to circumvent this problem, for example, by creating carriers for enzyme delivery, which improve the enzyme’s half-life and the overexpression of receptors and transporters in the luminal or abluminal membranes of the BBB. This review aims to successfully examine the strategies developed during the last decade for the treatment of LDs, which mainly affect the CNS. Among the LD treatments, enzyme-replacement therapy (ERT) and gene therapy have proven effective, while nanoparticle, fusion protein, and small molecule-based therapies seem to offer considerable promise to treat the CNS pathology. This work also analyzed the challenges of the study to design new drug delivery systems for the effective treatment of LDs. Polymeric nanoparticles and liposomes are explored from their technological point of view and for the most relevant preclinical studies showing that they are excellent choices to protect active molecules and transport them through the BBB to target specific brain substrates for the treatment of LDs.
Use of Molecular Dynamics Simulations in Structure-Based Drug Discovery
Authors: Bera Indrani , Payghan Pavan V.
Published: September 2019

Background:

Traditional drug discovery is a lengthy process which involves a huge amount of resources.
Modern-day drug discovers various multidisciplinary approaches amongst which, computational ligand
and structure-based drug designing methods contribute significantly. Structure-based drug designing techniques
require the knowledge of structural information of drug target and drug-target complexes. Proper understanding
of drug-target binding requires the flexibility of both ligand and receptor to be incorporated. Molecular docking
refers to the static picture of the drug-target complex(es). Molecular dynamics, on the other hand, introduces
flexibility to understand the drug binding process.

Objective:

The aim of the present study is to provide a systematic review on the usage of molecular dynamics
simulations to aid the process of structure-based drug design.

Method:

This review discussed findings from various research articles and review papers on the use of molecular
dynamics in drug discovery. All efforts highlight the practical grounds for which molecular dynamics simulations
are used in drug designing program. In summary, various aspects of the use of molecular dynamics simulations
that underline the basis of studying drug-target complexes were thoroughly explained.

Results:

This review is the result of reviewing more than a hundred papers. It summarizes various problems that
use molecular dynamics simulations.

Conclusion:

The findings of this review highlight how molecular dynamics simulations have been successfully
implemented to study the structure-function details of specific drug-target complexes. It also identifies the key
areas such as stability of drug-target complexes, ligand binding kinetics and identification of allosteric sites which
have been elucidated using molecular dynamics simulations.
The Therapeutic Potential of miR-7 in Cancers
Authors: Li Miao , Pan Meng , You Chengzhong , Dou Jun
Published: September 2019

MiRNAs play an important role in cancers. As a potent tumor suppressor, miRNA-7(miR-7)
has been demonstrated to inhibit the diverse fundamental biological processes in multiple cancer types
including initiation, growth and metastasis by targeting a number of molecules and signaling pathways.
This current review summarizes and discusses the relationship between miR-7 and cancers and the
therapeutic potential of miR-7 in cancers. It may provide new integrative understanding for future
study on the role of miR-7 in cancers.
Neuroinflammation in Alzheimer’s Disease: Microglia, Molecular Participants and Therapeutic Choices
Authors: Wang Haijun , Shen Yin , Chuang Haoyu , Chiu Chengdi , Ye Youfan , Zhao Lei
Published: September 2019

Alzheimer’s disease is the world’s most common dementing illness. It is pathologically characterized by β-amyloid accumulation, extracellular senile plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles formation, and neuronal necrosis and apoptosis. Neuroinflammation has been widely recognized as a crucial process that participates in AD pathogenesis. In this review, we briefly summarized the involvement of microglia in the neuroinflammatory process of Alzheimer’s disease. Its roles in the AD onset and progression are also discussed. Numerous molecules, including interleukins, tumor necrosis factor alpha, chemokines, inflammasomes, participate in the complex process of AD-related neuroinflammation and they are selectively discussed in this review. In the end of this paper from an inflammation- related perspective, we discussed some potential therapeutic choices.
Effects of Folic Acid and Vitamin B12, Alone and in Combination on Cognitive Function and Inflammatory Factors in the Elderly with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Single-blind Experimental Design
Authors: Ma Fei , Zhou Xuan , Li Qing , Zhao Jiangang , Song Aili , An Peilin , Du Yue , Xu Weili , Huang Guowei
Published: September 2019

Background:

Folate and vitamin B12 are well-known as essential nutrients that play key
roles in the normal functions of the brain. Inflammatory processes play at least some role in the pathology
of AD. Effective nutritional intervention approaches for improving cognitive deficits that reduce the
peripheral inflammatory cytokine levels have garnered special attention.

