bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) in Hyalomma ticks collected from Mauritanian livestock
Authors: Schulz Ansgar , Barry Yahya , Stoek Franziska , Pickin Matthew J. , Ba Aliou , Chitimia-Dobler Lidia , Haki Mohamed L. , Doumbia Baba A. , Eisenbarth Albert , Diambar Abdellahi , Bah Mohamend Y. , Eiden Martin , Groschup Martin H.
Published: July 2020

Background: Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) belongs to the Nairovididae family in the Orthonairovirus genus and is an emerging tick-borne virus. It is endemic in most parts of Africa, Asia, as well as southern Europe, and can cause severe hemorrhagic symptoms in humans with high fatality rates (5-30 %). Methods: Hyalomma ticks were collected from four different livestock herds (cattle and camel) from Mauritania in 2018. The tick species was determined morphologically and confirmed on a molecular level by using cytochrome oxidase 1 gene marker (CO1). For the detection of CCHFV, ticks were tested individually with a one-step multiplex real-time RT-qPCR. Subsequently, the S-segment of all positive samples were sequenced to determine the CCHFV genotype.Results: Overall, 39 of 1,523 ticks (2.56 %) collected from 63 cattle and 28 camels were tested positive for CCHFV. Three Hyalomma (H.) species were identified. The highest prevalence of CCHFV was found in Hyalomma rufipes (5.67 %; 16/282), followed by H. dromedarii (1.89 %; 23/1,214) and H. impeltatum (0 %; 0/21). Positive ticks were found on only 6 out of 91 host animals. Sequence analysis of the positive samples revealed the presence of two different CCHFV lineages (Africa I and Africa III). Conclusions: This study reveals a CCHFV prevalence of 2.56 % in Hyalomma ticks collected from camels and cattle in Mauritania. The true prevalence of unfed ticks may however be lower since a considerable number of ticks may have been passively infected during the ingestion of the blood meal by co-feeding or viremia of the host. The study shows that tick control measures should be implemented, especially in the examined areas.
Speckle-tracking derived parameters of left ventricular function, repolarization and myocardial injury markers during androgen deprivation therapy
Authors: Gheorghe Andrei Cristian Dan , Ciobanu Ana , Hodorogea Andreea Simona , Radavoi George Daniel , Jinga Viorel , Rascu Alexandru Stefan Catalin , Nanea Ioan Tiberiu , Gheorghe Gabriela Silvia
Published: July 2020

Background.

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and subsequent hypogonadism in patients with prostate cancer may cause cardiac toxicity. We aimed to analyse left ventricular longitudinal strain, mechanical dispersion, electrocardiographic repolarization and myocardial injury markers changes during androgen deprivation therapy in patients with advanced prostate cancer.
Methods.

We included 31 patients with advanced prostate cancer, in sinus rhythm, with stable cardiac conditions, and evaluated them by echocardiography, electrocardiography and blood sampling for high sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide, at ADT initiation and after 6 months of treatment. Peak longitudinal strain by speckle-tracking echocardiography was assessed in 16 left ventricular segments and averaged to global longitudinal strain (GLS). Standard deviation of time intervals from the start of Q/R on electrocardiogram to peak longitudinal strain in the 16 segments (MDSD) and the difference between the longest and shortest time to peak strain intervals (MDdelta) were calculated as indices of mechanical dispersion. Fridericia corrected electrocardiographic repolarization parameters were analysed: QTc interval, mean and maximum values of Tpeak-Tend interval (Tpe) and Tpe/QT ratio, Tpe dispersion (Tped).
Results.

Significant impairments of the following parameters were registered: GLS (%) (-16.9 ± 3.9;-14.4 ± 3.6, p < 0.001); MDSD (ms) (77.4 ± 21.4;89.09 ± 27, p = 0.004), MDdelta (ms) (225.3 ± 78.3,259.9 ± 108.4, p = 0.02), QTc (ms) (458.8 ± 43.4;485.6 ± 45.1, p = 0.01), maxTpe/QT (0.246 ± 0.04;0.268 ± 0.04, p = 0.01), maxTpe (ms) (105.4 ± 23.2;119.5 ± 26.4 p = 0.01), meanTpe (ms) (83.3 ± 16.8;90.7 ± 19.3, p = 0.02), hs-cTnI (ng/mL) (4.6 ± 5.4;5.4 ± 6.4, p = 0.01).
Conclusions.

ADT and the subsequent hypogonadism induce alterations of GLS, mechanical dispersion, electrocardiographic repolarization parameters and elevation of hs-cTnI during the first 6 months of treatment.
The Role of Virtual Consultations in Plastic Surgery During COVID-19
Authors: Sinha Vikram , Malik Mohsan , Nugent Nora , Drake Paul , Cavale Naveen
Published: July 2020

