bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular Hybrids of N-Phthaloylglycyl Hydrazide and Hydrazinecarbothioamide with Anti-inflammatory and Anti-oxidant Activities
Authors: Gera Ankur , Mohan Chander , Madan Jitender , Arora Sandeep
Published: March 2019

Background:

Oxidative stress due to high levels of reactive organic species is the cause of the progression of inflammation in various diseases. The molecules possessing both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity can be the promising key to treat inflammatory diseases. Phthalimide and hydrazinecarbothioamide are anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant pharmacophores.

Objective:

Molecular hybrids possessing above two pharmacophores were designed. A series of N-phenyl substituted 2-(2-(1,3-dioxoisoindolin-2-yl)acetyl)-N-phenylhydrazine-1-carbothioamide (CGS compounds) was synthesized and evaluated for biological activities.

Methods:

N-phthaloylglycyl hydrazide was reacted with unsubstituted/substituted phenyl isothiocyanates to yield CGS compounds. Synthesized compounds were evaluated for in vivo anti-inflammatory activity in carrageenan rat paw edema model, and in vitro anti-oxidant activity by DPPH assay. Levels of TNF-α and oxidative stress at the site of inflammation were measured. The genetic algorithm-PLS regression based QSAR model correlating the effect of N-phenyl substituent on the anti-inflammatory activity was developed. Further, the interaction of the active compound in the TNF-α binding pocket was studied by in silico docking.

Results:

Compound containing the 2-OCH3, 4-NO2 (CGS-5); 4-CF3 (CGS-9); 4-NO2 (CGS-3) showed significant anti-inflammatory activity (percentage inhibition of paw edema after 3 hour = 58.24, 50.38, 40.05, respectively) and potent anti-oxidant activity (IC50 =0.045, 0.998, 0.285 μg/ml, respectively). Reduced levels of TNF- α and increased levels of GSH were observed for the above three compounds. Descriptors for QSAR model identified by GA-PLS were WPSA1, Weta1unity, WDunity, SC3, VC5, MlogP, and WTPT3. The identified model was highly predictive, and value of root mean square error of prediction for internal (leave one out) and external validation was: 1.579, 1.325.

Conclusion:

Molecular hybrids of phthalimide and hydrazinecarbothioamide were synthesized. Some of the compounds possessed promising anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activities.
Anti-Trypanosoma cruzi Activity and Molecular Docking Studies of 1Hpyrazolo[ 3, 4-b]pyridine Derivatives
Authors: da Silva Lima Camilo Henrique , de Araujo Vanelis Soares Júlio César , de Sousa Ribeiro Joana Lucius , Muri Estela Maris Freitas , de Albuquerque Sérgio , Dias Luiza Rosaria Sousa
Published: March 2019

Background:

Untargeted studies led to the development of some pyrazolopyridine
derivatives for the antiparasitic profile, particularly the derivatives containing the structural
carbohydrazide subunit. In this work, we proceeded in the biological screening of 27 N’- (substitutedphenylmethylene)-
4-carbohydrazide-3-methyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazolo[3, 4-b]pyridine derivatives against
T. cruzi as well as the cytotoxic evaluation. To obtain more information about the trypanocidal
activity of this class of compounds, we carried out molecular docking simulations to get an insight
into putative targets in T. cruzi.

Methods:

The assays were evaluated against both trypomastigote and amastigote forms of T. cruzi
and cytotoxicity assays on LLCMK2 cells. The predominant conformational compounds were
analyzed and molecular docking simulations performed.

Results:

The results from trypanocidal activity screening of this series showed that just the
compounds with phenyl group at C-6 position exhibited activity and the N’-4-hydroxyphenylmethylene
derivative presented the best profile against both trypomastigote and amastigote
forms of T. cruzi. Docking simulation results showed that this compound has a binding affinity with
both CYP51 and cruzain targets of T. cruzi.

Conclusion:

Our results indicate that the hydroxyl substituent at the N’-substituted-phenylmethylene
moiety and the phenyl ring at C-6 of 1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine system are relevant for the
trypanocidal activity of this class of compounds. Also, docking simulations showed that activity
presented can be related to more than one target of the parasite.
Effects of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation on Serum Adiponectin Levels: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Nazary-Vannani Ali , Ghaedi Ehsan , Salamat Shekoufeh , Sayyaf Afsaneh , Varkaneh Hamed K. , Mohammadi Hamed , Djalali Mahmoud
Published: March 2019

Background:

Adiponectin, a well-known adipokine plays a number of regulatory actions
in human body metabolism. Decreased levels of adiponectin have been reported in type 2 diabetes
mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome and hypertension. Coenzyme Q10 (Co Q10)
is a fat-soluble antioxidant substance which has been reported to be effective in several metabolic
disturbances such as insulin resistance and inflammation.

Objective:

Present systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to assess the effects of
CoQ10 supplementation on adiponectin serum level.

Methods:

A comprehensive search was performed in electronic databases including EMBASE,
Google scholar, and PubMed up to January 2018. A meta-analysis of eligible studies was performed
using random effects model to estimate pooled effect size of CoQ10 supplementation on adiponectin.

