bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recommendations to improve the insurance coverage for physiotherapy services in Iran A multi-criteria decision making approach
Authors: Shahabi Saeed , Heydari Seyed Taghi , Lankarani Kamran Bagheri , Zarei Leila
Published: March 2020

Background High rate of traffic injuries, climate changes, natural disasters, aging, and chronic diseases have been resulted in a considerable demand for receiving physiotherapy in Iran. However, there are various complications in utilization of physiotherapy services, especially poor insurance coverage. This study investigated and prioritized potential policy recommendations to improve the insurance coverage for physiotherapy services in Iran. Methods The present project was carried out using mix-method (qualitative-quantitative) approach in Iran. In the first phase, a qualitative study was conducted to find the policy recommendations and in the second phase, obtained policy recommendations were prioritized based on the effectiveness, acceptability, cost, fairness, feasibility, and time using Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). Results In the first phase, 30 semi-structured interviews with health policy-makers, health insurers, faculty members, rehabilitation experts, and physiotherapists were conducted. Several policy recommendations were proposed by participants. Following the second phase, prioritized recommendations were provided to promote stewardship (e.g. informing the policy-makers about physiotherapy services), collection of funds (e.g. value-added tax on luxury goods and services), pooling of funds (e.g. moving the allocated resources to insurance (third party) mechanism), purchasing (e.g. using strategic purchasing), and benefit package (e.g. considering the preventive interventions) as main components of insurance coverage. Conclusion The findings of this study will be provided a favorable ground to improve the insurance coverage for physiotherapy services in Iran, and decision- and policy-makers can place these recommendations at their agenda settings in the health sector to protect the health status of population, especially disabled groups.
Economic incentives and survival probability for chronic and multimorbidity patients - Do the relationships depend on patient pathways?
Authors: Islam M. Kamrul , Kjerstad Egil , Askildsen Jan Erik
Published: March 2020

Background

The Norwegian Coordination Reform (CR) in 2012 introduced new economic incentives aimed at weaknesses in the way primary /social care and specialist care interacted. This paper studies the association of a new co-payment scheme on 30-day survival probability for chronic and multimorbidity patients. We also analyse whether or not admission types - planned or emergency - matters for survival rates. Furthermore, we examine the importance of patient pathways. Several different pathways are possible, depending on where patients came from before being admitted to hospital and their destination after discharge from hospital.

Methods

The study uses data from three different registers for the period 2010 to 2013. We consider 30 common chronic conditions for which administrative data are available (n=563,096). We look at three mutually exclusive pathways, pathways that are the important ones in terms of the number of patients dependent on co-operation and co-ordination between health care providers. Using a quasi-experimental design—the difference-in-differences approach—we estimate the associations between the co-payment scheme and survival probability by admission type and by patient pathway.

Results

We find that the change in survival probability is significant and positively associated with the co-payment scheme for emergency admissions, but no significant association is found for planned admissions. A positive and significant relationship is found for emergency patients for two specific pathways—patients coming from home and discharged to social care institutions after hospitalization, and patients coming from home and discharged to other health care institutions after hospitalization. For planned admissions, the survival probability is significantly and negatively associated for patients coming from home and later discharged to social care institutions. Multimorbidity subgroup analysis shows that the negative association with survival is significant for only planned admissions for the patients coming from home and later discharged to home after hospitalization.

Conclusion

We conclude that the 30-day survival probability is positively associated with the new economic incentives but the result depends on admission type, patient pathway and multimorbidity status. Without modelling admission type, pathway and multimorbidity explicitly, one may overlook important relationships associated with the economic incentives. Future policy evaluations in any pertinent context should envisage these aspects.
Clinical characteristics of four cancer patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection in Wuhan, China
Authors: Song Shihui , Ma Zhiyong , Chen Tielong , Deng Liping , Zhang Yongxi , Mo Pingzheng , Gao Shicheng , Hu Wenjia , Xiong Yong
Published: March 2020

Background: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) led to the outbreak of pneumonia in Wuhan, and rapidly spread throughout China. The virus is highly infectious and can infect individuals in the community, including patients in the hospital. Patients with cancer might be susceptible to the viral infection because of the immunosuppressive state cause by therapies on tumors. Case presentation: We present the clinical features of four cancer patients who were infected with SARS-CoV-2 in the past month in our hospital. One patient with uncontrolled chronic B cell lymphocytic leukemia and many other underlying diseases was killed by the virus, and the other three patients survived. Nearly all patients showed a decrease in lymphocytes including total CD3+ T cells, B cells, and natural killer cells after infection of the virus. Conclusion: This report suggests that the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection in cancer patients is challenged by the immunosuppressive state of these patients under chemotherapy or surgery.
Inhaled granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor for mild-to-moderate autoimmune pulmonary alveolar proteinosis - a phase II randomized study for 6 months and follow-up to 24 months
Authors: Tian Xinlun , Yang Yanli , Chen Lulu , Sui Xin , Xu Wenshuai , Li Xue , Guo Xiaobei , Liu Lingshan , Situ Yusen , Wang Jun , Zhao Yang , Meng Shuzhen , Song Wei , Xiao Yonglong , Xu Kai-Feng
Published: March 2020