Background: COVID-19 has led to government enforced ‘lockdown’ in the UK severely limiting face-to-face patient interaction. Virtual consultations present a means for continued patient access to healthcare. Our aim was to evaluate the use of virtual consultations (VCons) during lockdown and their possible role in the future. Methods: An anonymous survey was disseminated to UK and European plastic surgeons via social media, email sharing and, via the EASAPS (European Association of Societies of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery) newsletter. Uptake of VCons, modality, effectiveness, safety and future utility were assessed. Results: 43 senior plastic surgeons responded to the survey. The majority of the respondents (97.7%) reported using VCons during COVID-19 lockdown, of which, 74.4% had no prior experience. Two thirds of surgeons utilised commercial platforms such as zoom, facetime and skype. 38.1% of respondents did not know about or were unsure about adequate encryption for healthcare use, and just under a half (47.6%) reported they were unaware of or lacking GDPR compliance. 97.6% say they are likely to use virtual consultations after lockdown.Conclusion: Virtual consultation have had a crucial role in patient care during UK lockdown. It is clear that they will serve as an adjunct to face-to-face consultation in the future. Further regulation is required to ensure platforms offer adequate safety and security measures and are compliant with relevant data protection laws.
Lived experiences of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: navigating through the complex healthcare system
Authors: Lyu Yang , Jia Yanrui , Gao Fengli , Huang Ya-ling , Lin Frances
Published: July 2020

Background: Over the last decade, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) has been attracting healthcare professionals’ attention worldwide due to its impact on poor survival rate and quality of life, such as ongoing physical and emotional distress experienced by patients and their families. The diagnosis and management of IPF patients often remain a significant challenge for clinicians. Therefore, it is imperative to gain an in-depth understanding on experiences of IPF patients during their disease journey in order to improve the care delivered to this vulnerable group. We aimed to explore the lived experiences of disease journey and care needs of patients with IPF. Methods: Semi-structured face-to-face interview were conducted with a purposive sampling of sixteen IPF patients admitted to the department of respiratory medicine in a tertiary hospital in China. The consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research was followed. Results: Four themes emerged from thematic analysis of the qualitative data included: the long and confusing journey to reach diagnosis, living with the disease, understanding the disease and treatment, and desire for continuity of care. Conclusions: There is an urgent need to improve the care delivery to this vulnerable population in China. To meet their health needs, it is of paramount importance to develop effective education programs for health professionals and IPF patients and to improve care models of healthcare systems, especially in the remote area in order to improve the continuity of care in the communities.
Circulating Fibrinogen to Pre-albumin Ratio for Chemotherapy Efficacy Prediction and Prognosis of Colorectal Cancer Patients
Authors: Ying Hou-Qun , Sun Fan , Wang Wei , Cai Dan , Yang Ying , Nie Nuo-Wei , Huang Ying , Chen Xue-Xin
Published: July 2020

Background

Evaluating chronic inflammation in colorectal cancer (CRC) may aid in identifying patients at the highest risk of recurrence or progression, and help inform clinical treatment decisions. Here, we report the effect of fibrinogen to pre-albumin ratio (FPR) in determining response to chemotherapy and reveal outcomes in CRC patients.
Methods

A total of 2917 eligible CRC patients from multiple-centers were enrolled, and the outcome of these patients was obtained by three years’ follow-up. Circulating fibrinogen, albumin, pre-albumin, CEA, CA199 and FPR were detected and calculated in these patients. Kaplan-Meier curves, Cox regression, time-dependent ROC, Harrell’s concordance index, calibration and decision curves were used to investigate the role of FPR in clinical outcome of CRC patients.
Results

Our results reveal significantly inferior outcomes in right- than left-sided patients with advanced CRC (stage III and IV), with preoperative FPR found to be a robust and independent prognostic factor for CRC at each stage. Moreover, prognostic nomograms, including FPR, effectively predicted clinical outcomes of the patients. Furthermore, preoperative FPR was significantly associated with chemotherapy efficacy. Specifically, low-grade (FPR < 15) and medium-grade (15 ≤ FPR < 20) FPR patients exhibited complete response to chemotherapy and attenuated chemosensitivity, respectively, whereas high-grade inflammation (FPR ≥ 20) conferred resistance to the treatment.
Conclusion

CRC-related inflammation affects response to chemotherapy and the resultant clinical outcomes. Circulating FPR is a simple, economically-friendly and robust independent prognostic factor for effectively predicting outcomes of CRC patients. Targeting chronic inflammation and its corresponding signaling pathway, coupled with measuring FPR, presents a novel approach for clinical management of CRC.
An efficient in vitro regeneration system via callus from hypocotyl and root of Iris laevigata
Authors: Li Fengyi , Fan Lijuan , Fu Haijing , Liu Yujia , Wang Ling
Published: July 2020

Background

Iris laevigata is an ornamental plant with strong cold resistance. However, its low reproductive capacity limits its landscape applications. The I. laevigata wild genetic resources also need to be protected. In order to develop an effective regeneration system, the optimum agar concentration for the induction medium was determined. Two explants (hypocotyl and root) were then cultured on medium containing different concentrations of plant growth regulator (PGR). In addition, three antibiotics were evaluated for controlling endophyte contamination.
Results

The highest induction rate (75.00%) was obtained from hypocotyl explants on Murashige and Skoog salt mixture (MS) medium containing 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BA) 0.5 mg L-1 + 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) 1.0 mg L-1 + 1-naphthylacetic acid (NAA) 0.4 mg L-1. The medium containing 6-BA 0.5 mg L-1 + 2,4-D 0.5 mg L-1 + NAA 0.2 mg L-1 achieved the greatest multiplication rate (73.33%). Media containing indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) 0.5 mg L-1 + 6-BA 1.5 mg L-1 + NAA 1.0 mg L-1 achieved the highest differentiation rate (39.72%) for hypocotyl induced calli. Medium containing 6-BA 2.0 mg L-1 + NAA 0.4 mg L-1 + kinetin (KT) 1.0 mg L-1 resulted in the highest differentiation rate (49.52%) for root induced calli. One hundred mg L-1 penicillin G resulted in the optimal rate for reducing endophyte contamination.
Conclusions