Results:

A total of 209 subjects were recruited from 5 eligible studies. Meta-analysis did not suggest
any significant effect of CoQ10 supplementation on adiponectin serum level (0.240 mg/dl,
95%CI: -0.216, 0.696, P= 0.303), without significant heterogeneity between included studies (I2=
40.9%, p= 0.149).

Conclusion:

Although present meta-analysis did not indicate any significant effects of CoQ10 supplementation
on serum adiponectin levels but future long-term dose-response trials are needed before
any firm conclusion.
Adverse Drug Reactions of Anti-Epileptic Drugs in Children with Epilepsy: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Kaushik Sundeep , Chopra Deepti , Sharma Suvasini , Aneja Satinder
Published: March 2019

Background:

Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) due to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in children
contribute to poorer patient outcomes. However, reliable data ragarding such ADRs is not
available.

Objectives:

Thus, the aim of the present study was to determine the incidence and patterns of ADRs
of antiepileptic drugs in children aged 2-17 years presenting to a tertiary care teaching hospital.

Methods:

An observational study was conducted in the Department of Pediatrics, Kalawati Saran
Children’s Hospital for a period of one year. Two hundred consecutive eligible patients (aged 2-17
yrs with epilepsy on AED) with consenting parents were enrolled. ADRs were noted using Paediatric
Epilepsy Side Effect Questionnaire (PESQ) at clinic visits and any other ADRs reported by parents
were also recorded. Causality, severity and avoidability assessments were done.

Results:

The mean age was 10.5 ± 3.6 years. A total of 139 ADRs occurred in 97 patients. One
hundred and nine ADRs were reported by use of PESQ, in addition, 30 ADRs were reported by parents.
Poor school result (33.8%) was the commonest ADR. Valproate (61.9%) was the main drug
causing ADRs. Valproate, when used in polytherapy, was associated with more number of children
experiencing ADRs (72.2%). The most common add on drug was clobazam (42.3%). Children with
poorly controlled epilepsy were associated with more ADRs. Causality assessment revealed that
91.3% of the ADRs were probable. Most (94.9%) ADRs were of ‘mild’ category and 95.7% were
probably preventable. Treatment was discontinued only in 6 patients of phenytoin toxicity.R

Conclusion:

Cognitive and neurological problems were the most common ADRs seen in children
with epilepsy. Polytherapy significantly increases the likelihood of ADRs in children.
Optimization of Microemulgel for Tizanidine Hydrochloride
Authors: Jagdale Swati , Brahmane Sujata , Chabukswar Anuruddha
Published: March 2019

Background:

Tizanidine hydrochloride acts centrally as a muscle relaxant. It is
used for the treatment of painful muscle spasm, spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis
or spinal cord injury and treatment of muscle spasticity in spinal cord disease. Tizanidine
hydrochloride belongs to BCS class II. It has low oral bioavailability and short halflife.
Incorporating this drug in microemulgel is an excellent way to overcome problems associated
with the drug.

Objective:

Present research work was aimed to develop and optimize a microemulsion
based gel system for tizanidine hydrochloride.

Methods:

Screening of oil, surfactant and co-surfactant was carried out. Ternary phase diagram
was constructed to obtain concentration range of components. The prepared microemulsion
was evaluated for pH, globule size, zeta potential, conductivity, density and viscosity.
32 level factorial design was applied to study the effect of concentration of carbopol
934 and HPMC K15M on % cumulative drug release and viscosity of microemulgel using
software Design Expert. Microemulgel was evaluated for pH, spreadability, viscosity, syneresis,
drug content, bioadhesive strength, in-vitro as well as ex-vivo diffusion study.

Results:

Microemulsion was prepared by using isopropyl myristate as oil, tween 80 as a
surfactant and transcutol P as cosurfactant. Largest transparent microemulsion region was
found with Smix ratio of 1:1. FE-SEM showed globule size 28μm for batch B1 and zeta
potential was -1.27mV indicating good stability of the microemulsion. Optimised batch
was F6 which showed 92% drug release within 8 hours. It followed the Korsmeyer-Peppas
model.

Conclusion:

A stable, effective and elegant microemulgel formulation, exhibiting good
in-vitro and ex-vivo drug release was formulated.
Thrombotic Events in Homozygotes with a Proven or Highly Probable Arg304Gln Factor VII Mutation (FVII Padua)1): Only Limited Replacement Therapy is Needed in Case of Surgery
Authors: Girolami Antonio , Cosi Elisabetta , Ferrari Silvia , Girolami Bruno , Randi Maria L.
Published: March 2019

Objective:

To investigate the prevalence of thrombotic events among patients with proven or highly probable homozygosis for the Arg304Gln (Factor VII Padua) defect or compound heterozygosis containing the Arg304Gln mutation.

Methods:

Homozygotes and compound heterozygotes proven by molecular studies to have the Arg304Gln mutation were gathered from personal files and from two PubMed searches. In addition, patients with probable homozygosis on the basis of clotting tests (discrepancies among Factor VII activity levels according to the tissue thromboplastin used) were also gathered.

Results:

30 proven homozygotes and 17 probable ones were gathered together with 8 compound heterozygotes. In the latter use, the associated mutation was Cys135Arg (twice), Gly180Arg, Arg304Trp, Arg315Trp, His348Gln, Gly365Cys. The prevalence of venous thrombotic events was 16.6, 11.8 and 11.1 percent, respectively for the three groups of patients. Heterozygotes showed no thrombotic event. The difference for proven homozygotes was statistically significant, while for the other groups only a trend was present.