Background: Treatment of autoimmune pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (aPAP) by inhaled granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is considered safe and effective. Evidences of benefit from GM-CSG inhalation for mild to moderate aPAP patients are limited. Methods: In this multicenter, randomized, open-labeled clinical trial, 36 aPAP patients with mild to moderate disease severity were randomized into either GM-CSF treatment group or control group. Inhaled GM-CSF was prescribed for 6 months, and patients were followed-up for another 18 months without treatment. Physiological features of the patients were analyzed.Results: There were 36 patients (19 in treatment group, 17 in control group) included. No significant difference in primary endpoints measured by the change of alveolar arterial oxygen gradient (A-aDO2) from the baseline value to the values obtained during treatment or during the following 18-month non-treatment observation period [control group vs. treatment group: 0.51±12.09 mmHg vs. -0.35±13.76 mmHg, p=0.848 (3 month); 1.85±11.21 mmHg vs. 7.31±8.81 mmHg, p=0.146 (6 months); 6.05±11.14 mmHg vs. 6.61±10.64mmHg, p=0.899 (24 months)]). Percentage of diffusion capacity predicted (DLCO%) and percentage of total lung capacity predicted (TLC%), however, were significantly improved in the treatment group at the end of the study (P=0.010 and 0.027). St. George Respiratory questionnaire (SGRQ) scores were better after 6 months treatment with GM-CSF than control group, and the benefits of treatment were maintained throughout the observation period. No severe side effects were observed during the study. Conclusion: Six months of inhaled GM-CSF treatment had no effect on the alveolar–arterial oxygen gradient in patients with mild to moderate pulmonary alveolar proteinosis. There were changes in some clinical or laboratory measures, but no clinically important changes were noted at the end of study.
ISFHAC as a novel predictor of macrosomia in gestational diabetes mellitus and normal pregnancy
Authors: Chen Zhi-Guo , Xu Ya-Ting , Ji Lu-Lu , Zhang Xiao-Li , Chen Xiao-Xing , Liu Rui , Wu Chao , Wang Yan-Ling , Hu Han-Yang , Wang Lin
Published: March 2020

Background Macrosomia is a major adverse pregnancy outcome of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Although BMI, symphysis-fundal height (SFH) and abdominal circumference (AC) are associated with fetal weight, there are some limitations to their use, especially for the prediction of macrosomia. This study aimed to identify a novel predictive methodology to improve the prediction of high-risk macrosomia.
Methods Clinical information was collected from 3730 patients. The association between the ISFHAC (the index of SFH algorithm multiplied by the square of AC) and fetal weight was performed and validated. A new index, the ISFHAC, was evaluated by area under the curve (AUC) analysis.
Results A total of 1087 GDM and 657 normal singleton pregnancies were analyzed. ISFHAC was positively correlated with fetal weight in GDM pregnancies and normal pregnancies (NPs). The AUCs of the ISFHAC were 0.815 in the GDM group and 0.804 in the NP group. The ISFHAC cutoff points were 41.7 and 37 in the GDM and NP groups, respectively. The sensitivity values for the prediction of macrosomia with high ISFHAC were 75.9% and 81.3% in the GDM and NP groups, respectively, which were higher than that for the prediction of BMI. Regarding the validation data, the sensitivity values for prediction with a high ISFHAC were 78.9% (559 GDM pregnancies) and 78.3% (1427 NPs).
Conclusions The ISFHAC can be regarded as a new predictor and risk factor for macrosomia in GDM pregnancy and NP.
Infiltration Patterns of Immune Cells in Gastric Cancer and Their Clinical Correlation with Prognosis
Authors: Wu XiaoLi , Ma Hongbo , Li YanYan
Published: March 2020

Abstract: Objective

Gastric cancer is a malignant tumour that severely affects the health of patients. This study analyses the correlation between gastric cancer-infiltrating immune cell patterns and clinical prognosis and provides a scientific basis for the development of comprehensive tumour prevention and treatment strategies.

Method

Transcripts and related clinical data from 9-2019 for gastric cancer were downloaded from the TCGA database. The proportions of 22 kinds of immune cells were calculated by CIBERSORT software, and the correlation of each immune cell component ratio with tumour grade, clinical stage and overall survival (OS) was evaluated.

Results

A total of 413 gene transcript data sets were obtained from the TCGA database, including 381 for gastric cancer and 32 for normal tissues. The expression of various macrophages in tumour tissues was abundant. The immune cell composition, which included resting dendritic cells (p=0.02), M1 macrophages (p=0.031), resting mast cells (p=0.02), CD8 T cells (p=2.445e-04), M0 macrophages (p=6.353e-04), activated mast cells (p=0.006), neutrophils (p=0.003), resting NK cells (p=0.014), and gamma delta T cells (p=0.033), is related to the pathological grade. As the tumour stage of gastric cancer patients progresses, the proportion of some immune cells, including eosinophils (p=0.013), activated mast cells (p=0.042), neutrophils (p=0.007), and resting NK cells (p=0.036) gradually increases, while the proportion of other immune cells, for example, CD8 T cells (p=0.018), Tregs (p=0.039), M1 macrophages (p=0.018), and activated NK cells (p=0.042) gradually decreases. Higher expression of CD8 T cells suggests a better prognosis.