The research determined the optimum PGR concentrations for inducting and multiplying I. laevigata calli from hypocotyl and root explants and a satisfactory means for control endophyte contamination. This research will result in the efficient and reliable reproduction of I. laevigata for landscape applications, genetic development of new Iris varieties, and preservation of the wild genetic material.
Correlation Between Immune Lymphoid Cells and Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells in Human Colon Cancer
Authors: Wu Jing , Cheng Hang , Li Tete , Wang Helei , Zang Guoxia , Qi Lingli , Zhu Shan , Zhang Mingyou , Cui Jiuwei , Ueno Hideki , Liu Yong-Jun , Suo Jian , Chen Jingtao
Published: July 2020

Background: Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), so far studied mostly in mouse models, are important tissue-resident innate immune cells that play important roles in the colorectal cancer microenvironment and maintain the mucosal tissue homeostasis. Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) present complexity in various tumour types and are correlated with poor prognosis. pDCs can promote HIV-1–induced group 3 ILC (ILC3) depletion through the CD95 pathway. However, the role of ILC3s in human colon cancer and their correlation with other immune cells, especially pDCs, remain unclear. Methods: We characterised ILCs and pDCs in the tumour microenvironment of 58 colon cancer patients by flow cytometry and selected three patients for RNA sequencing. Results: ILC3s were negatively correlated, and pDCs were positively correlated, with cancer pathological grade. There was a negative correlation between the numbers of ILC3s and pDCs in tumour tissues. RNA sequencing confirmed the correlations between ILC3s and pDCs and highlighted the potential function of many ILC- and pDC-associated differentially expressed genes in the regulation of tumour immunity. pDCs can induce apoptosis of ILC3s through the CD95 pathway in the tumour microenvironment. Conclusions: One of the interactions between ILC3s and pDCs is via the CD95 pathway, which may help explain the role of ILC3s in colon cancer.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of the efficacy of medical masks and N95 respirators for protection against respiratory infectious diseases, including COVID-19 in medical staff
Authors: Wu MM Gao-hong , Jiang MB Ping , Yuan MB Huan , Shi  , Zhu
Published: July 2020

To evaluate the efficacy of N95 respirators and medical masks for protection against respiratory infectious diseases, including COVID-19. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies evaluating the use of N95 respirators and medical masks for protection against respiratory infectious diseases. We retrieved relevant articles published from January 1994 to January 2020 by searching the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Web of Science databases. The study quality was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool with RevMan 5.3 software. Eleven RCTs adjusted for clustering were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with the control group, N95 respirators or medical masks conferred significant protection against respiratory infectious diseases (odds ratio (OR) = 0.50; 95% CI: 0.29–0.84). Compared to medical masks, N95 respirators conferred significant protection against respiratory infectious diseases (OR = 0.75; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.57–0.99). Meta-analysis of 10 observational studies adjusting for clustering also suggested that N95 respirators and medical masks are effective for protection against respiratory infectious diseases (OR = 0.59; 95% CI: 0.42–0.82). However, only one case report showed the effectiveness of medical masks for preventing COVID-19. Although medical masks and N95 respirators may confer significant protection against respiratory infectious diseases, there is insufficient evidence to conclude that these types of personal protective equipment offer similar protection against COVID-19. Therefore, in the absence of sufficient resources during an epidemic, medical masks and N95 respirators should be reserved for high-risk, aerosol-generating producing procedures.
OXIDATIVE STRESS INTENSITY AND STATE OF SEPARATE ANTIOXIDANT PROTECTION FACTORS IN ANTRALE TREATMENT IN PATIENTS WITH NONALCOHOLIC STEATOHEPATITIS, OBESITY, AND CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE LUNG DISEASE
Authors: Khukhlina O. S. , Hryniuk O. Ye. , Antoniv A. A.
Published: July 2020