Objective:

The present study aimed to determine whether supplementation with folic acid and vitamin
B12, alone and in combination improves cognitive performance via reducing levels of peripheral inflammatory
cytokines.

Methods:

240 participants with MCI were randomly assigned in equal proportion to four treatment
groups: folic acid alone, vitamin B12 alone, folic acid plus vitamin B12 or control without treatment daily
for 6 months. Cognition was measured with WAIS-RC. The levels of inflammatory cytokines were
measured using ELISA. Changes in cognitive function or blood biomarkers were analyzed by repeatedmeasure
analysis of variance or mixed-effects models. This trial has been registered with trial number
ChiCTR-ROC-16008305.

Results:

Compared with control group, the folic acid plus vitamin B12 group had significantly greater
improvements in serum folate, homocysteine, vitamin B12 and IL-6, TNF-α, MCP-1. The folic acid plus
vitamin B12 supplementation significantly changed the Full Scale IQ (effect size d = 0.169; P = 0.024),
verbal IQ (effect size d = 0.146; P = 0.033), Information (d = 0.172; P = 0.019) and Digit Span (d =
0.187; P = 0.009) scores. Post hoc Turkey tests found that folic acid and vitamin B12 supplementation
was significantly more effective than folic acid alone for all endpoints.

Conclusions:

The combination of oral folic acid plus vitamin B12 in MCI elderly for six months can significantly
improve cognitive performance and reduce the levels of inflammatory cytokines in human
peripheral blood. The combination of folic acid and vitamin B12 was significantly superior to either folic
acid or vitamin B12 alone.
Bioactive Natural and Synthetic Peroxides for the Treatment of Helminth and Protozoan Pathogens: Synthesis and Properties
Authors: Vil’ Vera A. , Terent’ev Alexander O. , Mulina Olga M.
Published: September 2019

The significant spread of helminth and protozoan infections, the uncontrolled intake of the
known drugs by a large population, the emergence of resistant forms of pathogens have prompted people
to search for alternative drugs. In this review, we have focused attention on structures and synthesis of
peroxides active against parasites causing neglected tropical diseases and toxoplasmosis. To date, promising
active natural, semi-synthetic and synthetic peroxides compounds have been found.
A Mini-review of the Tropical Plant Cratoxylum fomosum ssp. pruniflorum: Phytochemical and Pharmacological Aspects
Authors: Son Ninh The
Published: September 2019

The tropical plant C. formosum ssp. pruniflorum belongs to family Clusiaceae, which is
native to Southeast Asia countries. Phytochemical investigations on this plant showed interesting secondary
metabolites, comprising the main classes of xanthones, anthraquinones, flavonoids, phenolics,
and triterpenoids. Biological assessments established the wide spectrum of properties, either the extracts
or isolated compounds have been becoming valuable resources, constituents from C. formosum
ssp. pruniflorum were used for anti-bacteria, anti-inflammation, anti-cancer, or neuroprotective and
vascular protective activities. The long history of traditional application has confirmed the prospect in
use, this herbal plant was consumed as a combination tea or to treat skin wound healing, fever, cough,
ulcer, diarrhea, internal bleeding, stomachic and diuretic effects, and food poisoning.
A Survey on Machine Learning Algorithms for the Diagnosis of Breast Masses with Mammograms
Authors: Gnanasekaran Vaira Suganthi , Joypaul Sutha , Sundaram Parvathy Meenakshi
Published: September 2019