Conclusion:

proven homozygous or compound heterozygous patients with the Arg304Gln mutation showed a higher than expected incidence of thrombotic events. The same is true for probable cases gathered only on the basis of clotting tests. These patients, because of their frequent lack of bleeding and for their relatively high prevalence of thrombosis should probably receive only limited replacement therapy in case of surgical procedures.
Development of a Novel Magnetic Brake Shoe for Mine Hoists Based on Nano-Fe3O4 and Nd-Fe-B Additive
Authors: Bao Jiusheng , Zhao Shaodi , Yin Yan , Xiao Xingming , Tuttle Mark E. , Liu Tonggang
Published: March 2019

Background:

The brake is an important safety protection device for mine hoists, in which
the performance of the brake shoe affects directly the safe operation of the hoist system. In order to
solve problems such as high wear rate and unstable friction coefficient of brake shoe under high temperature,
this paper indicated that adding magnetic powder to the composite material of traditional
mine hoist’s brake shoe will be a creative and effective approach to improve its properties.

Methods:

Based on relevant China patents of the authors, several new formulas of brake shoe material
were designed in the presence of Nano-Fe3O4 and Nd-Fe-B, and the methods of both preparation and
performance testing of the magnetic brake shoes were introduced. The experiment of formula design
was carried out by uniform prescription design, and the friction coefficient and wear rate of each kind
of brake shoes made through different formulas were measured. Furthermore, the formula was optimized
by application of fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method and analytic hierarchy process.

Results:

Compared with ordinary formulas, the optimized formula is higher totally and changes more
steadily as well. Its wear rate is far lower than the national standard. Namely, its comprehensive properties
are better. Few relevant patents to the topic have been reviewed and cited.

Conclusion:

This paper proved that it is practically valuable and feasible to improve the properties of
hoist brake shoes by adding magnetic powder to its composite material.
Medicinal Plant Compounds for Combating the Multi-drug Resistant Pathogenic Bacteria: A Review
Authors: Mulat Mulugeta , Pandita Archana , Khan Fazlurrahman
Published: March 2019

Background:

Globally, people utilize plants as the main source of remedy to heal various ailments. Medicinal plants have been utilized to treat ailments since the invention of modern scientific systems of medicine. The common remedy of infectious diseases mainly depends on the inhibition capacity of compounds or killing potential. The issue may give a clue for the development of a novel antimicrobial agent.

Methods:

Currently, microorganisms which are resistant towards antibiotics are probably a matter of serious concern for the overall well-being of health. At the moment, new therapeutic targets aside from the microorganism wall-based activities are in progress. For instance, the autoinducer molecules produced by the quorum sensing system are used to control antibiotic resistance and biofilm formation.

Results:

This therapeutic target is well-studied worldwide, however, the scientific data are not updated and only current studies started to gain insight into its perspective as a target to struggle against infectious diseases. Microbial resistance against antimicrobial compounds is a topic of serious concern in recent time.

Conclusion:

Hence, this paper aims to confer a current overview of the novel compounds, quorum sensing, quorum quenching, biofilm formation in the development of antibiotic resistance and an update on their importance as a potential target for natural substances.
Traffic Models for Energy Harvesting Based Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Kaur Pardeep , Singh Preeti , Sohi Balwinder S.
Published: March 2019

Background:

Energy consumption is an important parameter in wireless sensor networks
since it affects the lifetime of sensor nodes.

Methods:

Battery powered wireless sensor networks cannot sustain for long hence impractical for
real-time applications. With energy harvesting and relevant protocols, this issue of extending the
lifetime of nodes has been solved largely. The performance can be enhanced further if proper traffic
analysis and modeling are done as a proactive approach.

Results:

A proper understanding of the traffic dynamics provides a base for further network optimization
and detection of anomalies within the network. Much of the reported work in energy harvesting
based WSN till now, is to design the efficient protocols only, traffic analysis and modeling is the
ignored parameter. In this paper traffic models appropriate for the energy harvesting based system
have been analyzed and their performance is evaluated for a MAC protocol.

Conclusion:

Results show that Weibull distribution is the most useful model for traffic modeling in
energy harvesting based wireless sensor networks.
Inhibition of PPARγ by Natural Compounds as a Promising Strategy in Obesity and Diabetes
Authors: Ammazzalorso Alessandra , Amoroso Rosa
Published: March 2019

A wide group of natural compounds (flavonoids, stilbenes, neolignans and others) has been identified as Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor (PPAR) agonists, with a large variety of chemical structure and different activityversusthe three PPAR subtypes. These receptors are transcription factors controlling metabolic pathways in the organism, involved in lipid and glucose metabolism, cell differentiation and energy homeostasis. Otherwise, very little is known about natural compounds able to inhibit PPARs. A number of studies demonstrate that PPARγ repression has a beneficial effect in reducing body weight and improving insulin sensitivity, suggesting a potential clinical role in obesity and type 2 diabetes. This review analyzes natural compounds able to repress PPAR activity and their potential use in metabolic disorders.
Hexacyclododecylamines with Sigma-1 Receptor Affinity and Calcium Channel Modulating Ability
Authors: Joubert Jacques , Strydom Natasha , Geldenhuys Werner J. , Greyling Yolande , V. Dyk Sandra , Malan Sarel F.
Published: March 2019

Introduction:

Recent research points to the Sigma Receptor (σR) as a possible neuromodulatory system with multi-functional action and σ1Rs have been suggested as a drug target for a number of CNS conditions. Hexacyclododecylamines have shown σ1R activity and provide an advantageous scaffold for drug design that can improve the blood-brain barrier permeability of privileged structures.