Conclusion

The composition of tumour-infiltrating immune cells differed greatly in different pathological grades and stages of gastric cancer. CD8 T cells can be used as a prognostic factor for gastric cancer patients.
Immune Characterization Of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Patients Post Reovirus Administration
Authors: Parakrama Ruwan , Fogel Elisha , Chandy Carol , Augustine Titto , Coffey Matt , Tesfa Lydia , Goel Sanjay , Maitra Radhashree
Published: March 2020

KRAS mutations are prevalent in 40-45% of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) and targeting this gene has remained elusive. Reovirus is an endogenous double-stranded RNA virus with specificity for KRAS -mutated CRC. Using peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and serum samples from patients with metastatic CRC (mCRC) post reovirus treatment in combination with FOLFIRI and bevacizumab (a phase 1 clinical study), we demonstrate that administration of reovirus results in immunomodulatory changes across genomic, protein and cellular levels. These changes include alterations in expression of several genes including KRAS, VEGFA and CXCR2; sustained reductions in exosomal and cellular levels of miR-29a-3p (a microRNA upregulated in CRC and associated with decreased expression of the tumor suppressor WWOX gene); increases in serum anti-tumorigenic cytokines GM-CSF, IL-15 and IL-12p40 and IL-12p70; reductions in serum pro-tumorigenic cytokines VEGF, RANTES and IL-8; increases in the population of dendritic cells, CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells; increased expression of granzyme B a marker CD8+T activation. These data lend valuable insight into the potential of reovirus as an adjuvant when administered with established chemotherapy regimens in patients with KRAS-mutated mCRC. The findings warrant further study of reovirus in other cancers.SIGNIFICANCE: Reovirus has profound immunomodulatory properties that span the genomic, protein and immune cell distribution levels. This is the first study with reovirus in cancer patients that demonstrates these multi-layered effects, demonstrating how reovirus can function as an immune stimulant (augmenting the efficacy of immuno-chemo-therapeutic drugs), and an oncolytic agent.
Metabolomic profiling on plasma reveals potential biomarkers for screening and early diagnosis of gastric cancer and precancerous stages
Authors: Du Lijing , Li Shasha , Xiao Xue , Li Jin , Jin Huizi , Hua Zhaolai , Ma Juming , Wang Xi , Yan Shikai
Published: March 2020

Background: Gastric cancer (GC) remains one of the most common cancers all over the world. The greatest challenge for GC is that it is often detected at advanced stages, leading to the loss of optimum time for treatment and giving rise to poor prognosis. Thus, there is a critical need to develop effective and noninvasive strategies for early diagnosis of the disease process. Methods: In total, 82 participants were enrolled in the study, including 50 chronic superficial gastritis (CSG) patients, 7 early gastric cancer (EGC) and 25 advanced gastric cancer (AGC) ones. Metabolites profiling on patient plasma was performed using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry ( UPLC-Q-TOF/MS ). Principal components analysis as well as orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis was utilized to evaluate the variation on endogenous metabolites for GC patients and to screen potential biomarkers. Furthermore, the biomarker panels detected above were used to create logistic regression models, which discrimination efficiency and accuracy was ascertained by receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis. Metabolic pathways were carried out on MetaboAnalyst. Results: Totally 50 metabolites were detected differentially expressed among CSG, EGC and AGC patients. L-carnitine, L-proline, pyruvaldehyde, phosphatidylcholines (PC) (14:0/18:0), lysophosphatidylcholine (14:0) (LysoPC 14:0), lysinoalanine were defined as the potential biomarker panel for the diagnosis among CSG and EGC patients. Compared with EGC patients, 6 significantly changed metabolites, PC(O-18:0/0:0) and LysoPC(20:4(5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z)) were found to be up-regulated, whereas L-proline, L-valine, adrenic acid and pyruvaldehyde to be down-regulated in AGC patients. ROC analysis demonstrated a high diagnostic performance for metabolite panels with area under the curve (AUC) of 0.931 to 1. Moreover, the metabolomic pathway analysis revealed several metabolism pathway disruptions, including amino acid and lipid metabolisms, in GC patients. Conclusions: In this study, a total of six differential metabolites that contributed to GC and precancerous stages were identified, respectively. The biomarker panels further improve diagnostic performance for detecting GC, with AUC values of more than 93.1%. It indicated that the biomarker panels may be sensitive to the early diagnosis of GC disease, which can be used as a promising diagnostic and prognostic tool for disease stratification studies.
Measurement Invariance of the Chinese Job Performance Questionnaire (CJPQ) across Gender and Age among Doctors
Authors: Yang Yanjie
Published: March 2020