Breast cancer is leading cancer among women for the past 60 years. There are no effective
mechanisms for completely preventing breast cancer. Rather it can be detected at its earlier
stages so that unnecessary biopsy can be reduced. Although there are several imaging modalities
available for capturing the abnormalities in breasts, mammography is the most commonly used
technique, because of its low cost. Computer-Aided Detection (CAD) system plays a key role in
analyzing the mammogram images to diagnose the abnormalities. CAD assists the radiologists for
diagnosis. This paper intends to provide an outline of the state-of-the-art machine learning algorithms
used in the detection of breast cancer developed in recent years. We begin the review with
a concise introduction about the fundamental concepts related to mammograms and CAD systems.
We then focus on the techniques used in the diagnosis of breast cancer with mammograms.
Speckle Noise Diffusion in Knee Articular Cartilage Ultrasound Images
Authors: Shoaib Muhammad Ali , Hossain Md Belayet , Hum Yan Chai , Chuah Joon Huang , Mohd Salim Maheza Irna , Lai Khin Wee
Published: September 2019

Background:

Ultrasound (US) imaging can be a convenient and reliable substitute for
magnetic resonance imaging in the investigation or screening of articular cartilage injury. However,
US images suffer from two main impediments, i.e., low contrast ratio and presence of speckle
noise.

Aims:

A variation of anisotropic diffusion is proposed that can reduce speckle noise without compromising
the image quality of the edges and other important details.

Methods:

For this technique, four gradient thresholds were adopted instead of one. A new diffusivity
function that preserves the edge of the resultant image is also proposed. To automatically
terminate the iterative procedures, the Mean Absolute Error as its stopping criterion was implemented.

Results:

Numerical results obtained by simulations unanimously indicate that the proposed method
outperforms conventional speckle reduction techniques. Nevertheless, this preliminary study
has been conducted based on a small number of asymptomatic subjects.

Conclusion:

Future work must investigate the feasibility of this method in a large cohort and its
clinical validity through testing subjects with a symptomatic cartilage injury.
A Review of Various Machine Learning Techniques for Brain Tumor Detection from MRI Images
Authors: Bajaj Aaishwarya Sanjay , Chouhan Usha
Published: September 2019

Background:

This paper endeavors to identify an expedient approach for the detection
of the brain tumor in MRI images. The detection of tumor is based on i) review of the machine
learning approach for the identification of brain tumor and ii) review of a suitable approach for
brain tumor detection.

Discussion:

This review focuses on different imaging techniques such as X-rays, PET, CT- Scan,
and MRI. This survey identifies a different approach with better accuracy for tumor detection.
This further includes the image processing method. In most applications, machine learning shows
better performance than manual segmentation of the brain tumors from MRI images as it is a difficult
and time-consuming task. For fast and better computational results, radiology used a different
approach with MRI, CT-scan, X-ray, and PET. Furthermore, summarizing the literature, this
paper also provides a critical evaluation of the surveyed literature which reveals new facets of research.

Conclusion:

The problem faced by the researchers during brain tumor detection techniques and
machine learning applications for clinical settings have also been discussed.
Automatic Analysis of ACR Phantom Images in MRI
Authors: Alaya Ines Ben , Mars Mokhtar
Published: September 2019

Background:

Quality Assurance (QA) of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system
is an essential step to avoid problems in diagnosis when image quality is low. It is considered a
patient safety issue. The accreditation program of the American College of Radiology (ACR) includes
a standardized image quality measurement protocol. However, it has been shown that human
testing by visual inspection is not objective and not reproducible.

Methods:

The overall goal of the present paper was to develop and implement a fully automated
method for accurate image analysis to increase its objectivity. It can positively impact the QA
process by decreasing the reaction time, improving repeatability, and by reducing operator dependency.
The proposed QA procedures were applied to ten clinical MRI scanners. The performance
of the automated procedure was assessed by comparing the test results with the decisions
made by trained MRI technologists according to ACR guidelines. The p-value, correlation coefficient
of the manual and automatic measurements were also computed using the Pearson test.