Methods and Materials:

A series of oxa- and aza- hexaxcyclododecylamines were synthesised and evaluated for sigma-1 receptor activity and voltage-gated calcium channel blocking ability to determine the effect of inclusion of amine containing heterocycles.

Results & Discussion:

The compounds had promising σ1R activities (Ki = 0.067 – 11.86 µM) with the aza-hexacyclododecylamines 12, 24 and 27 showing some of the highest affinities (Ki = 0.067 µM, 0.215 µM and 0.496 µM respectively). This confirms, as observed in previous studies, that the aza compounds are more favourable for σ1R binding than their oxa counterparts. The addition of the amine heterocycle showed affinities similar to that of related structures with only two lipophilic binding regions. This indicates that the inclusion of an amine heterocycle into these structures is a viable option in the design of new σ1R ligands. Significant voltage-gated calcium channel blocking ability was also observed for 12, 24 and 27, suggesting a link between σ1R activity and intracellular calcium levels.

Conclusion:

The σ1R activity and potential effect on other receptor classes and calcium channels could prove beneficial in pharmacological application.
Dentists and Dental Intern’s Preferences of Root Canal Treatment with Restoration Versus Extraction then Implant-Supported Crown Treatment Plan
Authors: Alwadani Mohammad , Mashyakhy Mohammed H. , Jali Amr , Hakami Arwa O. , Areshi Ahmed , Daghriri Abdlelah A. , Shaabi Fawzia I. , Al Moaleem Mohammed M.
Published: March 2019

Objectives:

The intent of this study was to evaluate and compare the preferences and treatment choices between dentists and dental interns with regard to the following different treatment modalities: Root Canal Treatment (RCT) with restoration versus extraction with Implant-Supported Crown (ISC) or surgical treatment in relation to the given case scenarios.

Methods:

The questionnaire was presented as an online survey with a case scenario. The total number of the respondents were 165. The four clinical case scenarios included an anterior and posterior tooth having apical periodontitis, with and without previous RCT. The treatment options were as follows: RCT with restoration, extraction then implant, and surgical treatment.

Results:

A total of 165 dentists and dental interns were included in this study. A hundred and three 62.4% respondents were dentists, 60; 36.3% were males and 105; 63.7% were females. Most of the respondents graduated from the College of Dentistry, Jazan University (93.9%). The highest percentages and numbers for Anterior Teeth (AT) were selected in related to the RCT and restorations in the four scenarios among gender, dentists, and interns, with no considerable differences. A high percentage of RCT and restoration option was recorded for Posterior Teeth (PT) with no previous restoration and around 50% for the same treatment modality to posterior teeth with previous restorations. For Future Planning Postgraduate Studies (FPPS), it was obvious that most of the selected specialties agreed with the RCT and restorations choice.

Conclusion:

All dentists and interns in both genders preferred RCT with restorations over extraction, and then ISC in the AT with and without previous RCTs. In the PT with no previous RCT, the participants agreed that RCT with restorations is superior to other choices. Among the FPPS, the respondents demonstrated an absolute agreement to RCT and restorations as a treatment of choice for different scenarios.

Clinical Significance:

Dentists should preserve the natural teeth by RCT with restoration as the first treatment choice followed by other choices. The nonsurgical approach should always be adopted as a routine measure in PA lesions of endodontic origin. Conservative orthograde endodontic therapy demonstrates favorable outcomes with a regular periodic review and assessment of the healing process of PA lesions.
Social Media Utilization among Dental Practitioner in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Hamasha Abed A-H , Alghofaili Nasser , Obaid Abdulrahman , Alhamdan Mohammed , Alotaibi Abdulrahman , Aleissa Mohammed , Alenazi Menwer , Alshehri Faisal , Geevarghese Amritha
Published: March 2019

Objective:

To assess the dental practitioners' use of social media, concerning demographic and social variables and the impact of social media use on dental practice.

Methods:

The study was a cross-sectional analytical study of dental practitioners in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A self-administered 30-items questionnaire was distributed to 438 dentists, which included eight questions related to background and demographic information and 22 questions related to the use of social media within the dental practice. Data were entered and analyzed usingSPSSsoftware. Data analysis included frequency distributions and chi-square tests to assess the association of social media use with demographic and social variables and its impact on dental practice. Significant level was considered ifpwas less than 0.05.

Results:

Of participating, 338 dentists, 52% were using social media in their practice. Twitter was the most commonly used (35%). Education was the primary purpose of using social media (43%), while entertainment was the least (8%). Approximately 62% and 68% are using social media for marketing of their dental practice and broadcasting treatment outcome, respectively. Social media was observed to be used significantly higher among Non-Saudi, general and private dentists. Participating dentists who used social media in their practice significantly recommended using social media to other dentists.