Background At present, China urgently needs an effective and reliable tool to measure the job performance of doctors. For the first time, this study examined the measurement equivalence of the Chinese version of the Job Performance Questionnaire (CJPQ) in different genders and age groups among Chinese physician group. Methods The subjects of this study were 1901 doctors from 7 ‘grade-three’ hospitals in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China, with an average age of 36.59±7.91 years. And this study adopted the Chinese version of the Job Performance Questionnaire (CJPQ) compiled by Chinese scholar Qiang Lin, which includs 3 dimensions, 33 items in total and adopts the five-point Likert scoring system. Demographic variables were analyzed by SPSS 21.0 and measurement consistency tests were performed using AMOS 17.0. Results The results showed that for different genders, all changes in the CFI (Comparative Fit Index) were <0.01, indicating that the Chinese version of the Job Performance Questionnaire (CJPQ) is equivalent in terms of gender. Similarly, for subjects of different ages, all changes in CFI were also <0.01, indicating that the CJPQ is also equivalent in regard to age. Conclusions The measurement equivalence of the Chinese version of the Job Performance Questionnaire (CJPQ) among Chinese physicians of different genders and age groups is fully established.
Synthesize of a novel 89Zr labeled HER2 affibody and its application study in tumor PET imaging
Authors: Xu Yuping , Wang Lizhen , Pan Donghui , Yan Junjie , Wang Xinyu , Yang Runlin , Li Mingzhu , Liu Yu , Yang Min
Published: March 2020

Background:
Human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) is an important biomarker for tumor diagnosis and therapy. Affibody is an ideal vector for preparing HER2 specific probes due to the advantages such as high affinity and rapid blood clearance etc. 89Zr is a novel PET imaging isotope with long half-lives and suitable for tracking biological processes for longer periods. In this study, a novel 89Zr labeled HER2 affibody, 89Zr-DFO-MAL-Cys-MZHER2, was synthesized and its imaging properties were also evaluated.
Results:
The precursors, DFO-MAL-Cys-MZHER2, were obtained with the yields of nearly 50%. The yields of 89Zr -DFO-MAL-Cys-MZHER2 were 90.2±1.9% and the radiopurities were more than 95%. The total synthesis time was only 30 minutes. The probes were stable in PBS and serum. The tracer accumulated in HER2 overexpression human ovarian cancer SKOV-3 cells. In vivo studies in mice bearing tumors showed that the probe highly retained in SKOV-3 xenografts even for 48 hours. The tumors were visualized with good contrast to normal tissue. ROI analysis revealed that the average uptakes in the tumor were greater than 5 %ID/g. On the contrary, the counterparts of MCF-7 tumors kept low levels of （~1%ID/g）. The outcome was consistent with the immunohistochemical analysis and ex vivo autoradiography. The probe quickly cleared from the blood and normal organs, and mainly excreted through the urinary system.
Conclusion:
The novel HER2 affibody for PET imaging was easily prepared with satisfactory labeling yield and radiochemical purity. 89Zr-DFO-MAL-MZHER is a potential candidate for monitoring HER2 expression and may play specific roles in clinical cancer theranostics.
Mechanisms of VPS29 gene in carotenoid deposition in the adductor muscles of QN Orange scallops
Authors: Song Junlin , Wang Chunde
Published: March 2020

Background In our previous studies, we selected a new scallop strain, QN Orange, which is rich in carotenoids in its adductor muscles, from the bay scallop-Peruvian scallop hybrids. We further demonstrated that the accumulation of carotenoids in QN Orange scallops might be regulated by a series of genes among which the vacuolar protein sorting 29 ( VPS29) gene may play a pivotal role in carotenoid metabolism. However, the possible mechanism underlying the VSP29 remains unexplored. This study aimed to further elucidate the role of VPS29 in the carotenoid deposition process via RNA interference (RNAi).Results HPLC results showed that the pectenolone, but not pectenoxanthin content in the adductor muscle was reduced by RNAi of VSP29 . Transcriptomic analyses revealed 534 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the group treated with RNAi and the control group, including genes related to carotenoid biosynthesis such as low-density lipoprotein receptor domain class, cytochrome P450, Niemann Pick C1-like 1, and ATP binding cassette transporter. KEGG analyses further indicated that lysosome pathway was enriched with VPS29 RNAi.Conclusions Our results indicated that VPS29 may be crucial in carotenoid deposition through the regulation of other genes related to carotenoid metabolism. This study will provide a theoretical basis and a new research perspective for revealing the mechanism of carotenoid accumulation in shellfish.
Transcriptomic analysis of s-methoprene resistance in the lesser grain borer, Rhyzopertha dominica, and evaluation of piperonyl butoxide as a resistance breaker
Authors: SAKKA MARIA , Riga Maria , Ioannidis Panagiotis , Mpaliota Georgia , Jagadeesan Rajeswaran , Nayak Manoj K. , Vontas John , Athanassiou Christos
Published: March 2020

Background: The lesser grain borer, Rhyzopertha dominica is a serious pest of stored grains. Fumigation and contact insecticides play a major role in managing this pest globally. While insects are developing genetic resistance to chemicals, hormonal analogues such as s-methoprene play a key role in reducing general pest pressure as well managing pest populations that are resistant to fumigants and neurotoxic contact insecticides. However, resistance to s-methoprene has been reported in R. dominica while there are some reports that show a remarkable high levels, recently, questioning the use of this compound and other related analogues in grain protection. The current study attempt to identify possible molecular mechanisms that contribute to resistance to s-methoprene in R. dominica. Results: Transcriptome analysis of resistant and susceptible populations of this pest species identified a set of differentially expressed genes related to cytochrome P450s, indicating their potential role in resistance to s-methoprene. Laboratory bioassays were performed with s-methoprene treated wheat grains in presence and absence of piperonyl butoxide (PBO), a cytochrome P450 inhibitor. Our results indicated that the number of produced progeny decreased in presence of the inhibitor, especially in the resistant strain. In addition, we also identified CYP complement (CYPome) of R. dominica, annotated and analysed phylogenetically, to understand the evolutionary relationships with other species.Conclusions: The information generated in current study suggest that PBO can effectively be used to break resistance to s-methoprene in R. dominica.
Comparative Analysis of Technical Efficiency of Wheat Production in Row Planting and Broadcasting Methods: Empirical Evidence from Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Anaye Assefa Ayele , Erkalo Kassa Tarekegn
Published: March 2020