Result and Conclusion:

Compared to the manual process, the use of the proposed approach can
significantly reduce the time requirements while maintaining consistency with manual measurements
and furthermore, decrease the subjectivity of the results. Accordingly, a strong correlation
was found and the corresponding p-value was much lower than the significance level of 0.05 indicating
a good agreement between the two measurements.
Novel Furan Coupled Quinoline Diamide Hybrid Scaffolds as Potent Antitubercular Agents: Design, Synthesis and Molecular Modelling
Authors: Rajpurohit Anantacharya , Satyanarayan Nayak D. , Pathak Lokesh , Ayyanar Siva , Rishinaradamangalam Chidambaram R. , Shoorapani Praveen
Published: September 2019

Background:

A novel series of 2-[(2-[2-(furan-2-yl) quinolin-4-yl] carbonyl hydrazinyl) carbonyl] benzoic acid, -4-oxobut-2-enoic acid and -4-oxobutanoic acids were synthesized and screened for in vitro antitubercular activity.

Objectives:

In the present investigation, we describe the synthesis and biological screening of furan C-2 quinoline coupled diamides for antitubercular activity.

Methods:

The mycobacterium tuberculai testing was carried out by MABA method and molecular docking studies were done by open-source molecular docking program, Autovina, using Pyrx 0.8 interface.

Results:

The results revealed that the compounds inhibited the growth of H37Rv strain at concentrations as low as 1.6 to 12 µg/ml. Molecular binding of furan, quinoline and diamide (FQD) derivatives on five targets was good and these compounds fit very well within the binding domain of the target protein.

Conclusion:

The synthesized FQD derivatives exhibited moderate to good inhibition activity especially compounds 5f, 5b and 8a exhibited very good inhibition activity due to the presence of three different scaffolds, such as INH, phenyl ketobutyric acid and fluoroquinolines. Hybridized molecules might have multiple modes of action / inhibit more than one tubercular target and could pave way for novel drug discovery in the field of tuberculosis.
New Progress of Adipose-derived Stem Cells in the Therapy of Hypertrophic Scars
Authors: Shi Jihong , Hu Dahai , He Xiang , Zhang Julei , Luo Liang
Published: September 2019

Burns are a global public health issue of great concern. The formation of scars after burns
and physical dysfunction of patients remain major challenges in the treatment of scars. Regenerative
medicine based on cell therapy has become a hot topic in this century. Adipose-derived stem cells
(ADSCs) play an important role in cellular therapy and have become a promising source of regenerative
medicine and wound repair transplantation. However, the anti-scarring mechanism of ADSCs is
still unclear yet. With the widespread application of ADSCs in medical, we firmly believe that it will
bring great benefits to patients with hypertrophic scars.
Paroxetine Hydrochloride Push-pull Osmotic Pump Tablets: Designing an Innovative, Scalable Push-pull Osmotic Drug Delivery System Using QbD Approach
Authors: Kenjale Prathmesh P. , Joshi Manjusha A. , Khatavkar Umesh N. , Dhapte Vividha V. , Pokharkar Varsha B.
Published: September 2019

Background:

Paroxetine hydrochloride hemihydrate (PHH) is a serotonin reuptake inhibitor
useful for the treatment of diverse psychiatric problems. Existing marketed formulations with frequent
administration lead to gastrointestinal (GI) reactions and abrupt fluctuations in plasma level with poor
patient compliance. These prerequisites are sufficed by controlled release push-pull osmotic pump tablets
(PPOP).

Objective:

Objective of the present study was to develop robust and reliable PPOP formulation via
Quality by design (QbD) approach to achieve desired release kinetics.

Methods:

PPOP was formulated using wet granulation method followed by osmotic coating. QbD
strategy for defining the risk assessment of influential variables such as swelling polymers and
osmogen on in vitro release kinetics of designed PPOP.

Results:

Presence of Polyox in push and pull layer along with osmogen controlled the drug release
pattern from formulated PPOP system as depicted in 33 factorial design. These formulated optimized
PPOP systems demonstrated 2 hrs lag time with zero-order kinetics, a peculiar feature of PPOPs.