Conclusion:

In general, non-Saudis, general practitioners and dentists practicing in private clinics are significantly using more social media during their practice. The majority of dental practitioners indicated that social media has improved their dental practice and become an indicator of successful practice.
Dengue Fever Complicated By Hemophagocytosis – A Difficult To Manage Case
Authors: Thangavelu Saravanan , Jenil Dhas Clement , Zeya Ansari Mohammad
Published: March 2019

Dengue fever, which is transmitted by the mosquito Aedes aegypti is a common acute viral febrile illness, affecting 390 million people worldwide every year. It is endemic in several countries. Although the usual presentation is that of a self-limiting illness, its complications are protean. Infection Associated with Hemophagocytic Syndrome (IAHS) is a rare and fatal complication of dengue fever. It should be suspected in a patient with fever beyond seven days, associated with hepatosplenomegaly, hyperferritinemia, worsening cytopenias and development of multiorgan dysfunction(MOD). We report a 19-year-old female, who presented with an acute febrile illness and was diagnosed with primary dengue fever. Despite appropriate supportive therapy, she worsened clinically during the course of hospitalisation. A disproportionately high ferritin level and persistent bicytopenia prompted investigations for hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). Further evaluation revealed features of HLH, as per the diagnostic criteria laid down by the Histiocyte Society. She was successfully treated with glucocorticoids, etoposide and intravenous immunoglobin and other supportive therapy. She had severe cytopenia and cardiac dysfunction during the course of her illness and its management. This case adds to the limited adult cases of dengue-associated hemophagocytic syndrome and shows its difficulty in management due to associated extra complications.
Investigating the Efficiency of APRI, FIB-4, AAR and AARPRI as Noninvasive Markers for Predicting Hepatic Fibrosis in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients in Bangladesh
Authors: Sha Fazley R. , Pk Moyen Uddin , Abuelezz Nermeen Z. , Pervin Rumana , Talukder Rabiul I. , Begum Momtaj , Rahman Matiar
Published: March 2019

Background and Aims:

Accurate, affordable non-invasive markers are highly needed for efficient diagnosis and management of liver fibrosis caused by chronic hepatitis B. This is the first study to investigate the diagnostic efficiency of Aspartate Transaminase to Platelet Ratio (APRI), Fibrosis Index (FIB-4), Aspartate transaminase to Alanine Transaminase Ratio (AAR) and AAR/Platelet ratio index (AARPRI) as non-invasive markers to predict hepatic fibrosis caused by Chronic Hepatitis B (CHB) in Bangladesh.

Methods:

In this study, a training cohort of 1041 CHB patients were recruited, whereas 104 and 109 CHB patients of matched ages were recruited as internal and external validation cohort groups respectively. Histological and hematological data were analyzed. METAVIR scoring system was used to classify liver fibrosis stages. Area Under Receiver Operating Curve (AUROC), correlations and cutoff values for the four diagnostic markers were calculated and assessed.

Results:

92%, 81% and 84% of the patients had liver fibrosis in the training cohort, internal and external cohort groups respectively. Among the four noninvasive panels, APRI showed the best area under ROC; (0.767, CI: 0.780-0.914; 0.775) for the training cohort, (0.775, CI: 0.693-0.857), and (0.847, CI: 0.780-0.914) for the internal and external cohorts respectively. Cut-off value of APRI was 0.512 with sensitivity/specificity of 84%/67% in training cohort, 81% / 66% in the internal cohort, and 88% / 66% in an external cohort. The odds ratio for APRI was 32.95 (95%CI: 4.746-228.862,p<0.001).

Conclusion:

Among all the four tested markers, APRI is the most accurate non-invasive test to predict major liver fibrosis (F2-3) in Bangladeshi CHB patients.
Intrafamilial Diversity of Clinical Severity in Dominant Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa: Case Series of Three Generations
Authors: Diana Inne Arline , Gondokaryono Srie Prihianti , Dwiyana Reiva Farah , Rahardja July Iriani , Yogya Yuri , Gunawan Hendra
Published: March 2019

Background:

Epidermolysis bullosa, a group of inheritable blistering diseases with considerable clinical and genetic diversity, is divided into distinct subtypes depending on the level of tissue separation in the dermal–epidermal basement membrane zone. The dystrophic form of epidermolysis bullosa (DEB) is characterized by tense blisters and erosions which heals with extensive scarring. The fact that DEB can be inherited in either autosomal dominant (DDEB) or autosomal recessive (RDEB) pattern adds to its clinical diversity. The cause of marked clinical diversity in mild to severe DDEB is still unidentified.

Main Observation:

We report an intrafamilial diversity of clinical severity in dominant dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DDEB) cases within three generations.

Conclusion:

We emphasize the variety of clinical severity in DDEB cases within three generations which might be caused by unknown gene modifiers and environmental factors.
Bafilomycin-A1 and ML9 Exert Different Lysosomal Actions to Induce Cell Death
Authors: Shaikh Soni , Nandy Suman K , Cantí Carles , Lavandero Sergio
Published: March 2019

Objective:

Bafilomycin-A1 and ML9 are lysosomotropic agents, irrespective of cell types. However, the mechanisms of lysosome targeting either bafilomycin-A1 or ML9 are unclear.

Methods:

The present research has been carried out by different molecular and biochemical analyses like western blot, confocal imaging and FACS studies, as well as molecular docking.