Introduction Ethiopia is the largest wheat producer in Sub-Saharan Africa and wheat is one of the major staple food crops in many parts of the country. However, due to technical and socioeconomic factors the productivity of wheat is below the estimated potential. As a result of this the country remains a net importer of wheat. To improve this problem, row planting of wheat with improved level of efficiency becomes more crucial. This study was aimed to measure technical efficiency, yield gap due to inefficiency and identify the factors that influence the efficiency levels of wheat producers’ row planting and broadcasting methods in Hadiya zone, southern Ethiopia. Cross sectional data from 203 farmers from both row planting and broadcasting methods were selected using multistage sampling procedure and analyzed using stochastic frontier Cobb–Douglas production. Results and Conclusions Descriptive results indicated that the average wheat output in row planting (3250 kg/ha) was 1360 kg/ha higher than in broadcasting (1890 kg/ha). The estimated results of the Cobb-Douglas frontier model shows that the mean technical efficiency was 83.4% and 57.8% under row planting and broadcasting respectively. About 646.882 kg/ha under row planting and 1393.038 kg/ha under broadcasting of wheat output was lost due to inefficiency. This reveals that under the existing practices there is a room to increase wheat yield more under broadcasting (42.2%) than row planting (16.6%) following the best-practiced farms in the study area. The SPF model indicates that NPS, urea, labor and seed, are significant determinants of wheat production level in both methods. The estimated SPF model together with the inefficiency parameters shows that education, age, fertility status of the plot, family size and extension contact negatively and significantly affected technical inefficiency whereas land fragmentation positively and significantly affected technical inefficiency of wheat farmers. Hence, emphasis should be given to improve the efficiency level of those less efficient farmers by adopting the practices of relatively efficient farmers in the area. Beside this, policies and strategies of the government should be directed towards the above mentioned determinants.
Inovação e ação empreendedora em uma associação de catadores de material reciclável localizada no sul de Minas Gerais
Authors: Hansen Kate , Maciente Carolyne , Andrade Daniela Meirelles , de Lima Juvêncio Braga
Published: March 2020

Este artigo aborda o processo da ação empreendedora presente em inovações praticadas em uma associação de catadores de materiais recicláveis localizada na região Sul de Minas Gerais, criada a partir de projetos municipais de educação ambiental, desenvolvidos inicialmente por estudantes de uma universidade federal. O objetivo principal do estudo foi identificar projetos inovadores e empreendedores realizados pela associação e deles vislumbrar ciclos de ações empreendedoras. A metodologia utilizada é de natureza qualitativa, de caráter exploratório, por duas entrevistas semi estruturadas. O ciclo da ação define as oportunidades (meio inicial da ação) e a inovação (consequência da pratica da oportunidade) e o resultado que enseja nova ação empreendedora. Evidenciam-se aspectos inovadores, que no ciclo dizem respeito à ideia de criatividade no empreender, como fenômeno que ultrapassa os limites do indivíduo. As inovações podem ser observadas desde o momento da criação da associação, bem como em seus projetos de destaque realizados posteriormente.
Implications of VIP and PACAP in Parkinson’s Disease: What do we Know So Far?
Authors: de Souza Filipe Resende Oliveira , Ribeiro Fabiola Mara , Lima Patrícia Maria d’Almeida
Published: March 2020

Background:

Parkinson’s disease is one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders and although its aetiology is not yet fully understood, neuroinflammation has been identified as a key factor in the progression of the disease. Vasoactive intestinal peptide and pituitary adenylate-cyclase activating polypeptide are two neuropeptides that exhibit anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, modulating the production of cytokines and chemokines and the behaviour of immune cells. However, the role of chemokines and cytokines modulated by the endogenous receptors of the peptides varies according to the stage of the disease.

Methods:

We present an overview of the relationship between some cytokines and chemokines with vasoactive intestinal peptide, pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide and their endogenous receptors in the context of Parkinson’s disease neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, as well as the modulation of microglial cells by the peptides in this context.

Results:

The two peptides exhibit neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties in models of Parkinson’s disease, as they ameliorate cognitive functions, decrease the level of neuroinflammation and promote dopaminergic neuronal survival. The peptides have been tested in a variety of in vivo and in vitro models of Parkinson’s disease, demonstrating the potential for therapeutic application.