Conclusions:

Scalable, stable PPOP tablets were fabricated by applying systematic QbD approach. The
developed PPOP systems with improved concentration-independent behavior helped to address the
challenges of existing marketed formulations. Risk mitigation and control strategy assured quality of
the system during scalability. Application of QbD strategy in establishing the PPOP formulation would
help in formulating drug candidates having gastric limitations and poor patient compliance. The present
study is the detailed account of QbD based PPOP formulation, therefore it can be of potential importance
from academics as well as industrial perspective.
Evaluation of Anticancer Activities of Gallic Acid and Tartaric Acid Vectorized on Iron Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Saleh Lina , Ragab Eman A. , Abdelhakim Heba K. , Mohamed Sabrein H. , Zakaria Zainab
Published: September 2019

Background:

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death. New tactics targeting the survival
pathways that provide effective drugs are being developed.

Objective:

Super paramagnetic nanoparticle serves as drug carrier for drug delivery system. Herein,
Iron oxide-CMC-TA and Iron oxide-CMC-GA nanoparticles are synthesized for this target.

Methods:

Iron oxide (Fe2O3) nanoparticles are synthesized, bound to carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC)
which are then conjugated to tartaric acid (TA) or gallic acid (GA) to form Iron oxide-CMC-TA and
Iron oxide-CMC-GA nanoparticles. Those nanoparticles were characterized and the cytotoxicity effect
was evaluated when associated with/without bee venom to measure the synergistic effect on A549 and
WI-38 cell lines. In addition, apoptotic genes expression in A549 was evaluated when treated with both
nanoparticles.

Results:

We showed that the cytotoxicity effect of TA and GA on A549 and WI-38 cell lines was increased
when they immobilized on iron oxide-CMC nanoparticles and the effect was synergistically
elevated when added to bee venom. The cytotoxic activity of these two nanoparticles was higher in
A549 cancer cell line when compared with WI-38 normal cell line. Moreover, the expression of apoptotic
genes was elevated.

Conclusion:

Iron oxide-CMC-TA nanoparticle and Iron oxide-CMC-GA nanoparticle can selectively
induce apoptosis in cancer cell lines more than in normal cell lines, which is an important aspect in cancer
cell targeting process to minimize damage upon normal cells.
Psychometric Properties of the French Version of the Borderline Personality Features Scale for Children and Adolescents
Authors: Ensink Karin , Bégin Michaël , Kotiuga Judith , Sharp Carla , Normandin Lina
Published: September 2019

Background:

The Borderline Personality Feature Scale for Children (BPFS-C) is
currently the only dimensional measure of child and adolescent borderline features and the
English version has been shown to have good psychometric properties. To extend the use of
this measure with French speaking adolescents, it is essential to examine the reliability and
validity of the French BPFS-C.

Objective:

The present study sought to assess the psychometric properties of the French
BPFS-C.

Methods:

A community sample of 394 adolescents and young adults completed the Borderline
Personality Features Scale for Children (BPFS-C), as well as the Million Adolescent
Clinical Inventory (MACI) borderline tendency subscale, the Child Behavior Checklist-
Youth Self-Report (CBCL-YSR) and the Beck Youth Inventories (BYI).

Results:

The findings show that both the long and short French BPFS-C have good internal
consistency and convergent validity. Affect regulation, identity, relationship difficulties and
self-harm were found to be closely inter-connected rather than distinct factors.