Results:

Our data shows that pre-incubation of neonatal cardiomyocytes with ML9 for 4h induced cell death, whereas a longer period of time (24h) with bafilomycin-A1 was required to induce an equivalent effect. Neither changes in ROS nor ATP production is associated with such death mechanisms. Flow cytometry, LC3-II expression levels, and LC3-GFP puncta formation revealed a similar lysosomotropic effect for both compounds. We used a molecular docking approach, that predicts a stronger inhibitory activity against V-ATPase-C1 and C2 domains for bafilomycin-A1 in comparison to ML9.

Conclusion:

Bafilomycin-A1 and ML9 are lysosomotropic agents, involved in cell death events. But such death events are not associated with ATP and ROS production. Furthermore, both the drugs target lysosomes through different mechanisms. For the latter, cell death is likely due to lysosomal membrane permeabilization and release of lysosomal proteases into the cytosol.
Exploring the Type 2 Diabetes Management in the Primary Care Setting in Ratchaburi Province, Thailand
Authors: Khamthana Phenchamat , Meebunmak Yaowaluck , Siramaneerat Issara
Published: March 2019

Purpose:

We aimed to describe the outcomes of primary care setting of type 2 diabetes patient at Sub-District Health Promoting Hospital (SDHPH).

Methods:

This study was a cross-sectional study on 1,890 patients with type 2 diabetes who were participating in the primary care research networks in the Ratchaburi Province of Thailand. Data was obtained through a self-administered questionnaire about the state of health and care. Patient medical records were used to examine the condition of complications, treatment and several indicators of DM care. The data was processed by using logistic regression to analyse the effect of independent variables on the dependent variable. The hypothesis-null was rejected at p-values <0.05.

Results:

The participants in this study were of age 57.56 years (SD=12.10), and most (55.58%) were female. Most respondents (36.20%) completed a Bachelor’s degree and were working as employees (28.35%). Regarding duration of diabetes, the majority (28.35%) had 11-20 years. In terms of body mass index, 29.67% had body mass index between 25.0-29.9 (overweight). Regarding complications and comorbidities, the common complication and comorbidity was nephropathy (33.63%) while Ischemic heart disease was the major of other comorbid health problems (48.3%). Furthermore, patients were mostly taking Antihypertensive (67.80%) and ACE Inhibitor or ARB (59.00%). The majority of HbA1c level (42.74%) was lower than 7.0%. Regarding the logistic analysis, it showed that education and treatment significantly influenced Hemoglobin A1c level at significant levels of 0.05.

Conclusion:

Only modest numbers of patients achieved established targets of diabetes control. Reengineering primary care practice may be necessary to substantially improve health care.
Green Synthesis of Silver Nanostructures Using Aqueous Extract of Dracocephalum kotschyi and Evaluation of Antioxidant Properties of Herbal Extracts and Antibacterial Feature of Green- Synthesized Nanostructures
Authors: Goli Zahra , Izanloo Cobra
Published: March 2019

Background:

Silver nanoparticles have a profound role in the field of high sensitivity
biomolecular detection, catalysis, biosensors and medicine. In the present study,
aqueous extract of Dracocephalum kotschyi has been used for the synthesis of silver
nanoparticles.

Objective:

In this study, we evaluated the antioxidant features and the possibility of biosynthesis
of AgNPs using an aqueous extract of Dracocephalum kotschyi and also evaluated the
antibacterial activities of the synthesized nanoparticles.

Methods:

An eco-friendly and cost-effective protocol for the synthesis of Ag nanoparticles by
utilizing a renewable natural resource, aqueous solution of Dracocephalum kotschyi, was
proposed. Synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by UV–Vis spectroscopy, SEM,
EDS, and XRD pattern.

Results:

At first, the extract of Dracocephalum kotschyi was assessed to determine and confirm
the presence of an antioxidant feature. Resuscitation of one mM silver nitrate solution
was carried out by the herbal extract. The solution containing AgNPs obtained from green
synthesis had a maximum optical density at 225 nm. In addition, the presence of AgNPs was
approved by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Images of the scanning electron
microscope demonstrated that the synthesized AgNPs had the shape of rods and the size distribution
of 48-51 nm. One of the benefits of this method is a uniform size distribution.
Moreover, the effects of reaction time and concentration of the herbal extract were assessed
by ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy. In the end, we assessed the antibacterial impact
of the synthesized AgNPs against some pathogenic bacterial strains. According to the results,
the produced nanostructures had a proper impact on two bacteria of Escherichia coli and
Staphylococcus aureus.

Conclusion:

According to the results of the present study, Dracocephalum kotschyi can be a
suitable compound for the synthesis of nanostructures due to its indigenous cultivation and
great medicinal properties.
ANN-Based Relaying Algorithm for Protection of SVC- Compensated AC Transmission Line and Criticality Analysis of a Digital Relay
Authors: Fayaz Farhana , Pahuja Gobind Lal
Published: March 2019

Background:

The Static VAR Compensator (SVC) has the capability of improving reliability, operation and control of the transmission system thereby improving the dynamic performance of power system. SVC is a widely used shunt FACTS device, which is an important tool for the reactive power compensation in high voltage AC transmission systems. The transmission lines compensated with the SVC may experience faults and hence need a protection system against the damage caused by these faults as well as provide the uninterrupted supply of power.