Conclusion:

More studies are needed to establish the clinical use of vasoactive intestinal peptide and pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide as safe candidates for treating Parkinson’s disease, as the use of the peptides in different stages of the disease could produce different results concerning effectiveness.
Oral Supplements of Ginkgo biloba Extract Alleviate Neuroinflammation, Oxidative Impairments and Neurotoxicity in Rotenone-Induced Parkinsonian Rats
Authors: Mohammed Nema A. , Abdou Heba M. , Tass Mona A. , Alfwuaires Manal , Abdel-Moneim Ashraf M. , Essawy Amina E.
Published: March 2020

Background:

Ginkgo biloba extract (GbE) is known to contain several bioactive compounds
and exhibits free radical scavenging activity. Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative
disorder characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons and is associated with oxidative stress, neuroinflammation
and apoptosis.

Objective:

The current study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effect of GbE in a rat model of
PD induced by rotenone (ROT; a neurotoxin).

Methods:

Twenty-four male albino rats were randomly divided into four groups of six rats each: normal
control, GbE treated, toxin control (ROT treated) and GbE+ROT group.

Results::

Oral administration of ROT (2.5 mg/kg b.w.) for 50 days caused an increased generation of
lipid peroxidation products and significant depletion of reduced glutathione, total thiol content and activities
of enzymatic antioxidants, i.e., superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase in the brains
of treated rats. Furthermore, ROT caused an elevation in acetylcholinesterase, interleukin-1β, interleukin-
6 and tumor necrosis factor-α and a significant reduction in dopamine in the stratum and substantia
nigra. Immunohistochemical results illustrated that ROT treatment reduced the expression of tyrosine
hydroxylase (TH). GbE treatment (150 mg/kg b.w./day) significantly reduced the elevated oxidative
stress markers and proinflammatory cytokines and restored the reduced antioxidant enzyme activities,
DA level and TH expression. These results were confirmed by histological observations that clearly
indicated a neuroprotective effect of GbE against ROT-induced PD.

Conclusion:

GbE mitigated ROT-induced PD via the inhibition of free-radical production, scavenging
of ROS, and antioxidant enhancement.
Studies on the IC50 of Metabolically Stable 1-(3,3-diphenylpropyl)- piperidinyl Amides and Ureas as Human CCR5 Receptor Antagonists Based on QSAR
Authors: Zhao Yutao , Liu Xiaoqian , Ouyang Jing , Wang Yan , Xu Shanyu , Tian Dongdong , Si Hongzong
Published: March 2020

Background:

In this study, modulators of human Chemotactic cytokine receptor 5
(CCR5) were described using a quantitative structure-activity relationship model (QSAR). This
model was based on the molecule’s chemical structure.

Methods::

All 56 compounds of CCR5 receptor antagonists were randomly separated into two sets,
43 were reserved for training and the other 13 for testing. In the course of this study, molecular
models were drawn using ChemDraw software. By means of Hyperchem software as well as optimized
with both AM1 (semi-empirical self-consistent-field molecular orbital) and MM+ (molecular
mechanics plus force field), molecular models were described through numerous descriptors using
CODESSA software.

Results:

Linear models were obtained by Heuristic Method (HM) software and nonlinear models
were obtained using APS software with optimal descriptor combinations used to build linear QSAR
models, involving a group of selected descriptors. As a result, values of the above two different sets
were shown to result from 0.82 in testing and 0.86 in training in HM while 0.83 in testing and 0.88
in training in Gene Expression Programming (GEP).

Conclusion:

From this method, the activity of molecules could be predicted, and the molecular
structure could be changed to alter its IC50, avoiding the testing of large numbers of compounds.
The Role of Parathyroid Hormone in Alveolar Bone Resorption on Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Puspitadewi Susi R. , Kusdhany Lindawati S. , Masulili Sri Lelyati C. , Wulandari Pitu , Iskandar Hanna B. , Auerkari Elza I.
Published: March 2020

Background:

Postmenopausal women exhibit reduced bone mineralization, which causes bone resorption, including that of alveolar bone. Parathyroid hormone has been shown to play a role in alveolar bone resorption.

Objective:

This study aims to analyze relationships between parathyroid hormone and other factors that may contribute to alveolar bone resorption in postmenopausal women.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study included 82 postmenopausal women aged 50–74 years, who resided in Central and East Jakarta, Indonesia. Subjects' data were obtained through questionnaires, dental examinations, and blood collection for the examination of parathyroid hormone levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and using panoramic radiography to measure bone resorption.

Results:

Spearman correlation analysis showed a significant correlation between parathyroid hormone level (p = 0.005) and extent of alveolar bone resorption, but age (p = 0.292), menopausal duration (p = 0.244), and number of missing teeth (p = 0.517) were not significantly correlated with the extent of alveolar bone resorption.

Conclusion:

Various factors play a role in the mechanism of bone resorption, so knowing the role of each factor is expected to reduce the effects of alveolar bone resorption that occurs in postmenopause. Among the factors investigated in this study, the parathyroid hormone was the sole factor correlated with postmenopausal alveolar bone resorption.
The Response of Two Drip-Irrigated Sweet Corn Varieties to the Twin-Row Production System in the Dry Mediterranean Region
Authors: Mubarak Ibrahim
Published: March 2020

Introduction:

Minimizing production costs for drip-irrigated crops by reducing the number of driplines per unit-area is an urgent need to address the sustainability of the present production system.