The aim of the research was to assess the effectiveness of Antral regarding the impact on the intensity of lipid peroxidation, antioxidant system factors in NASH patients against the background of obesity and comorbidity with COPD.
Material and methods of research: 76 NASH patients with class I obesity of and COPD 2-3 D were examined: 23 patients (group 1 – control group) received basic NASH therapy (Esentsiale forte N (Sanofi Avensis/Gutterman and Cie GmbH) 300 mg, 2 caps., 3 times per day) for 30 days and COPD therapy (Symbicort Turbuhaler (budesonide 160 mg/d + formoterol fumarate 4,5 mg/s) (AstraZeneca AB, Sweden) inhaled 2 times per day for 30 days, Berodual (ipratropium/fenoterol (250/500 mg/ml) (Institute de Angele Italy/Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH) nebulizer inhalation 2 times per day, azithromycin (Azithro Sandoz, Ukraine Sandoz) 500 mg, 1 time per day for 10 days). The second group (basic group, B1) consisted of 25 NASH patients with class I obesity and COPD 2-3 D, in addition to the same basic COPD therapy, they received Antral (Farmak, Ukraine) 200 mg, 3 times per day for 60 days as a hepatoprotection. The third group (basic group, B2) included 28 NASH patients with class I obesity and COPD 2-3 D, except the same basic COPD treatment, they received Antral (Farmak, Ukraine) 200 mg, 3 times per day as a hepatoprotection, and Phytostatin (Polyconazole) (OmniFarma LLC, Ukraine) 20 mg after dinner for 30 days.
Research results. In NASH patients against the background of obesity and COPD, a significant intensity of oxidative stress has been established with an increase in the blood of intermediate and final products of lipid peroxidation content (in 1.7–2.2 times, p < 0.05) against the background of a significant deficit in the restored glutathione in the blood (in 1.6 times, p < 0.05), which was accompanied by a compensatory voltage of catalase activity (increases in 1.7 times, p < 0.05).
Conclusion. The combined prescription of Antral for 30 days led to a significant correction of oxidative-antioxidant homeostasis in NASH patients against the background of obesity and COPD with a probable decrease of malonic aldehyde, isolated double bonds, conjugated dienes (p < 0.05), a probable increase the reduced glutathione content in red blood cells (p < 0.05).
Development of algorithms for evaluating performance of flood simulation models with satellite-derived flood
Authors: Surwase Tushar , Manjusree P. , Prakash Sachin , Kuntla Saikiran
Published: July 2020

Flood inundation simulation models are widely used for simulating severe events of flood, generating hazard maps, risk assessment, and to identify flood vulnerable locations. It is important to assess the degree of accuracy of flood model results as these results may be one of the triggering parameters considered in developing flood hazard maps, flood mitigation policies, and land using planning where multi-criteria analysis is approached. In the present study, an algorithm is developed in order to know the performance of flood models by validating it with flood footprints extracted from synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images using multi-segmentation and Otsu's thresholding technique. Evaluation of the performance of the model is based on two best fit criteria called F1 and F2. For this, HEC-RAS model is used for simulating the severe event of flood witnessed in Mahanadi River in Odisha stretching between Tikarpara and Mundali during September 2008. Three simulations were made by considering three different Manning's roughness for river and floodplain. The model gives appreciable results and best fit F1 = 0.85 and F2 = 0.74 was found for Manning's roughness 0.020.
Chemical disinfectants of COVID-19: an overview
Authors: Al-Sayah Mohammad Hussein
Published: July 2020

The outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) has led to a broad use of chemical disinfectants in order to sterilize public spaces and prevent contamination. This paper surveys the chemicals that are effective in deactivating the virus and their mode of action. It presents the different chemical classes of disinfectants and identifies the chemical features of these compounds that pertain to their biocidal activity, relevant to surface/water disinfection.
Effect of temperatures and alternating anoxic/oxic sequencing batch reactor (SBR) operating modes on extracellular polymeric substances in activated sludge
Authors: Sun Hongwei , Cai Chenjian , Chen Jixue , Liu Chunyu , Wang Guangjie , Li Xiaoqiang , Zhao Huanan
Published: July 2020

In order to investigate the effect of temperatures and operating modes on extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) contents, three sequencing batch reactors (SBRs) were operated at temperatures of 15, 25, and 35 °C (R15 °C, R25 °C, and R35 °C, respectively), with two SBRs operated under alternating anoxic/oxic conditions (RA/O and RO/A, respectively). Results showed that higher contents of tightly bound EPS (TB-EPS) and total EPS appeared in R15 °C, while loosely bound EPS (LB-EPS) dominated in R35 °C. In all three kinds of EPS (LB-EPS, TB-EPS and total EPS) assessed, protein was the main component in R15 °C and R25 °C, while polysaccharides dominated in R35 °C. Moreover, compared with RO/A, RA/O was favorable for the production of the three kinds of EPS. Furthermore, three kinds of EPS and their components were augmented during the nitrification process, while they declined during the denitrification process under all conditions except for R35 °C.
ATF4, DLX3, FRA1, MSX2, C/EBP-ζ, and C/EBP-α Shape the Molecular Basis of Therapeutic Effects of Zoledronic Acid in Bone Disorders
Authors: Marofi Faroogh , Choupani Jalal , Solali Saeed , Vahedi Ghasem , Hassanzadeh Ali , Gharibi Tohid , Hagh Majid F.
Published: July 2020

Objective:

Zoledronic Acid (ZA) is one of the common treatment choices used in various boneassociated
conditions. Also, many studies have investigated the effect of ZA on Osteoblastic-Differentiation
(OSD) of Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs), but its clear molecular mechanism(s) has remained to be understood.
It seems that the methylation of the promoter region of key genes might be an important factor involved
in the regulation of genes responsible for OSD. The present study aimed to evaluate the changes in the mRNA
expression and promoter methylation of central Transcription Factors (TFs) during OSD of MSCs under treatment
with ZA.

Materials and Methods:

MSCs were induced to be differentiated into the osteoblastic cell lineage using routine
protocols. MSCs received ZA during OSD and then the methylation and mRNA expression levels of target
genes were measured by Methylation Specific-quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (MS-qPCR) and
real-time PCR, respectively. The osteoblastic differentiation was confirmed by Alizarin Red Staining and the
related markers to this stage.