Conclusion:

The findings indicate that both long and short versions of French BPFS-C have
good psychometric properties and provide preliminary evidence that the total scores are reliable
and valid indicators of borderline personality features in adolescents and young adults.
Synthesis, Biological Evaluation, QSAR, Molecular Docking and ADMET Studies of N-aryl/N,N-dimethyl Substituted Sulphonamide Derivatives
Authors: Thakral Samridhi , Singh Vikramjeet
Published: September 2019

Background: Rapid evolution of drug resistance and side effects of currently used drugs develop more efficacious and newer antimicrobial agents. Further, for the management of Type II Diabetes, α-gulcosidase and α-amylase inhibitors play a very important role by inhibiting the postprandial hyperglycemia.  Objectives: The objective of this study was to synthesize N-aryl/N,N-dimethyl sulphonamides, investigate their antihyperglycemic and antimicrobial potential, develop QSAR model for identifying molecular descriptors and predict their binding modes and in silico ADMET properties.  Methods: Synthesized derivatives were subjected to in vitro studies for their antidiabetic activity against α-glucosidase and α-amylase enzymes and antimicrobial activity. Molecular docking studies were carried out to find out molecular binding interactions of the ligand molecules with their respective targets. QSAR studies were carried out to identify structural determinants responsible for antimicrobial activity.  Results: Antidiabetic study demonstrated the potent activity of two compounds 2 and 6 as α- glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitors, as well as compound 1 and 2, exhibited potent antimicrobial activity against all the tested microbes. All the compounds have more antifungal potential against Candida albicans. QSAR studies confirmed the role of molecular connectivity indices (valence first order and second order) in controlling the antimicrobial activity. Molecular docking studies supported the observed in vitro biological activities of the synthesized compounds.  Conclusion: The compounds with 2,3-dimethyl substitution were found to be antidiabetic agents and molecules having bromo and 2,3-dimethyl substituents on phenyl ring have established themselves as potent antimicrobial agents. The role of valence first and 2nd order molecular connectivity indices as molecular properties were identified for antimicrobial activity and various electrostatic, hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions were found to be prominent in the binding of molecules at the target site.
Specific Enzymatic Activity of Ceruloplasmin as a Potential Indicator of Copper Status
Authors: Upadhyay Kuldip , Viramgami Ankit
Published: September 2019

Background::

The serum copper (Cu) and ceruloplasmin (Cp) concentrations are common blood markers of copper metabolism. In altered physiological conditions, Cp can act as an acute phase reactant and its concentration may increase.

Objective::

To evaluate specific enzymatic activity of Cp as a potential indicator of Cu status and its correlation with serum Cu level.

Methods::

Serum Cu levels were estimated as per NIOSH method. Specific enzymatic activity of Cp was determined from enzymatic activity and immune concentration of Cp as per standard methods. The statistical analysis was carried out using the package of social science (SPSS) software.

Results::

The difference in mean specific enzymatic activity of Cp was statistically significant between clinical and control groups. In control population, the correlation between serum Cu level and specific enzymatic activity of Cp was moderate and statistically significant (r=0.566, p=0.014, N=18) as compared to the clinical group (r=0.338, p=0.016, N=50).

Conclusion::

The study revealed that clinical group was significantly different in specific enzymatic activity of Cp as compared to control group. Besides this, the specific enzymatic activity of Cp was moderately but significantly correlated with serum Cu level in control group but did not reveal conclusive evidence in clinical population.
Technique for Optimization of Association Rule Mining by Utilizing Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Patel Darshana H. , Shah Saurabh , Vasant Avani
Published: September 2019

Background:

Due to advancement in usage of Internet and pattern discovery from huge
amount of data flowing through internet, personal information of an individual or organization can be
traced. Hence, to protect the private information is becoming extremely crucial, which can be achieved
through privacy preserving data mining.

Objective:

The main objective to preserve the privacy of data and to maintain the balance between privacy
and accuracy by applying privacy preserving technique and optimization respectively.

Methodology:

The generation of class association rule is done by utilizing associative classification
technique namely class based association due to its simplicity which serves the purpose of classifying
the data. Furthermore, privacy of the data should be maintained and hence privacy preserved class association
rules are produced by applying privacy preserved technique namely anonymization. Hence, optimization
technique specifically genetic algorithm as well as neural network has been applied to maximize
the accuracy.

Results:

(Four various real datasets has been utilized for different experimentation).

:

Implemented Classification Based on Association (CBA) algorithm of Associative Classification technique
and it provides virtuous accuracy as compared to other techniques by setting the support as 0.2
and confidence at 0.6.