Materials and Methods:

A two-year field experiment (2017 and 2018) was carried out to assess the effects of twin-row crop production system on two sweet corn varieties (Zea mays L.: an introduced variety “Silver Queen” and a local variety “White Kokab”) grown in a clay loam soil in the dry Mediterranean region. Three-row crop/dripline spacing configurations for each variety with three replicates were tested as: (i) single-row system at 75-cm crop row spacing with 75-cm dripline spacing (a dripline for each crop row), (ii) single-row system at 75-cm crop row spacing with 150-cm dripline spacing (a dripline for two crop rows), and (iii) twin-row system, 37.5 cm apart, on 150-cm centers, with 150-cm dripline spacing (a dripline for each twin-rows).

Results and Conclusion:

The local variety was better than the introduced variety in husked cop yield (13.93 t ha-1) and irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE, 1.92 kg m-3). Results also showed that the twin-row system with 150-cm dripline spacing provided similar husked cop yield and IWUE as the conventional 75-cm dripline spacing due to the more favourable rootzone soil water status; and both were higher in the two attributes than the single-row 150-cm dripline spacing. With 50% less unit-area driplines, twin-rows with 150-cm dripline spacing was considered to be more productive, economical and environmentally friendly.
Determinants of Malnutrition in Under-five Children in Angola, Malawi and Senegal
Authors: Khulu Chris , Ramroop Shaun
Published: March 2020

Introduction:

Malnutrition is one of the leading causes of under-five mortality globally. With the estimated target of reducing mortality in this age group by 2030, understanding and determining the factors contributing to child mortality are critical.

Methods:

The current study used Demographic Health Survey (DHS) data from Angola (2016), Malawi (2016) and Senegal (2016). The DHS data for under-five children from these three countries were then combined in this study to create a pooled sample. This method allows for a comparison and generalization of the results across countries and has also been used in previous studies. The dependent variables (severely nourished, moderately nourished and nourished) were developed by using calculated Weight-for-age Z-scores (WAZ) from DHS data. The exploratory analysis was conducted by performing a gamma measure and chi-square test of independence to evaluate the association between malnutrition status and covariates.

Results & Discussion:

Based on the generalized linear mixed model, the type of residence, sex of the child, age of the child, mother’s level of education, birth interval, wealth index and the birth order are correlated to malnutrition in Angola, Malawi and Senegal. Children who are from rural communities, poor households, with a mother having attained primary education, are female and are between the age of 24 and 59 months are associated with malnutrition. The results of the study suggest that children from these three countries who reside with mothers who have attained only primary education are at the highest risk of being affected by malnutrition.

Conclusion:

The results show the necessity of collaboration among the three countries in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target.
Social and Ethical Impact of Advanced Artificial and Biological Enhancements
Authors: Alexiou Athanasios , Simou Panagiota , Alexiou Filia , Chatzichronis Stylianos , Ashraf Ghulam Md
Published: March 2020

Background:

While modern humans seek ways to extend life expectancy, the necessity of advanced bioengineering tools for the production of effective human enhancement applications appears as compelling as ever.

Objective:

The technological future of Homo sapiens has been scheduled within a quantum environment and advanced physical interventions are imperative to occur in the anatomy of modern humans, including genetic improvement and human cloning. New terminologies and latest projects such as genome editing, mind uploading and tissue engineering applications for the growth of new organs are issues of discussion in this paper.

Methods:

Several advanced biotechnological methods are presented in this paper, including the 14-days rule, the 2045 Initiative project and the CRISPR technique and their social and ethical implications are discussed.

Results:

The exponential aging of the population results in rapidly increasing demands for next-generation drugs and innovative pharmaceutical products that target individualized genetic treatment, resulting in the emergence of controversial ethical and social implications in the forthcoming post-Homo sapiens Era.

Conclusion:

The next-generation ethics must be clarified, an interdisciplinary debate should be initiated, and all the different perspectives must be recorded and evaluated to adopt the most efficient practices for controversial topics like the potential digital immortality.
Recent Patents on the Electrode Structures and Electrode Materials in EDM Process
Authors: Xie Baocheng , Li En , Chen Yongqiu
Published: March 2020

Backgroun:

Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) technology is widely applied for micro-
manufacturing of difficult-to-process materials and complex shapes, which causes a growing demand
for tool electrodes. The machining performance of an electrode eventually affects machining
efficiency and accuracy and electrode loss of EDM. Thus, more researches on the electrode structures
and electrode materials in the EDM process are gradually conducted.

Objective:

To meet the growing processing requirement of processing efficiency and accuracy and
electrode loss of EDM, the electrode structures and electrode materials in the EDM process are continuously
improved.

Methods:

This paper retraces various current representative patents relative to the electrode structures
and electrode materials in the EDM process.

Results:

Through comparing the characteristics of different electrode structures and electrode materials
in the EDM process, the current principal problems such as low machining efficiency and accuracy and
serious electrode loss are concluded. Furthermore, the future development tendencies of electrode
structures and electrode materials of EDM are discussed.