Results:

Gene expression and promoter methylation level for DLX3, FRA1, ATF4, MSX2, C/EBPζ, and
C/EBPa were up or down-regulated in both ZA-treated and untreated cells during the osteodifferentiation process
on days 0 to 21. ATF4, DLX3, and FRA1 genes were significantly up-regulated during the OSD processes,
while the result for MSX2, C/EBPζ, and C/EBPa was reverse. On the other hand, ATF4 and DLX3 methylation
levels gradually reduced in both ZA-treated and untreated cells during the osteodifferentiation process on days 0
to 21, while the pattern was increasing for MSX2 and C/EBPa. The methylation pattern of C/EBPζ was upward
in untreated groups while it had a downward pattern in ZA-treated groups at the same scheduled time. The result
for FRA1 was not significant in both groups at the same scheduled time (days 0-21).

Conclusion:

The results indicated that promoter-hypomethylation of ATF4, DLX3, and FRA1 genes might be
one of the mechanism(s) controlling their gene expression. Moreover, we found that promoter-hypermethylation
led to the down-regulation of MSX2, C/EBP-ζ and C/EBP-α. The results implicate that ATF4, DLX3 and FRA1
may act as inducers of OSD while MSX2, C/EBP-ζ and C/EBP-α could act as the inhibitor ones. We also determined
that promoter-methylation is an important process in the regulation of OSD. However, yet there was no
significant difference in the promoter-methylation level of selected TFs in ZA-treated and control cells, a methylation-
independent pathway might be involved in the regulation of target genes during OSD of MSCs.
Interaction of a Vanadyl Schiff Base Complex with DNA and BSA: A Combination of Experimental and Computational Studies
Authors: Aliabad Hamid B. , Mohamadi Maryam , Falahati-Pour Soudeh K. , Hajizadeh Mohammad R. , Abdollahdokht Danial , Nematollahi Mohammad H. , Mahmoodi Mehdi
Published: July 2020

Background and Purpose:

Cancer is the primary cause of death in the world. Vanadium (IV) is a metal ion complex which has been proposed as a suitable candidate for cancer treatment. In this study, the interaction of the oxido-vanadium (IV) complex [VOL(bipy)] with salmon sperm DNA and Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) was investigated through experimental and computational approaches. With the results of this experimental study, the mechanism and parameters related to the interaction of [VOL(bipy)] with DNA and BSA were determined.

Materials and Methods:

The kinetic interaction of DNA and BSA with [VOL(bipy)] was determined using absorption titration and fluorescence quenching, respectively. Moreover, the possible interactions were calculated by molecular docking prediction using the available software.

Results:

The binding constant (Kb) of the complex-DNA interaction was calculated to be 2.34×104 M-1, indicating a relatively strong interaction between the complex and DNA. It was found that the V(IV) complex interacted with DNA through the groove binding mode followed by partial intercalation into the DNA helix. The Kb values obtained for [VOL(bipy)]-BSA interaction were in the range of 1.07×103-5.82×104 M-1. The V(IV) complex was found to prefer the domain I binding pocket of BSA with the ΔGb value of -7.52 kcal/mol.

Conclusion:

Both experimental and computational analyses confirmed the interaction of the vanadium complex with DNA and BSA. The moderate affinity of [VOL(bipy)] for BSA indicates that this protein is a good candidate for transferring the complex.
QSAR Modeling, Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamics Simulations Studies of Lysine-Specific Demethylase 1 (LSD1) Inhibitors as Anticancer Agents
Authors: Abdizadeh Rahman , Heidarian Esfandiar , Hadizadeh Farzin , Abdizadeh Tooba
Published: July 2020

Background:

Background: Histone Lysine Demetylases1 (LSD1) is a promising medication to treat cancer, which
plays a crucial role in epigenetic modulation of gene expression. Inhibition of LSD1with small molecules has
emerged as a vital mechanism to treat cancer.

Objective:

In the present research, molecular modeling investigations, such as CoMFA, CoMFA-RF, CoMSIA and
HQSAR, molecular docking and Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations were carried out on some
tranylcypromine derivatives as LSD1 inhibitors.

Methods:

The QSAR models were carried out on a series of Tranylcypromine derivatives as data set via the
SYBYL-X2.1.1 program. Molecular docking and MD simulations were carried out by the MOE software and the
SYBYL program, respectively. The internal and external predictability performances related to the generated
models for these LSD1 inhibitors were justified by evaluating cross-validated correlation coefficient (q2), noncross-
validated correlation coefficient (r2ncv) and predicted correlation coefficient (r2pred) of the training and test set
molecules, respectively.

Results:

The CoMFA (q2, 0.670; r2ncv, 0.930; r2pred, 0.968), CoMFA-RF (q2, 0.694; r2ncr, 0.926; r2pred, 0.927),
CoMSIA (q2, 0.834; r2ncv, 0.956; r2pred, 0.958) and HQSAR models (q2, 0.854; r2ncv, 0.900; r2pred, 0.728) for training
as well as the test set of LSD1 inhibition resulted in significant findings.