:

Privacy preserving techniques namely k-anonymization was implemented to preserve the privacy but it
has been observed that as privacy (k-level) increases, accuracy (percentage) decreases due to data transformation.

Conclusion:

(Hence, optimization technique namely Genetic Algorithm (GA) and Neural Network
(NN) has been implemented to increase the accuracy (probably 7-8%). Furthermore, on comparison of
GA and NN considering the time parameter, GA outperforms well.
An Evidence-based Study on Pharmacological Treatments of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Based on Traditional Persian Medicine
Authors: Hasheminasab Fatemeh Sadat , Tajadini Haleh , Setayesh Mohammad
Published: September 2019

Background:

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is one of the most
prevalent liver diseases regarded as the primary cause of chronic liver disease, which may
lead to hepatic failure. Despite the recent developments in the treatment of NAFLD, the necessity
to find more efficient treatments has led to investigation on medicinal plants. Traditional
Persian Medicine (TPM) is one of the oldest medical schools in the world. For treatment
of NAFLD, different medicinal plants have been employed in TPM.

Objective:

Considering the public welcome for herbal medicines, the current evidence-based
review study is conducted to investigate herbal remedies for NAFLD in TPM.

Methods:

Medicinal plants for treating NFALD were extracted according to three famous
textbooks of Persian medicine. Then anti-obesity, hypolipidemic, hypoglycemic, antioxidative
and hepatoprotective effects of these medicinal plants were investigated according
to modern medicine. For this purpose, databases including Scopus, web of sciences, Pubmed,
Google scholar and science direct were searched.

Results:

Investigations of Persian medicine textbooks resulted in deriving 53 herbs, which
are useful for treating NAFLD. Searching through aforesaid databases showed that most of
these plants can help to treat this disease in at least 2 ways. 25 herbs are effective in all 5
mentioned effects.

Conclusion:

It should be considered that in Persian medicine, first-line treatment is correction
of life style, then if necessary, herbs are prescribed. However, this study showed that
many herbs mentioned in Persian medicine for treatment of NAFLD might have a potential
to aid patient with this disease.
CHILDREN’S DIRECT AND INDIRECT EXPERIENCES WITH NATURE AND THEIR CONNECTEDNESS TO NATURE
Authors: Mustapa Nor Diyana , Maliki Nor Zarifah , Aziz Nor Fadzila , Hamzah Aswati
Published: September 2019

Direct experiences with nature during childhood plays an important role to influence children’s connectedness to nature (CTN) as a child now and later as an adult. However, today’s children obtain nature experiences mostly through indirect ways (e.g. observing nature and vicarious learning), which may not have the same quality as direct ways (e.g. activities with plants and earth elements). Hence, this study aims to first identify the current trends of children experience nature and further examine the effects of both direct and indirect experiences with nature on their CTN. Questionnaires were distributed to 760 children from 20 schools include both urban and rural schools in Kedah and Penang, Malaysia. The data were analysed using mean score, standard deviation, and multiple regression. The results confirmed that the current trends of children having experiences with nature are more through indirect ways. Results also showed that indirect experiences with nature make more contribution to children’s CTN than direct experiences. Overall, this study highlights that indirect experiences with nature can be an alternative and effective way to develop children’s CTN without neglecting the importance of direct experiences with nature.
Verbal communication is preferred to coordinate neurological services in a primary care setting (Preprint)
Authors: Woodworth Hillary L. , Farooq Muhammad , Gorelick Philip B.
Published: September 2019

BACKGROUND

Poor communication between healthcare providers leads to medical errors, which cost an estimated $19.5 billion annually in the United States and lead to adverse patient outcomes. One model of healthcare delivery that aims to foster collaboration amongst providers is the medical home, whereby patients receive integrated care in a single setting with primary care and consultants working in close collaboration.even in integrated healthcare systems with uniform electronic medical record (EMR) systems, providers face challenges in coordinating primary care with specialty care including neurology.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate how primary care team members prefer to communicate with specialty offices to coordinate care of mutual patients. Primary care team members including physicians, advanced practice professionals (APPs), and office staff in the greater Grand Rapids, Michigan area.