Methods:

The research work reported in the paper is a successful attempt to reduce the time to detect faults on a SVC-compensated transmission line to less than quarter of a cycle. The relay algorithm involves two ANNs, one for detection and the other for classification of faults, including the identification of the faulted phase/phases. RMS (Root Mean Square) values of line voltages and ratios of sequence components of line currents are used as inputs to the ANNs. Extensive training and testing of the two ANNs have been carried out using the data generated by simulating an SVC-compensated transmission line in PSCAD at a signal sampling frequency of 1 kHz. Back-propagation method has been used for the training and testing. Also the criticality analysis of the existing relay and the modified relay has been done using three fault tree importance measures i.e., Fussell-Vesely (FV) Importance, Risk Achievement Worth (RAW) and Risk Reduction Worth (RRW).

Results:

It is found that the relay detects any type of fault occurring anywhere on the line with 100% accuracy within a short time of 4 ms. It also classifies the type of the fault and indicates the faulted phase or phases, as the case may be, with 100% accuracy within 15 ms, that is well before a circuit breaker can clear the fault. As demonstrated, fault detection and classification by the use of ANNs is reliable and accurate when a large data set is available for training. The results from the criticality analysis show that the criticality ranking varies in both the designs (existing relay and the existing modified relay) and the ranking of the improved measurement system in the modified relay changes from 2 to 4.

Conclusion:

A relaying algorithm is proposed for the protection of transmission line compensated with Static Var Compensator (SVC) and criticality ranking of different failure modes of a digital relay is carried out. The proposed scheme has significant advantages over more traditional relaying algorithms. It is suitable for high resistance faults and is not affected by the inception angle nor by the location of fault.
To Improve the Web Personalization Using the Boosted Random Forest for Web Information Extraction
Authors: Rao Pappu Srinivasa , Devara Vasumathi
Published: March 2019

Background:

Web personalization is kind of method that is applied to modify a web site
to suit the exact needs of the users, achieving the advantage of data accomplished for the understanding
the directional conduct of users concerning inclusion of more materials in the web framework.

Methods:

In this paper an Finding Large Itemsets produce all blends of things that comprises of a
bolstering an incentive over a client illustrated least support. The total number of exchanges which
consists of the itemset is nothing but the support for an itemset. For the purpose of ranking the list,
the calculated values with the user ranked list are offered to the fuzzy-bat.

Results:

The result shows that the proposed methodology that perceives the challenge of mining affiliation
presides over in an organization of exchanges could be defined as the problem of producing
all the affiliation henceforth making a decision which would possess bolster esteem more significant
in comparison to a client that exemplified least support as well as certainty esteem more noteworthy
than a client characterized least certainty.

Conclusion:

This paper comprehensively describes the our proposed the preciseness of the system is
in contrast to a great extent with the present method for the varied questions that has been provided.
The computed esteems with the client positioned rundown are provided to the fluffy bat to rank the
rundown. The proposed technique has been compared with the prevailing fuzzy technique with regard
to the response time as well as the precision.
Recent Synthetic Methodologies for Chalcone Synthesis (2013-2018)
Authors: Farooq Saba , Ngaini Zainab
Published: March 2019

An up-to-date short review of the chalcone methodologies is presented, which is the most
interesting and beneficial for choosing the desired protocol to synthesize suitable derivatives of chalcones.
Chalcones are fluorescent, stable compounds which contribute to the synthesis of various
pharmacologically important heterocyclic structure-based derivatives. Chalcone has displayed a remarkable
curative efficiency to cure several diseases. Several schemes and methodologies have been
reported for employing different catalysts and reagents. The development of improved methodologies
of α, β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds is still on going. In this review, synthetic methodologies
and their recent modification in designing new methods with efficient, economical, eco-friendly
and high yield are discussed.
Protocol for a Japanese nationwide repeated cross-sectional study to assess tobacco and nicotine product use behaviour after market introduction of Tobacco Heating Products (THPs) (Preprint)
Authors:   Jason Adamson, Kanitscheider Claudia , Prasad Krishna , Camacho Oscar M , Beyerlein Elisabeth , Bhagavan Yoga Keralapura , Proctor Christopher , Murphy James
Published: March 2019

UNSTRUCTURED

Background - In recent years there has been a proliferation of alternative tobacco and nicotine products that reduce consumers’ exposure to harmful substances and therefore have the potential to reduce risk to health. Post-market surveillance enables the evaluation of newly introduced tobacco and nicotine products (aka Potentially Reduced Risk Products (PRRPs)) at a population level. This study aims to investigate tobacco and nicotine consumer demographics and discover how people are using these products, and characterise behavioral trends as transitions between tobacco heated products (THPs) and other nicotine products. These behavioural aspects, in conjunction with the intrinsic risk of the product, are essential for assessing the potential health effects and establishing a population risk assessment.
Design and Methods - This epidemiological cross-sectional study will collect data using a self-administered study instrument from the general Japanese population aged 20 years and older. The targeted sampling size is up to 5,000 participants per study wave. The study addresses the following objectives: estimation of tobacco and nicotine use prevalence; characterisation of product usage by product type; changes in use behaviour in general, with particular emphasis on the introduction of THPs in the time period of one year; risk perceptions of different tobacco products and no tobacco usage; and participant perceived health status and Quality of Life.
Discussion - The description of tobacco and nicotine product use behaviour, the estimation of prevalence data, the measuring of product-specific risk perception and the change of tobacco use behaviour within one year will allow for a comprehensive assessment of the effect of introducing THPs into a market. These data could also be used to inform a System Dynamics Population Model in order to estimate the public health impact of introducing a THP into the Japanese market.
Eso que siempre nos acompaña: la evaluación escolar
Authors: Vazcoy Cuéllar Joshua , Rosas Martínez Luis Ángel
Published: March 2019