Conclusion:

These QSAR models were found to be perfect and strong with better predictability. Contour maps of
all models were generated and it was proven by molecular docking studies and molecular dynamics simulation that
the hydrophobic, electrostatic and hydrogen bonding fields are crucial in these models for improving the binding
affinity and determining the structure-activity relationship. These theoretical results are possibly beneficial to
design new strong LSD1 inhibitors with enhanced activity to treat cancer.
Surveillance of Noncommunicable Disease Epidemic Through the Integrated Noncommunicable Disease Collaborative Management System: Feasibility Pilot Study Conducted in the City of Ningbo, China
Authors: Li Sixuan , Zhang Liang , Liu Shiwei , Hubbard Richard , Li Hui
Published: July 2020

Background

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) have become the main public health concern worldwide. With rapid economic development and changes in lifestyles, the burden of NCDs in China is increasing dramatically every year. Monitoring is a critical measure for NCDs control and prevention. However, because of the lack of regional representativeness, unsatisfactory data quality, and inefficient data sharing and utilization, the existing surveillance systems and surveys in China cannot track the status and transition of NCDs epidemic.

Objective

To efficaciously track NCDs epidemic in China, this pilot program conducted in Ningbo city by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) aimed to develop an innovative model for NCDs surveillance and management: the integrated noncommunicable disease collaborative management system (NCDCMS).

Methods

This Ningbo model was designed and developed through a 3-level (county/district, municipal, and provincial levels) direct reporting system based on the regional health information platform. The uniform data standards and interface specifications were established to connect different platforms and conduct data exchanges. The performance of the system was evaluated based on the 9 attributes of surveillance system evaluation framework recommended by the US CDC.

Results

NCDCMS allows automatic NCDs data exchanging and sharing via a 3-level public health data exchange platform in China. It currently covers 201 medical institutions throughout the city. Compared with previous systems, automatic popping up of the report card, automatic patient information extraction, and real-time data exchange process have highly improved the simplicity and timeliness of the system. The data quality meets the requirements to monitor the incidence trend of NCDs accurately, and the comprehensive data types obtained from the database (ie, directly from the 3-level platform on the data warehouse) also provide a useful information to conduct scientific studies. So far, 98.1% (201/205) of medical institutions across Ningbo having been involved in data exchanges with the model. Evaluations of the system performance showed that NCDCMS has high levels of simplicity, data quality, acceptability, representativeness, and timeliness.

Conclusions

NCDCMS completely reshaped the process of NCD surveillance reporting and had unique advantages, which include reducing the work burden of different stakeholders by data sharing and exchange, eliminating unnecessary redundancies, reducing the amount of underreporting, and structuring population-based cohorts. The Ningbo model will be gradually promoted elsewhere following this success of the pilot project, and is expected to be a milestone in NCDs surveillance, control, and prevention in China.
Implementing Web-Based Therapy in Routine Mental Health Care: Systematic Review of Health Professionals’ Perspectives
Authors: Davies Fiona , Shepherd Heather L , Beatty Lisa , Clark Brodie , Butow Phyllis , Shaw Joanne
Published: July 2020

Background

Web-based therapies hold great promise to increase accessibility and reduce costs of delivering mental health care; however, uptake in routine settings has been low.

Objective

Our objective in this review was to summarize what is known about health care professionals’ perceptions of the barriers to and facilitators of the implementation of web-based psychological treatments in routine care of adults in health care settings.

Methods

We searched 5 major databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library) for qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods studies exploring health professionals’ views on computer- or internet-based psychological treatment programs. We coded included articles for risk of bias and extracted data using a prepiloted extraction sheet.

Results

We identified 29 eligible articles: 14 qualitative, 11 quantitative, and 4 mixed methods. We identified the following themes: patient factors, health professional factors, the therapeutic relationship, therapy factors, organizational and system factors, and models of care. Health professionals supported web-based therapies only for patients with relatively straightforward, low-risk diagnoses, strong motivation and engagement, high computer literacy and access, and low need for tailored content. They perceived flexibility with timing and location as advantages of web-based therapy, but preferred blended therapy to facilitate rapport and allow active monitoring and follow-up of patients. They emphasized the need for targeted training and organizational support to manage changed workflows. Health professionals were concerned about the confidentiality and security of client data for web-based programs, suggesting that clear and transparent protocols need to be in place to reassure health professionals before they will be willing to refer.

Conclusions

Without health professionals’ support, many people will not access web-based therapies. To increase uptake, it is important to ensure that health professionals receive education, familiarization, and training to support them in incorporating web-based therapies into their practice, and to design systems that support health professionals in this new way of working with patients and addressing their concerns.

Trial Registration

PROSPERO CRD42018100869; https://tinyurl.com/y5vaoqsk
Managing COVID-19 With a Clinical Decision Support Tool in a Community Health Network: Algorithm Development and Validation
Authors: McRae Michael P , Dapkins Isaac P , Sharif Iman , Anderman Judd , Fenyo David , Sinokrot Odai , Kang Stella K , Christodoulides Nicolaos J , Vurmaz Deniz , Simmons Glennon W , Alcorn Timothy M , Daoura Marco J , Gisburne Stu , Zar David , McDevitt John T
Published: July 2020

Background

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in significant morbidity and mortality; large numbers of patients require intensive care, which is placing strain on health care systems worldwide. There is an urgent need for a COVID-19 disease severity assessment that can assist in patient triage and resource allocation for patients at risk for severe disease.