METHODS

A four-item, multiple choice questionnaire was administered to primary care team members. Participants were asked what modality was preferred to coordinate both direct (e.g. treatment plan, diagnostic work-up) and indirect (e.g. scheduling, billing, insurance) patient care matters with specialty practices. We also queried whether primary care team members would be amenable to three different interventions aimed at improving management of patients with neurological conditions in a primary care setting.

RESULTS

174 primary care team members participated in the survey. Communication in person or by telephone are significantly preferred for coordination of both direct and indirect patient care matters (p<0.0001), but did not vary significantly by team member role. Additional preferred modalities include fax, electronic medical record chat (EMR chat), and Doc Halo pager. To improve management of outpatients with neurological conditions, primary care physicians and APPs expressed support for monthly neurologist visits (e.g., “lunch and learn” sessions), neurology telemedicine services, or a complaint-focused order set in the EMR.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that person-to-person interaction is preferred by primary care providers and staff for coordination of specialty care. In sum, these findings support interventions utilizing person-to-person collaboration to improve management of patients across both primary and specialty care.

CLINICALTRIAL

NA
Predicting Adverse Outcomes for Febrile Patients in the Emergency Department Using Sparse Laboratory Data: Development of a Time Adaptive Model (Preprint)
Authors: Lee Sungjoo , Hong Sungjun , Cha Won Chul , Kim Kyunga
Published: September 2019

BACKGROUND

A timely decision in the initial stages for patients with an acute illness is important. However, only a few studies have determined the prognosis of patients based on insufficient laboratory data during the initial stages of treatment.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to develop and validate time adaptive prediction models to predict the severity of illness in the emergency department (ED) using highly sparse laboratory test data (test order status and test results) and a machine learning approach.

METHODS

This retrospective study used ED data from a tertiary academic hospital in Seoul, Korea. Two different models were developed based on laboratory test data: order status only (OSO) and order status and results (OSR) models. A binary composite adverse outcome was used, including mortality or hospitalization in the intensive care unit. Both models were evaluated using various performance criteria, including the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and balanced accuracy (BA). Clinical usefulness was examined by determining the positive likelihood ratio (PLR) and negative likelihood ratio (NLR).

RESULTS

Of 9491 eligible patients in the ED (mean age, 55.2 years, SD 17.7 years; 4839/9491, 51.0% women), the model development cohort and validation cohort included 6645 and 2846 patients, respectively. The OSR model generally exhibited better performance (AUC=0.88, BA=0.81) than the OSO model (AUC=0.80, BA=0.74). The OSR model was more informative than the OSO model to predict patients at low or high risk of adverse outcomes (P<.001 for differences in both PLR and NLR).

CONCLUSIONS

Early-stage adverse outcomes for febrile patients could be predicted using machine learning models of highly sparse data including test order status and laboratory test results. This prediction tool could help medical professionals who are simultaneously treating the same patient share information, lead dynamic communication, and consequently prevent medical errors.
The Investigation on Rheology and Microstructure for Lithium Complex Grease
Authors: Jingjing Mao , Jianming Li , Jianwei Qiu , Lijun Liu , Yue Wang , Lijiuan Zhang
Published: September 2019

The rheological characteristic parameters of five lithium complex lubricating greases were determined. The comparison of rheological characteristic parameters and microstructure of the five greases was made. The results showed that the knowledge of the rheological properties of lubricating greases may contribute to reflect the change of the thickener structure. The flow transition index characterized the breaking behavior of inner structure of grease, the greater this index, the better that soap fiber structure of grease; The damping factor was shifted from a medium range towards a lower value which resulted in brittle character of sample. At a constant shear rate, the soap fiber structure of complex lithium grease is dense and uniform, apparent viscosity decline rate is small. In this sense, it is relevant to understand how the development of the soap fiber structures in the grease contributes to several functional and rheological properties of lubricating greases.