Somos Joshua y Ángel, dos buenos amigos que se conocieron en el bachillerato. Allí pudimos tratar con maestros que cultivaron nuestro gusto por la historia; gusto que orientó nuestra vocación y la pervivencia de nuestra amistad. Gracias a él fuimos empleados por una maestra al terminar el bachillerato y nos decidimos a estudiar la Licenciatura en Historia en la Facultad de Filosofía y Letras (FFyL) de la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM). En ella hemos experimentado muchas vivencias, algunas gratas y otras no tanto; vivencias que al final nos han motivado a continuar con nuestra vocación y amistad. En este artículo abordamos algo de nuestra experiencia con las diferentes formas con las que nos han evaluado los profesores universitarios, ciertas dificultades relacionadas con ellas y breves reflexiones orientadas a solucionarlas.
Factores relacionados con la seguridad y la calidad en la atención del paciente pediátrico hospitalizado
Authors: Barrientos Sánchez J. , Hernández Zavala M. , Zárate Grajales R.A.
Published: March 2019

Introducción: La atención proporcionada a los usuarios de los sistemas de salud puede derivar con relativa frecuencia en un evento adverso (EA), debido a factores intrínsecos, extrínsecos o del sistema.

Objetivo: Analizar los factores relacionados con la calidad y la seguridad de los pacientes pediátricos hospitalizados, a través de los reportes de eventos adversos. Métodos: Estudio derivado de un proyecto multicéntrico, transversal, prospectivo. Unidad de observación: todos los eventos adversos reportados en niños hospitalizados de 0 a 18 años, en un Instituto Nacional de Salud de la Ciudad de México, de junio de 2014 a julio de 2015. Se utilizó el instrumento SYREC para el reporte. Análisis estadístico descriptivo y comparación de variables mediante Chi cuadrada y prueba exacta de Fisher.

Resultados: Se registraron 173 eventos adversos, 55% fueron del sexo masculino, mayor ocurrencia <1 año (43%), áreas críticas 60%. Principales eventos: extubaciones no programadas (16%), UPP (14%), flebitis (10%), lesiones (9%), quemaduras (8%) y medicamentos (6%). Los factores del sistema se presentaron en 39% (distracción, sobrecarga, falta de comunicación, falta de habilidad, supervisión). Factores extrínsecos 35% (acceso a la monitorización, manejo terapéutico). Factores intrínsecos 26% (condición clínica del paciente).

Conclusiones: La calidad y seguridad en la atención del paciente, se ve mermada principalmente por factores del sistema, esto debido a la amplia gama de funciones que debe realizar el profesional de enfermería, lo que conlleva a distracciones que diluyen el perfil de su rol y se apartan del objetivo principal que es el cuidado.
Dinámica de la gestión de la innovación de servicios y co-creación en empresas del sector economía digital
Authors: Herrera González Rafael Luis , Hidalgo Nuchera Antonio
Published: March 2019

En este trabajo se analiza el proceso de la gestión de innovación en el sector TIC que se enmarca en el contexto de la economía digital, prestando especial énfasis en las actividades de co-creación que realizan las empresas. Tomando como punto de partida las principales consideraciones teóricas sobre la innovación en servicios se plantea un modelo de innovación de seis fases basado en el modelo TEMAGUIDE, al cual se le incorporan dos nuevas fases, una relativa a la gestión de los recursos humanos y otra relativa a la capacidad de co-creación. Los resultados obtenidos ponen de relieve que la agregación de valor requiere de realizar procesos de co-creación en donde se involucren diferentes actores.
Influence of a seed capital program for supporting high growth firms in Chile
Authors: A. Cancino Christian , Nuñez Alicia , M. Merigó José
Published: March 2019

The main economic development agency in Chile, CORFO, implemented in 2001 a Seed Capital Program (SCP) to promote the development of high-growth firms. The SCP not only provides financial aid to entrepreneurs but also technical and administrative assistance through the support of incubators. Incubators may be universities incubators (UI) or private firms (NUI). The aim of this paper is to know the performance of beneficiaries according to the assistance of UI or NUI. A total of 238 new firms beneficiaries with the CORFO program were surveyed (84 supported by UI and 154 supported by NUI). Two logistic regression models were used, a first model to assess the probability that a new firm achieves positive sales, and a second model to assess the probability that the new firm reaches a high growth during the first five years from its inception. Overall, mixed results were found. SCP’s beneficiaries supported by either UI and NUI have the same probability of having positive sales when starting their operations. However, five years after started their operations, businesses supported by UI have higher probabilities of achieving high growth than businesses supported by NUI. The results highlight a positive interaction between private entrepreneurs, public agencies and university incubators.