Objective

The goal of this study was to develop, validate, and scale a clinical decision support system and mobile app to assist in COVID-19 severity assessment, management, and care.

Methods

Model training data from 701 patients with COVID-19 were collected across practices within the Family Health Centers network at New York University Langone Health. A two-tiered model was developed. Tier 1 uses easily available, nonlaboratory data to help determine whether biomarker-based testing and/or hospitalization is necessary. Tier 2 predicts the probability of mortality using biomarker measurements (C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, D-dimer) and age. Both the Tier 1 and Tier 2 models were validated using two external datasets from hospitals in Wuhan, China, comprising 160 and 375 patients, respectively.

Results

All biomarkers were measured at significantly higher levels in patients who died vs those who were not hospitalized or discharged (P<.001). The Tier 1 and Tier 2 internal validations had areas under the curve (AUCs) of 0.79 (95% CI 0.74-0.84) and 0.95 (95% CI 0.92-0.98), respectively. The Tier 1 and Tier 2 external validations had AUCs of 0.79 (95% CI 0.74-0.84) and 0.97 (95% CI 0.95-0.99), respectively.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate the validity of the clinical decision support system and mobile app, which are now ready to assist health care providers in making evidence-based decisions when managing COVID-19 patient care. The deployment of these new capabilities has potential for immediate impact in community clinics and sites, where application of these tools could lead to improvements in patient outcomes and cost containment.
Analysis of Shibboleths in Two Major Dialects of Telugu: A Phonetic Analysis
Authors: Silivery Sri Lakshmi Niharika , Didla Dr. Grace Suneetha
Published: July 2020

Speech not just gives the linguistic information but is often remarkable source of indexical information as well. There are several cues in speech which give away the cultural, religious, socio, economic and geographical information of the speaker. This identification is robustly facilitated through a speech feature often referred to as ‘shibboleth’: a sound, word or phrase that is typical of a speech community. This paper tries to identify the shibboleths, at the level of sounds, of two dialects of Telugu language (Telangana and Andhra). This has relevance to forensic speaker identification (identifying the criminals based on their phonetic features of speech) and LADO (linguistic analysis for the determination of origin) in the case of asylum seekers. Results indicate that there are several shibboleths at the phonetic level that can be used reliably to distinguish the speakers of one dialect from the other
Towards Continuous Quality Control for Spoken Language Corpora
Authors: Ferger Anne , Hedeland Hanna
Published: July 2020

This paper describes the development of a systematic approach to the creation, management and curation of linguistic resources, particularly spoken language corpora. It also presents first steps towards a framework for continuous quality control to be used within external research projects by non-technical users, and discuss various domain and discipline specific problems and individual solutions. The creation of spoken language corpora is not only a time-consuming and costly process, but the created resources often represent intangible cultural heritage, containing recordings of, for example, extinct languages or historical events. Since high quality resources are needed to enable re-use in as many future contexts as possible, researchers need to be provided with the necessary means for quality control. We believe that this includes methods and tools adapted to Humanities researchers as non-technical users, and that these methods and tools need to be developed to support existing tasks and goals of research projects.
La contribución de Richard Rorty para una pedagogía democrática en contexto de posmodernidad
Authors: Ramírez Juan José
Published: July 2020

¿Son excluyentes los rasgos filosóficos de la posmodernidad y las exigencias propias de un discurso pedagógico? ¿Puede edificarse una pedagogía posmoderna? El presente trabajo intenta esbozar respuestas a estos interrogantes. Se cree que el escenario cultural posmoderno no constituye, necesariamente, un nicho para el anuncio de la muerte de la pedagogía. Algunos debates posmodernos en torno a la educación pueden contribuir a un replanteo de la disciplina desde una geografía portadora de nuevas significaciones. Desde el ámbito de la filosofía posmoderna, se ensayan algunos recorridos que albergan la posibilidad de nuevas contribuciones a la pedagogía. La idea rortyana de una "educación sentimental" es portadora de herramientas didácticas para nuevas contingencias en el quehacer educativo y la reflexión pedagógica. El tipo de "educación sentimental" impulsado por el neopragmatista tiene su rasgo distintivo en una propuesta pedagógica de carácter ironista que no pretende ser asimilada por marco epistemológico alguno. Se trata de una propuesta educativa que, antes que fundarse en una naturaleza antropológica, se articula con una disposición edificante de corte hermenéutico.Palabras clave: hermenéutica, democracia, sensibilidad, educación.
Online in situ detection and rapid distinguishing of saffron
Authors: Zhangcheng Yuanzhe , Liu Yuzhu , Saleem Seher , Zhang Qihang , Chen Yu , Qu Yingfei , Lu Xu
Published: July 2020