Conclusion:

The optimization of electrode structures and electrode materials in the EDM process is
conducive to solve the problems of machining efficiency and accuracy and electrode loss during EDM.
More correlative patents on electrode structure and electrode material will be filed in the future.
Growing by Sharing - Story of Ryvu and Selvita
Authors: Marciniak Magdalena
Published: March 2020

Ryvu Therapeutics and Selvita originated in 2007, a time when drug
discovery in Poland was still not pursued by industrial enterprises. For many years,
both entities operated one company and were known under a common name Selvita
S.A., combining their efforts on both innovative small-molecule therapeutics for
oncology and expertise in Contract Research Services (CRO). Following more than
a decade of such a hybrid business model, Selvita established a strong position in
the field of drug discovery and built trust among partners, clients, and investors
globally. This encouraged the leaders of the company to separate the two divisions
into fully autonomous units, which in fact, had already been operating quite
independently and both were successful in diverse areas of drug discovery
activities. At the beginning of October 2019, two new companies were established
and both parts were given independence and more opportunities for growth.
Discovery and development engine was named as Ryvu Therapeutics, and the CRO
part of the company remained with the name Selvita. To reach this stage, both the
divisions went through an interesting journey together, supporting and
strengthening each other for the benefit of both.
Модификация поверхности КНИ-сенсоров для детекции РНК-биомаркеров
Authors: Наумова О.В. , Фомин Б.И. , Дмитриенко Е.В. , Пышная И.А. , Пышный Д.В.
Published: March 2020

Abstract A new type of surface modification of multichannel sensors on a silicon-on-insulator base, which includes the use of a carbonyldiimidazole bifunctional reagent for the formation of an interfacial layer instead of modified silanes and probes for the specific detection of fragments of matrix troponin ribonucleic acid (analyte) as a marker of the cardiac infarction, is proposed. The influence of passivating the sensor surface activated by carbonyldiimidazole with glycine and aminoethanol at the final modification state on the response of sensors and the level of the background signal is investigated. It is shown that the proposed type of surface modification with glycine treatment provides a highly specific response of ~60% in the case of a picomolar analyte concentration in the solution. Different mechanisms are responsible for an increase in the response and sensor specificity during analyte detection after passivation by glycine and aminoethanol.
Резистивное переключение мемристоров на основе стабилизированного диоксида циркония сложными сигналами
Authors: Филатов Д.О. , Антонов Д.А. , Антонов И.Н. , Белов А.И. , Баранова В.Н. , Шенина М.Е. , Горшков О.Н.
Published: March 2020

Abstract The specific features of resistive switching, which was initiated by triangular pulses with a high-frequency sine signal imposed on them, in experimental memristor prototypes based on thin films of yttria-stabilized zirconia were examined. It was found that memristors switched by these complex signals have lower switching voltage, higher ratio of currents in low- and high-resistance states, and better long-term current stability than memristors switched by triangular pulses without the sine signal. This improvement of switching parameters is associated with resonance activation of migration of oxygen ions via vacancies in the alternating external electric field.
Особенности статистических распределений прочностей моно- и полифиламентных ультраориентированных высокопрочных волокон сверхвысокомолекулярного полиэтилена
Authors: Бойко Ю.М. , Марихин В.А. , Москалюк О.А. , Мясникова Л.П.
Published: March 2020

The patterns of the statistical distributions of tensile strength of high-strength ultraoriented mono-and multifilament fibers, consisting of several hundred single fibers of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), have been analyzed using the Weibull and Gaussian models by considering a large number of measurements (50 identical samples in each series). It has been shown that the strength distribution of the multifilament UHMWPE fibers can be described both within the normal Gaussian distribution and the standard Weibull distribution function. At the same time, the strength distribution of the UHMWPE monofilaments oriented to a final draw ratio of 120 is not subject to the normal distribution. The reasons for the revealed differences in the types of the statistical strength distributions of the mono- and multifilaments of high-strength UHMWPE during fracture are discussed.
Влияние перколяционного перехода на электропроводящие и оптические свойства сверхтонких металлических пленок
Authors: Томилина О.А. , Бержанский В.Н. , Томилин С.В.
Published: March 2020

In paper the investigation results of features of electrophysical, optical and plasmonic properties changes in ultrathin metallic films during percolation transition from island structure to continuous are representative. It was shown that during Ti and Pt thin films condensation a change of their electrical conductivity above the percolation threshold is well described in the framework of the classical percolation theory. The resonance behavior of localized plasmons and surface (propagating) plasmon-polaritons in Au metal films during a percolation transition was studied. It was shown that when the film becomes to a granular state a decrease in the Q-factor of surface plasmon-polariton resonance is observed in the vicinity of the percolation transition, which is associated with excitation of localized plasmons in metallic nanoparticles. For all studied coatings the percolation threshold was determined.
Синтез, структура и теплофизические свойства оксидов системы YVO_4-BiVO-=SUB=-4-=/SUB=-
Authors: Денисова Л.Т. , Голубева Е.О. , Чумилина Л.Г. , Денисов В.М.
Published: March 2020

Abstract The Y_0.4Bi_0.6VO_4 and Y_0.6Bi_0.4VO_4 solid solutions two-phase at x _Bi = 0.95, 0.90, and 0.80 have been formed by the solid-phase synthesis from the initial Y_2O_3, Bi_2O_3, and V_2O_5 oxides burned in air at a temperature of 1173 K for 200 h and their high-temperature heat capacity has been measured in the range of 350–1000 K by differential scanning calorimetry. The thermodynamic properties of the solution solutions have been calculated using the data obtained.