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a sensitive optical technique capable of rapid multielemental analysis. The development of this technique for elemental analysis in traditional Chinese medicine can eventually revolutionize the pharmaceutical industry. The detection and identification of real and fake elements in traditional Chinese medicine is very important, and saffron is a typical representative. In this study, the in situ detection of the elements and exogenous heavy metals in saffron is performed by LIBS. To test the identification ability of the model combined with LIBS and principal component analysis, three samples (saffron, radish, and corn silk) were used as target materials. Observable characteristic lines in spectra of saffron include Ca, Fe, Mg, Al, Mn, Sr, Ba, Ti, Na, K, P, and Si. The observed spectral lines of H, O, and N are mainly affected by the air composition, while the CN molecular bands also exist. In the air pollutant sedimentation simulation, the intensity of Cu and Pb as exogenous elements in the spectrum is proportional to the concentration of the solution used for contamination. Saffron and adulterants can be separated in the scoring chart. Besides, with the increase in the cardinal number of variables, the resolution effect is more and more obvious. In general, LIBS has good discrimination ability while performing a rapid synchronous analysis of elements. The result has proved that LIBS is a powerful tool in the research of traditional Chinese medicine.
Representaciones sociales de la docencia universitaria y de las prácticas pedagógicas desde la mirada de estudiantes de ciencias de la salud
Authors: Garay Núñez Jesús Roberto
Published: July 2020

Estudiar y reflexionar acerca de las representaciones sociales de la docencia universitaria y de las prácticas pedagógicas desde la mirada de los estudiantes de ciencias de la salud permite realizar un análisis de la realidad que se vive en las instituciones públicas de educación superior en México. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue determinar el núcleo figurativo de las representaciones sociales de la docencia universitaria y de las prácticas pedagógicas de profesores del área de la salud. Metodológicamente, se utilizó la técnica de redes semánticas naturales para determinar las representaciones sociales y las prácticas pedagógicas del docente universitario desde la perspectiva de los estudiantes. El valor de las redes semánticas naturales reside en que las taxonomías obtenidas son generadas de manera directa de la memoria semántica del sujeto, y el orden otorgado va de acuerdo con su escala de valores y percepciones. Como parte de los resultados, se determinó que el núcleo figurativo “Docencia universitaria” recae en el concepto central de estar preparado para impartir la clase, seguido de los conceptos que integran el sistema periférico de la representaciones sociales: confianza, responsable, comprometido y asertivo. Todos estos componentes son básicos para determinar las redes de asociaciones. En tanto que para el núcleo figurativo “Prácticas pedagógicas”, el concepto central es el de aplicación de examen como herramienta principal para evaluar los aprendizajes de los estudiantes del área de la salud, seguido de los conceptos que integran el sistema periférico de las representaciones sociales: exposición, cuadro sinóptico, mapas conceptuales y resumen. Todos estos componentes son básicos para determinar las redes de asociaciones. En conclusión, en cuanto a las redes de asociaciones de las respuestas de los universitarios de ciencias de la salud que se presentan en la configuración del núcleo central de las representaciones sociales de la docencia universitaria, que corresponden a la primera red de asociación, el concepto central alude a la preparación académica de los docentes. La segunda red de asociaciones de las representaciones sociales de las prácticas pedagógicas, por su parte, permite determinar el contenido y organización de la representación social, la cual es determinada por la evaluación de los aprendizajes a través del examen.
Digital Economy and Trends of Political Development in Modern Societies
Authors: Nechaev V. D. , Belokonev S. Yu.
Published: July 2020

The article is devoted to a theoretical analysis of the possible consequences of the digital transformation of modern societies. The authors carry out a comparative analysis of three political and economic models of digital transformation: the cognitive capitalism model, sharing economy (the peer production economy) model and the digital totalitarianism model. It is concluded that these theoretical models reflect conflicting trends in the development of society at the stage of digital transformation. The authors suggest that in reality a wide range of mixed political and economic models of a digital society will emerge, each of which will include a particular combination of analyzed ideal types. The implementation of this or that model will depend on a group of factors, including: the national structure of the economy, the system of international relations, the territorial structure of urbanization and the ability (political, economic and technological) of a particular national state to maintain its sovereignty in the digital world.
Digital Monitoring of Socio-political Life: Main Directions of Development and Opportunities for Public Control
Authors: Artamonova Yu. D.
Published: July 2020

The article shows the evolution of the theoretical understanding of the “monitoring revolution”, including the difference between the ideas of “post-capitalism” as the aestheticization and fascization of reality, heterotopia and divid (F. Jameson, J. Deleuze, F. Guattari), as well as the ideas of “cognitive capitalism” and modern concepts of “platform capitalism” (N. Srnicek, G. Lovink), “communicative capitalism” (S. Zizek, etc.). The article shows the fundamental differences between the monitoring model of the new digital society and the old Panopticon, primarily related to the formation of local and closed communities, the complexity of interaction between online and offline behavior and its assessments, the possibility of correcting the algorithm due to rapid changes in behavior patterns, as well as the ability of a person to “interact” consciously with the data collection and processing system for their own purposes. Two directions of digital monitoring are identified – “non-soft” and “soft” coer cion. In the first case, we are talking about the actual data collection and rewards for “doing the right things”, as in the version of the Chinese social credit system. The second is about creating a reality in which an individual can only act in a “set” way. It is emphasized that, contrary to forecasts, these systems do not develop along the path of “virtualization” of reality, which implies a conscious, though predetermined choice, but along the path of influencing the brain, bypassing the symbolic. Based on the analysis, the main directions of possible public control of monitoring procedures are identified. These are, first, the problems of “localization” of platforms (territorial and other “binding” of them) and the development of the concept of “citizen as user”; second, the differentiation of data classes to establish responsibility.